Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (seated, L-R) Bonnie, Jim Ed, and Maxine Brown) and The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R): Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall) are the newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grady Martin will be inducted posthumously. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. During a presentation given by the Country Music Association at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda this morning (March 25), the new inductees for 2015 were announced.
The event was hosted by Brenda Lee.
Joshua Martin speaks on behalf of his father, Grady Martin, who was announced as the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Guitarist Grady Martin was part of Nashville’s A-Team, which helped define Nashville music during the Nashville Sound era. Martin will be inducted in the Musician category. By the age of 20, he had appeared on his first recording session, joined the Opry house band, and already hit the road several times. Over the next decade he would become one of Country Music’s most sought after live performers and held positions in the bands of western swing star Paul Howard, the Bailes Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and led Red Foley’s band on ABC-TV’s “Ozark Jubilee.”
He performed on Marty Robbin’s “El Paso,” Willie Nelson’s “On The Road,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” among many others. Martin passed way in 2001 at age 72.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jim Ed Brown; Maxine Brown; Bonnie Brown; The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys; Joshua Martin; Shane McAnally, CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Vice Chairman; Steve Buchanan, President of Opry Entertainment Group and CMA Board member. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
The Veteran Era inductees this year are Jim Ed Brown and The Browns. Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie rose to fame in the 1950s. Their song “Looking Back to See” became a No. 8 hit on Billboard‘s Country chart. They signed with RCA Records in 1955, working with Chet Atkins, and recording 250 sides for the label. The 1959 song “The Three Bells” topped the pop and Country charts, and rose to No. 10 on the R&B charts. The success of “The Three Bells” and following hits like “The Old Lamplighter” earned them performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie chose to retire to raise their families.
Jim Ed followed with a solo career in the 1960s and 1970s, with songs including “Pop A Top,” “Southern Lovin’,” and more.
Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (Maxine, left, and Bonnie) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
“This is an honor. I can’t wait to see our picture hanging up here in bronze,” said Bonnie.
“This is one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in my life,” said Maxine. “We never stopped dreaming the dream. We endured all those hardships because of our love of country music and our love of the artists. A hit record and awards don’t mean very much. They last about a year, but this award from the CMA will last a lifetime and we’re so proud of this.”
Jim Brown recently released the album In Style Again, on Plowboy Records.
The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R: Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Modern Era category inductees for 2015 are The Oak Ridge Boys. They earned their first No. 1 in 1978, and have sung harmonies for Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Bill Monroe, and others. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with “Elvira,” followed by “Bobby Sue,” and “Trying To Love Two Women,” “Beautiful You,” “Fancy Free,” “Make My Life With You,” and others. “American Made” became a classic ad jingle.
They have released 40 albums, and sold in excess of 41 million copies.
“Thank you for deeming us worthy of the most prestigious honor to be bestowed on the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Joe Bonsall. “Thank you for your love and support.”
They thanked longtime manager, Jim Halsey, who they called “our godfather.”
“I’m not turning in my singing britches until we see how that goes,” said William Lee Golden. “Thank you, it’s been a great ride and hopefully it’s not nearly over.”
The inductions will take place during a medallion ceremony to be held later this year. With that induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame will have 127 members.
Tin Pan South Spotlights Songwriters, Artists
/by Sarah SkatesThe 23rd Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank opened last night (March 25). Ten of Nashville’s top music venues are hosting more than 350 songwriters performing 92 shows.
At the 3rd & Lindsley early show, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne delighted the sold-out crowd with hit after hit. Midway through their set, the trio invited Kacey Musgraves up to perform.
Festival sponsor Southwest Airlines stunned the patrons at the early Douglas Corner Café show by giving everyone in the audience a $100 voucher good toward a future flight.
Photo Credit (unless otherwise noted): Moments by Moser
(L-R): Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne at the 3rd & Lindsley early show.
(L-R): Casey James; Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston and John Cowan; Charlie Worsham at 3rd & Lindsley late show.
