MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) held its Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony Thursday night at the MSU Riley Center, celebrating the induction of five new honorees for their outstanding contributions to the arts and culture of Mississippi.
The ceremony, which began at 7 p.m., recognized this year’s inductees, including:
- Bobbie Gentry, singer and songwriter, best known for her hit “Ode to Billie Joe.”
- Shelby Foote, historian and novelist, renowned for his work The Civil War: A Narrative.
- William “Bill” Ferris, folklorist, author, and educator dedicated to preserving Mississippi’s cultural traditions.
- Natasha Trethewey, former U.S. Poet Laureate, author, poet, and educator.
- Mac McAnally, musician and singer-songwriter, known for his work with Jimmy Buffett and his own successful solo career.
After receiving his award, McAnally took the stage and performed two songs, including his well-known hit “That’s Where I Come From,” much to the delight of the audience.
A special tribute was also paid to Marty Gamblin, the founding director of The MAX and current Hall of Fame consultant, for his pivotal role in shaping the organization.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at The MAX, where guests enjoyed food and catering provided by Pretty Presentations. The event highlighted the lasting impact of Mississippi’s artistic community and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the state.
