Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is a special place in Muskogee, Oklahoma. It celebrates musicians from Oklahoma who have achieved amazing things in their music careers. Each year, there's a ceremony and concert in Muskogee where new musicians are honored. Since it started in 1997, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 musicians or groups. It also has a museum that teaches people about Oklahoma's music legends.

History of the Hall of Fame

How the Hall of Fame Started

The idea for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame began in 1996. Lawmakers in Oklahoma's government wanted to create a place to honor the state's musicians. State Senator Benn Robinson and State Representative Barbara Staggs, both from Muskogee, worked together. They wrote a special resolution that said Muskogee would be the home of the Hall of Fame. Another Representative, Bill Settle, helped get money from the government to support the idea.

In 1997, a group called Friends of Oklahoma Music was formed. This group helped organize the first Hall of Fame ceremony and concert. It took place at the Muskogee Civic Center. Two years later, in 1999, the Governor of Oklahoma, Frank Keating, created a special board. This board's job was to raise money and find a location for a building. They wanted a place to celebrate Oklahoma's rich music history.

Finding a Home and Growing

In 2003, the Friends of Oklahoma Music group made a deal with the City of Muskogee. They leased an old train depot called The Frisco Freight Depot. They started fixing it up to become the future Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Museum. In October 2003, the Hall of Fame offices moved into the depot.

In 2004, the group changed its name to Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Foundation. Then, in 2005, it changed its name again to what it is today: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum. This shows how the organization grew from just an idea to a museum and a place of honor.

Honored Musicians (Inductees)

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame honors musicians by "inducing" them. This means they are officially recognized for their important contributions to music. Over the years, more than 100 different musicians and groups have been inducted. These artists come from many different music styles.

Some of the famous musicians who have been honored include:

• Woody Guthrie (1997)
• Patti Page (1997)
• Gene Autry (1998)
• Vince Gill (1999)
• Roy Clark (2000)
• Wanda Jackson (2000)
• Bob Wills (2001)
• Carrie Underwood (2005, 2009)
• Toby Keith (2005)
• Leon Russell (2006)
• Kristin Chenoweth (2011)
• Kings of Leon (2011)
• J. J. Cale (2014)
• Hanson (2017)
• Cross Canadian Ragweed (2024)

These are just a few examples of the many talented people who have been recognized. Each year, new musicians are added to this special list.

See also

• List of music museums