Country Music Hall of Fame Picks & Predictions for 2021
It’s that time of year again to consider who might be in the running for the precious few spots as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A secret committee commissioned by the CMA is going over their final ballots and whittling down the names to the few who will make it into one of country music’s most hallowed institutions.
Unlike most years, the time and location of the revelation of the newest inductees remains a bit uncertain. Though usually the names of the eventual inductees are revealed early spring in a press conference held in the Hall of Fame rotunda in Nashville, COVID-19 restrictions have put a crimp in the Hall of Fame’s regular patterns. The announcement of 2020’s inductees was delayed until August, and was eventually done online via press release. The 2020 inductees have also still not received their Medallion Ceremony, which is the formal Hall of Fame induction.
Unlike other Halls of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame tries to keep the institution distinguished by letting only a few names in each year. This way a bad name never slips through the process, hypothetically. This has also caused a glut of good names being left out in recent years, stirring controversy in itself, especially when it comes to Veterans Era inductees. But it also keeps the Hall of Fame honor exclusive and distinguished.
The Rules
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductees are selected through a committee process appointed by the Country Music Association(CMA). Since 2010, the selection process has been split up into three categories. 1) Modern Era – Eligible for induction 20 years after they first achieve “national prominence.” 2) Veterans Era – Eligible for induction 40 years after they first achieve “national prominence.” 3) Non-Performer, Songwriter, and Recording and/or Touring Musician active prior to 1980 – Rotates every 3 years.
With a songwriter, Dean Dillon, selected in 2020, and a non performer, Jerry Bradley, selected in 2019, it would be a musician’s turn up to bat in 2020. Musicians may have been performers during their careers as well, but are mostly recognized for their work as side players and studio personnel.
Another important rule to note is that no candidate is eligible for the Hall of Fame a year after they pass away. This is to avoid sympathy votes in the aftermath of an artist dying. With the large amount of country legends who passed away in 2020, this is an important rule to take into account. In recent years, this has accelerated artists being inducted before they die to avoid the one year penalty, and to honor them while they’re still living.
READ THE FULL HALL OF FAME RULES
Potential Modern Era Inductees
With three men inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2020, don’t be surprised if there is a focus on a woman or women in 2021. And with so many good and eligible names especially in the Modern Era category, don’t be surprised if this is where it comes from. But there also a couple of very worthy men whose names have been rumored to be considered over the last couple of years, chiefly Keith Whitley.
• Last Year’s Modern Era Inductee: Marty Stuart
• Saving Country Music Prediction: The Judds, Keith Whitley, or Tanya Tucker.
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: Dwight Yoakam, Keith Whitley, The Judds, and Tanya Tucker.
– – – – – – – – – –
Tanya Tucker: Earning her first big commercial success in 1972, Tanya could also go in via the Veteran’s Era. Saving Country Music considered her a Veteran’s Era nominee previously, but rumors have had her on the final in the Modern Era, meaning she might have been close to induction already. But whatever era you want to categorize her in, with ten #1’s hits and a diverse, long-lasting career, she should get in some way. Though hypothetically the selection committee is supposed to be agnostic on current events when making this decision, often a resurgence in an artist’s career can coincide with an induction. Tanya Tucker would certainly meet that distinction with a comeback record in 2019 that received two Grammy awards in 2020, and great critical acclaim.
The Judds: Too bad the heart of their career only lasted six years, but it was a productive six years. 14 total #1 hits, eight CMA Awards, five Grammy Awards, and millions of records sold, they should, and probably will be in the Hall of Fame someday, and that day could be in 2021. With the tenuous health of Naomi Judd who suffers from hepatitis, and the resurgence of interest in 80’s country that The Judds were such a significant part of, they would be a smart and timely pick at a time when institutions are looking to put more emphasis on women. There are definitely candidates with more daunting sales and chart numbers, but few had as big of an impact to a specific era than The Judds, despite it being short lived. The duo also gets extra consideration due to Wynonna’s successful solo career.
Dwight Yoakam: You’d think with 25 million records sold, Dwight Yoakam should definitely be considered for Hall of Fame distinction, but being based in California as opposed to Nashville may put him a bit out of the purview of voters—an always important factor. Yoakam’s greatest contribution beyond the gaudy sales numbers comes in the influence he had in country music in his time, and that he still wields today over generations of performers. Dwight Yoakam made country music cool to millions, just like Hall of Famer Buck Owens and other Bakersfield legends did in their time. Dwight’s also not showing any signs of slowing down, and has earned additional stripes as a country music ambassador through his acting career. With major commercial stars like Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson finally out of the way, and a recently-launched SiriusXM station dedicated to Dwight where he’s hanging out with Post Malone, it feels like Yoakam has finally graduated from a future hopeful for the Hall of Fame to a bona fide front runner.
Keith Whitley: Keith Whitley started in country music as a member of Ralph Stanley’s bluegrass band. In 1988, Whitley had two #1 singles “When You Say Nothing At All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” off the album Don’t Close Your Eyes, and was expected to become a superstar in country music in the coming years. However on May 9th, 1989, Keith Whitley died of what was ruled as alcohol poisoning, and never got to reap the rewards of the career he’d worked to build. He was 33-years-old. Garth Brooks specifically named Whitley as someone he believed should have been inducted before him. But the question many bring up with with Whitley and the Hall of Fame is if he did enough before his death to be deemed Hall of Fame worthy?
To get into the Hall of Fame, you don’t just need a good resume, you need a good, dedicated push and a promotional campaign that can get the attention of the right people on the committee and make a strong case for the induction. That is what fans of Keith Whitley have put together. A group named “Induct Keith Whitley into The Country Music Hall of Fame” has started a campaign to try and get the Kentucky-born singer and songwriter who died tragically in 1989 into country music’s most elite class. It has set up an online petition and is asking Keith Whitley fans to add their voices and signatures in support of the effort.
Travis Tritt – Now that two of his brethren from the “Class of ’89” are in (Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson), as well as his “No Hat” buddy in Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt will start to be much more heavily considered in the next few years. There’s probably still a few names ahead of him, and since his commercial career cooled off somewhat quickly—and he hasn’t kept completely free of controversy by speaking his mind on the ills of the industry (and politics)—his induction ceremony may still be some years away, but it’s inching closer. And why not consider Tritt, with two Grammys, four CMAs, five #1 singles, and 19 Top 10’s. Travis Tritt helped put the drive into country, both sonically and commercially. Also, with a new Dave Cobb-produced album on the way—Tritt’s first original album in 14 years—it would make for a good reason for a publicity push to try and put him in.
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers –With 33 Top 40 singles and 15 Top 5’s and three 1’s, Larry Gatlin likely accrued the numbers throughout the 70’s and the 80’s to be a Hall of Fame contender, not to speak of the influence he wielded in country music through that period, both as a solo artist, and with brothers Steve and Rudy. But also bolstering Larry Gatlin’s case is he’s also one of these “men about town” types that seems to be at every function and gala in the country music realm, is active in the community, and is willing to help keep the legacy of country music alive, which the Hall of Fame selection committee often rewards. Larry Gatlin is a name that is hard to forget, and rumors have had his name on the final ballot over the last couple of years.
Kenny Chesney – As weird as it may seem, Kenny Chesney was officially eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2015. He released his first major label album with BNA in 1995, and had two Top 10 singles, “Fall In Love” and “All I Need to Know.” It’s hard to see him as a serious contender until a few other names tick off the list, but stranger things have happened. Consider this: Chesney has been country music’s only active and consistent stadium draw for the last decade-plus. Chesney’s sold 30 million albums and had 30 Top 10 singles. Get ready for a reality where Kenny is a serious contender for Hall of Fame every year, and in a close field, don’t be surprised if he’s 2021’s pick.
Shania Twain – Make no mistake about it, Shania Twain will be in the Country Music Hall of Fame some day. During her era, nobody was a bigger commercial success than Garth Brooks. With over 100 million records sold, she is the best-selling female country artist of all time, and one of the best selling music artists in all of music, period. She is the undisputed queen of country pop, and though traditionalist love to shake their little angry fists at her for ushering in the pop era of country, her influence is undeniable.
Something to always consider when talking about the Hall of Fame is proximity to voters. As a Canadian—and one whose been less in the spotlight lately—Shania may not be in the best position to lobby for her spot in the rotunda. But make no mistake, it’s coming, and likely sooner than later.
Other Potential Modern Era Inductees:
- Clint Black – If it wasn’t for his career’s disappearing act, his name would be right up there with the other front runners. Instead, he seems like probably the last of the “Class of ’89” that can expect to get inducted.
- Toby Keith – Officially eligible because his first success was in 1993, Kieth is probably on the outside-looking-in for the next few years since he didn’t start to peak until the 2000’s, and he remains a fairly controversial character.
- Tim McGraw – McGraw never had that consecutive string of years when he was the biggest thing in country music like many Hall of Fame inductees, but he has shown a longevity in his career and is well-liked into the industry to the point where in a few years, you can expect him to be bumped up to a front-runner.
- Steve Wariner – With a surprising nine #1 singles throughout the 80’s, Wariner is not one of those flashy characters that immediately jumps out at you as a Hall of Fame contender, but he quietly put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career. He’s also a guy who hangs around the right places in Nashville to make sure selection committee members don’t forget about him, so don’t be surprised if his name pops up as an inductee in the coming years.
- Rosanne Cash- Folks sometimes forget just how big Rosanne Cash got in the 80’s with ten #1 hits, and a huge influence on the genre at the time. She’s not just Johnny Cash’s daughter, or an Americana icon.
- Lorrie Morgan – With 6 millions records sold worldwide and 40 charting singles, she’s a contender for the future for sure. But she might have to wait until her former husband Keith Whitley gets in before she has a shot.
- Gene Watson – With five #1’s across country and Gospel and 76 total charted singles, Gene Watson was an understated superstar, and the fact that he continues to remain active in trying to keep both is own legacy and the legacy of country music alive makes him a name worth considering.
- Earl Thomas Conley – (Petition)
- Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, The (Dixie) Chicks, and Alison Krauss are some other names that are officially eligible.
Potential Veterans Era Inductees
With the huge oversight of Hank Williams Jr. finally being inducted in 2020, it throws the always hard-to-predict field for Veterans wide open. There’s perhaps no Hall of Fame in any discipline that has a bigger backlog that the Veteran’s Era category of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Only one of these will get in.
• Last Year’s Inductee: Hank Williams Jr.
• Saving Country Music Prediction: Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles, or The Stanley Brothers
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: The Maddox Brothers & Rose, Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee may be held back some since he came from rock & roll, and because of his antics on The Grand Ole Opry and other places over the years. But his contributions as one of country music’s preeminent piano players cannot be overstated. If Elvis is in the Country Hall (and he is), then his old Sun Studios buddy can’t be counted out. Jerry Lee Lewis is the last man standing from the Million Dollar Quartet, and is now 85-years-old. Jerry Lee’s name has been rumored to have been in contention and on final ballots for many years. Maybe 2021 will be his time, especially after a recent health problems underscore that he’s not getting any younger, and these Hall of Fame inductions are best done when the performers are still around to enjoy them. An online petition has been started trying to push Jerry Lee over the top.
