"This is a celebration not only for the honorees but for Arkansas," state Parks and Tourism Department Executive Director Richard Davies said by way of introducing the guests of honor at the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony Sept. 29 at Noah's Event Center.
Al Bell was the first of the 2015 honorees to be inducted. The former KOKY-FM, 102.1, disc jockey and former owner and chairman of Stax Records has been in the music industry since 1958. "It's time for us to come together and grow a global entertainment industry in the state of Arkansas. I'm ready to do my part, so let's get it on."
Brothers Ernie and Earl Cate of Fayetteville, who have been playing together since the mid-'60s and toured nationally with bands including Queen, Heart and Fleetwood Mac, were also inducted. After accepting their award, they played a couple of songs including their most famous, "Union Man."
Mary Sue McBeth accepted the award on behalf of her husband, the late W. Francis McBeth, former conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and former state composer laureate.
Buddy Jewell, the very first winner of the singing competition show Nashville Star, was also honored. His first record debuted as No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Songs. When he accepted his award, he said that he was overwhelmed to be honored. "I have no complaints. God has been so good to me."
Jewell also performed after receiving his award.
The Governor's Award was given to Charlaine Harris, formerly of Magnolia. She is best known for her Sookie Stackhouse series of books that became the HBO series True Blood. Harris is currently collaborating on a trilogy of graphic novels named Cemetery Girl, and working on a new series. "Don't worry, I'm not going to sing," she said laughing.
"When I saw the others who were being inducted, the gravity of the honor sunk in."
Telly Noel, chairman of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame board, served as the evening's master of ceremonies. Entertainment was by violinist Joseph Shackelford of El Dorado and Triple Threat.
High Profile on 10/04/2015