The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF) has announced its inaugural class of inductees. FARHOF was launched in 2019 as an initiative of Boston’s Boch Center. Its purpose is to “celebrate the lifeblood of America’s musical and cultural heritage.”
According to FARHOF’s website, “the inaugural class of 29 was selected by a designated nomination committee. This committee includes industry experts, whose collective experience reflects an eclectic mix of genres, geography, gender, race, and roles as well as FARHOF’s Board of Directors which consists of artist and industry advisors.”
Induction ceremonies will take place in April 2024. The inaugural class and categories include:
Solo Legacy Artist – A solo legacy artist is a performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 45 years prior to the year of Induction.
- Gordon Lightfoot
- Jean Ritchie
- John Prine
- Johnny Cash
- Josh White
- Lead Belly
- Odetta
- Oscar Brand
- Pete Seeger
- Richie Havens
- Woody Guthrie
Solo Living Artist – A solo living artist is a contemporary performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 25 years prior to the year of Induction.
- Bob Dylan
- Bonnie Raitt
- Emmylou Harris
- James Taylor
- Joan Baez
- Joni Mitchell
- Mavis Staples
- Ramblin’ Jack Elliot
- Taj Mahal
- Willie Nelson
Duo or Group of Musicians – The Duo or Group of Musicians are performers whose initial impact on the genre was at least 25 years prior to the year of Induction.
- Peter, Paul & Mary
- The Band
- The Byrds
- The Weavers
Non-Performer – The Non-Performers category includes supporting musicians, songwriters, managers, publishers, historians, producers, etc.
- Albert Grossman
- Betsy Siggins
- George Wein
Paul Robeson Artist/Activist Award – Non-performing industry professional who has had a major influence on the social justice that has impacted culture.
- Frank Hamilton – (American folk musician, member of The Weavers and co-founder of Old Town School of Folk Music.)
Led by legendary musicians and music executives including Keb Mo’, Joan Baez and Noel Paul Stookey and curated by Deana McCloud and Bob Santelli of the Museum Collective, FARHOF is dedicated to honoring history, while also building the foundation of the next generation of Folk, Americana, and Roots musicians. A cultural and education initiative of the Boch Center, it is located inside the Wang Theatre at 270 Tremont St. Boston, MA.