The Maddox Brothers & Rose: The Maddox Brothers & Rose set the very foundations for both The Bakersfield Sound, and California Country at large that would become wildly influential in the future. Their flamboyant stage dress inspired by the cowboys of the silver screen directly sparked the Nudie Suit craze in country music that is still en vogue today. And Rose Maddox was one of the very first successful women in country music, and opened up the role of women as country entertainers for generations to come.
If groups like The Jordanaires and The Sons of the Pioneers are in The Hall, certainly The Maddox Brothers & Rose should be. And it would be great to see happen while the final member—the 97-year-old Don Maddox, who was the comedian and fiddler for the band—is still around. Now that Mac Wiseman, Harold Bradley, and so many other oldtimers are gone, Don Maddox is the last living link to country music’s past—someone who saw people such as Elvis and George Jones open for The Maddox Brothers & Rose early in their career.
Their worthiness for the Hall of Fame was underscored recently in the Ken Burns country music documentary, where the group was featured prominently. Don Maddox was the oldest person interviewed in the documentary who is still alive.
Ralph Stanley / The Stanley Brothers: Ralph Stanley and The Stanley Brothers continue to be a glaring omission in the ranks of Hall of Fame members. A seminal figure in the emergence of bluegrass in both the original era, and during its second wind after the success of O Brother Where Art Thou, Ralph Stanley and his brother Carter are the type of influencers and ambassadors the Hall of Fame rotunda was built for. Universally beloved inside Nashville and beyond, a former Grand Ole Opry member, and a powerful name to represent the bluegrass side of country, The Stanley Brothers would be a strong pick few would quibble with, and is well past due.
Linda Ronstadt: Of course it could be easy to cast off Linda Ronstadt as a legitimate candidate for being a country artist who eventually crossed over into pop and rock. But few paid their dues as much as Linda did early in her career, including her years in the Stone Poneys, her debut solo album in 1969, Hand Sown…Home Grown, 1970’s Silk Purse that included cover songs of “Lovesick Blues” and “Mental Revenge,” and her 1972 self-titled album where she recorded “Crazy Arms” and “I Fall To Pieces.” Even when she achieved her breakout pop rock success, Linda Ronstadt was always honest about the genre and approach of her music, and then returned to country in the groundbreaking “Trio” project with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.
With the recent biopic released on her life in 2019 and Kennedy Center Honors recognition, Linda Ronstadt is seeing a resurgence of interest in her career. Other Veterans Era-eligible artists probably deserve it more than her at the moment due to the crowded backlog, but with the wild way the Veterans Era is picked, don’t be surprised if she ends up as the 2021 inductee.
Gram Parsons: Gram’s inclusion in Hall of Fame consideration is always a topic of great discussion. In 2013 there was a greater push than ever to induct him, with influential country music writer Chet Flippo personally making the case for Parsons. But it wasn’t meant to be, and it may be many years before it is, especially with the current backlog in the Veterans Era. But his name is always in the field for this accolade, and looking at the influence Gram turning on millions of rock and roll fans the importance and coolness of country music, it always should be.
Tompall Glaser & The Glaser Brothers: Perhaps a long shot, but one that has to be considered a more legitimate contender with the passing of Tompall a few of years ago that helped raise awareness in the influence of him and his brothers. It probably helps that his brothers-in-Outlaw-country-arms Bobby Bare and “Cowboy” Jack Clement were inducted in recent years, moving folks like Tompall and other Outlaw country personalities one step closer in the process. Also the major exhibit at the Hall of Fame at the moment covers the Outlaw era, of which Tompall was arguably one of the most important figures in. Now would be a good time to consider him for the Hall of Fame.
Johnny Paycheck and David Allan Coe: These names come up every year from hard country fans, and are names regularly held up as evidence of the Hall of Fame’s illegitimacy. The simple truth is that with these two performer’s shady pasts—especially in the current political climate—Hall of Fame induction is going to be difficult. Johnny Paycheck has a more distinct possibility than David Allan Coe, because Coe could create a public relations nightmare for the Hall of Fame from people (correct or not) who label Coe a racist & sexist. Patience mixed with persistence is what Coe and Paycheck fans need to see their heroes inducted. One positive sign for these two in the coming years is that the Hall of Fame’s current featured exhibit is on the Outlaw era. What better time than to feature these important figures in country music history than with an induction. Hank Jr.’s induction in 2020 also moves these two closer to contention.
(Johnny Paycheck Petition)
Ray Charles: Though the contributions of Ray Charles to the canon of country music were not especially prolific in number, they were most certainly influential in a way that cannot be measured by mere stats. His two Modern Sounds in Country Music volumes in the early 60’s not only made pop hits and standards out of songs like “You Don’t Know Me” and “You Are My Sunshine,” they turned millions on to the beauty and importance of country music. And that’s not to mention the five country-oriented albums Ray Charles released in the 80’s, which resulted in a resurgence in his career, and further hits such as the #1 song “Seven Spanish Angels” with Willie Nelson, and the Top 10 song “We Didn’t See a Thing” with George Jones and Chet Atkins.
If country music is serious about setting the black influence in country music in the proper context, Ray Charles would be a proper inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and one both traditional and contemporary country fans would find hard to quibble with.
Other Potential Modern Era Inductees:
- Vern Gosdin (sign the petition) “The Voice” has to be considered a strong candidate, but the log jam in front of him may have to break before he’s given serious consideration.
- Lynn Anderson: Lynn Anderson and Dottie West were the two ladies that lead the field for female veteran inductees for many years. Now that Dottie is in, it moves Lynn one step closer. It’s only the strong backlog in front of Lynn that makes it seem difficult for her to get the nod in 2021. But with the continued movement to be inclusive to women, Lynn and other women will benefit from elevated consideration.
- Mickey Gilley – With his first big hit in 1974, Mickey Gilley has (hypothetically) been moved to the Veterans Era after being a Modern Era contender for years. Once you slip into the Veteran’s Era, it’s a harder task to get in among a much more crowded field. But with 42 Top 40 singles and the role he played during the Urban Cowboy era, Mickey should be considered a contender.
- Crystal Gayle – Her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry proves that Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn’s sister and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” singer has fans and allies in the industry, and expect her name to be bandied about for the Hall of Fame in the coming years.
- John Hartford – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum works like a timeline as you walk through the displays that weave around the massive archive in the center of the building. As you start from the beginning, each artist and their impact is displayed on a plaque that includes their Hall of Fame induction date. When you come to the John Hartford display, he is the first in the timeline to have a display, but no Hall of Fame induction date. He may not be a flashy name, but he’s a name who should be considered.
- Jimmy Martin – You probably have to put Ralph Stanley and the Stanley Brothers in before Jimmy Martin gets considered. His personal antics might also hold him back as well. But Jimmy Martin should be put in eventually.
- The Wilburn Brothers
- Johnny Horton
- June Carter Cash
- John Denver
- Jack Greene
- Slim Whitman
- Wynn Stewart – (Petition)
- Jimmy C. Newman
- Sammi Smith
- Jeannie Seely
Potential Recording / Touring Musician Inductees
Last inductee – Johnny Gimble (2018)
Saving Country Music Prediction – ??? – Don Rich, Ralph Mooney
Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot – Don Rich, Ralph Mooney, Redd Volkaert, Lloyd Green, W.S. Holland
This is a hard award to pick, and Saving Country Music’s perspective may be slanted towards overlords of the past, when it might be some session player from the 80’s who gets in. But here’s some ideas.
Don Rich – There was arguably never a side player more important to a superstar than Don Rich was to Buck Owens. As a guitar player who could pull off those steel guitar bends while standing up, all while turning in spectacularly tight harmony lines that were so critical to the Buck Owens and Bakersfield Sound, a strong case couple be made that Don Rich should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame on his own right as a performer. At the least he should be inducted as a musician.
Ralph Mooney – Arguably one of the most important musicians to ever play steel guitar, he enjoyed a long, prolific career, first in Bakersfield playing for Wynn Stewart, Buck Owens, and Merle Haggard, and then becoming the long-time steel player for Waylon Jennings.
Redd Volkaert – A living legend who is still making faces smile, he was seminal to the sound of Merle Haggard and many others, and still regularly engages in session work and live performance.
Mac McAnally – A perennial winner of the CMA’s Musician of the Year, a younger name who has a shot, helped by his solo career, and well-liked nature.
Lloyd Green – Seminal steel guitar player during the Countrypolitan era who played on so many of the classic hits.
Mickey Raphael – May be a little young for this distinction yet, but he will be in some day. His harmonica is one of the most immediately-identifiable sounds in country music, and he is incredibly prolific, regularly performing on the records of some of country music’s newest independent artists.
- Sam Bush
- Buddy Emmons
- Pete Drake
- Paul Franklin
- Don Kelley
- Jerry Douglas
- Jesse McReynolds – Though may be considered too much of a solo performer.
- NOTE: Tony Rice (guitarist), Paul English (Willie Nelson drummer), W.S. “Fluke Holland (Johnny Cash Drummer), and Richie Albright (Waylon Jennings drummer) are not eligible this year, since they passed away in the previous year.
likestorambleonman
March 1, 2021 @ 12:24 pm
I’m guessing Eddie Rabbitt doesn’t stand a chance but I think he should be inducted.
Mark
March 1, 2021 @ 7:25 pm
My thoughts exactly as I was reading the article.
Ann M . Stuckey
March 2, 2021 @ 1:28 pm
Nat Stuckey was a great recording artist,. But he also wrote a lot of terrific songs. Born 1933, died 1988. Remember “Pop a Top”.
Sylvia Posey
March 2, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Gene Watson should be at the top of the list……he’s still out there busting it to keep country music roots alive.. and he”s a monster
Talent who is loved my many…
Still packing arenas and decated to his fans….IT’S TIME TO INDUCT HIM!!!!!!
David B
March 1, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
For 40 consective days from late December 2020 through February of 2021, I presented a Country Music legend of the day that has not yet been enshrined as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, on my personal facebook page. Most people were shocked that many of the artists listed had not yet been awarded the highest honor in Country Music. The 40 artists are listed below and divided into two categories: “Veteran” and “Modern”. Of the 3000+ people who followed me, The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle and Keith Whitley recieved the most attention and support.
While I gave up on “predicting” who will be elected each year, I do seem to come close as to who are on the ballot. My guesses are;
Veteran – The Gatlins, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tanya Tucker (yes she’s a veteran by several years) and either the Stanleys or the Osbornes (at least one bluegrass act)
Modern – Clint Black, Patty Loveless, The Judds, Steve Wariner and Keith Whitley or Dwight Yoakam.
