[TPC] - Newton Co. and Surrounding Area Well Represented at the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Doug Biggers, Maloy Brothers, Lanier Mote & Brooks Hunnicutt among locals inducted. 

The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame held its 36th annual awards ceremony at the Doubletree by Hilton - Perimeter hotel in Atlanta on Saturday, November 25th to a packed house in the Azalea Ballroom. 

The Bluegrass Allstars kicked things off with a really good, fiddle-heavy performance led by Randall Franks of "In the Heat of the Night" fame. Later, artists well-known in Georgia Country, Gospel & Bluegrass circles such as Danny Gardner, Helen Burke, Mitzie Gardner, David Gosdin & Donnie Griggs also performed. 

In all, some three dozen or so Georgia musicians and artists were inducted in this year's edition including several from our neck of the woods. 

Biggers gives his acceptance speech

Doug Biggers was inducted for his many years as a Country & Gospel artist. Mentioned in his introduction speech delivered by the Hall of Fame founder Phyllis Cole, was his time playing with groups such as the Tommy Millwood Band and Steel Road and his many years as serving as Musical Director at various churches. As an aside, Doug is my Brother-in-Law and he's one of the best men you'll ever meet. He's also a super talented guitar player and singer and it's no surprise that he once opened for Trisha Yearwood and recorded multiple Nashville demos. It's always a privilege to play with him and The Biggers Family Band. Doug joins his Dad, Steve Biggers, as a member of the Hall of Fame. 

Mote holding his award

Lanier Mote, mandolin player extraordinaire & another great artist I've had the pleasure to perform with, was another local inducted on Saturday. Lanier has spent decades as a practicing musician and is known far and wide throughout Georgia for his proficiency with many instruments and his singing abilities. He joins longtime collaborator Donna Bopp as a member.  

Local musicians Allen and Steve Maloy of The Maloy Brothers Bluegrass Band were also inducted into The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. These fellas and their band are real-deal, top-notch Bluegrass music. They're a fixture on the Bluegrass festival and show circuit and are highly regarded by many music enthusiasts throughout our great state.

And last but not least, fans of the Cowboys BBQ Picker's Circle over the years will be thrilled to know that Brooks Hunnicutt, a marvelous woman with a magnificent voice who has performed with many national and international stars over the years, was also inducted. 

It was a great night with a lot of great music and memories. This writer sure enjoyed it. 

Thanks for reading. 'Til next time. 

- MBM 

~ In Memory of Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame member Buster Chadwick ~