Hall of Fame and Museum offers something for all music lovers, including gospel

By John Herndon, KentuckySings.com

Are you looking for a great day trip during the holidays?  Why not make the drive to Mt. Vernon, Ky., for a visit to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum?

This little gem, located just off Interstate 75 at Exit 62, is a wealth of information and displays chronicling the deep roots of the music industry in the Commonwealth. The Hall of Fame offers something for music lovers, regardless of genre.

Because of the Hall of Fame and Museum’s proximity to Renfro Valley, long a sought-after stop among country music artists and fans alike, some mistakenly believe the Hall of Fame focuses only on Kentucky’s impact on country music.

Nothing could be farther from reality.

Obviously, the Hall of Fame’s inductees and displays are heavy on country and bluegrass music as the state has had a profound influence on both. In fact, the Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2002 included giants such as Loretta Lynn, Grandpa Jones, Tom T. Hall and Bill Monroe.

Since then, megastars such as Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Steve Wariner and Patty Loveless have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

But visitors can also learn about popular Kentuckians such as Rosemary Clooney, Florence Henderson, Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary, and Jackie DeShannon. Blues guitarist Tee Dee Young is also among the inductees.

Readers of Kentucky Sings tend to be fans of gospel music and they will not be disappointed at the Hall of Fame. Gospel artists who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame include Vestal and Howard Goodman, Dottie Rambo, Larnelle Harris, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Norah Lee Allen and Rodney Griffin, who is a member of the Class of 2024. 

In addition, visitors to the Hall of Fame can learn of the influence of revivals such as Cane Ridge in Bourbon County in 1801 and church music on the many different forms of music in Kentucky.  In fact, many members of the Hall of Fame got their starts singing gospel music or in churches across the state.

Griffin, a Somerset native who has sung with Greater Vision for over 30 years, is a prime example of what the Hall of Fame selection committee looks for, according to Hall of Fame executive director Jessica Blankenship.

“We are looking for Kentucky natives who have showcased Kentucky in a positive light” Blankenship said during a 2024 interview. 

 A successful vocalist, Griffin has also been named Southern Gospel’s Favorite Songwriter 24 times beginning in 1999 with his work being recorded by many artists across the genre. In his induction speech, Griffin focused on people such as a Pulaski County High School teacher who had made such an impact on his life. Before a largely secular audience, Griffin and Greater Vision sang the song “Faces,” a tribute to those who God uses in our lives.

Another of the Class of 2024, Paul Martin, has a strong gospel background as well. While Martin first became a household name during a stint with the country-rock band Exile – also Hall of Fame members – he had a stint with the Oak Ridge Boys, who are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Martin’s family group, Rockland Road, also performs Christian music in all of their shows. 

Displays honoring Griffin, Martin and others in the Class of 2024 are prominently displayed at the Hall of Fame and every member of the Hall is recognized in the museum. Blankenship says the museum will have a display honoring Crosley record players, made in Louisville, during January and several other events for 2025 will be announced later.

In addition, Blankenship says, the Hall of Fame and Museum’s gift shop offers CD’s, books and other memorabilia highlighting the music industry in Kentucky. In addition, the gift shop offers music accessories such as guitar strings and straps. Through Dec. 31, most items are available at 20 percent off.

So if you like music of any kind, including gospel, a trip to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum is well worth your time. 

IF YOU GO …

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame is located at 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, Ky. It is open daily from 10 a.m until 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12. There are discounts for seniors, veterans, active military and first responders.

Group tours are also available. 

See kentuckymusichalloffame.com for more information.