Muscian – While it should be Don Rich, Tommy Duncan or Bashful Brother Oswald, it will likely be a music row favorite and I’m guessing this year may very well be Buck Trent (he’s got lots of support and no banjoist has ever gone in)
For the record the list of artists I highlighted I feel need inducted were as follows:
Veterans
1. Lynn Anderson
2. Archie Campbell
3. Fiddlin’ John Carson
4. The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle
5. Jerry Clower
6. Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
7. John Denver
8. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
9. Crystal Gayle
10. Mickey Gilley
11. Vern Gosdin
12. Johnny Horton
13. Stonewall Jackson
14. Bradley Kincaid
15. Jerry Lee Lewis
16. Hank Locklin
17. Lulu Belle & Scotty
18. The Maddox Brothers & Rose
19. Anne Murray
20. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
21. The Osborne Brothers
22. Charlie Rich
23. Linda Ronstadt
24. Jeannie Seely
25. The Stanley Brothers
26. Wynn Stewart
27. Stringbean
28. Gid Tanner & The Skillet Lickers
29. Gene Watson
30. The Wilburn Brothers
Modern
1. The Bellamy Brothers
2. Clint Black
3. Rosanne Cash
4. The Judds
5. Patty Loveless
6. Kathy Mattea
7. Tanya Tucker
8. Steve Wariner
9. Keith Whitley
10. Dwight Yoakam
Richie
March 1, 2021 @ 10:58 pm
David B,
My predictions for this year’s Hall of Fame inductees are:
Veterans Era: Tanya Tucker
Modern Era: The Judds (with Steve Wariner as a dark horse)
What do you think?.
REBA WARREN
April 15, 2021 @ 2:29 pm
JERRY LEE LEWIS should be inducted this year. There is absolutely noone like Jerry Lee…Noone can sing country songs like him. Put him at the top please. This year inductees should be, in this order, JERRY LEE LEWIS, TANYA TUCKER, GENE WATSON, BJ THOMAS.
Gary Goodman
August 15, 2021 @ 10:13 am
How cool would it be for Hank Jr, who Jerry Lee taught to play piano, get inducted. Then to turn around and induct Jerry Lee
Kim Upchurch
March 2, 2021 @ 9:40 am
While I agree with most of your list. Can we add Skeeter Davis to the top please.
Brenda Spearman
March 2, 2021 @ 3:27 pm
I think it should be Gene Watson but I thought they already inducted him in the Hall Of Fame?? The Judds over Tanya Tucker, all she has done is present herself as a sex symbol like most of the “so called” women country singers. They don’t sing Country. Some one committed murder down on music row.
Rusty
April 4, 2021 @ 7:15 pm
The Carter Sisters (Helen, June, and Anita) with Mother Maybelle should definitely be strongly considered for the Country Music Hall Of Fame. In my opinion they are long overdue.
Clayton Cl
June 30, 2021 @ 11:12 pm
I think the late Jan Howard should get inducted.
TXMUSICJIM
March 1, 2021 @ 12:44 pm
I would love to see Jerry Jeff Walker and Gary Stewart seriously considered for induction but I doubt it is going to happen but it should. Of those with realistic chances my rooting is for Dwight or Tanya and Gene Watson and Mac McAnally to get in.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 2:06 pm
Jerry Jeff Walker, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Billy Joe Shaver, Steve Young and others fit in that in-between state where they were wildly influential songwriters, but performers and recording artists in their own right as well. This puts them in a strange class that slips through the cracks of the Hall of Fame. It’s almost like they need their own category.
DRK
March 1, 2021 @ 5:16 pm
Good idea. This is where Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett and Nancy Griffith would fit, too.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:26 pm
Yes, Lucinda Williams and John Prine as well. I feel like these names would be more valuable in the HOF than some of the cubicle farm songwriters or label executives that are already in.
Mike Basile
March 1, 2021 @ 3:06 pm
TXMUSICJIM – With you all the way on the Gary Stewart nod. No doubt in my mind at all that it will never happen, but like you said, it should. Still keeping my fingers crossed for the Jimmy McDonough bio on Little Junior to see the light of day.
Jimmy McDonough
March 1, 2021 @ 9:00 pm
working away on it, Mike…
Mike Basile
March 1, 2021 @ 10:04 pm
Thanks for the update, Jimmy. Man, I’m looking forward to this.
Carolyn
March 2, 2021 @ 11:15 am
Please add Howard & David Bellamy also known as Bellamy Brothers.
They are awesome an celebrated 45 years. Thank you PLEASE
Tyler Pappas
March 2, 2021 @ 8:08 am
Gary Stewart has one of if not the greatest country album ever made in country music history with “Out of Hand” all the songs are A to A+ performances.
Pamela Dahl
March 1, 2021 @ 3:27 pm
What about The Stoneman Family????
trevistrat
March 1, 2021 @ 4:50 pm
Pop (Ernest V.) is in the HOF. Inducted 2008.
Mark Walker
March 1, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
Vern Gosdin was a huge influence on many and was arguably the best sad song singer. He should be in.
Kevin Smith
March 1, 2021 @ 1:22 pm
Jerry Lee, Maddox Bros, Johnmy Horton, Stanley Brothers, Crystal Gayle are all “musts” in my list for Veterans.
Modern era, any on Triggers prediction list are good in my book.
Yeah, im holding out for Paycheck and Coe as well as many here. I agree with Trig to start with Paycheck.
As for Ray Charles, yeah eventually he will get there i guess due to several factors including his country records , one of which Trig neglected to mention, Two Old Cats Like Us, a duet with him and Hank Jr.
Last year was an unusually good year of picks. Lets hope this year follows suit.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
I think Ray Charles has a very good chance this year. Rumor has it he was on the final ballot last year, and with country music looking to reconcile itself with race, it would go a long way. But I also don’t think it would just be performative. I think a strong case can be made for Ray. My only other concern though is if Jerry Lee Lewis and Don Maddox will make it another cycle before induction.
Dixie Steortz
March 4, 2021 @ 8:06 am
I can’t believe Earl Thomas Conley has not been inducted into the Hall by now!
He’s one of Country Musics Best performers ever! I love every song he’s ever sang,
he has the best voice and he should be the #1 inductee into the Hall this year♥️
Emma Bentley
March 6, 2021 @ 7:16 pm
I totally agree ! I can’t believe it either . Hshould and needs to be ! No one can sing and write music like ETC ❤️
Dan
March 1, 2021 @ 1:40 pm
I’m really surprised Jerry Lee isn’t already in, he should be. Gram Parsons, well, it’s a crime that he isn’t, but I don’t expect that to be rectified any time soon.
Matsfan/Jatsfan
March 3, 2021 @ 8:04 am
Much love to Gram as an someone who built a bridge to country music. Sweethearts of the Rodeo (Byrds) is one of the all-time great country records. He is one of the artists that exposed me to good country music.
Terry
March 1, 2021 @ 1:54 pm
The Maddox Brothers and Rose deserve entry on so many levels!
Their amazing story of how they moved out West and lived in drainage pipes, the flashy costumes, their unique humor, the rise of Rose as one of the first Country women stars, and their special flair of music-unlike any other sound before and after.
Do it for Don, so they can get the acclaim they so richly deserve!!
Waynetrain
June 21, 2021 @ 10:40 pm
I don’t understand the grassroots movement to get The Maddox Bros. & Rose inducted. I can name only 3 of their songs that I’ve actually heard — “Philadelphia Lawyer,” “Tramp on the Street,” and “Sally, Let Your Bangs Hang Down.” These are all great recordings, but I doubt that even the most diehard country music fan could name that many. I don’t think their impact was that great — but that hasn’t stopped the HOF electors before (electing George Morgan, Connie Smith, Johnny Bond, and Bill Carlisle were BIG mistakes in my opinion).
Jack
March 1, 2021 @ 1:59 pm
I personally think Wanda Jackson’s contributions to the genre are overlooked every year and nobody ever seems to mention her. She was as well known for country as she is rockabilly and, if Elvis is in, I think she should also be considered. If she’s in the rock and roll hall, it’s time she be inducted into the country hall. Also, she’s 83 so…
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 1, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
I think every, single person, who’s ever recorded a song that has ever been called a Country song, by anyone, anywhere, ever, should be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Kevin Smith
March 1, 2021 @ 3:14 pm
Best comment Honky! I pointed out last time this came up, its a HALL OF FAME! Not a hall of participation trophies for all. Slots are for the folks who have really contributed to Country Music. The difference makers, the big hitmakers and those who defined it.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:28 pm
Well, the Country Music Hall of Fame has to be the most stringent Hall of Fame in all of American culture to get into.
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 1, 2021 @ 6:45 pm
Kevin,
Saying that there’s a backlog of inductees is a mischaracterization of reality. Actually, if they took out all the people that shouldn’t be in, and replaced them with ones that should, they’d have about the right number of people in.
They inducted a bunch of people for reasons other than their contributions to C(c)ountry music, and in doing so, left several people out that should’ve gotten in years ago. Country music has got to be the only music that openly embraces its biggest murderers. The ones who’ve done the most harm to it, are the ones it celebrates most. It’s sickening.
There’s only a backlog in the minds of people who simply want to see all the singers they like inducted.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 8:30 pm
” Country music has got to be the only music that openly embraces its biggest murderers.”
Okay, let’s not be hyperbolic here. Last year’s inductees were Hank Jr., Marty Stuart, and Dean Dillon. Hard to make a case of them being country music’s “murderers.”
I feel like some folks treat the Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry like they’re these horrible institutions without any context. Yes, there’s a bunch of label executives in the Hall of Fame that probably have no business being there. But for the most part, they’ve gotten it right. The biggest issue is the people left out, not the ones going in.
Kevin Smith
March 2, 2021 @ 5:36 am
Honky,
Clearly, for induction into HOF there should be a determining criteria. Standards. Now, what the criteria is, anybodys guess. But it does seem like the folks who lobby for it, often get it. (See Ray Stevens as an example) But like any of the arts, music is subjective to opinion ultimately, and whos opinion it is, makes the difference. As you can see in the comments, finding universal agreement is impossible.
Dont get me wrong, ive been to the HOF and enjoyed it. A lot of good stuff there to see. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Worth the visit? Yes.
Matthew Goral
March 1, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
Lynn Anderson is long overdue for induction. She’s had a slew of hits, including over 40 top 40 chartings songs and at least 9 number one hitt’s in North America. She set the standard for country cross-over artists, had won ever major award including a Grammy, ACM, CMA, AMA awards. She needs to be inducted before any other female gets their due.
Matt F.
March 1, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
Trig, what’s your view on Whitley? As you pointed out, above, we didn’t have him very long.
Ronnie Harrison
March 1, 2021 @ 2:40 pm
The killer jerry lee lewis should already be in let’s hope he gets in this year. What about mel street i hope he gets in one day.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:30 pm
Via stats, Keith Whitley is a hard sell. Via influence, I think you can make a strong case that without Whitley and Randy Travis (who is already in), you don’t have a “Class of ’89.” Garth Brooks has said as much. There is also a strong push by many to get him in. I think Whitley should go in, and likely will in the next 1 to 3 years.
