A list of the members of the Country Music Hall of Fame in order of the year of induction, with the information as presented on their plaques displayed in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The years 1995 and forward are as yet incomplete.
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•1961•
JIMMIE RODGERS
Sept. 8, 1897-May 26, 1933
“The Singing Brakeman”
Jimmie Rodgers’ name stands foremost in the country music field as “the man who started it all.” His songs told the great stories of the singing rails, the powerful steam locomotives and the wonderful railroad people that he loved so well. Although small in stature, he was a giant among men, starting a trend in the musical taste of millions.
FRED ROSE
Aug. 24, 1897-Dec. 1, 1954
Songwriter, music publisher
Fred Rose was always ready to lend a helping hand to a young artist or a new songwriter. His guidance helped many to stardom. The songs he wrote show the touch of simplicity and genius and remain with us even today, proving him to be one of America's truly great composers.
HANK WILLIAMS
Sept. 17, 1923-Jan. 1, 1953
Performing artist, songwriter
Hank Williams will live on in the memories of millions of Americans. The simple, beautiful melodies and straightforward, plaintive stories in his lyrics, of life as he knew it, will never die. His songs appealed not only to the country music field, but brought him great acclaim in the “pop” music world as well.
•1962•
ROY ACUFF
Sept. 14, 1903-Nov. 23, 1992
“The Smokey Mountain Boy”
Acuff fiddled and sang his way into the hearts of millions the world over, often times bridging country music to areas where it had never been before. The “King of Country Music” carried his troupe of performers overseas to entertain his country’s armed forces at Christmas for more than 20 years. Many successful artists credit their success to a helping hand and encouraging word from Roy Acuff.
•1964•
TEX RITTER
Jan. 11, 1907-Jan. 2, 1974
Radio and motion picture star
Born in Panola County, Texas, Tex Ritter was an alumnus of the University of Texas. He was one of America’s most illustrious and versatile stars of radio, television, records, motion pictures and Broadway stage. He was an untiring pioneer and champion of the country and western industry. His devotion to God, his family and his country was an inspiration to his countless friends throughout the world.
•1965•
ERNEST TUBB
Feb. 9, 1914-Sept. 6, 1984
“The Texas Troubadour”
This man with a distinctive voice and style became a giant among the early performers of country and western music and whose career has never diminished with the succeeding years. To his millions of fans, he has become a legend. Their love is boundless. To the fledgling artist, songwriter, or friend, his hand and his help have always been extended. Their gratitude is universal.
•1966•
EDDY ARNOLD
May 15, 1918-
“The Singing Plowboy”
Born near Henderson, Tenn., Eddy Arnold first gained widespread recognition in 1946. After a humble beginning, he rose to great heights as a performer and as a recording artist selling millions of records. He has been a powerful influence in setting musical tastes. His singing, warm personality and infectious laugh have endeared Eddy to friends and fans everywhere.
JAMES R. DENNY
Feb. 28, 1911-Aug. 27, 1963
Publisher, manager
Jim Denny was a vital person behind the scenes in country music for many years. Being a leader in the publishing, management and broadcasting fields, he served to promote, protect and encourage some of the most important artists in the industry. His contribution to country music is widely recognized and his untimely death was a tragic loss to all.
GEORGE D. HAY
Nov. 9, 1895-May 8, 1968
“The Solemn Ole Judge”
A Memphis newspaperman turned radio announcer, George D. Hay carried his love of country music to radio first in Chicago and then in Nashville as the man who originated the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared as master of ceremonies for nearly 30 years on the Opry until his retirement and was instrumental in furthering the careers of hundreds of performers.
•1967•
UNCLE DAVE MACON
Oct. 7, 1870-Mar. 22, 1952
“The Dixie Dewdrop”
From Smart Station, Tenn., Macon’s delightful sense of humor and sterling character endeared him to millions. A professional performer on the Grand Ole Opry for 26 years, he was a “minstrel of the countryside” prior to that. He was a country man who loved humanity and enjoyed helping others. A proficient banjoist, he was a singer of old-time ballads and was, during his time, the most popular country music artist in America.
