And, the 2014 Class of the Country Music Hall of Fame should be.....?

Coming up on April 22, the Country Music Hall of Fame will be making an announcement – a “really big” announcement, as Barney Fife might say. That’s when the “Class of 2014” will be named for this year’s inductions. This is something that many of you are very passionate about – and I am too. There is simply no way that everyone is going to be pleased.....but I will say that I would not want to have the job of the committee that makes the selections. I would like to see the Hall induct a huge class this year – similar to the twelve they enshrined in 2001, when the new Hall of Fame opened. With all the renovations that have taken place, it would be a great time to do that again. But, I don’t see that happening this year, so here’s my view on who should get in.......

VETERANS CATEGORY

• Dottie West / This is been one of the most passionate of all campaigns that have been mounted for anyone in the business. But, simply said, it’s time. Past time. There is no other female vocalist that deserves this anymore than Dorothy Marie Marsh. Whether it was the gingham of the “Country Sunshine” era or the spandex of “Lesson In Leavin,” West set a standard of talent and style that so many have taken a page from....
• Jerry Reed / The only person I might put in ahead of Dottie West would be Jerry Reed. Whether it be for his records, songwriting, or acting, Jerry Reed influenced so many acts in the business. And, of course, there’s his instrumental skills. One of the best ever to pick up a guitar. One of the “A-Team” at Studio B. Again, a no-brainer
• Hank Williams, Jr. / “Bocephus” could actually be placed in this category or the “Modern” category. His success transcends both eras. Nobody – with the exception of Garth – revolutionized the live concert experience like “Rockin’ Randall Hank.” Like him or hate him. Agree with him or disagree. No matter, he deserves to be right there in the rotunda with those other Williams boys!
• Jim Ed Brown / While there are others that have had more hit records, from the 1960s on, Jim Ed Brown became one of the faces of the format through his extensive television work on “Country Place” or “Nashville On The Road” and his commercials for Dollar General. His records were timeless, as well, with “Morning” and “Pop A Top” being classics – as well as the great duets he cut with Helen Cornelius. Should he be in as a solo act or with sisters Maxine or Bonnie? I don’t know the answer. You can argue both ways, but he deserves to be in.
• Archie Campbell / In 2014, the “Mayor of Bulls’ Gap” would be 100 years old. He’s been deceased since 1987, so among many of the younger voters on the committee, Campbell might not be as well known as he should be. However, he helped to redefine country comedy with his 1950s / 1960s work on RCA, being the first country comedian to walk out on the Opry stage in a suit and tie....though he did don a pair of overalls for the most successful phase of his career – as a writer and star of “Hee Haw.” It may never come to be, but I would love to see this one at some point!
  MODERN CATEGORY
• The Oak Ridge Boys / Along with my second pick in this category, I feel as passionate about the Oaks being in the Hall as I do anyone. Other than a log jam of people who deserve it, there’s no reason for them not to be. They created music that has endured, and still are among the class of the genre – now as well as then.
• Ronnie Milsap / 35 or 40 number one hits – depending on who you cite – they speak for themselves. He was so successful for so long on the charts. Again, along with the Oaks, I think he has been caught in a tight squeeze. I would put the Oaks in slightly ahead, but there’s no doubting the achievements of Ronnie Milsap. Incidentially, he’s not on the road on April 22....Hmmmm...
• Ricky Skaggs / In the 1980s, this hillbilly flash from Cordell, KY made Webb Pierce, Carl Butler and Flatt and Scruggs cool. And, he was pretty flashy on stage himself. I don’t know if one could have seen a better concert than a Skaggs show in the mid 1980s. He helped to educate a generation on classic country, then on bluegrass. He was an “Artist In Residence” this past year. Over the past few years, that list has included Tom T. Hall, Kenny Rogers, and Connie Smith. And, guess where you can see plaques of those artists?
• Randy Travis / If you think the word “sympathy,” think again. Remember the albums Storms of Life and Always And Forever? He helped usher in a new awareness of traditional country music, and inspired a generation. It would be emotional to see him accept an induction after his health issues from the past year....but it would also be deserved.
• Alan Jackson / It’s going to happen, as well as it should. I would rather see the above four get in first – and Alan probably would as well. But, this is a slam dunk over the next few years. Mark it down!

NON-PERFORMER (Songwriter in 2014)
• Hank Cochran / I think the tribute album that Jamey Johnson spearheaded a few years ago will put him at the top of this list, but in reality.....he should be there!
• Bob McDill / The list of hits speaks for themselves – as well as for him.
• Dea n Dillon / Again, see above.
• John D. Loudermilk / One of the greats from the 1960s, who gave us “Abliene,” among so many others.
• Don Schlitz / Cochran and McDill need in first....but “The Gambler,” “On The Other Hand,” etc, etc...Need I say more?

I think this list is pretty concise....but I know there’s some of you out there who are thinking ‘How could you leave _____ off?’ On April 22, we will know. In any case, let’s all remember that the Hall is reserved for the best of the best, and anyone who is represented there deserves to be. It upsets me when people will say “So and so doesn’t deserve to be there.” Last I checked, I can’t really say there is any such artist who has been voted in that didn’t earn it.....But, again, it is a passionate debate.....