On the evening of Thursday, September 18, 2025, The Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame held its annual induction ceremony at the Trent Lott Theatre inside The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs, MS. This year’s inductees: John Lee Hooker, Danny Myrick, and Scott Stradtner, “Contributors Award Recipient.”
Past inductees: Paul Overstreet (2019); Tommy Barnes, Jimmy Buffett, B.B. King, Mac McAnally, and Reggie Bates, “Contributors Award Recipient” (2020); Sam Cooke, Paul Davis, Bob Morrison, Craig Wiseman, and Tammy Wynette (2021); Hank Cochran, Bobbie Gentry, Robert Johnson, Clay Mills, Conway Twitty, and Tommy Crawford, “Contributors Award Recipient” (2022); Bo Diddley, Elsie McWilliams, Don Poythress, Jimmie Rodgers, and Jim Weatherly (2023); Glen Ballard, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf (2024). The Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame has honored twenty-five inductees and three Contributors Award recipients.
An Introduction to John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker, a Mississippi-born blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, rose to prominence by performing an electric guitar style of Delta blues that he developed in Detroit. This adaptation incorporated a variety of elements, giving Hooker his own driving-rhythm boogie style. His inimitable sound was so good and unusually impossible to copy. Many magazines and music critics have ranked Hooker high on their all-time list of greatest guitarists or blues singers. He became internationally famous after recording hits such as “Boogie Chillen,” “I’m in the Mood,” and “Boom Boom.” Historians believe he was born in 1917. Hooker died in his sleep on June 21, 2001, in his home in Los Altos, California. This legendary and iconic bluesman serves as an inspiration to millions of musicians and music enthusiasts.
An Introduction to Danny Myrick
Danny Myrick, born on August 3, 1964, in Laurel, Mississippi, has enjoyed a long and productive career as both a performer and a songwriter, from his gospel roots growing up in Mississippi to successfully writing or co-writing songs recorded by a diverse roster of music artists from several genres. Myrick has been living in Nashville for many years. He is currently working as a writer and/or producer with several incredibly talented artists. Myrick’s songwriting credits have led to the sale of millions of records, helping establish him as one of today’s most sought-after songwriters.
An Introduction to Scott Stradtner
This year’s Contributors Award recipient is the late Scott Stradtner, who wore many hats of admiration, including salesman, business owner, umpire, and dear friend to many. He served as one of the original board members for the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance and played a major role in the Mississippi Songwriters Festival, including being the voice and host of many previous Hall of Fame ceremonies and emcee for the festival. Scott was also a high school umpire and a member of the East Central Civic Association Board of Directors for the George County Pee Wee Football League. He will be dearly missed.
(The complete biography will appear at the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame Museum in 2026 and in a future article.)
The following photos are by Stephen “Andy” Anderson and commentary by Johnny Cole.
This year’s inductees: Scott Stradtner (Contributors Award recipient), Danny Myrick, and John Lee Hooker
Mississippi “The Birthplace of America’s Music”
The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center “The Site of the Annual Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
MSA’s Board Member Darwin Nelson being interviewed by WXXV before ceremony.
MSA’s Board Member Andy Dalgo being interviewed by WLOX before ceremony.
Approaching showtime at The Trent Lott Theater inside the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center
MSA’s Board Member Darwin Nelson (emcee)
Jim Tabor (one the night’s emcees)
Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Board Members: Brad Bohannon, George Cumbest, Andy Dalgo, and Darwin Nelson at this year’s Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Paula Yancey (Gautier, MS City Manager) and John Read (Member of the Mississippi State House of Representatives)
Norwegian songwriters and guests Bjørn Nilsen, Emma Birgitte Ovlien, and Olav Tofte
Troy Ross (Jackson County Dist. 4 Supervisor)
Norwegian songwriters and guests Bjørn Nilsen, Emma Birgitte Ovlien, and Olav Tofte with Troy Ross (Jackson County Dist. 4 Supervisor), and Sean Gasaway (Education Coordinator for the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance)
MSA Board Member Andy Dalgo with Bjørn Nilsen as he signs guitar that was presented to the mayor of Ocean Springs, MS at the Mississippi Songwriters Festival’s finale on Sunday.
