The Country Music Hall of Fame formally inducted three new members on Oct. 21: Ricky Skaggs (modern era), Dottie West (veteran era, decreased) and Johnny Gimble (musician, deceased).
A number of Hall of Fame members and other country artists were in attendance for the celebration, including Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, the Oak Ridge Boys, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton and more.
Johnny Gimble was recognized by:
- The Time Jumpers and David Ball performed âRight or Wrongâ
- Michael Cleveland and Jeff White performed âGardenia Waltzâ
- Connie Smith and Deannie Richardson performed âIf It Ainât Loveâ
- Medallion Presentation: Connie Smith
Dottie West was recognized by:
- Jeannie Seely performed âHere Comes My Babyâ
- Larry Gatlin and Steve Wariner performed âCountry Sunshineâ
- The War and Treaty performed âLesson in Leavinââ
- Medallion Presentation: Brenda Lee
Ricky Skaggs was recognized by:
- Garth Brooks, Larry Cordle and Sierra Hull performed âHighway 40 Bluesâ
- Dierks Bentley performed âYouâve Got a Loverâ
- Chris Stapleton performed âDarkest Hour Is Just Before Dawnâ
- Medallion Presentation: Garth Brooks
After Garth presented Ricky with his medallion, the Hall of Fame offered Ricky the chance to play Bill Monroeâs Gibson F-5 mandolin, which is on display at the Hall of Fame. With the help of Garth Brooks on vocals, Ricky took his heroâs mandolin and performed âWill the Circle Be Unbroken,â which you can watch below (video courtesy of the Hall of Fame).
photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame