Every year, there is a new inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame from the Veteran Era. Something of a moving target in terms of eligibility years, some of these artists could arguably be included in the post-1980 modern era as well. But my assumption in writing this list is by the time that those on the cusp make it in, if they ever do, they will be in the Veteran Era category.
Here are the ten Veteran Era artists that I believe are most Hall Worthy, in ascending order:
#10
Linda Ronstadt
Now that she’s finally been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s time to acknowledge her considerable legacy in the country music format. She was a constant hitmaker on the country charts for many years, but more important than that is her lasting influence. Aside from the holy trinity of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette and her contemporary colleague Emmylou Harris, there simply isn’t another female vocalist that had more to do with the surge of powerful and talented female artists in the eighties and nineties than Ronstadt. Even today, with only a handful of female artists on the radio, the reach of Ronstadt’s sound and style can still be heard.
#9
Anne Murray
Of all of the big pop crossover artists of the seventies – John Denver, Olivia Newton-John, Linda Ronstadt, etc. – Anne Murray is the one that truly put down roots in country music. Her smooth styling added a glossy sheen to country ballads like “Could I Have This Dance” and she proved adept at covering everyone from the Everly Brothers to the Beatles.
#8
Wanda Jackson
Already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Wanda Jackson’s pioneering rockabilly records paved the way for everyone from Tanya Tucker to Shania Twain. Jackson could do country weepers, sure, but on classics like “I Gotta Know” and “Fujiyama Mama,” she was the first truly assertive woman in country music.
#7
Charlie Rich
His landmark album, Behind Closed Doors, sold millions in an era when Nashville threw a party for an album selling 100,000 copies. But his blues-soaked country music ran deeper than just that classic set, with songs like “Life’s Little Ups and Downs” and “I Take it On Home” ranking among the most vital and vibrant records in country music history. His run of hits wasn’t as long as some of his contemporaries, but he peaked higher than most of them did, especially those who aren’t yet in the Hall of Fame.
#6
Gram Parsons
You simply don’t have meaningful country rock without Gram Parsons. He laid down the template followed by the genre’s most critically acclaimed artists, from his backup singer Emmylou Harris to modern day artists like Chris Stapleton. The Country Music Hall of Fame needs to do a better job of acknowledging influential artists, and not just the big stars of their time.
#5
Rosanne Cash
One of the most commercially successful artists of the eighties, Rosanne Cash has committed herself to the genre’s roots in the past decade, crafting new albums that stand proudly among the classics from her peak record-selling years.
#4
Rodney Crowell
Crowell could arguably go in as a songwriter as well as an artist, but he’s been prolific enough in the latter role to earn entry in the Veteran Era category. As a writer, he is nearly without peer. As an artist, he’s made several classic albums that more radio-friendly artists like Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”), Alan Jackson (“Song For the Life”), Tim McGraw (“Please Remember Me”), and Keith Urban (“Making Memories of Us”) were smart enough to steal from.
#3
Crystal Gayle
Perhaps overshadowed by the legacy of her older sister Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle’s popularity in the late seventies and through the eighties has more than earned her a spot in the Hall. It is always going to be a bit more difficult for Urban Cowboy-era artists to get in, but she deserves it.
#2
Tanya Tucker
The most legendary female artist not yet inducted, Tucker’s three decade legacy as a hitmaker (“Delta Dawn,” “Texas (When I Die),” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane”) has long earned her a spot in the Hall of Fame.
#1
Hank Williams Jr.
His baffling exclusion from the Hall, despite being the most commercially successful artist of his time to not be inducted, becomes more of a mystery with every passing year. Every other two time winner of the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year from the 20th century is already in. He’s long overdue.
Favorites here are Ronstadt, Murray, Gayle & Cash. Not a fan of the male artists you mention. My favorite didn’t make the cut – John Denver. I’m sure he never will.
It’s just a bit disconcerting to see this huge backlog of artists who are worthy of induction into the CMHoF, but this is what happens when you only induct three artists/acts per year, one in each category. I don’t think it’s a good idea for them to do this at such a slow pace, because by the time they get around to at least some of these artists, those artists may no longer be around.
Linda is someone who is at least worthy of consideration for induction; and I think her two Trio pals and the many female artists she has inspired would agree. If it happens, however, it may also be somewhat contentious. Linda’s never been part of the genre, at least not if you think of country music in terms of Nashville by itself. Her approach could be best described as being left-of-center, respectful of the traditional spirit of the form but with a very rock-orientated way of doing it–more Laurel Canyon than Music Row, and, dare I say it, kind of “subversive”.
That being said, though, Linda continues to have an enormous impact in the genre, right down to the latest generation of female artists, like Margo Price, Kelsey Waldon, Nikki Lane, and Caitlin Rose. I doubt her peers would have any trouble supporting her induction.
All ten are valid choices. I would order them differently, but think it’s sad that even knowledgable people like you seem to have forgotten long lasting influential artists who were treasured many years ago. Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Asleep at the Wheel, the Stanley Brothers, Vern Gosdin, Chris Hillman, Gene Watson – all worthy but seemingly on nobody’s consideration list.
Hank Williams Jr., Tanya Tucker, Rose Maddox & Bros., and Jerry Lee Lewis need to be the next few to get in period.
I hope Tanya Tucker is inducted into the hall of fame soon, it’s way overdue.
What about Keith Whitley…talking about influential!!! Anyone who can have that many number one and top twenty hits in that short of time and have that many artists cover his songs needs to be in there!!!