(L-R): Lee Blank, Regions Bank; Shane McAnally; Josh Osborne; Brandy Clark; Lisa Harless, Regions Bank; Jim Schmitz, Regions Bank
(L-R): Aaron Eshuis, Johnny Bulford, Chris Gelbuda and Jason Matthews at BB King’s Blues Club early show. Photo: Preshias Harris
Track Listing Revealed For Tyler Farr’s ‘Suffer In Peace’ Project
/by Jessica NicholsonTyler Farr. Photo: Joseph Llannes
Tyler Farr brought a group of ace songcrafters on board for his upcoming sophomore album, Suffer In Peace, slated for release April 28. Among the writers on his new project are Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Hillary Lindsey, Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, The Peach Pickers (also known as hit writers Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip), Wade Kirby, Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Josh Kear, Gordie Sampson, and more.
Farr co-wrote three tracks on the 11-song project, including “Poor Boy,” “I Don’t Even Want This Beer,” and “Why We Live Here.”
The project also features a duet with Jason Aldean on “Damn Good Friends,” penned by Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, and Neil Medley. The song should make for a convenient onstage duet opportunity, as Farr is currently on tour with Aldean’s 2015 Burn It Down tour.
The lead single from the album, “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” recently reached No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart.
Fans who visit Farr’s official website can purchase an album bundle that includes not only an autographed copy of Suffer In Peace, but an instant download of Farr’s cover of AWOLNATION’s “Sail,” which has become a fan favorite during Farr’s live shows.
A deluxe package offers an autographed CD, instant download of “Sail,” as well as a leather/stainless steel flask emblazoned with Suffer In Peace, and a Tyler Farr real bullet bottle opener keychain.
Track Listing For Suffer In Peace
1. C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.
Chris Tompkins/Craig Wiseman/Rodney Clawson
2. A Guy Walks Into a Bar
Melissa Peirce/Jonathan Singleton/Brad Tursi
3. Withdrawals
Josh Kear/Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey
4. Damn Good Friends (Duet with Jason Aldean)
Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Neil Medley
5. Suffer in Peace
Aaron G. Barker, Sr./Phil O’Donnell
6. Raised to Pray
Lance Miller/Adam Sanders/Brad Warren/Brett Warren
7. Criminal
Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ashley Gorley
8. Better in Boots
Justin Wilson/Dave Pittenger
9. Poor Boy
Tyler Farr/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip
10. I Don’t Even Want This Beer
Tyler Farr/Wade Kirby/Phil O’Donnell/Houston Phillips
11. Why We Live Here
Tyler Farr/Dallas Davidson/Houston Phillips
DISClaimer: Close Calls and Country Music
/by Robert K OermannFor someone who makes a living speaking his mind, I had a awful hard time making mine up.
Let’s start with the DisCovery Award. There are two extremely worthy contenders, both from Texas. They are Cody Riley and Sim Balkey. I liked them both and wrestled mentally over this, but in a close call, I choose Sim Balkey for this week’s honor.
The choice for Disc of the Day was also between two super efforts. This time, I wound up in a deadlock. I can’t decide, so I’m calling it a tie between the Eli Young Band and Blake Shelton. Both of them stole my heart, and my ears.
CODY RILEY/Walls Don’t Build Themselves
Writers: Cody Riley/Dylan Riley; Producers: Wade Bowen/Ross Smith; Publishers: Thirty Ought, ASCAP; CR
-The track rocks with a terrific backbeat and unrelenting propulsion. By contrast, his twangy tenor has a tender-hearted, shy, pleading, boyish earnestness that is as country as grits. Also: The song is quite well written. Different sounding and oddly endearing.
LITTLE TEXAS/Young For A Long Time
Writers: D.Gray/P.Howell/D.O’Brien; Producer: Little Texas; Publishers: Del Yeah/P-90/Songs O’Brien, ASCAP; Goldenlane (track)
-These ‘90s “young country” favorites are back with a new collection that pairs 11 new songs with remakes of “God Blessed Texas” and “What Might Have Been.” The title tune is a lively rocker that sings the praises of being eternally youthful. Effervescent.
