Country Music Hall of Fame Welcomes…

Country music might have lost one of its legends last Sunday with the passing of Porter Wagoner, but the Hall of Fame inducted three influential and respected industry men into its ranks: Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery.

60-year-old Gill, who was paid tribute by Al Anderson, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris and Michael McDonald, has had a slew of successes throughout his career such as “When I Call Your Name,” “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” and “I Still Believe in You.”

Bobby Bare, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Rogers and daughter, Pam, honored Tillis, 75, at the induction. Tillis, who was known for making his stutter his trademark, was selected in the lifetime achievement category. Tillis, with his band the Statesiders, had hits like “I Ain’t Never,” “I Believe in You” and “Good Woman Blues.”

Emery, 74, who was honored by Con Hunley, Raul Malo and Ray Stevens, was selected in the non-performer category. Emery was a disc jockey on WSM, the broadcasters for The Grand Ole Opry, as well as a host on a program on The Nashville Network cable network.

Although the selection of Gill, Tillis and Emery, was announced in August they were formally inducted at the hall on Sunday.

CMA’s Hall of Fame Panel of Electors, a group of over 300 voters appointed by the CMA board of directors, chooses the inductees.