Saving Country Music’s 2018 Country Music Hall of Fame Picks & Prognostications
Once again as spring nears, it becomes time for the annual exercise to ponder who perhaps the CMA will deem worthy for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. About this time the secret CMA-approved committee is going over their final ballots and whittling down the precious names to the few who will make it, as those on the outside of the process do their best to promote who they believe should be picked.
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, always stirring controversy in itself. But it also keeps the 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. 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 45 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, Don Schlitz, selected in 2017, and a Non-Performer, Fred Foster, selected in 2016, it would be a Recording and/or Touring Musician’s turn up to bat in 2018. Recording/touring musicians can also be known as performers themselves. But the spirit of the rule is to elect someone who otherwise would not likely go in.
Since 2001, anywhere from 2 to 4 names have been added to the Hall of Fame each year. Usually one name from the above mentioned categories makes it per year, but if no name gets enough of a majority vote, a category may not be represented in a given year. Or, if two names get enough votes from a category, then both may come from that category.
Another rule worth mentioning with all of the high-profile deaths in country music recently 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 passing away. In recent years though, this has also accelerated artists being inducted before they die to avoid the one year penalty, and to honor them while they’re still alive.
Potential Modern Era Inductees
One of the biggest questions always looming over the Modern Era category is where you start the clock. By rule it is “20 years after you achieve national prominence,” but where that 20 years starts is the big question. Charlie Daniels was inducted as a Veterans Era candidate a couple of year ago when most put him in the Modern category. This most applies to Hank Williams Jr., who feels like one of the top front-runners in 2018, and could potentially go in via either the Modern or Veteran category. Hank Williams Jr., an which era he’s inducted in, could be the lynch pin for the 2018 inductees—if Hank Jr. is elected at all, that is.
• Last Year’s Modern Era Inductee: Alan Jackson (after feeling like the front-runner for the three years previous)
• Saving Country Music Prediction: Hank Williams Jr. (if Modern era), Dwight Yoakam, or Ricky Skaggs
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams Jr. if he’s considered Modern Era.
Ricky Skaggs: Ricky Skaggs is the artist that has felt like he’s been right on the bubble of being inducted over the last few years. Skaggs has bookended his career as a mandolin maestro, he studied under Bill Monroe, and is now firmly ensconcing himself as a country music elder. In between he had tremendous commercial success in the 80’s when country was searching for its next superstar. Few could argue with this pick and Skaggs is very well liked across country music. And Skaggs has been named a Hall of Fame “Artist in Residence” previously. Though he felt like a frontrunner in previous years, now that the Modern Era is so front loaded, it may be difficult for voters to select Skaggs ahead of some of the commercial powerhouses like Dwight Yoakam or Brooks & Dunn. But you don’t just need success to get into The Hall, you need allies. And Ricky Skaggs has plenty of those.
Dwight Yoakam: You’d think with 25 million records sold, his name would be more associated with Hall of Fame distinction, or maybe he’s considered a niche act by those in Nashville. Yoakam’s contributions, despite 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 on the West Coast and beyond, just like Hall of Famer Buck Owens and other Bakersfield legends did. Dwight’s also not showing any signs of slowing down, and has earned additional stripes as a country music ambassador through his acting career. Now with Alan Jackson finally out of the way and a new SiriusXM station dedicated to Dwight launching, it feels like Dwight has finally graduated from a future hopeful to a bona fide front runner.
Travis Tritt – Now that two of his brethren from the “Class of ’89” are in (Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson), 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 out somewhat quickly—and he hasn’t kept completely free of controversy by speaking his mind on the ills of the industry—his induction ceremony may still be far off, 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. But Tritt still feels like one of those names that others must go in first before he could be considered, especially Hank Williams Jr.
Brooks & Dunn: The duo was a commercial powerhouse if there ever was one, though their career was somewhat overshadowed by the success of Garth during the “Class of ’89” era. Their first album Brand New Man sold 6 million copies, and they won the CMA for Vocal Duo of the Year every year but one between 1992 and 2006—a pretty incredible feat. Their success is not debatable, but did they have the type of influence to be considered over others in such a crowded field, at least at the moment? And does the fact that they only operate as a duo part time hurt them, or are they helped by the fact that Ronnie Dunn has a fairly successful solo career, and Kix Brooks has become one of the strongest voices in country radio through his Countdown show? A few more names may have to tick off the list before its their turn, but they have to be considered serious contenders.
Keith Whitley: 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 over the last two years. 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. 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 34-years-old. Garth Brooks specifically named Keith as someone he believed should have been inducted before him.
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 23 years ago 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. Taylor Swift and George Strait have moved on, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan only recently reached the stadium level, and even the returning Garth Brooks is settling for arenas (though in fairness, usually on multiple nights.) 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.
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 induction.
- Toby Keith Officially eligible because he had his first success in 1993, but 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.
- Marty Stuart With all Marty has done and continues to do for the music, it’s time to start considering him to join his wife Connie Smith in The Hall. But his lack of commercial success in his career probably keeps him on the outside looking in for now.
- Tim McGraw – McGraw never amassed the major CMA hardware as some of the other potential 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.
- The Judds – Too bad their career only lasted six years, but it was a productive six years. But you have to imagine Brooks & Dunn goes in before they do. The Judds might also be helped by the efforts of Wynonna’s solo career.
- 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.
- 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. Nonetheless, it’s hard to see her going in before Hank Jr.
- Mickey Gilley – With his first big hit in 1974, this would (hypothetically) be the last chance for Mickey to make it in via the Modern Era category. Once you slip into the Veteran’s Era, it’s seen as a harder task in a much more open field.
