Texas Country Music Hall of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum

The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum, located in Carthage, celebrates the rich heritage of country music in the Lone Star State. Established in 1998, the Hall of Fame honors Texas-born artists, musicians, and songwriters who have made significant contributions to the genre. The museum spans 13,000 square feet and features exhibits, a gift shop, and a banquet room capable of accommodating over 200 guests.

The Tex Ritter Museum, housed within the Hall of Fame, pays tribute to Woodward Maurice “Tex” Ritter, a native of Panola County and one of the first inductees. Ritter was a pioneering figure in country music, known for his roles in over 70 B-movie Westerns and his rendition of “Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin’,” the theme song for the film High Noon. The museum also features memorabilia from his son, actor John Ritter.

Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to other country music legends such as Willie Nelson, Gene Autry, and Tanya Tucker. A notable feature is a replica of a 1930s theater marquee, highlighting the role of country music in film, accompanied by a jukebox allowing guests to play classic country tunes.

The Hall of Fame hosts annual events, including the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show and the John Ritter Tribute Showcase, attracting fans from across the nation.

Actor John Ritter (1948 – 2003) was a gifted physical comedian and versatile performer best remembered for turning everyday pratfalls and double-takes into television gold on Three’s Company. The son of “singing-cowboy” star Tex Ritter, John carved his own path, earning Emmy and Golden Globe awards, headlining more than 100 screen projects, and inspiring a foundation that now saves lives by raising awareness of aortic disease.

In a significant development, the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame is set to establish a permanent display within the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage. This initiative aims to honor individuals and groups who have made substantial contributions to gospel music in Texas, reflecting the intertwined nature of country and gospel genres in the region.