News Summary
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame has announced six new inductees for 2025, raising the total number of members to 112. The ceremony will take place at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, featuring influential figures from various music genres, including blues, rock, and gospel. This year’s inductees include Art Gilliam, Cordell Jackson, Robert Johnson, Denise LaSalle, Wendy Moten, and Johnnie Taylor, showcasing Memphis’s rich musical heritage and diverse talent.
Memphis, TN โ Six new icons have been announced as inductees into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (MMHOF) for 2025, raising the total number of members to 112 since the Hall’s inception in 2012. The induction represents a commitment to honoring a wide range of musical genres celebrated in Memphis, including rock, soul, blues, jazz, rap, gospel, rockabilly, opera, folk, and country. The executive director of MMHOF, John Doyle, reiterated the organization’s dedication to recognizing all deserving musicians.
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 is scheduled for September 25, 2025, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Cannon Center box office. This marks the twelfth consecutive year that the Hall of Fame will host a live performance event celebrating legendary musicians and their profound contributions to music history.
Profiles of the 2025 Inductees
The 2025 class of inductees includes a diverse range of influential figures in the music industry:
Art Gilliam
Art Gilliam made history as the first African American to write for The Commercial Appeal and served as an on-air reporter for Memphis television. He founded Gilliam Communications in 1977 and acquired WLOK, the first African American-owned radio station in Memphis and the entire Southeastern U.S. Gilliam is also known for establishing the annual “Stone Soul Picnic,” which has become an important voice in the gospel music scene.
Cordell Jackson
Cordell Jackson is celebrated as one of the first women to independently produce and promote rock ‘n’ roll music. She founded Moon Records in 1956 and began recording rock music from her home. Jackson gained notable recognition in the 1980s and 1990s through various national television appearances, earning her the affectionate title of “Rock โnโ Roll Granny.”
Robert Johnson
Known as a pivotal figure in both blues and rock ‘n’ roll history, Robert Johnson is recognized for having only 29 recorded songs during his lifetime. He died at the young age of 27, but his work has heavily influenced prominent artists such as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. Johnson’s music is steeped in legend, with stories surrounding him selling his soul to the devil at a Delta crossroad to gain musical talent.
Denise LaSalle
Denise LaSalle, often referred to as the “Queen of the Blues,” rose to prominence in the 1970s with her hit song “Now Run and Tell That.” She is known for blending blues with elements of soul and funk, and her efforts led her to found the National Association for the Preservation of the Blues.
Wendy Moten
A Nashville native, Wendy Moten’s musical journey gained traction after her appearance on “The Voice” in 2021. In the 1990s, she enjoyed early success with the Top 10 hit “Come In Out of the Rain” in Europe, as well as a #1 hit in Japan. Moten has demonstrated her versatility by touring with major country artists and performing on Broadway.
Johnnie Taylor
Recognized as the “Philosopher of Soul,” Johnnie Taylor had a significant impact on gospel, blues, soul, and R&B music. He is best known for his hits at Stax Records, including “Whoโs Making Love” and “Disco Lady,” the latter of which earned him a Grammy nomination.
About the Memphis Music Hall of Fame
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame was established to honor the rich musical legacy of Memphis by recognizing musicians across a variety of genres. Each inductee has left a unique mark on the music industry, reflecting the diversity and tradition of the city’s vibrant musical culture. With the addition of the Class of 2025, the Hall continues to celebrate the contributions of artists who have shaped the sound of Memphis over the years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Music Hall of Fame Inducts 2024 Class, Celebrating Icons and Local Legends
Celebrating Memphis Music: New Inductees Announced for Hall of Fame
Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: Memphis Music Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees
- Wikipedia: Memphis Music Hall of Fame
- Commercial Appeal: Big Star’s Jody Stephens Inducted
- Google Search: Memphis Music Hall of Fame
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Concerts June 2025
- Google Scholar: Memphis Music History
- StyleBlueprint: Memphis Events June
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis Music
- Fox 13 Memphis: Live at the Garden Lineup
- Google News: Memphis Concerts
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
