News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep. 20, 2001
NEWEST MEMBERS OF COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTED AT GALA CELEBRATION OCT. 4
NASHVILLE - The 12 luminaries who will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame will be formally inducted during a special ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 4. The gala event, being held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, will highlight the illustrious careers of the inductees, as well as celebrate their lives and impact on Country Music.
The black-tie festivities will be hosted by noted Country Music performer and historian Marty Stuart. A select group of industry dignitaries and family members of the inductees are expected to attend. The evening highlights the inductees' careers through a series of video montages that include some never-before-seen footage and insight into the lives of these extraordinary individuals. Raul Malo (frontman for popular group The Mavericks) will pay homage to the new inductees by leading an ensemble of top musicians through a special selection of songs representative of the inductees. The musical tribute is being put together by noted producer Don Cook.
The living inductees and families of the deceased members will be presented with their own personal plaques commemorating this prestigious honor. The inductees attending will also have the opportunity to address their peers on what is sure to be a career highlight. Bill Anderson; Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers; original Jordanaires' Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker; Charlie Louvin; Ken Nelson; and Sam Phillips are all scheduled at this time to participate in the festivities.
In an unprecedented move by the CMA, 12 honorees are being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, including 10 special inductees selected earlier in the year and two new members normally scheduled to be inducted in 2001. The special inductees are The Delmore Brothers, The Everly Brothers, Don Gibson, Homer and Jethro, Waylon Jennings, The Jordanaires, Don Law, The Louvin Brothers, Ken Nelson and Webb Pierce. Bill Anderson is the 2001 inductee in the Open Category, and Sam Phillips is being honored in the Non-performer Category. All the inductees will also be recognized during "The 35th Annual CMA Awards" Wednesday, Nov. 7 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on CBS Television Network.
Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame is regarded as the ultimate recognition of outstanding contributions to and impact on Country Music. There are currently 74 individuals, duos or groups in the Hall of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame was established by CMA in 1961. CMA manages and conducts the annual election of members into the Hall of Fame.
For press interested in covering this special event, please contact Jessie Schmidt of Schmidt Relations at 615/846-3878. For information about the CMA Awards, visit www.CMAawards.com.