NC Music Hall Of Fame

On May 13, 1961, "Stand By Me" entered the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. Co-written and recorded by Ben E. King, a Henderson, North Carolina native, the song would peak at No. 4 the following month and later re-chart with the release of the 1986 film of the same name.

Happy Birthday to 2009 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Grant! Born May 9, 1923, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, he went on to become the honorary Mayor of Hollywood, producing the Hollywood Christmas Parade and welcoming stars to the Walk of Fame nearly 500 times!

Congratulations to Belmont University, Mike & Linda Curb, and the Mike Curb Foundation on breaking ground for the new Curb College facility on Music Row! Read more: belmont.edu/stories/articl…

Happy Birthday to 2010 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis! Born on May 4, 1959 in Marshville, NC, he helped lead the traditional country revival with classics like “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Diggin’ Up Bones.”

Happy Birthday Eric Church! Born May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, NC, he worked his way up from playing bars near Appalachian State to topping the charts with his debut No. 1 album Chief, which spawned hits like “Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen.”

Today we honor the Birthday of 2014 NC Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Link Wray! Born May 2, 1929, in Dunn, NC, he revolutionized rock guitar with “Rumble,” pioneering distortion and the power chord that metal bands have used for generations.

Happy Birthday to our 2009 NC Music Hall of Fame Inductee Kate Smith! Born May 1, 1907, she became America’s beloved “Songbird of the South," best known for her powerful 1938 debut of “God Bless America”. She was also the first woman to host her own show on-air.

Happy Birthday, 2010 NC Music Hall of Fame Inductee Maurice Williams! Born April 26, 1938, he wrote the timeless hit “Stay,” the shortest song ever to reach #1 on the Billboard charts. We honor the legacy of a true musical innovator today!

Did You Know? Tony Rice won the International Bluegrass Music Association's Instrumental Performer of the Year for Guitar six times between 1990 and 2007.

Today we are mourning the loss of 2010 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee Don Schlitz. Born in Durham, NC, Don leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most influential songwriters in country music history.

Did You Know? Randy Travis has 23 number one singles, 31 top-10 smash hits, he's won seven Grammys, six CMA awards, and eleven ACM awards.

Happy Birthday to Michael English! Born April 12, 1953, in Kenansville, NC, this powerhouse vocalist became one of Southern Gospel’s leading voices and won multiple Dove Awards with his groundbreaking solo debut. Celebrating a true gospel legend today!

Happy Birthday to Jim Lauderdale! Born on April 11, 1957, in Troutman, NC, this two‑time Grammy‑winning songwriter has spent three decades shaping country, rock, folk, and bluegrass, helping pave the way for the current Americana movement.

Join us in person for a FREE event on Tuesday, June 9th, diving into the life and legacy of Clyde McPhatter. Hear from expert panelists, share your thoughts, purchase your book and get it signed! 📅 Tue, June 9th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm 📍 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28081

Happy Birthday to 2015 NC Music Hall of Fame inductee Warren Haynes! Born in Asheville on this day in 1960, the legendary guitarist and Gov’t Mule co‑founder has spent decades shaping rock and blues with his soulful playing and iconic Gibson Les Paul.

Happy Birthday to the great Don Gibson! Today we celebrate one of North Carolina’s most influential songwriters and a true pioneer of the Nashville Sound. From “Oh Lonesome Me” to the timeless “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Don Gibson’s music shaped country and pop alike.

Happy Birthday to Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith! Today we celebrate a true pioneer who shaped early rock ’n’ roll, country, and bluegrass. From the groundbreaking “Guitar Boogie” to the iconic “Feudin’ Banjos,” Arthur Smith’s innovation left a lasting mark on American music.

Today we celebrate John D. Loudermilk, one of North Carolina’s most gifted and versatile songwriters. From “A Rose and a Baby Ruth” to “Tobacco Road,” his creativity and unforgettable contributions earned him a well‑deserved place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Happy Birthday, Charles Whitfield! From NCCU basketball to helping build Hidden Beach Recordings, he has turned ambition into a meaningful career in the music industry. His work with artists and his commitment to community have made a lasting mark on music.

Did You Know? Don Schlitz wrote "The Gambler" for Kenny Rogers, which won a Grammy and CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1979.