- Lorrie Morgan
- Gene Watson
Potential Veterans Era Inductees
A rule in the Hall of Fame bylaws states that artists cannot be inducted the year after they pass away. Call it the sympathy clause that is put in place to make sure someone isn’t inducted just because voter’s hearts are heavy from a recent passing. Because of this, all of the artists who passed away in 2017 are not eligible this year. However what this rule has done is front-loaded inductees who may be suffering from health concerns for in recent years. Jim Ed Brown was inducted right before he passed away. So was “Cowboy” Jack Clement a few years back. Mac Wiseman was also inducted in the midst of health concerns. Because of this, artists who may be getting long in years or poor in heath have to be considered at the front of the pack. Two such artists who may receive extra consideration are The Maddox Brothers & Rose since the final member Don Maddox is now well into his 90’s, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Predicting the Veterans Era nominees is notoriously foolhardy because they pull from such a wide field of potential inductees.
• Last Year’s Inductee: Jerry Reed
• Saving Country Music Prediction: Hank Williams Jr. (if a Veteran Era candidate), Jerry Lee Lewis
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: The Maddox Brothers & Rose, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams Jr.?
– – – – – – – – – –
Hank Williams Jr.: It’s somewhat hard to know if Hank Jr. should be considered a Veteran or Modern Era candidate because of the double-era aspect of his career, but he’s a contender either way. Two CMA Entertainer of the Year awards, three ACM Entertainer of the Year awards, 70 millions of albums sold, 13 #1 albums, and 10 #1 singles, Hank Williams Jr. has the resume and then some for the Hall of Fame. Hank Jr. has said himself in interviews that he doesn’t care if he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame, but there is still lots of strong lobbying behind him. A movement started a couple of years called Bocephus Belongs is hoping to help push Hank Jr. over the top and into the Hall of Fame in the coming years. Right now, Hank Jr. feels like the guy most on the Hall of Fame bubble to go in.
The Maddox Brothers & Rose: The Maddox Brothers & Rose was a name that probably wasn’t on many people’s radar until the last couple of years. It is hard not to see how important their influence was on country, especially West Coast country, and the flashy dress of country performers that still influences the genre today. 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 94-year-old Don Maddox, is still around. There has been some additional chatter about The Maddox Brothers and Rose this year due to Don’s age. Don Maddox is arguably the oldest living country legend at the moment. Marty Stuart has been a friend of Don’s in recent years, and rumor has Marty working behind-the-scenes to at least get the family band considered. Rose Maddox as a sole inductee is also a possibility. She made great strides for women in country music.
Jerry Lee Lewis: Jerry Lee may be held back some since he came from rock & roll, and 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), his old Sun Studios buddy can’t be counted out. Jerry Lee Lewis is now 82-years-old, possibly bringing him closer to consideration for induction. Meanwhile an online petition has been started trying to push Jerry Lee over the top. Jerry Lee’s name has been rumored to have been in contention and on final ballots for many years. Maybe 2018 will be his time.
Ralph Stanley or The Stanley Brothers – Eligible once again after passing away in 2016, Ralph Stanley all-of-a-sudden emerges as 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, he’s the type of influencer and ambassador the Hall of Fame rotunda is built for. Universally beloved inside Nashville and beyond, a Grand Ole Opry member, and a powerful name to represent the bluegrass side of country, Ralph Stanley would be a strong pick.
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 him, and other chatter that 2013 might be his year. But it wasn’t, and it may be years before it is, but his name is always in the field for this accolade, and looking at the influence Gram had showing millions of rock and roll fans the beauty of country music, it always should be.
Lynn Anderson & Dottie West Lynn and Dottie are the two ladies that likely lead the field for female veteran inductees. Both of these women are right on the bubble, as they have probably been for many years. Since there wasn’t a woman inductee last year and there’s no strong female contenders in the Modern Era category for the foreseeable future, the pressure to include a woman from the veteran field in 2018 might be greater.
Tompall Glaser & The Glaser Brothers: Probably another 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.
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, 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, as time heals all wounds. One positive sign for these two in the coming years is that the Hall of Fame’s featured exhibit will be on the Outlaw era. What better time than to feature one of its most important figures with an induction. If nothing else, maybe it will warm the Hall to the idea in the future.
- Tanya Tucker – Recently moved from a Modern Era candidate to a Veterans Era candidate because he first big commercial success was in 1972. With ten #1’s hits and a diverse, long-lasting career, she should get good consideration.
- 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.
- John Hartford
- Jimmy Martin
- Johnny Horton
- June Carter Cash
- John Denver
- Jack Greene
- Slim Whitman
- Wynn Stewart
- Jimmy C. Newman
- Jeannie Seely
Potential Recording / Touring Musician Inductees
Last inductee – Grady Martin (2015)
Saving Country Music Prediction – ??? – Ralph Mooney
Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot – Ralph Mooney, Johnny Gimble, 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.
W.S. “Fluke” Holland – Drummer for Johnny Cash, and a great ambassador and torch bearer for the music. Has kept a high profile over the years.
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.
Johnny Gimble – One of the most influential fiddle players in the history of country music, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. It’s beyond time he made his way to the Country Hall of Fame.
Redd Volkaert – A living legend who is still making faces smile in Austin and beyond, he was seminal to the sound of Merle Haggard and many others, and still regularly engages in session work.
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.
- Sam Bush
- Don Rich
- Pete Drake
- Don Kelley
- Jerry Douglas
- Jesse McReynolds – Though may be considered too much of a solo performer.
March 4, 2018 @ 12:46 pm
Johnny Gimble easily! Best fiddler to ever live! His legacy speaker volumes and for itself.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:25 pm
gram parsons shud be put n just on the fact he was enuffa obnoxious druggy to get kikced outta the stones mantien in france durin the excille ablum n a hous fulla druggys THAT is wut u call savin country music yall pussys cud lurn sum thin from eem
August 9, 2018 @ 7:34 am
i’m one who thinks DAC omission is unforgivable–not supposed to b a popularity contest
August 9, 2018 @ 7:36 am
DAC?????
