Stars Come Out in Mooresville, NC

for the N.C. Music Hall of Fame – 2025 Induction Ceremony

Kannapolis (N.C.) Oct. 20, 2025 – The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 were officially inducted on Thursday, October 16, during a star-studded ceremony in Mooresville, NC. The sold-out room was filled with proud family members, devoted fans, past inductees, and even a few future inductees. Open to the public, the event delivered an unforgettable evening of celebration and heartfelt tributes. For those in attendance, it was truly a night to remember filled with meaningful moments that honored the rich musical legacy of North Carolina.

Opening remarks included Mooresville officials, NCMHOF Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dolph Ramseur, and Executive Director Veronica Cordle. “This isn’t just about receiving another award (because those here tonight have received many) it’s about being recognized by the place they call home. It’s a celebration from the very state that shaped their sound, their stories, and their careers. Tonight, we’re not just honoring their success, we’re honoring their roots,” stated Veronica Cordle.

“This isn’t just about receiving another award (because those here tonight have received many) it’s about being recognized by the place they call home. It’s a celebration from the very state that shaped their sound, their stories, and their careers. Tonight, we’re not just honoring their success, we’re honoring their roots,”

At 88 years old, Clyde Mattocks took the stage with humility and heartfelt gratitude as he accepted his place in the Hall, reflecting on a lifetime of music rooted in his hometown of Kinston. With a smile he shared, “Christmas 1951, if you’d told me my little six-string Gibson steel guitar was gonna take me to the NC Music Hall of Fame and fortune, I’d have told you you were crazy.” Bandmate Phil Wise, standing nearby, chuckled and quipped, “There’s no fortune involved!”

He fondly mentioned his dear friend and 2014 inductee Jimmy Capps, admitting with a smile that it still feels strange to hear “Hall of Fame” and “Clyde Mattocks” in the same sentence. Mattocks spoke with pride about mentoring young musicians, saying, “Giving them a stage to play on is what keeps my fire lit. I’ve sent a few to the Grand Ole Opry, and I’ve put many in professional bands.” He then acknowledged his bandmate Lizzy Tobell on stage, noting that she began playing drums at age two and now performs in three bands with him. After his acceptance speech, songs played by Clyde included his original “Ms. Ashley,” “Spanish Grass,” and his most well known, “Carolina By The Sea.”

Chatty Hatty brought plenty of sass and humor to the stage as she reflected on her trailblazing career. She shared how her childhood love of talking turned into not just a passion, but a profession. “Then I found out,” she joked, “you could actually get paid to talk!” She’s possibly among the first Black women or women in general to hold key roles in radio at the Charlotte station WGIV. 

In her speech, she recounted how, even as a young student, she unknowingly laid the foundation for her future, “building her rock.” At 14, determined to make her family proud, she asked her mother if she could spend time at WGIV, the local radio station just down the street from where she lived. She began running small errands at the station and soon after, was hired. That early opportunity ignited a drive that would shape her path: “I’m going to go to the top of the line in music, broadcasting, and radio,” she declared.

Leeper’s career wasn’t about performing music, but making her voice known and helping others be heard. A true pioneer behind the scenes, her decades of service in radio left a lasting impact. Her acceptance speech was followed by a short video, giving attendees a glimpse into her on-air presence during her days at WGIV.

The Mount Holly City Council and local leadership were in full attendance, proudly showing their support for both David Childers and the event itself, underscoring the deep pride his hometown feels for his contributions to music. During his acceptance speech, Childers expressed gratitude to those who helped shape his journey, including his wife Linda and children Meghan and Robert. He then took to the stage to perform three original songs: “Greasy Dollar,” a tribute to the men he worked with during his first job with the City of Mount Holly at age 14; “Camp Latta Shuffle,” inspired by a beer joint near town; and “Lonely Beauty.”

Dexter Romweber’s induction was accepted posthumously by his sister, Monica Romweber, who appeared on stage in his honor. Longtime music journalist and author David Menconi offered remarks on behalf of the Romweber family, reflecting on Dex’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on North Carolina’s rock and underground music scene. “I am a longtime chronicler of the late great John Michael Dexter Romweber, and a friend of the Romweber family. Speaking as a fan, I will tell you that it’s a daunting prospect to presume to speak for Dex. Like everyone, I wish he were here to make this speech himself.”

“Even though Dexter was born in Indiana, North Carolina’s Orange County was his home. He was widely beloved there and loved it right back, even titling one of his albums “Carrboro” after the town where he grew up,” stated Menconi. “Nevertheless, Dexter’s art will stay with us, living on as inspiration to musicians yet to be born across North Carolina and beyond.”

Recognized for a lifetime of achievement in television and film production, Robert Deaton was honored for his behind-the-scenes influence on some of America’s most iconic music broadcasts. As executive producer of the CMA Awards since 2007, Deaton has shaped the way millions experience country music on screen. His induction drew heartfelt applause for the often-unsung visionaries who elevate artists from behind the curtain.

“I love being from North Carolina,” Deaton shared during his Hall of Fame induction speech. “It made me who I am today. I’m so honored to be going in with this amazing group of creative people, especially my buddy Luke Combs. I’d also like to do a shoutout, even though he’s not able to be here, to Eric Church. He’s a Tar Heel, a member of this Hall of Fame (2015), and he was influential in me being here tonight.”

In a surprise moment following his speech, a special video tribute lit up the auditorium, featuring messages of congratulations from music legends including Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, and Brooks & Dunn; all echoing the deep respect Deaton has earned across the industry.

A superstar in his own right from Huntersville, N.C., Luke Combs’ induction ignited a wave of excitement in the room. Speaking with sincerity, humor, and humility, Combs poked fun at himself while reflecting on how surreal it felt to be standing among his childhood heroes. “I’m North Carolina through and through,” he declared, going on to thank a room full of supporters including his wife Nicole, family, school teachers, and fellow musician Adam Church, whom he credited with making him a better artist. He spoke candidly about the belief his family had in him, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Combs fondly recalled growing up in Huntersville, sleeping on cousins’ couches, and even playing early gigs in downtown Mooresville. With a smile, he joked, “If someone asked what I would remember from my night being inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame, I’d tell them I remember eating a cup of livermush for dinner. That’s how North Carolina I am.”

He closed out his time on stage with a spirited shoutout to fellow 2024 (NCMHOF) inductee Petey Pablo, “Come on and raise up!” before launching into crowd favorites like “When It Rains It Pours,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Hurricane,” and “Fast Car.”

The ceremony concluded with all inductees gathered on stage for a final standing ovation, as James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind” played softly in the background. It was a perfect way to close a night honoring the rich legacy of North Carolina music.

The Hall of Fame extends its gratitude to local legend and emcee Larry Sprinkle, whose signature warmth, humor, and energy carried the evening from start to finish. His engaging presence and Carolina charm set the perfect tone for a night dedicated to honoring North Carolina’s rich musical heritage. Special thanks are also extended to Visit Mooresville and the Town of Mooresville for their partnership and support in making this unforgettable event possible. The Town of Mooresville staff proved to be the perfect partners, going above and beyond to create a stunning VIP reception and a welcoming atmosphere for statewide guests and honorees.