Sim Balkey
SIM BALKEY/How ‘Bout We Do That Tonight
Writers: Simon Balkey/Sarah Balkey; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publishers: Around the Cooler, BMI; SB (track)
-He has a solid honky-tonk baritone and a song with hooks a-plenty. The track simmers with pent-up energy and barely controlled fire. This kid has the goods. Spin him.
BLAKE SHELTON/Sangria
Writers: J.T. Harding/Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Songs/Mighty Seven/Heavy Metal Disco/Might Seven/Songs of SMP/One Little Indian Creek/Songs of Black River/ReHits/Smacktown/Smack Blue, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Can someone please explain to me why this man is not nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the ACM’s? He stars on a huge hit TV show (The Voice), co-hosts one of country’s biggest specials (the ACM show, itself) and — unlike the men who are nominated — is a stupendous country-music vocalist. Blake’s swaying, romantic new single is head-and-shoulders above efforts by most of his peers. An atmospheric performance to get lost in.
PAT WATERS/Crazy That Way
Writers: David Lee/Eric Church/Tony Lane; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Harmony, no performance rights listed; Big Valley Agency
-It’s rather preachy for my taste.
DARIUS RUCKER/Southern Style
Writers: Darius Rucker/Rivers Rutherford/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers: Publishers: Universal/Cadaja/Memphianna/Warner-Tamerlane/T-Brid’s, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (track)
-The title tune of Rucker’s new CD sounded like a winner when he debuted it at CRS. It still does. His singing is more relaxed and breezy this time around. The melody is wonderfully lilting. And the lyric is loaded with vivid Dixie imagery.
MANDY ROWDEN/Haunt You
Writers: Mandy Rowden/Billy Abel; Producers: Mandy Rowden/Joe Carroll; Publishers: none listed, BMI; MR (track)
-This Austin gal has a new CD called These Bad Habits. It features this languidly-paced tune where she seems to approach each note with caution. She is a little pitchy. The steel playing by Lloyd Maines dominates the track and is what will truly “Haunt You.”
Photo: Republic Nashville
ELI YOUNG BAND/Turn It On
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Republic Nashville
-How do they do it? Every time this band comes up with the catchiest song on the country scene, it manages to find yet another one. This one sends your brain into a dizzy, fizzy stratosphere of sound. The rapid-fire lyric is matched by a swirling instrumental track and rhythm that doesn’t let up for one second. Thrilling.
THE LACS/God Bless A Country Girl
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
-It’s a combination of rap and bro country. Just what we need.
AUDREY AULD/I Am Not What I Have Done
Writers: Gary Harrell/Juan Meja/Joey Barnes/Rolf Kissmann/Gino Sevacos/Justus Evans/Michael Littlebear/Andrew Vance/Khalifah Christensen/Felix Lucero/Kevin Sawyer/Joe Askey/Audrey Auld; Reckless (track)
-Auld has been conducting songwriting workshops in San Quentin Prison since 2006. She has included five compositions that she created with inmates on her new CD Hey Warden. This one asks for simple understanding and compassion. It is a simple guitar-vocal, but elsewhere on the album she is joined by notable Nashville sidemen such Kenny Vaughan and Dennis Wage.
Musicians Hall of Fame To Get Grammy Museum Gallery
/by Jessica NicholsonA press conference was held this morning (March 26) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, where Mayor Karl Dean, Bob Santelli (executive director at the Grammy Museum), Joe Chambers (founder/CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame) and Mike Curb were on hand to make the announcement.
With 7,000-square-feet of space, the gallery is projected to double the Musicians Hall of Fame’s exhibit space, and to offer attendees an interactive experience to explore various facets of making music, from studio engineering and production, to singing and songwriting. Funding for the project will come via a $1 million contribution from the Metropolitan Government’s 4% Fund, used for facility upgrades, while private contributions are expected to raise up to another $1 million.
