This year’s inductees into the North America Country Music Hall of Fame are musical legends and storytellers, each blazing their own path on their musical journey. The impressive 2026 inductees include Dallas Wayne, Con Hunley, The Malpass Brothers, Ken Mellons, Stevie Lee Woods, and David Wills. We honor the life, music, and career of these extraordinary artists.
Co‑CEO of the North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI) and CEO of the NACMAI Hall of Fame, Brian Orr, stated: “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the country music genre, each leaving an indelible mark on the industry. This induction ceremony is not just a celebration of their achievements but also a recognition of their dedication to the craft and their impact on aspiring artists. We look forward to honoring these remarkable musicians and celebrating their legacy in the world of Country music. Together, we will ensure that their contributions are remembered and cherished for years to come.”
The ceremony will be held March 28th at 7 PM at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, TN, nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Tickets are available at easttennesseeconcerts.com.
Dallas Wayne
Dallas Wayne has spent more than forty years pursuing the honest, hard‑won sound that first moved him as a kid growing up in Springfield, Missouri. Over the decades he has built a multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, radio personality, voice‑over artist, actor, and producer, recording 13 albums along the way. His most recent project, Coldwater, Tennessee (2022), produced by the legendary Buddy Cannon, stands among his most personal work, following his two‑volume tribute to the classic country that shaped him, Songs The Jukebox Taught Me, which features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Jeannie Seely, Darrell and Mona McCall, and Paula Nelson. Beyond the studio and stage, Wayne is one of the most recognizable voices on SiriusXM Radio, heard six days a week on both Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw Country, where his presence has become a cornerstone of the channels and a bridge connecting generations of listeners to the heart of country music. More than a participant in the genre’s story, Dallas Wayne remains one of its most enduring storytellers.
Con Hunley
Con Hunley grew up in Fountain City, Tennessee, in a large, faith‑centered family where gospel music and church singing shaped his earliest influences. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned home and began performing in Knoxville clubs, quickly earning industry attention for his smooth, soulful delivery. By the late 1970s and 1980s, he had become one of country music’s most distinctive voices, scoring multiple Top 10 and Top 20 hits including You’ve Still Got a Place in My Heart, No Relief in Sight, and Week‑End Friend, and earning a nomination for Top New Male Vocalist at the 1979 ACM Awards. Though he later stepped away from recording to pursue business interests, Hunley eventually returned to music with renewed purpose, continuing to perform, record, and connect with fans. Today he remains closely tied to his Knoxville roots, known for heartfelt storytelling and a timeless vocal style that still resonates with listeners.
The Malpass Brothers
Rooted in the timeless sounds of classic country, The Malpass Brothers—Chris and Taylor—were inspired early on by their grandfather’s LP collection and the legendary harmonies of duos like Jim & Jesse, the Louvin Brothers, and the Wilburn Brothers. Mentored by steel guitar legend Don Helms and later handpicked by Merle Haggard as an opening act for seven years, the brothers have carried the torch for traditional country across stages nationwide. Their debut album, 'Memory That Bad’ was produced by Haggard, followed by projects with Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson. Their latest release, ‘Lonely Street,’ co-produced by Lawson and Ben Isaacs, showcases the Malpass Brothers’ authentic songwriting and deep reverence for the golden era of country music. They are currently working on multiple projects and a new live album for 2026, and filming Season 3 of The Malpass Brothers Show.
Ken Mellons
Ken Mellons was raised in Nashville on the music of George Jones, Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, and Keith Whitley—artists who helped shape the rich baritone and traditional storytelling style that would define his career. He broke through in 1994 with his self‑titled debut album, featuring the Top 10 hit Jukebox Junkie, a song that stood out for its unapologetically traditional sound during a decade moving toward pop‑leaning country. Mellons followed with a string of 1990s favorites, including I Can Bring Her Back, Rubba Dubbin’, Lookin’ in the Same Direction, and Workin’ for the Weekend, further establishing himself as a champion of classic honky‑tonk. Alongside his own recordings, he became a respected Nashville songwriter, with artists such as George Strait and Dierks Bentley cutting his material. Throughout his career, Mellons has remained committed to country music’s roots, continuing to write, record, and perform with the sincerity and grit that have made his work enduring.
Stevie Lee Woods
Stevie Lee Woods is a seasoned country music artist whose career spans decades of hit records, powerhouse performances, and national television appearances. A native of Bluefield, Virginia, he grew up in a musically gifted family that shaped his distinctive sound and dynamic stage presence. He broke into the Nashville scene in the early 1990s and quickly gained attention for his strong vocals and heartfelt delivery, rising to national prominence with charting singles such as Is There Anything Left. His high‑energy live shows earned him a loyal fan base and steady demand across the country. Beyond recording, Woods stars in Nashville Roadhouse Live, a popular Branson, Missouri production known for its mix of music, comedy, and rotating guest artists—showcasing his versatility, charisma, and award‑winning presence. With his Southern charm, powerful voice, and enduring work ethic, Stevie Lee Woods remains a vibrant force in the evolving landscape of country music.
David Wills
David Wills, a Pulaski, Tennessee native, launched his career after being discovered at a talent contest and signing with Epic Records. From 1974 to 1988 he charted twenty‑one singles, including the Top 10 hits “There’s a Song on the Jukebox” and “Barrooms to Bedrooms.” He also became a sought‑after Nashville songwriter, penning major cuts such as George Strait’s “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger”, Sawyer Brown’s “Leona”, Keith Whitley’s “Charlotte’s in North Carolina”, John Schneider’s No. 1 “You’re the Last Thing I Needed Tonight,” His songwriting legacy continued with “Wild Horses” for Garth Brooks’ No Fences, a song that later became a Top 10 hit when released as a single in 2000. Over five decades, Wills has left a lasting mark on country music as both an artist and songwriter, and in 2025 he began work on his third Tugalo Records album, Way Too Much Fun, featuring new songs that reflect his enduring creativity.
Past inductees include legendary artists such as Randy Travis, Mel Tillis, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah, Mark Wills, Barbara Fairchild, Leona Williams, William Lee Golden & The Goldens, T. Graham Brown, Bobby G. Rice, and many others.
The North American Country Music Association, International was founded by Ms. Peggy Franks in March of 1997. Over the past 29 years, more than 135 music professionals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. It stands as a place to honor and pay homage to the true legends of Country Music, while keeping the genre close to its roots. As Founder Peggy Franks states, “Without the past, there is no future.” The goal remains to instill and preserve the history and sounds of Country music in the ears, minds, and hearts of today’s generation.
For more information on the North American Country Music Hall of Fame visit their website www.nacmai.org
