This site is dedicated to the preservation of the many genres of music which have their roots in North Carolina. New artists; alongside of the traditional ones; all contribute to that diversity which we hope to showcase here.
The NC Music Hall of Fame observed the Grand
Opening of its new home at 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis this evening. The new location also
serves as home to entertainment and race car enthusiast Mike Curb’s race cars.
His Curb Motorsports has been at the location for several years already, just a
few blocks south of the old NC Music Hall of Fame which was housed in the old
Kannapolis Jail House on West A Street.
This new location; all on one floor and Handicap accessible;
will give more space and light to the museums already burgeoning chest of music
memorabilia. The Hall of Fame has inducted scores of musicians, singers and composers into the
ranks since opening over 5 years ago. And with each artist inducted it has
obtained more items, many of which are being displayed now for the first time.
Imagine how some of the instruments feel; being freed from the confines of
their cases after having travelled so far and wide with their former, storied
owners. “I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams comes immediately to mind.
The heart and soul of this museum really belongs to 2 people
in particular; Eddie Ray, who is the legendary A and R man; and his Assistant
Right hand Veronica Cordle; which makes them both A and R persons. These 2 are a formidable team. He thinks
stuff up and she actually makes it happen.
The Hall of Fame is financed by both a grant from Mike Curb
and funding from the Arts Council of Kannapolis as well as the City. They also
accept donations, as well as hold an annual 5K Race each spring and an
Induction Ceremony every October.
Whether your musical tastes run to James Taylor, or Les
Brown, Victoria Livengood; or even Thelonius Monk; there is something here for
your enjoyment. Even Andy Griffith is here, alongside such contemporaries as
Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino. The Museum is open Monday through Fridays
between 10AM and 4PM; and on Saturdays in the mornings only. Group visits are welcome
and are encouraged you to call ahead.
Even if you have been to the Museum at its old location, you
will be amazed at the difference the new layout makes. These few photos don’t
really do it justice. And to those who may be worried that the change in
location might be a detriment; don’t worry. What the new building lacks in
quaintness is more than compensated by the layout and abundance of new
exhibits. Come see for yourself. The following links will be helpful;
Sue and I had the pleasure of attending the 2014 Induction Award Ceremony for the NC Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis last night. The pre-ceremony dinner was at the restaurant Forty Six, which is right adjacent to the Gem Theatre where the Induction Ceremony was held.
The Gem; for those not already familiar with the theater; is one of those rare commodities these days; a stand-alone, honest to goodness movie theater, with a marquee and everything. Not only do they show the most recent films at a reasonable price; they also showcase local community events, and the theater is also available for rent as a place to hold an occasion; from weddings to graduations.
This year’s ceremony, which followed the dinner, featured an award for Clay Aiken. Although he was not in attendance his presence was easily felt. Raleigh is not so far away that we don’t consider him to be a “local”. His mother accepted the award for him and even gave a little plug to his upcoming election bid for Congress. Nobody seemed to mind.
Fantasia Barrino, top R&B artist and American Idol Winner in 2004 was on hand to accept an award and gave a truly charming acceptance speech. Although she did not perform she did sing a portion of her remarks acapella, much to everyone's delight. Even Ms. Barrino seemed to enjoy herself. In a form fitting white full length gown she was reminiscent of a younger Aretha Franklin.
Jimmy Capps, whose career has had him playing on so many hits that it’s hard to even list them, was also part of the show. He was truly in great form leading the audience through a series of his hits. He has also been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1958.
The Embers, known for their beach music sound; made for strolling on the boardwalk, were honored and then later performed. These were the original members and they still had it all together; friends for life. And that friendship translated right through to the audience, many of whom were life long fans.
Little Eva; known mostly for “The Loco-motion” & “The Turkey Trot”, was born in Belhaven, NC, and received a long overdue posthumous induction. She also got a extended ovation. The Chairmen of the Board; long known for their beach music and cross over hits such as "Give Me Just a Little More Time" also performed and brought the house down. Everybody loves these guys and they have played at several Hall of Fame events; being early Inductees themselves.
Lulu Belle & Scotty, two artists from the 1940’s, known as the Sweethearts of Country Music were singled out for their contributions at a time when Charlotte almost replaced Nashville as the center of country music. Not only was Charlotte on the "circuit", it also boasted the most powerful transmitter in the South at the time, bringing acts such as theirs here to the Queen City for radio exposure. One of my favorite recordings of theirs was the 1974 hit "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" That song was highlighted in the tribute film to them, which made me very happy.