March 4, 2018 @ 1:01 pm
A name I would really like to see considered in the recording/ touring musician category is Don Rich.
He was Buck Owens alter ego to the point that it’s hard to even tell they are actually harmonizing on many of Buck’s classic songs and he was a great musician also. When he died in a motorcycle accident Buck kind of lost his drive because without Don it wouldn’t have been the same.
It’s been so long since he passed away I fear he will be forgotten to time.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:58 pm
Don Rich is a great name. Surprised he isn’t in already. Only wonder if he’s not a pure enough musician’s musicians in regards to being in the shadows to make it, since that’s the spirit of this award. Also, folks on the West Coast always seem to get left out for some career Nashville musician. You can make the case that no other Hall of Famer relied more on someone else to help them than Buck Owens did Don Rich.
March 4, 2018 @ 2:09 pm
Yep there are some YouTube videos of Buck singing and Don is right there on the same mic harmonizing.
I know they do a pretty good job of picking the old timers and not just going with the obvious picks but it has been 44 years since Don died and Buck is gone now too so my fear is he doesn’t have a ‘champion’ in the room so to speak for his candidacy.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:57 pm
Don Rich for sure. Don along with other West Coast guitarists like Roy Nichols, James Burton and Gene Moles brought the Telecaster and twang front and center into Country Music and it’s been there ever since. But most important, as Scotty says, he was Bucks alter ego.
Redd Volkaert is great also, but no way should he get in before Don or Roy, because his sound is almost entirely derived from their pioneering playing.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:05 pm
Seems like it should be Ricky Skaggs and Hank Jr. It’s really kind of incredible that Hank Jr isn’t in already. To a large segment of fans he was their entry to country music.
Whatever one thinks of his various opinions he was inarguably one of the most important artists in country music of the last 30-40 years.
March 4, 2018 @ 2:00 pm
Composing all of this, Hank Jr. was the name that kept leaping up as the obvious omission to the Hall of Fame, just like Alan Jackson’s was in years previous. I just think it’s going to be very hard for them to not put Hank Jr. in this year, and yet favor someone like Brooks & Dunn. It’s Hank’s to lose this year.
March 4, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
I think a SCM retro review of “Hank Jr. & Friends” is in order to help Jr.’s chances!
March 4, 2018 @ 3:59 pm
I second this. I’ve requested a retro review of that album at various points over the years, and for my money it’s absolutely his best (along with The New South).
March 5, 2018 @ 9:01 am
Both excellent records I agree. But my top Bocephus album had to be The pressure is on. That one had All my rowdy Friends have Settled down and Country Boy Can Survive, not to mention duets with George Jones and Boxcar Willie. Listen to it.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:10 pm
Good perspective on the vetting process, Triggerman. I agree with your take. Its borderline insulting that Keith Whitley is not in the HoF. His contribution goes without saying on both the singer and songwriter side. Loved your take on Gram Parsons. I am going to throw one out of left field and might be considered unorthodox by some, but why isn’t Dylan being considered? Nashville Skyline and Blonde on Blonde were instrumental in opening the door of country music nationally which at the time was mostly landlocked to the Dixie Underground and Bakersfield/Western Sound.
March 9, 2018 @ 8:26 am
Here! Here for Chris! Like others whose names are being tossed about — Whitley, Skaggs, and Stuart — Hillman’s country credentials go back to his teen years and his involvement in the Southern Calfornia bluegrass scene. He’s still out there singing the songs of Reno & Smiley and playing the fire out of that Loar mandolin. Too, Hillman was the guy who brought Gram and Emmylou together and was right alongside the former in the Flying Burrito Brothers. Find me a better Country Rock song than “Time Between.”
March 4, 2018 @ 1:23 pm
At age 82, I would love to see Jerry Lee Lewis finally get it, while he is still alive to receive the honor in person.
I like your “potential modern era” list — Clint, Marty, and Crystal especially. There’s no doubt that Tim McGraw will be inducted at some point, but it’s too soon. He’s got plenty of time to win.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:23 pm
Gram Parsons? That’s a joke.
I can rattle off a list of at least 100 actual Country singers, with actual Country hits who may never get in, and you want some hippie who cut 2 flop albums to go in?
Ridiculous.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:24 pm
But why do I care? The Hall Of Fame is illegitimate.
March 4, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
Your take on Gram Parsons being a possible candidate tells me you know little about Gram’s influence on country music as well as influence on Emmylou Harris and Keith Richards. With that said, I do however agree with your latter take.!
March 5, 2018 @ 10:08 am
Trigger,
Is there anything I can say to this guy that you won’t delete?
March 5, 2018 @ 10:12 am
Get over it Honky. Good gosh. These comments sections aren’t here for you to run roughshod over. Move on.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
I like some of Gram’s stuff and especially liked that Sweetheart of the Rodeo Byrd’s album.
March 5, 2018 @ 6:55 am
Gram Parsons has a couple decent songs, though many are incredibly boring and his vocal style can be tedious. If it weren’t for the song Hickory Wind and for Emmylou Harris carrying on his legacy, nobody would even remember his name. Its not like he has much of a catalog. Its the case of a performer dying young and being remembered as much better and more important than he actually was. Plus, he was a dirty hippie, though he did insist on performing in from of Confederate battle flags, so he can’t be all bad.
