Finding Country Music History in East Texas

by Marilyn Jones

There’s a little Hollywood and Nashville tucked away in Carthage, Texas, right on the corner of Jim Reeves and Tex Ritter Drives.

The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame/Tex Ritter Museum honors not only Panola County-born Reeves and Ritter, but, since 1998, other Texans who have made outstanding contributions to country music nationwide.

In this one location, music fans can pay tribute to their favorite stars from yesteryear and today.

Upon arrival Carolyn Moore, or another employee, offers a quick introduction to the hall of fame and museum. “This is the main exhibition hall. To the right is the Tex Ritter Museum and on the far wall is a jukebox,” says Moore as she holds the door open for guests. “There is also a John Ritter exhibit in the Tex Ritter Museum. When he passed away his widow called and asked if we would include John in his father’s museum and we said yes.”

The lighting is subdued making the glass-fronted displays more prominent. Such greats as the Gatlin Brothers, Willie Nelson and Ernest Tubb are honored. Elaborate costumes, photographs, album covers, guitars and any number of other personal and professional memorabilia are displayed to honor each inductee's career, accomplishments and personal life.

One exhibit illustrates the beginning of Jim Reeves music career when he was an on-air personality for Henderson KGRI-Radio. The broadcast equipment is all original to KGRI and the era when Reeves worked for the radio station.

In the center of the exhibit area is a replica of a 1930s theater marquee, a reminder of how country music played an important part in film. The marquee also serves as the entrance to the Tex Ritter Museum. Ritter was one of the first singers inducted into the hall of fame when it was established. [place photo displays here]

The John Ritter display includes family photos, memorabilia from his years on Three’s Company and later professional accomplishments.

Jim Reeves Memorial

“Gentleman” Jim Reeves was inducted into the hall of fame in 1998. His burial site and memorial is located three miles east of Carthage on U.S. 79. Reeves died in a plane crash on July 31, 1964.

A curving sidewalk, which includes the concrete and stone image of a guitar, leads to a life-sized sculpture of Reeves.

The inscription on the memorial reads, "If I, a lowly singer, dry one tear, or soothe one humble human heart in pain, then my homely verse to God is dear, and not one stanza has been sung in vain.”

Born James Travis Reeves in Galloway, a small rural community near Carthage, he became known as a crooner because of his warm, velvety voice.

Songs such as "He'll Have to Go," "Welcome To My World," and "Am I Losing You" brought him worldwide fame.

Hall of Fame Inductees

The hall of fame was established to celebrate the contributions of Texans to the country music profession. Honored individuals, living or dead, who are recognized nationally as outstanding in their field, are selected every year to be honored.

1998 – Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, Joe Allison and Cindy Walker.

1999 – Bill Mack, Ernest Tubb, Hank Thompson and Waylon Jennings.

2000 – Dale Evans, Charlie Walker and Bob Wills.

2001 – Ray Price, Billy Walker and Stuart Hamblen.

2002 – Tanya Tucker, Gene Watson and Nat Stucky.

2003 – Johnny Bush, Lefty Frizzell and Kris Kristofferson.

2004 – Mac Davis, Johnny Lee and J.P. Richardson.

2005 – Jimmy Dean, Johnny Gimble, Roger Miller and Glenn Sutton.

2006 – Gatlin Brothers and Billy Joe Shaver.

2007 – Johnny Rodriguez, Bob Luman and Red Steagall.

2008 – The Whites, Buck Owens and Mickey Newbury.

2009 – Linda Davis, Michael Martin Murphey and Neal McCoy.

2010 – Al Dexter, George Jones and Ray Winkler

2011 – Moe Bandy and Mickey Gilley.

If you go:

For any music lover, Carthage is a must-visit destination. In addition to the hall of fame, Tex Ritter Museum and Jim Reeves Memorial, the community offers a wide variety of restaurants and accommodations.

For more information on the hall of fame, check the website at

http://carthagetexas.us/halloffame/.

For more information about Carthage, check the website www.carthagetexas.com.