Keyboardist John Hobbs Honored by CMHoF

Acclaimed keyboardist John Hobbs be featured Sat., March 10, as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s popular series “Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians.”

The program, which begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is hosted by Bill Lloyd and will include a brief performance and an in-depth interview.

Illustrations from vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive will decorate the event, which is free with admission to the museum.

For over three decades, Hobbs has contributed his talents to modern country classics such as “Whoever’s in New England,” “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind,” “You’re Still the One,” “Strawberry Wine,” and “I Try to Think About Elvis.”

Hobbs made a name for himself in the L.A. music scene early on before moving to Nashville, scoring music for TV shows and films as well as playing on records for George Jones, Tom Jones, Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, Charlie Rich and Lionel Richie.

In addition to playing keyboards for Nashville’s biggest stars, Hobbs is also a talented songwriter and producer. He has written songs recorded by Ray Charles, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Collin Raye, McEntire and Pam Tillis. His production credits include seven records for Raye; Gill’s These Days, for which Hobbs won a Grammy in 2007; and LeAnn Rimes’ Lady & Gentlemen. Hobbs has earned Keyboard Player of the Year 10 times from the ACM. In 2000, Hobbs began his ongoing tenure as Gill’s bandleader.

Hobbs is to sign autographs in the Museum Store immediately following the program, which is to be streamed live on the Hall of Fame’s website.