March 5, 2018 @ 3:17 pm
I think the backstory is kinda cool. A kid going to Harvard University hears his first Merle Haggard album and decides to carry the message to the rockers and hippies. But as far as actual contributions to Country Music? No way.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:26 pm
Yeah, I agree in that I don’t think they can keep Hank Jr. out many more years – him and either Marty or Dwight as modern era. I really don’t care for the idea of Keith Whitley – I just feel you can’t induct on what might have been – if Earl Thomas Conley had died the same time he’d probably be pushed to go in for the reasons given as Keith, and he sold much, much more.
I really think Paycheck will go in someday – from touring with Price and Jones, his Little Darlin’ years, his success at outlaw country, he has the resume – he did his time, came out with “Old Violin” – people love those redemption stories.
March 4, 2018 @ 1:44 pm
I love Keith Whitley but I’ve got to agree with your comments on him. It’s sort of like an athlete that in the end your resume is what it is and that has to be how it’s measured.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:02 pm
I really want Johnny Paycheck to get in, not only to give his oft-forgotten career a bit of the respect it’s always deserved, but to maybe get some reissues of his material in the pipeline. Or at least some INTEREST in reissues of his material. As far as I can tell, there seem to be rights issues to his catalogue, both concerning the Little Darlin’ years and inexplicably his tenure with Epic, which might be why so little of his actual albums are in print (but you bet your butt you can find about twenty different recordings of his hits at digital retailers).
March 4, 2018 @ 1:33 pm
And could they just induct every member of Willie Nelson’s “Family” over the years as a touring act? They’ve all been consistent and great for decades, some up until they’ve dropped dead?
March 4, 2018 @ 1:42 pm
Dottie West
March 4, 2018 @ 1:47 pm
One worry for Hank Jr has to be the recent issues the CMA had with an uber leftist exec threatening them for not toeing the line.
Would the same thing happen if a politically incorrect person was nominated for the Hall?
March 4, 2018 @ 2:05 pm
Brooks & Dunn and Dottie West.
March 4, 2018 @ 2:18 pm
If they could have seen the future, Skaggs, and Yoakam, and Clint Black, and Alan Jackson, and Bocephus could have put a band together two decades ago, issued an album or two like the Highwaymen, and that way they could all get into the hall of fame now, without any delay. 😉
March 4, 2018 @ 2:38 pm
(Un-)popular opinion: Jerry Lee Lewis really? What about some country artists first? Travis Tritt? Not the first name on my list. Brooks & Dunn? Why not…in the future. Clint Black…will have to wait in line too.
I don’t think the HoF is “ready” for Johnny Paycheck or David Allan Coe.
Marty Stuart & Ricky Skaggs for the “modern” era. (My dark horse: The Judds)
Dottie West & Tanya Tucker for the “veterans” era. (My dark horse: Jeannie Seely)
For the musician: Johnny Gimble, Lloyd Green & Ralph Mooney (My dark horse: Sam Bush)
March 4, 2018 @ 2:51 pm
For the record Jerry Lee Lewis had 28 Country top ten hits including six #1’s. From his comeback in the late 1960s through most of the 1970s he was a constant presence on the country music charts.
March 5, 2018 @ 9:07 am
What Made Milwaukee Famous and She even woke me up to say Goodbye. Solid country gold.
All said though people most identify him as a rock and roll founder.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:06 pm
Unfortunately, the Hall will probably never be “ready” for ol’ DAC. He talks out of both sides of his mouth about his issues: he claims he isn’t racist or sexist, yet he brandishes those albums that garnered him that reputation on his website and sometimes plays the material live (rather than, you know, letting it be forgotten or something wild like that). It really doesn’t matter if he truly is hateful or not, he won’t let the music die because he continues to grasp at whatever fame he can, positive or negative. Does he deserve to get in? Absolutely. Will he? I sincerely doubt it.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:38 pm
His 70’s albums; from the minute you drop the needle, with how well written, produced, performed; how they flow into one another, they are some of the best country albums from that era. But I agree, they’ll never take vote him in and I understand completely.
March 5, 2018 @ 3:24 pm
The Pete Rose of Country.
March 4, 2018 @ 11:35 pm
Sounds like somebody needs to reacquaint himself with the Jerry Lee Lewis discography. Maybe check out his episode of Mike Judge’s Tales From The Tour Bus. The man’s as country as they come. God forbid the Country Music Hall of Fame induct one of their own.
March 9, 2018 @ 8:32 am
Apparently, you haven’t paid much attention to Jerry Lee’s career. Go back to his Sun Records days and you’ll find plenty of good ol’ country music. His interpretations of “Crazy Arms” and “You Win Again” are classic. Those Sixties and Seventies recordings for Mercury/Smash are rock-solid country. Give a listen to his version of “You Don’t Miss Your Water” and you might rethink other, more popular versions.
March 4, 2018 @ 2:57 pm
Yes, it’s about time to get Maddox Bros. & Rose elected! In the modern I’d be fine with either Hank Jr, Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Rosanne Cash, Whitley or Eddie Rabbitt. And then we have Shania Twain who’s also elegible now…
And as musicians I’d like them to add a couple of ones. Either Buddy Harmon & Bob Moore or Ralph Mooney & Speedy West or just master Lloyd Green.
March 4, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
May never happen but Gary Stewart and Jerry Jeff Walker are my dark horse choices. I hope it’s Hank Jr. this year go back and listen to early records like the new South very good material!
March 4, 2018 @ 6:19 pm
The New South is one of his best albums, in my opinion.
March 4, 2018 @ 3:37 pm
George Strait the King of Country
March 4, 2018 @ 6:52 pm
They should totally induct him. In my opinion, they should’ve inducted him 12 years ago.