“The Musicians Hall of Fame is a diverse multi-genre museum, much like the GRAMMY Museum,” said Chambers of the Musicians Hall of Fame. “Our collection of iconic musical instruments that have been used in the studio and live by some of the greatest musicians in the world, married with the GRAMMY Museum’s state-of-the-art, interactive and educational gallery, will be a great experience for all visitors to Music City.”
“I’ve been proud to work with Neil Portnow and Bob Santelli and to be a part of the Los Angeles GRAMMY Museum with our Curb Gallery, Music Mentoring Program and the Curb Careers in Music Program,” Curb said. “Nashville is fortunate to have a Mayor such as Karl Dean who has the vision to bring the GRAMMY Gallery and the educational programs to Nashville. In addition to the Mayor we’ve had the support of the Deputy Mayor Greg Hinote, Butch Spyridon and Peter Heidenreich. It is exciting that Joe Chambers’ Musicians Hall of Fame will now be the home for the GRAMMY Gallery and that Joe’s hard work will result in doubling the size of this magnificent Nashville museum.”
In 2013, the Curb Foundation made a $1 million donation to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. In recognition of the donation, the Grammy museum officially renamed its fourth floor exhibition space The Mike Curb Gallery.
In August 2013, the Musicians Hall of Fame re-opened in the Municipal Auditorium, after its former location was torn down to make way for the Music City Center.
Artist Updates: Lee Brice Certified Gold, Kacey Musgraves To Bonnaroo
/by Jessica NicholsonLee Brice Certified Gold, Gears Up For College Tour
Lee Brice
Lee Brice, 2015 ACM “Single of the Year” nominee, received his second RIAA certification in less than six months with “Drinking Class” certifying Gold as a Digital Single this week. The honor follows”I Don’t Dance,” which was the fastest platinum-certified single of 2014.
Brice will embark on a college tour next month, including a stop at Clemson University, Lee’s alma mater on April 11. The tour is in partnership with Reverb, a non-profit organization that unites artists and colleges to affect environmental and social change.
Lee Brice Tour Dates:
April 8 – Buies Creek, NC – Campbell University
April 9 – Erie, PA – Penn State University
April 10 – High Point, NC – High Point University
April 11 – Clemson, SC – Clemson University (with Natalie Stovall and The Drive, and Lewis Brice)
April 15 – Saint Charles, MO – Lindenwood University
April 22 – Conway, AR – University of Central Arkansas (with The Cadillac Three and Granger Smith)
April 24 – Monroe, LA – University of Louisiana
April 30 – North Andover, MA – Merrimack College
May 1 – Slippery Rock, PA – Slippery Rock University
May 2 – Durham, NH – University of New Hampshire
Kacey Musgraves Added to Bonnaroo Lineup
The event brings artists and music fans to middle Tennessee for four nights of music. The event will take place June 11-14 in Manchester, Tenn. Other previously announced performances include Billy Joel, Mumford and Sons, Kendrick Lamar, deadmau5, Florence and the Machine, My Morning Jacket and Childish Gambino.
Brad Paisley To Host Night of Stand-Up Comedy For Wild West Comedy Fest in Nashville
Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley is set to host a night of stand-up comedy, including comedy from Jon Reep, Greg Hahn, Theo Von, Sarah Tiana, Keith Albertstadt, and more at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall on Thursday, April 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The event is part of the weeklong Wild West Comedy Festival, which runs from April 14-19 in Nashville. Tickets for the Paisley-hosted event go on sale Friday, March 27 at wildwestcomedyfestival.com.
Reviver Records Artist Lucas Hoge Teams With Cabela’s Incorporated
Lucas Hoge
Reviver Records artist Lucas Hoge has teamed with outdoor, hunting, and fishing gear company Cabela’s Incorporated as its newest brand ambassador. As part of the partnership, Cabela’s will serve as the exclusive sponsor for the Lucas Hoge 2015 Tour, and national radio tour promoting Hoge’s latest single, “Power of Garth.”
