Residents and community leaders celebrated Thursday at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience as the museum highlighting Mississippi’s cultural icons added five new stars to its Walk of Fame.

 

William “Bill” Ferris, Shelby Foote, Natasha Trethewey and Bobbie Gentry received stars ahead of a Thursday ceremony inducting them into The MAX Hall of Fame. Mac McAnally, who was also set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, previously received a star in 2012.

 

Penny Kemp, president and CEO of the The MAX, said the Walk of Fame started in 2009 as a way to generate interest in the museum, with the first stars recognizing artists such as Jimmie Rodgers and B.B. King.

 

“Since then, 40 stars have been dedicated, including Mac MacAnally’s in 2012, and today we add five more,” she said.

 

A fifth star was unveiled for Philadelphia native Marty Gamblin. Gamblin, an influential person in the music industry, also championed the creation of The MAX and served as the founding director. He died Oct. 9, 2024.

 

Kemp said Gamblin, who worked in the music industry for more than 40 years, was adamant the first star in the Walk of Fame be for the Choctaw Elders to recognize their contributions to the state’s culture. Now, she said, it is fitting that he have a star of his own.

 

“I think it is fitting that he ensured the first start was the Choctaw Elders because as he said it, ‘Everything began with them.’ I speak for myself and the staff when I say there will not be a moment that I don’t cross through those gates and not feel his presence,” she said.

 

An awards ceremony recognizing the five Hall of Fame inductees is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the MSU Riley Center.  A reception will follow at The MAX.

 

In a news release announcing the event, Kemp said the public is invited to learn about the Mississippians in the Hall of Fame, their stories and their contributions to the arts and culture in the Magnolia State.

 

“From writings about Civil War history and social change to chart-topping songs and blues documentation, the works of these trailblazing individuals warrant celebration,” she said. “We invite Mississippians as well as visitors to the state to learn about these and other Hall of Fame members. Their stories are especially inspiring to young people, and we share them with great pride.”

 

For more information about The MAX, its programs or exhibits, visit msarts.org.