It’s been a long time coming for Wilder native Bobby Mackey to be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. 

“It took me fifteen years,” Jessica Blankenship, executive director of Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, said. “I became executive director of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame just over two years ago, and even before then I was all fighting for Bobby.” 

What drew Blankenship to Mackey was his commitment to his community. 

“You all know what he does for this community,” Blankenship said. “But being on the outside of the community, I know that he’s preserving Kentucky’s music history.” 

Being inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement. To be selected as an inductee, one must be nominated either through a selection letter or a nomination form. From there, the selection committee reviews each individual with specific criteria, including their participation in the music industry, their ties to Kentucky, and most importantly, the positivity they bring to Kentucky music. 

Joining Mackey as inductees are Black Stone Cherry, Rodney Griffin, Paul Martin, Jimmy Mattingly, The McLain Family Band, Billy Moore, Ruble Sanderson, Sturgill Simpson, Charlie Sizemore, and Gary Stewart.  

To celebrate, the City of Wilder honored Mackey at its Aug. 5 council meeting. 

Inductee Bobby Mackey with his wife, Denise, and Executive Director Jessica Blankenship. Photo by Gracie Reed | LINK nky contributor

“Bobby Mackey is more than just a performer, he is an institution,” said Wilder Mayor Valerie Jones. “His honky tonk bar in Wilder has been a beacon for country music lovers for decades, drawing fans from all over to experience that authentic raw energy that only Bobby can deliver.” 

In 1978, Mackey opened his club, Bobby Mackey’s Music World, located along the Licking River in Wilder. However, recently Mackey has relocated to a temporary location in Florence, aiming to be back in Wilder soon. 

“We’ve been gone five months, and it went so fast,” Mackey said. “But the wheels are turning slowly to get things going down here.” 

And Wilder can’t wait for his return. 

“I can’t wait to have you back,” Jones said. “I’ve said, you know, you can take Bobby out of Wilder, but you can’t take Wilder out of Bobby, he’s coming back.” 

Mackey will officially be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame this year on Oct. 26 at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.