Hoge will perform at select Cabela’s store grand openings throughout the year, and will host an online video series providing consumer reviews on new equipment, apparel, and accessories from Cabela’s product line. Each video will include an acoustic performance.
Want In Leadership Music? Deadline Is March 31
/by Sherod RobertsonApplications from established industry leaders will be accepted on-line here until 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2015. Those who are accepted to the program will be notified in late May. Leadership Music, now in its 26th year, is an eight-month leadership education program in Nashville, Tennessee.
The program for this year’s class begins in September and is designed to create understanding among music industry professionals and promote teamwork. Accepted participants are required to attend an orientation, all-day sessions once a month on Fridays, plus opening and closing retreats during the program.
Celebration Of Life Planned For Studio Owner Asa Albert Jolson
/by Troy_StephensonThe celebration of life is planned in Nashville for April 7 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the old Masterlink Studio Tracking Room 114 17th Ave South.
Known to family and friends as “Jolie,” he moved to Nashville in the 1980s, where he studied sound engineering at Belmont University.
Jolson created Al Jolson Enterprises and shortly thereafter opened a recording studio and music publishing business. In 1988, he purchased Masterlink Studio on Nashville’s Music Row.
Jolson expanded his recording business duplicating audio cassettes and later compact discs. After he retired, he sold his company in 2012.
He was the son of the late Al Jolson & Erle Galbraith Jolson Krasna. Mr. Jolson is survived by a daughter, Katharine; one granddaughter, two sisters & one brother. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Hollywood.
In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation can be made to:
Nashville Engineer Relief Fund
PO Box 128191
Nashville Tn 37212
Industry Pics: Nash Bash in New York, Lady A in Washington, D.C.
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum Advocates for Songwriters, Earns NMPA Honor
Lady Antebellum visited Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for songwriters. They performed and spoke about songwriting before a packed house on the famed 101 Constitution rooftop terrace which faces the U.S. Capitol and sang their hits including “Need You Now.”
In attendance were Senator John Thune, Senator Jeff Flake, Rep. Doug Collins, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. John Conyers and Rep. Louie Gohmert, among many others. The trio also met with lawmakers before the performance to discuss the difficulties songwriters face in the digital age.
ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, ASCAP President Paul Williams, NMPA CEO David Israelite, NMPA General Counsel Danielle Aguirre, RIAA Chairman Cary Sherman, GRAMMY Association Chief Advocacy Officer Daryl Friedman, and many other Capitol Hill staffers were in attendance.
Lady Antebellum performs in Washington, D.C.
The trio was also honored with the National Music Publishers Association’s Icon Award for their contributions to songwriting and advocacy for the industry.
Pictured (L-R): Lady A’s Charles Kelly, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and NMPA CEO David Israelite.
Nash FM 94.7 Hosts Nash Bash in New York
Warner Music Nashville artists and execs attended NASH FM 94.7’s NASH BASH this week at Barclays Center in New York.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Gossin (Gloriana), Michael Ray, Brian Thomas (Corporate PD and PD of Country WNSH), Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Rachel Reinert (Gloriana), Diane Monk Harrison (NE/MW Regional Manager, WEA), Cole Swindell, Chad Schultz (National Dir., Radio & Interactive Marketing), John Kilgo (VP of Label Relations, Cumulus Media), Tom Gossin (Gloriana).
Top Tier Entertainers To Be Honored with ACM Milestone Award
/by Eric T. ParkerThe award recognizes artists that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music by accomplishing milestones unique to the Academy of Country Music, voted on by the ACM Board of Directors.
The ACM and dick clark productions announced the seven honorees, who will each receive an exclusive trophy, commissioned by designer David Yurman. Crafted in America by master silversmiths and sculpted out of more than 1,000 grams of sterling silver on a zinc base, the trophy reflects the signature cable motif, and the hat is edged with 4.16 carats of black diamonds while the band boasts 18k gold. Topping off the statue is black onyx carved in the shape of David’s signature Albion gemstone, with the numeral 50 inlaid in 18k gold. Each winner’s name will be engraved in a sterling silver plate.
