Country Music Hall of Fame Welcomes Three New Inductees

Boddy Braddock, Reba McEntire, and Jean Shepard will be the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
 
Reba, who is well enough known to be called by just her first name, will be inducted into the “Modern Era Artist” category, Shepard into the “Veterans Era Artist,” and Braddock will be the first inductee in the new “Songwriter” category, which is awarded every third year in rotation with the “"Recording and/or Touring Musician" and "Non-Performer" categories.The three new additions will bring the elite roster of those in the Country Music Hall of Fame from 112 to 115 inductees.
 
"We are inducting royalty this year," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Jean and Reba are two of Country Music's most revered queens, and Bobby Braddock is a king of songwriting. All three of them refused to follow the crowd; instead, creating their own unique paths. I cannot imagine what Country Music would be like today without these three talented individuals and all of their accomplishments. They each continue to inspire me with their latest performances, albums, compositions, and productions."         
 
"When I think of my heroes who are in the Country Music Hall of Fame, I am truly humbled to know that I am being inducted," said Braddock. "I want to express my gratitude to the voters who feel that I am worthy of this great honor."
           
"This is a huge honor for me and something I've dreamed about since I was a little girl," said Reba. "When I was a young girl, we would take vacations to Nashville and tour the Country Music Hall of Fame.  And now, for me to be inducted, is a dream come true."
 
"I have spent nearly 60 years doing something that I love, singing and promoting Country Music, and it's wonderful to see that my efforts haven't been in vain," said Shepard. "I am so grateful to CMA, the Country Music fans, and those that voted for me. I am honored and privileged to be in the company of the legendary members who came before me. I wish to thank the Hall of Fame, all of my fans, and Country Music for allowing me and my family to enjoy this most cherished tribute to my musical career."
 
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will be host to Reba, Braddock and Shepards’ inductions. The Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, a yearly reunion of the hall of fame members, has served as the official rite of inductions to new members since 2007.
 
"As always, the announcement of new inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame is a red letter day," said Kyle Young, Director, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "The 2011 class is particularly stunning, because the careers of Bobby Braddock, Jean Shepard and Reba McEntire represent an amazing rainbow of Country Music history. Their arc begins in Country Music's 1950s golden age, spans the remaining half of the 20th Century, and extends into the here and now, with no end in sight.  Each had the courage of personal conviction; all created music that often spoke specifically to women, but also transcended gender to become universal; and each leaves a unique and indelible mark on Country Music's past, present and future."
 
The Country Music Hall of Fame was created by CMA in 1961 as a way to recognize country music’s elite.