skip to main content
Wilkes Heritage Museum
Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame
Candlelight Ghost Tours
Wilkes Heritage Museum
  • Hall of Fame
    • 2020
    • Previous Years
      • 2008
      • 2009
      • 2010
      • 2012
      • 2013
      • 2014
      • 2015
      • 2016
      • 2017
      • 2018
      • 2019
      • 2020
    • Photo Galleries of Inductions
  • About Us
  • Sponsors
  • Contact
  • Tickets

Gospel Music

The reputation of the Easter Brothers as inspired songwriters of gifted material has grown daily, and they have become known as some of the most prolific tunesmith’s in the gospel music profession. Many of their songs were recorded by other groups and have become standards. Among them are “Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me,” and “The Darkest Hour,” just a few of the hundreds of songs penned by the three brothers. They have recorded throughout the years for various major record labels, beginning with King Records, a major country label during the 60s, and later progressing to QCA and their own Commandment label.  While the bluegrass gospel sound has carried the Easter Brothers throughout the span of their career, they have never confined themselves to just one style of gospel music. Without losing the identity and integrity of their music, the Easter Brothers have broadened their sound to include southern and country gospel. All throughout their career, they have appeared on a variety of different broadcast television events. The PTL Club, Huff Cook, Leonard Repass, Camp Meetin’ USA, Sing Out America, Great American Gospel, Bluegrass Road, and Top of the Morning are just a few national and international television shows the Easter Brothers have been a part of.
Published in 2018

The Easter Brothers

Read more...
The Lewis Family, “America’s First Family of Bluegrass Gospel Music”, musical story began with the Lewis Brothers who played string band music for local shows and square dances from 1947 to 1951.  In 1951 the name was changed to The Lewis Family and the all-gospel format was adopted.  Encompassing three generations, the show offered a broad appeal to all ages.  Working more than 200 dates each year, the enormous popularity of the group was evidenced by the fact that it received more repeat bookings than any other band on the bluegrass festival circuit. Induction of The Lewis Family into the prestigious Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1992 was a special highlight for the family members.  The Lewis Family received its first of several coveted Dove Awards in 1999.  In 2000, Pop Lewis was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  Also, in 2000, each group member received the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion’s “Living Legend Award”.  The Lewis Family received the highest honor given in gospel music by begin inducted into GMA’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and in 2006 received bluegrass music’s highest honor by being inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.  In 2007, The Lewis Family members were recognized as lifetime members of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
Published in 2015

The Lewis Family

Read more...
The Chuck Wagon Gang holds the distinction of being the oldest recording mixed gospel group still performing with ties to the original founding. the Chuck Wagon Gang's contract and master recordings were purchased by Columbia Records, now Sony Music. Their association with Columbia Records lasted thirty-nine years, during which time they recorded 408 known masters. At one time, the Chuck Wagon Gang was the second highest selling artist on the label. The Gang's popularity was greatly enhanced by radio play. The Chuck Wagon Gang remained essentially a family group through the years. Each edition has remained a close-harmony quartet, and contributed to the onward success of the Chuck Wagon Gang.  Through the years many awards and accolades have been bestowed upon the group.
Published in 2012

The Chuck Wagon Gang

Read more...
The Primitive Quartet is a six-member gospel band that has been together for over 35 years.  Their unusual beginning occurred during a fishing trip when they discovered they could harmonize.  With music based on a shaped note style accompanied by acoustic instruments, they carry on the musical heritage of their region.  National recognition has eluded them as they perform by choice within 300 miles of their home allowing them to spend more time with their families and their large following of friends.
Published in 2009

The Primitive Quartet

Read more...

Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame

100 East Main Street P.O. Box 935 Wilkesboro, NC 28697 • 336-667-3171

Copyright © Wilkes Heritage Museum

Wilkesboro, NC Web Design by Cube Creative Design