Saving Country Music’s 2016 Country Music Hall of Fame Picks & Prognostications
As we get to mid February each year, it comes down to nut cutting time for deciding who the next class of inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame will be. Though who gets to decide is a big secret kept by the Country Music Association, or CMA, we all should feel like we have a say so and voice our opinions and hope the right people listen. After letting their announcement of new inductees creep later and later in the year over the last few cycles, the CMA was rather punctual in 2015 and announced the new inductees on March 25th.
Every year the top end of inductees seems to get more and more bunched up. The Country Music Hall of Fame appreciates the exclusivity of the institution, unlike some other Halls of Fame where it seems like everyone gets in. But the argument can be made that in the last few years, it has become a little too exclusive, and some names that should clearly be inducted are waiting in too long of a line to get their chance.
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 musician, Grady Martin, selected in 2015, and a songwriter, Hank Cochran, selected in 2014, it would be a non-performer’s turn up to bat in 2015. A non-performer could be a record executive, producer, journalist, or someone else behind-the-scenes who had a significant impact on country music according to the committee.
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.
Potential Modern Era Inductees
One of the biggest questions always looming over the Modern Era category is where you start the clock. Artists like Alan Jackson and Ricky Skaggs who seem like shoo-in’s eventually are most certainly Modern Era nominees. But how about Hank Williams Jr.? He could be either a Modern or Veterans era nominee. The Oak Ridge Boys who were the Modern inductee in 2015 could have easily been a Veterans Era pick. The band officially started in the late 40’s.
” Last year’s inductee The Oak Ridge Boys
” Saving Country Music Prediction: Alan Jackson
” Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams Jr. if he’s considered Modern Era.
Alan Jackson Jackson was first eligible in 2013. A huge commercial success, Jackson has sold 80 million records and amassed 35 #1 singles, and has always payed homage to the roots of the genre and the artists who came before him. Jackson is a guarantee for The Hall eventually, and should be considered a strong candidate for this year. He’s well-liked, with little to no baggage (there was that whole George Jones “Choices” thing back in 1999 at the CMA Awards, but hey, that was a long time ago), but he also has a total of 16 CMA Awards, including 3 Entertainer of the Year wins. Though being named the Hall’s “Artist-in-Residence” is in no way associated with induction, it sometimes has been a precursor to the distinction, and Jackson was named to the residence post in 2014. Some thought Jackson may get the distinction last year to coincide with his big 25 Year Anniversary tour, but it didn’t happen.
Ricky Skaggs Ricky Skaggs is the artist that has felt like he’s been right on the bubble of being inducted over the last couple of years. Skaggs has bookended his career as a mandolin maestro, studied under Bill Monroe, and is now firmly ensconcing himself as a country music elder. In between then, he had tremendous commercial success in the 80”²s 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 as well. 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 Ricky ahead of some of the commercial powerhouses like Alan Jackson 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.
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? And does the fact that they’re no longer a functioning act hurt them, or are they helped by the fact that they’ve had a few reunion shows lately, Ronnie Dunn has a successful solo career, including a new album coming from NASH Icon, 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 contenders.
Randy Travis There is no question Randy will eventually be in the Hall of Fame. Randy’s role in reigniting interest in country music as a commercial enterprise in the mid 80’s laid the groundwork for the “Class of ’89.” He’s sold over 25 million records and had 22 number one hits. Many of the eligible and inducted members to the Hall of Fame in the Modern Era category directly owe at least a portion of their success to Randy Travis. Regardless of his short round of strange behavior where the star faced multiple arrests for drunkenness, he’s still a much loved and respected artist who deserves this honor. His health issues stemming from his stroke in 2013 may have kept him out of serious contention for the last couple of years as voters waited to see if he would improve. Now that he’s made multiple public appearances since then, and is even starting to speak and sing, he should be considered in good enough spirits to be able to appear at the announcement ceremony and induction. It would be hard to argue with a Randy Travis pick.
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 year. 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 last year. He released his first major label album with BNA 21 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, principally Alan Jackson, 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 in the coming years.
Other Potential Modern Era Inductees:
- Dwight Yoakam You’d think with 25 million records sold, his name would be more associated with this distinction, or maybe he’s considered a niche act. As top heavy as the Modern Era is at the moment, Dwight remains a long shot, but someone to consider for future years.
- Clint Black If it wasn’t for his career’s disappearing act, his name would be right up there with Travis, Jackson, and Brooks & Dunn. Unfortunately his new album didn’t make lots of noise.
- 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.
- 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.
- Travis Tritt – Another who will have to wait for some bigger names to tick off before he’s considered a major threat for induction.
- Tim McGraw – McGraw never amassed the major CMA hardware as some of the other potential inductees, but he has a strong advocate in Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records. It will be a while, but there’s a good chance he gets in.
- The Judds – Too bad their career only lasted six years, but it was a productive six years.
- Charlie Daniels – The fact that he’s considered just as much Southern rock, and his country influence boils down to just a few songs instead of a few decades may keep him on the outside looking in for a while. But his name will always be in the running.
- Tayna Tucker
- Crystal Gayle
- Rosanne Cash
- Gene Watson
- Mickey Gilley
Potential Veterans Era Inductees
There is a rule in the Hall of Fame bylaws that 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, Lynn Anderson, whose name has been mentioned for many years as a potential Veteran inductee, is not eligible this year. However what this rule has done is front-loaded inductees who there may be health concerns for in recent years. Jim Ed Brown was inducted last year right before he passed away. So was “Cowboy” Jack Clement a couple of 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.
Predicting the Veterans Era nominees is notoriously foolhardy because they pull from such a wide field of potential inductees.
” Last year’s inductee The Browns
” Saving Country Music Prediction The Maddox Brothers & Rose
” Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot The Maddox Brothers & Rose, Jerry Reed, Gram Parsons, John Hartford, Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams Jr.?
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. With their prominent place at the very beginning of the Hall of Fame’s recent Bakersfield Sound exhibit, 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 92-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.
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. And despite saying in a recent interview that he didn’t particularly care about a Hall of Fame induction, with a new album out, and a new lease on his career with Scott Borchetta’s NASH Icon, there could be some strong lobbying behind him. A new movement called Bocephus Belongs is also helping to push Hank Jr. over the top and into the Hall of Fame.
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 denied. If Elvis is in the Country Hall (and he is), his old Sun Studios buddy can’t be counted out. Jerry Lee Lewis now 80-years-old, possibly bringing him closer to consideration of induction. But with so many names eligible in the Veteran’s category, nobody feels like a shoo-in.
Jerry Reed Such a great ambassador over the years, but Jerry Reed should be inducted for his stellar and influential work as both a performer, songwriter, and a musician. There weren’t many better guitar pickers back in the day than Jerry Reed. And his work as a session musician with so many of country music’s big names made him a well-known and likable character throughout the genre. There’s also the possibility Jerry could be put in as a session musician when that distinction comes around again in the rotation. That may be the best way for Jerry Reed to get in with such a crowded field.
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 should be.
John Hartford This is a long shot pick, but he deserves induction. As I said in my prognostications from a couple of years ago, “The Country Music Hall of Fame 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 I came to the John Hartford display on my last visit to The Hall this summer, he was the first to have a display, but no Hall of Fame induction date.”
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 couple 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 a couple of years ago, 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, etc. etc. 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 them was the induction of Bobby Bare and “Cowboy” Jack Clement in 2013. This means the CMA committee is willing to pick Outlaw artists and personalities for the Hall, and those two inductions move Paycheck and Coe two steps closer.
- Jimmy Martin
- Vern Gosdin
- Dottie West
- Ralph Stanley
- Johnny Horton
- June Carter Cash
- John Denver
- Wynn Stewart
- Jimmy C. Newman Eligible again after passing away last year.
- Lynn Anderson – NOT eligible after passing away in 2015.
Non-Performer Inductee
The non-performer inductee can be an industry personality like a label head, a producer, or some other individual who made a significant impact on country music.
If Saving Country Music had a vote, it would be for country music writer Chet Flippo. Along with writing the liner notes to many of country music’s most iconic albums, including Wanted: The Outlaws and Red Headed Stranger, Chet’s work with Rolling Stone in the 70’s exposed country music to entirely new crowd and generation. Chet Flippo helped make country music cool, and continued in a journalistic capacity to become an elder statesman and one of the most respected opinion makers in the business.
Flippo was an editor and writer for Rolling Stone until 1980 when he left to write a biography of Hank Williams, but continued to contribute to the magazine over the years. From 1991 to 1994 Flippo was a lecturer in journalism at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, before moving to Nashville. From 1995 until 2000, he was the Nashville Bureau Chief for Billboard, leaving in 2000 to become the Country Music Editor for Sonicnet.com.
But Flippo was known more recently for his work on CMT.com in his always-enlightening Nashville Skyline columns. For 12 years he oversaw editorial content for CMT. A writer who had seen it all with the courage to say what he believed, Flippo had the ability to stimulate discussion like none other in his field. Though he never seemed exactly at home on CMT with his more traditional country mindset, Flippo’s air brought a sense of legitimacy to the whole CMT operation. If there ever was a writer who deserved Hall of Fame induction, it is Chet Flippo.
February 19, 2016 @ 9:58 am
I can’t narrow it down to one each. My predictions:
Modern Era: Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, or Randy Travis
Veteran Era: Tanya Tucker, Ray Stevens, or Dottie West
Non-Performer: Irving Waugh or Chet Flippo
February 23, 2016 @ 2:05 pm
Come on Gene Watson is so over due for the Hall, this mans voice is as good or better than its ever been. He is still making an impact on artist today and still touring and making great music. He isnt as flashy as some other artists on this list but his voice stands out among the very best ever . You hear a Gene Watson song on the radio and you know immediately who it is. You wont find a better ambassador of pure country music. Gary Gene Watson needs to have his place in the heart of music row at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
February 27, 2016 @ 3:39 pm
I agree that Gene Watson is long overdue for this spot and his music is as good now if not better when he started he keeps it country and is the best in my book
February 27, 2016 @ 4:07 pm
I totally agree…Gene Watson is still out there at 72 producing cd’s and traveling around the globe singing his heart out. He has the most pure voice and one of the very few out there singing true country music…..not this modern stuff they call country. Please please induct this great singer and man into the Hall of Fame . He works so hard and its long overdue.
February 19, 2016 @ 10:05 am
And here I just assumed that Jerry Reed and Jerry Lee Lewis were already in there and had been for years. What gives?
February 19, 2016 @ 10:08 am
A deep list of candidates as always. I can’t argue with any Trig’s top selections, but my sentimental favorite among the Veteran’s Era candidates is Jerry Reed. Great musician, great songs, and he had his own style that, at least to me, makes a Jerry Reed song instantly recognizable.