March 4, 2018 @ 9:35 pm
Ur absolutely right! My parents were playing his new album carrying your love with me when I was born in 1997
March 6, 2018 @ 6:12 pm
Lori Severo, Strait has been in since ’06
March 4, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
Glad to see Don Kelley getting some love. The guitarists he has fostered through his years at Robert’s Western World on Nashville’s Lower Broadway are immensely appreciated by fans of a well played telecaster. Be thankful for his continued presence there. His induction would be much deserved
March 4, 2018 @ 4:15 pm
To me, a very strange and obvious exclusion has always been Johnny Horton.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:19 pm
Agreed. Nobody’s music sounds like Hortons and his influence has transcended generations. I love to crank “ol slew foot” up super loud sing along. “sleepy eyed John” gets the juices flowing as well.
March 6, 2018 @ 5:40 pm
Lord Honky, couldn’t agree more about Johnny Horton, but sadly he falls into the “probably not” category as he wasn’t Nashville based; he was never a member of the Grand Ole Opry, his home was Shreveport LA & the Louisiana Hayride. Politics at work you know.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:19 pm
The Hall is opening exhibits on both The Judds & Ralph Stanley this year – would be interesting to see if they are inducted this year.
“Tim McGraw – McGraw never amassed the major CMA hardware as some of the other potential 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. “
I’d have to disagree about Tim not claiming as many CMAs as his peers. He’s won 11: Entertainer (01), Male (99, 00) Album (98, 99), Single (04), Song – awarded to songwriters (04, 16), Vocal Event (97, 07, 12,14), and Music Video (13).
March 4, 2018 @ 4:24 pm
Could someone tell me why Slim Whitman and George Hamilton 1V have not been inducted into The Hall Of Fame, they were more Country than some of the names on this list?
March 5, 2018 @ 2:37 am
Because they fell short, as far as hit records go, and voters didn’t think that their talent or influence overcame that.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:31 pm
Judging by who isn’t already in, the CMHOF has just as much legitimacy as the Rock Hall. It’s all useless horseshit and shouldn’t matter to anyone.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:51 pm
There are a lot who aren’t in because only taking one per category inevitably creates a backlog. The CMHOF is arguably the most exclusive and difficult to get into of any of the halls of fame that people care about.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:32 am
Hardly.
The vast majority of artists who belong in the H-o-F eventually get in.
I don’t know how you would even compare it, to say, the Baseball
March 5, 2018 @ 2:41 am
You could say that about everything in life.
It’s a H-o-F. It matters to people who care about it. Its roster of inductees is a pretty good representation of the genre over the years. Obviously, there are some borderline candidates who are in, and some borderline candidate who are out, and whose status some people will disagree with.
March 4, 2018 @ 4:54 pm
The Hall of Fame is a goddamn joke long as Johnny Paycheck isn’t in it.
Garth Brooks is in. But not Paycheck? Really? Garth f*****g Brooks?
Cut the shit and induct him already.
March 4, 2018 @ 6:50 pm
Actually, the Hall has been a joke for a long time, long before Barf Looks got in, and it’s not about who’s not in, it’s about who is in. For them to become legitimate again, they’d have to remove some folks.
March 4, 2018 @ 7:21 pm
Garth Brooks is the most popular American musician and performer in history, only rivaled by Elvis. It would illigitimize the entire thing to not let him in.
And you will not be insulting other commenters, or your comments will be deleted. Period.
March 4, 2018 @ 7:35 pm
“Garth Brooks is the most popular American musician and performer in history, only rivaled by Elvis.”
That’s a load of crap. Michael Jackson is probably bigger than both of them, but I digress. It doesn’t matter though, even if Garth is the most popular.
If you allow someone into your Hall of Fame, who did more harm to what you are celebrating, than to help it, and you did it based on popularity, then you are illegitimate.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:05 pm
I don’t care if he’s Jesus Christ himself, Garth’s music is still barely country compared to Paycheck. Garth and similar artists started the downfall of country we’ve seen come to a head today.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:14 pm
Well that’s probably because Johnny Paycheck is one of the most hard country performers in the history of the genre. I’m not trying to tell you Garth is better than Paycheck. I’m just saying I think it would be a glaring omission if the most successful country artist of all time was not in the Hall of Fame. I don’t vote for the damn thing so point your anger elsewhere. I did my part by suggesting Paycheck should be considered.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:22 pm
Nope Trigger. DAC and Paycheck are more glaring than if Garth wasn’t in. Garth is responsible for ruining country music. Garth’s music is also barely country next to even someone like Alan Jackson.
I also think it’s funny you think Brooks and Dunn are serious contenders or may be at some point.
Tell me Trigger…what special strain of marijuana do you have that I’ve never been able to find?
March 4, 2018 @ 8:37 pm
Ulysses,
I just wrote an article saying that Johnny Paycheck and David Allan Coe should be considered for induction in the Veteran’s Era. Why are you attacking me because Garth Brooks is in? I’m not saying I agree or disagree. I’m just giving you the rationale of why he’s in. I would expect Brooks & Dunn to be inducted in the next three years. That doesn’t mean I want them to be, or that I think they should go in before Paycheck or Coe. I’m just giving my prognostications based on my expertise, which has been right a lot of the time over the last few years.
Okay, we get it. You’re more country than all of us. You hate Garth Brooks. But don’t spew your venom my way just to prove what a hardliner you are. I’m just giving information here.
Sheesh.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
Did not say, nor do I think, I’m more country than “all of you”. Nor am I trying to prove what a hardliner I am. You did not have to reply to my original comment. It was merely an observation that I made as to the illegitimacy of the hall of fame.
I don’t often agree with Honky, but he’s right. They are illegitimate and they’ve proven it time and time again.
March 5, 2018 @ 3:35 pm
Yes.
March 5, 2018 @ 5:53 am
The fact that so few people can get in is what makes the Hall legitimate.
