Saturday, February 14, 2015

Country Music Hall of Fame-2015

It's that time of year again when the annual voting is taking place for the Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition to the annual categories for Modern and Veterans era candidates, this year the rotating category is for Recording and/or Touring Musician.

To review how the election takes place, "the Veterans and Modern Era categories will have separate Nominating Committees, each made up of 12 industry leaders who serve three-year terms. The Modern Era Nominating Committee will also oversee the Rotating Categories. Two anonymous Panels of Electors will be established, with one panel voting for the Modern Era and Rotating Categories, while the second votes for the Veterans Era category. Among all voters, there will be two rounds of ballots. In the first round, each voter will choose five candidates from the nominated list of 10-20 candidates. In the second round, voters will select one nominee from the top five."

As far how the categories are defined:

Modern Era: An artist becomes eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieve national prominence. They will remain eligible for that category for the next 25 years. For this year, that would be the years 1995-1970.

Veterans Era: An artist becomes eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieve national prominence. For this year, that would be prior to 1970.

Since these categories were established in 2009, here are the names that have been elected, listed in order of Modern Era, Veterans Era and the Rotating category:

2009: Barbara Mandrell; Roy Clark; Charlie McCoy
2010: Don Williams; Jimmy Dean; Ferlin Husky (tie); Billy Sherrill
2011: Reba McEntire; Jean Shepard; Bobby Braddock
2012: Garth Brooks; Connie Smith; Hargus "Pig" Robbins
2013: Kenny Rogers: Bobby Bare; Cowboy Jack Clement
2014: Ronnie Milsap; Mac Wiseman; Hank Cochran

Over the past several years, the announcement has come in April but the voting is now taking place. Various lists have already been posted on internet sites and magazines, listing candidates who these writers feel are finalists or at the very least, should receive serious consideration. As a reminder, when looking at these lists, they are not always accurate. You just have to look at the last several years. The two previous Veterans Era inductees, Mac Wiseman and Bobby Bare, were both missing from any finalist lists for the year they were elected (although they had appeared in prior years), while Cowboy Jack Clement was missing totally. So in many ways, the writers are just making guesses, like many of us will be doing.

In looking at possibilities for this year, let's start with the Rotating category, which this year is for Recording and/or Touring Musician. Since this category was established, those elected have included Floyd Cramer, Harold Bradley, Charlie McCoy and Pig Robbins, all Nashville based musicians and session players. Seems like a trend is developing! If you follow that trend, you would have to look at Pete Drake, Buddy Harman, Hank Garland and Weldon Myrick. Certainly no voter would go wrong voting for any of these. Now if you were considering a Touring Musician, the two names that come first are Don Rich and Beecher Ray Kirby, better known as Brother Oswald.

There seems to be a lot of support and people for Don Rich to get elected to the Hall. Don was a member of The Buckaroos and helped to develop the Bakersfield sound in the early 1960s. He was a guitarist, fiddler and vocalist. While other members of The Buckaroos would come and go over the years, Don was the one constant member until his death in 1974. Buck Owens was devastated by his death and would later say, "He was like a brother, a son, and a best friend. Something I never said before, maybe I couldn't, but I think my music life ended when he died." As talented as Buck was, Don clearly helped to make Buck's sound and contributed greatly to his success. If there was one person who could get elected this year who is not connected to Nashville, it would be Don Rich.

In looking at the Veterans Era category, which is in many ways the category most are interested in, the names most frequently mentioned seem to be Jim Ed Brown, either individually or with The Browns and Dottie West. Other potential names that have surfaced in the past have included Jerry Reed, Archie Campbell, Ray Stevens, Wilburn Brothers, and if you go way back, Bradley Kincaid.

Bradley Kincaid is probably the last of the pre-World War II pioneers that has not been elected that probably should have been. Somehow he got missed and while it was a surprise that the voters went way back and elected Mac Wiseman last year, I don't think the same thing will happen this year with Bradley. For those who don't know, Bradley performed early on with Grandpa Jones and was a star of the WLS Barn Dance. In fact, Bradley gave Grandpa his nickname.

Archie Campbell was a great comedian, songwriter, Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw star. Archie came to Nashville in the late 1950s and was a member of the Opry until his death in 1987. In addition to his on-air role, he was one of the chief writers on Hee Haw. The Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle, were child stars who originally came to the Opry in 1940. Due to child labor laws, they were forced to leave, but they came back in the 1950s. For over 10 years they hosted their own syndicated television show and were instrumental in the careers of several artists, including Loretta Lynn and Patty Loveless. Despite all of the albums and records they recorded, they never had a #1 hit. They joined the Opry in 1953. Doyle died in 1982 while Teddy continued as a solo act until his death in 2003.

