2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees: McDonald, Thorogood
The 2026 Musician Hall of Fame inductees have just been revealed, and the class is stacked with legends.
Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers and George Thorogood lead the rock contingent of this year’s honorees.
You’re about to discover every inductee, ceremony detail, and ticket option for this incredible event.
The full class also features Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and three legendary session musicians.
This announcement marks one of the most diverse and exciting classes in the museum’s 20-year history.
The 2026 Musician Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated at a concert and ceremony on April 28 in Nashville.
Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers performs during the 2025 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)
🎸 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame Quick Facts
- Ceremony Date: April 28, 2026
- Venue: Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Nashville, TN
- Number of Inductees: 8 honorees
- Rock Inductees: Michael McDonald, George Thorogood & The Destroyers
- Country Inductees: Dolly Parton, Keith Urban
- Session Legends: Nicky Hopkins, Leland Sklar, Dan Huff, John Boylan
- Ticket Sales: February 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. CT
- Total Inductees to Date: Over 170 musicians
🎸 Celebrate These Hall of Fame Legends
This historic induction calls for a deep dive into the classic catalogs.
Experience the albums that earned these artists a place in history.
Shop Essential Albums →📚 Table of Contents
🎥 Watch: 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
▶ Watch the 2026 Rock N Roll Musicians Hall of Fame Inductees on YouTube
2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees: The Full Story
The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville announced the 2026 class on February 9.
Eight honorees will be inducted at a concert and ceremony on April 28 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald headlines the rock contingent alongside George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
Additionally, the class honors Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and three legendary session musicians.
The late session keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, producer-musicians Dan Huff and John Boylan, and session bassist Leland Sklar complete the class.
Tickets for the ceremony go on sale Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m. CT.
Performers and presenters for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
💡 Did You Know?
The Musicians Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time. Founded in 2006 by Joe and Linda Chambers, it has inducted over 170 musicians, producers, engineers, and industry icons. Past honorees include Ringo Starr, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Miller, and Vince Gill.
What Happened and Why It Matters
This year’s class represents a powerful blend of frontline stars and behind-the-scenes heroes.
Michael McDonald is a five-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with The Doobie Brothers.
His soulful voice powered hits like “What a Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and “Minute by Minute.”
Meanwhile, George Thorogood has been delivering blues-powered classic rock for nearly five decades.
His signature tracks “Bad to the Bone” and “Move It on Over” remain staples of rock radio worldwide.
The inclusion of session legends makes this class especially meaningful for music history.
Nicky Hopkins played piano on recordings by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who, and The Kinks.
He contributed to over 250 albums during his remarkable 30-year career before passing in 1994.
Session bassist Leland Sklar has appeared on over 2,000 albums for artists like James Taylor and Phil Collins.
In fact, this is one of the strongest classic rock news stories of the year for fans of the genre.
🎵 Rediscover the Classics
This is the perfect time to revisit the music that earned these legends a spot in history.
Own the albums that defined a generation of rock music.
Browse Albums Now →Museum Statement on the 2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees
Linda Chambers, co-founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, praised the new class.
“The Musicians Hall of Fame has inducted over 170 musicians, producers, engineers and industry icons,” Chambers said.
“Each new class of inductees reminds us why we do what we do,” she continued.
Chambers emphasized the museum’s mission of preserving and celebrating musicians who bring songs to life.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these legendary artists into the Musicians Hall of Fame,” she added.
Inductees are selected by music industry professionals and the American Federation of Musicians.
The museum’s focus on session players separates it from other halls of fame in the music industry.
💡 Did You Know?
Michael McDonald was originally brought in as a temporary replacement for Doobie Brothers vocalist Tom Johnston in 1975. He was only supposed to fill in while Johnston recovered from a stomach ailment. However, McDonald clicked so well with the band that he became a full-time member and helped transform their sound into the blue-eyed soul that earned them four Grammy Awards in 1980.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans across the world have responded passionately to this announcement.
The inclusion of both classic rock artists and session musicians has generated widespread excitement.
Nicky Hopkins fans are especially thrilled to see the late keyboardist finally receive this honor.
A recent documentary called “The Session Man” renewed public interest in Hopkins’ incredible contributions.
George Thorogood fans are celebrating the recognition of their favorite blues-rock powerhouse.
Thorogood is currently on a 2026 tour, making this honor even more timely for his loyal fanbase.
Leland Sklar’s massive YouTube following has also rallied around the bass legend’s recognition.
Historical Context and Significance
The Musicians Hall of Fame opened in Nashville in 2006 as a tribute to working musicians.
Co-founders Joe and Linda Chambers built the museum to honor the unsung heroes behind classic records.
The museum has previously inducted Ringo Starr, Billy F Gibbons, Don McLean, Marty Stuart, and Vince Gill.
It also honors legendary session groups like the Wrecking Crew, Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Funk Brothers.
As Neil Young once said of the institution, “To be recognized by this institution is the greatest honor a musician can have.”
The museum relocated to the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium in 2013 after a devastating flood.