February 20, 2016 @ 9:54 pm
And the man also wrote “Guitar Man” and “U.S. Male”, both of which were recorded by one Elvis Aaron Presley in 1967-68.
February 19, 2016 @ 10:25 am
I like the Chet Flippo idea a lot. My preferences are the same as always: Gene Watson and Stonewall Jackson. I get that not everyone knows Stonewall Jackson, but from the late 50s to the 70s, he had 35 top 40 hits, he was also the first artist to record a live album from the Grand Ole Opry and he was definitely a cornerstone of the honky tonk movement.
February 19, 2016 @ 10:26 am
A lot of Good writing here Trigg!
February 19, 2016 @ 10:53 am
Is it too much to ask before I turn into a butterfly…………..Jerry Lee in the Country Music HOF and Roger Maris in the Baseball HOF?
February 19, 2016 @ 11:57 am
Modern: It’s well past time for Ricky Skaggs. Second would be Randy Travis.
Veteran: The Maddox Bros. or Jerry Reed.
Non-Performer: 100% Chet Flippo. His Thursday columns were something I looked forward to every week, rather than pay attention in my high school computer class. Incredibly informative and insightful. Pretty much stopped visiting CMT.com after his columns stopped running.
***The day the Judds make it, I’ll be such a happy mess. Probably the same with Keith Whitley.
February 19, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
I totally agree with you about Chet Flippo. Great writer. Once he passed away, I never went back to that CMT site. He was the only one worth reading. And on a side note, every fall he would post his chili recipe. I’ve made it and it’s REALLY good.
February 19, 2016 @ 12:51 pm
I feel if they induct Kenny Chesney, it will downhill from there, because I’m afraid his style of music will bring about newer bro country acts into the Hall of Fame. Out of this list his music is the most modern sounding to today’s music.
March 21, 2016 @ 11:44 am
Kenny Chesney should not be inducted to the hall of fame,yet!Lets put Keith Whitley,Hank Williams,Jr.,Brooks&Dunn,Alan Jackson,Tanya Tucker,Dottie West&Jerry Reed in!
February 19, 2016 @ 12:53 pm
The Maddox Brothers need to be inducted.
Skeeter Davis too for God’s sake.
February 19, 2016 @ 12:57 pm
All of those candidates have such impressive resumes that I’ll be happy for all of them who get in.
As my rambling mind tends to do, here are some random thoughts and trivia about some of them:
* Alan Jackson – I really like this one. I’d recommend seeing him live to anyone. When I saw him last summer, he gave each of his instrumentalists a short solo, and I thought that was really cool. I enjoyed his last album and Clint Black’s both.
* Ricky Skaggs – My first cousin’s wife was once offered the opportunity to tour with the Whites. She chose not to pursue music as a career, because she didn’t want to be on the road. In the “small world” category, I will add that Skaggs’ childhood friend Larry Cordle wrote the “Murder on Music Row” song that Alan Jackson and George Strait recorded.
* Brooks & Dunn – These guys have almost the same level of ubiquity as Vince Gill with the “6 degrees of separation” thing. Tim Dubois from Arista put them together: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_DuBois
* Kenny Chesney – As my tangent becomes more obtuse, I’ll add that the then-unknown Chris Stapleton sang the demo for a song called “5 O’Clock Somewhere” that Chesney turned down and Alan Jackson recorded. https://www.facebook.com/jim.m.brown.3/posts/10206222380137487
* Charlie Daniels included Travis Tritt in “The Devil Comes Back to Georgia” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0XUTD7QYcs It featured the incredible fiddler Mark O’Connor. The O’Connor Family Band recently signed to Rounder Records will release their album in June. For those who like top-shelf instrumentalists, check them out.
February 19, 2016 @ 1:23 pm
Whether anyone really likes it or not, Kenny is inevitable, but I think he’s another 5-10 years out. Too many backlogged artists from the 80’s.
But, the mere fact that Kenny is one year into eligibility made another artist come to mind: Shania Twain is probably eligible, being that Mr. Chesney rose to prominence in 93′-94′, she’s in line for the next 5-10 years like him.
February 19, 2016 @ 1:33 pm
I think Shania will fight an even greater uphill battle than Chesney because sh’es done such a quick disappearing act after being so big. Kenny is still out there touring, and releasing successful singles.
February 19, 2016 @ 1:56 pm
This is true. I’m anxious to hear her new material, sans-Mutt as the backbone.
I don’t think you can argue her influence on Country in the mid-90’s, especially since “The Woman In Me” was the biggest selling female album of that time, and her total album sales to date are around 85 million. I’d bargain to say (without looking) that shes one of the top (at least 3) female selling artists of all time, and certainly in Country music.
I think having a huge tour this past year helped, and her successful Vegas run certainly didn’t hurt. While I’m careful to throw Garth and Reba in the same sentence as her, her worldwide success, like theirs, should put her in eventually.
February 20, 2016 @ 8:37 am
Oh God no. Anyone but Shania. Nobody in my lifetime has done as much damage to the country genre as she has.
In most years I think the natural inclination of the Hall of Fame would be to stand up for the country genre and for tradition. But might the big donation from Taylor Swift in the last few years sway them in the pop direction?
February 20, 2016 @ 4:41 am
Kenny has never been, is not currently, and never will be country.
February 20, 2016 @ 10:38 am
Hey, you can say that all day and I certainly agree to an extent. But realistically, he will be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame in the coming years.
February 22, 2016 @ 5:28 am
His early stuff is fairly country.
