Tony Brown, June Carter Cash & Kenny Chesney Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame

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Tony Brown, June Carter Cash’s children John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter and Kenny Chesney in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2025 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last night (Oct. 19), another star-studded Medallion Ceremony took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash and Kenny Chesney became the 156th, 157th and 158th members.

Following remarks from the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each inductee was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances of songs that defined their careers.

Vince Gill, Honoree Tony Brown and Museum CEO, Kyle Young onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Brown, who was inducted in the Non-Performer category, was the first to be honored. Born in North Carolina and trained as a keyboard player in the top-tier road bands of Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris, Brown went on to become a key record executive who helped shape the sound of modern country music. As a producer, he oversaw best-selling albums by Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Marty Stuart and others. During his time at MCA Records, Brown also brought daring, outsider artists into the mainstream, including Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, the Mavericks and Kelly Willis.

Two left-of-center talents that Brown championed, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, performed “If I Had a Boat” and “Guitar Town,” respectively. Representing the commercial side of his success, Trisha Yearwood offered her No. 1 hit “Perfect Love,” while George Strait wowed the room with “Troubadour.”

Brown’s medallion was presented by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who shared funny and touching stories from their decades-long friendship. Emotional as he accepted the honor, Brown reflected that after all these years and countless hits, the evening felt like validation of a job well done.

Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash and Museum CEO, Kyle Young accept on behalf of June Carter Cash onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The late June Carter Cash was next to be recognized. Inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, Carter Cash is remembered as a vibrant presence in country music for more than 60 years—as a singer, comedienne and songwriter. She began performing in 1939 at age 10, singing with her mother, Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, and her sisters on Mexican border radio. Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters later starred on the Grand Ole Opry and joined Johnny Cash’s roadshow. Carter Cash wrote more than 100 songs, including “Ring of Fire,” a No. 1 hit for Cash, whom she married in 1968. Together, they recorded several Grammy-winning duets, including “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.”

To honor her legacy, Kacey Musgraves and Daniel Tashian performed “Ring of Fire,” while Keb’ Mo’ and Ruby Amanfu brought her joy to life with “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Lukas Nelson followed with “It Ain’t Me Babe.”

Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris presented the medallion, recalling a visit to Johnny and June’s vacation home where June played the perfect Southern hostess—until the Scrabble board came out. Then, Harris said with a laugh, she was a ruthless competitor. She also spoke of June’s rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend.

Carter Cash’s children, John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter, accepted the honor on their mother’s behalf, sharing memories of her warmth, humor and deep love for both family and entertaining.

Honoree Kenny Chesney speaks onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Finally, Kenny Chesney was inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.

A former high school athlete from Luttrell, Tennessee, Chesney parlayed a resonant baritone voice and a competitive spirit into one of the most successful careers in country music since 2000. He has earned 16 platinum albums, more than 50 Top Ten country hits, and 23 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Among his best-known songs are “The Good Stuff,” “There Goes My Life,” and “The Boys of Fall,” all of which crossed over to the pop charts. A perennial touring powerhouse, Chesney has been named CMA Entertainer of the Year four times, in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Kelsea Ballerini surprised Chesney with a rendition of “Somewhere with You,” while Megan Moroney followed with “Knowing You.” Eric Church closed the musical tributes with a heartfelt medley of “I Go Back,” “Anything But Mine,” “El Cerrito Place,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “The Boys of Fall,” and “Old Blue Chair.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Eddie Bayers, Don Schlitz, Jimmy Fortune, John Anderson, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs (2nd Row) Connie Smith, Randy Owen, Patty Loveless, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Charlie McCoy; (L-R, front row): Bud Wendell, Emmylou Harris, John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, Tony Brown, Kenny Chesney, Joe Galante and Randy Travis attend the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante presented the medallion to Chesney, praising his greatest superpower: connection.

Humbled, Chesney named many of his team members, friends, and family who had supported him throughout his journey. Quoting his song “I Didn’t Get Here Alone,” he said, “I didn’t get here alone. That road’s just too rough and long. I might be the one the spotlight’s on, but I didn’t get here alone.”

The evening concluded with a moving all-star performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” led by Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson.

The Medallion All-Star Band consisted of Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Tania Hancheroff (vocals), Brent Mason (electric guitar), Jerry Pentecost (drums), Alison Prestwood (bass), Deanie Richardson (fiddle and mandolin), Mica Roberts (vocals), Biff Watson (bandleader and acoustic guitar), Jeff White (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Charlie Worsham (guitar and vocals).

LB Cantrell
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