A local celebration of Memphis’ indelible impact on the worldwide music industry will be in full effect this Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Cannon Center, 255 N. Main St., as the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors its newest cohort of inductees.

Marking the 14th celebration and 13th induction ceremony (cancelled one year due to COVID-19), Memphis Rock & Soul Museum will honor those who have made significant contributions to blues, jazz, country, hip hop, gospel and every genre in between in a star-studded night in Memphis and world music.

“Memphis is an amazing place,” said John Doyle, executive director of Memphis Rock & Soul Museum and Memphis Music Hall of Fame (MMHOF). “It’s the 29th largest city in America, but the only one on the planet that has its own hall of fame. No other city can say that. And that is due to the Black music that came out of Memphis that influenced so many artists around the globe.” 

This year’s celebration is one of Black music foundations and origins — from gospel to blues to country and more. 

International superstars Eric Gales, who recently paid tribute to BB King for what would have been his 100th birthday, John Mellencamp, and Martina McBride will present some of the prestigious awards this year.  

“John Mellencamp is coming to honor Robert Johnson because he was so moved and influenced by his music,” said Doyle. “Artists like Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, John Mayer and other rockers have all been inspired and played Robert Johnson’s music.”

This year’s MMHOF honorees include Art Gilliam, Cordell Jackson, Robert Johnson, Denise LaSalle, Wendy Moten and Johnnie Taylor.

“If for no other reason, everyone should flood the Cannon Center to celebrate Art Gilliam,” Dolye said. Gilliam was the first Black man to own and operate a radio station in Tennessee. 

Background on the 2025 MMHOF Inductee

Though there are hundreds of artists who have been honored and hundreds more to go, the awards celebrate people from every area of artistry, from production to marketing and promotions, label owners and more. Here is a little history on this year’s inductees: 

  • Art Gilliam, president and CEO of Memphis’ WLOK Radio for 45+ years, who became the first black radio owner in Tennessee.
  • Cordell Jackson, the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Granny” who became the country’s first female recording engineer and the first woman to start her own record company, Moon Records, in 1956.
  • Robert Johnson, who became one of if not “the” greatest blues musician of all time despite only having recorded 29 songs.
  • Denise LaSalle, the late blues singer, songwriter and producer known as “The Queen of the Blues.” 
  • Wendy Moten, whose first single hit the Top 10, has recorded and toured with other Country music hit makers and finished first runner-up on The Voice, Season 21. 
  • Johnnie Taylor, “The Philosopher of Soul” who began his career in gospel with Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers before creating million-seller hits at STAX Records.

“When you go to the movies, you want to be entertained and learn something. With everything going on in this climate, this night will be exceptionally entertaining and is one where we can forget about all the headlines and celebrate the incredible artists that have put Memphis on the map for their leadership, artistry and invaluable contributions to our culture and society,” said Doyle.

“The night will feature musical tributes and even a performance by Wendy Moten, who, along with the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band, headlined an international festival in Porretta, Italy, last year,” Doyle added. 

Musical tributes will feature Billy Rivers and the Angelic Voices of Faith (to honor Art Gilliam); Jerome Chism, Bird Williams and Gerald Richardson (honoring Johnnie Taylor); Jonathan Ellison and Karen Wolf (tribute to Denise LaSalle); and Susan St. John (to honor Cordell Jackson). 

Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band will provide the foundational sound for all the artists. Musical Director Kurt “KC” Clayton says it’s no easy feat. 

“After the selection committee has decided who will be inducted, that’s when my work really starts,” said Clayton. “I want to make sure the musical tributes are done respectfully to honor the artists and their families. It’s always been about respecting their legacies.”

Clayton has been in charge for seven years, and at last year’s awards show, the band caught the eyes and ears of international festival producer, Graziano Uliani, who founded the Porretta Soul Festival in 1988 in Porretta, Italy, as a tribute to Otis Redding. Wendy Moten headlined the festival in 2024 and Jerome Chism headlined in 2025.

“Working with Graziano was a true testament to you never know who’s watching and appreciating what you do,” said Clayton. “It’s just such an honor to do what we do, to represent Memphis and take that Memphis sound to international stages. It’s simply an honor.” 

For more information about previous winners, visit online at  https://memphismusichalloffame.com/ or in person at 126 Beale Street (in the former Hard Rock space). 

Tickets can be purchased at TicketMaster.com