Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Oak Ridge Boys and Jim Ed Brown and The Browns are among this year’s inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Oaks are entering the Hall as this year’s Modern Era inductees. The vocal quartet’s original roots reach back to the 1940s, but it was in the 1970s, when they switched from gospel music to country music, that they experienced their biggest success with hits like “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue” and “American Made.” The group’s current lineup — Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Joe Bonsall — have been together since 1973, except for an eight-year period when Golden left the group.
In a statement, Duane Allen said, “The induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame is the highest honor I could ever imagine receiving. It still gives me chills when I think about it really happening. I am humbled to the core. I know I speak for the other Boys when I say how grateful and honored we are to be chosen.”
Opry star Jim Ed Brown and his family group The Browns are this year’s Veterans Era inductee. The Browns topped the Billboard pop and country charts with the song “The Three Bells” and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963. In 1967, Jim Ed Brown scored his first solo hit with “Pop a Top,” his signature song, and later released a series of popular duets with Helen Cornelius, including “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You.” Brown has also worked as a TV and radio host. In the 1980s, the Browns once again started performing together occasionally.
In a statement, Jim Ed Brown said, “Today is an overwhelming day not just for me, but for the Brown family. Receiving this honor with my sisters, Maxine and Bonnie, is something I had dreamed about for years, but never knew if it would happen or not. Fame is fleeting, hit records change every week, award show winners and nominees change every year, but being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame will be forever!”
The late Grady Martin is being inducted into the category of Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980. Songs on which he played include Roy Orbison‘s “Oh Pretty Woman,” Brenda Lee‘s “I’m Sorry,” Willie Nelson‘s “On the Road Again” and Loretta Lynn‘s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” The artists with whom he’s worked include Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, and Patsy Cline.
The induction ceremonies will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater later this year.
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