The Texas Hall of Fame in Bryan has closed its doors after 33 years of operation. The announcement of the closing was posted on the Hall’s website Thursday. The popular dance hall has been the entertainment venue for hundreds of mainly country music stars who have gone on to considerable fame over the years. The closing comes nearly 13 months after the death of it original owner Johnny Lyon, who passed away in November of last year.
The website says that the original plan was close following a New Year’s Eve party featuring singer Aaron Watson, but decided to close immediately saying it was “keeping with Mr. Lyon’s wishes and coordinated by his estate Executives.” The Texas Hall of Fame opened in 1978.
The website announcement continues, “However, as the news began to spread outside the confines of the management team, inappropriately by third parties, our concerns grew as to the potential liability and risks associated with a possible dramatic end to this legendary establishment. We have chosen to honor Johnny Lyon’s legacy by placing integrity and the well-being of the community above financial gain. Johnny took the responsibility of providing a place of fun and music seriously and had an outstanding and stellar record with TABC throughout his fifty years of club ownership.
“The values the THOF represented to Mr. Lyon have been imparted to the friends, musicians and fans that enjoyed good times and good music there for over 33 years. His love of TAMU, Pure Country Music, and community support is a legacy we chose to leave untarnished.
“Thank You For Your Patronage Over The Years!
“God Bless Johnny Lyon, “The Colonel”. He was a simply wonderful man and a true supporter of Live Music his entire life. He is greatly missed and we know the THOF will be missed also.”