RED FOLEY
June 17, 1910- Sept. 19, 1968
Performing artist, television
personality
Star of the National Barn Dance, Grand Ole Opry and Ozark Jubilee, Foley was one of the most versatile performers of all time. He could make you pop your fingers to Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy, choke back a tear with Old Shep or look to your God with Peace In The Valley. He was a giant influence during the formative years of contemporary country music and a timeless legend.
J.L. (JOE) FRANK
Apr. 15, 1900-May 4, 1952
Pioneer country promoter
His method of combining broadcasting and personal appearances moved country entertainers from rural schoolhouses into city auditoriums and coliseums. He inspired and developed the careers of Roy Acuff, Gene Autry, Eddy Arnold, Pee Wee King, Minnie Pearl, Ernest Tubb and many more. This unselfish, compassionate man was one of the industry’s most loved members.
JIM REEVES
Aug. 20, 1924-July 31, 1964
Recording artist, performer
The velvet style of Gentleman Jim Reeves was an international influence. His rich voice brought millions of new fans to country music from every corner of the world. Although the crash of his private airplane in 1964 took his life, posterity will keep his name alive because it will remember him as one of country music’s important performers.
STEPHEN SHOLES
Feb. 12, 1911-Apr. 22, 1968
Record company executive
Sholes had giant influence toward making country music an integral part of cultural America. With great foresight, he established the first permanent residence of a major recording company in Nashville. He discovered many recording stars including Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins and Jim Reeves. He served as chairman of the CMA board, was a graduate of Rutgers University, honorary citizen of Nashville and a gentle man.
•1968•
BOB WILLS
Mar. 6, 1905-May 13, 1975
Instrumentalist, performer
Grandson and son of champion fiddlers, he quickly established himself as King of Western Swing. His famous trademark was “Ahh-Ha, take it away Leon.” He entered radio with the Light Crust Doughboys in 1929 and formed the Texas Playboys in the 1930s. He wrote and recorded San Antonio Rose and appeared in 26 Hollywood pictures. Wills was a legend whose road map has charted new pathways into the world of American stage, radio, TV, records and movies.
•1969•
GENE AUTRY
Sept. 29, 1907-
Actor, writer, performer
America’s great singing cowboy paved the way for others with his western songs on radio and in the movies, where he set box office records. He was among the first country and western performers to win worldwide acclaim. Born a cowboy, he overcame every adversity to move to the top of his field, always lending dignity to the industry. Best known as an artist and actor, he is also an accomplished writer.
•1970•
BILL MONROE
Sept. 13, 1911-
Father of Bluegrass
Bill Monroe developed and perfected the bluegrass music form and taught it to many great names in the industry. Even-tempered and a possessor of spiritual values, this direct descendant of the fifth President of the United States is a composer and recording artist. He helped stimulate interest in this form of down-to-earth music in colleges long after its initial popularity.
ORIGINAL CARTER FAMILY
A.P. Carter, Dec. 15, 1891-Nov. 1960; Maybelle Carter, May 10, 1909-Oct. 23, 1978; Sara Carter, July 21, 1899-Jan. 8, 1979
A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and sister-in-law, Maybelle, played in one of the first commercial recording sessions at Bristol, Tenn. For two decades, they performed as an unbeatable team. Their songs became country standards, and some of A.P.’s original compositions are among the all-time greats. They are regarded by many as the epitome of country greatness and originators of a much copied style.
•1971•
ARTHUR EDWARD SATHERLEY
Oct. 19, 1889-Feb. 10, 1986
“Uncle Art”
Born in Bristol, England, Satherly was steeped in the traditions of Anglo-Celtic folk art. His early work with Thomas A. Edison qualified him as an expert in the fledgling American recording industry. As a talent scout, he produced such great artists as Gene Autry, Bob Wills, Roy Acuff and Molly O’Day. Satherly was a pioneer record man, contributing greatly to the worldwide growth of country music.
