The Country Music Association has revealed its 2016 choices for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees in the categories of “Modern Era Artist,” “Veteran Era Artist” and “Non-Performer” were announced March 29 during a live press conference hosted by Hall of Fame member and rock/country legend Brenda Lee.
Entering the Hall of Fame this year in the “Modern Era Artist” category is Randy Travis.
Entering the Hall of Fame this year in the “Veteran Era Artist” category is Charlie Daniels.
And entering the Hall of Fame this year in the “Non-Performer” category is Monument Records founder Fred Foster.
Randy, who is still recovering from a devestating stroke suffered in 2013, walked to the podium and with great effort was able to say “thank you” to the assembled crowd. His wife, Mary Davis-Travis, finished a prepared statement on his behalf, saying “[Randy is] honored beyond words to be joining the members of Hall of Fame, and those that will no doubt follow.”
Likewise, Charlie choked back tears as he thanked his family, God and the country music industry, saying he was “flabbergasted,” and that while he had been to the Hall many times and looked longingly on the faces hanging on the wall, he never thought he’d see his plaque hanging next to them.
The class of 2016 will be formally inducted into the Hall during a separate ceremony later in the year, at which time a plaque featuring the inductee’s image and a brief description of their career will be revealed in the Hall of Fame’s prestigious rotunda.
This is the 56th group of honorees to be chosen for inclusion in the Country Music Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1961.
