BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
An Allman Brother and a soul man lead the list of inductees for the 37th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards.
Gregg Allman and Sam Moore will be joined in enshrinement by Atlanta Southern rockers Drivin N Cryin, media legend Monica Pearson and others.
This year’s anointed group will celebrate their induction at a Sept. 26 ceremony in the Georgia Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
Posthumous inductees honored this year include Philip Walden Jr., Tim Wilson and Sonny Limbaugh.
“We are excited to continue recognizing Georgia’s outstanding contributions to the music industry as we have done for 37 years,” said Dr. Bobbie Bailey, president of Friends of Georgia Music Festival Inc., which produces the event.
Here is a look at this year’s inductees:
Gregg Allman, Songwriter Award: The flaxen-haired focal point of the Allman Brothers Band is a longtime Georgia resident, as well as a cherished solo performer. His 2011 album, "Low Country Blues," was nominated for a Grammy Award, and on Aug. 7, his first-ever solo DVD, "Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon," will be released.
John and Jane Barbe, Pioneer Award: Jane, who died in 2003, was a voice known to millions on telephone-company recordings and voice mail systems across America, as well as a voice talent. Her composer husband John is renowned for his career as a musician and jingle producer, as well as writing arrangements for bands and orchestras.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Drivin N Cryin, Group Award: It's the 30th anniversary for the Atlanta hard rockers, who released their debut, "Scarred But Smarter," on the local-rooted 688 Records and were fixtures at the defunct alt-punk 688 Club on Spring Street. Their most recent release, "Songs for the Turntable," arrived in January 2014.
John Huie, Non-Performer Award: A native of Macon, Huie is a Grammy Award-winning producer, as well as a celebrated talent booking agent with Creative Artists Agency.
Sam Moore, Performer Award: The heralded "Soul Man" is renowned for his tenure as the lead vocalist in the award-winning '60s duo Sam & Dave. Moore, who was born in Macon County, Ga., will celebrate his 80th birthday Oct. 12.
Monica Pearson, Chairman's Award: Instantly recognizable by her big smile and bigger heart, Pearson retired in 2012 after a much-lauded 37-year career on WSB-TV. She's also a gifted gospel singer.
Philip Walden Jr., Posthumous Award: The attorney son of the late Capricorn Records co-founder Phil Walden died in a tragic accident in 2011 but had played an integral part in reviving Capricorn Records in Nashville. Tenn. The athletic Walden Jr. also served on the legal team at Turner Broadcasting's Music Group.
Tim Wilson, Posthumous Award: Upon his death in 2014, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called Wilson one of the "smartest, funniest stand-up comics" ever seen and "a wicked songwriter and singer." The stand-up/country musician is a native of Columbus, Ga., and was a regular at the Punchline comedy club.
Sonny Limbaugh, Posthumous Award: Limbaugh's most recognizable work is likely as co-writer and co-producer of Bertie Higgins' lite-rock staple from 1981, "Key Largo." But the Atlantan's career touched all genres, including his production of Cissy Houston's version of "Midnight Train to Georgia."
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