•1972•
JIMMIE H. DAVIS
Sept. 11- 1902-
Performing artist, songwriter,
public servant
From his roots in rural Louisiana, he gained an early love for “the warm living songs of the cowboys and farmers and country folks.” He obtained his Masters degree from Louisiana State University and was twice elected Governor of Louisiana. He is best-known for You Are My Sunshine. His humility, deep-felt responsibility to his audience and winning ways with a song have brought much sunshine to gospel and country.
•1973•
CHET ATKINS
June 20, 1924-
Instrumentalist, producer, record executive
Born Chester Burton Atkins in Tennessee, he is the epitome of success. He rose from an Appalachian farm boy to international acclaim as a musician, composer, arranger, producer, executive and sportsman. Long hours with his guitar resulted in a distinctive style, much copied but unduplicated. A musician’s musician, a gentleman’s gentleman, his helping hand is ready to boost struggling unknowns and less fortunate. Teacher, innovator, humanitarian, this guitarist’s excellence stands a challenge for generations to come.
PATSY CLINE
Sept. 3, 1932-Mar. 5, 1963
Performing artist
Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Virginia, Patsy will live in country music annals as one of its outstanding vocalists. Tragically, her career was cut short in its prime when she was killed in a plane crash. Her heritage of recordings is testimony to her artistic capacity. Her biggest hit, I Fall To Pieces, has become a standard. Catapulted to fame by an Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout appearance in 1957, she joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960, a realization of a life-long ambition.
•1974•
OWEN BRADLEY
Oct. 21, 1915-
Producer, musician, record
executive
Renowned as a pianist and Nashville bandleader, revered as a music executive, he achieved national recognition in his roles as head of the Nashville office of Decca Records and producer for such artists as Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and Loretta Lynn. His honesty and integrity in business affairs secured the respect of his associates, and his influence encouraged the establishment of Nashville recording studios and spurred the development of the Music Row area.
FRANK “PEE WEE” KING
Feb. 18, 1914-
Musician, bandleader, writer
Hailing from Wisconsin, King is acclaimed for his recordings, movie appearances, radio and television performances. As a singer and co-writer he is recognized for Bonaparte’s Retreat, Slow Poke, Tennessee Waltz and others. He has won gold records, been successful as a music publisher, promoter and manager. He is applauded for his assistance to other artists who have become significant country music performers.
•1975•
MINNIE PEARL
Oct. 25, 1912-
Comedienne
Humor is the least recorded, but certainly one of the most important, aspects of live country music. No one exemplifies the values of pure country comedy more than Minnie Pearl. Born Sarah Ophelia Colley in Centerville, Tenn., she was educated at fashionable Ward-Belmont College. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1940. Her trademarks — the dimestore hat with the dangling price tag and shrill “How-dee! I’m just so proud to be here” — made her the first country humorist to be known and loved worldwide.
•1976•
PAUL COHEN
Nov. 10, 1908-Apr. 1, 1971
Record executive
Selling records and scouting talent in the Midwest and New York during his long association with Decca Records, Paul Cohen was the first to recognize the potential of Nashville as a recording center. The disc careers of Patsy Cline, Red Foley, Webb Pierce, Red Sovine, Ernest Tubb, Kitty Wells and others were the result of his vision; also producer Owen Bradley, who gratefully acknowledges that “Paul was my teacher.” He was president of the Country Music Association the year the Hall of Fame was dedicated.
KITTY WELLS
Aug. 30, 1919-
Recording artist
Born Muriel Deason in Nashville, her stage name was inspired by the folk song Kitty Wells. She began as a radio performer in 1936 and as a recording artist in 1949. In true country music tradition, her sincere vocal stylings convey the real feeling of the songs, be they happy or sad. Her million-seller, It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels, was the first of many award-winning hits resulting in her being acclaimed the “Queen of Country Music.”
•1977•
MERLE TRAVIS
Nov. 29, 1917-Oct. 20, 1983
Guitarist, songwriter
A man of seemingly limitless talent, Merle Travis of Rosewood, Ky., is known for his innovative guitar style, his distinctive singing, his songwriting, both humorous and serious, for acting and even his skill as a cartoonist. His varied talents gave him great popularity on radio, record, stage, film and television in a career of over 40 years, and he stands as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of American music.
