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Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announces 2022 induction class

by Jessica Blankenship

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce its upcoming 2022 Induction Ceremony to be held in Renfro Valley, KY on Friday, October 28th, 2022. This year’s inductee class is, as always, a very deserving group of individuals who have left an eternal impact on the music industry in their respective fields.

Pete Goble: Born on April 24, 1932, in Prestonsburg, KY, Pete was a bluegrass songwriting legend. Artists such as the Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin and J.D. Crowe have had hits from Pete’s songs. Many of his compositions have become Bluegrass standards including “Big Spike Hammer” “Blue Virginia Blues” and “This Heart of Mine”. Pete also produced his own solo
albums and received many awards and honors for his life’s work.

Paul Yandell: From Mayfield, KY, Paul was a master guitarist and sideman. He began his career in 1955 with the Louvin Brothers, then he joined the Kitty Wells Show from 1961-1970, from there he joined Jerry Reed. Paul went on to join Chet Atkins in 1975 and remained as his band leader for 25 years. Being one of Nashville’s most sought after session players, he played on many hit records for Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner and countless others. He released several solo albums and co-designed the Gretsch “Nashville Classic” electric guitar. Paul is 1 of only 5 people in the world to receive the prestigious Chet Atkins title “Certified Guitar Player”.

Norah Lee Allen: A native of Bowling Green, KY, Norah Lee Allen was a background vocalist and beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry from the 1980’s– 2021. Norah Lee has performed with countless artists who have performed on the Grand Ole Opry over the years; anybody from Conway Twitty, Blake Shelton, George Jones, Vince Gill, Carly Pearce and everyone in between. She holds a very prominent name in the music industry but maintains a very humble and graceful attitude.

Tommy White: From Louisville, KY, Tommy White is an accomplished steel guitar player who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry since 1998. Tommy began his career as a young child playing in multiple clubs, events and even touring with artists. At age 15 he produced his 1st album “Tommy White, 100 Proof Steel, Aged 15 Years.” Tommy’s career has taken him on the road with multiple artists and given him the opportunity to play on albums with performers like The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Diffie, Vince Gill, Lionel Richie, Lady Gaga and many others. Tommy was inducted to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2013.

Marty Brown: Born and raised in Maceo, KY, Marty Brown has been on CMT, TNN and wowed viewers of the Grand Ole Opry & America’s Got Talent. He recorded 3 albums for MCA records and wrote the heart felt hit songs; “I’m From the Country” for Tracy Byrd as well as “It Ain’t Me If it Ain’t You” for Brooks and Dunn, “When Did I stop Loving You” for Trace Adkins and many more. He received the 5 Million Air Award from Nashville’s BMI for “I’m From the Country”. He also wrote, “There Must Be Something in the Bluegrass” an anthem to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Marty’s live shows always leave the crowds wanting more and he is so proud of his Kentucky roots.

Carly Pearce: A native of Taylor Mill, KY, Carly Pearce left home at 16 years old to perform at Dollywood, and in a full circle moment, Dolly Parton invited her to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The chart-topping singer/songwriter is the reigning CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year while the 2X PLATINUM-certified NO.1 with Lee Brice, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” won both the CMA Awards Musical Event of the Year and ACM Awards Music Event of the Year as well as Single of the Year. Carly is currently up for ACM Awards Female Artist and Album for 29: WRITTEN IN STONE, plus will perform her Video & Music Event-nominated “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde. Wrapping the 2021 sold-out initial leg of THE 29 TOUR and partner with PLUS1 so $1 of each ticket sold will support tornado recovery efforts in her home state. In addition to her own headline dates, she will join Kenny Chesney’s 2022 HERE AND NOW TOUR.

Congratulations to the 2022 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inductees!  For those interested in attending this year’s induction ceremony, ticket sales will be announced soon, via the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame social media and website.