Across Georgia

Music Hall of Fame inducts new members

Atlanta ---- Jam band Widespread Panic and rapper Ludacris were among the music industry notables inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools admitted it was the first time he'd walked down a red carpet.

"I'm not nervous," he said. "I just don't want to scuff up the red carpet."

Others honored for contributions to Georgia's music scene were Keith Sweat, an R&B singer from the new jack swing era and host of a syndicated radio show; DJ Hamp Swain; Fred and Dinah Gretsch of Gretsch guitars; and late Christian singer and songwriter Dottie Rambo.

Past inductees include Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, the Indigo Girls and R.E.M.

Widespread Panic was scheduled to perform at the 30th annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show, held at the Georgia World Congress Center. Widespread Panic has landed in Pollstar's Top 50 Tours every year for the past decade.