Saving Country Music’s 2017 Country Music Hall of Fame Picks & Prognostications
As we near the end of February and look forward to spring every year, it becomes time for the annual exercise to pontificate on 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.
Unlike other Halls of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame tries to keep the institution distinguished by letting so few names in each year, a bad one never slips through. This has also caused a glut of good names being left out in recent years, always stirring controversy in itself. But it is very likely three more names will get in. Who could they be? We will probably find out in about a month or so. Until then, here are some ideas.
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 Non-Performer, Fred Foster, selected in 2016, and a musician, Grady Martin, selected in 2015, it would be a songwriter’s turn up to bat in 2017. Songwriters can also be performers, but the spirit of the rule is to induct a songwriter who would otherwise not be considered for the Hall of Fame.
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, especially after all of the high-profile deaths in country music in 2016, 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, though in recent years this has also accelerated artists being inducted before they die to avoid the one year penalty.
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. Last year Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Hall of Fame, but in the Veterans Era category, even though Saving Country Music and others had him as a Modern Era candidate.
• Last Year’s Modern Era Inductee: Randy Travis
• Saving Country Music Prediction: Alan Jackson (for the third year in a row)
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams Jr. if he’s considered Modern Era.
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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, and 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. One possibly hiccup might be Jackson’s propensity to not play nice at awards shows, including when he performed George Jones’ “Choices” in protest at the 1999 CMA Awards, his 1994 ACM Awards protest when he was asked to play to a backing track, and even last year at the CMA’s when he walked out on Beyoncé. But all of this will eventually be water under the bridge. Jackson will get in. The question is, will 2017 finally be his year?
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 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.
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 Fame 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. As top heavy as the Modern Era is at the moment, Dwight remains a long shot, but someone to consider for future years.
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 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 22 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 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 Alan 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.
- 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.
- Tayna Tucker
- Rosanne Cash
- Gene Watson
- Lorrie Morgan
- Mickey Gilley
Potential Veterans Era Inductees
As stated above, 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 2016 are not eligible this year, including Ralph Stanley, Red Simpson, and others. 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. 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: Charlie Daniels
• Saving Country Music Prediction: Jerry Lee Lewis, The Maddox Brothers & Rose
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: The Maddox Brothers & Rose, Jerry Reed, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams Jr.?
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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 93-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.
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 last year called Bocephus Belongs is hoping to help push Hank Jr. over the top and into the Hall of Fame in the coming years.
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 81-years-old, possibly bringing him closer to consideration for induction. Meanwhile an online petition has just been started trying to push Jerry Lee over the top in 2017. Jerry Lee’s name has been rumored to have been in contention and on final ballots for many years. Maybe 2017 will be his time.
Jerry Reed: Such a great ambassador for country music 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 in the Veterans category.
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.
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 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, 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. Also, David Allan Coe recently received a high-profile endorsement from Loretta Lynn.
- Jimmy Martin
- Vern Gosdin (sign the petition)
- Dottie West
- Ralph Stanley – NOT eligible after passing away in 2016.
- Johnny Horton
- June Carter Cash
- John Denver
- Wynn Stewart
- Jimmy C. Newman
- Lynn Anderson – Eligible again after passing away in 2015.
Songwriter Inductee
• Last Songwriters Inducted: Hank Cochran (2014), Bobby Braddock (2011)
• Saving Country Music’s Prediction: Too Open to Predict
• Saving Country Music’s Final Ballot: Shel Silverstein, Dean Dillon, Larry Cordle, Townes Van Zandt.
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Though there may be some artists that would technically qualify for induction under this category like Guy Clark (not eligible this year), Townes Van Zandt, Billy Joe Shaver, or any number of other artists that have extensive songwriting credits, this category is meant for behind-the-scenes songwriters who would never be inducted if not for this category. In 2014, it seemed pretty obvious that Hank Cochran would earn the distinction. Jamey Johnson had just released a tribute album to him, and his name and contributions were top of mind. This year, the field feels much more wide open. Here are some possibilities.
Townes Van Zandt: There is no more revered and mythical name in songwriting than Townes Van Zandt. His life was like a song itself—so touching yet so fleeting. No other songwriter has made people feel as much emotion as Townes Van Zandt. The question is will the Hall of Fame committee consider Van Zandt more of a performer than a pure songwriter? Townes’ best friend Guy Clark is not eligible this year since he passed away in 2016.
Dean Dillon – Towering contributions from this mostly behind-the-scenes songwriter, especially contributions to George Strait which include “The Chair,” “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” “It Ain’t Cool to Be Crazy About You,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Famous Last Words of a Fool,” and others. He also wrote “Tennessee Whiskey.” Every George Strait album except for one has a Dean Dillon song on it.
John D. Loudermilk – A cousin to The Louvin Brothers that had great commercial success as a songwriter in the 60’s and 70’s, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1976, and certainly deserves consideration for this distinction.
Shel Silverstein – That’s right, he didn’t just write A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends. He also wrote “A Boy Named Sue” and other strong country offerings, making Shel one of the quintessential behind-the-scenes songwriting stars.
Larry Cordle – The writer of “Against The Grain,” “Highway 40 Blues,” and hits for George Strait, Kathy Mattea, and Trisha Yearwood. But Larry Cordle really made his mark when he penned “Murder on Music Row” with Larry Shell. The song went on to be the 2001 CMA Song of the Year.
Paul Overstreet – Writer of “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “When You Say Nothing At All” with Don Schlitz, and performer/writer of “Daddy’s Come Around.” Discounted slightly because he’s also the writer of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and other unfortunate hits, but still a significant country music songwriter in history.
Max D. Barnes – Writer of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” “Drinkin’ & Dreamin” (Waylon), “Look At Us” (Vince Gill), and many more. He won a total of 42 songwriter awards during his decorated career.
Sonny Throckmorton – Wrote more than 1,000 songs that were recorded by artists, including songs for Merle Haggard, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Conlee, and others. Sonny was named Songwriter of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association in 1978, 1979, and 1980.
Jimmy Webb – Songwriter for “Wichita Lineman”, “Galveston,” “MacArthur Park,” and many more, including many non country songs for artists such as Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, and R.E.M. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990.