•1978•
GRANDPA JONES
Oct. 20, 1913-
Instrumentalist, comedian
A Kentuckian who grew up in Ohio, Louis Marshall Jones apprenticed with Bradley Kincaid (where he was dubbed “Grandpa” at the age of 22) before embarking on a long career as one of the most versatile performers in the history of country music. He is a singer, songwriter, banjo and guitar player and superb comedian. Grandpa has held audiences spellbound for over four decades from the days of schoolhouses lighted by oil lamps to network television.
•1979•
HANK SNOW
May 9, 1914-
Artist, songwriter
Canada’s Hank Snow is one of country music’s most prominent and influential entertainers. His determined motivation and talent as a singer, songwriter and guitar player have earned him innumerable hits and awards. Career milestones for the Singing Ranger include joining RCA Victor in 1936, making him the longest-term artist on any label; holding Billboard’s number one chart position for 49 consecutive weeks for self-penned I’m Movin’ On; joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1950; and founding the Hank Snow Child Abuse Foundation.
HUBERT LONG
Dec. 3, 1923-Sept. 7, 1972
Talent agent
Hubert Long’s illustrious career began in a Texas dime store record department and culminated at the head of an international music empire. Long established Nashville’s first country talent agency and developed the careers of many super stars. Hubert Long International became a publishing/management/booking giant. One of the premier unifying forces in country music, Long was a founder of both the Country Music Association and Country Music Foundation. He was the first person to serve as both president and chairman of CMA.
•1980•
JOHNNY CASH
Feb. 26, 1932
Singer, performer, writer
Songwriter, historian, fighter of causes; friend to the deprived and troubled; friend of great men; a leader in the temporal world; and follower in the spiritual world, Johnny Cash is the total entertainer. An internationally famous performer, he carries his love for his country and for country music around the world. The Man in Black retains his roots in the soil as he grows in conscience and integrity. He is one of the world’s most beloved and honored stars.
CONNIE B. GAY
Aug. 22, 1914-Dec. 4, 1989
Broadcasting entrepreneur, advisor to five presidents
Connie B. Gay was born in Lizard Lick, N.C. His love for country music and business foresight made him a premier force in modern country music. His pioneer use of the term “country music” and registered trademark “Town and Country” were instrumental in bringing country music “uptown.” He served as founding president of the Country Music Association and President of the Country Music Foundation.
ORIGINAL SONS OF THE PIONEERS
Hugh Farr, Dec. 6, 1903-Mar. 17, 1980: Karl Farr, Apr. 29, 1909-Sept. 20, 1961; Bob Nolan, Apr. 1, 1908-June 15, 1980; Lloyd Perryman, Jan. 29, 1917-May 31, 1977; Roy Rogers, Nov. 5, 1911-; Tim Spencer, July 13, 1908-Apr. 26, 1974
The original Sons of the Pioneers invented western harmony, one of our most exciting and dignified musical styles, exemplified by their compositions, Cool Water and Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds. Founded in 1933, the group demonstrated their unique stylings in hundreds of films and records. Though the group continues today with new members, the original sextet is remembered and honored for their classic innovations.
•1981•
VERNON DALHART
Apr. 6, 1883-Sept. 14, 1948
Recording artist
Marion Try Slaughter, born in Jefferson, Texas, was the first popular singer to demonstrate the wide appeal and economic potential of country music. As Vernon Dalhart, he recorded country’s first million-seller, The Prisoner’s Song/The Wreck Of The Old 97, and other country hits including The Death Of Floyd Collins and Letter Edged In Black. During his 22-year career, he recorded under more than 100 names, with a repertoire ranging from country to light opera.
GRANT TURNER
May 17, 1912-Oct. 19, 1991
Radio announcer
Grant Turner, dean of Grand Ole Opry announcers since 1945, has been a familiar voice in radio for over half a century. Born in Abilene, Texas, he began his radio career there at age 16 at a station he helped build, and worked at various stations throughout the south before joining WSM Radio in Nashville in 1944. A protege of premier Opry announcer George D. Hay, Turner was among the first inductees into the Disc Jockey Hall of Fame.
