Country Radio Broadcasters Inducts Country Radio Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

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Pictured (L-R): Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Sean Powell/Bubba (Big D & Bubba), Derek Haskins/Big D (Big D & Bubba), Rowdy Yates, Gregg Swedberg, Clay Hunnicutt and Mary McCoy. Photo: Kayla Schoen

The 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony hosted by the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. was held last night (July 21) at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, this year’s Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony was a tribute to the legacy and impact of country radio. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, moving tributes and unique moments that honored the remarkable careers of this year’s honorees. Inductees included on-air personalities Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy and Rowdy Yates, alongside radio honorees Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt and Gregg Swedberg.

Pictured (L-R): RJ Curtis, CRB Executive Director; Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas and Kurt Johnson, CRB/CRS Board President. Photo: Kayla Schoen

This year, Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas, received the honor of the 2025 CRB President’s Award. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of the Country Radio Seminar and its mission to advance the country format. Loba has played a key role in elevating the presence and power of country music on a global stage.

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Country Radio Hall of Fame, a series of special events is launching this week in Nashville, including the debut of a 24/7 streaming channel and a three-night songwriter series at the Bluebird Cafe.

Kicking off the celebration, the Legends of Country Radio streaming channel debuted on WSM-AM, honoring five decades of excellence in country radio. The channel features a mix of classic country hits, archived audio, personal stories, and drops from CRHOF members, and classic syndicated programs including Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley Specials, and New Music Nashville Specials produced and hosted by Bob Guerra. The launch was spotlighted during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony’s cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by Bill Cody.

Continuing the week’s festivities, The Bluebird Cafe will host a special Bob Kingsley Presents songwriter series celebrating influential figures in country radio. The series begins tonight (July 22) with An Evening Honoring Lon Helton, featuring Matraca Berg, Steve Bogard and friends. On Wednesday, (July 23) An Evening Honoring Nan & Bob Kingsley will showcase performances by Steven Dale Jones, Will Robinson, Bobby Tomberlin, and D. Vincent Williams. The series concludes on Thursday, (July 24) with An Evening Honoring RJ Curtis, featuring The Warren Brothers, Rhett Akins, and Lori McKenna.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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