Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame

 

The country music hall of fame, much like its counterpart, the rock and roll hall of fame, honors those musicians which have had the greatest impact on the genre and its listeners. Showcasing country music legends and their contributions to the genre, an induction to the country music hall of fame is the highest possible accolade received by a country artist. The first inductions to the country music hall of fame were in 1961 and included three posthumous honors given to Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers and Fred Rose. More recent inductees include George Strait, honored in 2006.

 

Musicians are elected for this honor through a series of anonymous votes made by industry leaders chosen by the Country Music Association. Consideration to be inducted into the country music hall of fame includes such factors as songwriting abilities, musicianship, live performances and sustainability. Past inductees to the country music hall of fame include legends such as Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton, whose collective influence still impacts the genre today. Those inducted to the country music hall of fame have usually enjoyed years of recording success and are thought to have impacted or even changed the direction of country music during their respective time periods.

 

The country music hall of fame museum was opened in Nashville Tennessee in 1967 and continues to offer lectures, interactive programs, tours and a myriad of exhibits to visitors from all over the world. Exhibits at the country music hall of fame museum include those devoted to the individual inductees, as well as those which chronicle the history of the genre and the sub genres which have grown out of it. Educational programs are available at the museum for all ages and showcase common instruments used to make country music, artist biographical information and even drawing and song writing contests.