Today it features exhibits with instruments from artists like Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors.
What the 2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement Means Going Forward
The April 28 ceremony at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts promises to be unforgettable.
Performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
Previous ceremonies featured guest performances by Steve Miller, Rodney Crowell, and Wendy Moten.
Fans can purchase tickets starting Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m. CT.
For Michael McDonald, this honor adds to an already stunning collection of accolades.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Doobie Brothers in 2020.
He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2025.
For Nicky Hopkins, this posthumous recognition brings long-overdue attention to his genius.
Fans should also visit the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville to explore its incredible exhibits.
🎸 Essential Hall of Fame Albums 🎵
Celebrate these legendary inductees with must-have records
🎤 Minute by Minute – The Doobie Brothers
1978 – Warner Bros. Records
This Grammy-winning album features Michael McDonald at the peak of his powers.
It includes the iconic “What a Fool Believes” and the title track “Minute by Minute.”
This record earned Album of the Year at the 1980 Grammy Awards.
🎤 Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood
1982 – EMI America Records
This breakthrough album features Thorogood’s most iconic song of the same name.
“Bad to the Bone” became a rock anthem used in countless films and TV shows.
The record cemented Thorogood’s status as a blues-rock powerhouse.
🎤 Exile on Main St. – The Rolling Stones
1972 – Rolling Stones Records
Nicky Hopkins plays on 14 of 18 tracks on this legendary Stones double album.
His piano work on “Loving Cup” is considered one of rock’s greatest performances.
This album perfectly showcases the genius that earned Hopkins his induction.
🎤 If That’s What It Takes – Michael McDonald
1982 – Warner Bros. Records
McDonald’s solo debut showcases his distinctive blue-eyed soul in full bloom.
It features the hit “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” which reached the top five.
This album proves why McDonald is one of the most distinctive voices in rock history.
🎤 Maverick – George Thorogood
1985 – EMI America Records
Maverick captures Thorogood and The Destroyers at the height of their raw power.
It features scorching covers and originals that showcase his slide guitar mastery.
This album is essential listening for understanding Thorogood’s blues-rock legacy.
🎤 The Tin Man Was a Dreamer – Nicky Hopkins
1973 – Columbia Records
Hopkins’ best-known solo album features guest appearances by George Harrison and Mick Taylor.
It showcases the session legend stepping into the spotlight with his own material.
This rare album offers a window into the artistry behind rock’s greatest keyboard player.
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The Inductees’ Legacy and Impact
Each member of this class has shaped the sound of popular music in profound ways.
Michael McDonald transformed The Doobie Brothers from a guitar-driven rock band into a blue-eyed soul powerhouse.
His five Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Songwriters Hall of Fame honor speak volumes.
As a session vocalist, he appeared on landmark recordings by Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.
George Thorogood brought raw, uncompromising blues-rock to mainstream audiences for nearly 50 years.
Nicky Hopkins’ piano defined classic recordings from “She’s a Rainbow” to “Revolution” to “Gimme Shelter.”
As Nils Lofgren once said of Hopkins, “Nicky wrote the book on rock ‘n’ roll piano.”
Leland Sklar’s bass has graced over 2,000 albums, making him one of the most recorded musicians in history.
Learn more about The Doobie Brothers and George Thorogood on ClassicRockArtists.com.
💡 Did You Know?
Nicky Hopkins played on recordings by all four Beatles as solo artists after the band’s breakup. He contributed to John Lennon’s “Imagine” and “Jealous Guy,” George Harrison’s “Living in the Material World,” Ringo Starr’s “Ringo,” and Paul McCartney’s “Flowers in the Dirt.” His piano solo on The Beatles’ “Revolution” was recorded in a single take and remains one of rock’s most celebrated keyboard performances.
Your Questions About the 2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees Answered
💿 The Perfect Time to Own the Classics
Honor these Hall of Fame legends with their essential albums.
Every fan needs these records in their collection.
View Essential Albums →Why This Class Changes Everything
The 2026 class represents the very best of what the Musicians Hall of Fame stands for.
It celebrates both the stars who took center stage and the session legends who powered the music from behind the scenes.
From McDonald’s soulful vocals to Hopkins’ virtuoso piano, these musicians defined the sound of their era.
Mark your calendar for April 28 and secure your tickets to witness this historic ceremony in Nashville.
Explore more classic rock news and artist profiles on ClassicRockArtists.com.
The 2026 Musician Hall of Fame inductees represent a truly legendary class that will be celebrated for generations to come.
🎸 Celebrate These Hall of Fame Legends
Grab the essential albums or explore our guides to George Thorogood and The Doobie Brothers!
Sources:
KSLX – Michael McDonald, George Thorogood Among the 2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees
KSHE 95 – 2026 Musician Hall of Fame Inductees Coverage
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum – Official Website
Wikipedia – Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Rolling Stone – Inside New Documentary on Nicky Hopkins
Fisher Center for the Performing Arts – Ticket Information
Last updated: February 10, 2026