Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame to Honor Red Dirt Icons with 2025 Inductions
Muskogee, OK – March 10, 2025 – The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce
the induction of four exceptional musicians into the Hall of Fame. The official induction
ceremony will take place during the highly anticipated “Boys From Oklahoma” concert/event in
Stillwater, Oklahoma. The event will honor these musical icons and celebrate the rich musical
history of the state, which has produced some of the most influential talents in the country.
The induction ceremony will feature live performances from the inductees themselves, including
Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland and The Stragglers, The Great Divide, and Stoney
LaRue, as well as a special performance by The Turnpike Troubadours, who are already
members of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The concert is expected to be a memorable
night, as it celebrates the legacy of Red Dirt music and the vibrant music scene that originated in
Stillwater, a town that has nurtured countless Oklahoma musicians. Due to high demand, the
concert sold out in just a few hours.
2025 Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Inductees:
- Cross Canadian Ragweed – Formed in 1994, Cross Canadian Ragweed became one of
the most influential country and rock bands in Oklahoma. Known for their role in shaping
the “Red Dirt” music movement, the band consisted of Cody Canada, Grady Cross,
Randy Ragsdale, and Jeremy Plato. With hits like “17,” “Alabama,” and “Anywhere But
Here,” they gained widespread popularity. After announcing a break from touring in May
2010, they played their final show together that October. In October 2024, they reunited
for a highly anticipated show alongside fellow Oklahoma musicians Jason Boland and
The Stragglers, Stoney LaRue, The Great Divide, and The Turnpike Troubadours. The
event, dubbed “The Boys From Oklahoma,” celebrated their return to the stage. - Jason Boland and The Stragglers – In 1999, with the release of Pearl Snaps, Jason
Boland and The Stragglers became one of the most successful bands in the Red Dirt and
Texas country music scenes. In 2002, they released their first live album, Live and Lit at
Billy Bob’s Texas. Their 2004 album High in the Rockies was recorded over four days of
live shows, and in June 2024, they released Live from Cain’s Ballroom. Their concept
album The Light Saw Me was produced by Shooter Jennings, the son of country legend
Waylon Jennings. With ten studio albums and three live albums, Jason Boland and The
Stragglers have become one of the most sought-after bands in the industry today. - The Great Divide – Formed over 20 years ago, The Great Divide took a break before
reuniting, like many Oklahoma country and rock artists. After sorting things out, they
recorded Providence, an album released twenty years after their last. Not considering it a
comeback, front man and lead singer Mike McClure remarked, “This has been coming
full circle for us as a band; as performers, as people.” He added, “We talked, and I asked
the band if they still had it in them to give this another go. Everyone brought their best to
the table for the first time in years, and when that happens, The Great Divide is a force.”
With their exceptional playing and songwriting, The Great Divide has inspired musicians
for many years. - Stoney LaRue – For over twenty years, Stoney LaRue has traveled the country, playing
sold-out shows and showcasing the styles that helped make Red Dirt music a renowned
genre. He has consistently sold out more than 200 shows per year and has had albums
charting on iTunes and Billboard, with featured videos on CMT. With over a million
albums and singles sold, LaRue has become a key figure in country music. He has also
collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Miranda Lambert
and Lee Ann Womack, and performed on the stage of the renowned Grand Ole Opry.
During a time in Stillwater, Stoney, Cody Canada, and Jason Boland all lived together,
deeply influenced by the growing Red Dirt Music scene at the epicenter of the
movement.
Tony Corbell, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, expressed his
admiration for the state’s musical talent, saying, “It’s almost overwhelming how many great
musicians, singers, and songwriters we have here in Oklahoma. These four inductees exemplify
the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s music scene.” Boone Mendenhall, president of the Music Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, shared his
personal connection to the inductees, saying, “I became a guitar player because of Jason Boland
and Cody Canada. These artists have inspired me and countless others to follow their musical
passion.” Megan Herriman, vice president of the Music Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, said:
“Stillwater is the heart of Red Dirt music, and to see such iconic Red Dirt bands like Cross
Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Stoney Larue and The Great Divide receive
Oklahoma’s highest honor by being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in
Stillwater is truly momentous.”
About the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
Since its founding in 1997, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has inducted over 144 members
and continues to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich and diverse musical heritage. Established in 1999 by
the Oklahoma Legislature, the Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the state’s musical pioneers
and providing a space for music lovers to experience the sounds that shaped the industry.
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum
401 S. 3rd Street
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 918-687-0800
Website: www.okmusichall.com