Legends Inducted into North Dakota Music Hall of Fame

Cramer Honors Long-Time Friend Johnny Holm, Celebrates the Inductees' Lasting Mark on North Dakota's Music Legacy

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BISMARCK, N.D. - Six of North Dakota's musical all-stars cemented their place in history Sunday when they were inducted into the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. Honorees include longtime Upper Midwest performer Johnny Holm, iconic radio and TV host Shadoe Stevens, Christian music songwriter and producer Greg Nelson, Grammy Award-winning producer and audio-engineer Michael D. Clute, composer and music educator Dr. Tom Porter, and Hebron-area family group The Tibor Brothers.

From live performances and songwriting to recording, broadcasting and orchestral music, this year's inductees represent the vast influence and incredible variety of North Dakota's musical history. Attendees at Sunday's ceremony, hosted by Shadoe Stevens, heard live music and a variety of selections from the inductees highlighting the lasting impact of North Dakota on the music industry and the different roles each inductee played in bringing the joy of music to people throughout the country and across generations of time.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who nominated Holm, attended the ceremony at Bismarck State College and congratulated the 2026 inductees for receiving the Hall of Fame honor.

"Congratulations to this power-packed class of inductees, many of whom I'm fortunate to call friends," said Cramer. "No one should be surprised by the breadth of musical talent in our state, but they may be surprised by just how accomplished these North Dakota natives are.

"I doubt there ever has been, or ever will be, such an impressive collection of North Dakota musical talent in one place at one time," continued Cramer. "It's amazing to think a student could drive home from Dr. Porter's class on Friday and a hear a song on the radio produced by Michael Clute, then on Saturday catch American Top 40 with Shadoe Stevens before going to a Johnny Holm concert-and then cap it off on Sunday listening to music from Greg Nelson or maybe even see Harvey Tibor playing the guitar at church. It was a celebration worthy of their talent."

Cramer also introduced Holm, a close friend of 45 years dating back to his college days in Fargo.

"I've been blessed to call Johnny Holm a friend for more than 45 years, and what has always stood out to me isn't just his talent-it's his heart," said Cramer. "Johnny has a gift for bringing people together, making everyone feel like they matter, and always finding a way to lift others up. That's why generations of people have loved him and his music. North Dakota is where his story began, and it's pretty special to see him honored here, where the legend of Johnny Holm got its start."

For more than five decades, the "hardest working man in music" has been a defining figure on the Upper Midwest music scene. He built the Johnny Holm Band into one of the region's most in-demand touring acts, performing for hundreds of thousands of fans at ballrooms, barns, county fairs, colleges, dive bars, and festivals. The band recorded five albums and 11 singles, including the regional hit "Lightnin' Bar Blues." Two of the Johnny Holm Band's singles charted nationally.

Founded in 2015, the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to celebrating the rich musical heritage of the state, and recognizes and enshrines musicians from diverse genres who have made significant contributions to the music industry, whether on a global stage or within the borders of North Dakota.

According to the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame, inductees "represent the best of what our state has to offer, and their stories of dedication, creativity, and perseverance are a testament to the power of music." Nominations are based on four categories, including "Musicians, Duos and Groups," "Music Educators," "Songwriters," and "Music Industry Contributors." To be eligible for induction, nominees must have at least 20 years of professional experience and a North Dakota connection through birth, residence, or marriage.