FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Nominees & & VIP Fundraising Event
01/21/2026
South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Nominees & VIP Fundraising Event “Leadership & Legacy”.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Investing in the Future of South Carolina’s Creative Legacy.
Greenville, SC — The South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce its Leadership & Legacy fundraising event, taking place Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the City Club of Greenville. This exclusive VIP evening will celebrate South Carolina’s entertainment and music icons while raising critical funds to preserve and expand the state’s cultural heritage.
Guests will check in at 6:00 PM, followed by a 6:30 PM welcome reception with light hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. From 7:00 to 7:30 PM, special guest speakers will highlight the Hall of Fame’s mission, honor past and present inductees, and share the vision for the future. The evening will conclude with meet-and-greet opportunities from 7:30 to 8:00 PM.
Special Guest Speakers Include:
Justin Ray Williams, Executive Director, South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame
Christopher Guerrera, 2× Shark Tank Winner & Hall of Fame Board Member
Benton Blount, Top 10 America’s Got Talent Contestant, Hall of Fame Board Member & Greenville County Chairman
Roy Costner, Hall of Fame Chairman
Special Invited Guest
Notable 2026 Hall of Fame Nominees Include: Craig Melvin(Inducted on the Today show on 01/12/2026), Tyler Florence, Lauren Hutton, Teddy Pendergrass, Dave Cockrum, Orlando Jones, J. Anthony Brown, Chandler Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, Thomas Gibson, Mike Colter, Tez Sherard, Doug Baker, Pat Gwinn, The Jenkins Orphanage Band, and Buddy Strong.
Justin Ray Williams, Executive Director, shares: "Leadership & Legacy is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. We need your support to preserve South Carolina’s entertainment and music legacy and invest in the next generation of creative talent. Your generosity makes this impact possible."
This unique VIP event provides attendees with an exclusive opportunity to connect with Hall of Fame leaders, inductees, and local talent, all within the elegant surroundings of the City Club of Greenville. Funds raised will support the Hall of Fame’s programs, including educational outreach, preservation of stories and archives, and initiatives to spotlight emerging South Carolina talent.
Ticketing & Attendance: Tickets are limited for this VIP experience and can be secured through the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame website. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP early. Proper attire is recommended, and ticket confirmation is required at check-in.
For more information and to reserve your spot,
visit www.carolinafame.org
About the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals with South Carolina roots who have achieved national success, preserves their stories, and ensures the state’s entertainment and music heritage remains vibrant and accessible for generations.
For more information, please contact:
South Carolina Entertainment and music hall of fame Contact:
Justin Ray Williams
864-345-3017
justinw@carolinafame.org
###
Guests will check in at 6:00 PM, followed by a 6:30 PM welcome reception with light hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. From 7:00 to 7:30 PM, special guest speakers will highlight the Hall of Fame’s mission, honor past and present inductees, and share the vision for the future. The evening will conclude with meet-and-greet opportunities from 7:30 to 8:00 PM.
Special Guest Speakers Include:
Justin Ray Williams, Executive Director, South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame
Christopher Guerrera, 2× Shark Tank Winner & Hall of Fame Board Member
Benton Blount, Top 10 America’s Got Talent Contestant, Hall of Fame Board Member & Greenville County Chairman
Roy Costner, Hall of Fame Chairman
Special Invited Guest
Notable 2026 Hall of Fame Nominees Include: Craig Melvin(Inducted on the Today show on 01/12/2026), Tyler Florence, Lauren Hutton, Teddy Pendergrass, Dave Cockrum, Orlando Jones, J. Anthony Brown, Chandler Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, Thomas Gibson, Mike Colter, Tez Sherard, Doug Baker, Pat Gwinn, The Jenkins Orphanage Band, and Buddy Strong.
Justin Ray Williams, Executive Director, shares: "Leadership & Legacy is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. We need your support to preserve South Carolina’s entertainment and music legacy and invest in the next generation of creative talent. Your generosity makes this impact possible."
This unique VIP event provides attendees with an exclusive opportunity to connect with Hall of Fame leaders, inductees, and local talent, all within the elegant surroundings of the City Club of Greenville. Funds raised will support the Hall of Fame’s programs, including educational outreach, preservation of stories and archives, and initiatives to spotlight emerging South Carolina talent.
Ticketing & Attendance: Tickets are limited for this VIP experience and can be secured through the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame website. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP early. Proper attire is recommended, and ticket confirmation is required at check-in.
For more information and to reserve your spot,
visit www.carolinafame.org
About the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals with South Carolina roots who have achieved national success, preserves their stories, and ensures the state’s entertainment and music heritage remains vibrant and accessible for generations.
For more information, please contact:
South Carolina Entertainment and music hall of fame Contact:
Justin Ray Williams
864-345-3017
justinw@carolinafame.org
###