NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Toby Keith, James Burton and Jon Anderson will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Country Music Association (CMA) announced.
Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn hosted a press conference announcing the news on Monday, March 18th.
“This year’s nominees epitomize excellence in our genre,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “James, John and Toby each made an indelible impact, making unique contributions to country music and enriching our format. Their influence has been evident throughout the length of their careers. We are proud to induct these three outstanding individuals into the prestigious ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
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toby keith
Toby Keith will be inducted into the Modern Era Artist category of the 2024 Country Music Hall of Fame class. (Courtesy of Andrew Southam)
Country music star Toby Keith has been selected for the Modern Era Artist category. The announcement came more than a month after he died from stomach cancer. He was 62 years old.
According to the CMA, Keith has reached No. 1 on the country singles chart 32 times and has written or co-written 26 of those songs.
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In fact, the release states that all five of his DreamWorks albums have gone multi-platinum, with 2002's Unleashed and 2003's Shock'n Y'all reaching 5x platinum. ing. Songs like “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This,” “I Love This Bar,” and “American Soldier” topped the charts for weeks.
The celebrated singer was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2007, the New York-based All-Genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
“Our hearts are broken by Toby's death,” the Corbell family said. “While we will miss him greatly, we take comfort in knowing that his music and legacy will live on forever. Thank you for helping keep the Country Music Hall of Fame alive.”
james burton
Provided by: James Burton
Legendary guitarist James Burton will be selected in the Recording/Touring Musician category.
“At the young age of 15, Burton entered the studio with Dale Hawkins and recorded distinctive, dank guitar patterns to accompany a series of lyrics,” CMA said. Although he did not receive a writer's credit on the song, “Susie Q” reached the Billboard Top 30 in the summer of 1957.
When Elvis Presley made his debut at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969, Presley reportedly called Burton and asked him to form a band. As a result, Burton became the bandleader and lead guitarist for Presley's iconic band Taking Care of Business.
After Presley's death, Burton appeared on albums by artists ranging from Robert Plant, Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash to Tina Turner and Joni Mitchell, CMA said in a press release.
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He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.
Burton said he learned about the honor while on the phone with Keith Urban.
“How did you find out about this amazing award? Well, I was on the phone with Keith Urban and Keith was kind of wandering around in the bushes and I felt like he was making small talk to me. “I did,” Burton said. “Then he said he was going to give the phone to a young woman for a little while. I thought Keith's friend just wanted to say hi or talk about guitars. Instead, she said, [Sarah Trahern] I introduced myself and simply said “Mr.” Burton, you're inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The CMA announced that Burton's name and portrait will be displayed in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
John Anderson
Provided by: Alice Gafukujen
John Anderson, known for his unique voice, was selected in the veteran era artist category.
Anderson moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school in the early 1970s, according to the CMA. In fact, he told the Orlando Sentinel in 1979 that one of his odd jobs was a construction job where he helped roof the Grand Ole prior to its opening in 1974. said.
He is best known for the hits “Swingin',” “Wild and Blue,” and “Seminole Winds.”
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“A few days later, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Anderson says. “This is one of the greatest honors I have ever received. I would like to thank my fans who have supported me over the years, everyone in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and everyone who has made this possible. I send my love and heartfelt gratitude to you. I am honored and proud beyond words.”
The formal induction ceremony for Burton, Anderson and Keith will be held this October at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum inside the CMA Theater.