Talmadge “Tab” Smith, who played with Jimmy Witherspoon and Johnny Otis was also honored, as was Link Wray, renowned guitarist known for the” power chord”. As an added bonus, Link Wray's grandson's group Band of Tribes shook the theater with a power performance, which although it may have seemed a bit out of place for the program, reflected the myriad sounds which originated here in North Carolina. Their vocalist was also a powerhouse of her own.
All in all it was a fantastic show which lasted over 2 hours before everybody headed over to the museums new headquarters at Curb Motorsports down the road in Concord. The move will afford the museum about twice the space they currently have in the original location at the old Kannapolis Jail. Mike Curb is an old friend of Eddie Ray, who is the Vice-Director of Operations at the museum. You might even say that he is its heart and soul.
The evening really highlighted not only the musical roots of North Carolina, but also what fun local cultural events can be when presented by such local organizations as The NC Music Hall of Fame.
For more about them and what they do, go to their website at;
The following remarks were delivered yesterday by Eddie Ray of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame at the ceremonies honoring Thelonius Monk, which took place in Rocky Mount, N.C. I was privileged to be asked to write a little something befitting of the occasion; and glad to do it.
My original draft was a little bit different in that it included 3 paragraphs which Eddie Ray chose not to speak, thus proving his legendary talents as an accomplished Artists and Repertoire (A&R) man. I have been known to go on tangents and need minding.
So, here is the text of the remarks as written by me and edited to a fine edge by Eddie Ray, and then spoken at the ceremony. It was an honor for me to write about Thelonius Monk; and although I might not be the number 1 fan as purported in the in the opening remarks; I do recognize the genius of the man.
Introduction by Bobby Monk.
Eddie Ray:
“Thank you Bobby Monk,
When Robert Williams, a devoted fan of Thelonius Monk, heard that I had been honored to participate in Thelonius’ 97th Birthday Celebration in his home town of Rocky Mount, NC, he sent me some suggested comments about his musical idol that he would have liked to share if he were participating in the Celebration. Robert’s comments were so beautiful and emotionally moving, I decided to share them with you. He entitled his presentation,
“THE PICASSO FROM ROCKY MOUNT”
“The leaves would have been turning; just as they are now. Look around outside at the beautiful colors surrounding us; these were the first sights that the boy would ever see. And though he traveled far; would they ever leave him?
The sounds of his first winter would have been full of the wind as it howled and blew through the hills; and when it froze he would have heard the cracking of the tree limbs as they broke away from the trunks, crashing, quietly muffled on the snow covered ground. Crashing quietly; just like the struggles evident in his music later on; when discordant notes fought for a place among sweeter melodies. Could his senses have ever really forgotten from where that came?
Surrounded by the colors and SOUNDS of these hills and mountains where he was born had to have helped form the mind of the boy who would someday mesmerize the world with his unique SOUNDS. And although he would leave these hills at an early age; he was only 5 years old when his family moved to New York City; this is where he came from.
After moving to New York City, where the people today actually still claim him as their native son; it seemed like everybody wanted a piece of him. A largely self-taught musician, he did attend Julliard for a while; where it must have been difficult for him to contain his musical visions within the confines of a structured school setting. But, by age 17 he was touring with a gospel band playing the organ for a few years before forming his first ensemble.
After that, came the legendary years, which produced such classics as “Round Midnight” in 1947. Photos of him at the time; he was 30; show a sharply dressed and focused man. I could go on about all his great achievements in the field of Progressive; and even Advant Garde Jazz, but all of that has been covered elsewhere by others. You didn’t come here to hear a biography. You came here to celebrate a great musical SOUND.
Somewhere, sometime; there was a note, or possibly a melody, which entranced you and drew you in, And then you were hooked on that “SOUND”. Thelonius Monk was that SOUND personified. And his entire life; until his death over 30 years ago; was a continued exploration of just how far he could take that SOUND.
From Rocky Mount, NC to New York City and to every city in the world he took his SOUND. He refined it each step of the way, adding something he heard here; and a note he heard there; until those combined SOUNDS became the soundtrack of his own life and travels; and the lives of those who traveled the musical path with him.