Erica F
March 21, 2021 @ 2:44 am
We didn’t have him very long but I don’t think the impact he made on country music can be ignored. And also his career in bluegrass music with Ralph Stanley and later with JD Crowe and the New South..I do believe he should be in the HOF
Seak
March 1, 2021 @ 2:30 pm
I’m all for a hof being stingy, but right now it also feels as if they’ve created a backlog. I’m not saying everyone has to get in on the first ballot, but the 20 year waits are starting to feel like the 50 week chart climbs at radio. As Tanya tucker said, bring flowers while they’re living.
(Also isn’t Shelton eligible I feel like Austin was 20yrs ago).
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 2:51 pm
“but right now it also feels as if they’ve created a backlog.”
Ya think? 🙂
At this point the backlog is so pronounced, the 20 year rule is pretty much irrelevant. If Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson didn’t get in during their 1st year of eligibility, nobody will. That said, I think the backlog in the Veteran’s category is even worse.
Seak
March 1, 2021 @ 3:35 pm
Yeah. It’s an issue all around. Theoretically fixing the modern category would have a cascade effect for the veterans. But really, they need to figure out a way to in-stick both.
CountryFan
March 1, 2021 @ 2:32 pm
Many good names listed. Does Bob Moore or Anita Kerr have a chance for the musician? Is Paul Franklin too young?
shawn gustafson
March 1, 2021 @ 2:37 pm
I cant believe the nitty gritty dirt band isnt in, such a great band with a great history and longevity, not to mention all the hits
Kevin Smith
March 2, 2021 @ 10:34 am
Shawn,
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band definitely deserves consideration. Will the Circle Be Unbroken album is one of the greatest moments in the genre. Not to mention their string of 80s hits and albums. Long Hard Road, High Horse, Fishin in the Dark, etc. Then there was that breakout song, something about a dude named Bojangles….
Rlm
March 4, 2021 @ 9:34 pm
I’ve made an annual comment for years about NGDB. Longevity, the string of radio hits and most importantly the Circle albums that introduced traditional country to a new generation. Without Circle I’d have never heard of Vassar, Doc , Merle, Earl, Maybelle etc. I was a farm kid from south Dakota and we didn’t get WSM and the first Circle album opened doors I didn’t even know about
Kevin Smith
March 5, 2021 @ 4:54 am
RLM
If ever you end up visiting Nashville, go check out Woodland Sound Studio on Woodland St. Thats where the Circle album was recorded. Its standing today. Gillian Welch owns it.
Pull up in the parking lot and imagine all those legends walking in and out of that place back in the day.
(Side note: The Devil went down to Georgia was also recorded there!)
hoptowntiger94
March 1, 2021 @ 2:46 pm
I don’t know about The Judds. Too toxic and neither have been invited to anything like the CMAs 50th Anniversary Show or any industry celebration forever. Just too much drama around those two.
But, I also said Hank Jr. wouldn’t go in until he died and was wrong.
CeeCeeBee
March 1, 2021 @ 4:49 pm
I also was shocked that Hank Jr. got in.
Having said that, I think it’s the exception, not the rule. The Judd’s are great for nostalgia, and like Trigger said, they had massive success. But at the end of the day, it was six years. I don’t think Whitley deserves to go in because of his shirt career and I feel the same way about the Judds.
Plus, as you point out, Wynonna is a controversial figure. That will count against them.
AND, there would be a legitimate uproar if they got in before Gayle, Cash, Tucker, etc
strait county 81
March 1, 2021 @ 4:10 pm
Shouldn’t guys like Tracy Lawrence and Mark Chesnutt be eligible if Chesney is?
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:32 pm
Many are eligible. The question is, can you even consider them when you can only induction one person each year, and there’s so many ahead of them? Do we really see Tracy Lawrence getting in before Dwight Yoakam, Tanya Tucker, Kenny Chesney, and Shania Twain? I don’t.
Ells Eastwood
March 1, 2021 @ 4:16 pm
This is a little off-topic, but Trig, I’m wondering if you have anything planned in reference to SXSW 2021? On a personal, and hopefully not inflammatory note, your South By coverage really highlighted the first major blow in this virus battle we’ve all been living through for the last year…
I know many of us here enjoy your insights into things of that nature.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:35 pm
Hey Ells,
I may address this soon, but anything you say about COVID is going to immediately stir extreme opinions and excessive back and forths, and I would only want to address it if I felt it would be in some way helpful, and not just a funnel for drama. Larry Joe Taylor Fest just cancelled today, which means it doesn’t look good for a lot of spring festivals, which may result in the eradication of some of these forever.
Byron Fay
March 1, 2021 @ 4:25 pm
As always, a wonderful job with the names you have listed and your thoughts. One of the problems is that you never know for sure what category an artist could be placed in. Depending how the Hall determines the date an artist’s career begins, they could either be placed in the veterans or modern category. Two examples I have seen this year are Tanya Tucker and Steve Wariner. As to names I have heard through the grapevine, Steve Wariner has come up several times. A solid career as a recording artist but also a great guitar player and as you mentioned, an all around nice guy who is friendly with a lot of people in Nashville. I do believe that with the recent elections of Ricky Skaggs and Marty Stuart, Steve would be the next logical choice. Linda Ronstadt should be toward the top of the list in the veterans category. As as the musician category, and with the favoritism toward studio musicians based in Nashville, I would think Lloyd Green stands a very good chance. Plus, he is still alive, which is a plus. Personally, I would like to see that Hall of Fame follow the path of other Halls, such as the Rock Hall, Baseball and Football, and make public the final ballot so that we can see who has made the final cut and is being considered. I know they used to, and they have their reasons for not making the ballot public, but I think they are wrong in this instance.
Trigger
March 1, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
The Country Music Hall of Fame is horrible at promoting its process in a way that engages the public. As you point out, with sports Halls of Fame and the Rock Hall, the balloting process becomes big talk throughout culture, with people debating nominees and engaging in discussion. The Country Music Hall of Fame is just like “Here they are.” Also, since the Medallion Ceremony is private, we don’t get to engage with that at all. I understand the Hall of Fame’s desire to keep things reverent, and I appreciate that. But they’re also taking away a huge opportunity to promote themselves, and promote artists and country music by proxy.
CeeCeeBee
March 1, 2021 @ 4:41 pm
As for the modern era artists, I would go with Wariner or Yoakam. Whitley just wasn’t around long enough. Tritt deserves to get in, but not before the other two. Wariner’s contributions as a musician and songwriter are even more impressive than his string if hits, so he would be my personal choice.
Tucker could get in as a veteran, I just don’t see them picking her for modern over the backlog of men. I don’t think the Judd’s deserve to leapfrog any of those people.
Veteran will probably be Ray Charles.
wayne
March 1, 2021 @ 5:43 pm
Agree CeeCee,
One’s eligibility should not be based upon what one “could have done.” I agree Whitley was a huge influence, but his limited years should limit consideration, at least until others who have built long-term careers like Yoakam and Wariner and Tritt, etc.
E FRANCE
March 21, 2021 @ 2:52 am
Keith Whitley started his career with one of the greats in bluegrass music, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys and then went on the join JD Crowe and the New South so I’m not sure how his career his short, in country yes, but as a whole, no, his career spanned his life
Hey Arnold
March 1, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
I’m sure they’ll bend the rules for Luke Combs in some way 🙄
Claim that in 2001, when he was 11 years old, he came to prominence by being a third-string dreamer on a second-place little league team. But he was as hell on wheels with a full head of steam when his coach put him in. And he’s still proud of that hit.
He was also a last resort to go to prom with the queen – all thanks to an ex-boyfriend who broke her heart that week. No, he didn’t get luck but he still felt like a king.
And that might not mean much to you…But it does to him….You’re newest Hall of Famer, LUKE COMBS
His life experiences from 20+ years ago, inspired him as a songwriter today. Hence, he’s eligible
Jim K
March 1, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
My annual comment , still the best site for Country Music on the `net!
No Wilburn Brothers….No Loretta or Patty Loveless
No Tompaul Glaser……No Waylon
No Glaser Brothers……No Marty Robbins sound
No GRAM!!!…..No Emmylou , no Rodney Crowell and no to an entire genre of country music
AND ” Exile On Main Street ” would never be the best rock `n roll record ever.
AND…The Osborne Brothers?? Simply the finest Bluegrass group .
What kind of country music radio did the voters listen to in the last 70 years??
DRK
March 1, 2021 @ 5:35 pm
The thing that jumps out having read this and the all the comments is that there is an unreasonable backlog. As this will the 60th anniversary of the induction of the first members, maybe it’s time to bring in a special group like in 2001. I don’t think that anyone would say that any of the ten inductees from 2001 should not be there. My choice would be that they would all be from an expanded Veteran category which would include songwriters and musicians from those years. There are many who would really qualified to get in.
By the way, although he’s not my favorite, Mark O’Connor should be considered in the musician category. Didn’t he play on over 1000 top ten hits? At one time he was everywhere.
CeeCeeBee
March 1, 2021 @ 5:54 pm
The backlog is unbelievably bad.
And I know everyone is tired of me complaining about the women, the truth is the truth and the backlog hurts the women more than the men.
Your “gotta go quick” women like Reba, Dolly, Mandrell, Harris ect. get in after a fairly reasonable wait, but look how long it took them to put in West. And we can talk about Tucker going in soon all we want, but the reality is that she won’t. Anderson, Cash, and Gayle are all still waiting.
Yearwood, McBride, Twain and other more modern women have NO shot anytime soon. And we can’t even seriously consider women who MIGHT deserve recognition (Fricke, Murray, Loveless, etc).
They need to relax the number of inductees for several years. I don’t see any other way.
Corncaster
March 1, 2021 @ 6:26 pm
The HOF is heavily affected by the CMA. I see the CMHOF as a back-slapping business organization that is mainly out to take care of its own.
The World Wide Web is the real hall of fame, and even it is secondary to the hearts of the people.
Rooster
March 1, 2021 @ 7:22 pm
The Bailes Brothers hauled in the most Mail at the Grand Ole Opry as they were Stars in the 1940s and also the Louisiana Hayride. The had Shot Jackson on the Steel Guitar, and before she hooked up with Grandpa Jones, Ramona played fiddle with the Bailes Brothers. The Bailes Brothers wrote Kitty Wells bit “Dust on the Bible”. They’ve well overlooked for the Hall of Fame.
Molly O’Day, was the Mountain Music singer of Country Music. Mac Wiseman was her frontman and Guitar player. She has been passed many times.
LulluBelle & Scotty, and also Johnny & Jack, have been stars of the 1940s,50,60,s and passed over.
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper.
And Mickey Gilley had more hits, as well as a Piano Master like his Cousin Jerry Lee Lewis. And Mickey Gilley owned a Nightvlub- Gilley’s that was the Star attention Center for Movie-Urban Cowboy,
Rooster
March 1, 2021 @ 7:24 pm
Don’t forget about the Producer of the Famous Country Music TV Show from 1969 to the 1990s. I’m talking about HEE HAW, and Sam Lovullo. He put a many Country Music Stars on the Map (TV) Spotlight.
