Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Welcomes 12 Legends in Star-Studded Boston Gala

The lights of the historic Wang Theatre stayed bright late into the night as the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF) officially inducted 12 new members into its ranks. The Induction Celebration was a masterclass in musical storytelling, featuring legendary honorees and a high-voltage lineup of contemporary performers.

The Class of 2026 includes a diverse array of architects of the American sound: Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin, Mississippi John Hurt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Muddy Waters, John Hammond, and Alan Lomax.

Emotional Tributes and Living History

The evening was defined by deeply personal connections between the presenters and the inductees.

• John Oates offered a stirring tribute to blues pioneer Mississippi John Hurt.
• Bobby Rush, 92, captivated the audience with stories of meeting Muddy Waters and Little Walter in Chicago as a teenager—friendships that defined his seven-decade career.
• Beth Nielsen Chapman honored her longtime friend Judy Collins, who later took to the stage to perform.

Show-Stopping Musical Highlights

While the speeches were heartfelt, the music stole the show. The 3,500-seat theatre was treated to unique collaborations and powerful covers:

• Lizz Wright delivered a haunting rendition of Neil Young’s "Old Man."
• Paula Cole brought the house to a hush with a "deeply emotional" performance of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah."
• Quinn Sullivan, Brad Whitford, and Buck Johnson traded searing guitar solos during a medley of "Ohio/Machine Gun."
• A powerhouse ensemble of Lizz Wright, Maggie Rose, Chrissi Poland, Crys Matthews, and Joy Clark brought the crowd to their feet with a spirited cover of Aretha Franklin’s "RESPECT."

The night concluded with a "Spirit in the Dark" grand finale, featuring the entire roster of performers on stage together.

A Growing Cultural Landmark

Since its launch in 2019 by the Boch Center, FARHOF has grown into "Boston’s living music museum." Located inside the Wang Theatre, the initiative aims to preserve the legacies of genres that have historically given voice to people from all walks of life.

The Hall of Fame currently houses a rotating series of world-class exhibits, including the recently opened Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History and the Bruce Springsteen: Portraits of an American Music Icon gallery.

Plan Your Visit

Fans can explore the artifacts and exhibits mentioned during the ceremony by booking a tour of the Wang Theatre.

• Location: 270 Tremont St, Boston, MA.
• More Info: Visit www.FARHOF.org for tour schedules and upcoming exhibit dates.