•1982•
LEFTY FRIZZELL
Mar. 31, 1928-July 19, 1975
Artist, songwriter
Born in Corsicana, Texas, William Orville Frizzell grew up to become one of country music’s most legendary artist/songwriters. The innovative, unique singing style he introduced in 1950, coupled with his repertoire of classic compositions, have remained an important influence on the careers of major country performers for decades. A popular artist for more than 25 years, he achieved a feat unequalled in country music when four of his song simultaneously appeared in the national country charts’ top 10.
ROY HORTON
Nov. 5, 1914-
Publishing executive
A former coal miner from Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, Roy Horton was one of country music’s most versatile recording specialists before becoming a top music publishing executive with the Peer-Southern Organization. As a board chairman of the Country Music Association, he cut the ribbon opening the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967. He also served as president of the Country Music Foundation. His devoted service to the music industry has helped spread the popularity and influence of country music worldwide.
MARTY ROBBINS
Sept. 26, 1925-Dec. 8, 1982
Songwriter, artist
Marty Robbins is the quintessential entertainer, whose music has delighted audiences everywhere. His Arizona heritage greatly influenced the western ballads he was later to write and record, including El Paso which won Marty his first Grammy. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and was, throughout his life, one of its most popular members. He won a myriad of awards for recording, songwriting and performing. His career forever broadened the appeal of country music.
•1983•
LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS
Dec. 19, 1920-
Performer
Born in Bolt, W.Va., “Tater,” nicknamed by Hank Williams, began his entertainment career in radio. He joined the Opry in 1948. One of country music’s best entertainers, he was the first to take his show around the world. Jimmy is well-known for his humorous songs such as Take An Old Cold Tater And Wait and flamboyant costumes, having introduced Nudie suits to the country stage. Though he stands under five feet tall, Jimmy is a giant in the hearts of his fans.
•1984•
RALPH SYLVESTER PEER
May 22, 1892-Jan. 19, 1960
Record producer, talent scout, music publisher
Born in Kansas City, Mo., he joined Okeh Records in 1920. He cut historic record session with Fiddlin’ John Carson in 1923, resulting in the first commercial record in the country field. He joined Victor Talking Machine Company in 1927 and discovered Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family the same year. He formed Southern Music Publishing Company in 1928, the first major country publisher, now an international music conglomerate known as the Peer-Southern Organization.
FLOYD TILLMAN
Dec. 8, 1914-
Honky tonk songwriter,vocal
stylist, instrumentalist
Born in Oklahoma and reared in Texas, he paid his musical dues in the Texas honky-tonks, bars and roadhouses of the 1930s. He is renowned as the writer of hundreds of songs including It Makes No Difference Now, I Love You So Much It Hurts and the classic Slippin’ Around. He achieved equal success as a performer and by the late 1940s had developed a highly distinctive vocal style that has been widely imitated, the finest tribute to an entertainer.
•1985•
FLATT & SCRUGGS
Lester Flatt, June 19, 1914-May 11, 1979;
Earl Scruggs, Jan. 6, 1924-
Bluegrass pioneers
Flatt and Scruggs were responsible for taking bluegrass music to new heights of popularity in the 1960s. Proteges of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (who perfected the three-finger style of banjo picking), formed Foggy Mountain Boys in 1948. They began recording for Columbia Records in 1950 and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. Hosted Flatt and Scruggs TV Show in the mid-1950s and 60s. They are best remembered for Foggy Mountain Breakdown (theme for movie Bonnie and Clyde), theme for TV’s Beverly Hillbillies and Martha White Theme.
•1986•
BENJAMIN F. FORD
May 12, 1901-June 20, 1986
“Duke of Paducah”
“Whitey” Ford delighted fans with his unique brand of country comedy. A Missouri native, he broke into show business as a banjo player with a Dixieland Jazz band. Following vaudeville tours with early western band, he starred on NBC Radio’s famous Plantation Party and the Grand Ole Opry. Millions loved the Duke’s quick wit, vast repertoire, masterful timing and familiar tag line, “I’m goin’ to the wagon, boys. These shoes are killin’ me!”
