The Indie Music Hall Of Fame "Induction Award" is the crown jewel of the Indie Music Hall Of Fame. This honor is awarded each year to 6 individuals from a list of thousands in recognition of their tremendous achievements and contributions as an independent artist.
2021 Indie Music Hall of Fame Inductees
(Listed alphabetically below)
Suzanne Grzanna
Suzanne Grzanna was born and grew up in a small suburb of Milwaukee. Her parents Don and Maureen Grzanna are professional musicians and she started piano lessons with her mother when she was five. While Suzanne continued playing piano during her teenage years, performing at many competitions, she began doubling on the clarinet when she was nine so she could play in her school bands. Suzanne switched her main focus to alto-sax in seventh grade. In addition to jazz and hearing her father perform, she enjoyed classical and the pop music of the era. A performer from a very age, Suzanne sang and played piano in her family band, playing jazz, rock and dance music. She gained further experience playing in her high school band and singing in her high school choir. While in college she not only performed with the jazz band but the school’s symphonic orchestra and a Christian rock group. She also sang with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for many years, starting at the age of 18. After attending Wisconsin Lutheran College and earning a music degree from Carroll University, she formed her jazz quartet. Suzanne immediately started a busy performance schedule, and she has not slowed down since. Suzanne has won numerous Indie Music Channel Awards.
Marcus Hernandez
Marcus Hernandez is the founder of Orchestra Fuego, a sensational Salsa band that performs both original and familiar Latin songs with invigorating new arrangements. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida this twelve-piece live orchestra presents an ear pleasing and visually alluring performance that magnifies their impressive presentation style. This seasoned group of musicians with over two decades of experience produce a sizzling show—and the band’s dynamic, high energy sound dominates every stage they play on. Orchestra Fuego delivers a vast and versatile repertoire of songs that includes Salsa – their first love – Merengue, Bachata, Bolero, Cha-cha and more. Their hot Latin passion is on fire and can be felt through their expressive enthusiasm and high energy levels everywhere they perform. Marcus is one of the newest members of
the Indie Music Channel
Rachel Walker Mason
Rachel Walker Mason is a multi-award-winning musician, currently writing songs with Grammy nominees, Billboard Hot 100 artists, alumni from The Voice UK and American Idol, Emmy winners and Independent Country Music Association Awards winners.
Named a Woman Of The Year 2020 and hailed “an inspiration” by Prince Harry, Rachel is the only musician to have been crowned Freelancer Of The Year and to be given a Lockdown Hero Award for her work creating the international arts festival Unlock Your Talent which garnered worldwide acclaim for its support and fundraising for mental health.
A highly regarded songwriting and vocal judge, Rachel was a judge for NTA nominated Sing: Ultimate A Cappella on Sky One and is a judge for the UK Songwriting Contest, Strive and the Intercontinental Music Awards. Rachel is a new member of the Indie Music Channel.
Ray Ramon
Ray Ramon born Olusegun Ajibola Ramon is a dual National, Nigerian - Australian entertainment triple threat. Ray has won the following awards for his songs all released under his Independent Record Label - Ray Ramon Records Best Male Gospel Artist at the Afro/Australian Music and Movie Awards 2011 held in Sydney, Australia Best Contemporary Christian Producer 2012 at the Indie Music Channel Awards held at the House of Blues, Hollywood, USA Best R&B Video at the 2013 2nd Indie Music Channel Awards held in Hollywood, USA Best World Music Producer 2014 Indie Music Channel Awards at whiskey a-go-go, USA. Best Dance Act 2014 Afro/Australian Music and Movies Awards at Riverside Theater, Sydney, Australia. Best Dance Song 2015 Indie Music Channel Awards at Whiskey a-go-go, Hollywood, USA Best Dance Song for "Make that move (feat. Ruby Shay)" at the 2018 Indie Music Channel Awards at the Hard Rock Cafe, Hollywood, USA Best Dance/Electronica Music Video for "Make that move (feat. Ruby Shay)" at the April 2018 Akademia Awards, USA Best Dance Artist for "Bad Bad Man" at the 2018 Radio Music Awards USA Best Dance Song for "Make that move (feat. Ruby Shay)" at the 2018 Radio Music Awards Best Male Dance Artist and Best Dance Music Video for "Shake That Booty" at the 2019 Indie Music Channel Awards held at the Grammy Museum. Ray resides in Australia and he's married to Kirsten and has 4 boys namely Abiodun, Eligh, Levi and Cruz.
Trevor Sewell
Trevor Sewell is a British Guitarist/vocalist/writer/producer his new album 'Independence' is currently sitting at number 9 in the Radio Caroline Charts and it has already registered in the both the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association and Blues Matters Chart. Sewell was recently inducted to the American Heritage Blues Hall of Fame in the same category [Master] as artists such as Tommy Castro and Joe Bonamassa.
The past two years have seen Trevor continue to go from strength to strength as his fan base continues to grow particularly in America where his debut album 'Calling Your Name' spent a staggering 7 weeks at number one on the American Blues Scene Chart.
A recent return to his roots has seen him widely recognised as one of the great emerging British guitar talents currently riding the wave of New British Blues gaining popularity in the U.S.A. Trevor is also a previous winner at the Indie Music Channel Awards.
Kitt Wakeley
Kitt Wakeley is a diverse talent who is able to capture almost any emotion within his music. Whether for film/TV licensing or for his solo albums, as a traditional songwriter,
he has a gift for developing strong melody lines.
When not writing, Kitt spends time collaborating with and producing for artists
from all over the world.
Kitt’s album, "Midnight In Macedonia" is comprised of piano, orchestra (Macedonian Orchestra & Choir), rock and electronica.
Kitt was named "Artist of the Year" at the 2019 Indie Music Channel Awards.