Think about the other famous Hall of Fame’s… the Rock and Roll one? everyone and their mother get’s in there, even those who can’t be considered Rock artists.
So yeah, its exclusivity is what makes it legitimate.
Should others have gotten in before Garth? Maybe, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the guy is one of the best selling performers ever- and despite what you may say, he is Country
March 5, 2018 @ 7:31 am
Florida Georgia Line are huge sellers too. They should definitely go in next I think.
March 5, 2018 @ 7:34 am
Exclusivity determines legitimacy? Country radio must be the most legitimate industry of all time then.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:31 pm
Eduardo,
Very few people can get into the Westboro Baptist Church. I guess they’re legitimate.
March 7, 2018 @ 6:50 pm
Stay bitter and make your straw man arguments, if it makes you happy
March 4, 2018 @ 5:13 pm
I wish they’d induct five or six a year, or at least double up on the “veterans” category. Maybe both a living veteran and a posthumous award ? I understand wanting to keep the numbers low, but there are many very deserving people who were essential to the history of country music, who should have been in a long time ago. I was disappointed when Dr. Ralph never got in before he passed. Since he wasn’t, I figure there will be more of a push to induct someone who is still living.
Similarly, I wonder if Ralph Mooney and Johnny Gimble and other great musicians who have passed on might be at a disadvantage compared to Lloyd Green and others who are still living ?
Regardless, congratulations to all who are under consideration for honors, and thanks to all for their contributions to country music.
March 4, 2018 @ 5:51 pm
Unpopular opinion, but I think part of what has hurt Hank Jr. has been the fact while his peak albums were quite good, the quality of his music trailed off quite quickly once his popularity started to decline. Dwight has continued to release good-to-great albums well after his peak at radio, something that hasn’t been the case for Hank Jr. I can’t say if Skaggs has been putting out good albums, mostly because my interest in Bluegrass is quite limited and really only focused on the more “progressive” Bluegrass bands like Trampled by Turtles.
March 6, 2018 @ 2:34 pm
disagree Hank jr has been signed to a major label for over 50 years and sold over 70 million albums you don’t accomplish that by putting out shit music every career has peeks and valleys you could only count on 1 hand how many people have held a major label deal for 54 years and counting hes in a league almost alone in that dept… I’m not knocking skaggs or yokum but hank has sold about twice as many albums as them guys combined
March 4, 2018 @ 5:55 pm
It’s amazing how many of these I thought were already in. All deserving, IMO, but Dwight and Hank are overdue for sure.
March 4, 2018 @ 7:00 pm
Paycheck, Skaggs, Yoakam, Mooney, Gimble, all the musicians. Forget the fluff.
March 4, 2018 @ 7:01 pm
Marty and Connie shouldn’t only be in, they should be running the place.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:26 am
Connie IS in.
March 4, 2018 @ 7:50 pm
So many incredible artists that need to be in but for me I think Keith Whitely has gotta be next. His recording career may have been short but when that guy sang a song, only maybe George himself was better….. ever.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:08 pm
I was never fond of Jerry Lee’s rockabilly music, but his country work is a thing of beauty.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:24 pm
This isn’t sports. Stats really shouldn’t matter.
For crying out loud, have any of those voters heard Keith Whitley and Vern Gosdin sing? They jump off the recording.
They were among the best. And they influenced countless, which makes sense as a piece of criteria.
March 4, 2018 @ 9:02 pm
Yep…by far the two best vocalists not in. Vern a hell of a songwriter as well.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:23 am
Of course stats matter. And should matter. This is a commercial business.
If stats didn’t matter, I’d say put Dale Watson in the H-o-F.
March 4, 2018 @ 8:47 pm
Simple solution to 2 problems…make the year an artist is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year determine their HOF clock (at least for those who receive such a nomination). Maybe Nashville will stop waiting 5 years before nominating someone as “new” then (or not).
On a serious note, my predictions are Brooks & Dunn and Hank Jr as a veteran category inductee. Dwight and Kenny Chesney would be my other modern potentials and I’ll go with Ralph Stanley and Johnny Paycheck in the Veterans category.
March 5, 2018 @ 2:20 am
I don’t know if they changed the rule, but in recent years, the rule has been that one modern-era and one veteran-era get in each year, along with some rotating category of songwriters or instrumentalists, etc.
Jerry Lee, Hank Jr., Tanya and Skaggs are the living artists who are most due.
If we’re going further back, I’d name Johnny Horton.
March 5, 2018 @ 4:49 am
Dwight Yoakam.
March 5, 2018 @ 6:10 am
The HoF needs to quit horse assing around and elect Dottie West. Until she gets in, the rest of this is just pissing in the wind.
March 5, 2018 @ 6:12 am
If I had vote I’d go for any of these:
Ricky Skaggs
Rosanne Cash
Mickey Gilley
Gram Parsons
Jerry Lee Lewis
John Hartford
June Carter Cash
Ralph Mooney
Sam Bush
March 5, 2018 @ 6:14 am
I always love this discussion. For me, especially with Randy Travis and Alan Jackson now in, it’s high time for Dwight Yoakam to be inducted.
I don’t think it’ll happen this year, but I’d like to see Tanya Tucker get in sooner rather than later.
March 5, 2018 @ 7:06 am
Wow so many greats that still aren’t in.
March 5, 2018 @ 7:40 am
I was wondering what everyone thinks of Wanda Jackson being inducted? She basically helped create rockabilly, pushing the sounds of country music into a new genre and opening the door for rock and roll fans by playing both rock and country. If Elvis is in the HoF, it seems ridiculous that Wanda isn’t even considered. It’s always odd to me that her name is never brought up in these discussions as she deserves some credit for being a pioneering woman of country.
