CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTEES
DUANE ALLEN
Duane Allen
Inducted in 2025
A native of Taylortown, Texas, Duane "Ace" Allen had formal training in operatic and quartet singing before joining The Oak Ridge Boys in 1966. He is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. He holds an honorary doctorate from a Christian college and has written a book on the history of Gospel Music. Duane graduated from Paris Junior College and then East Texas A&M University at Commerce, Texas. He earned a B.S. in Music from East Texas A&M, and he was given the Distinguished Alumni Award from both Paris Junior College and East Texas A&M. In 2014, Duane was honored by his hometown community of Cunningham, Texas. Lamar County officials dedicated the Duane Allen Memorial Bridge on the newly designated Duane Allen Road. The bridge crosses the Big Sandy Creek just a few hundred yards from where Duane was born and raised on the Allen family farm. He is a member of the Texas Gospel and Country Music Halls of Fame. Back in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where Duane and his family have lived for over 50 years, he enjoys spending time on his farm, which has been home to a menagerie of animals. A superb businessman, Duane is credited with keeping the Oaks on firm financial footing during their switch from Gospel to Country in the late 1970's. He also loves to find new music for the group, and for the past 25 years he has taken on the role of co-producer and executive producer for both Country and Gospel music projects. To relax and stay in physical shape, he walks and works out with a personal trainer. He is also an avid basketball fan and enjoys shooting hoops. He is an antique car buff and was at one time a collector. Duane and his wife, Norah Lee, raised two children, Jamie and Dee. Jamie and her husband, Paul, have four children, March, Kell, Texas, and Tallant, who are also gifted in music.
NICK BRUNO
Nick Bruno
Inducted in 2025
Nick Bruno was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on February 25, 1944, to Rev. Joseph and Molly Bruno. Eight years later, they welcomed his only sibling, Marie Denise. He studied piano with Bob Pascacello, one of New York's finest teachers, until he was twelve years old. In 1956, Nick was attending youth camp when he was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. 1n 1962, while attending Bible College, Nick attended a quartet concert in Philadelphia, Pa., having never heard an SG quartet. Appearing that night were The Eastmen, The Couriers, The Weatherfords, and the Blackwood Brothers. Nick was enthralled and knew that evening what his life's calling would be. In 1963, Nick Joined the Keystone Quartet. In 1965, he married Cecelia Rexrode, whom he met at Bible College. They have three children, Nick Jr., Kimberly, and Joey, and 2 grandchildren, Garrett and Isaac. In 1968, Nick joined the Rebels Quartet. Later that year, he joined Coy Cook and the Senators. In 1969, Nick joined J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet just before they signed on with Elvis Presley. In 1972, Nick realized he wasn't called to play secular music and resigned from the Stamps. In 1973, Nick joined the Kingsmen. In 1978, Nick resigned from the Kingsmen to pursue his love for studio work. He has produced multiple #1 songs including "Sweet Beulah Land," "Look For Me At Jesus' Feet," and "Excuses," one of the longest running #1 songs in Gospel Music History. In 2000, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame as a member of the Kingsmen. In 2005, he wrote "The Gospel Music Truth," a widely acclaimed book of success guidelines for Gospel Music artists. In 2007, Nick was awarded Producer of the Year at the SGN Music Awards. In 2008, he won Producer for Album of the Year and Song of the Year by the Booth Brothers. In 2018, Nick received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Gospel Music Guild. He will be quick to tell you that everything he has done is a direct result of the Heavenly Father's blessing.