Class Of 2023 Inducted Into The Country Radio Hall Of Fame

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Pictured (L-R): “Dollar” Bill Lawson, Charlie Morgan, Pam Green, John Willyard, Trish Biondo and Wade Jessen’s nephew Meagher McConkie. Photo: Kayla Schoen

The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) inducted the Class of 2023 into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Monday night (July 10) at a special dinner and awards ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, Barbara Mandrell and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Four esteemed off-air radio broadcasters and two exceptional on-air radio personalities were honored during the event. The off-air honorees included Pam Green, Charlie Morgan, Wade Jessen (posthumously) and John Willyard. Trish Biondo and “Dollar” Bill Lawson were recognized for their remarkable on-air contributions.

Country Radio Hall of Fame member Bill Cody served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. As each honoree took the stage, they paid tribute to the mentors who have guided and inspired them on their respective journeys.

Scott and Julie De Vos. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Additionally, Scott and Julie De Vos of De Lux Productions were honored with the prestigious 2023 CRB President’s Award. The couple has been a driving force behind the scenes at CRS for 26 years, spearheading and managing production across the multitude of live music events over the three days during the conference.

Barbara Mandrell received the esteemed 2023 CRB Artist Achievement Award, which is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through their leadership, engagement and creativity.

Trisha Yearwood, the previous year’s CRB Artist Achievement recipient, performed a special musical tribute to Mandrell with Garth Brooks surprising the audience and joining Yearwood on “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” CMA CEO Sarah Trahern helped to honor Mandrell during the event.

Nominations for the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame are being accepted now. The Class of 2024 will be revealed at CRS 2024, which will be held Feb. 28 – March 1, 2024.

LB Cantrell
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