History
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame was a dream and goal of the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a Shoals-area based professional organization of producers, musicians, songwriters, recording studio owners and other music professionals. In 1980, the Muscle Shoals Music Association and the state Legislature, under the leadership of State Senator Bobby Denton, created the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board with a mandate to honor Alabama’s great music achievers and to build a facility in which to showcase these talented individuals and their accomplishments.
In 1987 the citizens of Alabama passed a statewide referendum for the construction of Phase One of the project, a 12,500-square-foot exhibit hall - The Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Grand opening ceremonies were held July 26, 1990 with more than 35,000 music lovers on hand to celebrate and enjoy the music provided by many of Alabama's finest talents. Every year since the opening, we have had thousands of tourists, school children, historians and music fans tour our facility to see, hear and learn of the many contributions Alabamians made to music.
The accomplishments of these people are not limited to any single style of music, nor are they restricted to just the realm of performance. Their achievements span the complete spectrum of musical genres, from sophisticated classical composition to humble gospel songs sung without accompaniment. From performing to songwriting, from management to publishing, Alabamians have contributed in many ways that made the music industry what it is today.
At the Alabama Music Hall of Fame we honor these Music Achievers in three ways:
- Exhibits illustrating their accomplishments.
- Placement of permanent bronze star in our walk of fame.
- Induction to the Hall of Fame.