Did you know the N.C. Music Hall of Fame is in Kannapolis? 5 inductees with Charlotte ties
We all know North Carolina has a rich history, and that includes its musical talent. It’s on display at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis.
The museum provides an educational experience of the sounds of the past that are helping to shape our musical future.
The museum sits right in the heart of racing country, even sharing a building with Curb Motorsports Museum. It recognizes musicians across all genres, everything from country to R&B to some good ol’ rock and roll.
Some of the previous talent inducted into the museum include acts like Jodeci, Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken, Andy Griffith, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and Clyde McPhatter.
But there are some that you may not realize have an N.C. connection.
Here are five inductees you may be shocked to learn have ties to the Queen City and surrounding areas.
(1) George Clinton: The architect of P-Funk and the leader of Parliament and Funkadelic was born in Kannapolis.
(2) Randy Travis: This country-turned-gospel star hails from Marshville.
(3) Tori Amos: The singer-songwriter was born right down the road in Newton.
(4) Pastor John P. Kee: This gospel great was born in Durham but started a church in Charlotte called New Life City of Praise Church.
(5) Eddie Ray: He runs the N.C. Music Hall of Fame, but Eddie was also the first African American executive at a major record label, Capitol Records. He has worked with artists such as Fats Domino, Rick Nelson, Pink Floyd and Al Green. He even co-wrote the single “Hearts of Stone.”
A new class of inductees joined the hall Oct. 15.
– Gerald Alston: Lead singer of the popular R&B/pop group The Manhattans.
– Rev. F.C. Barnes: Gospel singer/songwriter of the hit song “Rough Side of the Mountain.”
– Nappy Brown: Hailed from Charlotte and was a popular R&B/blues singer during the 1940s and 50s.
– Eric Church: This country star was born in Granite Falls and has been nominated for seven Grammys.
– Warren Haynes: Southern rock guitarist and singer with the Allman Brothers Band.
– Chuck Jackson: R&B/pop singer of hit songs “Any Day Now” and “I Don’t Want to Cry.”
– The Fantastic Shakers: A pioneer Carolina Beach Music band hailing from Lincolnton.
– Jay Spell: Musician/arranger that attended that School for the Blind and performed with artists like Ronnie Milsap and Jimmy Buffett.
To learn more about our state’s rich musical legacy and for more information about the museum, go to northcarolinamusichalloffame.org.
Photos: Charlotte Observer file; Shameika René
This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 11:18 PM with the headline "Did you know the N.C. Music Hall of Fame is in Kannapolis? 5 inductees with Charlotte ties."