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11 inducted into music hall
by Frances Hayes
(Photo caption) Frances Hayes/staff photo-WAYNE HENDERSON, DAVID JOHNSON, inductees, and T. Michael Coleman provide musical entertainment during the first induction ceremony for the Blue Ridge Hall of Fame at the Walker Center.
Approximately 500 people attended the first annual induction ceremony for the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame on Friday night at the Walker Center.
Performances by a variety of musicians were the highlight for most people, including Jennifer Furr, director for Old Wilkes, one of the sponsors of the event.
An impromptu dance by the children of Tommy Jarrell was another highlight, said Ms. Furr. His children, Wayne Jarrell and Ardena (Dena), accepted the award on behalf of their father, who died in 1983. Jarrell was a noted fiddler, banjo player and singer from Toast in Surry County. Like many of the inductees on Friday night, Jarrell has received many awards for his role in Appalachian music.
Other highlights included performances by Wayne Henderson and David Johnson, both inductees into the Blue Ridge Hall of Fame.
Johnson, inducted as regional musician, was born in Wilkes County and began his career playing banjo with his father and grandfather in Purlear. Johnson’s talent for playing numerous instruments makes him one of the busiest session artists in the area and allows him to travel nationwide.
Henderson, inducted in the recording and luthier category, was born in southwest Virginia and is well-known for his handmade, legendary acoustic guitars, his fine musicianship and musical festival named in his honor to support musical scholarships for local youths. Renowned guitarist, Eric Clapton waited for 10 years for a Henderson guitar. Today Henderson guitars are in high demand and respected for their volume, tone and resonance.
Laurelyn Dossett, singer songwriter, provided yet another highlight with her version of “Jolene,” written by Dolly Parton, an inductee into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in the songwriter category. Ms. Parton is known worldwide as a country music singer, songwriter, author, actress and philanthropist.
Organizers were pleased with the crowd attending the event and plan a second induction ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Walker Center.
“The goal of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame is to showcase and preserve the rich musical heritage of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains area from northern Georgia to northern Virginia.
“The Blue Ridge Hall of Fame will educate, define, and interpret the history of music in the region with exhibits, an annual celebration of inductees, recordings of performances and an interactive database. It will also increase the visibility and support of the museum,” said Furr.
It was created in 2006 and also serves as a fundraiser for the Wilkes Heritage Museum in the old county courthouse in Wilkesboro.
Other inductees into the Hall of Fame were Doc Watson, the Carter Family, Ralph Epperson, Ralph Rinzler, Sam Love Queen Sr., Art Menius and Earl Scruggs. Inducting the artists were T. Michael Coleman, John Lohman, Paul Brown, Laurelyn Dossett, Mike Seeger, Phil Jamison, Jeff Little, Marc Pruett and Tim Surrett.
Musician Mike Cross, who grew up in Lenoir, performed and served as emcee. Tribute to each inductee was made through words, video and music during the event on Friday night.
A brief description of each inductee follows except for Tommy Jarrell, Dolly Parton, David Johnson and Wayne Henderson, which has already been given above.
Doc Watson, was inducted in the nationally known artist category. Born Arthel L. Watson in Deep Gap, he is a legendary performer who blends his traditional Appalachian musical roots with bluegrass, country, gospel and blues to create a unique style and expansive repertoire. He is a powerful singer and tremendously influential picker who virtually invented the art of playing mountain fiddle tunes on the flattop guitar.
Earl Scruggs, was inducted in the nationally known artist category. Born in Shelby, S |
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