MEDALLION CEREMONIES

Convene The Family And Confirm The Covenant

Eight new members joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022. Eddie Bayers, Ray Charles, Pete Drake, and the Judds (Naomi and Wynonna)—the Class of 2021—were welcomed into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 1, and Joe Galante, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Keith Whitley—the Class of 2022—were inducted on Sunday, October 16.

Both star-studded Medallion Ceremonies included musical and spoken tributes that were heartfelt and at times humorous from fellow Hall of Fame members Alabama, Garth Brooks, Kix Brooks, Vince Gill, Charlie McCoy, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs, and Hank Williams Jr., as well as singular musical performances from Kenny Chesney, Elizabeth Cook, Mickey Guyton, Chris Isaak, Miranda Lambert, Bettye LaVette, the McCrary Sisters, Justin Moses, Wendy Moten, Carly Pearce, Tommy Sims, Molly Tuttle, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, the War and Treaty, Lee Ann Womack, and Trisha Yearwood.

Those who took the stage to pay tribute to the new Hall of Fame members often spoke of the beloved country music community that had nurtured the honorees in their careers and that now forever enfolds them in this esteemed group. Each ceremony was filled with love, laughter, and tears as the Hall of Fame members, their families, and assembled guests affirmed that country music’s circle remains strong and unbroken.

a moment to cool off during an incendiary performance