Celebrating Our Musical Roots

from The Mountain Spirit Fall/Winter 2022

Changing the Narrative

BY SHANNON HOLBROOK

Cameras flash against sequins and bright, white-toothed grins. Excitement mounts on a red carpet tucked within the lush green foothills of the Appalachian Mountains for the induction ceremony at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. You don’t make it this far unless Kentucky blood runs through your veins and music fuels your soul.

This year’s ceremony celebrates seven inductees and the museum’s 20th anniversary. Artists from all music genres have been inducted from Loretta Lynn to members of Backstreet Boys. Inductees must be from Kentucky and have made a significant contribution to the music industry.

The 2022 class is no different, with a variety of modern artists and legends from across the Commonwealth. The board of directors chooses from nominations by respected industry professionals and past inductees. This year’s honorees will include popular country singer/songwriter Carly Pearce and award-winning blues artist Tee Dee Young.

“Kentucky is the place that made me,” said Pearce, a Taylor Mill native, who has released multiple award-winning albums. “It’s the place that made me fall in love with country music and where all my dreams were born. To be recognized in this way, and to forever be a part of Kentucky music history, is one of the greatest honors I’ll ever have.”

“This is truly a blessing, and a great honor,” Young added. “Kentucky is a beautiful place; a lot of well-known musicians grew up in Kentucky.” Lexington’s Young performed at places like The Cotton Club, Albert King’s Club, and Kington Mines. He’s played with blues legends and regularly performs in his hometown.

“Every single inductee I have met has been deeply humbled,” said Jessica Blankenship, executive director of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Laurel County local is a knowledge and networking powerhouse in the region’s country music scene. She graduated from Berea College, where a research assignment at the Appalachian Center led to her calling.

“That was the start of me loving Appalachian history, country music, and the stories of the people who made it,” she said. “This is a dream opportunity for me.”

The museum was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and staff deep cleaned and inventoried items. “Now we have a fresh display for the uptick in travelers we’re seeing,” Blankenship added. “Renfro Valley’s back up and running with festivals and concerts. They’ve been selling out quite a few shows and renovating the old barn.”

The museum features inductees’ artifacts and memorabilia, Kentucky music history since the 1800’s, and interactive displays. An outdoor amphitheater, gift shop, and rental cabins complete the music campus.

There are weekly events too, like a singer-songwriter series, music exhibitions by gospel groups, and vocal lessons. More temporary and historical exhibits are coming, and guests can visit the new inductees’ memorabilia year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Each of our inductees are well-respected. They are really good ambassadors of Kentucky,” Blankenship added. “We encompass all genres of music and hope that music fans will take a chance to listen to each of the inductees.”

To learn more about this year’s inductees visit kentuckymusichalloffame.com.