“The history of the ACM Awards and country music would not be the same without the incredible achievements by these seven superstars,” said Bob Romeo, CEO for the Academy of Country Music.
The presentation will take place during the 50th ACM Awards in Arlington, TX April 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET, extended a half an hour in celebration of the golden anniversary. The ceremony, co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, will be broadcast LIVE on CBS. Limited view tickets for the 50th ACM Awards are available at ticketmaster.com.
Watch a video featuring Yurman and the making of the trophy below.
Country Music Hall of Fame Announces New Inductees
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Ed Brown and The Browns (seated, L-R) Bonnie, Jim Ed, and Maxine Brown) and The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R): Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall) are the newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grady Martin will be inducted posthumously. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. During a presentation given by the Country Music Association at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda this morning (March 25), the new inductees for 2015 were announced.
The event was hosted by Brenda Lee.
Joshua Martin speaks on behalf of his father, Grady Martin, who was announced as the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Guitarist Grady Martin was part of Nashville’s A-Team, which helped define Nashville music during the Nashville Sound era. Martin will be inducted in the Musician category. By the age of 20, he had appeared on his first recording session, joined the Opry house band, and already hit the road several times. Over the next decade he would become one of Country Music’s most sought after live performers and held positions in the bands of western swing star Paul Howard, the Bailes Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and led Red Foley’s band on ABC-TV’s “Ozark Jubilee.”
He performed on Marty Robbin’s “El Paso,” Willie Nelson’s “On The Road,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” among many others. Martin passed way in 2001 at age 72.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jim Ed Brown; Maxine Brown; Bonnie Brown; The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys; Joshua Martin; Shane McAnally, CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Vice Chairman; Steve Buchanan, President of Opry Entertainment Group and CMA Board member. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
The Veteran Era inductees this year are Jim Ed Brown and The Browns. Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie rose to fame in the 1950s. Their song “Looking Back to See” became a No. 8 hit on Billboard‘s Country chart. They signed with RCA Records in 1955, working with Chet Atkins, and recording 250 sides for the label. The 1959 song “The Three Bells” topped the pop and Country charts, and rose to No. 10 on the R&B charts. The success of “The Three Bells” and following hits like “The Old Lamplighter” earned them performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie chose to retire to raise their families.
Jim Ed followed with a solo career in the 1960s and 1970s, with songs including “Pop A Top,” “Southern Lovin’,” and more.
Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (Maxine, left, and Bonnie) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
“This is an honor. I can’t wait to see our picture hanging up here in bronze,” said Bonnie.
“This is one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in my life,” said Maxine. “We never stopped dreaming the dream. We endured all those hardships because of our love of country music and our love of the artists. A hit record and awards don’t mean very much. They last about a year, but this award from the CMA will last a lifetime and we’re so proud of this.”
Jim Brown recently released the album In Style Again, on Plowboy Records.
The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R: Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Modern Era category inductees for 2015 are The Oak Ridge Boys. They earned their first No. 1 in 1978, and have sung harmonies for Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Bill Monroe, and others. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with “Elvira,” followed by “Bobby Sue,” and “Trying To Love Two Women,” “Beautiful You,” “Fancy Free,” “Make My Life With You,” and others. “American Made” became a classic ad jingle.
They have released 40 albums, and sold in excess of 41 million copies.
“Thank you for deeming us worthy of the most prestigious honor to be bestowed on the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Joe Bonsall. “Thank you for your love and support.”
They thanked longtime manager, Jim Halsey, who they called “our godfather.”
“I’m not turning in my singing britches until we see how that goes,” said William Lee Golden. “Thank you, it’s been a great ride and hopefully it’s not nearly over.”
The inductions will take place during a medallion ceremony to be held later this year. With that induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame will have 127 members.