Jerry Reed was a singer, guitarist, songwriter, comedian and actor. During his career, Jerry recorded 49 albums and had 59 singles on the charts, 4 of which went to #1. He was in over a dozen movies, the majority with his friend Bert Reynolds. Jerry is also one of only 4 individuals to be tagged with the honor of "Certified Guitar Player" by Chet Atkins. His career lasted from the late 1950s through the 1980s. Jerry passed away in 2008 and after his death, Rich Kienzle wrote, "Reed set a standard that inspires fingerstyle players the way Merle and Chet inspired him." Without question, Jerry deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Ray Stevens is another interesting candidate. This prolific singer, songwriter and comedian has recorded 43 albums and has had 93 singles on the charts, in a career that started in the late 1950s and is still going strong today. 2 of those singles have gone to #1 on the charts. He has been nominated for 11 Grammy awards and has won 2. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and I tried to count how many songs he has actually written but the list is way too long.

The final 2 veterans era artists that I want to mention, and the 2 that will probably receive the most attention are Dottie West and Jim Ed Brown/The Browns. For the last three years, there has been an every growing campaign to get Dottie elected to the Hall of Fame. There are some heavy hitters involved including Kenny Rogers, Steve Wariner, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely and her daughter Shelly West. It seems that each year her support has been growing and many think that this could be the year. Dottie had a successful career as a solo artist and as a duet partner. Her career started in the late 1950s and was she was still doing well when she passed away in 1991. For the first part of her career, she presented herself as a wholesome country gal, but then in the late 1970s, she presented herself in a new "sexy" that led to new success for her. During her career, she recorded just over 70 singles and had 7 #1 hits. In addition to her successful recording career, she also influenced and helped many artists along with way including Larry Gatlin and Steve Wariner, along with a number of female entertainers. You can't talk about Dottie without considering her personal life, which included a lot of struggles. Yes, she had a tough life, no doubt about that, but I have not heard of any voter who has said that they were holding that against her. If anything, there is sympathy for her. Without question, Dottie should be in the Hall.

Jim Ed Brown, either individually or with The Browns, Maxine and Bonnie, has had a remarkable career. A solo artist, a duet partner, and a member of a trio, he has had success each time. Jim Ed has had 22 albums on the charts, along with 51 singles. The amazing thing is that he has had only 1 #1 record, "I Don't Want to Have to Marry You" with Helen Cornelius. The argument against the Browns might be that their career was very short, with "The Three Bells" being their only #1 record. Their recording career started in 1954 and by 1968 they were done. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, but by 1967 the sisters had retired. They made a lot of beautiful music during that time. The voters are going to have a decision to make: do they elect The Browns as a group, or Jim Ed Brown as a solo artist?

There are a lot more Veterans era names that will be talked about, some very deserving including Hank Williams Jr., Ralph Stanley and Charlie Daniels. But if I had to list any favorites, it would those listed above.

The Modern Era will also provoke a lot of discussion. Back in 2012 when Garth Brooks was elected, there was a lot of thought that it would lead to others of his generation going into the Hall, while other artists who's careers had started earlier, would be left out. That has turned out not to be the case as in the years after Garth, Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap have been elected, both who had careers that started in the 1970s. It was always assumed that after Garth, who was proceeded into the Hall by Vince Gill, that Alan Jackson would be the next of that generation to be elected, and then the flood gates would open for others, including The Judds and Brooks & Dunn among others. Assuming that Alan Jackson does not get elected this year, which I think will again be the case, there are several others to watch for that will receive strong consideration.

Numerous names have been mentioned in the past including Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Ricky Skaggs, Randy Travis and Oak Ridge Boys. From that list, I would say that Clint Black has no chance of getting elected this year. He is still young and his time will come. Tanya Tucker is an interesting name. She has had a career that started in her teens and then continued as she grew older. She has had 66 singles on the charts, including an impressive 15 #1 hits. At the age of 56, the majority of her career is behind her and while I am pretty sure she will be in the Hall of Fame someday, it will just not be this year.

