TUSCUMBIA, AL (WAFF) -
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame pays tribute to the famous singers/songwriters from Alabama.
Induction ceremonies are only held once every two years.
Some of the sons and daughters of Alabama include:
- Nat King Cole of Montgomery
- Lionel Richie of Tuskegee
- Hank Williams, Junior and Senior, both of Montgomery.
- Emmy Lou Harris of Birmingham
- Tammy Wynette of Red Bay.
"She's known as the first lady of country music," said marketing director Dixie Connell about Wynette, who was discovered on WBRC's Country Boy Eddie Show in Birmingham.
Lionel Richie was inducted twice into the hall of fame- once with the Commodores and once as an individual performer.
However, not everyone recognized is an inductee.
"We have our American Idols. You know the first two or three years of that show contestants that won or were runner up were from Alabama."
At the hall of fame, you can also see the tour bus used by Alabama for the first few years they were on the road.
In the Rhythm and Blues Section, the "Father of the Blues", W. C. Handy, is honored.
There are many more exhibits to see. However, the center has fallen on hard financial times recently because of budget cuts in state funding.
"We had to lay off people and we wore many hats, trying to keep our doors open and all. We still have our funding issues," said Connell.
She said they are hanging on, but still need donations.
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