The Memphis Music Hall of Fame has rolled out its 2025 roster of inductees, and it's a blend of six trailblazing musicians and industry players who've left indelible marks on the music scene. Joining the prestigious list of 112 members, this year's selections uphold the broad spectrum of genres Memphis is known for, ranging from blues and soul to rock and gospel, Action News 5 reported.
The class of 2025 includes Art Gilliam, a radio pioneer who took the helm at WLOK, making it the first black-owned station in the region, and Cordell Jackson, lauded as the country's first female recording engineer, according to Local Memphis. Their achievements are joined by Robert Johnson, whose haunting blues legacy has influenced generations; Denise LaSalle, the "Queen of the Blues"; Wendy Moten, who earned national recognition on "The Voice"; and soulful Stax Records icon, Johnnie Taylor.
John Doyle, executive director of the MMHOF, expressed the importance of continuing to showcase Memphis's multifaceted musical heritage. "After 106 planet-shaking inductees, some might expect the prominence and significance to wane," Doyle said, “Not in Memphis. Not in the epicenter of American music. Plus, there are so many more yet to be honored… so many supporters who are possibly disappointed that their favorite is not yet on this list. They will be. All will be honored. We’re committed to that. But this year, let’s show up and honor these like the stars they are,” The Commercial Appeal reported.
The induction ceremony for 2025's inductees is slated for September 25 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. Importantly, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame underlines the depth and diversity of Memphis music history by highlighting not only front-and-center performers but also influential backroom figures such as songwriters, session musicians and, producers.