WESLEY H. ROSE
Feb. 11, 1918-Apr. 26, 1990
Music publisher
Chicago-born Wesley Rose helped create Nashville’s music industry during the years following World War II. Together with his father, he made Acuff-Rose Publications a force in the global expansion of country music. As publisher and record producer, he nurtured the songs and recordings of Hank Williams, the Everly Brothers and many other greats. For decades, Rose’s leadership in CMA, NARAS and other organizations brought the voice of traditional country music to the highest levels of the music industry.
•1987•
ROD BRASFIELD
Aug. 22, 1910-Sept. 12, 1958
Comedian
With his baggy suit, staccato speech and familiar exclamation, “By Ned!”, diminutive Rod Brasfield was the consummate country comedian. From his early days in a traveling tent show to his unforgettable comedy routines with Minnie Pearl on the Grand Ole Opry network radio broadcasts, he was in large part responsible for spreading the influence of country humor to new audiences throughout America. Though slight of frame, Rod Brasfield possessed a truly colossal talent.
•1988•
LORETTA LYNN
Apr. 13, 1935-
Artist, songwriter
One of the most admired women of her generation, Loretta Lynn has been an inspiration to millions. From humble beginnings in the coal fields of Kentucky, she became one of country music’s most important personalities. Gifted as both composer and performer, Loretta is truly a superstar. Her biography, Coal Miner’s Daughter, and the film it inspired are known and loved worldwide. Her lyrics and recordings, often expressing women’s deepest concerns and emotions, have greatly influenced numerous other singers. She, in the finest sense, is a country music legend.
ROY ROGERS
Nove. 5, 1911-
Recording, movie,television artist
The singing star of more than 80 musical westerns, Roy Rogers has long epitomized the legendary Old West. A founding member of the Sons of the Pioneers, he became an American hero of motion pictures, radio and television. In his more than 50 years in the world of entertainment, he has been honored with his nation’s most prestigious awards. Throughout his career, he has represented all that is good and honest and has maintained a deep and abiding belief in his God and country.
•1989•
JACK STAPP
Dec. 8, 1912-Dec. 20, 1980
Manager, publishing executive
One of the most gifted executives of his era, Jack Stapp was barely out of his teens when his talents were recognized by CBS. From program manager of the network to director of programs at WSM, his distinctive imprint touched all facets of the entertainment world. He influenced the careers of Red Foley, Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold. Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl and many other superstars. He was a founder of the Country Music Association, helped established the yearly CMA Award Show and created Tree Publishing, influencing the careers of many of the greatest writers in country music. Truly Stapp was a giant of his time.
CLIFFIE STONE
Mar. 1, 1917-
Producer, executive, manager, publisher
He produced over 14,000 TV and radio shows including Hometown Jamboree and Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch. He was Tennessee Ernie Ford’s manager and executive producer for Capitol Records; president of Central Songs, executive for ATV Music, current consultant and director of Gene Autry Music Group. This California native has also worked as a musician, signer, comic, songwriter, band leader and disc jockey. Special honors include Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame and Star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
HANK THOMPSON
Sept. 3, 1925-
Honky tonk singer
Henry William "Hank" Thompson blended Texas' musical strains of honky tonk and Western swing, added superbly crafted song lyrics and his own totally distinctive voice to create some of the finest country music ever made. A Waco, Texas, native whose steady flow of hits over the years, back by his own award-winning Brazos Valley Boys Band, includes Humpty Dumpty Heart, Green Light and The Wild Side Of Life. Thompson has won a host of friends in the music business besides his countless fans including those he helped to country music stardom.