Ricky Skaggs has had a career as a country singer, bluegrass singer, songwriter, musician and producer. In the early 1980s, along with Randy Travis, they helped to turn the direction of country music back to a more traditional sound. His careeer started before the age of 10 as he was playing with Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, among others. His peak career was in the 1980s when he won numerous awards including the CMA's Entertainer of the Year award. 32 albums have produced 39 singles, including 13 #1 records. Switching his career focus from country to bluegrass might have hurt him, but at the time his country recording career was already on the downhill cycle. Like a few others in Nashville, there is a reputation about Ricky and the famous nickname of "Pricky-Ricky." No matter what some might think, Ricky deserves election to the Hall of Fame.

That brings me to the 2 names that will probably receive the most consideration, as well as they should: Randy Travis and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Randy Travis has had his recent issues and who knows if he will ever record or sing again. But what a voice and what a string of hits he had. In the 1980s, he was a regular award winner, yet for all his success he never won the Entertainer of the Year award. At last count, he has had 54 singles on the charts, including 23 #1 hits. His album total is 36. In addition to his singing talents, he is also a fine actor and has also made some memorable music videos. The knock on Randy has always been that he is nothing more than a singer, that he has never written any of his songs or plays any real musical instruments. I don't know how much that will play into the discussion but what I know is that in the 1990s I saw Randy in concert and it was one of the finest shows I have seen. Randy was in Nashville last week and was backstage at the Opry, a place where he was noticed. He spent time talking to Connie Smith and Loretta Lynn, both Hall of Fame members. With the voting currently taking place, it doesn't hurt to be seen and making sure people remember. I am sure his behavioral issues prior to his health issues hasn't helped, but I think there is a sympathy toward Randy and what has happened to him. I would not be surprised at all to see Randy elected to the Hall of Fame.

Finally, there are the Oak Ridge Boys. Why there guys are not in the Hall is anyone's guess. They are about the nicest people you will find, very involved in the music community, still making records and doing heavy touring. While the Oak Ridge Boys have been around since the late 1940s, the country version first came alive in the early 1970s, which is why I think they would be considered in the Modern era category. Since that time, they have recorded 45 albums that has produced 63 singles. 17 of those went to #1. I honestly thought that after the Statler Brothers were elected, it was just a matter of time before the Oaks joined them. As with Randy Travis, I would not be surprised if this was the year for the Oaks.

Who do I think will get in? Honestly, I have no idea. I have my favorites like many others. It would be nice to see Jim Ed get in while he can still enjoy it. Same with Randy Travis. Yet the Oaks have waited a long time, as did Ronnie Milsap and Kenny Rogers. Or the voters could have their own ideas, like they did with Cowboy Jack and Mac Wiseman. Only time will tell and like the rest, I will be watching.

Now, what do others think?



25 comments:

  1. I agree that trying to guess who will go into the Hall of Fame is difficult, if not impossible. My best guesses for this year would be Jim Ed Brown (probably with his sisters) and The Oak Ridge Boys.

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  2. I think it's Jim Ed's year, probably with his sisters, given that they had such a big impact as a trio and this way he also goes in for his solo and duet careers (unless someone wants to argue the precedent of the Sons of the Pioneers including Roy Rogers, and then his induction as a solo act). Also, let's face facts: his health probably will affect the voters' thinking, and the idea that he is here to smell the roses, unlike, say, Dottie West, who also is deserving.

    Among modern acts, consider that while Randy Travis did so much to bring traditional country music back in the 1980s, this would put him in ahead of Ricky Skaggs, who was ahead of him in that regard (and, interestingly, inducted him as an Opry member). But Dolly went in ahead of Porter, who got her started, after all. The Oak Ridge Boys also deserve it for their long career. Wouldn't a tie be nice?

    The Don Rich/Oswald choice is interesting. I'm hard-pressed to think of any sidemen who had such an effect on how their bosses sounded--yes, Jimmy C. Newman credited Rufus Thibodeaux and especially Bessyl Duhon for the Cajun sound, and there have been other important touring musicians like Kenny Baker with Bill Monroe. The recording musicians are all great, but I really think it should be Don Rich if you're going to have a category like that.

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  3. I can't narrow it down to one each yet. My best guesses for this year:
    Modern: Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, or Dwight Yoakam
    Veteran: The Browns/Jim Ed Brown, Dottie West, or Ralph Stanley
    Musician: Don Helms, Bashful Brother Oswald, Ralph Mooney, or Don Rich

    A.B.

