Image Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesReba McEntire, Jean Shepard, and Bobby Braddock will become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Country Music Association announced today. McEntire (who’s pictured at right) will be inducted in the “Modern Era Artist” category; Shepard will join the “Veterans Era Artist” category; and Braddock will become the first inductee in the “Songwriter” category, which is awarded every third year in rotation with the “Recording and/or Touring Musician” and “Non-Performer” categories. With these additions, membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame, which began in 1961, rises to a total of 115 inductees.
The Country Music Association lauds McEntire as “the most successful female country performer of her generation,” citing her 50-plus Top Ten singles, 24 of which went to No. 1. Shepard is recognized as one of the few women who “managed to break through industry barriers to enjoy full-blown country careers” in the 1950s and set the stage for later artists like Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Braddock is named as one of “Nashville’s most admired songwriters”; he landed his first cut in 1964 when Marty Robbins recorded “While You’re Dancing.”
Induction ceremonies for the three artists will happen at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn., later this year.
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Im no reba fan or nothing but i can accept and apreciate her legacy, and im glad to see her get inducted
Reba is just getting in now? How long do you have to wait before you get in? By this count, Brad Paisley will get in in the year 3000.
I am a huge fan of Reba, glad to see her in the country music Hall of Fame. Her father recently had a stroke and is in a coma, leave your best thoughts and prayers.
I’m so glad to see Miss Jean Shepard FINALLY honored! Happy for Reba and Bobby as well, but elated over Jean. It’s always great to see an artist honored who’s deserved it like her. Now, if they’d just remember LuluBelle and Scotty, Mac Wiseman, Dottie West, and other pioneers in country music.
I’am so happy for you going in the hall of fame==you deseved it ==you are so great in what ever you do ==love your music ==and so sorrry to hear about your father ==my thoughts and prayers are with you ==love you Reba
whoooo! you go Reba. Show them people what your made of! Good for you girl! haha