18 19 Each inductee helped define a genre while inspiring generations of musicians who followed. Mississippi John Hurt The Heart of America’s Folk Revival Mississippi John Hurt (born John Smith Hurt) became world famous in 1963. The soft-spoken, 70-year-old bluesman had spent decades performing around his hometown of Avalon, Mississippi, primarily for neighbors and at local gatherings. A central figure in the early 1960s folk and blues revival, Hurt went from obscurity to national fame within months. He performed on college campuses and festival stages across the country, signed a recording contract and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. His influence extended beyond the blues, inspiring musicians in folk, country, bluegrass, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll. His Newport Folk Festival performances and Library of Congress recordings anchor his legacy in American folk and blues heritage, while his gentle spirit earned him the title “The Heart of America’s Folk Revival.” The Mississippi Mass Choir The Sound of the Spirit Founded in 1988, the Mississippi Mass Choir has reached millions through its performances and award-winning albums. The three-time Grammy-nominated gospel choir was the dream of Frank Williams, a Malaco Records executive and member of the Jackson Southernaires. Working with music minister David Curry Sr. and pianist Jerry Smith, Williams brought together 150 vocalists from church choirs across Mississippi to create a powerful wall of sound. The choir’s debut album spent 45 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel charts, setting industry records. A 12-time Stellar Gospel Music Award winner, Billboard Gospel Artist of the Year and multiple Dove Award recipient, the choir remains one of gospel music’s most celebrated ensembles. Under Pastor Jerry Mannery, the choir continues to minister through song across the United States and Europe. Charley Patton The Father of the Blues Charley Patton (circa April 1891-April 28, 1934) is widely regarded as the “Father of the Delta Blues.” Drawing from work songs, field hollers, spirituals and dance tunes of the Mississippi Delta, Patton forged a style uniquely his own. An indisputable pioneer of American music, his influence extends beyond the blues to rock ‘n’ roll, country and folk. His raw intensity and rhythmic innovations influenced younger musicians, including Robert Johnson, Son House, Tommy Johnson and Chester Burnett, later known as Howlin’ Wolf. Roebuck “Pops” Staples also cited Patton as a major inspiration. Posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, Patton was honored with the first historical marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail, placed at his gravesite. Bobby Rush The King of the Chitlin’ Circuit Bobby Rush (born Emmett Ellis Jr.) has captivated audiences worldwide with his self-described “folk-funk,” blending blues with soul-funk grooves. A three-time Grammy Award and 12-time Blues Music Award recipient, Rush is a member of the Blues Hall of Fame, Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. With more than 400 recordings, he continues to tour relentlessly, performing more than 200 shows annually. Now in his eighth decade as a performer, Rush has become an elder statesman and ambassador for the blues. The 2026 Mississippi Public Broadcasting documentaries King of the Chitlin’ Circuit: Bobby Rush and the biographical play Slippin’ Through the Cracks: The Bobby Rush Musical continue to expand his audience and influence. Conway Twitty The High Priest of Country Music Conway Twitty (born Harold Lloyd Jenkins) remains one of country music’s most decorated artists, selling more than 50 million records worldwide and helping define the genre for a generation. His career changed in 1958 when an Ohio radio station began heavily playing one of his B-sides. “It’s Only Make Believe” reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart and topped charts in 21 other countries, becoming the first of 55 No. 1 singles. Fellow Mississippian Jerry Clower dubbed Twitty “The High Priest of Country Music,” comparing his concerts to religious revivals. Twitty embraced the title for an album. His signature song, “Hello Darlin’,” reached No. 1 in 1970 and became one of the era’s defining country songs.
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