The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame will hold its 18th annual induction ceremony next Saturday, March 21, 2026, installing a new class of performers and other contributors who have had a significant impact on the music in and surrounding the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of this year’s honorees will be familiar to bluegrass fans across the nation, while others left a lasting impact on a more regional or local level.
The 2026 inductees include:
Nationally Known Artist – Darin & Brooke Aldridge, who are being recognized for their consistent success in the bluegrass industry, including Brooke’s four IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards and Darin’s skill with multiple instruments.
Pioneer Artist – Riley Puckett, a blind guitarist and vocalist who, in 1924, was one of the first “hillbilly” musicians to record with the Columbia Phonograph Company. His unique guitar playing, vocal stylings, and membership with Gid Tanner & the Skillet Lickers led to his status as a country music pioneer.
Sideperson/Regional Musician – Tommy Faile, a well-known figure in the Charlotte, NC, music scene who performed for many years with Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith, and later hosted his own show on Charlotte’s WBTV.
Songwriters – Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, known in the bluegrass world as the writers of Rocky Top, have over 1,500 recorded songs to their credit. They penned numerous hits for the Everly Brothers, as well as Little Jimmy Dickens’ Country Boy, and have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame, among others.
Traditional Dance – Stanley Hicks, a folk musician and artist from Watauga County, NC, is being honored for his “flatfoot jumping-jack” dance style. Beyond dancing, he was known throughout the region for his work as a luthier, his banjo playing, and his storytelling, and was recognized in 1983 with the National Heritage Fellowship award.
Special Contributor, Promoter & Organizer – Carlton Haney, legendary bluegrass and country music promotor and festival organizer, is often known for his work organizing the first bluegrass music festival. He also worked as Bill Monroe’s booking agent, managed Reno & Smiley, and worked to promote the careers of numerous country music legends.
Dr. T.R. Bryan Wilkes Heritage Music Award – Drake Walsh, a native of Wilkes County, NC, was the son of 1920s country music recording artist Dock Walsh, and a constant presence in the Wilkes County music scene. He was self-taught on multiple instruments and performed with several regional bands.
The induction ceremony will be held at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro, NC, and tickets are $25. The ceremony will start at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:00.
