Country Rock group The Kentucky Headhunters achieved double-platinum certification for their 1989 debut Pickin' On Nashville, and a gold certification for follow-up Electric Barnyard. They are known for Country hits such as "Dumas Walker," which the group performed at the ceremony, and their Top 10 cover of Don Gibson's "Oh Lonesome Me."
Exile enjoyed success as a pop group with their 1978 smash "Kiss You All Over," and later moved into Country Music in the eighties, charting hits such as "I Don't Want to Be a Memory," "Give Me One More Chance," and "Crazy for Your Love." Exile performed "Kiss You All Over" at the ceremony.
Born Mary Frances Penick, Skeeter Davis began her Country Music career as one half of the duo The Davis Sister with singing partner Betty Jack Davis, with their now-classic 1953 hit "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know" becoming the first number one Country hit by a two-female duo. Betty Jack was tragically killed in a car accident in August of that same year, after which Skeeter forged a successful solo career with hits such as "Set Him Free," "My Last Date (With You)," and the pop crossover "The End of the World," which became her signature song. Davis passed away of cancer in 2004. Her nephew James Penick accepted her induction award on her behalf.
The Hilltoppers enjoyed pop success in the 1950s with hits such as "Tryin'," "PS I Love You," and "I'd Rather Die Young." The group disbanded in 1957, reforming briefly in the mid-1970s and continuing to perform until 1975. The award was accepted by the group's two surviving members, Jimmy Sacca and Don McGuire, the latter of whom quipped, "If you remember our music, you're deep into Medicare and well past menopause!" The Western Kentucky University Red Shirts performed an a Capella tribute to the legendary vocal group.
Manual D. Clark is best known for his on-stage character Old Joe Clark, named after a popular fiddle tune of the day. He began his career performing at Kentucky's Renfro Valley barn dance, but his impeccable banjo prowess and comedic gifts led to led to gigs on radio, television, and film, with Old Joe Clark appearing in classic such as Country Music On Broadway, Second Fiddle, A Steel Guitar, andMarshall of Sleepy Hollow, as well as performing on the Grand Ole Opry. Clark passed away in 1988. His son Terry Clark accepted his award on his behalf.
The famed "One-Armed Banjo Player" Emory Martin married fellow performer Wanda "Linda Lou" Armond in 1943, and the couple soon became regular fixtures on the famed Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Emory also worked as a session musician backing legends such as Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright, and also made regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. In 1991, Emory and Linda published the memoir One-Armed Banjo Player: The Early Years of Country Music with Emory Martin. Emory passed away in 2006. Linda appeared personally at the ceremony to accept the induction award.
Contemporary Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over 10 million records, including two platinum albums and eight gold albums. He has won five Grammy Awards, 56 Dove Awards, and an American Music Award, and has racked up 46 number one hits. Chapman was unable to attend the ceremony due to other commitments.
In addition to the induction, pop singer-songwriter legend Jackie DeShannon, who performed her pop-gospel classic "Put a Little Love In Your Heart," was presented with the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement, while Country Music duo Halfway to Hazard and manager Josh J. Bleidt received the Danny R. Ford Distinguished Service Award. The event also included a silent auction, in which autographed items and assorted music memorabilia were auctioned off to support various charitable endeavors.
Located in Refro Valley, Kentucky, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the musical heritage of the state of Kentucky, honoring Kentuckians who have made a great impact on the world of music. The Hall of Fame's Country-affiliated members include Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, The Judds, Dwight Yoakam, Keith Whitley, Steve Wariner, John Conlee, and Patty Loveless, among others.
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