On behalf of the NC Music Hall of Fame, I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to help preserve, honor and promote Thelonius Monk’s extraordinary contributions to the rich musical history of our State of North Carolina and to the entire world. The memory and enjoyment of his amazing musical contributions to the world of music will live on forever.
For more about both Eddie Ray and the NC Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis, go to their link at;
Millions of people first became aware of Nina Simone through her stance on Civil Rights in the late 1960's. That's understandable, as her signature song, "Backlash Blues", was the work of Langston Hughes; the poet of Harlem Renaissance fame. Mr. Hughes was on his deathbed even as Ms. Simone sang the song he had first written as a poem. His last request to her was that she never stop singing it. And, she never did. It's as important a song as "Bitter Fruit" by Billie Holiday; or even "Black and Blue" by Louis Armstrong. It also marked Ms.Simone's emergence as an activist in the struggle for Equality then sweeping the nation. This is the version of the song that leapt from the radio in the summer of 1967;
But before that, Ms. Simone was already a major artist in jazz, blues and even pop circles. Even her 1959 rendition of "Little Girl Blue" would be covered over a decade later by Janis Joplin. The woman was a triple threat; she sang, wrote, played piano; all while covering genres which ranged from classical to Jazz, Blues, Folk, R and B, Gospel and even Pop music. She literally knew no boundaries.
Born in Tryon, North Carolina on February 21, 1933 as Eunice Kathleen Waymon, she was the 6th child born into a Preacher's family. Her original goal was to be a classical music pianist but her goal changed when she was denied a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. That denial was based purely on race. It was that denial which led to Ms. Simone to perform in the local clubs around Philadelphia to make up that deficiency of funds. It was also when she began to sing.
By 1958 she had begun her recording career with the single "I Loves You Porgy" and an album called "Little Girl Blue." She made nothing off of these recordings beyond the initial $3,000 for which she asked at the time, releasing her royalties forever. Those recordings went on to make millions.
Her recording career lasted from 1958-1974. Most known for her fusion of blues and gospel with classical music, Ms. Simone was an enigma at first. She never fit neatly into any of the "slots". Her recordings almost all have a classical element in them somewhere. If not in the composition itself, then in the vocals arrangements.
Her early years playing gospel in church helped her to have an instinctive feel for her audience. She knew which crowd would understand her more jazz like renditions of her hits, and which ones wanted to hear the record. She measured them all up with a discerning eye, sometimes being mistook as too much of a "purist." But whatever label you put on her, you could never deny that she was a force to be reckoned with.
By the early 1960's she was embracing the Civil rights Movement openly, which was still a risk until the later part of the decades. Careers could be smashed over this divisive issue. Her earliest taste of racism came when she was 12 years old and her parents were asked to move to the rear of the concert hall where she was making her first recital. We can only imagine how much that must have hurt. Ms. Simone refused to pay until her parents were restored to their seats. Imagine the courage which that took! This is a woman who would never know stage fright!
Her mother was the preacher in the house; she was a Methodist Minister and a housemaid. Her father worked as a handyman, after having tried his hand in business. His health was not always the best, making Ms. Simone's mother the main wage earner. Her mother's employer actually set up a fund for Ms. Simone to continue taking piano lessons, having heard something of promise in her. With some of that money she was able to attend Allen High School for Girls in Asheville. She then went on to the Curtis Institute where she was rejected. It must be noted that the Institute had already begun accepting African-American applicant as early as the 1940's. The first such graduate was George Walker in 1945. He would go on to earn a Pulitzer Prize. Ms. Simone went to New York and studied at Juilliard.
It was while attending school in New York that she became "Nina", performing in Atlantic City to pay for school. She took the last name Simone for Simone Signoret, the French actress, whom she admired. In later life Ms. Simone would go to live in France, where she was even more highly regarded than here at home.
She opposed the Vietnam War and refused to pay her taxes as
a protest. When she left the United States for Barbados she left her wedding
band behind. Her husband/manager took this as a sign that she wanted a divorce.
When she returned to the United States she found that a warrant had been issued
for her arrest concerning the unpaid taxes. She quickly returned to Barbados,
where she lived for many years until relocating to Liberia. From there she
moved to Switzerland, and later the Netherlands, before finally settling in
France.
