Memphis Music Hall of Fame Celebrates a Century of Honoring the City's Legendary Talents

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame has officially reached a significant milestone, inducting its 2024 class and bringing the total number of artists, songwriters, producers, players, and behind-the-scenes figures enshrined to 106 members. The ceremony, held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, celebrated the city's rich musical heritage and the enduring impact of its iconic figures.

Honoring the Heartbeat of Memphis Music

Spooner Oldham: The Soul Vibrations of a Musical Maestro

The induction of Spooner Oldham, the renowned session musician and songwriter, was a highlight of the evening. Inducted by his longtime friend and collaborator, the legendary Neil Young, Oldham's impact on the music industry was celebrated through a powerful performance of his hit "Cry Like a Baby" by Gary Talley of The Box Tops. Young's heartfelt speech captured the essence of Oldham's soulful contributions, describing how his playing could physically and emotionally move listeners, evoking a sense of connection to the past, present, and future.

Jazze Pha: A Family Affair in the Pantheon of Memphis Music

The induction of hip-hop producer Jazze Pha was a true family affair, with his father, James Alexander of the Bar-Kays, delivering a roast-like speech that both praised and chided his son. The segment featured a video message from Pha's collaborators, including Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz, as well as a medley of his hits performed by DJ Howard Q and a troupe of dancers. The ceremony culminated in a live performance by Pha alongside Memphis hip-hop legends 8Ball & MJG, showcasing the city's enduring influence on the genre.

Honoring the Soulful Legacies of James Carr and Wilson Pickett

The inductions of soul legends James Carr and Wilson Pickett were deeply emotional, with family members playing a central role. Carr's son Vincent and grandson Doozy performed a set of his hits, including "Dark End of the Street" and "Freedom Train," while Pickett's longtime friend and fellow Stax hitmaker Eddie Floyd brought out the artist's children to accept the award on their father's behalf.

The Gentrys: Garage Rock Pioneers Claim Their Rightful Place

The Gentrys, the Memphis band that kickstarted the city's garage rock explosion 60 years ago, were finally given their due with a well-deserved induction. Longtime Gentrys proponent Pat Rainer recounted the band's crucial role in bringing Memphis into the 1960s beat band boom era, with their national hit "Keep on Dancing." Though the band's leader, Larry Raspberry, was unable to attend due to a hip surgery, the other surviving Gentrys, including WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling icon Jimmy Hart, were on hand to accept the award and pay tribute to their musical legacy.

Rhodes Chalmers Rhodes: Celebrating the Iconic Backing Vocals of Memphis Soul

The vocal group Rhodes Chalmers Rhodes offered one of the evening's most exciting musical performances, celebrating their induction with a rousing rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," the 1972 hit that they originally sang on. Saxophonist/singer Charlie Chalmers and sibling vocalists Sandy and Donna Rhodes were responsible for the distinctive backing vocals on nearly all of Green's '70s hits, as well as other familiar Hi Records classics, and their induction was a testament to the unsung heroes of Memphis soul.

Honoring the Visionaries Behind the Memphis Music Phenomenon

The ceremony also recognized the contributions of key figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping the city's musical landscape. Opera singer Kallen Esperian, whose powerful, unmiked performance captivated the audience, was inducted by her cousin, veteran tour manager Ed Sargent. Longtime Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises executive Jack Soden was welcomed into the Hall of Fame, with a video message from Priscilla Presley and a tribute from veteran Tennessee musician Andy Childs. Memphis Tourism head Kevin Kane was also inducted, with Royal Studios' Boo Mitchell and longtime Jerry Lee Lewis tour manager J.W. Whitten highlighting his efforts in promoting the city's musical heritage to the world.As the Memphis Music Hall of Fame crossed the century mark, the 2024 induction ceremony served as a powerful celebration of the city's enduring musical legacy. From the soulful vibrations of Spooner Oldham to the family-fueled tributes to legendary artists, the event showcased the depth and diversity of Memphis' musical tapestry, cementing its status as a true epicenter of American music.