Michael McDonald, George Thorogood Among 2026 Music Hall of Fame Inductees

Doobie Brothers singer and blues rocker to be honored in Nashville ceremony.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Musicians Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of inductees, which includes Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald, blues rocker George Thorogood, country star Dolly Parton, and several other acclaimed musicians, producers, and session artists. The induction ceremony and concert will take place on April 28 in Nashville.

Why it matters

The Musicians Hall of Fame honors the legacy of influential musicians across genres, preserving the history and impact of those who have shaped popular music. The 2026 class features several iconic artists who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, making this year's induction ceremony a significant event for music fans.

The details

The 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame inductees include Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Dolly Parton, the late session keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, country star Keith Urban, producer-musicians Dan Huff and John Boylan, and session bassist Leland Sklar. The induction ceremony and concert will take place on April 28 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

  • The 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame induction ceremony and concert will take place on April 28.
  • Tickets for the event go on sale on Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m. CT.

The players

Michael McDonald

A singer and songwriter best known as a member of the Doobie Brothers, known for hits like "Takin' It to the Streets" and "What a Fool Believes".

George Thorogood

A blues rock musician and singer-songwriter, known for songs like "Bad to the Bone" and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer".

Dolly Parton

A legendary country music singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist.

Nicky Hopkins

A renowned English session keyboardist who performed on recordings by the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Kinks, and many other iconic artists.

Linda Chambers

The co-founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Musicians Hall of Fame has inducted over 170 musicians, producers, engineers and industry icons. Each new class of inductees reminds us why we do what we do – preserving and celebrating the legacy of the musicians who bring songs to life.”

— Linda Chambers, Co-founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum (ktlo.com)

What’s next

Performers and presenters for the April 28 induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

The 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame inductees represent a diverse array of influential artists who have left an indelible mark on popular music, underscoring the organization's commitment to preserving the legacy of those who have brought songs to life over the decades.