Just this morning it was announced that three great talents in the country music industry will be the next to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. This year there are three categories which include “Veteran Artist,” Modern Era Artist,” and “Recording and/or Touring Musician.”
Opry member Connie Smith will represent the “Veteran Artist” category after being discovered by Bill Anderson in 1964 and finding success with numerous hits including “Once A Day” and “Nobody But A Fool.” Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer, says “Connie has been one of the most celebrated female voices in music for more than 45 years, setting a golden standard for the thousands of female vocalists who came after her.”
Connie has been here before, but never like this. “I’ve had the privilege of participating in several Hall of Fame inductions. They were all very special,” she said, “But now to become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame myself is an honor for me and my family. So touching, it’s difficult to find the words to express my gratitude.”
Fellow Hall of Famer and Opry member Dolly Parton once said “There’s really only three female singers in the world: Streisand, Ronstadt and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending.”
For the “Modern Era Artist” category, Garth Brooks will take home the honor. “Garth led modern Country Music to unbelievable heights of commercial success and pop culture relevance after bursting onto the scene as part of the now-legendary ‘Class of 1989,’” says Moore. Garth became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1990 and would see unparalleled success for the next two decades.
A humble Garth expressed his surprise and appreciation, “I am astounded and honored to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. At the same time, I can’t help but feel guilty going in when there are so many deserving artists that came before me who are yet to be inducted.”
Hargus “Pig” Robbins will be inducted in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician” category. “‘Pig’ overcame adversity to become one of the most sought-after session musicians in the industry, contributing his considerable talents to classic songs that have been treasured by fans all over the world since the late ’50s,” said Moore.
After being stricken blind in an accident early in life, “Pig” went on to play piano and keyboard and tour with the biggest names in country music during the 60s and 70s, including Alan Jackson, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Keith Whitley, and many more.
Congratulations to this year’s deserving class of inductees.
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on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 1:48 pm and is filed under In Country Music News Today.
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