HONORING THE LEGENDS

TEXAS FIDDLERS HALL OF FAME

Honoring the legends who shaped Texas-style fiddling. Since 1977, Fiddlers Frolics has recognized the masters of the bow.

PRESERVING THE LEGACY

The Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame was established in 1977 to honor the musicians who have shaped and preserved Texas-style fiddling. Housed inside the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hallettsville, the Hall of Fame features photographs and biographies of fiddling pioneers, legends, past champions, and those who have contributed significantly to the craft.

Each year during Fiddlers Frolics, at least one new inductee is welcomed into this distinguished group. The induction ceremony takes place on Sunday, bringing together the fiddling community to celebrate another legend.

Photo of Hall of Fame Wall
45+

Inductees Honored

55

Years of History

LEGENDS OF TEXAS FIDDLING

Bob Wills

Bob Wills

Inducted 2011

The "King of Western Swing" whose influence revolutionized American music. His Texas Playboys band brought fiddle music to audiences worldwide.

Johnny Gimble

Johnny Gimble

Inducted 1995

Five-time CMA Musician of the Year who played with Bob Wills, George Strait, and countless legends. A true ambassador of Texas fiddling.

Benny Thomasson

Benny Thomasson

Inducted 1980

Often called the father of modern Texas-style fiddling. His smooth bowing and innovative techniques influenced generations of players.

Terry Morris

Terry Morris

Inducted 1989

A dominant force in Texas fiddle contests whose playing set the standard for technical excellence and musicality.

ALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

1977–1989: The Founding Years

1977 Claude Henson
1978 Sleepy Johnson
1979 Major Franklin
1980 Benny Thomasson
1981 Ervin Solomon
1982 Red Steely
1983 Eck Robertson
1984 Straley Allsup
1985 A.R. Westmoreland
1986 Bryant Houston
1987 Orville Burns
1988 Texas Shorty, Ed Junot
1989 Terry Morris, Cliff Fryer

1990–1999: A Growing Legacy

1990 Louis Franklin, Harvey Norris, Velda Ross Fryer
1991 E.J. Hopkins
1992 Norman Solomon, Vernon Solomon
1993 J.C. Hounshell
1994 Bill King
1995 Johnny Gimble
1996 Forrest H. Craig
1997 Jimmie Don Bates
1998 Bill Northcutt
1999 Omega Burden, Jake Glidewell

2000–Present: Continuing the Tradition

2000 Randy Elmore
2001 Dale Morris
2002 Larry Franklin
2003 Ray Franklin, Royce Franklin
2004 Dick Barrett, Bill Lyell, Bartow Riley
2005 Betty Solomon
2011 Bob Wills
2021 Stuart Fryer, Brad Riley
2022 Bobby Christman, P.T. Riley
2023 TBD — awaiting confirmation
2024 TBD — awaiting confirmation
2025 TBD — awaiting confirmation
2026 To be announced at this year's ceremony

SEE THE HALL OF FAME IN PERSON

The Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame is permanently displayed inside the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hallettsville. Photographs and biographies of each inductee line the walls, telling the story of Texas fiddling.

Knights of Columbus Hall

321 US-77 Alternate, Hallettsville, TX 77964

EXPLORE MORE

Fiddle Competition

Learn about the seven divisions and how to compete for the Texas State Championship.

View Competition Info →

Past Champions

See the winners of the Texas State Championship through the years.

View Results →

Our History

Discover 55 years of Fiddlers Frolics and Texas fiddle culture.

Read Our Story →

WITNESS HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Join us at the 2026 Fiddlers Frolics to celebrate Texas fiddle legends past and present.