Legendary Country Star, Hank Locklin, to be inducted into the 2001 Florida Artists Hall of Fame

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- In March 2007, Lawrence Hankins "Hank" Locklin, legendary country music artist and Grand Ole Opry star, will be inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.  The induction will take place at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee during Florida Heritage Month.

"It is an honor to recognize Mr. Locklin for his lifelong contribution not only to country music, but to the arts in Florida," said Secretary of State Sue M. Cobb.  "His widespread appeal and outreach efforts in Florida have added to the states cultural vibrancy and world wide recognition.”

Mr. Locklin was recommended by the Florida Arts Council for the Hall of Fame honor from an impressive slate of finalists.  He is the sole inductee for the 2007 Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

Mr. Hank Locklin, 88, was born in McLellan, Florida on Feb. 15, 1918.  A resident of Florida for 67 years, he is a three time Grammy finalist whose records have sold over 15 million copies worldwide.  He has over 70 charted singles with six that became #1 hits.  One of Hanks signature hits, "Please Help Me Im Falling," was ranked the number two most popular country song for the first 100 years of Billboard Magazine.  He is credited as a major player in taking country musics popularity to an international scale.  As a songwriter, Hanks songs have been recorded by over 1000 artists including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Dwight Yoakam, Charley Pride, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry.  He has been credited as a musical influence by diverse artists such as Vince Gill, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, and Merle Haggard.  As an artist/producer, Hank started the popularity of the "Slip-Note" piano style in country and pop music. This style was introduced through Hanks recordings.  He has had numerous Billboard, Cashbox, and International awards. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and has been a member for over 46 years.

Mr. Locklin is a humble man who has never sought public recognition for his great achievements. He has done charitable live performances around Florida that have been recognized by many state and local officials. Country music legend Loretta Lynn says of him, "I grew up listening to Hank Locklin and sang his songs when I was starting out.  I even won a talent show singing 'Send Me the Pillow You Dream On'.  There aint no doubt about it; Hank Locklin should be in the Hall of Fame."

Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing or practicing artists in individual disciplines. These individuals contribute to Floridas national or international reputation as a state with a strong and sustained commitment toward the development of cultural excellence. The Florida Artists Hall of Fame currently consists of over 30 inductees, including musician and performer Ray Charles; writers Zora Neale Hurston, Tennessee Williams, and Ernest Hemingway; and visual artists Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg, and James Rosenquist.

For more information, please contact Laura L. Stone at 850.245.6475 or visit  www.florida-arts.org.