KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — North Carolina is home to many famous musicians, like country singer Eric Church and jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, and has more than 115 artists currently inducted in its music hall of fame.

 

What You Need To Know 

  • The museum is located near downtown Kannapolis 
  • Admission is free, but donations are encouraged

 

On a Wednesday night, Ken Knox was rehearsing with some other musicians for the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It inducts new members once a year, and Knox knows what that special feeling is like.

He was inducted more than 20 years ago for the famed band Chairman of the Board. 

“We are very fortunate to have the music, the vocals and the personality to make it happen,” Knox said.

The soul group toured across the world, known for their hit songs in the 1970s such as “Give Me Just a Little More Time” and “Patches.” The group is one of the many bands that visitors can learn about at the N.C. Music Hall of Fame.

“You’d be amazed at all the other talent that has come out of North Carolina that people don’t know,” Knox said.

Visitors can learn about other musicians like the, Avett Brothers from Concord, who play folk rock.

“I can just tell you they were an awesome group,” Knox said.

Around the corner is country star Randy Travis and Ron Tyson from the legendary Motown group The Temptations.

“They were known for ''My Girl,'” Knox said. “They were the group that every young group tried to follow and emulate.”

He says more than 100 people have been inducted into the music hall of fame. All of them have a North Carolina tie.

“I think people would be proud to know that a lot of the musicians they listen to are here in this museum,” Knox said. “It’s just amazing. You can see all the displays of your favorite artists.”

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is free to enter, but they do encourage donations. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on weekends.