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The 93rd induction ceremony for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 12, honored Oklahoma native fiddler Kyle Dillingham as the Ambassador of Goodwill. They invited Dillingham to perform for the honorees. Dillingham was overwhelmed and humbled by this prestigious honor, as he is very proud and thankful to be an Oklahoman.
“This honor is so special and important to me because it recognizes my lifelong decision to base my career in Oklahoma,” said Dillingham. “This is my home, and I am proud to have so far represented my home state now in over 40 countries with my music. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame (OHOF) bestows upon its inductees the state’s highest honor. So when I found out that they wanted to officially honor me as an Ambassador of Goodwill at their 93rd Induction Ceremony and to have me as their feature entertainment, I was overwhelmed with emotion.”
Previously honored Ambassadors of Goodwill include Toby Keith, Kristin Chenoweth, Katrina Elam, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Webb, and Hank Thompson, to name a few.
They broadcast the historical event on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and OklahomaHOF.com. Oklahoma PBS affiliate OETA will air the induction ceremony Saturday, November 14, at 3:00 pm and Sunday, November 15, at 10:00 am. Honorees include Calvin J. Anthony, Stillwater; Chief Gary Batton, Clayton; Martha Burger, Oklahoma City; Charles Dennis “Denny” Cresap, Afton; Terry Stuart Forst, Waurika; Stephen M. Prescott, M.D., Oklahoma City; Francis Rooney, Tulsa; and John W. Smith, Del City.
They founded the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1927 with the purpose of honoring Oklahomans in their lifetime with the state’s highest honor and educating Oklahoma’s youth on their state’s rich history. The Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, opened in 2007 with the intent of giving the public access to the stories of these and other inspirational Oklahomans.
Music changes lives and has the innate ability to unify us all in a way that few things can. Dillingham does not take this lightly and believes that all should remember the responsibility and opportunity that they give. The esteemed entertainer debuted his upcoming single “Homa” during the celebration as the featured entertainment, building upon his native foundation and honoring the excellent state he calls home.
This year, the U.S. Department of State chose four artists from their vast pool of American Music Abroad alumni bands to become the “AMA Champions.” In this role, Dillingham has helped the state create virtual programming to allow the U.S. Government to continue its global mission of musical diplomacy during a time when it’s just not possible to send American musicians overseas.
For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame or Gaylord-Pickens Museum OklahomaHoF.com
For more information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony or making a nomination to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, contact Brenda Schwartz, Director of Honoree Relations, at bbs@oklahomahof.com (mailto:bbs@oklahomahof.com)
About Kyle Dillingham:
Kyle Dillingham picked up the violin when he was nine, and eight years later, he gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Just last year, they invited Kyle back to make his Opry Debut as a guest artist! The legendary impresario, Jim Halsey, now manages Kyle, who has guided many great performers’ careers, including Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, and James Brown.
Between Dillingham’s touching songwriting, classic covers, and fiddlin’ favorites, he is sure to have audiences on their feet. Dillingham has represented America internationally in 41 countries and is the youngest ever recipient of the distinguished Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award, thus earning him the title of “Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador.” He’s also performed for many governmental leaders, including the Japanese, Thai, and Saudi Arabian Ambassadors.
Through his musical diplomacy, Dillingham has serenaded the King of Malaysia, the Princess of Thailand and performed during Singapore’s National Day Celebration. Chinese national television broadcast his performance at the Beijing Central Conservatory. Dillingham has also been a soloist with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, the Amici New York Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Enid Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City University Orchestra, the UCO Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, and the Oklahoma Community Orchestra.