Country Music Hall of Fame Inducts 4
The Country Music Hall of Fame has announced its newest inductees: Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill and Don Williams who bring the CMHF’s list to 112. Jimmy Dean, known to many for his line of breakfast foods, has had a significant impact on country music. He wrote and performed “Big Bad John” which earned him a Grammy Award in 1961 for top country record, he was the first guest host of NBC’s The Tonight Show and later hosted The Jimmy Dean Show which is credited with introducing George Jones, Roger Miller and Buck Owens. Don Williams performed a series of chart-topping hits in the 1970′ including “I Wouldn’t Want to Live If You Didn’t Love Me.” which was the top country single in 1974. Sherrill is known for adding unique musical accompaniment to his productions. In addition to producing, he was named BMIs Country Songwriter of the Century in 1999. Sherrill produced the music of Ferlin Husky who brought a unique sound to his music. Husky’s song “Gone”, became a number 1 country hit for 10 weeks and reached number 4 on the pop charts. Husky also recorded comedy records as alter ego Simon Crum. Husky and Dean were elected to the Hall in the Veterans Era category, Williams was elected in the Modern Era category and Sherrill will be inducted in the non-performer category.