Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Inductees

MUSKOGEE – The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame hosts induction ceremonies and concerts and houses a wonderful music museum. OMHOF serves as an icon in the state and beyond for music lovers of all genres. In short, Oklahomans have had a profound impact on the world’s music culture.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) 2023 inductees will be honored at a ceremony and concert at the Muskogee Civic Center Saturday, Feb. 17. This class of honorees is made up of varying styles of music that include country singers, a beloved Nashville songwriter, one of Oklahoma’s most well-respected music educators, world-renowned concert pianist who is also a major conductor and composer, renowned touring and featured fiddle player as well as long-time music promoter and record label manager.

2023 Inductees:

Ricochet

In 1996, the members of Ricochet watched their debut single, “What Do I Know,” rise to the Top 5, earning the band the honor of the highest charting debut single of the year. The following single release, “Daddy’s Money,” became an immediate across-the-board hit, rising to #1. The band’s distinctive musical style and intricate harmonies earned them recognition as one of the most popular vocal groups in country music. Now, more than 15 years later, “The Hardest Working Band In Country Music” is still going strong. Members are Heath Wright, Chris Hempfling, Larry Hight, Bruce Bennett and Rick Toops Ricochet is the only country band to ever chart our National Anthem and is in constant demand to perform it live.

Bryan White

Bryan White is a CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award-winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter. Six of his charted 21 hit songs have climbed to number one! White received CMA’s Horizon Award in 1996, Top New Artist from the Academy of Country Music, multiple CMA and ACM Male Vocalist nominations. Bryan teamed up with LeeAnn Rimes in 1998 for their ”Something to Talk About” tour, worked with Shania Twain on the hit song, “From This Moment On.”

Timothy Long

Timothy is a pianist, conductor, composer and is the Artistic and Music Director of Opera at the Eastman School of Music. He was named the assistant conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and was subsequently named associate conductor for the New York City Opera for two seasons. He made his first debut at age 16 with the Oklahoma City Symphony Orchestra.

Jerry Huffer

In his more than 5o years as a music educator, countless Oklahoma music teachers have come to know Jerry as the face of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. He has been involved in honoring thousands of students in All-State groups and has taught thousands of classes and students. When Jerry recently retired for the second time, there were 137 music teachers paying tribute at the banquet in his honor. Mr. Huffer has become a bit of a legend among High School band students all over Oklahoma.

Shelby Eicher

As a member of Roy Clark’s band for 15 years, Shelby recorded five live albums with Roy and appeared numerous times on the Tonight Show, Hee Haw, The Grand Ole Opry, and more. He has played on CD’s with the legendary JJ Cale, Hank Thompson and has been on numerous movie soundtracks and commercial jingles. He has also played on gaming soundtracks for Sony PlayStation.

David Webb (Governor’s Award Recipient)

David Webb started his multi-faceted career in the music business in 1963 when Music Impresario, Jim Halsey hired him to put up show posters in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. David started his own booking agency, served on the Chicago GRAMMY Board, then the National Board. later becoming National Vice President. His career includes being James Brown’s manager, a Vice President and General Manager in radio markets in four states, producing shows, and serving in an Executive Producer role today.

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Tony Corbell said, “ I am so excited to see the great musical diversity in this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. From singer/songwriters to respected educators, to concert pianists, this class of inductees will long be remembered for what they have contributed to the world of music. All coming out of Oklahoma proving once again that Oklahoma is a true music capital.”

In addition to the induction ceremony and concert February 17th at the Muskogee Civic Center425 Boston St., the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame will host a private VIP event for past inductees and an evening of music on our Hall of Fame stage Feb. 16. Tickets for the Feb. 17th event are on sale now. Check out more information about the show and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame at omhof.com