History, News

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame hosts open house

by Jessica Blankenship
Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Officials and local official cut the ribbon for the Open House.
Photo by Jessica Bray

Just a year ago, it had seemed as though that the doors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum would be closed forever.  However, with the partnership of local leaders and Rockcastle County Tourism officials, there was a strong desire to come together.  Soon the Rockcastle County Tourism office moved its headquarters into the Museum and hired a new manager of the museum, Avery Bradshaw.  Susan Tomes Laws has been leading the reins with the Rockcastle County Tourism office.  On March 25th, everyone in the community came together in support with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting with a start of a new era with the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The crowd on hand enjoyed music by Dale Ann Bradley in the foyer, as well as many local musicians along the tour of the museum.  Rockcastle County in itself is rich in music history with the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center next door.  Many of its performers and descendants live throughout the southeast Kentucky region.
Dale Ann Bradley performing at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Photo by Jessica Bray.

If you haven’t been to the museum in a while, you will be pleased to see many updated exhibits.  During his opening remarks, Avery Bradshaw noted that there were over ten new displays and they are working to have a display case for each new inductee.  They are also working on revamping their website, as well as improving outreach on social media networks.

 
Many visitors, both young and old, made remarks of different objects on display, as well as who was featured.  The museum has several videos featuring the Induction Ceremonies, as well as the presentations of current inductees.  From songbooks to awards to clothing to even a check that Keith Whitley once wrote to Kroger, there are many unique items within the museum.  There are also several interactive displays so that music fans can visualize and play with various instruments.

Backstreet Boys – Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell’s exhibit
Photo by Jessica Bray
In tribute to the Renfro Valley Barn Dance at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
Photo by Jessica Bray
Loretta Lynn featured with multiple large format photos at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Photo by Jessica Bray
One of the many display cases at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Renfro Valley, Kentucky.
Photo by Jessica Bray
Keith Whitley’s exhibit even features a check that he wrote to Kroger, along with clothing and photos.
Photo by Jessica Bray
One of the many exhibits at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame across all genres of music.
Photo by Jessica Bray
Kentucky music history showcased throughout the museum.
Photo by Jessica Bray
Music fans are greeted with the 2015 KY Music Hall of Fame Inductees on display, as well as banners of the pioneer inductees. Photo by Jessica Bray.

While many associate Kentucky and Renfro Valley with country music, music fans would be pleasantly surprised with the wealth of information of r&b, pop, soul, and gospel music on hand. 

 
Be sure to visit the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Gift Shop sometime soon.  They are conveniently located less than a mile from I-75 off Exit 62.  They are open 7 days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  The gift shop includes several Kentucky made products, cds of Kentucky artists, books, and much more.  You can check out the website at www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.

More photos of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Exhibits will also be available on our facebook page by clicking here.