KANNAPOLIS — Six inductees will comprise the 2023 class scheduled to be enshrined during the annual induction ceremony this fall. The induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 19 in Mooresville.

The 2023 class of inductees are:

Betty Davis of Durham. Known as the “Queen of Funk,” Davis is a multi-talented music influencer, pioneering funk diva, singer, songwriter, producer and fashion model who transformed funk music with her extreme performances and edgy lyrics. Davis’ notable hits “If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up” and “Shut Off The Lights” made Billboard R&B charts in the 1970s. Her most significant studio albums were They Say I’m Different (1974) and Nasty Gal (1975). The documentary Betty: They Say I’m Different, was released in 2017 and triggered a reemergence of Davis’ powerful career and created a cult following. Davis influenced a number of artists including Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu, Prince and Madonna.

Loudon Wainwright III of Chapel Hill. For the past 52 years, Wainwright has carved out a distinguished career as one of North Carolina’s most original singer-songwriters. A six-string tragic comedian, Wainwright’s material is by turns funny, heart wrenching, and always deeply personal. Along the way, he has released more than 20 albums, won a Grammy Award, acted in films and TV shows (including M*A*S*H), and had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Bonnie Raitt, his son, Rufus Wainwright, and fellow North Carolinian Earl Scruggs.

Scotty McCreery of Garner. He made history in 2011 when his first album, Clear as Day, debuted at No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making him the first country artist and youngest male artist of any musical format to achieve this feat. He has since established himself as one of today’s top country music entertainers, earning five consecutive No. 1 hits, multiple gold and platinum albums and singles, and sold out concerts across the world. In addition to winning American Idol in 2011, McCreery has received an array of ACM, BMI, CMT, NSAI and Carolina Beach Music Awards and has executive produced two Hallmark holiday movies based on his first No.1 hit song, “Five More Minutes.”

George Beverly Shea of Montreat. First singing for Billy Graham in 1944, Shea carried the gospel in song to every state in the Union and to every continent of our world. As the musical mainstay in the Billy Graham Crusades, Shea was often called “America’s Beloved Gospel Singer.” Shea received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2011 and in 1966 he won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording. He is most recognized for the songs “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and “The Wonder of It All.”

Fetchin Bones of Charlotte. From 1983 to 1990, Fetchin Bones pioneered an eclectic, original sound by blending rock, punk, funk, grunge, country and blues with powerhouse vocals by Hope Nicholls, the band’s lead. After their debut album, Cabin Flounder, they went on to release three more albums for Capitol Records. Supporting acts such as R.E.M., the B-52s, Violent Femmes, The Replacements, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fetchin Bones were celebrated for their inspired live performances. The band formed in Charlotte.

Bill Curtis of Fayetteville. Curtis is a musician and songwriter who formed his funk disco band, The Fatback Band, in 1970. The Fatback Band released the first recorded rap song “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” which is widely regarded as one of the first ever commercial rap singles earmarking the beginning of recorded hip hop. In 1979, the band released the first line dance hit to the song “(Are you Ready) Do The Bus Stop.” Curtis has performed with influential artists including Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, The Moonglows, Ruth Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Aretha Franklin, and has received several invitations to the White House.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Induction Ceremony at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center, 160 South Magnolia St.