Country Music Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Inductees
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN has just announced their 2013 inductees. The new members to country music’s most prestigious institution are “Cowboy” Jack Clement, Bobby Bare, and Kenny Rogers.
Honorary host Bill Anderson made the announcement from the Hall of Fame rotunda Wednesday morning (4-10). The Country Music Hall of Fame inductees are selected through a committee process appointed by the 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 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).
“Cowboy” Jack Clement (non-performer) is one of country music’s most legendary songwriters, producers, and personalities. Clement got his start at Sun Studios, helping record and produce the original hits for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. Later he would start his own home studio, where greats such as Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, and Townes Van Zandt recorded with Clement in the producer’s role. He also wrote successful songs from Dolly Parton, Bobby Bare, and Jim Reeves. “I’ve been chosen for the Country Music Hall of Fame?” Clement said. “I thought I was already in the Hall of Fame, I could have gotten in there any time I wanted. Kyle [Young] (Hall of Fame President) gave me a key.”
Bobby Bare (Veteran’s Era) is the original country music Outlaw. Bare was one of the very first to fight for creative freedom in country music, and also pushed the limits for lyrical content in country when he released the song “Streets of Baltimore” written by Tompall Glaser. Glaser recognized Jerry Reed in his speech at the announcement. “Reed played on every hit I ever had. He was kicking it in the ass.” His son Bobby Bare Jr. is also a musician.
Kenny Rogers (Modern Era) aka “The Gambler” is one of country music’s greatest ambassadors. Kenny became a country hitmaker beginning in the late 70’s with the song “Lucille.” His work in movies like The Gambler and Six Pack, as well as collaborations with Dolly Parton and Dottie West helped sell country to new fans and a new generation.
Read The Country Music Hall of Fame 2013 Inductee Press Release
April 10, 2013 @ 8:56 am
Excited for Cowboy Jack and Bare and Kenny but Cowboy Jack getting in is great and well deserved and frankly so are the other two. Frankly a tad suprissed that one of the other contenders for the modern era did not make it in forst like Ricky Skaggs or Alan Jackson. However, No sane argument can be made that Kenny doesn’t belong in. Truly happy for the Cowboy. The first music that ever loved were those sun records of Cash and Elvis that Jack was such a part of.
April 10, 2013 @ 8:58 am
I think these are some really solid picks, and I can’t complain about any of them. I also think the induction of Cowboy Jack and Bobby Bare pave the way for other inductees whose time is due like Jerry Reed and Johnny Paycheck to be inducted in the coming years. Jack Clement and Bobby Bare were country music revolutionaries who were seminal to the Outlaw era and artists gaining control of their music.
Though some may take issue with Kenny because he started in rock and was a crossover artist, his contributions to country music were solid. Though I would have preferred to see Ricky Skaggs go in as the modern era inductee this year, the Kenny Rogers pick is hard to argue with.
April 10, 2013 @ 9:27 am
Trig in regards to the Bare and Cowboy Jack inductions paving the way for Jerry Reed and Paycheck Lord knows I hope you are right. Maybe even dare I say it, DAC and someday perhaps Gram Parsons.
April 10, 2013 @ 11:54 am
Nice line up. I”d have a hard time really saying that Kenny Rogers isn ‘t country. He did some country stuff and then some pop stuff as well. I’m not a fan of his as a person. Way to arrogant or he comes across as being that.
April 11, 2013 @ 1:17 am
I don’t know. I saw him being interviewed last year when his biography came out and he seemed pretty self effacing, even took the mickey out of his own plastic surgery!
April 10, 2013 @ 12:30 pm
Off topic – Any plans to review Bottom of The World?
April 10, 2013 @ 1:13 pm
Terry Allen?
I need to obtain a copy.
April 10, 2013 @ 12:42 pm
Nice picks, everyone is well deserving. How much longer until Ludacris is eligible?
April 11, 2013 @ 7:38 pm
WTG Cowboy Jack – he was in a video with a friend of mine – check it out at richiefields.com the video is —– Smile —