The CMA Awards Continue to Snub the Hall of Fame Inductees

It might be a good idea to get some people who know a thing or three about REAL country music, not the nonsense that passes for country these days. Today’s country simply has no soul. It’s just worthless drivel. Where’s TNN when we need it?

I’m actually not bothered by this. It’s an unfortunate year to stop the practice because of the history between Vince Gill and the CMA Awards and the fact that all three inductees are very prominent Nashville figures. However, it’s never been clear to me why exactly the CMA Awards show should recognize the Hall of Fame inductees. I was the CMA Awards last year, and while George Stait got a very nice reception, it was painful to watch the audience’s very lukewarm appreciation of Sonny James and Harold Bradley. It was clear that many in attendance didn’t know who they were and didn’t care. I expected some people to gripe about this, but I actually think that you better honor the inductees in a seperate ceremony devoted to the Hall of Famers and attended by people with a greater appreciation for the history of the music.

Kevin, that would be awesome.

Induction into the Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award that should be shared with the whole world. I think the broadcast would serve as the wedding ceremony and something like you’re talking about, Matt, would serve as the reception. The people who helped build country music shouldn’t be tossed aside in favor of the flavor of the moment. I would consider that an insult, especially considering Vince Gill’s history with the show.

I realize the Eagles were influential, but they didn’t participate in the genre and certainly didn’t contribute the time and effort that the current inductees did towards bettering country music. So now that it’s time to honor those who did dedicate their careers to the genre, I’d expect them to be the ones being honored.

The argument that it was painful just doesn’t work for me. Who is it painful for? The inductees? The audience? I don’t understand how accepting a lifetime achievement award shared by so few could be considered painful or embarrassing.

If the CMA feels like the inductees aren’t getting the attention they deserve at the ceremony itself, then they should do more to highlight their achievements and promote country music’s history in the marketing efforts leading up to the ceremony. Granted my whole argument is based upon my stance that the inductees are getting shafted, but I suppose I can’t personally argue anything on their behalf.

I think they’re getting shafted because I think the reasons the CMA has given are dishonest and selfish. I have no problems with the official induction ceremony being a separate function and do think it’s a great idea to better honor the inductees, but why is it a good idea to completely exclude them from the broadcasted award ceremony and not even mention them? I don’t see why it has to be one or the other and not both. And what’s the message being sent if the CMA doesn’t consider members of the Country Music Hall of Fame as being representative of country music? The desire to appeal to a younger audience and the attempt to receive higher ratings is the motivating factor, rather than honoring the most deserving. Sure, it may be an idealistic thought, but what’s to keep country from losing its identity when rating become the only goal?

Brady, you raise another worthy aspect of the issue. When I was first getting in to country music, I watched the CMA Awards and I had never heard of the Hall of Fame inductees. I discovered their music through the exposure that they were given on the awards show and this was some of my first exposure to traditional country music. While I think that most of the CMA television audience couldn’t care less about the CMHOF inductees, those new fans that might be receptive to traditional country music lose a valuable chance to discover the music’s history.

I was so disappointed when I heard they wouldn’t be honored on the show. It’s one of the moments that I always look forward to – I love the history of country music and all those who contributed to it. Things started going downhill with the Hall of Fame honorees a few years ago when Alabama was shown unbelievable disrespect when their speeches were cut off. I know, that’s a network thing but it was still disrespectful. Is it possible that CMT or GAC could start airing the actual induction ceremony in the same way that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony is aired.

I am very disappointed in the decision to omit the recognition of these wonderful country artists on the awards show. They could easily cut a couple of performances to give them the acknowledgement they so richly deserve. The people who are inducted each year may not be what the radio is playing every day, but they have all contribulted greatly to the history of country music, and continue to do so. Maybe the people/or persons being inducted is someone that we don’t know, but does that mean we forget them. Rascal Flatts is one of my favorite groups, but two performances by them is not necessary. Someday they will be the ones being inducted, and some other band will be getting radio time. At that time, I hope they get the proper recognition also. I’m tired of seeing the people who have given so much to country music be ignored, while the stars who are selling the most records, and are currently hot on the charts get more than enough attention. Please, let’s take a few moments to give proper respect to these awesome talents, and not ignore their important moment in favor of a few minutes of the current favorites.

ONE YEAR LATER – Same old, same old. Hall of Fame Inductees getting the cold shoulder again! The Statler Brothers for Heaven sakes! EmmY Lou! Tom T. Hall! The late Pop Stoneman. All of the living acts would be an asset to any show’s line-up! But nooooooo