Country Music Hall of Fame 2024 inductees announced

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Toby Keith, James Burton and John Anderson will become the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame, announced the Country Music Association (CMA).

Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn hosted the press conference to announce the news on Monday, March 18.

“This year’s nominees exemplify the excellence of our genre,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “James, John and Toby have each made an indelible impact and brought their distinctive contributions to Country Music, enriching our format. Their influence is evident throughout the longevity of their careers, ensuring each legacy will thrive indefinitely. It is with great pride that we welcome these three remarkable individuals into the esteemed ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame.”

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Toby Keith

Country music star, Toby Keith, will be inducted in the Modern Era Artist Category. The induction comes more than a month after he passed away from stomach cancer. He was 62.

According to CMA, Keith reach No. 1 on the Country singles charts 32 times, writing or co-writing 26 of those songs.

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In fact, a release states his five DreamWorks albums all went multi-Platinum, with 2002’s Unleashed and 2003’s Shock’n Y’all reaching 5x Platinum. Songs like “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” “I Love This Bar,” and “American Soldier” spent multiple weeks atop the charts.

The famed singer was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2007, the New York based all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.

“Toby’s passing left our hearts broken,” said the Covel family. “We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.”

James Burton

Legendary guitarist, James Burton, will be inducted into the Recording/Touring Musician Category.

At the young age of 15, Burton, alongside Dale Hawkins, went into a studio and recorded a distinctive, swampy guitar pattern to a set of lyrics,” said CMA. Although he didn’t receive a writer’s credit on the song, “Susie-Q” reached the Billboard Top 30 in the summer of 1957.

When Elvis Presley debuted at Las Vegas’ International Hotel in 1969, Presley reportedly called Burton and asked him to put a band together. As a result, Burton became the Band Leader and lead guitarist of Presley’s iconic “Taking Care of Business” band.

After Presley’s death, Burton appeared on albums by artists ranging from Robert Plant, Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash to Tina Turner and Joni Mitchell, CMA said in a press release.

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He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.

Burton said he found about the honor while on the the phone with Keith Urban.

“How did I find out about this amazing award? Well, I was on the phone with Keith Urban and I kind of felt that Keith was beating around the bush a bit and small talking me,” says Burton. “He then stated that he was going to hand the phone to a young lady for a minute. I thought it was a friend of Keith’s that just wanted to say hi or talk guitars. Instead, she [Sarah Trahern] introduced herself and simply said ‘Mr. Burton, you’ve been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.’

The CMA said Burton’s name and likeness will now hang in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

John Anderson

John Anderson, known for his distinct voice, will be inducted into the Veterans Era Artist Category.

Anderson moved to Nashville shortly after graduating high school in the early 1970s, CMA said. In fact, he told the Orlando Sentinel in 1979, that one of his odd jobs was an construction gig, which involved helping roof the Grand Ole Opry House prior to its 1974 opening.

He is best known for his hits “Swingin,” “Wild and Blue,” and “Seminole Winds.”

“After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” says Anderson. “It is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honored beyond words.”

A formal induction ceremony for Burton, Anderson and Keith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater this October.

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