Clyde Mattocks Memorabilia Added to Hall of Fame Collections

Museum to Close for Exhibit Installations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kannapolis, N.C. (September 3, 2025) – The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame will officially welcome Kinston N.C. native, Clyde Mattocks, as a member of their 2025 inductee class this fall. In preparation for his Hall of Fame induction, Clyde has provided the Hall of Fame museum with an eclectic collection of memorabilia that will be installed soon for the public to view.

During Clyde’s visit to the museum he reminisced about his early days with childhood friend Jimmy Capps, who is a 2014 member of the Hall. Clyde was an important connection to Capps in getting his first professional music job with Slim Mims and then the Louvin Brothers.

Clyde also pointed out his close friend Bobby Hicks’ exhibit and the “Golden Boy” replica fiddle on display. Bobby was inducted in 2024. He recalled often visiting Bobby’s home near Greensboro and hearing Bobby play fiddle as he walked up the sidewalk to his front door. Clyde regards Bobby as one of the most talented fiddle players that ever lived.

One of Clyde’s most cherished possessions, his custom pedal steel guitar is the star of his collection. The steel guitar was handmade by Clyde and a friend – with Clyde contributing the metal work and electronics. The cabinet, painting and milling were all overseen by Clyde.

A childhood guitar is another major piece of the collection. Clyde’s family recognized that he was in love with music at a young age and every instrument he heard as a child had some type of impact in his life. In 1947, when he was ten years old, his mother

bought him the $3 guitar at a grocery store. That became a defining spark in his musical career and Clyde has held on to the piece since. Clyde shared how his love for music first began across the street from his childhood home. Back then, before the days of air conditioning, people left their windows open and you could hear what went on in people’s homes. He often heard his neighbor’s family playing live music.

One day, they invited him over. When he picked up one of their guitars, he told himself, “If I had one of these guitars, I could do this.”

The collection also includes Clyde’s Big Star cowboy hat, jacket, and boots he wore while touring with his band, the Super Grit Cowboy Band, adding another layer of stories and nostalgia to the visit. Clyde recalled the time he and his best friend each bought a pair of these boots to wear on tour. His friend put on the boots at the gig and began dripping with sweat on stage. “I don’t remember them being this tight when we bought them,” he said. Clyde wore a size 9, while his friend was probably around a 12, yet he still attempted to squeeze into Clyde’s boots, making the moment both hilarious and unforgettable.

The museum will close to the public from September 8th – 26th, while the new exhibits are constructed. Fully completed exhibits for Luke Combs, Chatty Hatty, Robert Deaton, Clyde Mattocks, Dex Romweber, and David Childers are scheduled to be available for public viewing on October 13, 2025. The museum and the special 2025 inductee exhibition are free admission and open to the public. Upon entry, donations to support the NCMHOF and museum are always welcome.

About Clyde Mattocks:
Clyde Mattocks is a highly versatile musician best known as “The Man of Steel”, founder of the Super Grit Cowboy Band, and mentor to many musicians. Mattocks has made his mark mastering every type of string instrument across 70 years of playing and producing numerous recording projects, all while being offered positions in the bands of Bill Anderson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Thompson, Vern Gosden, and Jim Ed Brown. The super talented pedal steel player has played with notable names like Johnny Paycheck, Mel Street, Roy Drusky, Highway 58, Jimmy Capps, The Wilburn Brothers, Skeeter Davis, The Country Gentlemen, Carolina Yellowhammers, The Malpass Brothers, and many other Grand Ole Opry acts.

About the NCMHOF:
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to recognize, promote, and commemorate musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers from the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame has a museum located in Kannapolis, NC. Learn more at: NorthCarolinaMusicHallOfFame.org

About the 2024 Inductions:
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductions take place annually to honor music industry professionals who have made a significant impact on American Music and have roots in North Carolina. The ceremony, presented by Visit Mooresville, is open to the public for a night filled with live music and celebration. The 2025 class to be enshrined on October 16th at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center are Clyde Mattocks, David Childers, Dexter Romweber, Hattie “Chatty Hatty” Leeper, Luke Combs, and Robert Deaton.