Aaron
March 1, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
Last year, I noticed that a lot of the early years of the hall only added one and sometimes zero people so I had a thought of ‘what if the CMHOF had added 3 people every year since it began’. So I created my own fictional CMHOF to test out my question. These are singers I was able to add:
Alison Krauss
Clint Black
Crystal Gayle
Dwight Yoakam
Earl Thomas Conley
Eck Robertson
Eddie Rabbitt
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jimmy Martin
John Anderson
Johnny Horton
Judds
June Carter Cash
Keith Whitley
Lynn Anderson
Maddox Brothers And Rose
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Ray Charles
Rosanne Cash
Skeeter Davis
Slim Whitman
Stanley Brothers/Ralph Stanley
Steve Wariner
Tanya Tucker
Travis Tritt
Wynn Stewart
This year I plan to add Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood to that list. And there are still plenty of names left to go in, si the Hall truly needs to do one or two catch-up years.
Erik North
March 2, 2021 @ 8:01 am
Clearly there is a huge backlog when it comes to the Country Music Hall of Fame when they only induct three acts on average in any given year (even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts five in the performers’ categories, and a few more in others); and that many who have yet to be inducted, all of them legends in their own unique ways, are no longer alive to get the honor.
In terms of Linda Ronstadt…full disclosure: I am a fan. I would be gobsmacked if she were inducted, at least while she is still breathing. For one, as Dolly says at the beginning of THE SOUND OF MY VOICE, Linda could literally sing anything; and that included, but was never going to be strictly limited to, Country. Secondly, Linda’s approach to country music was more left-of-center, respectful of its traditional musical spirit (as shown by her TRIO collaborations with Dolly and Emmylou) but making those traditions relevant to her own generation. And finally, Linda has kind of gone on the record and criticized the country music industry itself for its constricted radio playlists, resulting in what she calls a “mall crawler music” mentality–a critique that may rub the Nashville money men the wrong way.
That said, though, without Linda’s incredible vocal influence, the explosion of female country artists that started in the early 1990’s probably would not have happened at all, certainly not the way it actually did, with Trisha Yearwood being arguably Linda’s biggest supporter (and now a very good friend), and with diverse artists of the current time like Margo Price, Tift Merritt, and Jamie Lin Wilson acknowledging Linda’s continuing influence, even after Linda had to retire due to Parkinson’s.
Again, I would be pleasantly surprised if she got inducted either this year or while she is still alive. Watch this space.
Aaron
March 2, 2021 @ 10:04 am
Oh, trust me. I agree with you on all fronts here. I am a fan of Linda as well, but she is a tough sell to voters. And in terms of the real CMHOF, I struggle to see a situation where she gets in there while still alive. I personally am very much hoping that they give it to Maddox Brothers and Rose. Ray Charles has the stats, and helps with the bad look country music has had in terms of race issues, but he has already passed on so he can wait one year.
But, in terms of my fictional CMHOF, Linda seems to be one of the next ones in line in terms of stats and legacy.
Trigger
March 2, 2021 @ 10:13 am
I’ll just put out there that rumors had Linda Ronstadt on the final ballot for the Country Music Hall of Fame over the last couple of years. The way the Hall of Fame voting works is there’s a final ballot with a few names in each category that gets whittled down to one. If Linda’s name made it on that ballot, it means there’s a good chance she will get in perhaps in the next 1-4 years. Then again, these are just rumors, and I can’t confirm she was on the final ballot.
Aaron
March 3, 2021 @ 1:31 am
I am fine with Linda getting in. But Maddox Brothers & Rose, Ralph Stanley/Stanley Brothers and Crystal Gayle need to get in now! If they want to put Linda in after that, they can.
Rooster
March 1, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
Ralph “Moon” Mooney was just not a Steel Guitar Wizard for Merle, Buck, and Waylon, but he wrote the song ” Crazy Arms”, that Jerry Lee Lewis got poplar from, and also Ray Price. So, that puts Mooney in the Songwriting Category,too.
Oregon Outlaw
March 1, 2021 @ 7:50 pm
Mutt Lange was the genius behind Shania Twain, and if she gets in hopefully she acknowledges that. Without him she’d never have had that career. I guess all these artists have their support personnel, but I think Twain especially depended on one person.
Maybe the hall of fame can only induct a few people each year because just look down the road 20 years… they’re gonna run out of meaningful names. “Country” stars like ol Puke Bryan might end up in there. Being honored and revered next to Don Williams or Randy Travis. Oooof.
Aaron
March 1, 2021 @ 9:04 pm
I believe that there are enough backed-up names that the hall could do one or two catch-up years and still have enough names to skip over the bro-country era like it was steroids in baseball.
Michelle
March 2, 2021 @ 2:09 am
Although it should be Dwight, I think it will be The Judds. For veteran, Jerry Lee, absolutely! My god, why is he not already in?? And I’m all in on Don Rich.
Jack
March 2, 2021 @ 3:53 am
Interesting comment. I’m curious who people think out of today’s country stars will definitely be in the Hall of Fame eventually.
Personally, I think Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Lori McKenna and Chris Stapleton have/will have developed HOF-level careers by the time they are eligible. I think it’s too early too tell for Luke Combs, Jon Pardi and Ashley McBryde.
Seak
March 2, 2021 @ 5:24 am
I think you have to look at the biggest names of the era, awards yes, but also touring and radio. Just because we don’t like the music that was popular, doesn’t mean they weren’t the biggest artists. So yeah Kenny chesney should be in, Luke Bryan should probably go in at some point too, carrie, Miranda (as you mention), Stapleton, Shelton, but I will say I draw the line at Aldean and fgl
Robert Williams
March 2, 2021 @ 6:49 am
Hank Williams Sr. Should be in the Hall of Fame above everyone else.
Trigger
March 2, 2021 @ 8:15 am
Hank Williams is in. He was the first inductee ever into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Waynetrain
June 29, 2021 @ 9:27 am
Well, almost, Trigger. The first 3 inductees were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank, Sr. They were inducted in 1961. I don’t think the HOF makes a distinction as to which of these men was the FIRST inductee. Alphabetically, Rodgers was the first. Although Hank’s legacy has grown exponentially over the last several decades (eclipsing that of Rodgers) and although today he is widely considered by many to be THE greatest country star of all time, at the time of the 1961 inductions, he had been dead only 8 years and Rodgers, known as the Father of Country Music, was the one whose legacy had endured for decades. Back in ’61, if the CMA had been pressed to single out which inductee was FIRST, I think it would have been Rodgers.
Moe
March 2, 2021 @ 6:49 am
Vern Gosdin, Ralph Mooney, and Buddy Emmons!!!!!!!!!!!!!
William Randolph
March 2, 2021 @ 7:05 am
Veterans- Gene Watson should have been inducted 20 plus years ago!
BO76
March 2, 2021 @ 7:43 am
A point of correction– Keith Whitley had two #1s in 1988: Don’t Close Your Eyes & When You Say Nothing at All. I’m No Stranger to the Rain went #1 in April 1989 & he had 2 more #1s posthumously in 1989. Also, Don’t Close Your Eyes was the Billboard Country song of the year in 1988.
People who say his career was too short can’t forget that he was involved in bluegrass music in the early 70s (he was considered a Bluegrass prodigy) so his musical career was nearly 2 decades. Many of his songs are considered country classics & I Never Go Around Mirrors (from the Don’t Close Your Eyes album) is considered by many as one of the finest country vocals of all time.
Tyler Pappas
March 2, 2021 @ 8:22 am
So many legendary singers have sung the classic “ I Never Go Around Mirrors” and nobody sang it better than Keith Whitley. the pathos in that song/fantastic steel guitar solo. It’s seriously like listening to a man dying in front of you. “To see a grown man crawl, is more than I can stand, Cuz I can’t look into the eyes of half of man”
BO76
March 2, 2021 @ 8:51 am
I agree, the way he sang that second verse is gut-wrenching. A great story is that Whitey Shafer wrote that second verse specifically for Whitley. Whitley wanted to record the song for the Don’t Close Your Eyes album & the story goes that RCA said they wanted the song to have a 2nd verse. Whitley reached out to him & he wrote the verse for Whitley. The story also goes that Whitley sang the song at Lefty Frizzell’s (the original singer & Whitley’s idol) grave on the way to the recording studio to cut the song.
Darren Mullins
March 2, 2021 @ 7:45 am
I hope Diamond Rio makes it. Bands are not well represented in the HOF, so they would be a good choice. The Dixie Chicks may be too controversial for induction and what other band, besides Alabama really deserves the honor?
Di Harris
March 2, 2021 @ 11:44 am
Caught a ration of crap from the guys in Diamond Rio once.
They just had to let me know they saw me taking a nap.
They were coming off their bus getting ready for their set, at a Country fest in INDY.
I was backing out of a limo & stretching.
Told them, yeah, after driving horse and carriage until the wee hours, & then the requisite IHOP with the gang, butt was draggin’.
A friend who co-owned a limo service was short a driver for country fest and promised the moon if i’d help out, “just this once.”
The Diamond Rio guys are great.
Hunter MIller
March 2, 2021 @ 7:52 am
Go get it Jeannie Seely!!! You are one of the best!
Waynetrain
June 29, 2021 @ 10:23 am
Jeannie Seely influenced no one and had limited chart success (no #1’s; only four of her singles cracked the Top 10) over an 11-year period. If there’s a Grand Ol’ Opry Hall of Fame, put her in there. She has performed tirelessly for the Grand Ol’ Opry over the last 50 years, but greatness on the Opry does not necessarily equal country music greatness.
Tyler Pappas
March 2, 2021 @ 8:11 am
The cmhof needs to just expand and bring in more than one candidate for each category. So many names in the veterans category that you would think they are already in. The fact that rose Maddox and the Maddox brothers are not in after all these years is criminal. That should have happened in the 90’s. You don’t have the west coast California country sound without them.
Michael Bruce
March 2, 2021 @ 9:02 am
In no particular order and a slight favoritism vote in regards to Honky-Tonk singers: Vern Gosdin, Gary Stewart, Mel Street, Gene Watson, and/or Keith Whitley. Quality should be accentuated over commercialism and chart success.
Leonard Overton
March 2, 2021 @ 9:04 am
Why is Jeannie Sealy not in the Hall of Fame? I didn’t realize until now that she was not a member. She is long long overdue. I can’t believe that she was overlooked last year. She deserves being in there more than at least one that was voted in last year.
Waynetrain
June 29, 2021 @ 10:15 am
Jeannie Seely influenced no one and had limited chart success (no #1’s; only four of her singles cracked the Top 10) over an 11-year period. If there’s a Grand Ol’ Opry Hall of Fame, put her in there. She has performed tirelessly for the Grand Ol’ Opry over the last 50 years, but greatness on the Opry does not necessarily equal country music greatness.
