Country Music Hall of Fame Sets 2022 Inductee Announcement

The Country Music Association will be announcing the 2022 inductee class to the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, May 17th at 10:00 a.m. Central from the Hall of Fame rotunda. Hall of Fame inductees Brooks & Dunn will be hosting the announcement, and it will be live streamed on the CMA’s YouTube Channel, and here on Saving Country Music (see below).

Commonly announced in the spring, there was some wonder whether the CMA would delay the announcement this year to the summer after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the regular rhythms of the process. The 2021 class of The Judds, Ray Charles, and musicians Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake wasn’t announced until August 16th, and they were just formally inducted on May 1st.

At least three new inductees will be announced in three distinct 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 two musicians being inducted in 2021 due to a tie, it would be a non-performer in 2022 in the rotating category. Though this could be someone culturally important to country music like the Saving Country Music recommendations of journalist Chet Flippo, or clothier Nudie Cohn, it’s likely to be a label executive, or someone similar from the country music inner circle.

Since the Country Music Hall of Fame process is secretive, we do not know who is being considered for induction. Saving Country Music’s prediction for the Modern Era inductee includes Trisha Yearwood, Keith Whitley, or Martina McBride. Veteran’s Era prediction includes Tanya Tucker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, or Crystal Gayle.

To see a full run down of potential 2022 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, CLICK HERE.

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