North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees
MOORESVILLE, NC – Mooresville Parks & Recreation’s Arts & Events team is thrilled to announce its partnership with the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for the 2023 Induction Ceremony. This year’s honorees represent an extraordinary range of musical talent and accomplishments, reflecting the rich and diverse musical heritage of North Carolina. The induction ceremony will take place at the renowned Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, North Carolina, on October 19, 2023, at 7 p.m.
2023 Inductees for the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame include:
SCOTTY MCCREERY (Garner, N.C.) – Scotty McCreery made history in 2011 when his first album, Clear as Day, debuted at No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making him the first country artist and youngest male artist of any musical format to achieve this feat. He has since established himself as one of today’s top country music entertainers, earning five consecutive No.1 hits, multiple gold and platinum albums and singles, and sold-out concerts across the world. In addition to winning American Idol in 2011, McCreery has received an array of ACM, BMI, CMT, NSAI, and Carolina Beach Music Awards and has executive produced two Hallmark holiday movies based on his first No.1 hit song, “Five More Minutes.”
LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III (Chapel Hill, N.C.) – For the past 52 years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of North Carolina’s most original singer-songwriters. A six-string tragic comedian, Wainwright’s material is by turns funny, heart wrenching, and always deeply personal. Along the way, he has released more than 20 albums, won a Grammy Award, acted in films and TV shows (including M*A*S*H), and had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Bonnie Raitt, his son, Rufus Wainwright, and fellow North Carolinian Earl Scruggs.
BILL CURTIS (Fayetteville, N.C.) – Bill Curtis is a musician and songwriter who formed his funk disco band, The Fatback Band, in 1970. The Fatback Band released the first recorded rap song “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” which is widely regarded as one of the first ever commercial rap singles earmarking the beginning of recorded hip hop. In 1979, the band released the first line dance hit to the song “(Are you Ready) Do The Bus Stop.” Curtis has performed with influential artists including Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, The Moonglows, Ruth Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Aretha Franklin, and has received several invitations to the White House.
FETCHIN BONES (Charlotte, N.C.) – From 1983 to 1990, Fetchin Bones pioneered an eclectic, original sound by blending rock, punk, funk, grunge, country, and blues with powerhouse vocals by Hope Nicholls, the band’s lead. After their debut album, Cabin Flounder, they went on to release three more albums for Capitol Records. Supporting acts such as R.E.M., The B-52s, Violent Femmes, The Replacements, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fetchin Bones were celebrated for their inspired live performances. The band formed in Charlotte, N.C.
GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA (Montreat, N.C.) – First singing for Billy Graham in 1944, George Beverly Shea carried the gospel in song to every state in the Union and to every continent of our world. As the musical mainstay in the Billy Graham Crusades, Shea was often called “America’s Beloved Gospel Singer.” Shea received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2011 and in 1966 he won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording. He is most recognized for the songs “I’d Rather Have Jesus”, “The Wonder of It All” and “How Great Thou Art”.
BETTY DAVIS (Durham, N.C.) – Known as the “Queen of Funk,” Betty Davis is a multi-talented music influencer, pioneering funk diva, singer, songwriter, producer, and fashion model who transformed funk music with her extreme performances and edgy lyrics. Davis’ notable hits “If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up” and “Shut Off The Lights” made Billboard R&B charts in the 1970s. Her most significant studio albums were They Say I’m Different (1974) and Nasty Gal (1975). The documentary Betty: They Say I’m Different, was released in 2017 and triggered a reemergence of Davis’ powerful career and created a cult following. Davis influenced a number of artists including Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu, Prince, and Madonna.
Tickets for the 2023 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony are available now. General reserved seats are priced at $50, offering attendees an opportunity to experience this memorable event. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP ticket packages are available at $80, providing exclusive benefits and premium seating.
The Town of Mooresville is honored to host the NC Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in its Sesquicentennial year. The Mooresville Performing Arts Center, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding acoustics, is the perfect venue to host the 2023 induction ceremony. A VIP ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. for VIP ticket-holders in the Mooresville Performing Arts Center lobby area.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening celebrating the rich musical heritage of North Carolina. To purchase tickets, please visit the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame website at northcarolinamusichalloffame.org
About the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame:
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, honors the contributions of outstanding musicians, artists, and industry professionals who have deep connections to the state. Established in 1994, the Hall of Fame seeks to preserve and celebrate the diverse musical heritage of North Carolina and inspire future generations of musicians.
About the Mooresville Performing Arts Center:
The Mooresville Performing Arts Center, nestled in the heart of Mooresville, North Carolina, is a premier venue known for hosting exceptional cultural events and performances. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to the arts, the center provides an outstanding experience for artists and audiences alike. For more information about the Mooresville Performing Arts Center, or the NC Music Hall of Fame event, please visit ourtownstage.com.
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