Waynetrain
June 29, 2021 @ 10:22 am
Jeannie Seely influenced no one and had limited chart success (no #1’s and only four singles that cracked the Top 10 over an 11-year period). If there’s a Grand Ol’ Opry Hall of Fame, she should be in it because she’s performed tirelessly for them for the last 50 years. But greatness on the Opry does not necessarily equal country music greatness.
Don Amber
March 2, 2021 @ 9:37 am
I cannot understand why Janie Fricke is not in the HOF.
Country When Country Wasn't Cool
March 2, 2021 @ 9:37 am
My guesses are Tanya Tucker, Linda Ronstadt and Don Rich. On the subject of a resurgence in 80s country, sometime in the next few eligible cycles I would love to see Tom Collins inducted in the non-performer category. There were few producers in the 70s and 80s who were as prolific as he was. The string of hits is endless.
NPC
March 2, 2021 @ 10:12 am
Is it weird to anyone else that Barbara Mandrell was inducted in 2009 ahead of so many other artists? Granted, I do not know much about Barbara’s heyday beyond her hit singles and the TV variety show, so maybe her impact was so monumental that it warranted an early induction? Once she retired early in 1997 at the ripe old age of 48, she and most of her music fell off the face of the earth. It’s rather easy to forget she exists in comparison to her non-HoF peers that are still active; how Barbara is in but Tanya Tucker isn’t is a bit mystifying (though Tanya’s personal issues could have played a factor).
CeeCeeBee
March 2, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
Barbara Mandrell was a legend long before she had mainstream success with her TV show.
She was one of the first women (Dolly being the other) who was truly and entertainer (not just a girl singer). She was a dedicated member of the Grand Old Opry. Her shows were legendary. She was a master musician. She was the first PERSON (my just woman) to ever win the CMA entertainer of the year award more than once.
And she is beloved by the industry – because she was always one of the hardest working people around, she treated her fans with reverence, an she was the best ambassador for country music that I have ever seen.
She deserves her spot, 100 percent.
Trigger
March 2, 2021 @ 6:39 pm
Excellent steel guitar player as well.
NPC
March 2, 2021 @ 8:12 pm
Thanks for the extra insights! With all of that context, her contributions make a lot more sense. It’s a bit of a shame that she’s been forgotten about in the recent resurgence of older artists, but she clearly wanted to retire early and move on with her private life; when you’ve achieved everything one could hope and you feel satisfied with it, who can blame her?
CeeCeeBee
March 2, 2021 @ 8:28 pm
It is a shame. Although there was tribute album done for her ten or 15 years ago, and Carrie Underwood included her in her tribute to women at this year’s CMAs, she does seem to be largely forgotten now.
Miranda Lambert did a cover of “I was Country when Country wasn’t Cool” at a few of her shows and I have heard a few other female artists recently cite her as an influence, but most of her music has been tossed on the heap of history. It doesn’t help that most of her original master recordings were destroyed in a fire either.
She had a song on one of her albums called “If they grow tired of my music, I’ll be home making music with you.” And that’s how she really felt. Her records weren’t selling anymore and she wasn’t on the radio. She probably could have made a good living in Vegas, but in the end she just decided to go home to her family.
Truthfully, everything I have read about her indicates she was never the same after her car accident. She lost her drive. Plus, she was a heavy smoker and she had vocal chords problems.
But her early days and her early music and her hard work on her shows set the standard for the generations of Entertainers (male and female) that came after her.
Sad that so many don’t know that.
Norma Allinder
March 2, 2021 @ 10:31 am
The CMA limits induction to only one name in each category so a BAD NAME doesn’t slip in. I haven’t seen any of the entertainers named having a ‘bad name.’ This is just ridiculous. They need more than one name in each category just to catch up or many very deserving people will never get the recognition they deserve. Just a thought.
Norma Allinder
March 2, 2021 @ 10:41 am
The Stanley Brothers have been overlooked for so many years. They are part of the mortar, nails & wood in the foundation of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Their time has come & gone when many of these other artists can wait.
It was Dr. Ralph Stanley’s last request that he & his brother, Carter, be inducted into the CMHOF together, side by side, as the Stanley Brothers, just like they started out. (His exact words). IT’S WAY PAST TIME! #Honorthymusic
CountryKnight
March 2, 2021 @ 10:42 am
Might as well burn it down the day they induct Shania Twain into the HOF.
It is like letting a carpetbagger marry your daughter.
Will James
March 2, 2021 @ 11:32 am
The Petition to Induct Gram Parsons into the CMHOF has surpassed 14,000 individual signatures from around the world.
Kevin Smith
March 2, 2021 @ 1:20 pm
What unique and tangible contributions did Parsons make to further country music, that would justify placing him in the HOF ahead of the actual legends discussed in this article?
Not being critical of your petition, mind you, but genuinely curious. I have a theory why , but id love to hear the justification presented in a logic driven and factual argument.
My own point of view is he was a talented young man who came out of the Harvard elite and fell in with the cool kid counter culturalists in California and had a naive but sincere interest in country music, but was ultimately a victim of his own excessive and wreckless behavior. He died before ever scoring a single hit country record. His biggest contribution was the Sweetheart of The Rodeo Album, which did inspire the early Country Rock movement. And yes he found Emmylou and put her on the path, though i dont see why that qualifies him for HOF. Now, change my mind….
Will James
March 2, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
First, I don’t think anything is going to change your mind, much based on ubiquitous myths, inaccuracies, and re-writing history. For example, he did not “come out of the Harvard elite,” he didn’t even go to classes and dropped out after forming an early country rock band The Like that morphed into The International Submarine Band, whose single album Safe at Home is in the Library of Congress representing country music. It’s been a long time since sales of plastic records was the primary factor in evaluating an artist; true he sold few units while alive, but I’d look at sales since, and including all “plays” using all media up until the present day (I wrote an article on this archaic practice of record sales only; one interesting metric is comparing Google returns, Gram: 4.4 million returns; Roger McGuinn, for example, 730 thousand). Gram’s biggest contribution was not Sweetheart, due to the rest of the bands’ egos and a lawsuit by Lee Hazelwood, which prevented that project from becoming the Gram Parsons masterpiece it could have been (even so the elder Byrds made a ton of money a couple years ago on a tour celebrating an album they despised). Gram’s songwriting was as exquisite as anyone’s in the history of country music, going back to his teenage years with songs such as November Nights and Brass Buttons. And yes I won’t say there would not have been an Emmylou Harris without him, but I would point to what she has said over and over about him, together with many other artists. Also read Keith Richards’ nomination of Gram as one of Rolling Stone’s Greatest Artists of All Time list (the Stones change in direction due to Gram’s influence was also obvious). Parsons is one of just a handful of artists on the RS list not in the Rock and/or Country Halls of Fame. And yes, the entire alt country movement (don’t need to provide names, everyone here knows them) owes a direct lineage to Gram’s work, an astounding amount for dying by age 26 (and please no hypocrisy there (Hank, Jones… a long list, probably half of the HOF). No one in my opinion is more deserving of a plaque in the Hall to accompany his Nudie Suit, one of the most popular draws to the CMHOF & Museum. I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it there. Thanks, Will James
Kevin Smith
March 2, 2021 @ 3:17 pm
Thx Will! I see you are a rabid Grampire. Its ok..full disclosure, im a Gram fan of sorts. Also a vinyl guy, and im familiar with most of his work.
Everybody knows he dropped Harvard. But he was from a wealthy family and had a trust fund. Not the norm for a “country singer/songwriter”. He was a distinct outsider in every way to Nashville. Thats not a slam, its fact. He was an alcoholic and used drugs heavily, whixh led to his death. Not myth, fact.
ISB was not a well known album at the time. Because of the obsession with him, its in print today, but be serious for a minute. The Sweetheart album was a much bigger deal. Public consciousness alone on it is significantly higher. That album is routinely in greatest albums of all time. Its been a critics fave for decades and continues to be cited as one of the most influential country-rock albums of all time. The Flying Burrito Bros albums, good as they are, arent cited nearly as much. None of Grams albums, GP or Return of The Grievous Angel registered even a blip in the world of country radio. Again, not a slam, just fact. And yes they are quality records.
Yes i know of his close association to The Stones, ie Keith and Wild Horses. But thats not qualification for CHOF.
I appreciate your passion, i do. Myself, i am able to grasp the fact that all these country legends who havent been inducted yet, will get in well ahead of Gram. Sorry you cant see that. Now that ive made furious.
Cheers
Will James
March 2, 2021 @ 4:30 pm
Oops, hit Like instead of Reply. “Now that ive made furious.” Made yourself furious? Me, no. Facts and opinions of 14,000 globally. “Grampyre” is a derogatory term used by folks such as yourself, referring to the caper surrounding Parsons’ death, which I prefer to consider a tragedy similar to Hank’s last trip to Canton. But few left to disseminate fact. None of your poorly written response qualifies for more…
Kevin Smith
March 2, 2021 @ 7:34 pm
Yes that was a fun poke at Parsons superfans. Not meant as a brutal insult. Ive been listening to him for years. Was raised on traditional country, but discovered the hippie stuff from California and got into that as well. Well acquainted with the Americana scene. I read No Depression back when it started, so i have a history with it. I fully understand Grams influence on those folks.
Clearly we disagree on the influence and importance of Sweetheart of The Rodeo vs International Submarine Band.
Just know you arent the only one who researches music. Ive been absorbing and reading about these subjects for years. Ive seen a fair amount on Gram and i know the story. My wife used to live quite close to Joshua Tree, and the locala still talk about him.
As for the HOF, we will see.
Will James Harnack
March 3, 2021 @ 10:58 am
And if not mistaken you played my show 10 years ago (I didn’t book you, you latched onto another band).
Will James
March 6, 2021 @ 2:35 pm
Also there’s a reason Ken Burns ended his History of Country Music with Gram Parsons and his immediate influence…
Will James
March 2, 2021 @ 11:35 am
And yes there needs to be a “catch up” year, or the rules need to change. Also the words “national prominence” were added to keep some out, as the CMA will define that term.
robbushblog
March 2, 2021 @ 2:23 pm
I think the modern era and backup musician/touring musician/non-music person categories should be scraped for a few years and get some more of those long ago deserved folks in the Hall.
Tom R.
March 2, 2021 @ 6:51 pm
Lynn Anderson far and away, she was bigger on the charts than almost every person inducted in the “veteran” category for the last ten years. It’s outrageous she was not inducted in her lifetime, the CMA seems to have double standards electing ladies who have had occasionally messy private lives (notably Tanya Tucker and Lynn) all the while having no problem with guys whose off-camera antics were ten times worse. Skeeter Davis is long overdue as well.
Wanda Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis – they are in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame but the CMA ignores them every year. Wanda was far bigger in the country field and Jerry Lee was one of the very biggest country acts of the late 60s and 70s.
Would really love to see good guy and superstar Steve Wariner get in. Dwight Yoakam, too.
Linda Ronstadt – NO! Good singer but never full-time country and her election would set a very bad precedent for putting in pop/rock stars with country influence in their music. Her election would open the door to The Eagles, The Byrds, etc.