February 20, 2016 @ 8:44 am
Also, the degree to which she has struggled to put out new material over the past 10+ years, and the weak single she released in 2011, suggest to me that breaking up with Mutt might not have been such a good idea after all. Her career over the past 10+ years has done a lot to prove her critics right. She also doesn’t seem to have much respect for country music and its audience. What struck me most about her autobiography is that I don’t recall that she had anything to say about her influence on the direction of contemporary mainstream “country” music. It would make about as much sense for the Country Music Hall of Fame to induct her, as it would for the Republican Party to nominate Donald Trump.
February 19, 2016 @ 1:58 pm
Alan Jackson and Hank Williams Jr. are the two most deserving artists that are eligible and they should be the picks for modern and veteran since their careers barely overlapped as Hank Jr. started to lose some of his relevancy right around the time of the class of ’89.
Others who deserve to be in are Ricky Skaggs (short peak years may be holding him back), Randy Travis (should be next in line after AJ and Hank Jr.) and my perennial dark horse pick Tanya Tucker who is one of the ten most successful females in country history with a career starting as a thirteen year old and extending into her late thirties as a consistent hit maker.
They really need to expand the classes for a couple of years to catch up as the backlog is getting out of hand.
February 19, 2016 @ 2:02 pm
I’ve been waiting years to see Tanya inducted.
February 19, 2016 @ 2:23 pm
I would love for Keith Whitley to get in.
Non performer category I love Cher fillipo. I don’t think anyone would be against him being inducted and see him as deserving.
Two more non performers I hope get in someday since they deserve it is robert k oermann and Eddie Stubbs. Eddie being the living historian and the smartest man on the planet when it comes to country music. Every post is infinitely detailed and every word he says is knowledgable and caring. Robert has also done so much for the genre as a historian and writer.
February 19, 2016 @ 4:14 pm
Eddie would be a good selection for that in future years. Unfortunately though, to many of the folks on the CMA committee, “non-perfomer” means some label or industry executive who in some cases helped oppress the music just as much as promote it. Not to say there are some behind-the-scenes guys worthy of this distinction, but I think the folks like Eddie Stubbs and others really doing their best to keep the traditions alive would be good selections.
February 19, 2016 @ 2:54 pm
I’d reallly like to see Gram Parsons inducted. Because for me many of hes songs, are the most beautiful ever written. I still remember when I heard “A Song for You” for the first time, not one his most well known, but a personal favorite of mine, I was still in my teen when I bought the album (GP), and I played it over and over again…
https://youtu.be/98Ow_Jav_eo
And without him Emmylou Harris would probably not be where she is today. Nor
would countless of other bands that were inspired by him. And still is 40 years later… Even across the Atlantic…
There are two Swedish singer, they’re not singing Country, but are inspired by it. And then they started to sing they were always ending their concerts talking about him and singing one of his songs.
In one concert on of them told the audience: “He made only two, but, amazing, amazing amazing, amazing, amazing records…And you must listen to them….if you don’t I’ll hunt you in your dreams…”
Well, they won’t have to hunt mine…
And if Gram would get inducted then I can die happy…
February 25, 2016 @ 5:44 pm
I feel much the same. Bought Gram’s Grievous Angel album and Linda Ronstadt’s Silk Purse album on the same day in (I believe it was) 1972, and have been loving country music ever since. Today my son Gram is 23.
February 26, 2016 @ 11:15 am
You named your son after him.That’s nice! I also have the Grievous Angel album. And two of the “Flying Burrito Brothers” album, “Flying Again” and “Last of The Red Hot Burritos”.
I’ve also have the Album “Sleepless Nights” , there is an absolutely wonderful cover of “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night” with Gram and Emmylou on it.
February 19, 2016 @ 3:27 pm
If we’re talking deceased veterans, I’d vote for Johnny Horton. His music has always had a retro coolness and has never really disappeared.
As far as moderns, I think it’s Alan Jackson’s time. Yeah, he’d be cutting ahead of several worthy artists, but he’s of the true superstars, like Cash, tend to get in when they’re comparatively young.
Keith Whitley?–I can’t see him ever getting in, unless the H-o-F changes the rules and expands the number of entries. He had a very short career as a mainstream artist.
February 19, 2016 @ 4:20 pm
I kind of look at Johnny Horton and Keith Whitley in the same way in that both died young and thus had very short albeit successful careers. But I fear they are forever lost because of the incredible logjam that has built up in recent years. I’m all for the Hall being exclusive but to basically put in two acts a year guarantees that many deserving potential nominees are doomed to wait many, many years to get in.
February 24, 2016 @ 6:05 pm
Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline both had short careers and were inducted.
February 19, 2016 @ 4:29 pm
Tanya Tucker and Hank Williams Jr. should be in the Hall of Fame this year!!
February 19, 2016 @ 5:21 pm
Great info, pretty interesting. Hank deserves this probably first and foremost, then alllan Jackson. I love gram Parsons and he definitely left a mark, maybe their should be a shooting star category for artists who died after making a huge impact. Gram and keith would both deserve that and it would keep them from holding back the others who went on to contribute in the long term. Awesome though, I think your predictions are dead on.
February 20, 2016 @ 4:38 am
Agree, there should be absolutely no scenario ever where Allan Jackson gets in before Hank Jr.