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  4. I have two sets of guesses. First guess [Modern OAKS,ALAN JACKSON,RANDY TRAVIS] [Veterans HANK WILLIAMS JR.,JUNE CARTER CASH,BRADLEY KINCAID] [Musicians DON RICH,BROTHER OSWALD,PETE DRAKE] Second guess [Modern RICKY SCAGGS,MARTY STUART,TANYA TUCKER] [Veterans DOTTIE WEST,RALPH STANLEY,WILBURN BROTHERS] [Musicians DON HELMS,WELDON MYRICK] I know any one of them will make it.

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  5. I think Jim Ed will make it this year. He just released a new album, too.How many other veterans are still recording?

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  6. I agree with your decisions, but I also want to add that I think Jimmy C. Newman deserves an induction, pioneering the beloved cajun country music, being a devoted 58 year member of the Opry, and giving Dolly Parton her first chance to perform on the opry.

    It amazes me that Dottie still isnt an inductee. With these campaigns and her huge impact on the country music industry, I would think she would be inducted years ago.

    This probably will never happen, but Dean Martin would be a good inductee into the CMHF, considering his biggest hits were covers of Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, and Merle Haggard songs, and his many westerns dont hurt things, as well as having a country music themed finale for his TV shows. The only reason he probably isnt considered country is because he used italia in some of his songs, but with Freddy Fender using spanish and Jimmy C. Newman using french in their music, I dont see that big a difference
    Kyle

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  7. Kyle, I follow your thinking on Dean Martin, though it won't happen. A case could be made for Tony Bennett covering a lot of country songs and I think he's really the one who inspired Ray Price to make that mid-career switch because Ray got to thinking that there was no reason he shouldn't have the pop hit on his own songs. Funny: in Las Vegas, we had a longtime entertainment columnist who was convinced to his bones that Dean was in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and nothing could dissuade him.

    I also want to say I have long thought Jimmy C. Newman deserved at least a shot at the Hall, and so does George Hamilton IV.

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  8. I dont think it will happen either, but Elvis Presley joined the hall of fame, and he isnt primarily country, so who knows.

    I remember seeing in a book about country music that yhere was some winners list for a country music awards show in the 1960s, and Dean Martin won an award for TV star of the year.

    Another person who hasnt joined the hall of fame yet who deserves the induction is John Denver.
    Kyle

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  9. With the 2014 induction of Mac Wiseman I think all Hall Of Fame followers are saying "Who knows". As thrilled as I was to see it, I never dreamed it would happen. So with saying that I will not give predictions, but only comment on those I think may be considered.
    The Veterans ballot most certainly has The Browns and Dottie West. They are both overdue and if there is ever another tie in this category, hopefully it will be with them (and this year); This ballot could also contain the name of Hank Williams, Jr. Yes, he has a big mouth and very controversial at times, but he's a legend and will be inducted eventually. While the outside community hates him in most cases, the Country community just knows he's "Hank, Jr.". It will happen at some point; Ray Stevens could be elected on this ballot. His career goes back to the late 1950's. These days he can be outspoken and controversial as well. But his career merits induction and it will eventually come; Jerry Lee Lewis (yes, "The Killer), could be considered. His honky tonk records of the 1960's and 1970's are some of the most influential of the time period; Jerry Reed could be on this ballot. Not a very solid hit making career, but a heck of a musician, and just a all around favorite and friend of many. He will get in at some point; And finally, Stonewall Jackson. I know Byron, you may not agree, but I really believe there is finally enough people realizing his importance and influence to the Country Music industry. He is truly the last Honky Tonker of the Golden area, that had a solid hit making career, that has not yet been inducted. Some top notch DJs, namely Wade Jessen and Dallas Wayne, have on the air mentioned the need for his induction.
    The Modern Category ballot could contain the names of Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Alan Jackson, Steve Wariner, The Judds, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Marty Stuart and yes even Brooks & Dunn. Also, don't forget Crystal Gayle, Charlie Daniels and Mickey Gilley could be inducted from this category. I believe they all are Hall of Famers. The names of Gene Watson and Vern Gosdin will be considered at some point. They were both overshadowed on the charts by Twitty, Haggard, Strait and Milsap, but both of them are two of the most influential artists to come out of the 1970's and 1980's. I think eventually they'll both get in. It may be from the Veterans category and down the road a bit.
    Is it even worth having a musician category without having Bashful Brother Oswald, Tommy Duncan and Don Rich as members? In reality they were almost as popular as their bosses'. Of those living, let's not forget 2 time CMA musician of the year award winner, Johnny Gimble; I think Jimmy Capps will be inducted at some point; and yes, it's time Mark O'Conner might be getting considered.
    But I still preach that a posthumous category is needed. Since the mass induction of 2001, only 5 persons (Floyd Cramer, DeFord Bailey, Pop Stoneman, Lew DeWitt (Statler Bros.) and Hank Cochran have been inducted. And that's a pure disgrace. I believe, Bradley Kincaid, Cowboy Copas, Stringbean, Johnny & Jack, The Wilburn Brothers, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Jimmy C. Newman, Archie Campbell, Wynn Stewart, George Hamilton IV, Dottie West, Jerry Reed, Jerry Clower, Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley are all Hall of Famers. With that ratio of posthumous inductions, it may be years (or never) that they'll be considered. This has to be addressed at some point.
    So my hopes are; The Browns, The Oaks and Brother Oswald. But I have no predictions.

