The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame was established to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of NM music by inducting them into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.
Each year since 2003 the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame has had an Awards Show. The gala event celebrates the lifetime achievements of the honorees through presentations and performances and takes place at the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque, NM.
Each year the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame has some fantastic nominations. Eligibility requirements: Any recording artist or non-performer who was born in New Mexico or who has resided in the state of New Mexico for a period of years and has received state, national or international acclaim for achievements in the field of recorded music and has been at it for over 25 years.
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Awards is also a benefit to provide funding for the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Museum and for the Eric J. Sanchez Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Museum features permanent exhibits. The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame inductees and other NM music industry notables illustrate the state’s rich musical heritage through interviews, personal anecdotes and music. Featured inductees include The Fireballs, The Sheltons, Rosie “Angel Baby” Hamlin, Bobby Shew, Bobby Box, Buddy Holly, and The Crickets, XIT, Tom Bee, Randy Castillo, Holly Dunn, and many other deserving artists.
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame ceremony has also been in tribute to Mr. Michael Sanchez’s late son Eric. There has never been a charge for the event, only donations in tribute to Eric, to honor the principles by which he lived. Eric attended Independence HS here in Rio Rancho. The Eric J. Sanchez Memorial Scholarship is to benefit IHS students and at-risk children.
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame, as well as the EJSM Scholarship Fund, are non-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations. Both charities were founded by Mr. Sanchez; owner of Cristy Records ™, Red Hot Entertainment Co.(R) and a long-time attorney, to honor deserving NM artists since 2003.
Leaders in the music industry joined together in 2003 to establish the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame Foundation. One of the Foundation’s many functions is to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of New Mexico Music by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Categories
Performers
Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria include the influence and significance of the artist’s contributions to the development and perpetuation of New Mexico Music.
Non-Performers
Songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on the development of New Mexico Music.
Early Influences
An artist whose music had an impact on the evolution of New Mexico Music and inspired New Mexico’s leading artists.
Side Men
This category honors those musicians who have spent their career performing as musicians, performing for other artists, on recording sessions, and in concert. Though they often play a key role in the creation of memorable music, the public may not know them by name.
2019 INDUCTEES
This year’s New Mexico Music Hall of Fame will be held on November 2, 2019, at the
KiMo Theatre
423 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102