It is well known that things move much slower in the south but waiting over 50 years before inducting an artist into a Hall of Fame is taking that southern attitude to the extreme.

In an as yet announced ceremony, the Florida Music Hall of Fame has revealed the newest members of The Hall with Jim Morrison leading the list.  Country artists Brian Kelly and John Anderson are joined by Jazz man Alvin Downing to complete the 2025 class.

In the December 17 announcement, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said, “as we commemorate America250FL, I’m pleased to recognize the importance of music in Florida.  Music tells our stories, brings us together and improves our lives, and the musicians honored today have helped shape the narrative of our state.”

Created in 1986, the Florida Music Hall of Fame honours artists who have made “significant contributions to the arts in Florida.”  Among the more than 50 artists currently in The Hall are Ray Charles, Burth Reynolds, Zora Neale Hurston, Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Victor Nunez, Duane Hanson, Robert Rouschenberg, James Rosenquist, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George “Dr Funenstein” Clint, Roger Bansemer, and Xavier Cortada.

Country artist John Anderson broke into national fame with his hit song “Swingin’” (Swangin’).  His musical career spans over 40 years.  His accomplishments include; three Country Music Association Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, an American Music Award, and a Grammy Award.

Major Alvin Downing was a Tuskegee Airman and band leader for the 613th Army Air Force Band before returning to Florida where he founded the “All Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, taught at the St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus, and could be seen playing piano at many local clubs.

A Florida State University graduate and member of the Seminole baseball team, Brian Kelley is the Florida half of the hit country music duo Florida Georgia Line.

Their hit songs “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” have been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling at least 10 million copies (14 million) and are among the 19 number one singles Kelley and Tyler Hubbard recorded.

Florida Georgia Line’s other accolades include five Billboard Music Awards, six CMT Music Awards, and two Teen Choice Awards.

Jim Morrison died in 1971, but not before forming one of the most iconic American rock bands of the Sixties – The Doors! 

Morrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as a part of The Doors in 1993.