Country Music Hall to Welcome Cash, Chesney, Brown

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    NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Country Music Hall of Fame is set to welcome June Carter, Kenny Chesney, and Tony Brown into its prestigious ranks in 2025. On Tuesday, the Country Music Association made the announcement in Nashville, recognizing the significant contributions these individuals have made to the genre.

    June Carter, celebrated for her Grammy-winning achievements as part of a pioneering country music family and as the wife of the legendary Johnny Cash, has been named this year’s veteran era artist. Kenny Chesney, a four-time CMA Awards entertainer of the year, is recognized as the modern era artist. Tony Brown, a noted Nashville producer known for his work with top artists like Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, and George Strait, will be inducted in the non-performer category.

    A formal induction ceremony will take place in the fall, honoring the trio for their decades-long impact on country music. At the celebratory event, their persistent influence and talent, which were sometimes underestimated, were acknowledged.

    Country singer Vince Gill introduced the inductees, expressing respect for Carter’s enormous contribution to music, noting that Johnny Cash once feared his wife’s talents might be overshadowed because of their marriage. “That changes as she takes her rightful place among family, friends, and legends in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Gill declared.

    June Carter’s legacy includes writing over 100 songs, one of which is the renowned “Ring of Fire,” a major hit for Cash. Marrying in 1968, Cash and Carter teamed up for several Grammy-winning hits such as “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.” Prior to her marriage, Carter had honed her singing craft from the age of 10. Her musical roots run deep, with her mother, Maybelle Carter, performing in the influential Carter Family group.

    The original family trio dissolved, but June, alongside her mother and sisters, continued as Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters and became regular features on the Grand Ole Opry show in Nashville. Carlene Carter, June’s daughter, referred to her mother as a “force of nature” and credited her for anything good in her life.

    “To share this honor class with June Carter Cash is beyond belief,” said Kenny Chesney, who hails from eastern Tennessee and has a career boasting 16 platinum albums and over 50 Top Ten country hits. After receiving a standing ovation at the announcement ceremony, Chesney expressed his mission of spreading love and positivity through music.

    “I had a really big dream and I’m still pushing that dream as far as I can,” Chesney stated. He highlighted his goal of creating songs that resonate deeply with his fans.

    Tony Brown was nearly overwhelmed by the news of his induction, describing it as a pinnacle achievement in his career. This honor follows an impressive trajectory in music production, from backing Elvis Presley to working with Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band and Rodney Crowell & The Cherry Bombs. Brown’s recognition predominantly stems from his production credentials as the president of MCA Nashville and his role as co-founder of Universal South Records.

    “You make records and you make some money, but this is better than money,” Brown commented, recognizing the true value in making an impact through his work. Each year, the Country Music Hall of Fame honors three individuals across various categories, including songwriters, recording musicians, and non-performers.