Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Honor Music’s Unsung Heroes at Musicians Hall of Fame Inductions

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood brought star power — and heart — to the 2026 Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum Induction Ceremony. Held in late April at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the event honored the players behind some of music’s most iconic recordings.

The ninth annual ceremony celebrated a wide-ranging class of inductees, including Dann Huff, Dolly Parton (Industry Icon Award), George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan (Producer Award), Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald, and Nicky Hopkins (posthumously).

Brooks and Yearwood were among an all-star lineup of performers paying tribute throughout the night, but their moments onstage delivered some of the evening’s most memorable highlights. Honoring legendary bassist Leland Sklar, Brooks stepped into the spotlight in his signature cowboy hat, visibly energized as he joined the house band. He smiled, waved to the crowd, and leaned into the groove of “Your Smiling Face” before getting the audience on its feet with “How Sweet It Is.” As the performance ended, Brooks embraced Sklar, tipping his hat in a gesture of respect that underscored the night’s spirit.

Reflecting on Sklar’s influence, Brooks said: “Some of the greatest records in my memory…were played by Leland Sklar. That’s what I love about the Musicians Hall of Fame — they understand without the players, there is no music.”

Yearwood also took part in the tributes, including standout performances of “Love Has No Pride” and “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” during the John Boylan segment. Still, it was her joyful reaction to the evening that captured the tone of the night. “Little ’70s Trisha is freaking out right now…what an honor to be a part of this night,” she said.

Hosted by Sam Palladio and backed by an all-star band, the sold-out ceremony blended reverence with celebration — and with Brooks and Yearwood at center stage, it was a reminder that even the biggest stars never forget the players who made their music possible.