By Cindy Peterson
Mount Dora Blues Musician Patrick McLaughlin Joins Hall of Fame
Mount Dora musician Patrick McLaughlin is being recognized for decades of contributions to the blues with a place in the Columbus Blues Hall of Fame.
Patrick, a guitarist, songwriter and producer who recently relocated to Central Florida after spending decades in the Columbus, Ohio, music scene, has been named one of three 2026 inductees into the Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame. He joins fellow inductees Andre Scott and Jeff McCargish.
“Being named to the Columbus Blues Hall of Fame is such an honor. I am grateful to everyone through the years,” Patrick says. “I play and write from the heart so when the music resonates with people, it means so much to me.”
The Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame recognizes artists, promoters, producers, venue owners and others who have made a lasting impact on the Central Ohio blues community through their work and passion for the genre.
Before making Central Florida home, Patrick spent decades as a fixture in the Columbus music scene. His career has included work as a bandleader, songwriter and producer as well as co-owner of BOLT Records. He toured and performed with regional acts including Ric Boals & The Souls and Kathy Wolf & Wolfhound while also fronting his own groups.
Patrick’s career has also taken him to the International Blues Challenge, where he was a finalist in 2004. He later served as a judge for local competitions and the International Blues Challenge.
His most recent album, Just Like The Record, was selected by the Columbus Blues Alliance as its Best Self-Produced CD in 2023. His self-titled debut album was also selected for the 2012 International Blues Challenge competition, advancing to the second round.
“Each of these inductees has contributed significant time, musicianship, and energy to the Blues genre,” the Columbus Blues Alliance shared in announcing the honorees.
The 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11, at Natalie’s – Grandview in Columbus. The sold-out celebration is also expected to feature performances by the 614BluesEd youth band and Piper & The Hard Times, winner of the Blues Foundation’s 2024 International Blues Challenge band category.
Although much of the career being honored was built in Ohio, Patrick is now bringing that experience to Central Florida, where he continues to perform, write and produce music.
For Patrick, the recognition brings together decades of making the music he loves and the people who have listened along the way.
Photos provided
Cindy serves as Executive Editor of Style Magazine and is a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography and video editing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine’s Sports Hub Podcast and Style Podcast. Cindy also serves as a producer for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy enjoys traveling to national parks with her husband, Ryan, and son, David, while photographing wildlife — especially squirrels.