Another signature Civil Rights Era song which Ms. Simone wrote has become almost an anthem, "Mississippi Goddam" which she wrote in response to the killing of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the church in Alabama which left 4 children dead. It was widely banned; as was to be expected; down south.
Her recording career was up and down during the decades she was moving about, but took an unexpected upturn in the late 1980's and 1990's when she recorded several well regarded jazz albums, as well as a collection of varied songs called "Baltimore." Her last recording was in 1993, with an album called "A Single Woman." Her autobiography; published the year before; is called "I Put a Spell On You."
By far her most well regarded recording is the album "Montreux Jazz Festival" for which she will always be remembered. That album is also available on film.
In 1993 she settled in Aix-en-Provence in France. She died in her sleep on April 21, 2003. Her ashes were sent to several African countries. She left one daughter, Lisa Stroud, who uses the name Simone. She has appeared on Broadway in "Aida."
While one of the more controversial artists of her time she has become one of the most well loved since her death. She was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2009. And, in 2010 a statue in her honor was erected on Trade Street, in Tryon, North Carolina, the place it all began.
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is located in Kannapolis at 109 West A Street. It is housed in a small red brick building that at one time was the town jail. In these days of corporate ownership, it is a rare pleasure to have an independent and growing operation like the Music Hall of Fame. North Carolina has been the stomping grounds of many illustrious musical legends. And this spunky little museum does its best to highlight them all.
Walking in, and immediately to the right, as you enter are some plagues and photos from James Taylor. He wrote "I'm Going to Carolina In My Mind", which is our State Song. He continues to perform today all around the world.
This snappy little outfit was worn by Nina Simone. Her earthy and insistent rendition of "Do I Move You" still sends shivers down the backs of her listeners. It's almost as if she's daring you to say no. And her scathing indictment of segregation in "Backlash Blues" still ranks among the greatest of the 60's social protest songs. It's right up there with "Bitter Fruit" by Billie Holliday, or "I'm Black and I'm Blue" by Louis Armstrong. Powerful stuff.
Most people think of North Carolina in connection with bluegrass and gospel music, and we do have our share of that. Charlie Daniels, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson all immediately spring to mind. But we have such a wide variety of music in our history. From the beach sounds of groups like The Chairmen of the Board to the funky soul sound of George Clintons' Funkadelics, it's all on display here, with plans for adding more.
The second floor is not open yet, but there is already a need for more space. As more items keep on arriving and new members are added to the ranks of inductees, the need for more space will arrive sooner than later. Each years Induction Ceremony brings with it new and more contemporary artists, all requiring a space of their own. Also, to accommodate the continuous need for more space there are plans to use part of the first floor as a revolving type exhibit. This will enable the Museum to remain current and involved in the music scene as it relates to North Carolina.
This gown belonged to Victoria Livengood, the noted opera star. She is still performing today. The exhibit runs the entire gamut of music. From Andy Griffiths' early comedy records and his later gospel recordings, to the likes of The Shirelles, Ben E. King and Roberta Flack. And there is more on the way.
Vice Chairman Eddie Ray is hoping to get some more memorabilia from "American Idol" to represent the artists; such as Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and Bo Brice, to highlight North Caroilna's unique connection to the show.
But the real star of the whole show is Mr. Ray himself. He is half of the partnership that gave life to this museum. His history in the music business is an education in itself.
In 1954 Mr. Ray was already established in the music industry, on the distribution end, and also promoting artists such as The Drifters, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, B.B.King, Clyde McPhatter, and Joe Turner, just to name a few! It was also the year he released his self penned recording of "Hearts of Stone" by The Jewels. It was a crossover hit and also covered by many of the leading R & B groups of the era.
In the mid to late 50's he was handling Ricky Nelson, Fats Domino, Slim Whitman and Johnny Rivers while employed at Imperial records. In the 1960's he joined Capitol records as Director of A & R for the Tower label. It was there that he acquired Pink Floyd. It was also around this time that he became the first African American V.P. of a major recording company.
Mr. Ray, along with his old colleague, Mike Curb from Tower Records, have put this museum together to honor and showcase the artists that have made North Carolina a great place for music. But; it must be said; that although all of the exhibits are wonderful, it will always be Mr. Ray who gives this little museum its own "Heart and Soul."
For more information about the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and their upcoming annual 5K race in May, use this link;
This is the first in a series of postings about the artists who are in the NC
Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis, N.C.
