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Rising up from the Ashes:

The South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame


In an instant, irreplaceable pieces of South Carolina's history were consumed by flames. A guitar. A jacket. Letters.

When the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame was ravaged by fire years ago, the state mourned the premature loss of a significant treasure. However, efforts are now underway to resurrect the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame, aiming for a grander and more resilient revival.

The Unseen Aspect of Fame

Established as a non-profit organization, the Hall of Fame was conceived to honor individuals native to or deeply connected with the Carolinas who have achieved national acclaim. Yet, achieving fame is merely the entry requirement. Dr. David Godbold, the founder, envisioned celebrating those who not only attained success but also utilized it to uplift their communities in South Carolina, or even the entire state. Often, their philanthropic endeavors offstage go unnoticed.

Much of what the public learns about South Carolina's prominent entertainers revolves around sensationalism and wealth. Rarely do we hear about the musician who returns to their hometown, donating thousands of pairs of socks to those in need. The resources, visibility, and goodwill that our entertainers bring back to their communities often go unrecognized.

The journey to success is also a prevalent theme among the inductees. "We seldom hear about the nights spent sleeping in cars and performing $100 gigs just to make ends meet and carve out a name for themselves," observed Godbold. Many of our inductees overcame significant life hurdles long before fame was even a possibility, underscoring the resilience required to navigate the challenging path of building a career in entertainment.

Hall of Fame Ambitions

Mirroring the ambition of the individuals it honors, the vision for the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame has always been bold. Under the new Executive Director, Justin Ray Williams, & new Chairman Roy Costner III this vision is set to expand even further.

The plans for its renaissance are ambitious, encompassing a public presence that matches the lofty aspirations of its founders and honorees. This includes a state-of-the-art exhibition space, an exhilarating annual induction ceremony, monthly events, a weekly radio program, Roku/Fire TV channels, entertainment conferences, and educational workshops highlighting South Carolina's rich entertainment history.

South Carolina was the first state chosen to host an Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony broadcast nationally on TV. With the support of CBS/TNN and Producer Jim Owens, a prominent entertainment executive, Godbold orchestrated the most significant event in the Hall of Fame's history. Following this, the induction of the iconic Marshall Tucker Band evolved into a Southern Rock reunion hosted by Charlie Daniels.

"As we tell everyone willing to listen, our objective is to ensure that the legends of South Carolina's entertainment and music remain etched in the memories and hearts of all who visit the Hall of Fame. Additionally, we aim to propel emerging artists toward Hall of Fame status by hosting regular events and concerts at the new venue."

The new venue is slated to be situated in Greenville, a burgeoning business hub that has garnered increasing recognition as an arts and entertainment destination. The vibrant downtown, nationally acclaimed in its own right, was a natural choice for Williams and Costners new board. Artifacts spared from the fire, solely because they were in storage, will be showcased, and efforts to expand the collection are underway.

Fostering ongoing events that cater to artists has long been a vision for Williams, who boasts over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Williams is keeping the artists' needs and educational workshops at the forefront of the organization.

With a growing cadre of devoted supporters, the future of the Hall of Fame rests in the hands of the community. The South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame embodies the creativity, determination, and passion inherent to the people of South Carolina. With continued support, it will enter its next chapter as a beacon for many of the state's most ardent advocates, whether famous or not.

Jennifer Oladipo
Media Partner for The SC Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame

SOUTH CAROLINA ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC HALL OF FAME HISTORY

The South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame was founded in 1989 by Dr. David Godbold he wanted to recognize South Carolina talent. In 1989, after returning to his home state of South Carolina, Godbold began researching how to create a successful Hall of Fame that would honor national celebrities from South Carolina. He presented his idea to Secretary of State Jim Miles at a meeting in Columbia, SC, at the State House. Upon hearing the proposal, Miles agreed that such a Hall of Fame would benefit the state and, under his leadership, the office was established to officially create the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame.

David Godbold, with the support of Jim Miles, founded the Hall of Fame, and Miles appointed him as the state's first Entertainment and Music Commissioner. The South Carolina Music and Entertainment Commission was also created to promote the entertainment industry within the state. It is important to note that this initiative was launched before Myrtle Beach's entertainment boom, predating establishments like the Alabama Theater.

Recognizing South Carolina's potential in the growing entertainment sector, Godbold and Miles worked together to promote the state as a premier entertainment destination, offering an alternative to Branson, Missouri. They made numerous national television appearances to induct famous South Carolinian celebrities and draw attention to the state's entertainment opportunities.
South Carolina became the first state to host a Hall of Fame induction ceremony on national television. With the support of CBS, TNN, and producer Jim Owens, a renowned entertainment executive, Godbold orchestrated one of the Hall of Fame’s largest events. Another major event was the induction of the Southern rock band Marshall Tucker, which turned into a Southern rock reunion hosted by Charlie Daniels.

The South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring South Carolina natives or those with connections to the state who have achieved national success in music and entertainment. To date, Over 70 celebrities & entertainers have been inducted.

Important Note: The hall of fame lost all of its memorabilia in the Georgetown fire years ago and continues to grow and replace articles from many of the inductees. For information, please call 1- 888-411 FAME (3263).