The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in Meridian announced it will induct five legendary musicians into its Hall of Fame for 2026-27. The class includes gospel choir Mississippi Mass Choir, blues artist Bobby Rush, folk-blues pioneer Mississippi John Hurt, early Delta blues legend Charley Patton, and country star Conway Twitty, according to a news release from the museum.
According to The MAX President and CEO Penny Kemp, the all-music lineup reflects public demand and a rigorous selection process. Candidates are chosen based on their lasting cultural impact and strong ties to Mississippi, whether by birth, early residence or significant career periods in the state, she said.
The Mississippi Mass Choir, formed in 1988 by the late Frank Williams, is known for its record-breaking debut album that topped Billboard’s gospel charts for 45 weeks. The choir has received multiple Grammy nominations, Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and other honors. Its executive director, Jerry Mannery, said the recognition holds special meaning as a reflection of the choir’s longevity and community roots.
Bobby Rush, a blues icon with a career spanning more than seven decades, is also being recognized. Rush, who is in the Blues Hall of Fame, has three Grammy Awards and continues to release new music and perform worldwide. This year also features the release of a documentary about him and the premiere of a musical co-written by Rush.
Mississippi John Hurt, a key figure in the 1960s folk revival, influenced musicians like Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal. His granddaughter, Mary Frances Hurt, expressed her excitement about his induction, especially as it comes 60 years after his death. She said her grandfather loved Mississippi and is proud to be recognized in his home state.
Early Delta blues performer Charley Patton, known for his guitar skills and raw vocals, greatly influenced blues and rock ’n’ roll legends. A Blues Hall of Fame member since 1989, Patton was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an early influence in 2021. Finally, country singer Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, achieved massive success with 55 No. 1 singles, holding the record until 2006. Twitty, who sold over 50 million records, is also in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 28 at the MSU Riley Center. It will feature performances, tributes, and a reception. Honorees’ portraits will join the Hall of Fame rotunda at The MAX, which showcases Mississippi’s musical legacy and interactive exhibits celebrating their stories.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