The music which has emanated out of North Carolina over the tears is
much varied and covers every musical genre you can possibly think of; from
Opera to Funk and everything in between. The plan is to do posts about these
artists to commemorate their birthdays. Mr. Bristol’s big day is today, February
3rd.
Johnny Bristol is a perfect example of the diversity of the
music which has originated in North Carolina over the past 100 years. Born
February 3, 1939 Mr. Bristol spent his early years living in Morganton, the
county seat of Burke County. It is in the mountains near Hickory.
The town
boasts quite a few famous people. In addition to Johnny Bristol there is Etta
Baker, known for her version of the Piedmont Blues, a separate genre unto
itself. In addition the likes of Senator Sam Ervin, the town also lays claim to
Frankie Silver who was the first woman ever hanged in North Carolina. On the
other end of the spectrum, the town is also the home of Paige Summers,
Penthouse 1998 Pet of the Year.
Mr. Bristol is mostly remembered as a musician-songwriter as
well as having been a producer Motown during its most active period, from the
late 1960s to the 1970’s. His own hits include the one here, which is kind of
an Al Green thing from 1974, to the song he wrote about his home town of
Morganton.
His first real musical success came in Detroit, where he had
landed after serving in the Air Force in the late 1950’s. As part of the duo
Johnny and Jackey; Jackey Beavers; they
recorded about half a dozen songs on two different independent labels, both
owned by members of Berry Gordy’s family. While these records were only
successful in the Mid-west, they were instrumental in opening the doors for him
at Motown. By 1965 he was working at Motown as a songwriter and producer. He
was the guy behind the mixing board for such hits as “Ain’t No Mountain High
Enough” and “Your Precious Love”.
This was probably the most creative period of Mr. Bristol’s
career. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold; as in gold records.
Wikipedia lists the following records among his accomplishments;
The Velvelettes "These Things Keep Me Loving
You" (1966); Gladys Knight & the Pips' "I Don't Want To Do
Wrong" (1971) and "Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" (1972); and Jr.
Walker & the All Stars, who charted with a number of Bristol-written
singles and albums, including "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)"
(1969), "Gotta Hold On To This Feeling" (1970), "Way Back
Home" (1971) and "Walk in the Night" (1971). Mr. Bristol even
recorded Jermaine Jackson's first solo record, "That's How Love Goes"
in 1972.
In addition to all the above, he was the last producer to
work with The Supremes and The Miracles, before they both lost their lead
singers. “Someday We’ll Be Together” is actually a cover version of Mr.
Bristol’s single with Jackey in 1961.His voice is even the male response on the
final released version by the Supremes.
In 1973 he was briefly associated with CBS Records as a
producer, but the label seemed to be unenthusiastic about his artists, which
included Boz Scaggs and also Johnny Mathis. By 1974 he was with MGM, where he
seemed to get his “second wind”. He was now ready to emerge as an artist on his
own.
With MGM he recorded 2 albums and placed several singles
in the charts. "Hang on in There Baby" was released in 1974 and hit #8 in the US on
the Pop charts; #2 on the R&B charts;
and even enjoyed success overseas,
placing #3 in the UK. "You and I",
"Leave My World" and "Do It To My Mind" followed one
after the other in 1974, 75 and 1976. In 1975 he was nominated for a Grammy as
Best New Artist.
After leaving MGM he went on to record with Atlantic
Records, a relationship which saw him working with some of the artists he had
worked with at CBS. In particular he was instrumental in Boz Scaggs “comeback”
“Slow Dancer” in 1974. He also produced the Tom Jones album “Memories Don’t
Leave like People Do” which contained 5 cover versions of Mr. Bristol’s songs.
By the 1980’s he was firmly embedded in the European
market with such artists as Ami Stewart. He continued recording through the
early 1990’s, making music with Earth Wind and Fire, as well as a recording
with his daughter Shannon Bristol. He even enjoyed some degree of success in
the Japanese market at the time.
Mr. Bristol passed away at his home in Michigan on March 21,
2004. He died of natural causes at the age of 65. Although some would not
consider him to be a major artist; or superstar; he was, and continues to be
well regarded in several genres. NC Music Hall of Fame is pleased to include
this artist among its inductees.
For more on the NC Music Hall of Fame and their other inductees, use this link;
.jpg)