Here’s hoping for Lynn, Skeeter, Tanya, Jerry Lee, Wanda, Steve, Dwight, Crystal Gayle, or Johnny Horton.
Mar
March 10, 2021 @ 1:52 am
I agree that It’s sad that Lynn wasn’t inducted while she was still alive, though, that could partially be due to the fact that her passing was unexpected and premature (she was only 67, still relatively young). Her career bloomed right around the same time that Loretta’s, Dolly’s and Tammy’s did, and all three of them are in, and so hopefully Lynn will be inducted soon, as well.
Tom R.
March 2, 2021 @ 6:54 pm
Petitions never work and I suspect if anything they make it harder for these people to get in. That backfired for years for Dottie West fans. The “big shots” don’t appreciate the public telling them what to do even though they clear don’t have a clue what to do and who deserves it at times.
A.B.
March 2, 2021 @ 8:45 pm
Modern Era: Tanya Tucker, Dwight Yoakam or Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers
Veteran Era: Maddox Bros and Rose, Jerry Lee Lewis or The Stanley Brothers
Musician: Don Rich, Ralph Mooney or Buck Trent
Don Rich is a 2020 inductee into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. Maybe that will help him this year.
DRK
March 3, 2021 @ 12:36 am
After thinking about this for a day, I think that although the big backlog is a problem, the biggest issue is the big tent/small tent issue. What is country music? Is it a Nashville centred, radio based pop popularity small tent or is it the broader big tent that includes bluegrass, old time British Isles folk based ballads, Bakersfield, Western Swing, Western (period), honky tonk, three chords and the truth, singer/songwriter, country punk and cosmic American music? How long has it been since anyone has even mentioned Asleep at the Wheel, who must be in their fifth decade of delivering the Western Swing goods? Where is the current Roy Rogers or Carter Family or Bill Monroe? Where is the Texas music? Why do the great women find it so hard to get in? Where are the influencers who didn’t necessarily make it big themselves, but set the stage for the future? Why does it seem like such a long time since anyone from the hotbed of California country sounds has gotten in? (maybe this is why the Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose aren’t in yet) The group of brilliant artists who bought into that sound – Ronstadt, Parsons, The Maddoxes, Chris Hillman, Yoakam – it feels like they’re blackballed. But, it seems like more and more it’s likely to be a pop country pop performer who has EDM, R&B, or Gospel influences but doesn’t seem to be able to bring out their country influences.
Will James
March 3, 2021 @ 11:01 am
Nicely said. And let’s not forget Gram’s reception upon singing Hickory Wind at the Opry.
PaulPierce
March 3, 2021 @ 8:13 am
Have we forgot The Tall Texan Billy Walker. What a great talent he had.Was a member of the Opry since 1960.
Sid Gilchrist
March 3, 2021 @ 10:19 am
Two great country singers never mentioned are Carl Butler and Cowboy Copas.
Gail Ulrich
March 3, 2021 @ 11:43 pm
Earl Thomas Conley….First person of any music genre to ever have four number one hits off of one album. Please, please let’s get him into the Hall.!!! (and 18 number one hits altogether), and also was a talented song writer.
Gail Ulrich
March 4, 2021 @ 12:01 am
Have a petition wanting Earl Thomas Conley to be in the Hall of Fame with over 2,000 signatures. See the facebook page, Earl Thomas Conley Hall of Fame Petition
Ernie Mullins
March 4, 2021 @ 12:59 am
Earl Thomas Conley needs to be in the Hall of Fame
Terri Scott
March 4, 2021 @ 6:19 am
Earl Thomas Conley should have been inducted years ago he was not only a great artist but also a talented song writer. Its a shame how he has been passed over. Its long overdue.
Brenda Lawson
March 4, 2021 @ 6:30 am
I think Earl Thomas Conley should be put in the Hall of Fame!!!
Janet Wheeler
March 4, 2021 @ 6:35 am
Earl Thomas Conley should have been in the HOF a long time ago! How can his talent and contribution to the world of Country Music keep being overlooked? There are many that are deserving but none that accomplished what ETC did! Please put Earl into the HOF!
Dana LeJeune
March 4, 2021 @ 6:52 am
EARL THOMAS CONLEY
Kenny Graves
March 4, 2021 @ 8:24 am
Two glaring names that each have 18 #1 hits that need to be inducted ASAP are Earl Thomas Conley and Crystal Gayle. They need to honor the true classic artists before starting on artists who made their names after 1995!!
Carole Marie
March 6, 2021 @ 7:03 pm
Earl Thomas Conley had 18 CONSECUTIVE #1 hits, and 21 in all! He was the FIRST artist in ANY genre to have 4 #1 hits from one album. He was the ONLY country artist to EVER appear on Soul Train. He started a Scholarship program in Ohio that he sponsored for 25+ years with a concert (inviting a variety of country music artists to appear) and a golf tournament. He absolutely should be in the 2021 group of inductees!
Renae Noe
March 4, 2021 @ 10:01 am
EARL THOMAS CONLEY!!!!
Mary Lee Dopson Patton
March 4, 2021 @ 2:20 pm
How did Brenda Lee EVER get into the CMHF. She was popular in my era but not as a country music performer.
Ronnie Harrison
March 4, 2021 @ 2:51 pm
MOON MULLICAN ANYONE?
Patrick Wall
August 13, 2021 @ 11:12 am
As with Jerry Lee Lewis, Moon Mullican should be in this long ago. He is a very important artist, the first major singer pianist and a major influence on countless other singers from Hank Williams to Jim Reeves to Jerry Lee. Moon represented the blues based country music and his singing and playing continued the blues legacy of Jimmie Rodgers. Along with Bill Monroe, Moon was the most distinctive artist in post-Rodgers pre-Hank Williams blues based country music.
Aaron
March 5, 2021 @ 3:19 pm
I am unsure of why Anne Murray is always kind of shut-out of these discussions. Some people say that she was more popular in Canada, but just looking at the U.S. stats alone:
1) Anne has 13.5 million certified U.S. album sales, though if every album that was sold was actually tabulated it would probably be more.
2) Anne has 9 number one songs on the U.S. country charts.
3) Anne has 23 top ten songs on the U.S. charts
4)Anne won 4 Grammys (and has been nominated for 12 total), 3 CMA awards and 1 ACM.
This is not to say that I desperately want her in this year, but I just feel that her resume is very strong but she just gets unfairly forgotten about.
DJ Back in the Day
March 5, 2021 @ 7:45 pm
Like it or not, the Country Music Hall of Fame tends to go for artists with close ties to Music City. Those who are/were based elsewhere have a bigger hill to climb if push comes to shove. The most timely award this year would be the Maddox Brothers & Rose in the Veterans Era category. Don Rich or Ralph Mooney would be excellent choices for the Musician category. As for the Modern Era category, Dwight Yoakam deserves a place in the Hall though it might not be this year or next year.
One of the longest and biggest oversights has been Johnny Horton who was a Nashville outsider and left this world too soon. Listen to his versions of “They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me”, “One Woman Man” and “Ole Slew Foot”. Then listen to versions of the same songs by those who have received the call to the Hall.
Karen Villanueva
March 6, 2021 @ 7:11 pm
Add EARL THOMAS CONLEY please! He has been so overlooked through the years and still has an active fan base which I am a member of. ETC is so deserving of this honor.
Between 1980 and 2003, ETC recorded ten studio albums, including seven for RCA Records. In the 1980s and into the 1990s, ETC also charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, of which eighteen reached Number One. His eighteen Billboard Number One country singles during the 1980s marked the most Number One hits by any artist in any genre during that decade, excluding Alabama and Ronnie Milsap.
Terry Johnson
March 6, 2021 @ 8:00 pm
Earl Thomas Conley deserves to be remembered for the absolute talent that he was, period.
Tonia Harris
March 6, 2021 @ 8:55 pm
EARL THOMAS CONLEY!!!! Hands down. I have loved him and his music since I was a kid. He was such a talented singer/songwriter. He so deserves to be in the CMHOF and should have been in there a long time ago.
David
March 7, 2021 @ 8:42 am
If I had to name one I would say the Stanley brothers. But the problem is there are a lot that deserve to be in. I don’t like the limiting thing as a way to justify keeping some out. Having only one get in from each category each year is silly. I’ve never bought into the ideal that that having more people in lessens a hall of fame or the real great ones. There are tiers to any hall of fame. I believe that travis tritt and dwight yoakam should already be in but I’ll never think those guys are the equivalent of merle haggard or george jones but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be in. I do think artist should have a certain amount of time as a peak performer to get in though there might be exceptions. It’s why while I love keith whitleys music, I don’t think he was around long enough unfortunately. If there weren’t many other deserving performers I could cede the argument but there are. Same with a guy like ray charles. Just getting in to serve a narrative or outside cause is wrong. I like his music and he had some great country songs but many others had a better country career that aren’t in so get those in first. Like I said, open it up to more acts, quit trying to be a private country club. Having more in there doesn’t change my mind on george jones, hank williams, or bill monroe.
Anthony
March 7, 2021 @ 3:12 pm
I hope this will be Keith Whitley’s year.
James
March 9, 2021 @ 9:49 am
I know I am in the minority, but I just don’t think Whitley’s career is Hall-worthy.
Anthony
March 16, 2021 @ 8:20 pm
You’re of course entitled to your opinion, James, but mine is that the quality and timelessness of Whitley’s small catalogue is remarkable — I’d take a few Keith Whitley albums over 10 or 20 albums from most other artists. Also, and just as importantly, Whitley was a strong influence on the Class of ’89 and beyond, and continues to be cited as an influence by the best of contemporary country artists even in 2021.
Mar
March 10, 2021 @ 1:44 am
I was surprised recently to learn that Charlie Rich isn’t in the Hall of Fame. He definitely should be.
Bill
March 10, 2021 @ 5:50 pm
Where is Emmylou Harris in all this, Hall of Fame-wise? My all-time favorite!
Trigger
March 10, 2021 @ 6:13 pm
Emmylou Harris was inducted in 2008.
Kent
March 11, 2021 @ 12:27 pm
My choices : 🙂 Gram Parson
Linda Ronstadt
Ralph Stanley
Jerry Lee Lewis
Alison Kraus
June Carter Cash
John Hartford
Patrick Wall
August 13, 2021 @ 11:18 am
Jerry Lee and Ralph Stanley/Stanley Brothers would be among my choices too. I would have assumed that June Carter Cash was in already. Moon Mullican, Charlie Rich and several more I would have assumed would be in it (I assume Flatt and Scruggs are in but they may not be but should be) need to be inducted too.
Kent
August 13, 2021 @ 1:11 pm
You are right June SHOULD be in… But at least according according to The Bluegrass Situation she isn’t .🙁 https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/june-carter-cash-connects-the-classic-eras-of-country-music/
Tom R.
