The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame (NDMHOF) officially opened nominations for its 2026 class on February 3. Submissions will be accepted through May 15, giving fans and community members the opportunity to recognize outstanding contributors to the state’s music legacy.
Nominations are open in four categories:
Inductees will join legendary figures such as Bobby Vee and Peggy Lee, who are already honored members of the Hall of Fame.
According to Communications Coordinator Kayla Lawson, the NDMHOF operates as a “hall without walls,” focusing resources on community events and digital preservation. This approach allows the organization to host celebrations across the state and maintain a presence in communities statewide.
The 2026 induction ceremony will take place in Bismarck this September and will be preceded by the Dakota Music Crawl, a public event showcasing local musicians at multiple venues.
Since its founding in 2015, the organization has inducted new honorees annually. The Class of 2025 included:
The 2025 class also marked the Hall’s first formal induction ceremony—an event organizers plan to continue each year.
To qualify for nomination, individuals must:
Our recent event was featured on local television news, highlighting key moments and community impact.
Catch the highlights of the 2025 Dakota Music Crawl, recently featured on North Dakota Today and broadcast by Valley News Live. This segment showcases the vibrant music, culture, and community spirit of the event.
Highlights from the 2025 North Dakota Music Hall of Fame induction featuring legendary folk artist Chuck Suchy, iconic vocal group The Blenders, acclaimed conductor Lyle “Skitch” Henderson, and talented singer-songwriter Richard Torrance. This exclusive KFYR-TV segment, updated on August 11, 2025, showcases their remarkable contributions to North Dakota’s rich musical heritage. Watch the full highlight reel now!
Image courtesy of KXNet
KXNet’s Studio701 recently featured Echoes from Macon, a powerful tribute celebrating the timeless music of the Allman Brothers Band. The concert takes place on October 9, 2025, at the Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck, ND, starting at 7:30 PM.
North Dakota now has its own official state waltz, “Dancing Dakota.” Governor Kelly Armstrong officially signed the bill into law on March 27. Alongside this historic recognition, Chuck Suchy has been named North Dakota’s first-ever state troubadour, marking a new chapter in the state’s cultural heritage.
A new art project in Mandan, North Dakota, pays tribute to iconic musicians like Peggy Lee, Lawrence Welk, Bobby Vee, and Lynn Anderson. The murals, located at Dykshoorn Park’s “North Dakota Music Lane,” feature QR codes that provide audio narrations by Shadow Stevens about each artist’s musical journey.
