CMHOFM To Feature Fiddler Rob Hajacos As Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will highlight the career of fiddler Rob Hajacos in its in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats” on June 21 in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” are just a few of the hits featuring Hajacos’ fiddle work. His melodic lines introduced Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait to the world on Strait’s 1981 debut single, “Unwound,” and he contributed fiddle parts to Taylor Swift’s early hits, such as “Love Story.”

A Virginia native, Hajacos received his first fiddle from his parents at four, and his father, Nick Hajacos, also played the instrument. At 19, Hajacos crossed paths with Little Jimmy Dickens, who recruited Hajacos for his Nashville-based band. After several years of touring with Dickens, Mel Tillis and others, Hajacos established himself as one of Nashville’s top session musicians, with his expressive style informed by rock guitar. He is a member of the G-Men, a tight-knit group of musicians who have played on all of Brooks’ studio albums. Hajacos is a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.

The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with photos, film and recordings. After the program, Hajacos will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for attendance. More information can be found on the museum’s website.

Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, “Nashville Cats” has showcased stories and songs from 54 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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