10/05/2026
Dr. Hugh Foley Inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame During Grand Reopening
As a founding member and induction adviser for 30 years, Foley receives a well-deserved honor.
MUSKOGEE, Okla. (Sept. 30, 2026) — In front of one of the largest crowds ever assembled inside the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and just ahead of the final performance of the grand reopening evening by local heroes The Swon Brothers, OMHOF Executive Director Tony Corbell got the crowd's attention and announced the induction of Dr. Hugh Foley into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
A sense of shock could be seen on Foley's face.
Dr. Hugh Foley has spent much of his life telling the story of Oklahoma through its music, its people and its culture. A respected Oklahoma music historian, author, educator, broadcaster and filmmaker, Foley has devoted decades to researching and documenting the remarkable musical heritage of his home state.
Sue Harris, former executive director, offered these comments: “Hugh’s teachings on how music has been so influential across the state cannot be overstated. He wrote the beautifully researched Oklahoma Music Guide, which stands as the most complete history of Oklahoma music possible. He has always been our source of knowledge and our voice on all our inductions and video bios for our inductees.”
A Muskogee native, Foley earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from New York University before receiving his Ph.D. in English from Oklahoma State University. He has served as a professor of fine arts at Rogers State University since 1996, where he has taught courses involving music, cinema, Native American studies and Oklahoma culture. He also has maintained a long career in radio and television broadcasting and has produced numerous programs and documentaries exploring Oklahoma history, music and Native American culture.
Foley is the author of Oklahoma Music Guide II, a major reference work documenting Oklahoma musicians, musical styles and the state's extraordinary contributions to American music. His scholarly work has appeared in numerous books, encyclopedias and publications, and he has lectured on Oklahoma music and culture at universities and institutions throughout the country. His research has covered an extraordinary range of Oklahoma musical traditions, including jazz, blues, country, rock 'n' roll and Native American music, as well as the historic connections between Oklahoma's diverse cultures.
Perhaps most importantly to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Foley has been there from the beginning. Former Board President and Chairman Mike Martin said, “Hugh gave to us all of the early background we needed when we began the induction process. His knowledge was enormous on all things Oklahoma music-related, including what the numerous tribes and tribal music meant to Oklahoma. He was one of our founding board members of the Hall of Fame and became its first vice president.”
For many years, Foley has chaired the organization's induction selection committee, helping identify and recognize the Oklahoma musicians, songwriters, producers, educators and other individuals whose contributions have shaped the state's musical legacy.
Through his scholarship, teaching, broadcasting and decades of service to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Dr. Hugh Foley has helped ensure that the stories behind Oklahoma music are not forgotten. His induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame recognizes not only his own remarkable career, but also his extraordinary dedication to honoring, preserving and promoting Oklahoma's rich musical heritage.
The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Oklahoma's rich musical heritage.
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