May 2, 2022
Fellow Kentuckian Carly Pearce performed “Grandpa (Tell Me ’Bout the Good Old Days),“ with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing “Young Love.“ Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs handled the induction, opening with, “We’re not going to be sad today. We’re going to have joy.” He foreshadowed Wynonna’s remarks by reading two Bible passages, discussed his first time meeting the duo and hearing their music, and celebrated how it cut through the sounds of the day with acoustic authenticity. Addressing Wynonna and Ashley he said, “Not only are we mourning your mom’s passing, but all of country music and all the people around the world who love the music and love The Judds are praying for you guys. Keep going. Don’t turn back.” Ashley spoke first and congratulated the other inductees. “My mama loved you so much, and she appreciated your love for her,” she said. “I’m sorry she couldn’t hang on until today.” Then Ashley turned to Wynonna. “While this is so much about The Judds as a duo, I do want to recognize my sister – a GOAT.” The line drew a wide-eyed look from Wynonna and laughs from the crowd. “I don’t think she knows I’m calling her the ‘greatest of all time,’” Ashley said, adding tearfully, “I know we’re talking a lot about mom tonight, as we should be. Our beautiful mother. But I want you to know that you’re also being inducted into the Hall of Fame tonight.” Wynonna opened with humor. “I didn’t prepare anything tonight, because I knew mom would probably talk the most,” she said, looking up. She went on, “It’s a very strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed.” She thanked her husband, Cactus Moser, and other family members and colleagues. “Though my heart’s broken, I will continue to sing, because that’s what we do,” she said, to great cheers from the crowd. “This is the first time I’ve talked since saying goodbye. Yesterday at 2:20, I kissed her on the forehead and walked away. This is the first place I’ve been.” She told of gathering around Naomi as a family then recited what was said there: Psalm 23. Producer and songwriter Tommy Sims then
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performed “Love Can Build A Bridge,” adding a final, customized verse in tribute to the song’s co-writer, Naomi. Ray Charles: The 1962 album Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music may be the touchstone, but Charles’ devotion to country music was examined in full during his induction. The War and Treaty sang “You Don’t Know Me,” Hall of Famer Garth Brooks delivered “Seven Spanish Angels” and soul singer Bettye LaVette performed “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Hall of Famer Ronnie Milsap inducted his friend. “Ray would be so happy today to be part of this whole celebration, because as you pointed out in here, he sang country music like it should be sung,” he said. “Country music was the core of Ray Charles’ life,” said Ray Charles Foundation Pres. Valerie Ervin in accepting on Charles’ behalf. “His appreciation for the genre can never be overstated. Its influence also helped shape his storytelling in other genres. Needless to say, this [induction] into the Country Music Hall of Fame] is a tremendous personal and professional honor.” Hall of Famer Marty Stuart led the closing performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” after encapsulating what those in the room had just seen and heard. “You have experienced almost every facet of the heart of country music, its soul, its people and its music tonight. And hasn’t it felt good? It’s been like church.” Finally, a rare editorial comment from this corner: Special appreciation to everyone involved in the Medallion Ceremony. The Hall of Fame board and Circle Guard; Young and the writing/ video team whose work remains impeccable; audio, lighting, stagehands and staff, right down to ushers and servers – so smooth; CMA and the nominating committee; and last, but certainly not least, the Biff Watson-led Medallion All-Star Band. Everyone involved is due to be commended for consistently making this annual event appear seamless. Even more so, however, under this year’s most difficult circumstance. Bravo. –Chuck Aly CAC
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