February 19, 2016 @ 5:44 pm
Randy Travis should receive precedence in the modern era, assuming he is comfortable with attending the induction ceremony. He has had a long, successful career and helped turn country music around. I’m curious, why didn’t you write anything about Gene Watson? Many consider him one of the best vocalists in the business. Ricky Van Shelton deserves a mention too.
Hank Williams Jr. should get in through the veterans era slot. Not really a fan, but he has been popular and doing it forever. I believe Vern Gosdin needs more consideration; he could sing as well as anybody in country music.
February 19, 2016 @ 7:17 pm
One act that is probably under consideration for the modern era is the Gatlin Brothers. Larry has been doing a ton of shows at the Opry, he is connected to a lot of people, and the group just did a “farewell tour.” With the Statler Brothers, Alabama, and the Oak Ridge Boys now inducted, I think they’re the next “group” on the list.
I am also on board for Dottie West, Skeeter Davis, and to a lesser extent Johnny Horton, but I half think the committee puts deceased acts on the back burner in order to recognize people who can accept the award in person.
February 20, 2016 @ 12:03 am
I love the Gatlin Bros., but Larry is a trainwreck personally. I’m not sure there’s another country artist out there that’s in love with themselves as much as he is. He totally takes over conversations, is over-the-top, and completely unpredictable. He’s supposedly sober now, but there’s some wacky recent videos of him on YouTube that are just strange and hyper. That being said, I crank their music anytime it comes on and i belt them out. I guess it’s the music that counts in the end.
February 20, 2016 @ 1:05 am
I’m cheering for the following:
Modern era: Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis, Eddie Rabbitt (maybe should be in the veteran category)
Veteran era: Maddox Brothers & Rose (get my buddy Don in the Hall of Fame!), Wynn Stewart, Dottie West.
Non-performer: Mike Curb, photographer Les Leverett and/or Fred Foster.
I’d also like to see Anita Kerr also in the Hall of Fame, but she’s probably in the musician category instead of a non-performer.
February 20, 2016 @ 4:37 am
Mike Curb? You’re joking, right?
February 20, 2016 @ 4:46 am
Oh no. He’s done lots. Just these last few years with saving historical institutions around Nashville and Music Row is worth an honoring. Plus that he’s been the head of a label that also gotten lots of success. So if you can elect Jim Foglesong you can slo elect Mike Curb.
March 1, 2016 @ 7:11 am
Les Leverett, absolutely!
February 20, 2016 @ 2:43 am
IMO, David Allan Coe in his prime had as good a country voice as anyone who ever lived. Hall of fame or not, he’s one of the greats.
February 20, 2016 @ 7:07 pm
He also put out some pretty damn good albums in the early 70s before all that x rated shit. It was edgy, hard core country music and I always loved the way he used that funky sounding electric acoustic in a lot of his songs (i.e. “If that ain’t country”), it was definitely a distinctive DAC sound. Hall of famer? Probably not till after he’s long dead, if at all. But I agree, the Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy is an all time great
February 20, 2016 @ 3:43 am
Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Reed deserve it.i would also chose Vern ”The Voice” Gosdin.
February 20, 2016 @ 8:01 am
Trigger good piece of writing. You hit all the realistic candidaste. It’s crazy when you look at the backlog of talent. Thanks for the shout out! We’re hopeful in 2016. #BocephusBelongs!!@
February 20, 2016 @ 10:14 am
In what messed up world and scenario should Kenny chesney get in before Hank Jr?
February 21, 2016 @ 4:16 pm
The messed up world of 2016.
February 20, 2016 @ 10:25 am
I always find this discussion fascinating.
I think Alan Jackson should be first in line for the modern category, followed closely by Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam (I think Dwight might have a bit of an uphill battle for a while given his ‘outsider’ status in Nashville).
I think Hank Jr. Should get in on the veterans side.
I’m also amazed at some of the artists who are not already in (ex. Hank Jr., Tanya Tucker). I agree with others suggesting that the backlog needs to be cleared up.
February 20, 2016 @ 12:02 pm
You hit the nail on the head with Chet Flippo, brother. I wholly agree that Alan Jackson should be inducted on his career and success, but not before Bocephus. AJ covers Bocephus songs, not vice versa. And while they may not have had the careers of hits and cartoonish album sales of Garth and company, artists like Keith Whitley, Johhny Paycheck, Charlie Daniels, David Allan Coe, etc., definitely deserve induction due to their impact and influence alone. These artists lived (and Keith died) country music when country music wasn’t cool, and country wouldn’t be what it is today without “When You Say Nothing At All,” “Take This Job And Shove It (written by Coe and sung by Paycheck),” and “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” And I would argue that Jimmy Buffet should go in before Kenny Chesney, since Kenny ripped off his style and made a mint off of it. I’ll bet Alan Jackson would agree…
February 20, 2016 @ 7:20 pm
How the hell is Charlie Daniels considered Modern era? He was gray bearded in ’79 when Devil went down to Georgia hit it big. Now I’m going rapid fire.
Hank 2 has to get in, no question. Randy Travis too. Skaggs? Probably. Alan Jackson is a shoo in. Whitley ought to be in there. If Kenny fuckin Chesney gets in before Dwight, the place should self destruct. What a travesty that would be. Paycheck, I’d love it but ain’t happening. Jerry Reed, yup. Horton should be in there, his stuff still envokes a good foot stomping when I hear it. (Go ahead, listen to the original cut of “ol slew foot” and see if you can help it!). Oh and jimmy Martin should be in there for sure.
