Musician’s Hall of Fame 2009 Induction Ceremony - Review

This year my wife and I went to the Induction Ceremony for the Musician’s Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. The honorees covered all genres of music and it was an evening that will never be forgotten. 

The Musician’s Hall of Fame Honors the many session musicians and innovators of the music we have all heard and love. The show featured the soothing sounds of Chet Atkins (Mr. Guitar) performed by Steve Wariner and Paul Yandell, the Lightning Fast Fiddling of Charlie Daniels, the shredding guitar of Dick Dale (Father of Heavy Metal), the thundering bass playing of Billy Cox (bassist for Jimi Hendrix), and a rare performance by Toto with Rascal Flatts.

Merle Atkins Russell accepted the award for her deceased father (Chet Atkins) and was gracious through the long standing ovation. Chet’s work with RCA’s Studio B in Nashville propelled the careers of many artists. His playing influenced generations of guitar players and will continue to do so through his vast library of recordings.

Dickey Betts (guitarist and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band) presented Charlie Daniels with his MHF award. The two then had a jam session that thrilled the audience with their classic style of southern rock.

Special guest Al Jardine (Beach Boys) took us back to 1965 with his performance of “Help Me Rhonda”. Al then presented the MHF award to his good friend and Surf Guitar Legend Dick Dale. The 72 year old Dick Dale then proceeded to show the audience why Leo Fender named the Showman Amplifier after him. Dick rocked the house with “Miserlou” while playing his DD Signature Chartreuse Sparkle Stratocaster.

Jimi Hendrix had to be channeling through guitarist Kenny Olson (lead guitarist for Kid Rock and Twisted Brown Trucker) while he was performing with Billy Cox. He looked as if he was in a trance as his guitar duplicated the Hendrix sound.

Swampy Blues Rocker, Tony Joe White performed “Poke Salad Annie” and then presented the MHF Award to Producer Fred Foster. Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson sent their congratulations via live feed to Fred Foster. Dolly thanked Fred for making her famous. Fred also produced for the legendary Roy Orbison.

Motown’s own Bob Babbitt, a member of the original Funk Brothers presented and accepted the award for Paul Riser the brilliant arranger.

Another honoree was the late Victor Feldman, one of the most sought after session players. He was a member of the L.A. session musicians known as “The Wrecking Crew” and worked with artists such as Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Joe Walsh, and Steely Dan.

The emcees for the evening were Steve Wariner and Gary Puckett. Gary also performed and was in perfect voice.

Also seen in the crowd were past inductees, guitarist Will McDonald (Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section known as “The Swampers”), keyboard player Don Randi (L.A.’s session players a.k.a. “The Wrecking Crew”), guitarist Louie Shelton whose signature guitar riffs are on more hit records than any other guitarist in history, and well known guitarist Duane Eddy.

We were honored to be sitting next to Dennis Agajanian and his wife during the performance. Dennis is the fastest flat picker in the world and noted Christian Country Musician. Dennis has won numerous awards for his musical talents.

The Musician’s Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor for any musician to receive. The inductees are selected by their peers, the 90,000 members of the Musician’s Union along with other music industry professionals.

While you may not recognize some of their names, you certainly have heard their work. Their names may be listed on a record’s liner notes, but in many cases they are not. Some bands did not want their fans to know that they used studio players for their actual recordings. These talented creators of sound are finally receiving their place in history and our hearts at the Musician’s Hall of Fame in Nashville. 

Special thanks go to Joe Chambers (Founder MHF) and his vision to honor the rarely seen but often heard musicians.

The Musician’s Hall of Fame is a definite destination for all musicians and music lovers.