March 11, 2021 @ 6:05 pm
They badly need some new “categories” for HOF induction particularly “Deceased” (there’s a clear preference for living people in all categories) and “Vintage” (meaning 1920-1950 or to 1960) in addition to “Veteran” (which has almost entirely consisted of 60s/70s stars since created).
Aaron
March 13, 2021 @ 1:26 am
I was reminded today of the name Jimmy Mattingly. I know he wouldn’t get in anytime soon, but I wonder how many musicians would need to get in before Jimmy starts being discussed. I don’t even know if he will ever be discussed at any point, I just know that he has played with some pretty big names.
Christopher Ritchie
March 15, 2021 @ 8:17 am
The hall really needs to expand out from the standard 3 inductees. They have done it in the past. There are so many deserving people that will never get in under the current format.
The Judds, Whitley, Dwight, Tanya all should go in immediately. The Judds were one of the 5 biggest acts of the 80’s and Wynonna has one of the best voices in the history of country music. We all know the impact of the others.
Richie
March 18, 2021 @ 8:56 am
Trigger,
I emailed the Hall of Fame once again a couple of months ago on the evening of Sunday, January 10 asking them when the 2021 inductees will be announced and in their reply back to me on the morning of Monday, January 11, they said:
That is usually when we send a press release out for the Medallion Ceremony that occurs in October annually. No date has been set to announce 2021 inductees nor has a date been set to honor these inductees in person with the Medallion Ceremony. Once that information is announced, we will send out a press release, include it in or E-Newsletter, and post it on our website and social media platforms.
Then, I emailed them again last night asking them when will the 2020 and 2021 Medallion Ceremonies be taking place and in their reply back to me this morning, they said:
As of right now there is no announcement or any ceremony scheduled to honor the 2020 and 2021 inductees. We plan to honor these inductees when it is safe to do so. Normally we host our Medallion Ceremony in October of each year, but nothing has been announced.
What do you think?.
Trigger
March 18, 2021 @ 9:00 am
I’m hoping with the subsiding of the pandemic in the coming months the Hall of Fame can return to its normal rhythms, and I expect probably a double Medallion ceremony in the Fall for two sets of inductees.
Laine
March 19, 2021 @ 12:52 pm
Earl Thomas Conley was a triple-threat, a talented songwriter/singer/and producer. He had 18 consecutive #1 hits, and 21 in all. He was the first artist in any genre to have four #1 hits from one album. Many of this songs were recorded by other artists. Many of todays country artists credit him with his influencing them in country music. He started a scholarship program in Ohio that he sponsored for years with a concert and a golf tournament. Judge him by his accomplishments and contributions. He should be in the 2021 group of inductees and has certainly earned a place in the CMHOF.
Richie
March 31, 2021 @ 8:05 am
Trigger,
I emailed the Hall of Fame again on Monday night asking them when will their friends at the CMA be announcing who are the 2021 Hall of Fame inductees and in their reply back to me yesterday morning, they said:
We do not have that information at this time. No date for announcement has been set.
What do you think?.
Trigger
March 31, 2021 @ 8:17 am
I think they’re still waiting for a safer time to move forward with proceedings like normal.
Robert J Miller
March 31, 2021 @ 8:06 pm
noone ever mentions Red Sovine or Dave Dudley..also surprised not more mention of Charlie Rich, and for modern Mary Chapin Carpenter over others mentioned(or even already in). I think its a lot of women’s time: Judds, Tanya, Linda, Crystal, Lynn, June,..all long overdue, and lets give a mention to Anne Murray and Donna Fargo, before ever thinking about Shania or Lorrie(really?!)
Robert J Miller
March 31, 2021 @ 8:29 pm
Another I forgot I’m surprised wasnt in already is Mac Davis! They tend to choose a lot of people who had their own TV shows or hosted,,and were well-known outside of Country even,,and that would be him(long before Marty Stuart)as well as being a great musician and songwriter. I think they should have a new category for Crossover Influence, which would include Linda Ronstandt, The Eagles, Gram Parsons…
Jerry Fulton
April 3, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
Others deserving of a place in the HOA in my opinion, include Janie Fricke, Eddie Rabbitt, Donna Fargo, Anne Murray, Moe Bandy, John Conlee, Charlie Rich, John Denver, Ricky Van Shelton, and T.G. Sheppard.
Traveler
April 10, 2021 @ 6:38 pm
I can’t respect the hall until Johnny Horton, Lynn Anderson and Charlie Rich get in. Does the John Denver escapade reflect on Rich’s possibilities in this day and age?
Nick
April 21, 2021 @ 5:15 am
I would really love to see Jerry Lee Lewis inducted into the country music hall of fame this year his piano playing is GREAT and also I love his country music in the late 60s and 70s etc.
Nick
April 21, 2021 @ 5:17 am
And he’s also getting up there in age turning 86 in september had a stroke a stroke in 2019.
Richie
May 2, 2021 @ 9:30 am
Trigger,
I talked to the Hall of Fame on Facebook a couple of days ago on Friday asking them when will they be announcing this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and in their reply back to me, they said:
Our friends at the Country Music Association (CMA) will share details as soon as they become available.
What do you think?.
Trigger
May 2, 2021 @ 9:34 am
I think we continue to wait, but with the pandemic easing, I’m hoping the Hall of Fame returns to its normal rhythms soon.
William Munsey
May 24, 2021 @ 6:38 pm
I was glad to see that at least one commenter mentioned Anne Murray and Archie Campbell, and another mentioned John Hartford who could go in under the Musician category. I’m surprised that no one seems to have mentioned one of the greatest guitarists of all time: the late DOC WATSON. Jerry Clower, one of the best comedians ever, also deserves serious consideration. But this year is probably Don Rich’s year to go in as Musician – and more power to him.
Richie
May 25, 2021 @ 10:04 am
Trigger,
The Hall of Fame & Museum said something on Facebook today about the 2021 inductees coming soon and here’s what they said:
we haven’t received a date yet, but we’ll be sharing updates here on Facebook as soon as we have them.
What do you think?.
Matthew
June 17, 2021 @ 10:42 am
Is it just me or are these announcements taking forever?
Aaron
June 20, 2021 @ 6:24 pm
Last year, it came in the middle of August with zero heads-up. I was hoping this year would be a bit earlier.
Frank Lewis
June 4, 2021 @ 6:29 pm
David Houston should be in the hall of fame. Two of his singing females Tammy Wynette, and Barbara Mandrell are in the hall and he had some great hits with them. He also and a cross over hit on the pop charts.
Steven Carter
June 18, 2021 @ 2:26 pm
It’s high time to induct a trio of long-overdue women to the Country Music Hall of Fame:
Anne Murray
Crystal Gayle
Tanya Tucker
Both Murray and Gayle were top vocalists during the late 70s-early 80s country-pop era and held the industry afloat before it transitioned to a more traditional sound in the late 80s. All three women are multi-CMA winners, and Murray hosted the show three times.
The CMA is ignoring this era because of it’s pop sound, but they’re also unfairly ignoring these three women.
It’s time.
Richie
June 25, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
I would also add Lynn Anderson, Rosanne Cash, The Judds, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Shania Twain and Alison Krauss to the list in addition to Murray, Gayle and Tucker in terms of women ignored as well.
Matthew
June 28, 2021 @ 6:00 am
Lynn Anderson needs to be elected before any other female.
Richie
June 25, 2021 @ 8:41 am
Trigger,
I emailed the CMA yesterday asking them when will they be announcing the 2021 Hall of Fame inductees and in their reply back to me, they said:
We haven’t yet announced the date for revealing the new class. Stay tuned to CMAworld.com or our social platforms for the latest.
What do you think?.
Richie
July 12, 2021 @ 9:26 am
Trigger,
I emailed the Hall of Fame again last night asking them when will the 2021 Hall of Fame inductees be announced and in their reply back to me this morning, they said to me:
We do not have a timeline of when the class of 2021 would be announced.
What do you think?.
Waynetrain
July 13, 2021 @ 5:47 am
David Houston had 2 massive hits in the mid-60’s, but that was it. Does not belong in the Hall of Fame.
Johnny Hagy
July 13, 2021 @ 8:27 am
Gene Watson deserves to be inducted. Great singer and a tremendous person.
Kelly Moyer
July 16, 2021 @ 8:58 pm
My opinion right now is the CMA committee don’t know what the hell they’re doing or what they’re talking about. In 2000 they inducted 10 performers into the Country Music Of Fame and now back down to 3. There are at least 15 – 20 veterans that should’ve been in years ago. It took how many years after Conway Twitty died that he finally got in. A bunch of country singers even signed a petition to get him in including Reba, Brooks and Dunn, and others. Even a lot of fans signed a petition to get Eddie Rabbitt and Earl Thomas Conley in. That’s what should be done not these committee members that were probably still in diapers when this list of singers will in their prime and that Crystal Gayle, Eddie Rabbitt, Earl Thomas Conley, Gene Watson, Vern Gosdin, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley, Rodney Crowell, The Bellamy Brothers, 45 years counting and still going strong ( COME ON NOW ), and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 52 years together and still touring! What’s the matter with all of you. If I was on the committee I guarantee I would have these names here in the Hall of Fame right now.
Matthew
July 19, 2021 @ 6:24 am
And Lynn Anderson should be on the top of that list. It’s disgraceful. Even the Rock Hall of Fame inducts many more each year.
George Ellington "Duke"
August 1, 2021 @ 7:58 pm
Archie Campbell
Bobby Bare
Boxcar Willie
Carl Butler and Pearl
Cousin Jody
Cowboy Copas
David Houston
Del Reeves
Freddie Hart
George Hamilton IV
Goldie Hill
Gram Parsons
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Homer and Jethro
Jack Greene
Jan Howard
Jerry Clower
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jimmy Wakley
Johnnie & Jack
Johnny Horton
Johnny Paycheck
Justin Tubb
Lew Childre
Lonzo and Oscar
Margie Singleton
Martha Carson
Marty Stuart
Moon Mullican
Norma Jean
Roy Drusky
Skeeter Davis
Stonewall Jackson
Texas Ruby
Uncle Jimmy Thompson
Wanda Jackson
Wilma Lee Cooper
Aaron
August 4, 2021 @ 7:32 am
Bobby Bare, Homer & Jethro, and Marty Stuart are all already in the Hall Of Fame.
George Ellington "Duke"
August 2, 2021 @ 8:36 am
Melba Montgomery!
Samuel Kent
August 13, 2021 @ 6:50 pm
Buddy Emmons. Anyone inducted ahead of him in the musician category simply cannot be justified. The greatest, most influential pedal steel player EVER. He deserves to be in on the strength of his amazing work on Ray Price’s “Night Life” alone. One of country’s legendary greatest recordings because Willie Nelson wrote it, Ray Price sang it, and Buddy Emmons played the steel.
Janice Brooks
August 15, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
any ideas based on the fact Reba is hosting
Aaron
August 15, 2021 @ 9:07 pm
I would guess with them giving a few days heads-up about this, that probably means no one controversial is going in. When they added Hank last year, they gave zero notice. They just kind of announced it out of nowhere.