February 20, 2016 @ 9:29 pm
For the record I have no idea if certain artists are considered “Modern” or “Veteran,” Charlie Daniels included, and I’m not sure that the committee knows either. The band they nominated for the “Modern” era last year began in the 40’s, well before Charlie Daniels. So who knows. But when he started to get gray in his beard is sort of irrelevant. It matters when he had his first commercial hit. Hypothetically, that’s when the clock starts.
February 21, 2016 @ 12:12 am
Cdb started having commercial success in the early to mid 70s about the same time as the oak ridge boys. Gray beard aside, I’d say both bands are far from what most would consider modern era. Pretty arbitrary if you ask me. Only the committee knows their justifications I guess.
February 20, 2016 @ 7:54 pm
Johnny Paycheck ain’t in already?
To quote the man himself:
“Pardon me, I’ve got someone to kill.”
February 20, 2016 @ 9:54 pm
I can’t imagine why anyone on the modern list would be considered more worthy than Rosanne Cash: tremendous songwriter AND singer who has constantly pushed the envelope, which is an important thing in roots music. She also had 11 #1 hits during her time playing ball with radio. Progressive, influential and an artist of enormous integrity. Also, since Johnny’s best albums are the live ones, a strong argument can be made that she’s been a better studio-album maker than her legendary dad (his Rick Rubin period is spotty at best, while his earlier albums were often marred by his penchant for tackling corny material). Mainstream acts like Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn have had frequent bouts with wince-inducing froth (Brooks & Dunn made their living that way). That’s something Rosanne never resorted to. A remarkably consistent artist who would add something unique to the Hall of Fame.
February 21, 2016 @ 12:16 am
What “wince inducing froth” came forth from the likes of Alan Jackson pray tell? I would say any if at all pales in comparison to done if the crap that came from brooks and Dunn.
February 21, 2016 @ 12:04 am
Keith Whitley influenced some of these people, including Alan Jackson…Alan Jackson definitely deserves to be there, no question. But not before Keith Whitley. And Hank Jr. should make it in the veteran category. If he’s considered modern, he should make it ahead of everyone else. I agree with some of the people here who have said that they need to clear up some of the backlog. I am also going to take the highly unpopular opinion that Kenny Chesney does deserve to be there…certainly not ahead of a lot of these, but eventually. The longevity of his career and stadium success cannot be ignored.
February 21, 2016 @ 6:15 pm
Personally, I love Dwight. Not sure why there is not more love for him from the folks on this site. He’s never released a bad album in my book.
February 21, 2016 @ 10:31 pm
Would love to see Alan Jackson go in and Jerry reed. Chet Filpo would be great. I still hope someday we get Coe and Paycheck in but I have my doubts.
February 22, 2016 @ 5:29 am
Alan Jackson for sure. Guy is a legend.
February 22, 2016 @ 8:27 pm
I believe Freddie Hart should be inducted and is way past due !
February 23, 2016 @ 8:03 am
What about Gene Watson? He has been in country music over 50 years, still playing to sold out concert all over the U S. all year. He just keeps getting better, if you want to hear country music listen to the CDs he is still making REAL COUNTRY MUSIC. The Singers Singer needs to be in the Hall of Fame!!!
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February 23, 2016 @ 8:56 am
AGREE!!!
February 23, 2016 @ 9:57 am
Agree!! Gene Watson is what Country Music really is. He is long overdue to be in the Hall Of Fame!! Love me some Gene Watson/
February 23, 2016 @ 8:35 am
I am so surprised Vern Gosdin has not been mentioned more…He should be in for sure!
February 23, 2016 @ 9:01 am
We’ve been following Gene Watson for over 38 years now, have all of his albums, CDs, and most of his t-shirts, went on 4 cruises with him, traveling all the way from Alaska to Jamaica. His name is a household word around here so we definitely believe that Gene Watson should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
February 23, 2016 @ 10:23 am
The best singer of real country music
February 23, 2016 @ 9:12 am
Lot’s of GREAT folks out there. My picks Paycheck, Watson, Vern, and the late Great true country artist Carl Butler
February 23, 2016 @ 9:16 am
I think Gene Watson is long overdue to be in the Country Music Hall of fame. He has has had six number ones records, 23 top tens and over 75 charted singles since his first big hit in 1974, ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’. He is the personification of the word ‘Country’ and the first one I think of that is still alive today singing classic Country Music the way it was meant to be. A second choice who is singing as well today as he did in 1959 (when The Glaser Brothers first signed with Decca) is Jim Glaser. I think both of these artists who are still alive and represent Country Music as it was meant to be, should be recognized while they are still here to appreciate the honor.
February 23, 2016 @ 9:17 am
I think Gene Watson is long overdue to be in the Country Music Hall of fame. He has had six number ones records, 23 top tens and over 75 charted singles since his first big hit in 1974, ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’. He is the personification of the word ‘Country’ and the first one I think of that is still alive today singing classic Country Music the way it was meant to be. A second choice who is singing as well today as he did in 1959 (when The Glaser Brothers first signed with Decca) is Jim Glaser. I think both of these artists who are still alive and represent Country Music as it was meant to be, should be recognized while they are still here to appreciate the honor.
November 29, 2021 @ 8:37 pm
There are so many deserving of HOF honors (esp the few that are “living”) The first that I would recommend would be STONEWALL JACKSON and JEANNIE SEELY. Then, there are many “deceased” artists’ including Hank Locklin; Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis; Slim Whitman; The Wilburn Bros; and Johnny and Jack. In addition, ANNE MURRAY; TANYA TUCKER; BOBBY GOLDSBORO; GENE WATSON; and JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ.
