One of the most magical nights in country music took place this past Sunday night and I was so honored to be there. The "Medallion Ceremony" is a night in the Hall of Fame's theatre filled to the rafters with Hall of Fame members, stars, music industry professionals from the Grand Ole Opry and record labels and management companies, as well as media. Throughout the night, the Hall of Fame shows rare photos and videos and gives an in-depth biography on the inductees. Then, famous friends give speeches and tell personal stories on the inductees, along with tribute performances from some of the biggest stars in country music. The night ends with a dinner and reception as everyone gathers dressed in their finest.
This year's Country Music Hall of Fame class started with the induction of June Carter Cash. She faced a lot of criticism as a singer, so she had fun with it and brought comedy and dancing, for which she was trained, into the show. The actress, singer, songwriter and entertainer was a collaborator as well with her husband Johnny Cash. But the highlight was when her dear friend Emmylou Harris joked about how competitive and strategic June was when playing Scrabble. The audience got a kick out of that. Her children John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter just reiterated how she was full of love and how much they loved her, accepting in her honor.
When it was Tony Brown's turn to be honored, there was some cool footage of Tony playing piano with Elvis...wow! Then the crowd went wild when Lyle Lovett and George Strait performed tributes to Tony Brown who produced their music. Vince Gill did the official medallion presentation and told great stories of Tony's loyalty and vision when everyone else thought Vince was a loser. And then the funny story of Vince giving Tony a bath when he was hospitalized was the roast of the night.
Kenny Chesney was so humble and I loved that he thanked all of the folks behind the scenes who helped him over the years. Plus, he was so appreciative to his family who was there. Kenny got lots of laughs when he mentioned his aunt was there and that they share a birthday. Kenny pointed out his grandmother and his mother were delivering babies in the hospital on the same day....and that was real messed up East Tennessee stuff!
To be there and hear their stories and see the love between all of the stars and folks in this industry is such a joy. And the new member plaques are in place in the rotunda if you tour the museum.
I am including some personal photos, but you can also watch the main "Medallion Ceremony" on the home page of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, this is the link: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/induction-ceremony?vgo_ee=N4B3iomtu9ZTOs4u6W7zD43t374Z65a1X5b3XNPe8wV6kNZhLHEH%3AuSyMNjS%2Fto9brYXiGqbT5ESHqeeaLSn2
Congratulations to all!!!
