The Country music Hall of Fame and Museum provides an interactive history lesson as you wander its displays. Individuals who have made significant contributions to country music have their own displays here.
On Tuesday, a prestigious institution gathered at the Hall of Fame Rotunda to announce its 2022 inductees – Joe Galante, Jerry Lee Lewis and Keith Whitley.
Modern Era Artist
The Country Music Hall of Fame is more than a museum; it’s an iconic symbol of Nashville and country music itself, serving to honor legendary country artists as well as those who helped shape its genre. This year, three members were inducted: Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Whitley and Joe Galante were accepted into Modern Era Artist, Veteran Era Artist and Non-Performer categories respectively.
Brooks & Dunn hosted this year’s Hall of Fame rotunda ceremony, with Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack and Alabama among those performing. Unfortunately, Naomi Judd of The Judds passed away earlier this week, depriving many attendees from fully appreciating the event as intended.
Before the ceremony began, Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young honored Loretta Lynn, who passed away earlier this month at her Tennessee ranch at age 90. Young described Loretta Lynn as one of his favorite female singers ever; one he found particularly honest and one whose songs still influence generations today.
Galante initially felt uncertain why RCA Records relocated him from New York City to Nashville; but soon realized he was doing exactly what he should be. Throughout his time at RCA, he signed country legends such as Alabama, The Judds, Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride as signing artists.
Kix Brooks introduced Galante upon his induction. Galante was recognized in the Non-Performer category, which rotates every three years with Recording, Touring Musician and Songwriter categories.
Joe Galante earned wide respect in the music industry through his extensive work with artists such as The Judds, Oak Ridge Boys and Keith Whitley – making him a household name among fans and professionals alike. Following retirement, Galante turned his focus towards mentoring young music entrepreneurs as well as charitable giving initiatives.
Bob McDill was honored at the ceremony. With over six decades of experience as a songwriter – writing hits for artists such as Pam Tillis, The Judds, and many more – his acoustic performance of “Louisiana Saturday Night” stood out amongst its peers and provided one of the highlights of the evening.
Veteran’s Era Artist
Nashville musicians do not take the Country Music Hall of Fame lightly; its annual announcement of new inductees is much-anticipated and perhaps more significant than similar induction ceremonies held by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While Rock Hall includes musicians across genres and time spent performing, Country Hall requires specific categories with some artists eligible for Veteran Era consideration, making admission both more difficult but more prestigious than its Rock counterpart.
On Tuesday morning (May 17), the Country Music Association will reveal their 2022 inductees at a press conference held at the Hall of Fame’s rotunda. Brooks & Dunn will host this event, which will be live streamed via both YouTube and Saving Country Music. Each announcement will include one musician, non-performer, and one songwriter of at least national prominence – Modern Era predictions include Trisha Yearwood, Keith Whitley or Martina McBride as possible inductees.
Tanya Tucker and Patty Loveless will likely lead this generation’s musical revolution; both artists were at the top of their fields when their time came; Tucker pioneered women in country while Loveless has had an immeasurable effect on music of her generation.
As is customary, all new inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony this fall – this year will mark the inaugural time it is taking place earlier than its usual November date!
At the Medallion Ceremony, new Hall of Famers will be honored by other members with plaques honoring them as new Hall of Famers. Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn will induct Jerry Lee Lewis; Keith Whitley will honor Lorrie Morgan; RCA Records executive Tom Galante will join as Non-Performer member. Brooks & Dunn will pay their own special tributes to Lewis and Whitley; while Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, and Justin Moses will perform an original song especially written just for Galante!
Non-Performer
The Country Music Hall of Fame recognizes artists and industry players who have made a significant impactful statement about country music. Each year, inductees include veterans and modern-era artists; in 2022 Joe Galante will join this ranks – an ingenious record label executive from Queens who changed the course of business during his long stint with RCA by signing iconic artists like Judds, Alabama, and Kenny Chesney among many more.
Non-performers include managers or executives from the music industry. Previous inductees into the Hall of Fame for non-performing roles included fashion designer Nudie Cohn and journalist Chet Flippo; Saving Country Music cannot speculate as to who might be inducted next, though we hope it could include Trisha Yearwood or Keith Whitley from modern country as well as Tanya Tucker or Patty Loveless who has served veterans’ era artists like Trisha Yearwood or Keith Whitley in past inductions.
As part of the Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony, members-elect are welcomed as official members into its country music hall of fame. This invitation-only ceremony includes emotional speeches, unexpected musical tributes, video biographies and much more!
Although most country music stars enjoy long and successful careers, many often live only briefly before their passing at age 40 or later. Notable examples include Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell and Patsy Cline – legends who died before reaching 50. Neotraditionalist Keith Whitley held onto his chart position for four years and seven months before succumbing at 34 years of age.
The Country music Hall of Fame has honored multiple members from one family at once, such as Maybelle and Sara Carter (cousins), Delmore Everly Louvin Brothers, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry brothers, George Jones & Tammy Wynette as husband and wife duo and Connie Smith and Marty Stuart as husband and wife duos. Also this year at their Medallion Ceremony will be inducting Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Whitley & Joe Galante for this years Medallion Ceremony which will take place October 16 at CMH!
Songwriter
The Country Music Hall of Fame honors songwriters who have had a lasting effect on country music genre. Nominations for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame open each year; once selected by our Panels of Electors. Furthermore, CreatiVets partners with us to provide programmatic support to veterans interested in songwriting.
This year, three country music legends –including an influential rock and roll pioneer, an upbeat Kentucky balladeer and an executive who brought out the best in artists– were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at an unforgettable Medallion Ceremony on October 11th. Joe Galante, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Keith Whitley were honored with inductions into its ranks.
2022 inductees had diverse paths to country music glory, yet all shared an unwavering dedication to the genre. Their performances ranged from intimate acoustic songs to explosive performances that had the audience on its feet dancing and singing along.
Joe Galante recalls thinking to himself, when told by RCA Records of New York’s decision to relocate him to Nashville: “What am I doing wrong?” But Galante’s move proved transformative for his career; with his ability to quickly build an impressive roster of talent that helped define classic country albums.
Since leaving RCA, Galante has earned a sterling reputation for discovering and mentoring up-and-coming talent. His client list boasts the likes of icons such as Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton; in addition to rising stars such as BRELAND and Keith Urban.
Galante was honored by a star-studded lineup of musicians who performed his classic hits. Mickey Guyton began the night off right by performing “When You Say Nothing at All.” Lorrie Morgan followed with “All the Good Ones Are Gone,” dedicating it in memory of Keith Whitley – another country singer whom Mickey once sang alongside.
American Currents at the Museum offers an in-depth exploration of country music over the past year through intimate club sounds to arena roars. Additionally, this exhibit explores deep connections between country and rock music as it looks at many contemporary artists’ influences and their own legacy in terms of influence from predecessor artists.