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    1. One name that came to my mind is Anne Murray. It won't be this year, and she's not as Country as most of this pages followers would like, but at some point I can see her getting inducted. I think her induction will come before artists such as John Denver, Charlie Rich and even Lynn Anderson. She was in the country top 40 from 1970 to 1991, won CMA awards, credited as an influence to several females, I just think it will happen.

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  10. to David B. I agree with you that there should be a posthumous category soon.If I have my way,the posthumous category starts this year with JERRY CLOWER,DOTTIE WEST,BRADLEY KINCAID.This category will have 1-4 inductees every year.Agree?

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  11. Thanks to everyone for all of the interesting reading of your picks & opinions on the subject of induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame ~ so many names out there & all very deserving of the highest honor in this genre of music.

    Glad to read that there is a "Dottie West" movement going. Sure hope she is elected in the next year or two.

    I'm going to make my picks short & sweet:

    Veteran's - The Browns
    Modern - Ricky Skaggs or Randy Travis
    Recording/Touring musician: maybe the trend of Nashville musicians being elected will be bucked this year - my pick is Don Rich .... period. IMO, Don Rich should have gone in long ago.

    Good luck to all. As always, it will be very exciting the morning that the announcement of the newest inductees is made.

    (Jeanene)


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  12. One musician none have mentioned is Buck Trent. A favorite and friend to many in Nashville, star of Hee Haw, traveled as one of the Wagonmasters, and one of the first to establish Branson, Mo as a country little mega town. He may very well be on the rador.

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  13. Buck Trent and his electric banjo was responsible for the sound of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters !!!
    Why no one else has adopted that rich sound of the electric banjo is beyond me. I hope that sound doesn't die with Buck.
    Dashmann - Flushing - Michigan

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  14. I agree with Dashmann.
    Love that sound, hate to see it go away.
    For the life of me, I can't understand why somebody doesn't copy it.

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  15. I say Keith Whitley and John Denver should be elected

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    1. I have heard the main reason Keith Whitley does not get in is he drank.
      If that's the case 90% of all the members should be removed

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  16. You have heard wrong regarding Keith. He was a great talent. His biggest problem is that he passed away at such a young age and his career was fairly short.

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  17. There was another guy who had a very short career, but joined the Hall of Fame. His name is Hank Williams, who died at 29. Then there's a woman who only had 2 number 1 singles in her career, and died at 30, but also made it into the hall of fame. Her name is Patsy Cline.

    Keith Whitley died at 33, and had 5 number 1 singles. There are a few hall of famers who don't have any number 1 singles, and I don't think his young age has to do with it.
    Kyle

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  18. What is the case against John Denver at least getting in by the Song Writer Category?
    He should be in somehow.

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  19. One musician who has played with most of the above mentioned and was one of the first A-Team players is Ray Edenton, look up how many hit records he has been on and how many people he played behind, toured with and how long he was the guitarist in demand

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  20. Does anyone know how many people actually vote on the final 5 candidates in each category? Thanks.

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  21. Everyone seems to think Jerry Reed is a veteran, but look it up--his career really took off, and peaked, in the 70s. He might be the modern era inductee. For musicians, what about Lloyd Green or Tommy Jackson?

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  22. Too bad Charlie Rich was black listed. He had a strong repertoire. He wrote and performed his own material anf did justice to all the material he cut. It seems that his envelope-burning incident (under the influence) seems to repeatedly get resurrected during election season.

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  23. I think that Keith Whitley should be put in the hall of fame. Love his music!!!!

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