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Clev. County Music Hall of Fame names Jimmy Wayne to Board of Directors.
Jimmy Wayne performing his 224th show on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Cleveland C o u n t y Music Hall of Fame - formed in August 2019 to honor the c o u n t y ' s rich music history, artists and music business pioneers, and serve the youth in its community - welcomes hometown hero, Jimmy Wayne, to its Board of Directors.

Jimmy, who was born in Kings Mountain, is a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist and New York Times bestselling author, whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

"When the Hall of Fame approached me with the idea I was honored; not just because their goal is to celebrate local artists and pioneers, but because they want to give back with scholarships and provide instruments to kids who are interested in learning to play, sing and create," said Jimmy. "Music and songwriting changed my life, and maybe it'll change the life of a kid who is growing up like I did."

"Music is universal in North Carolina, regardless of where you live in the state," said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. "We are delighted that Cleveland County is recognizing its own heritage with the Music Hall of Fame and that hometown musician, Jimmy Wayne, is sharing his time and talent to celebrate its musical roots."

Fellow Kings Mountain native Tim Moore, the Speaker of North Carolina House of Representatives, said the addition of Jimmy Wayne to Cleveland County's Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors shows why the region is a must-visit stop for music lovers.

"Jimmy Wayne is a legend in our community not only for his music but his advocacy for vulnerable children who need a strong voice like his," Speaker Moore said. "We deeply appreciate Jimmy's commitment to our local Music Hall of Fame and statewide programs like 'Come Hear NC' that tell the story of the Tar Heel State's proud cultural heritage."

"Jimmy is a shining example of the power of music; but more than that, he's never forgotten where he came from and is always giving back," said Angela Padgett, Vice President of the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame. "We're thrilled to have Jimmy, a true hometown hero, be part of our board of directors."

The Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame (a 501c- 3) will honor nationally and locally known artists, songwriters, disc jockeys and other individuals and groups who have promoted all genres of music.

The Hall of Fame plans to induct an artist, band, songwriter or music business pioneer, annually.

Eventually, scholarship(s) will be offered to a local high school senior who plans to pursue a degree in music, as well as underprivileged children interested in owning and learning to play an instrument.

The Hall of Fame's inaugural induction ceremony was to take place in 2020 but may be rescheduled to next year due to the COVIDx19 pandemic, and the health of the community as the board's main priority. More information will follow as the board assesses viable options.

About Jimmy Wayne

Having recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of finishing his walk halfway across America - Project Meet Me Halfway - to raise awareness to the plight of more than 30,000 children in foster care, Jimmy, a Cleveland County native, is a former foster kid turned award-winning country recording artist and New York Times bestselling author of 'Walk To Beautiful'. Jimmy's songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for these forgotten youth.

Jimmy's hits include "Stay Gone," "Paper Angels," "I Love You This Much" and "Do You Believe Me Now," which earned BMI's prestigious Million-Air Award for receiving more than one million radio spins in America. In 2009, Jimmy toured with Brad Paisley and recorded "Sara Smile" with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and John Oates.

In 2005, Jimmy became the youngest recipient of The William Booth Award, one of the highest honors that may be conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army.

In 2012, Jimmy lobbied to pass legislative bills extending the age of foster care from 18 to 21 in California and Tennessee.

In 2013, Jimmy's first film, 'Paper Angels' (UPtv) became an instant holiday classic and in 2014 he released 'Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way' (Thomas Nelson/ Harper Collins) which became a three-time New York Times bestseller, crossing the 170,000 sales milestone in early 2019, and becoming a #1 bestseller at Amazon.

In 2016 Jimmy received the prestigious Points of Light award from President George W. Bush (41), while simultaneously contributing to the extension of foster care services from age 18 to 21 in North Carolina and Ohio.

In 2017, Jimmy was honored with the inaugural Community Maker award by Verizon and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from William Woods University. In 2018 he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Cal State University San Marcos and most recently, (May 2019) he was honored by the National Council for Adoption with the Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award in recognition of his continued commitment to creating positive change in the lives of children in foster care who need permanent families.

Jimmy has shared his story - The Power of One - around the world as a keynote speaker and has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 224 times. He lives in Nashville and continues to give back through his non-profit awareness campaign, Project MeetMe Halfway. For more about Jimmy Wayne, visit www.jimmywayne. com.


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