Induction into the Hall of Fame

Induction into the Hall of Fame is determined by a committee appointed by the International Bluegrass Music Association (a sister-organization that is wholly independent from this museum). Selection takes place each year in two stages: nomination and election. A nominating committee consisting of music industry leaders creates a slate of 10-15 candidates. From these names, a panel of the candidates’ peers in the music industry cast ballots to narrow the nominees to five finalists. There are over 200 electors. To be an elector, one must have personally and actively participated in bluegrass for at least 10 years and have merited respect and recognition for their accomplishments and knowledge in one or more aspects of the field.

After the five finalists have been selected, the panel again votes to select the inductee(s) for that year. The balloting is conducted by an independent accounting firm. The name(s) of the newest IBMA Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee(s) are made public immediately following the final stage of balloting. Formal induction takes place each year during the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show in Nashville, TN.

After induction, the Hall of Fame plaques are installed in the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s Hall of Fame in Owensboro, Kentucky. An Unveiling Ceremony takes place at the museum on Opening Day of ROMP each year, just prior to The Legends Concert. Thereafter, the plaques are on permanent exhibit.

Learn about Bluegrass Hall of Fame members on this website, or visit the museum and see their plaques, view their documentary films, see their artifacts, and hear their music on our radio station.