He once assisted the careers of Fats Domino, Ricky Nelson, and Pink Floyd. Today he watches over (museum exhibits of) Nina Simone, James Taylor, and Fantasia. Currently the operation director of Kannapolis’ North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, Eddie Ray climbed the music-business ladder, beginning as a Decca Records stock boy and eventually becoming the first black executive at a major record label. The co-writer of the 1950s hit “Hearts of Stone,” he chronicled his career in the 2012 book, Against All Odds: The Remarkable Life of Eddie Ray. This photograph, circa 1965, shows Ray and an unidentified office clerk at the Hollywood office of Capital-Tower Records. EXCERPTED FROM THE BOOK “LEGENDARY LOCALS OF CABARRUS COUNTY” BY MICHAEL EURY.
EXCERPTED FROM THE BOOK “LEGENDARY LOCALS OF CABARRUS COUNTY” BY MICHAEL EURY.
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is located at 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis, just a short drive from downtown Concord.
Admission: Free (donations are appreciated).
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. Hours may occasionally change for private events.
What You'll See: Interactive exhibits celebrating North Carolina's rich musical heritage, memorabilia from Hall of Fame inductees spanning country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, gospel, hip-hop and more, plus music and video displays. The museum also shares space with the Curb Museum for Music & Motorsports, featuring vintage race cars and motorsports exhibits.
Tours: Group and school tours—including after-hours and weekend visits—are available by appointment. Call 704-934-2320 or email info@northcarolinamusichalloffame.org to schedule.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free on-site parking.
More information: northcarolinamusichalloffame.org
He once assisted the careers of Fats Domino, Ricky Nelson, and Pink Floyd. Today he watches over (museum exhibits of) Nina Simone, James Taylor, and Fantasia. Currently the operation director of Kannapolis’ North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, Eddie Ray climbed the music-business ladder, beginning as a Decca Records stock boy and eventually becoming the first black executive at a major record label. The co-writer of the 1950s hit “Hearts of Stone,” he chronicled his career in the 2012 book, Against All Odds: The Remarkable Life of Eddie Ray. This photograph, circa 1965, shows Ray and an unidentified office clerk at the Hollywood office of Capital-Tower Records. EXCERPTED FROM THE BOOK “LEGENDARY LOCALS OF CABARRUS COUNTY” BY MICHAEL EURY.
EXCERPTED FROM THE BOOK “LEGENDARY LOCALS OF CABARRUS COUNTY” BY MICHAEL EURY.
