The country music group Ricochet was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Muskogee Civic Center on February 17, according to a press release issued by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Vian natives and original members of the group, Heath Wright and Greg Cook were inducted, along with other group members, Chris Hempfling, Larry Hight and Bruce Bennett.
Wright remains a longstanding member of the group as lead vocalist.
According to the release, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame honors Oklahomans who have impacted the music industry. Restless Heart and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame members, Dave Innis and Greg Jennings, were on hand to induct Ricochet for this prestigious honor.
“Growing up in Oklahoma, one could only dream of such recognition. We are honored even to be considered, much less be amongst so many Oklahoma icons in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame,” Wright said after being inducted. “Thank you to our fans, ENCORE Music Group for new opportunities, and of course the Hall of Fame for bestowing such an honor.”
“Thanks to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for the honor of being inducted with Ricochet,” Cook said. “And thanks to the current members for including a former member. All members (past and present) are amongst my dearest friends and all impacted the group. Thanks for taking the ride with us!”
Ricochet was also joined on stage by Wade Hayes for a special tribute to the legendary Toby Keith during the ceremony.
“Ricochet has been one of the most important and powerful bands coming from Oklahoma in the past 30 or more years,” Tony Corbell, executive director, said. “Each member is highly proficient with their craft, and when they perform you are hearing the result of a group of highly polished and professional musicians that never miss. They put on a show! We are honored to have them inducted into our Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.”
Ricochet was inducted along with Bryan White, Verlon Thompson, Jerry Huffer, Timothy Long, Shelby Eicher and David Webb.
Ricochet is the only country group to chart the National Anthem and is in constant demand to perform it live.
They have just released their current album ‘Ricochet Then & Now… The Hits & More.’