Kostas – Greek-born songwriter for Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Travis Tritt, The Dixie Chicks, Marty Stuart, and many more.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:13 am
Why is int Johnny Gimble mentioned? He is easily considered the best fiddler to live and has all the criteria to be in 2 times over
February 23, 2017 @ 9:30 am
Johnny Gimble isn’t mentioned because he would not be eligible this year. Gimble is a great pick, but he would have to go in via the rotating 3rd category as a “Recording or touring musician active prior to 1980.” Musicians won’t be considered again until 2018. This year it is songwriters.
February 23, 2017 @ 4:03 pm
Why isn’t Donna Fargo Jeannie Seely Jan Howard not mentioned ????
February 23, 2017 @ 10:05 pm
They simply didn’t have HOF worthy careers although they are talented and wonderful ladies. Jan and Jeannie had very few bona fide solo hits and Donna had a couple monster hits but so did dozens of others.
April 13, 2017 @ 10:23 am
I 100% agree. It’s hard to fathom why Johnny Gimble hasn’t already been inducted. When the rotation comes around again for musicians next year, he absolutely should be the next one inducted.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:30 am
Dottie West should be in the Hall Of fame,as should the Wilburn Brothers.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:56 am
I will be happy for whomever does get in. The few names mentioned that I’ve seen in the last couple years are Skaggs, Yoakam, A Jackson, Cordle, and M Stuart.
I do hope the Stanley Brothers make it when eligible.
February 23, 2017 @ 10:51 am
Wow, man, what a list of high level talent.
I have always thought the Jerry Lee Lewis did not get nearly enough credit as a country artist and that Johnny Paycheck has been overlooked, perhaps as a result of a rather brief tenure cut short by prison and his death.
But Johnny Paycheck has one of my favorite voices in country music.
Mickey Gilley is right in there with him.
And don’t even get me started on Tompall Glaser and the Glaser Brothers.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:31 am
I agree about Jerry Lee and the problem becomes the small classes that they have insisted on have caused such a back up and frankly leads to some really strange choices. Frankly they are really playing with fire by leaving out some elderly performers who may be near the end of their lives and then they will put them in a few years after they die and it’s too bad because it deprives them of enjoying the honor.
Either you are or you aren’t HOF caliber in my mind.
February 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Yes, if you know Jerry Lee Lewis and The Maddox Brothers and Rose are going to be in the Hall of Fame someday, do it while there are still members around who can enjoy the honor.
March 9, 2017 @ 4:28 am
I’ve often wondered why Jerry Lee Lewis hasn’t been inducted yet. He had a long, impressive string of country hits. I don’t think he ever did get the recognition he deserved as a country artist. Guess he rubbed too many people the wrong way…the way he speaks his mind, lol. He should’ve been inducted before Charlie Daniels, that’s for sure. But then, I can think of several who should’ve been inducted before Charlie Daniels. It’s a given that JLL will be inducted sooner or later, so why not induct him while he’s still alive, while he can enjoy it?? The ol’ boy ain’t getting any younger!
February 23, 2017 @ 10:56 am
Most of the people featured here should probably already be in, but that’s a common sentiment. I’m honestly surprised that the Eagles never seem to factor into this discussion. I’d wager they’ll be up for serious consideration at some point, despite being primarily a rock band, as they were highly influential in country (as you and others have stated over the years). I don’t see DAC ever getting in, particularly not if Johnny Paycheck isn’t, either. Paycheck has been mostly forgotten by all but the most ardent fans and historians, including his misdeeds (readers might be surprised at how little documentation of the rape and shooting charges that have survived into the internet age), so that might help him a bit eventually.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:42 am
I don’t know if the Eagles would be considered as a CMA HoF contender, even in the future. The Eagles were born in the country-rock era with other bands who offered a ‘country’ leaning sound: Poco (with the amazing Rusty Young on steel guitar), the Dillard and Clark Expedition (featuring Doug Dillard and ex-Byrd Gene Clark), Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, the Byrds (a rock band that released a country album “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” with Gram Parsons) and the Flying Burrito Brothers (with/without Gram Parsons). Should any of these country-rock bands be nominated sometime in the next decade? Hmmm… I believe that Outlaw era country artists, such as Paycheck and Coe, have a better chance than the Eagles.
February 24, 2017 @ 10:39 am
Good points, but Elvis has been in the Hall for years. The Eagles were more authentically country in fits and starts than the King was, in my opinion. But Elvis also belonged to everyone, like Johnny Cash, so that might be the difference.
February 24, 2017 @ 6:54 pm
How about Linda Ronstadt?
Granted she never considered herself a country artist in the strictest (Nashville) sense of the term, and she was part of that left-of-center L.A. country-rock movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s that included the Eagles (who were her backing band first, in 1971).
However, consideration should be given to Linda for a number of good reasons. For one, her four-octave voice (contralto; alto; mezzo-soprano; soprano) has influenced several generations of female singers, including many beloved women of country, notably Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Terri Clark, and, most recently, Brandy Clark (who sang at a Parkinson’s benefit tribute show for Linda here in L.A. last December).
For another, Linda was known for crossing over between country and pop without ever sounding like an opportunist. One example: her version of the 1963 Betty Everett R&B hit “You’re No Good” went to #1 on the Hot 100 in early 1975, while its B-side, her take on the Hank Williams classic “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”, went to #2 on the Billboard C&W singles chart (her first Grammy Award was for that song, as Best Country Female Vocalist). She also made four TV appearances on the Johnny Cash Show between 1969 and 1971.
Her album sales of fifty million include eight albums of her own that went into the Top Ten on Billboard’s C&W Album Chart (including HEART LIKE A WHEEL, SIMPLE DREAMS, and HASTEN DOWN THE WIND, which all went to #1 on that chart), plus the two landmark TRIO albums she made with her pals Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.
And she also bought to country audiences the songs of her California country-rock cohorts, including a bluegrass-tinged version of Neil Young’s “Love Is A Rose” that peaked at #5 on the C&W singles chart in late 1975, and the Lowell George truck-driving anthem “Willing”.
Linda’s already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Class of 2014). But her country music credentials shouldn’t be overlooked either. Maybe it’s a long shot to consider her for the Country Music Hall of Fame, but her country music credentials and her appreciation and knowledge of the form can’t be denied (IMHO).
March 13, 2017 @ 1:52 pm
Linda Ronstadt – and the Eagles – have a better chance of getting in the HOF than most genuinely country superstars from their era who aren’t in there. That’s the way Nashville is.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:26 am
Hank Jr should be in the veteran category whether he will be or not who knows.
That being said it should be Hank Jr for the veteran Alan Jackson for modern and for the songwriter my choices would be down to Jimmy Webb or Dean Dillon. I would be fine with Ricky Skaggs also but the the exclusion of Hank Jr and Jackson is getting to the point of being ridiculous. By every possible measure they should be in by now.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:28 am
Gene Watson
February 23, 2017 @ 10:09 pm
Amen. I’m shocked he isn’t in. A long and consistent string of hit records. Still an active performer who sings as well as ever. He’s also enormously well respected. Vern Gosdin falls in the same category.
March 8, 2017 @ 3:10 pm
Jerry Lee Lewis has played country music all his life. His biggest hits were backed by country songs. He sold millions of “You Win Again” and brought country music to audiences around the world. He deserves to be in the Country Hall of Fame.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:31 am
The Bryant’s are already in the Hall of Fame. I predict that Bob McDill will have a shot at getting elected as a songwriter. Otherwise I’d love for Max D. Barnes, Townes and/or Dillon to get elected.
February 23, 2017 @ 11:42 am
How in tarnation is Jerry Reed not in the HOF? Trigger did a pretty good summation, but failed to mention his career as an actor, host, etc..
February 23, 2017 @ 12:00 pm
I can never figure out why they won’t better define the Veteran’s vs Modern categories. It leads to people like Hank Jr and Tanya Tucker seemingly stuck competing with everybody while you have others that are seemingly only competing with one group.
Why not actually set some guidelines. Nothing will ever be exact but for me something like an artist is Veteran if they began their career pre 1980 and first achieved prominence in the pre 1980 era. This would make Hank Jr, Tucker, Paycheck and Crystal Gayle all veteran while making Jackson, Skaggs, Whitley, Yoakam and Rosanne Cash modern. Of course there will sometimes be a tough call but by setting some ground rules it would make the process more transparent.
February 23, 2017 @ 12:15 pm
Last year I think you can argue two Modern Era artists were inducted with Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis. That leaves an even further backlog in the Veteran’s category. And I agree, if an artist can’t be firmly in one or another, it might leave them out of contention for both. Though I guess that didn’t really hurt Daniels.
February 23, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
And wasn’t Ronnie Milsap inducted in the modern a couple years ago? He had his first #1 in something like 1974 I think. I wonder if they have any internal guidelines or if it is up to each voter to decide what is modern or veteran. This really could lead to someone theoretically finishing second in the voting in each category and therefore not getting in.
February 23, 2017 @ 1:37 pm
There are official guidelines which I included above. But where to start and end the lines of demarcation seems to be what is nebulous. What “national prominence” is seems to be in the eye of the beholder, or whatever the committee deems it to be in a given year so they can put the people they want in.
February 23, 2017 @ 2:06 pm
I guess. Just seems like 45 years is a long time in the past. And it’s hard to think of someone as ‘modern’ when they haven’t been relative in the mainstream in 25 years like Tucker, Jr, or even someone like Skaggs.
Just not a fan of these overly broad categories. I probably said this exact thing last year in your version of this column but there needs to be a fourth category. Something like Legends (approx. pre 1970), Veterans (1970-1985) and then modern. Then when they play fast and loose there is a little more slack in the system.
February 23, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
where is Dotty Wests name. It IS TIME SHE WAS INDUCTED. THERE ARE MANY WHO DESERVE IT FAR LESS THAN SHE DOES.
February 23, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
TIME FOR MARTY STUART ALSO.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:32 pm
Please STOP yelling, okay?
February 23, 2017 @ 1:26 pm
What about Hank Lochlan
February 23, 2017 @ 2:28 pm
Gonna take forever for guys like that who only had a handful of hits and didn’t sell many records look at Hank Jr he has sold 70 plus million and is still can draw as big of crowd as anybody to this day and hes not even in
February 23, 2017 @ 2:02 pm
I hope this is the year of Hank Jr. But I’m sure the HOF will fuck him over as they do every year….
February 23, 2017 @ 9:33 pm
Hank is his own worst enemy
February 24, 2017 @ 7:22 am
I would argue he’s been relatively quiet recently…and maybe that’s the problem. Actually, the real reason Hank Jr. ain’t in the Hall of Fame right now is that Merle Kilgore died twelve years ago. Kilgore was the driving force behind Hank getting all the various awards in the eighties, and I would imagine he’d have done the legwork required for a Hall of Fame induction were he still around.
February 23, 2017 @ 2:48 pm
Why wasn’t Vern Gosdin’s Petition Mentioned? We have been working for 2 Years. Got over 5,000 Signatures for Vern Gosdin. Vern Gosdin’s Music is still being Sung by many Famous Artists. Before Keith Whitley passed away he recorded Vern Gosdin’s Song Tennessee Courage. Lee Ann Womack in 2016 Recoreded Chiseled In Stone sung by Vern Gosdin. Jamey Johnson, Chris Young,Daryle Singletary,Ken Mellons,Wade Hayes and so many up and coming new singers and singers who are still trying to make their name are singing Vern Gosdin. Let’s get Vern Gosdin Inducted
February 23, 2017 @ 3:39 pm
Thanks for alerting me to the Vern Gosdin petition. I have added a link to it above. The reason it wasn’t mentioned is because nobody ever mentioned it to Saving Country Music. No individual possesses the ability to know every single piece of country music information at any given time. That is the reason for exercises just like this, to spread information, discuss current candidates, and debate the issues surrounding the Hall of Fame. Years ago these posts received a lot of interest and discussion. Now all most people want to do is complain about who or what is not included, usually glossing over the answers that are included in the article. “Where’s so and so? How can you even mention the Hall of Fame without so and so involved!” Well that’s your job is to lobby the public for why you think your favorite artist deserves in. But this fatalist and accusatory, “The entire thing is irrelevant if Juice Newton isn’t in!” attitude is the reason some of these names never move. If you want to have influence in the process, engage in it, start a petition like the folks did for Vern Gosdin. Make your case. The entire validity of a Hall of Fame doesn’t rest on one name. These are hard choices.
February 23, 2017 @ 3:56 pm
I’m such a nerd for this kind of thing that this may be my favorite annual post of yours. To make the Hall Of Fame in your chosen profession is the ultimate honor one could ever achieve and the powers that be need to treat it with the utmost respect and thought.
February 27, 2017 @ 7:50 am
Thank You for Posting The Petition Link for Vern Gosdin. He was “The Voice” of Country Music. He Wrote or Co-Wrote most of his songs. Before Vern passed away he had a 40 Year Of “The Voice” Box Set. Wonderful Box Set.
April 27, 2021 @ 9:23 am
Dear Ginna Robbins.
As a traditional country and western Promoter since 1963 .”I emailed The Hall Of Fame ”
I was angry because for years I sent letters to the “The Hall Of Fame” asking them it’s time they Inducted
” The Voice ” Vern Gosdin ” instead of these up and coming artist ,I mentioned Garth Brooks whoes only been a country artist for a short time and Garth Brooks gets on stage swinging around on a line !smashing a new Guitar just to attract the fans,where as Vern went on stage put his heart and soul into every song ,like The great Gene Watson who had to wait . Well Done To all Verns Fans Including my self .R.I.P. Vern .At last you can sleep easy now “Vern”
February 23, 2017 @ 2:51 pm
Personally I’d love to see Cowboy Copas get in, but I also want to see Hank Jr., Tanya Tucker, etc. inducted while they’re still around. Maybe what needs to happen is a third category for “veteran” veterans, those who came to prominence, let’s say, 60+ years ago. That way we can get people like Cowboy Copas, Moon Mullican, the Stanley Brothers, the Maddox Brothers and Rose, maybe some of the old-time string band people like Gid Tanner or Charlie Poole, but without denying a living artist the chance to be honored. Basically artists who should have been inducted decades ago, but the field was just too crowded and eventually the Hall moved on to honoring another era.
February 23, 2017 @ 3:50 pm
Is there a category that someone like Nudie Cohn could be inducted?
February 23, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
Possibly. The “non-performer” category which rotates in every three years is for people who has a significant impact on the music, but didn’t actually play. This is usually reserved for label executives, but in my opinion it should also be opened up to people like Nudie, DJ’s, journalists, or whomever helped shape the music.
February 23, 2017 @ 3:52 pm
I think they could make some progress in the backlog without having a superclass like they did back 15-20 years ago. Just have a couple of years with 2 Veteran nominees or alternate and have a year with 2 Vets then a year with 2 Moderns.
Exclusivity can be a good thing but it can also be a bad thing that denies the deserving for no legitimate reason.
February 23, 2017 @ 4:14 pm
Dwight is way over due. Hank Jr. too. Coe will never get in. I would be so happy to see Gram in there. So important to many of us but still unknown by the average country music fan. Fuck Brad Paisley… sorry, that just came out.
February 23, 2017 @ 4:41 pm
I’m pretty sure that Felice and Boudleaux Bryant were inducted in 1991. I might be mistaken, but I don’t think so. I’d also like to know what the thoughts are on Eddie Rabbitt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ever making it in? I love them both so I’m rotting for them to be inducted at some point, but I never see either of them mentioned on any website prediction lists. Rooting for Alan!
February 23, 2017 @ 4:57 pm
You’re totally right about the Bryant’s Aaron. Oversight on my part.
Eddie Rabbit is an interesting one. He was sort of a polarizing artist when he was popular because some thought he was too pop. Then when he died so young, his name has sort of slipped out of view. “I Love A Rainy Night” was the very first 45 record I had when I was very young that wasn’t Disney or some nursery rhyme, and I thought it was the most amazing thing I ever heard.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band you have to think will start to get some consideration in the future since they had such a big impact on the music in their time. I try to include anyone who I think or others think has a serious shot in a given year, and you don’t hear their name. But who knows who the secret committee is considering?
February 23, 2017 @ 9:34 pm
As a side note (or question), do you have anything planned on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band since this is their 50th year together?
I too would like to see them considered for the HOF one day. Their work on the Will the Circle be Unbroken albums alone should garner them some consideration, let alone the rest of their career.
Just out of curiosity, what happens when a group is inducted but the members have changed over the years? How is it determined which members will be considered Hall of Famers?
February 23, 2017 @ 5:45 pm
Eddie Rabbitt certainly had enough commercial success to be in the consideration but as Trigger said he was thought as one of the poppiest of the pop country acts of the 1980s which probably has hurt his legacy. It’s a shame because he was a really talented guy who wrote ‘Kentucky Rain’ for Elvis Presley before his recording career really took off. I would say his first three top ten hits in 1976 and 1977 show what kind of music he could have made if hadn’t veered to the poppy side. ‘Drinkin’ My Baby Off My Mind’, ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ and ‘Two Dollars In The Jukebox’ are great country songs.
Really like ‘Rocky Mountain Music’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hut3MsZk93E
February 23, 2017 @ 5:11 pm
What about Bob McDill? I would think his resume is Hall worthy.
February 23, 2017 @ 5:13 pm
What about Slim Whitman? He was the first to take country music overseas and sell millions of records? For songwriter, how about Gary Gentry.? He has written many famous and great songs.
February 24, 2017 @ 7:17 am
And the fact that Indian Love Call in all its yodeling glory actually melted the martian brains in Mars Attacks! That’s right kids, SlI’m Whitman saved the earth!
February 23, 2017 @ 5:16 pm
JACK GREENE!!!
March 4, 2017 @ 2:15 pm
Jack is long overdue due to be inducted. I know that I am not the only one who feels that way.
February 23, 2017 @ 5:25 pm
Wow. So many deserving names, it’s mind boggling.
How is that entire Class of ’89 not already in?
How is Hank Jr not already in?
How is Jerry Reed not already in?
How is MARTY STUART not already in?
HOW IS DOTTIE WEST NOT ALREADY IN?
I can see a day when many of these folks and others just as deserving are still not in and they’re letting in the bro country acts. That will be a sad day, but it’s coming.
February 23, 2017 @ 5:42 pm
My hope is that there are so many amazing artists still to go in, that when they run out of those names they will just be able to skip over the bro-country era and induct the singers that come after the bros.
February 23, 2017 @ 6:25 pm
Who did Stonewall Jackson tick off? He should have been in there a long time ago.
February 23, 2017 @ 7:01 pm
When do you think Keith Whitley will be in the Hall of Fame. I certainly feel he deserves to be in. He is still having an impact on country singers and his talent is pretty much unmatched.
February 23, 2017 @ 7:30 pm
Charlie Rich is another big oversight.
February 23, 2017 @ 7:43 pm
Sorry. I didn’t mean to reply to you with the Charlie Rich comment. But I think the reason Keith Whitley isn’t in yet is because of how his career looks on paper vs. some of his contemporaries. He simply didn’t have as many hits, awards, sold-out tours, etc. He probably would have, but you can’t base it on what might have been. He definitely deserves to be in, but I think it will take a major PR push by some of the others listed in this article under Modern Era and inductees like Garth and Vince Gill acknowledging his influence on them, as well as younger artists. My prediction on when it happens? 2019, if it happens at all. That will be the 30th anniversary of his death and I’m sure they could organize a hell of a tribute concert to make the Hall take notice.
February 26, 2017 @ 11:10 am
Plus since Keith Whitley’s career started at the same time as Ricky Skaggs did when they were both teenagers and played in Ralph Stanley’s band it doesn’t seem to make much sense he be inducted before Ricky. As good as Keith was he never lived long enough to have a career that even remotely matched Ricky’s. Don’t get me wrong, I think they both deserve to be honored but Ricky Skaggs must get in first.
February 25, 2017 @ 11:20 pm
Tom, Stonewall may have made some enemies in high places when he sued the Opry for age discrimination a few years back. I, too, love Stonewall Jackson. As great a Country singer as Stonewall Jackson is, and as right as his suing for age discrimination was, I doubt it went unnoticed by the powers that be.
February 26, 2017 @ 10:25 am
I knew their was something, but couldn’t remember what it was. That’s a shame. Great songwriter too. His songs are still being sung and recorded today.
February 23, 2017 @ 8:23 pm
I appreciate seeing the way the history of country and bluegrass are intertwined. Names like Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley and the Stanley Brothers, Larry Cordle, and Ricky Skaggs (who played with Keith Whitely in their own band before joining the Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys) all having some major significance within bluegrass. Not to mention, Alison Krauss – who’s won a few CMAs – having a #3 hit with Whitely’s “When you Say Nothing At All” and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album.
I understand the rationale and appreciate the efforts behind Alan Jackson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bocephus, Marty Stuart, Jerry Reed and others. But, being a huge fan, I’m hoping Ricky Skaggs gets the call.
February 24, 2017 @ 2:55 am
I know this is naive, but it would be nice to think that Keith Whitley would get in simply because of the quality of his music.
February 24, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
To be clear, I wasn’t trying to take anything away from Keith Whitely. I’m not sure if you took it that way, but that definitely wasn’t my intent. I was just trying to point out the contentedness of bluegrass music in the history of country, especially as evidenced in some of the artists mentioned above, which includes Whitely to a certain degree.
February 23, 2017 @ 8:51 pm
The two I’d like to see don’t have the resume on paper, but as far as pure ability to sing a country song I’d put them up against anyone except for Jones.
Vern
Whitley
February 24, 2017 @ 12:48 pm
Big Red, I replied to this but somehow my reply got posted at the bottom of the comments section. Hope you can find it there. If this ends up in the same place, I give up.
February 23, 2017 @ 8:53 pm
First of all we must remember this is a “Hall of Fame”. Only the best go in. The CMHF is respected because it remains exclusive. If every artist, industry executive and person associated with Country Music was included, how would it be a special honor? While I do have a list of artists I think should already be inshrined, I still think it’s the most respected Hall of Fame around. Let’s face it, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is laughed at for some people included in it. This is not the case with the CMHF.
My biggest issue is the fact they need a posthumous category. In the last 16 years only Floyd Cramer, Pop Stoneman, DeFord Bailey, Lew DeWitt (Statler Brothers), Hank Cochran and Grady Martin have gone in posthumously. And all but DeWitt were in the newer rotating categories. Deceased artists in the Modern and Veterans categories are being outvoted simply to get the living people elected before they pass away. There is no excuse that Dottie West and Jerry Reed are not members. They had Hall of Fame careers. Keith Whitley is the Patsy Cline of his generation. Short but legendary career. He should be going in right now. He’s so. A good case can be made for earlier artists such as Archie Campbell, The Wilburn Brothers, Cowboy Copas, Johnnie & Jack, Wynn Stewart, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Vern Gosdin, Stringbean and Jimmy C. Newman. But I think the biggest exclusion from bygone days is Bradley Kincaid. He was the biggest country star in America at one point. Member of both the WLS National Barn Dance and Grand Ole Opry. He influenced everyone from Acuff to Monroe to Mac Wiseman and literally named Grandpa Jones. He is the prime example that a historical committee needs to be appointed to help enshrine these early near forgotten artists.
My predictions are usually based on who’s the busiest around town. While Stonewall Jackson, should be on the ballot, as the last great living Honky Tonker, I will say sadly it’s doubtful. For the Veterans ballot I’m guessing the five are- Crystal Gayle, Gene Watson, Ray Stevens, Hank, Jr. and Jerry Lee Lewis. I see Crystal or Stevens going in.
The Modern Ballot; Ricky Skaggs, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart and Tanya Tucker. This one is too close for me to call.
Songwriter – Nashville loved Johnny Russell. Everyone wants him in. His songwriting career was stronger than his recording career and I Believe this will be the Avenue it will happen. “In A mansion stands my love”, “Act Naturally”, “Let’s Fall to Pieces Together”, “You’ll Be Back Every night In my Dreams,” “Ain’t you Even Gonna Cry”, “Hurt her Once For me”, “Making Plans”, and “Got No Reason Now For Going Home”. Let’s Face it- he’s got the catalog. If not this year, it will happen.
As far as Gram Parsons, David Allen Coe, John Hartford, The Glasers— with us still talking about Jerry Reed, Dottie West and Hank, Jr. going in; it’s not happening for those guys.
February 23, 2017 @ 8:59 pm
THESE RULES ARE STUPID GENE WATSON SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN A LONG TIME AGO I THINK HE IS MORE QUALIFIED THAN SOME OF THE OTHERS HE IS SURE MORE QUALIFIED THAN DWIGHT YOKAM.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
Seems to me that the Hall of Fame has overlooked many great performers over the years. Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, Dottie West, Johnny Horton, Wynn Stewart, The Wilburn Brothers, Red Sovine, or Molly O’Day could be considered for the pioneer category. For that matter, why have they not considered Jeannie C Riley, Tanya Tucker, Freddie Hart, or even Bob Luman? If the Hall of Fame is to honor those who made, and left a true mark in Country music, we need to focus on the ones who’ve been forgotten with time. Skeeter Davis or Joe Maphis are also long overlooked. In the “modern” era, what’s wrong with Tanya Tucker or Lorrie Morgan? How about Vern Gosdin or Alan Jackson? If you want songwriters, where is the mention of Betty Amos, Redd Stewart, or Dave Kirby? I’d like to be on that board and see what these people truly look for. Too many real pioneers being forgotten in the waves of time. If the board doesn’t know true country music, how will it ever understand the mark that people like Goldie Hill or Stringbean had on the industry? If they don’t know it’s past, how will they preserve it? Mention Texas Ruby today and nobody knows. Mention Rose Lee Maphis and they might know since she works at the Hall. How about the very FIRST star of the Grand Ole Opry? Fiddlin Jimmy Thompson? Okay, enough said………….but, they need to finish honoring the true pioneers before worrying about those who’ve not spent a lifetime honoring the music.
March 16, 2017 @ 10:01 am
If you want to talk about HONOR,what about MR. CURLY PUTMAN. He contributed hit after hit. GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME is the second most recorded song in music history. He wrote or co-wrote many number one hits. And he also helped Dolly Parton and TG Shepard into their fame. He and Bobby Braddock helped put George Jones career back to number one status with HE STOPPED LOVING HER TO DAY. Mr Putman also helped many other songwriters with their careers. But being the humble man he was,he never bragged about any of his accomplishments. He should have been in years ago,when he could have accepted the honor he so long deserved. Just sayiny.
March 22, 2017 @ 6:06 pm
TJ Shepard is not in Hall of Fame. Jean Shepard inducted in 2011.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:27 pm
I my opinion John Denver is the most deserving and most respected of any of the above mentioned artists. It was John that made it O.K. to like country music in the late 60s and early 70s for most of my generation. You might say he was a bridge between rock and roll and country. If not for John I probably wouldn’t have listened to Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Dotty West, all that I have grown to love and admire. Not only were his songs and voice refreshing, they were timely and memorable. Who doesn’t remember the words to ” Down country Roads”? He was one of the best song writers of all time and a voice that all could love and appreciate. But most of all he was a wonderful human being that cared about his fellow man and their environment. Many country greats have passed and are now playing and singing in their place of rest. I know John is playing and singing with them. He deserves a place in the country music Hall of Fame.
February 23, 2017 @ 9:45 pm
I’m a big Alan Jackson fan and I think he should already be in, but I’m a bigger Dwight Yoakam fan, so I’d love to see him get in soon. I wonder how the fact that he’s never really been involved in the Nashville ‘scene’ will impact how long it might take for him to get inducted (because I think it will happen eventually).
February 23, 2017 @ 10:02 pm
I would love to see Claude Gray inducted while he’s still among us. He is 85 years old and still touring. He had a string of hit records like “I’ll Have Another Cup Of Coffee”, “Family Bible”, “I Never Had The One That I Wanted”, “If I Ever Need A Lady”, and “I Never Had The One I Wanted”
February 23, 2017 @ 10:35 pm
Here’ my wish list of five choices in order 1) Crystal Gayle, 2) Alan Jackson, 3) Ricky Scaggs, 4) Tanya Tucker, 5) Dottie West
February 24, 2017 @ 1:09 am
Billy Joe Shaver. There most likely wouldn’t have been an “Outlaw” movement without one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
February 24, 2017 @ 3:04 am
Another naive comment: During a road trip two weeks ago I listened for the 1,000th time to Gram Parsons’ two solo albums. If the stunning originality and soulfulness of those albums isn’t enough to get you in, certainly his incredible influence should be. Discovering Emmylou Harris alone is a significant contribution on that score, not to mention (as mentioned above) the millions of rock fans he introduced to country. If there’s a petition drive to put GP in the HOF, I’ll sign it, at least twice.
February 24, 2017 @ 7:44 am
I enjoy The Flying Burritos as well as the next guy and I get what you are saying. Gram fans are always passionate for sure, sometimes overwhelmingly so. And had he lived it’s intriguing to wonder what he would have gone on to do. That said…..he did have a rather short career with no actual country chart hits to speak of and as already mentioned there is a huge list of country music legends who are left out. I cannot imagine Gram passing them up and getting in . In a just world , perhaps the early seventies country rock folks would get their just due, Eagles, Poco, Byrds, Gram etc. I feel you though.
February 24, 2017 @ 8:21 am
Kevin, your points are well taken, which is why I acknowledged my comment was naive. Note that I singled out Gram’s two solo albums; the Burritos had some high spots but were too ragged to qualify as great, imo. Gram definitely did not have longevity on his side (given his drug and alcohol problems, that he managed to pull off those two wonderful solo albums is something of a miracle.) and there’s no doubt many other legendary artists stand in the HOF line before him. Still, for originality and influence (two qualities that are more important than chart success, imo), GP deserves recognition — not above those other artists, but with them.
February 26, 2017 @ 11:26 am
There are at least 2 petitions that I have signed to induct Gram into the CMHOF Doug. Google it and I’m sure you will find them or just go to YouTube and start listening to some of his music. It wont take long to find a link to sign a petition in some fans upload of Grams music. He absolutely deserves to be included in the Hall. Not only did his songs show his love of Country music but he was very vocal in interviews that getting his generation interested in the genre is what he was all about. Induct Gram Parsons Now !!
March 6, 2017 @ 9:29 am
Dan, You may well know about this, but I just became aware of the Gram Parsons Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/GramParsons/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf ), which links to the website of Cosmic American Productions, which in turn has petition info and tons of info. Looks like a good site. https://graminternational.wordpress.com
March 11, 2017 @ 12:25 pm
I believe it was Chris Hillman who took Parsons to see Emmylou. Hillman is one of the great unsung heroes of the music.
February 24, 2017 @ 4:43 am
George Hamilton 1V should most certainly be considered. “The International Ambassador of Country Music” as he was known did more to bring country music to people outwith the USA than anyone. He toured and performed all over including the Soviet Union, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and just about every country in Europe. He was also a member of the Opry for over 50 years. Above everything, he was a gentleman- a proud supporter and custodian of real country music.
February 24, 2017 @ 7:34 am
Last time Trigger started this discussion in his article about the possibility of Coe getting in and for that matter Hall of fame in general, Alan Lomax III chimed in and offered some info about the process and he seemed resolute that few performers are invited in. So I continue to do a head scratch on that. What’s the rationale, considering that legends are still left out each year… By the time some of these folks get the nod, they are already forgotton.
February 24, 2017 @ 10:43 am
The reason I bring up Coe and Paycheck every year in regards to the Hall of Fame is because otherwise the entire comments section will fillup with folks saying “THE HALL OF FAME IS IRRELEVANT UNTIL THE PUT COE IN THERE, AND YOUR WEBSITE SUCKS UNLESS YOU HARD CUSS THE HOF FOR NOT ACCEPTING COE!” So I broach the subject each year to explain why it’s likely not to happen, at least not in the near future. Same with Gram Parsons. I don’t nominate the candidates. I just offer names up for discussion.
February 24, 2017 @ 11:16 am
I agree with many of these peoples thoughts on artists who should.ve probably been in the HOF a long time ago.Maybe its politics, or the powers that be just dont want certain folks to get that recognition, eg: Dottie West, Jack Green, and others, but by leaving these people out of the HOF, makes me not even want to visit the HOF anymore. I am an educated country music lover, but I am very turned off by this Relax the rules people or I probably wont visit the place ever again.. Dennis Williams Toledo,Ohio
February 24, 2017 @ 12:45 pm
Oh, no, I didn’t think you were dissing Keith Whitely at all. My reaction was more about a regret that this HOF stuff takes so many things besides the quality of the music into account in its deliberations. Is that by necessity? I’m not sure and I’m not informed enough to make that judgment — I’m sure the decisions get complicated. I just love Keith Whitely’s music — nothing more complicated than that.
February 25, 2017 @ 11:16 pm
I agree. The primary consideration should be for the Quality of an artist’s body of work. I highly doubt Hank Williams, Sr., would have gotten in by today’s standards.
February 24, 2017 @ 3:52 pm
I can’t narrow it down to one each. My predictions:
Modern Era: Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, or Dwight Yoakam
Veteran Era: Tanya Tucker, Ray Stevens, or Dottie West
Songwriter: Johnny Russell or Dallas Frazier
February 24, 2017 @ 7:27 pm
I have read and re-read many of these posts, and one thing Ive learned from reading this is that many old timers, many of which are no longer here, are not in the HOF. But many of these mentioned people were once adored and important in the Country Music community, and now seem to be forgotten. Maybe the HOF is a little too strict!. Bottom line for me, why should they wait until someone is gone so long, such as Dottie West, and STILL not be in The hall of fame. I think its embarrassing. BTW, Im a 41 year veteran dj in Ohio, so I understand a lot of these peoples thoughts.
February 25, 2017 @ 1:34 pm
Jack Greene is another one who should be in the hall Of Fame.
February 25, 2017 @ 7:25 pm
I’m still waiting for them to induct Bradley Kincaid. With the election of Pop Stoneman to the Hall Of Fame in 2008, Kincaid is pretty much the only pioneer from the first decade of commercial Country music not to be inducted.
March 13, 2017 @ 1:49 pm
So I am but sadly even the HOF seems has forgotten the pioneers like Kincaid, Lulu Belle and Scotty, etc. And how can they possibly have not elected Johnny Horton – a short career but a hugely influential one and super big when he was around – one of the few country stars to top the pop chart with a genuinely country song.
February 26, 2017 @ 7:23 am
I’m not a country fan, but stumbled across this article and found it intriguing. I have a question: How is the nomination/induction process of the Country Music Hall of Fame financed? (Not the upkeep of the actual Museum facility). I know the CMA is in charge. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame clearly leverages their induction process and ceremony as a moneymaker, but the process for country seems much more quiet and true to the mission of honoring legacies without commercializing it, at least from an outsider perspective.
February 26, 2017 @ 8:25 am
The Hall of Fame is a private, non-profit, and is primarily financed through donations. Taylor Swift famously made a $4 million donation the Hall of Fame in 2012 for example, and they also hold “All for the Hall” concerts that raise funds each year. The Hall of Fame and Museum actually owns the building, but from what I understand the CMA leases the rotunda from the Hall where the actual placards are.
One problem right now for the Hall of Fame is that nobody cares about the nomination process, or very few do. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is almost universally hated, but when the nominations and recipients come out each year, it is massive news nationally and internationally. The Country Hall of Fame needs to figure out how to engage the public better with their process. It is their best tool for promotion, and they’re not using it.
March 1, 2017 @ 1:09 pm
Thank you. I wondered why the story doesn’t get more play in the press, but I respect that the CMHOF seems to want to maintain a sense of dignity and tradition about the process.
February 28, 2017 @ 7:11 am
Alan Jackson, Dottie West and Jimmy Webb would be three excellent choices. The list of songwriters are amazing. I think Alan has been a great ambassador for country music without ruffling too many feathers.
March 3, 2017 @ 7:18 pm
Why isn’t John Denver being considered
March 4, 2017 @ 2:09 pm
I do not understand why Jack Greene and Wynn Stewart get more mention in the Veterans Category.
The Modern category, I would like to see Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson or Keith Whitley. People can say that Keith’s career was to short. Hank Williams and Patsy Cline did not have long careers and they have both been in for years. I think that the top candidate for the Songwriter category is Dallas Frazier. I would like to see Justin Tubb and Johnny Russell both considered in songwriter category as well.
March 4, 2017 @ 8:03 pm
I would like to see Martina McBride in there. Hank Jr needs to be in there as does Dean Dillon
March 9, 2017 @ 4:36 am
I thinks it’s insane that so many younger artists are considered before veteran artists who’ve had just as impressive career in country music. Folks like Jerry Lee Lewis and Dottie West should already be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Especially, aging, artists like Jerry Lee Lewis who are still living, and will certainly be inducted at some point, should be inducted sooner, rather than later. Give them the honor while they’re still alive to accept and enjoy it. It kills me to see people getting awards and being honored after they die, when they should’ve been awarded and honored while they were alive so fans could see them proudly accept the honor themselves…and enjoy it.
March 10, 2017 @ 3:16 pm
Wilburn Brothers had 3 things going for them….Publishing company, songwriters, talent agency, booking company and LORETTA LYNN !!!! They need to be in the HALL OF FAME
March 13, 2017 @ 1:46 pm
They had more than that – they were arguably the biggest male duet in country music history before Brooks and Dunn (even above the great Louvin Brothers who largely got in due to Emmylou Harris’ pull. Their induction was most certainly deserved – but the same goes for the Wilburns.
March 13, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
Lynn Anderson may be the biggest star to not be in the HOF with almost 50 top 40 hits. There’s about a dozen of her contemporaries (both men and women) who are in who haven’t had near that number.
Sadly, now that she’s deceased she has a lesser chance as they seem to put in very few posthumously in the last decade or so. Would also love to see Dottie West and Skeeter Davis get in by as time goes in it seems less likely given the fact that the HOF puts in a low percentage of women and I believe the only deceased ones to be inducted were Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette.
The most obvious choice for Songwriter IMO is Curly Putnam but with his recent death that ends his eligibility this go round. There really needs to be a “Deceased” category at least every other year to catch up on all the giants they have missed.
March 13, 2017 @ 1:50 pm
Lynn Anderson is the most overlooked female of all. She deserves to the there.
March 13, 2017 @ 2:00 pm
Predictions:
Modern Era – Alan Jackson or Brooks & Dunn. Latterday Nashville loves them.
Veteran – I think they might “allow” a woman this time since it’s been a couple years so I think it might be Crystal Gayle or Tanya Tucker with Crystal possibly having the edge for recently joining the Opry.
Songwriter – Dean Dillon because he’s fairly recent and I don’t think even the HOF panel are that familiar with the older songwriters.
My choices:
Modern Era – Dwight Yoakam
Veteran – Lynn Anderson
Songwriter – Jim Webb ( would have been Curly Putnam though)
The HOF really needs to get off it’s ass and put in another sixteen like they did over a decade ago. Freddie Hart, Stonewall Jackson, and Jerry Lee Lewis are quite up there in years and can’t wait forever.
March 22, 2017 @ 7:44 pm
Any rumours as to when they will announce the 2017 inductees?
March 22, 2017 @ 8:13 pm
I’m hearing April 5th, but haven’t seen anything official just yet.
March 23, 2017 @ 7:15 pm
Could you please explain why Slim Whitman and George Hamilton 1V have not been inducted into The Hall Of Fame, surely both of their careers fit the criteria required!?
March 24, 2017 @ 2:05 am
I’m 54 and I would love to know how many people close to my age started listening to country because of Hank Jr.. I just started high school when Family Tradition came out. Remember disco was still going, and pop music had became so vanilla, guys my age had nothing. He was only 29, which was pretty young for country artist back then, so he was considered “cool”. When you saw his concerts, it was an experience. My first one I saw, a quarter of the place walked out, because it was to loud and to rock for the bluehairs.
I always had a problem with the HOF that it took so long to put Waylon in, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
March 30, 2017 @ 9:30 pm
PLEASE PLEASE Vote in Dwight Yoakam
April 2, 2017 @ 3:04 am
Shel Silverstein ought to be this year’s songwriter.
Both Doc Watson and Ralph Stanley received the National Medal of Arts and yet neither is in the Hall of Fame. Am I missing something?
April 3, 2017 @ 7:52 am
Heeeeey what about the greatest singer songwriter ever Earl Thomas Conley……….
May 27, 2017 @ 9:59 am
Why is Anne Murray not even mentioned, over the years the majority of inductees have been male, many are way younger than some female artist who have been continually passed over. Anne Murray has won three CMA
Awards, and has had many number one hit country songs yet she is not yet in the CMHOF, she certainly meets the requirements to be inducted as well as many other female country Artists just to name a few, Tayna Tucker,
Crystal Gayle, Shania Twain, Linda Rhondstat etc. one year the CMA actually inducted 12 men so please isn’t it time someone who can help look into the blatant discrimination against female country artist. These ladies and many others belong in the CMHOF yet they are ignored year after year.
I can’t think of Anne Murray without hearing “could I have this dance” which is still the song played at many weddings today, and Crystal Gayles ” don’t it make my brown eyes blue” please can’t someone help?
September 30, 2018 @ 1:32 pm
I think its a disgrace on your part not to have inducted the great Slim Whitman who had a 60 year career and performed many times at The grand old oprey,he was a star long before many already elected ,you have been asked many times by The Slim Whitman appreciation society here in the UK but you never offer an explanation .To me this is a great injustice,I have been a country music fan for 60 years ,I visited The hall of fame Sept 2018 and studied the walls of brass plaques of the inductees ,many I had never heard of ,others had mediocre success ,certainly not Slim’s 60 year career with so many hits, Slim was truly one of the greats.
December 10, 2018 @ 9:30 pm
The CW HOF will only be complete when Doc Watson is inducted.