Fayetteville Native Deaton Among 6 Joining NC Music Hall of Fame in 2025

Six music stars will join the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame this week, including Fayetteville native Robert Deaton. The induction takes place Oct. 16 at Mooresville's arts center. Among the picks: a chart-topping singer, a pioneering radio voice, and four standout music makers.

Luke Combs leads the pack. Born in Huntersville, he shattered streaming records: his songs topped a billion plays twice on Spotify. His latest No. 1, "Ain't No Love in Oklahoma" marked his 19th time at the top spot.

From Fayetteville comes Robert Deaton, a TV master with two Emmys. His work brings music's biggest nights to screens across America: from Nashville's New Year's bash to the CMA shows.

"Visionary director and producer who has influenced popular culture and created one-of-a-kind film, television, and music performances that define careers from emerging to superstar artists. He’s served as executive producer for many of Country Music’s biggest nights, including “CMA Awards” since 2007, “CMA Fest” since 2004, “CMA Country Christmas” since 2010, and “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash” since 2021. The two-time Emmy winner was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and lives part-time in Cashiers, North Carolina. He’s a passionate, year-round Tar Heels supporter."

Steel strings sing under Clyde Mattocks' touch. This Kinston-born player started Super Grit Cowboy Band and spent decades teaching his craft to young musicians.

The raw sounds of Chapel Hill's Dexter Romweber with Flat Duo Jets sparked a wave in indie music. His wild rockabilly style left its mark on countless bands who came after.

Mount Holly's David Childers switched from law books to songbooks. His mix of folk and rock caught the ear of The Avett Brothers, leading to several strong albums.

"Chatty Hatty" Leeper broke barriers in Charlotte radio. She blazed trails as one of the South's first Black women DJs, ran her own show, launched a record label, and wrote album notes for soul queens Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle.

Want to see history up close? The Kannapolis museum will display items from these music makers: from well-worn instruments to rare photos. There is no cost to visit.

Mark your calendars: Doors open at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center.