Country Music Legends Inducted Into NACMAI Hall Of Fame

Country Music Legends Inducted Into NACMAI Hall Of Fame

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The stage was set at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN paying tribute to some of Country Music's most legendary artists and pioneers. In its eighth annual Hall Of Fame ceremony the North American Country Music Association International welcomed five artists who have paved the way for stars of today and tomorrow. The ceremony, which was held on March 13, 2005, was hosted by Grand Ole Opry Star Jeanne Pruett and Jett Williams, daughter of the late Hank Williams.

Hall Of Fame inductees Jim Ed Brown & The Browns, John Hughey, Stonewall Jackson, Dottie Rambo and T.G. Sheppard performed their classic hits as well as accepted their inductions in front of an enthusiastic audience that included disc jockeys, industry professionals and fans from the Unites States and abroad.

Kicking off the ceremony T.G. Sheppard performed "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven" and "Party Time" walking into the audience to shake hands with adoring fans. Sheppard gave credit to his mentor Elvis Presley for giving him inspiration to acquire his dream of music stardom. According to reports, T.G. has garnered over a dozen number one country singles.

While the Brown Sisters, Bonnie and Maxine, were unable to attend the ceremony, front man Jim Ed Brown proved his nostalgic vocal still in tact during his performances. Brown's career has spanned over five decades with such classics as "The Three Bells," "Pop A Top," and "Lookin' Back To See" dominating the charts and becoming country music standards. Jim Ed still maintains an active touring schedule as well as performing most weekends at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, though the venue has strayed from its legendary roots in recent years.

Queen Of Gospel Music Dottie Rambo was the only inductee to receive a standing ovation before taking the stage to perform her self-penned classics. Many audience members were moved to tears by Rambo's performance of "Sheltered In The Arms Of God" contrasting the previous response of hand claps and foot stomps to "I've Never Been This Homesick Before." Rambo's numerous awards include her 1968 Grammy to her most recent awards with timeless counterpart, Dolly Parton for their duet, "Stand By The River." With over 2,500 published songs and over 70 albums, Rambo has made her mark on American music history.

With over 40 years in the music business, Stonewall Jackson has earned 14 number one hit singles as well as being the only inductee to have hits on the country, pop and R&B charts. Most known for his career defining song "Waterloo," Jackson has also enjoyed success as a songwriter. A Grand Ole Opry member since 1956 Stonewall still enjoys life on the road and an occasional appearance on the Opry.

Steel Guitarist John Hughey who has accompanied such legends as Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn was inducted as an instrumentalist while the late Ernest Tubb was given the "Country Legend Award" accepted by David McCormick, owner of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Chain.

Larry Ferguson R.E.A. 615-319-0896

Source: R.E.A.

CONTACT: Larry Ferguson of R.E.A., +1-615-319-0896

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