Similarly, nobody ever seems to think of Jessi Colter, one of the original outlaw women. Obviously the HoF has a problem inducting women but it needs to get over itself and start recognising that more than 16 women (and 2 groups that include women) have impacted country music.
March 5, 2018 @ 8:12 am
It isn’t just Wanda who should be inducted (along with Elvis) if we are to look at artists whose feet were in both rock and roll AND country. I would hope that they’d also consider Linda Ronstadt at some point as well, for her pioneering country-rock albums of the 1970s and her TRIO collaborations with Dolly and Emmylou. And besides that, without Linda, there would likely be no Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Terri Clark, and dozens of other female country artists to have come along since the 1980s.
March 5, 2018 @ 7:24 pm
Wanda, yes.
Jessi–Maybe if they expanded the H-o-F to 500 members.
March 5, 2018 @ 9:17 am
What Made Milwaukee Famous and She even woke me up to say Goodbye. Solid country gold.
All said though people most identify him as a rock and roll founder.
March 5, 2018 @ 9:37 am
Sorry that last post had to do with Jerry Lee.
Look, most of us here will never be in agreement on anything here, the Grampires all think the universe revolves around The Parsons but he had no real hits in country.The Garth haters don’t understand the enormous impact he made on music period. Paycheck and Coe were brilliant but Coe is an imaging nightmare, can you imagine the induction ceremony and here he comes in the blonde dreadlocks wig with his dime bag Darrell rebel flag guitar??!! Hah …that would be hilarious. And yes Johnny Horton should be there for his honky tonk music but he is lost to time sadly.
And yes there are many deserving ladies who should be in as well. Ultimately none of our opinions will change anything.
March 5, 2018 @ 11:20 am
I always love this discussion and debating it. Jerry Lee Lewis’ ego is too much for me. I know he has the resume, but I would prefer them waiting a few more years before adding him in. I also know that Hank Williams Jr. deserves to get in, but I don’t think they would do both him and Lewis in the same year.
My predictions: Veteran- Jerry Lee Lewis
Modern- Ricky Skaggs
My picks: Veteran- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band/Eck Robertson/Eddie Rabbitt
Modern- Keith Whitley/The Judds/Clint Black
March 5, 2018 @ 10:15 pm
I’d also like to see Trisha Yearwood get in at some point, even though that is a long time away. (I consider “Walkaway Joe” to be a masterpiece.)
March 5, 2018 @ 12:03 pm
Dwight and gram that has influence my taste since i first heard them.
March 5, 2018 @ 5:17 pm
Billy Joe Shaver
March 5, 2018 @ 6:18 pm
How are June Carter Cash and Johnny Horton not in? I knew John Denver for over 25 years and while he appreciated the airplay, he considered himself a Folk Singer, and wouldn’t have even thought about being in the CMHOF.
March 5, 2018 @ 11:02 pm
How is Johnny Horton not in there already? Ralph Stanley still not in?
Dwight should get in soon. Jr should be in there too.
I’d love to see the Judds get in.
Marty should get in as a musician and historian.
March 5, 2018 @ 11:55 pm
The Country Music Hall of Fame definitely seems more organized than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, lol.
March 6, 2018 @ 4:04 am
It is a shame that Chris Hillman doesn’t get equal credit with Gram Parsons. Hillman was just as important to country music. If you think about the Byrds, Flying Burrito Bros, Desert Rose Band, solo recordings, and recordings with Herb Pederson, he may be more influential. Gram died, Chris didn’t.
March 9, 2018 @ 8:19 am
Here! Here for Chris! Like others whose names are being tossed about — Whitley, Skaggs, and Stuart — Hillman’s country credentials go back to his teen years and his involvement in the Southern Calfornia bluegrass scene. He’s still out there singing the songs of Reno & Smiley and playing the fire out of that Loar mandolin. Too, Hillman was the guy who brought Gram and Emmylou together and was right alongside the former in the Flying Burrito Brothers. Find me a better Country Rock song than “Time Between.”
March 9, 2018 @ 9:54 am
I think the Nashville brass are ignorant to Hillman and his accomplishments. http://www.chrishillman.com/discography.html
Just look at all the other important people he’s worked with, the important work he’s done, and the songwriting credits on Burrito’s classics.
March 6, 2018 @ 4:55 am
I’m surprised Steve Wariner hasn’t received any consideration. Granted he was never a big name on the touring circuit, he had a very successful career. He was one of the few artists who maintained airplay through the urban cowboy 80s and the 90s boom. He had commercial and critical success and has maintained a pretty big presence at the Opry.
March 6, 2018 @ 2:46 pm
I don’t get it they screw Hank Jr. over year after year he has more than double the credentials neccasary to warrant induction and has sold far more albums and has more impact that a lot of people who are already inducted
March 11, 2018 @ 7:17 am
I think Jr.’s political rants may have impacted his chances of getting in to the Hall. The Ted Nugent of hillbilly music.
March 6, 2018 @ 5:21 pm
Patty loveless
March 6, 2018 @ 6:26 pm
Here’s one who hasn’t been mentioned yet; Stringbean
Also Jerry Clower; need some comedians to join Minnie Pearl
March 6, 2018 @ 6:36 pm
Lynn Anderson was a far bigger star than the majority of the inductees in the veteran category over the last decade or so. Just compare her hits list – 5 number one singles, 3 number one albums (one of them the biggest country lp by a woman for 25 years), 48 top 40 country hits, 31 top 40 country LPs – to many of them. She leaves a lot of inductees in the dust. She had an often troubled personal life and I fear the HOF people have penalized her and also Tanya Tucker for that although it certainly has not gotten in the way of them electing certain male stars who had far more to “overlook”.
Yes Dottie West is also long overdue and so is Skeeter Davis. Wanda Jackson is still around and so also be honored, incredible she is in the ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME when her greatest success was in the country market.
