Image: During the AthFest Music & Arts Festival on Friday, June 26, the Athens Music Walk of Fame Committee officially announced the five new inductees for 2026. Among those honored were Hugh Hodgson, former director of the University of Georgia School of Music that now bears his name, and Mary Frances Early, UGA’s first African American graduate with a master’s degree in music education in 1962. Both have been incredible pioneers and leaders for music education in the state of Georgia. Hodgson was appointed as UGA’s first music professor in 1928. Over the years, Hodgson’s contributions to the university were numerous and significant. He taught and conducted several courses and ensembles. In 1951, in support of statewide music education, Hodgson initiated a high school music festival that brought students to the campus to perform in large groups. He was also instrumental in establishing at the University of Georgia the first collegiate chapter of the Music Teachers National Association. Read Hugh Hodgson’s full biography. Early earned a master’s degree in music education from UGA in 1962 and returned to campus to earn a specialist in education degree in 1967. She went on to serve as music director for the Atlanta Public Schools system and was the first African American president of the Georgia Music Educators Association in 1981. In addition, she taught at Morehouse College and Spelman College and served as chair of the music department at Clark Atlanta University. You can read more about her legacy on the Mary Frances Early College of Education website. The remaining 2026 inductees announced were Elite tha Showstoppa, The Jesters and Wuxtry Records. Sidewalk plaques will be installed later this summer. About the Athens Music Walk of Fame The Athens Music Walk of Fame debuted in 2020 with 10 inductees: The B-52s, Danger Mouse (Brian Joseph Burton), Drive-By Truckers, The Elephant 6 Recording Company, Hall Johnson, Neal Pattman, Pylon, R.E.M., Vic Chesnutt and Widespread Panic. The following year, honorees included Bob Cole, Lo Down & Duddy, Nuçi’s Space/Linda Phillips, of Montreal and Art Rosenbaum. In 2022, Bloodkin, Tituss Burgess, The Glands, Ishues and Love Tractor were added to the lineup. In 2023, Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton, Normaltown Flyers, Jackie Payne, Calvin Orlando Smith and WUOG 90.5 FM joined the list. Then in 2024, inductees included 40 Watt Club, Bar-B-Q Killers, George Fontaine Sr., John Keane and James R. Smith / Voices of Truth. Last year Flagpole Magazine joined the ranks, along with Walter Allen Sr., Randall Bramblett, Five Eight and the Michael Guthrie Band. Watch: The Athens Music Walk of Fame inductees are announced at AthFest 2026:
