On Tuesday morning (March 27), the Country Music Association made a huge announcement – they revealed the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Every year, the Hall of Fame inducts three artists from three different categories: Recording and/or Touring Musician active prior to 1980, Veterans Era, who is eligible for induction 40 years after first achieving national prominence, and Modern Era, who is eligible 20 years after reaching national prominence.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were welcomed on stage to announce the newest class of inductees. They began by announcing the Recording and/or Touring Musician inductee by describing his life and career.
“It is my pleasure to announce the Recording and/or Touring Musician inductee, Mr. Johnny Gimble,” Brooks said as he took off his hat in respect.
Gimble’s children were there on his behalf, since he passed away in 2015, to say a few words and perform a song.
Next, they revealed who the Veteran’s Era Artist inductee. After describing her legendary career, they announced Dottie West’s name. As Garth described her early years, he started getting choked up when saying that she was the very first female country singer to win a Grammy, and once again, Brooks took off his cowboy hat in respect.
Her son Kerry and good friend Jeannie Seely said a few words on her behalf, with Kerry getting choked up thanking the Hall of Fame for recognizing his mother’s work.
Finally, they announced the Modern Era Artist inductee, Ricky Skaggs, who was present to say a few words himself.
After hearing Yearwood and Brooks detail each of these three legendary musicians’ careers, you wonder why they weren’t inducted sooner! They all paved the way for future country artists and are perfect representations of what country music is.
Congratulations to Johnny Gimble, Dottie West, and Ricky Skaggs on this incredible achievement. The induction ceremony will take place later this year.
Do you agree with the Country Music Hall of Fame’s newest inductees? Let us know in the comments. Watch the announcement below.