February 23, 2016 @ 9:55 am
Gene Watson. No one has done more to keep it traditional.
What’s more he has stayed true to tradition for more than 50 years. Inductees should get this honor while they are still alive to see their dreams come true.
February 23, 2016 @ 10:36 am
Gene Watson is way over due. He is still doing real country music and has been for over 50 years!
February 23, 2016 @ 11:14 am
Gene Watson gets my vote.It’s way past time to get him where he deserves to be.He has earned his place and continues to do so.
February 23, 2016 @ 11:25 am
every one of them belongs there….what’s wrong with that association??
February 23, 2016 @ 12:05 pm
Isn’t it time Gene Watson gets put in the Hall Of Fame. There are not many REAL COUNTRY SINGERS left. He should have been there by now. Listen to his fans. Every show he does is sold out. He is the best.
February 23, 2016 @ 1:20 pm
Gene Watson is one of the best real country singers out there. Country fans love him because he keeps it country. I think it is long overdue time for him to be in the hall of fame. It is a shame he has worked so hard all these years and still is working hard. Don’t wait until these true country singers are dead to recognize them. Let them enjoy this honor while they are still alive. His concerts are packed with fans. Let his fans have their vote.
February 23, 2016 @ 2:03 pm
Gene Watson for sure. He keeps it Country and is a great entertainer. 50 years in the business has to count. A real gentleman too!
February 23, 2016 @ 5:18 pm
Go listen to Stonewall Jackson. Only gets better with time. What a great artist. He is in my HOF for sure.
February 23, 2016 @ 7:33 pm
I’m one of the older country fans. I always thought Jimmy Wakely was already in. He had No. 1 records back in WWII. Later, he hit it big recording popular music. Another one I listen to a lot, is Hank Locklin. What a pure, country sound he had. And he had many hit records, starting in 1953, with “Let Me Be The One”. Skeeter Davis also had a huge No. 1 hit the same year, with “I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know” in a duet with Bea Davis, BD was a victim of a car crash. Hope I still remember it right! And I hope Tommy Collins will not be forgotten.
February 23, 2016 @ 9:10 pm
Jerry Reed, indeed.
Indeed as well would be the darling Skeeter Davis.
Give a listen to Skeeter and Bobby Bare’s “I Love You”. Bobby raps, m’friends – tastefully, for all ages.
Nothin’ sweeter.
February 23, 2016 @ 10:24 pm
Gene Watson is so deserving to be inducted this year. This man has over 50 years in the country music field. He is still performing nearly every weekend to sold out crowds.
February 24, 2016 @ 6:01 am
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers induction is well overdue.
February 24, 2016 @ 10:39 am
Would love to see Tompall in. He was an important part of the Outlaw movement. “Wanted: The Outlaws” was the first country album to sell 1,000,000 copies. Hillbilly Central allowed the country music outlaws the artistic freedom they needed to launch their career. Out of anyone on the list, he and Paycheck are the two I wish to be put in the most.
February 24, 2016 @ 5:49 pm
For the Veteran category, Jack Greene is long overdue. Also, in the same category, Justin Tubb, Wynn Stewart, Jimmy Martin, the Wilburn Brothers, Hank Locklin, Stonewall Jackson and Johnny Paycheck all deserve serious consideration. In the modern category, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson and Moe Bandy all warrant serious consideration. Gene Watson should also in there but, I am not sure which category he would fit into. The thought of Shania Twain or Kenny Chesney getting in does not make me happy. I do not consider either one of them to be Country.
February 25, 2016 @ 2:36 am
I first heard Tompall & The Glaser Brothers in 1970 and they were fabulous and amazing…great Showmen , always blew their many fans away…they started doing shows overseas and l lost touch with them and when l came onto the worldwide web, l was shocked to find out that they were not inducted into the HOF….They deserve their rightful place in there…l never knew of the outlaw time so l cannot comment on that but l was privileged to know the Glaser Brothers…l hate that they split up but l think that they should All be inducted…Tompall will never know but Chuck and Jim will…So, Please whoever decides, add them to the HOF….l have noticed that many of their fans are posting songs of theirs on you-tube daily…their popularity is building up daily…The Brothers were loved and they will never be forgotten…Their music with beautiful harmonies will gain lots of new fans not to mention their contribution to Country Music and Nashville….Thank you!!!!!!
February 25, 2016 @ 5:47 pm
Speaking of veterans, I don’t suppose Vernon Oxford has been inducted, or nominated, has he?
February 26, 2016 @ 4:53 pm
A name I haven’t seen pop up in the Modern Era category is that of John Anderson. When mainstream country radio was force-feeding some pretty bland stuff to we listeners, Anderson came along with music heavy on the fiddle and steel to remind us about the legacies of Lefty and Merle. He really helped to set the music up for the New Traditionalists — i.e. Travis, Black, Skaggs, etc. Anderson is a singer and songwriter who just seems to not be on the radar of those with the power.