Johnny Gimble (superb fiddler) or Benny Martin (an even better one) should get in, but I’d also love to see late Opry veteran Del Wood make it in, one of the first and few female instrumentalists in the country field.
For the “post 1980” category I’d vote for Dwight Yoakam.
March 6, 2018 @ 7:01 pm
Waylon and Willie built the house…….Billy Joe Shaver bought the land and poured the foundation…the King of the Outlaw Movement
March 7, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
None of the names mentioned for this year are at the top of my list of who I think should be in there. We really need a “Pioneer” category, for artists who attained national prominence say, prior to 1960. And for that category to be annual.
March 8, 2018 @ 7:04 pm
Garth and Trisha are going to be announcing the 2018 Inductees for the Hall of Fame on March 27th. Let the speculation of them being hosts begin.
Steve Wariner is friends with Garth or Garth went in the HoF the same year as Connie Smith so it could be Marty Stuart’s year or Garth is a big fan of Buck Owens so it could be Don Rich’s year or it could finally be Keith Whitley’s year. Big name announcing could also mean Tim McGraw or Brooks & Dunn.
If Trisha is helping announce then it can’t be her year or can it?
March 22, 2018 @ 3:01 pm
There are a lot of artists that I want to be inducted, but I’m hoping since it is Garth announcing that he will get to say Keith Whitley’s name.
March 9, 2018 @ 8:14 am
I’d love to see either Jerry Lee or the Stanley Brothers in the Veteran’s category, but politics being what they are, I’m thinking this is Hank Jr.’s year. One name conspicuously absent from the Musician category is James Burton, who played both on tour and in the studio with several members of the CMHOF, including Haggard, Emmylou, Mandrell, The Everlys, Oak Ridge Boys, Jones, Miller, Campbell, Rogers, Buck, Willie, Waylon, and Presley. That’s some pretty impressive country credentials. If not James, I sure hope Lloyd Green gets the nod.
As far as the ongoing debate on Parsons, Rick Nelson, deserves some consideration if the nominators are looking for a Country Rock pioneer. His mid-60s albums for Decca and work with the Stone Canyon Band truly had an impact on the development of the genre as well as his early rock ‘n’ roll work.
March 10, 2018 @ 10:09 pm
Two more names that haven’t been mentioned, Hawkshaw Hawkins & Cowboy Copas.
March 11, 2018 @ 7:09 am
Another glaring omission in the contemporary category is John Anderson. When the majority of music coming out of Nashville in the late 1970s and early 1980s what pretty much easy listening-middle-of-the-road pablum (Paycheck, Bush, and Watson being notable exceptions), Anderson’s arrival on the scene in 1980 served as a shining beacon of real country music to fans of classic country. He was young, a great songwriter, and put fiddle and steel front and center on his recordings and with his road band. Anderson paved the way for the New Traditionalist movement of the 1980s that included Skaggs, Loveless, Black, Travis, and so many more.
For my money, the Hall may as well put Anderson on exhibit and title it “The Last Real Country Singer.”
March 12, 2018 @ 10:46 am
Lynn Anderson is long overdue. She is the highest ranking female in country music history as far as her number of hits and top selling albums. She was the first true crossover artist in Country Music and she far outweighs anybody else for the veterans category. She paved the way for many female artists in country music and she deserves to be there.
March 25, 2018 @ 10:47 am
For female entertainers, I’d say both Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline had the female crossover artist category covered long before Lynn cut her first records. For male artists, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Chet, Cash, and Red Foley all were way ahead of Anderson on that count as well, with Foley’s appeal to popular music tastes dating back to the 1940s. Red even recorded some tracks with the Andrews Sisters (not to mention he and Ford both had network television programs in the 1950s) and Hank Sr.’s songs were getting pitched — and recorded — by the likes of Tony Bennett and Jo Stafford, among others. RCA was cross-promoting The Browns after their 1959 hit, “The Three Bells,” to both the country and pop markets. Albeit, Anderson was a gifted vocalist, but she was far and away not the first country artist with broad commercial appeal beyond country music. I think there is even a case for the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers (a two-time inductee, no less), given their film and TV careers.
March 24, 2018 @ 11:56 pm
If so love to see the great Stonewall Jackson and Boxcar Willie be inducted. They both have made a major mark on country music and the Grand ole opry. The greats never get the respect they deserve. Margie Singleton is another that should be there. I’m 46 and love the ones that made country great many many years ago. Let’s honor them while they are living.
March 25, 2018 @ 12:50 pm
I really feel like they are very good. But there one that really feels should go in the country music hall of fame.And that is Ricky Skaggs to me he deserves it he has he has made it big in his time in Country and Bluegrass music He kept my Dad’s music alive. So, please put Ricky Skaggs in the Country Music hall of fame ok
Corinne Matinen
March 25, 2018 @ 7:48 pm
I agree with most of the names mentioned and I would like to add a few more like the Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, Charlie Rich, Cal Smith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Diamond Rio,Ronnie McDowel,, Eddie Rabbit, Johnny Duncan, and Charlie Mclain
March 26, 2018 @ 6:43 pm
David, Charlie Rich will probably never get in; he’s burned too many envelopes….er, bridges lol.
March 30, 2018 @ 12:34 pm
I can’t believe Stonewall Jackson still isn’t in the Hall of Fame. And what about the Wilburn Bros?
June 28, 2018 @ 5:57 pm
David Allen Coe. Enough said.
December 29, 2018 @ 9:07 pm
Ted Daffan, Tommy Duncan, Leon MacAuliffe, Slim Whitman, Hank Garland, and John D. Loudermilk should be in.
February 25, 2019 @ 11:23 am
Mickey Newbury