Kenny Rogers, Jack Clement and Bobby Bare Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Two country vocalists known for powerful interpretations of story songs joined a free-spirited maverick who shined at nearly every creative aspect of the music business as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame during a star-studded, emotional Medallion Ceremony on Sunday (10/27).
Bobby Bare, Kenny Rogers and the late Jack Clement—who died on August 8, four months after learning of his election into the Hall of Fame—were feted with heartfelt testimonials and special performances of songs they made famous. The wide variety of artists paying tribute to the inductees underscored the crossover appeal and eclectic musical catalogs of the three men being honored.
In his opening comments, museum director Kyle Young pointed out that all three inductees were born during the Great Depression, when commercial music first was gaining a foothold in America. “They were present for the birth of rock & roll, the sixties folk revival, the ascent of hard country and the rise of sophisticated pop country,” Young said. “Each made significant contributions to one or more of these trends.”
Young also credited the inductees for their personal drive and artistry, and he noted how they all became known for their generosity toward other artists, songwriters and producers. “The Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2013 is a trio of unique individuals, each with his own muse,” Young said. “Through thick and thin, none ever wavered from a commitment to music, and all enjoyed collaborating with fellow talents as producers or duet partners, songwriters or mentors.”
L to R: Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Bobby Bare; Kenny Rogers; Ed Hardy, President of the CMA Board of Directors
Photo Credit: John Russell / CMA
“We want the Hall of Fame class of 2013, their loved ones and all the members of the Hall of Fame, to know that we revere your important accomplishments and hold you in the highest esteem,” Turner said. “We appreciate your exceptionally fine contributions to American music, and we thank you for your role in the development of our worldwide reputation as Music City. You know and I know that Music City is how we got to be the ‘it’ city. It is fitting that these rites of induction take place in this ultra-fine music museum, where the bronze likenesses of Cowboy, Bobby and Kenny will now be forever enshrined.”
Ed Hardy, president of the CMA’s Board of Directors, spoke of the significance of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “This is undeniably the highest honor achievable in country music,” Hardy said. “These are all highly deserving individuals.”
The night ended, as always, with the Hall of Fame members and the evening’s performers gathering on stage to sing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