As for the traditional category, get it over with and put both Jerry Lee and the Maddox Bros. and Rose in the Hall. There are others besides Marty who are championing the latter’s induction and Haggard was a huge fan and supporter of Rose and the brothers. In that same category, I love Ralph Stanley but to be fair, it should be the Stanley Brothers, Carter and Ralph. During the course of 20 years together from 1946-66, Carter Stanley wrote some of the best country songs bar none. His writing informs the bedrock of traditional bluegrass to this day and he’s been covered by the likes of Patty Loveless, Waylon and, of course, Skaggs. Yes, Ralph has enjoyed commercial success in his later years, but to induct him and not Carter, that’s a real injustice right there.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Chet in the non-performer category with maybe the exception of Louise Scruggs, the first woman manager of a major country act, Flatt & Scruggs. As cited, Chet’s writing in Rolling Stone did much to introduce country music to a wider audience who appreciated good music, genres be damned. Having worked in the industry for many years, this category should be reserved for the real behind-the-scenes folks who blazed trails and really made an impact. Whatever they do, I hope to God they do not ever consider the CMF’s former director, Bill Ivey, in this category out of some sort of institutional obligation or his long tenure with the nonprofit.
February 26, 2016 @ 10:01 pm
I think Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and Clint Back will get in eventually. Would love to see Gram Parsons get in someday. Glad to see people mention Rosanne Cash.
To me the super obvious choice that nobody has mentioned is Anne Murray!! Would also like to see Eddie Rabbitt or Rodney Crowell get in one day.
March 20, 2016 @ 2:36 pm
MODERN ERA
Choice: Dwight Yoakam
Prediction: Alan Jackson
I doubt they will put Randy Travis in until he’s in a little better health although his election is overdue. Dwight’s “outsider” edge and rock following might actually help him given the majority of the “country music” industry now brazenly prefers rock but Alan is the mega seller and hit maker here so I think that puts him in the lead.
VETERANS
Choice: Skeeter Davis or Wanda Jackson
Prediction: Tanya Tucker or Hank Jr
I would love to see Stonewall Jackson or Freddie Hart go in but I think it would probably take a powerful voter to argue for them even though they both should have been inducted long, long ago.
Hank Jr must have some powerful enemies (not unlike Webb Pierce and Faron Young in the past) for it to be taking so long for him to be inducted. He is way overdue and I say that not even being a particular fan of his. I can see the rock-loving current crop of CMA voters going for him but are they among the voters for the HOF? I do think Tanya Tucker though will give him major competition and might get it given it’s been awhile since a woman has been elected.
Would love to see Skeeter Davis get in but as others have noted, it’s pretty hard for a dead person to get in these days in the performing categories. They really need a “deceased” category at least every other year given how many dead people there are that deserve to be in the HOF and are pretty much forgotten by industry insiders now. Johnny Horton should have been in DECADES ago, a far more influential artist that quite a few who have long been in who had the backing of powerful cliques.
That Lynn Anderson did not live to see herself inducted is a disgrace even if she did past away fairly young at 67. Anyone who knows country music history knows for more than a decade she was right up there with the very top of country female vocalists no less a star than Loretta, Tammy, or Dolly and a far bigger and more important name in country music history than many inductees of the last two decades, male or female.
My vote for living veteran goes to Wanda Jackson – very telling she is in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame but not the Country Music Hall of Fame, the genre of her greatest success. She fully deserves Country HOF status as well!
NON PERFORMERS
Choice: The Johnson Sisters of Colorado – country music publicists extraordinaire, ran the International Fan Club Organization for decades that was invaluable at helping hundreds of country music fan clubs get off the ground and publicized. What they did for Loretta Lynn’s career was beyond phenomenal.
Predict: Charlie Douglas, legendary dj and a very good choice too.
March 22, 2016 @ 7:24 pm
When are the going to announce the 2016 inductees? I have heard March 26th and March 28th.
March 23, 2016 @ 9:04 am
I’m hearing March 29th, but I also haven’t heart anything “official” just yet. I’m sure we’ll hear more soon.
March 26, 2016 @ 6:42 am
I have also heard the 29th from another source as well.
March 26, 2016 @ 7:26 am
They’ve officially announced Tuesday the 29th now.
March 24, 2016 @ 12:38 pm
Jerry Lee Lewis please. The man’s a living legend and an amazing talent. Another Place, Another Time is the best country song ever in my opinion.
March 28, 2016 @ 1:51 pm
I like your picks. Whatever opinion about Hank Jr, he deserves induction. The Stanley Brothers do as well. Without them, Skaggs, Whitley, Alison Krauss and many others would’ve had to find different starting points.
August 3, 2016 @ 5:52 am
The Maddox Bros and Rose are the Veteran Era that needs to be inducted ASAP! Don is the only living member and he won’t be living much longer! I am Fred’s granddaughter and I can attest to the fact that he gave his LIFE to Country Music! He loved his fans and he loved making people happy! That’s the only thing that gave his life purpose was the people! The anniversary of his death is 25 years this October and what a shame that even 25 years after his death he is still not in the Country Music’s Hall of Fame?!!! His bass fiddle is in the Music Experience Project in Seattle. His uniforms are all over the world in private collections and also in many many museums! Nathan Turk was around before Nudie made his fame learning from N. Turk who made all of the Maddox’s wild attire! Grandpa was the one who let Elvis walk on the stage at the Louisiana Hayride for the first time! For God’s sake – give him his due! They worked so hard in such desperate times! They had little to no money and never made it big! They didn’t even own their own home when he died! He performed all over California but had so many health issues and actually died of heart failure at the age of 73! Rose worked herself to the bone all those years. They sang about real issues! They sang to make people smile when they had not a thing to eat in their kitchens, when their fingers bled from picking cotton! THEY DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED! Even their uniforms grace the front inside cover of your booklet you sell today in your gift shop and the middle of the book!