David  stringbean  akeman

David "Stringbean" Akeman - 2018 Inductee

David Akeman was born in 1915 in the rural town of Annville, Kentucky. Early in his career, he earned the nickname, “Stringbean”, as members of his band took notice of his 6’5” slender frame; the endearing nickname remained with him for the rest of his career. In 1940, Akeman joined and starred as the lead banjo player in legendary Bluegrass artist Bill Monroe’s “Bluegrass Boys Band.” He soon discovered he had a knack for making people laugh and integrated comedy into his musical routine. In 1952, David took his act to the Grand Ole Opry Stage where his long running show met with remarkable success. From 1962 to 1971, “Stringbean” recorded seven albums featuring chart hits “Run Rabbit Run” and “Little Liza Jane”. During this time, David landed a supporting role on the television series Hee Haw. Audiences fell in love with his mixture of banjo playing skills and comedic routines. Hee Haw became an instant classic. A talented musician, a gifted comedian, and a widely adored entertainer, David “Stringbean” Akeman will go down in history as one of Kentucky’s most beloved performers.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  1. Dale Ann Bradley - 2018 Inductee
  2. Billy Ray Cyrus - 2018 Inductee
  3. Jason Crabb - 2018 Inductee
  4. Jackie DeShannon - 2018 Inductee
  5. David "Stringbean" Akeman - 2018 Inductee
  6. Bobby Lewis - 2018 Inductee
  7. Exile - 2011 Inductees
  8. The Kentucky Headhunters - 2013 Inductees
  9. Jerry Chestnut - 2004 Inductee
  10. John Lee Lair - 2002 Inductee
  11. Red Foley - 2002 Inductee
  12. Coon Creek Girls - 2004 Inductees
  13. Ulys R "Red" Turner - Renfro Valley Performer
  14. Old Joe Clark - 2013 Inductee
  15. Merle Travis - 2002 Inductee
  16. Loretta Lynn - 2002 Inductee
  17. JD Crowe - 2004 Inductee
  18. Bradley Kincaid - 2002 Inductee
  19. Jean Ritchie - 2002 Inductee
  20. Tom T Hall - 2002 Inductee
  21. Pete Stamper - 2015 Inductee
  22. Steve Wariner - 2011 Inductee
  23. Bradley Kincaid - 2002 Inductee
  24. Bill Monroe - 2002 Inductee
  25. Dwight Yoakam - 2008 Inductee
  26. John Conlee - 2006 Inductee
  27. Louis Marshall "Grandpa Jones" - 2002 Inductee
  28. Keith Whitley - 2011 Inductee
  29. Ricky Skaggs - 2004 Inductee
  30. Brian Littrell & Kevin Richardson of The Backstreet Boys - 2015 Inductees
  31. Patty Loveless - 2011 Inductee
  32. Montgomery Genrty - 2015 Inductees
  33. John Michael Montgomery - 2011 Inductee
  34. The Judds - 2006 Inductees
  35. The Everly Brothers - 2002 Inductees
  36. Boots Randolph - 2004 Inductee
  37. Sam Bush - 2006 Inductee
  38. The Goins Brothers
  39. Crystal Gayle - 2008 Inductee
  40. Dottie Rambo - 2006 Inductee
  41. Florence Henderson - 2008 Inductee
  42. Steven Curtis Chapman - 2013 Inductee
  43. Doc Hopkins - 2015 Inductee
  44. The Osborne Brothers - 2002 Inductees
  45. Howard and Vestal Goodman - 2004 Inductees
  46. The Coon Creek Girls - 2004 Inductees
  47. Billy Vaughn - 2004 Inductee
  48. Todd Duncan - 2006 Inductee
  49. Mary Travers - 2006 Inductee
  50. John Jacob Niles - 2006 Inductee
  51. Norro Wilson - 2008 Inductee
  52. Les McCann - 2008 Inductee
  53. Molly O'Day - 2011 Inductee
  54. Carly Pearce - 2022 Inductee
  55. Marty Brown - 2022 Inductee
  56. Marty Brown - 2022 Inductee
  57. Tee Dee Young - 2022 Inductee
  58. Paul Yandell - 2022 Inductee
  59. Norah Lee Allen - 2022 Inductee
  60. Tommy White - 2022 Inductee
  61. Pete Goble - 2022 Inductee
  62. 2022 Karl Shannon Award: Jack Pattie