John Anderson, Toby Keith and James Burton were formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during the Medallion Ceremony on Sunday evening (October 20). The star-studded ceremony took place in the museum’s CMA Theater in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Brooks & Dunn announced the 2024 Class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees earlier this year. Anderson was honored in the Veterans Era Artist category, Burton was honored in the rotating Recording and/or Touring Musician category and Keith was honored in the Modern Era Artist category. Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, noted when the 2024 inductees were announced that it wouldn’t be typical to induct an artist during the year they died; however, Keith was selected prior to his passing on the night of February 5. The “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” artist’s Hall of Fame induction was confirmed hours after news broke on the morning of February 6 that he’d “passed peacefully…surrounded by family,” following a battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.
Anderson, Keith and Burton became the 153rd, 154th and 155th members of the Hall of Fame. Each inductee was honored with unforgettable performances by highly-respected artists, and heartfelt remarks by artists, Hall of Fame members and family. Below, read about each inductee and some of the memorable moments from their Hall of Fame induction on Sunday evening.
John Anderson
“A steadfast force for traditionalism in country music, John Anderson made an enduring impact in country music with his down-home, instantly recognizable singing style and memorable recordings,” reads a press release from the Country Music Hall of Fame. “Influenced by Country Music Hall of Fame members Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard and George Jones as well as Levon Helm of the Band, the Florida native fashioned his own breathy, note-bending vocal approach, which put a distinctive stamp on hard-country ballads (‘Wild and Blue’) and up-tempo numbers (‘Seminole Wind’) alike. In 1983, he won the CMA’s Horizon Award and Single of the Year for his best-selling hit ‘Swingin’.’ Between 1981 and 1995, he earned 20 Top 10 country singles and five #1 hits.”
Shawn Camp was first to honor the “Straight Tequila Night” singer with a rendition of "I Just Came Home to Count the Memories.” Del McCoury Band followed with “Would You Catch a Falling Star,” and Lucinda Williams delivered a performance of “Wild and Blue.” Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock delivered remarks and presented Anderson with his medallion. Anderson gave a heartfelt speech in which he thanked colleagues, friends and family.
Toby Keith
“For nearly 30 years, Oklahoma native Toby Keith was one of the most consistent hitmakers in country music,” per the Hall of Fame. “Between 1993 and his death in 2024, he had 42 Top 10 country hits and 20 #1 hits. Worldwide, he sold more than 40 million records. Keith wrote or co-wrote most of his material, sharing a perspective on life that was by turns tough, tender and humorous in hit songs such as ‘As Good as I Once Was,’ ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue’ and ‘Hope on the Rocks.’ A savvy businessman, he launched his own successful record label and publishing company.”
Post Malone, who covered Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” during his headlining tour stop in Nashville the night prior, was the first to take the stage in Keith’s honor. Post performed “I’m Just Talking’ About Tonight,” followed by Eric Church’s rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Church said he “wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Toby Keith,” in an emotional tribute before his performance. fellow Oklahoma-born country star Blake Shelton closed out the performances with an energetic medley of “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” Hall of Fame member and Alabama star Randy Owen presented Keith’s family with his medallion. Keith’s wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, delivered heartfelt remarks in her late husband’s honor, with son Stelen Keith Covel standing by her side.
James Burton
“Few guitarists have made a more sustained impression on country music — and popular music — than James Burton, who blended blues and country for a signature sound,” the press release states. “By age 14, he was a ‘Louisiana Hayride’ staff musician and created the memorable guitar lick for ‘Susie-Q’ by Dale Hawkins. Burton soon graduated to Ricky Nelson’s band, where he crafted influential rockabilly licks and solos on more than 40 hits. As an in-demand studio picker, he played on records for artists ranging from Merle Haggard to the Beach Boys. He then led Country Music Hall of Fame member Elvis Presley’s band (1969–1977), followed by long stints backing John Denver, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris and others in bands and on records.”
Elvis Costello and John Jorgenson teamed up to perform “Believe What You Say” to kick off tributes to the Hall of Fame inductee. Brad Paisley followed with “Workin’ Man Blues,” and Hall of Fame members Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris along with Rodney Crowell performed “Til I Gain Control Again.” Keith Richards made a surprise appearance — along with Gill, Harris and Steve Jordan — to close out tribute performances with “I Can’t Dance.” Gill reflected on memories of Burton over the years as he presented the legendary guitarist with his medallion. Burton offered heartfelt remarks with his granddaughter and grandson at the podium with him.
Tanya Tucker, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, closed the Medallion Ceremony with a traditional performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Learn more about each 2024 inductee here.