May 2, 2022, Issue 805
Medallion: Four Enter Hall Of Fame
An understandable solemnity infused Sunday night’s Medallion Ceremony (5/1), as Eddie Bayers, the late Pete Drake, The Judds and the late Ray Charles were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The prior day’s shocking passing of Naomi Judd was an inevitable refrain, despite a spirited push for celebrating music and music makers, moments of levity and inspired – though mostly downtempo – performances. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum CEO Kyle Young set the tone. “We will recognize Pete Drake, Eddie Bayers, The Judds and Ray Charles in the ways we know – out of love and obligation, with so much sorrow in the wind,” he said. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern furthered the thought by saying, “Love Eddie Bayers and Kyle Young doesn’t simply build a bridge, it is the bridge. The Judds taught us that, and love is Naomi’s enduring legacy ... As our community grieves, we look to love and the healing power of country music to ease our pain and calm our minds.” Pete Drake: Another theme ran through the evening, however, in uplifting the contributions of often-overlooked studio musicians, starting with steel guitar player Drake. In musical tribute to recordings on which Drake played, Elizabeth Cook performed Bob Dylan’s “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight,” and Wendy Moten sang George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Hall of Fame session player Charlie McCoy cheered on Drake’s induction, noting his ability to serve the song and artist. “Everything he played fit like a glove, with so much feeling,” he said. “He became part of the records he was on. (continued on page 7)
Love Is Alive: Ray Charles Foundation’s Valerie Ervin; Eddie Bayers; Wynonna Judd; and the late Pete Drake’s son Johnny and wife Rose (l-r) at last night’s (5/1) Medallion Ceremony.
Airplay Reaction: The Judds
While critics contend that weekend radio has largely become pre–recorded and automated, the immediacy of Country radio was evident as airplay of The Judds’ library dramatically increased after the news of Naomi Judd’s passing broke Saturday afternoon (4/30). Among the 159 Mediabase reporters, 13 titles from The Judds received a total of 98 spins Saturday, compared to just six total spins the previous Saturday (4/23). Among all The Judds 326 Country stations monitored by Mediabase, which include many that are gold–based, spins jumped from 84 to 298 across 18 titles Saturday-to-Saturday.
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