The idea for the Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame began in 1983 when Ronald J. Evans, President of the Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, suggested to the fraternity that a project be undertaken to honor Georgia bandmasters, both past and present, who have distinguished themselves as outstanding musicians and teachers. In some cases, these teachers initiated the band programs in certain areas of our state. It was also suggested that this become a major project of the fraternity to be funded and perpetuated yearly as a memorial to these teachers. The idea was discussed at length and a committee was formed to study the feasibility of such a project. Carl Bedwell, then Band Director at Mcintosh High School, was selected to chair the committee which also included Don McSwain and Sonny Strohm.

In February of 1985 the Hall of Fame Committee presented the fraternity with an outline on the proposed HOF. A visit had been made to the HOF at Troy State University in Alabama and information was also received from the Illinois Chapter of Phi Beta Mu.

At the May 1985 meeting Jim Clark, then President of the Georgia Chapter, agreed to expand the committee for the purpose of seeking bandmasters who should become the charter members of the Hall of Fame. A fraternity member from each GMEA district was appointed: Dist. 1 - Ed Caughran, Dist. 2- Chester Baggett, Dist. 3-George Carradino, Dist. 4-Lou Cefus, Dist. 5-Joe Kirschner, Dist. 6-Julian Creamer, District 7-Bob Pierce, District 8-Sandy Campbell, District 9-Ann Alford, Dist. 10-Larry McClure, Dist. 11-E.C. Warnock and Dist. 12-Jim Bradley. One of the Hall of Fame members, Boyd McKeown, also brought valuable information to the project. The names of the candidates were brought forth and voted on by the Brotherhood. Family members of the candidates were contacted by this extended committee or a sponsor to obtain a picture and biographical information.

At the May 1985 meeting It was reported that with the help of the committees the Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame would be ready to be presented at the May 1987 meeting held during the annual All-State concerts.

In March of 1987 Ed Caughran, Coordinator of Music for the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, contacted John Tidwell of Leisure Services Bureau of the City of Savannah to ask if the Bandmasters Hall of Fame could use the display area in the Hall of Fame Room in the civic center when the Athletic Hall of Fame moved to the second floor. Mr. Tidwell was pleased to give this permission. The Hall of Fame plaque would be prepared by James Witherspoon.

In May of 1987, President Benny Ferguson and Chairman Carl Bedwell presented the Phi Beta Mu Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame to the public for the first time. The fifteen charter members and/ or their families were invited to attend the presentation and meet with the Brotherhood at the regular meeting in the HOF room.