•1990•
TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD
Feb. 13-1919-Oct. 17, 1991
“The Ole Pea Picker”
Born Ernest Jennings Ford in Bristol, Tenn., the peapicker, “Ol’ Ern,” moved to California in 1948 after a career in radio, which included hosting the network Grand Ole Opry. His nighttime network TV series ran five years, followed by three years of daily network musical variety shows. Recorded for Capitol for 28 years with many hits led by a five-million seller, Sixteen Tons. He was also big in the gospel field. He was the first performer to headline country music concerts in major Soviet Union cities. In 1984 President Reagan presented him with America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom.
•1991•
BOUDLEAUX & FELICE BRYANT
Boudleaux Bryant, Feb. 13, 1920-June 25. 1987; Felice Bryant, Aug. 7, 1975-
All I Have To Do Is Dream, Bye Bye Love … Pick almost any Everly Brothers hit, you’ll find it came from the prodigious pen of country music’s most famous husband-wife songwriting team, Boudleaux and Felice Bryant. In the 1950s, Fred Rose brought them to Nashville, and the began a string of hits that took the music scene by storm. From Jimmy Dickens’ Country Boy to Tony Bennett’s Have A Good Time, they wrote some 1,500 recorded songs, totalling sales over 200,000,000 records. Rocky Top was so popular it became the official song of Tennessee. Inductees into the Atlanta, Nashville and New York Songwriters Halls of Fame, the Bryants are truly giants in American music.
•1992•
GEORGE JONES
Sept. 12, 1931-
Vocal stylist, recording artist
Many consider George Jones the greatest country singer of all time. For more than 30 years, he inspired and influenced countless other artists with his incisive songwriting and the emotional power of his spellbinding voice. Born in Saratoga, Texas, Jones started working local shows in his teens and began to record for Starday in 1955. Subsequently, he cut hit after hit for Mercury, United Artists, Musicor, Epic and MCA, ranging from the humorous White Lightning to the anguished Window Up Above, to the classic He Stopped Loving Her Today. Jones lived the music he sang, making his honky tonk songs part of country music's life blood.
FRANCES PRESTON
Aug. 27,-
Publishing executive
Beginning in 1958, when she became Southern area manager for BMI, Frances Preston played a central role in the artistic and community life of country music. Always placing the songwriters first, Preston fought to protect their rights and earned the respect and affection of composers and publishers throughout the world. A founder and lifetime member of both the CMA and CMF, she was instrumental in establishing the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In 1986, Nashville's pioneering businesswoman became Chief Executive Officer of BMI. Frances Preston's remarkable energy and dedication, combined with a warm and generous spirit, made her the most influential country music executive of her generation.
•1993•
WILLIE NELSON
April 30, 1933-
Vocal stylist, recording artist
Using his well-worn classical guitar, Willie Nelson developed a style of singing and playing that has forever changed country music. An Abbott, Texas, native, his unique character and devil-may-care attitude have transformed him into an American folk hero, as much a part of Texas lore as cactus and cowboys. He penned such classics as Crazy, Hello Walls and Night Life for others, but his breakthrough as an artist came when he recorded “Red Headed Stranger” in 1975. His “Stardust” album of classics stayed on the country album chart for more than a decade. But it is his own rich, musical storytelling for which he will be remembered. Humanitarian, actor and musical outlaw, his artistry has garnered countless fans across all entertainment fields.
•1994•
MERLE HAGGARD
April 6, 1937-
Vocal stylist, recording artist
Merle Haggard well deserves the title “Poet of the Common Man” earned by writing and performing songs that convey deep but plainspoken truths. Born in a converted boxcar in Bakersfield, California, he grew up amid poverty and turmoil. Living in hobo jungles, he absorbed the music of Jimmie Rodgers and Lefty Frizzell, whose songs about the rambling life held special meaning for him. Haggard rose to stardom with songs like Mama Tried, Ramblin’ Fever, Workin’ Man Blues and Okie From Muskogee which speak eloquently to hard-working fans around the world and typify his 38 number-one records. He has won six CMA awards including Entertainer of the Year in 1970.
•1995•
ROGER MILLER
JO WALKER-MEADOR
•1996•
PATSY MONTANA
BUCK OWENS
RAY PRICE
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