Rockabilly Hall of Fame Achives

Rockabillytennessee.com has had high hopes for the last year and a half that an International Rockabilly Hall of Fame would become a reality here in Jackson Tennessee.  We are excited to say that the possibilty is coming closer. 
We thank all those involved in the Rockabillyfest 2000 for bringing us a few steps closer!  

Correspondence for the Jackson Rockabilly Museum to Henry Harrison.

                      ROCKABILLY HALL OF FAME      UPDATE 8/4/2000
Jackson, TN Plans continue to develop for the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, a pet project of Jackson, Tennessee’s Henry Harrison. Harrison told rockabillytennessee.com that he is still working on material for the Hall as well as a potential location.     
     The "groundbreaking" held last year near Jackson’s Pringles Park (baseball stadium) gave publicity to the effort but may not be the initial location. Citing expense and operation concerns, Harrison says a site in an already existing location may be a necessary first step. "When you look at budgets and the necessity of a year-round operation it may be necessary for us to begin somewhere else," Harrison acknowledged.
     Potential locations are still being reviewed as well as continuing discussion about the format and presentation of the Hall. Harrison traveled last year to the Smithsonian and to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland) to view their music history treatments. He has yet to visit but said he had heard many positive comments about the new Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum in Memphis (see rockabillytennessee.com for a review) and would be adding that museum to his list of information sources.
     Concerning Hall content Harrison said he had been reviewing some interesting proposals including the offering by Sun of it’s entire current library of Sun Masters including work extending all the way back to the early rockabilly of the mid-50’s. That Sun collection extends all the way through the work of Jeanie C. Riley’s Harper Valley PTA (connected with Shelby Singleton) and the ‘70’s work of Sun artist Orion. The cost feasibility of purchasing that collection, bringing it to Jackson and its future cash potential in the Napster 21^st Century world are the key concerns, but the subject has been discussed.
     What is definite is that such a Hall could make Jackson a destination tourist location for visitors from all over the world.

ROCKABILLY FEST 2000 APRIL 14-16

THE SCHEDULE AS OF APRIL 10, 2000

ROCKABILLY FEST 2000 APRIL 14-16
Jackson Tennessee
 The schedule as of April 10:

      9:00 – Lucky & The Hot Dice

THE INTERNATIONAL ROCKABILLY FEST 2000

Jackson – While Memphis prepares for the Beale Street Music Fest and the Handy Awards, Henry Harrison is attempting to claim Jackson, Tennessee’s rockabilly heritage with Rockabilly Fest 2000 and the groundbreaking of the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Harrison has progressed further than anyone in shaking Jackson toward acceptance of its musical legacy.

Carl Perkins did achieve local status through his civic work, telethons, and the establishment of the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

But the distinct place Jackson held in rockabilly history has yet to be appreciated or reflected in local efforts.

Harrison’s dogged pursuit of a Hall of Fame now has the Chamber and the City somewhat involved.

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce has signed on as sponsor of a Brenda Lee Autograph Party Friday, April 14^th, from 10:00 till 11:30 a.m. in the lobby of Jackson’s new City Hall.

And Harrison reported on Steve Bowers’ "Prime Time Drive" at News-Talk 101.5 FM that the city was going to allow the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame to be built adjacent to Pringles Park, the stadium home of the West TN Diamond Jaxx, a Chicago Cubs Southern League affiliate.

Plans Continue For International
Rockabilly Hall of Fame Show

Jackson, Tennessee - Promoter Henry Harrison continues work toward a September show in Jackson to officially launch efforts to build the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Jackson.

Inquiries on this effort are already coming into rockabillytennessee.com from out-of-state newspapers and radio stations. These inquiries are indicative of growing interest in this project and recognition that Jackson, Tennessee would be an appropriate and authentic site for the hall.

Rockabillytennessee.com will provide the latest information available on this project.

Working date(s) for the show September 16-17 1999, with a possible third day the 18^th.

Final plans and scheduling are expected soon.

Jackson (March 16, 1999)

Plans For International Rockabilly Hall of Fame Jackson (March 16, 1999) - Jackson businessman and promoter, Henry Harrison, acknowledged today the development of plans for the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame to be built in Jackson, Tennessee.  Focusing on the pre-rock music developed through Sun Studios and others, the museum would feature rockabilly artists such as Elvis, Carl Perkins, Carl Mann, Charlie Feathers, and many more. Selection of featured artists would be based on input from rockabilly performers, said Nashville's Dick McVey, also involved in the project.      Harrison told rockabillytennessee.com that, having completed the name registration and protection, the next step was developing the marketing plan and publicity.  Current plans are for a three-day festival and ground breaking September 17-19, 1999, with the completion of a projected $3 million dollar facility by 2001. Harrison contends Jackson, Tennessee is the perfect location. It is between Memphis and Nashville on I-40 and was the home of Carl Perkins, prior to his death last year.