Hugh Foley inducted into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Claremore
In Claremore, Dr. Hugh Foley was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of work as an educator and state music historian.
Dr. Hugh Foley joined the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Claremore. The honor recognizes his decades of work as a state music historian, educator and author.
Rogers State University announced that the Fine Arts and Communications Department Head received the surprise induction on Sept. 26. He attended OMHOF’s grand reopening to introduce the 2026 inductees.
“I was preparing to introduce the final performers of the night when Executive Director Tony Corbell surprised me by announcing that I was being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame,” Foley said.
The hall was established in 1997. The Claremore organization has honored more than 150 artists, songwriters and figures, including:
- Merle Haggard
- Tommy Allsup
- Toby Keith
- Vince Gill
- Woody Guthrie
- Gene Autry
- Bob Wills
- Hoyt Axton
- Carrie Underwood
Foley is a founding board member and former vice president of OMHOF. He has spent decades researching and documenting the state’s musical heritage.
Former OMHOF Executive Director Sue Harris said Foley’s research created a lasting educational impact.
“He wrote the beautifully researched Oklahoma Music Guide, which stands as the most complete history of Oklahoma music possible. He has always been our source of knowledge, as well as our voice for induction speeches and video biographies.”
He is a Muskogee native. Foley has served as an RSU fine arts professor since 1996. He teaches courses in music, cinema, Native American studies and Oklahoma culture.
Foley authored Oklahoma Music Guide II as a reference text on state musicians. His broadcast career includes radio and television documentaries exploring state history and music.
His scholarly work appears in numerous books, encyclopedias and publications nationwide. His research spans jazz, blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll and Native American music.
The hall of fame recognizes individuals who contribute to musical heritage. Rogers State University serves students across northeastern Oklahoma from Claremore.
Foley said he remains focused on other artists who deserve recognition.
“Having spent so many years advocating for Oklahoma’s musicians, I’m very aware that many deserving Oklahoma artists still need to be recognized. That makes this honor especially humbling to me.”
