Congratulations to all of the inductees who will be known as the "Class of 2008". All of them are worthy of their awards.
Pop Stoneman certainly endured many trials and tribulations even though he and his family were at the Bristol sessions, and had actually recorded prior to them. He should be remembered because he was there when it all really got rolling, along with Jimmie Rodgers and the Carters, among several other lesser knowns.
Tom T. Hall certainly belongs in the Hall. Not only did he have a great recording career, having fifty-four charted records, with seven number ones, twenty-one top tens, and thirty-nine top forties, but he was a great songwriter. Follow this link to read more about him. Pay attention to all of the songs he wrote that others recorded:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_T._Hall#Hit_Singles_Written_by_Tom_T._Hall_But_Performed_by_Other_ArtistsThe Statler Brothers certainly are part of Country Music History, being probably the group with the longest run on the charts, and having been part of the Johnny Cash and Carter Family concerts for many years. As good as they were with Lew Dewitt, they were just as good with Jimmy Fortune, with Fortune breathing new life into the group when he joined them with his great voice, and even greater songwriting abilities.
EmmyLou Harris was inducted for her contributions in the era that consists of 1974 to the present. I personally believe that her love for country music, especially the classics that she covered over the years, probably saw country music through some of its roughest times, and saved a complete genre from being lost. "Together Again", "Sweet Dreams", "If I Could Only Win Your Love", "Making Believe", "I'm Movin' On", and "Blue Kentucky Girl" are just a few of the classics that she covered in her own inimitable way, making them classics again. Some of my favorite songs are those perfect harmonies that she wove with the likes of Vern Gosdin.
We are agreed that the Hall did a good job on these selections.
The one gripe I have with the Hall is that there are many deserving people out there that should be honored TODAY. I understand that everybody who ever had a country hit, or had a major label recording contract is not going to be in the Hall. However, there are those who mean a lot to our genre who are ignored even though they have a proven track record, or are actually part of the basis of our genre today.
Jean Shepard certainly paved the way for lady singers. Not only is she a great singer and entertainer, but she certainly made it easier for those who followed to be taken seriously, and not just as "gal" singers who filled in a spot on the stage by being pretty, though Miss Jean certainly was, and still is, a good looking lady.
For years we have lobbied for the induction of Hank Locklin, who, in his time, was a major star, songwriter, and performer. Just for the fact that he performed on the Big D Jamboree, Louisiana Hayride, and the Grand Ole Opry for the best of sixty years or more should qualify him, but all of his major hits should certainly influence those who vote for the inductees.
Another performer, who is just as great today, and who still puts out great music, and does great shows is Gene Watson. As much as Merle, George, Ray, and Willie, Gene has his own inimitable style, and, though many have tried, nobody hits the notes on "Farewell Party" like Gene still can.
There are others, Jack Greene, Johnny Paycheck, Billy Walker, and Freddie Hart among them.
It is time the Hall catches up with history.
