Every year, Memphis reaffirms its title as the epicenter of American music. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame just announced its 2025 class of inductees, and the lineup is packed with powerful voices, boundary-pushers, and hometown heroes who helped shape the soundtrack of the world.
From Stax stars to blues pioneers, and even a gospel radio giant, these six new members join an elite group of legends who made their mark right here in Memphis.
The induction ceremony is set for Thursday, September 25 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, and yes, you can grab your tickets now at Ticketmaster.com.
Let’s meet the six newest members of Memphis music royalty 👑
🎙️ Johnnie Taylor: “The Philosopher of Soul”
Born in Arkansas and raised in West Memphis, Johnnie Taylor brought church-grown vocals to the world stage. His work at Stax Records made him a soul legend with hits like “Who’s Making Love” and “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me).” He blended gospel, soul, and later disco, topping charts with “Disco Lady”, the first-ever platinum-certified single in America. Taylor’s voice and storytelling have become embedded in the spirit of Southern soul.
🎸 Cordell Jackson: The “Rock ‘n’ Roll Granny” Who Broke the Mold
A fierce pioneer in a male-dominated industry, Cordell Jackson not only played electric guitar but she also produced, engineered, and ran her own label, Moon Records, right here in Memphis. Her fearless energy earned her a nickname that stuck: “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Granny.” She paved the way for generations of women in rock, showing us that age, gender, or norms couldn’t hold her back from shredding stereotypes.
🎼 Art Gilliam: Radio Revolutionary and Community Voice
From becoming the first Black columnist at The Commercial Appeal to founding WLOK, one of the first Black-owned radio stations in the country, Art Gilliam has been changing the media landscape in Memphis for decades. Under his leadership, WLOK amplified gospel music and civic discourse, becoming a cultural cornerstone. His induction is a long-overdue recognition of how sound and storytelling shape a city.
🎤 Denise LaSalle: The Queen of the Blues
With chart-toppers like “Trapped by a Thing Called Love” and “Man Sized Job,” Denise LaSalle was a powerhouse of soul, blues, and sass. She founded the National Association for the Preservation of the Blues, ensuring that the legacy of blues music, especially that of Black women, remains alive and celebrated. Her voice, grit, and advocacy made her a star and a steward of the blues.
🎶 Wendy Moten: Memphis’ Vocal Virtuoso
From singing in Memphis churches to winning hearts as a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice”, Wendy Moten has one of the most dynamic voices in the game. Her breakout single “Come In Out of the Rain” gained global acclaim in the ’90s, and her journey since includes Broadway runs and touring with legends like Vince Gill and Faith Hill. Her versatility and longevity in music make her a treasured gem in Memphis’ musical crown.
🎸 Robert Johnson: The Delta Blues Legend Who Started It All
Though his time in Memphis was brief, his influence is eternal. The haunting recordings of Robert Johnson, laid down in just two sessions in the 1930s, sparked the imagination of everyone from Clapton to Dylan. A mystery man with unmatched musical genius, Johnson’s myth and magic continue to ripple through rock, blues, and beyond. His induction is a recognition of the roots and the raw power of Delta blues.
📍 Save the Date: Celebrate Memphis Music History
🗓 Induction Ceremony
📍 Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🎟 Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Memphis music or just learning how deep our roots go, this night is one you won’t want to miss. Past inductees include B.B. King, Carla Thomas, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Elvis Presley, and Justin Timberlake and now six more icons are joining this historic hall.
💡 Why This Matters to Memphis
This event will honor the voices that gave Memphis its soul, its swagger, and its sonic identity. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame continues to remind us that behind every hit song and iconic performance is a story deeply tied to this city.
And that story is still being written.
📣 How You Can Get Involved
🎟 Attend the induction ceremony and show some hometown pride
📚 Visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to learn more
📱 Share your Memphis music memories on social media
🧡 Support local musicians carrying the legacy forward
