Photo Credit: Country Music Association
The CMA announces Country Music Hall of Fame 2024 inductees John Anderson, James Burton, and the late Toby Keith.
The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the 2024 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame: John Anderson, James Burton, and Toby Keith. Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn hosted the CMA press conference to reveal the news, streamed live on CMA’s official YouTube channel.
James Burton will be inducted into the Recording and/or Touring Musician category, an honor awarded every third year in rotation with Songwriter and Non-Performer categories. John Anderson will be inducted into the Veterans Era Artist category, while Toby Keith will be posthumously inducted into the Modern Era Artist category.
“This year’s nominees exemplify the excellence of our genre,” said Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer of the CMA. “James, John, and Toby have each made an indelible impact and brought their distinctive contributions to Country Music, enriching our format. Their influence is evident throughout the longevity of their careers, ensuring each legacy will thrive indefinitely. It is with great pride that we welcome these three remarkable individuals into the esteemed ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
“After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” says Anderson. “It is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honored beyond words.”
“Toby’s passing left our hearts broken,” says the late singer’s family. “We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.”
Of finding out about his upcoming induction, James Burton said, “I was completely shocked and couldn’t think of anything to say. […] I am so humbled and excited to be recognized in this way. So much of my career was spent playing for incredible country artists and to now be going up on that wall with all those innovators and industry greats is just incredible.”
“Each of the three new inductees has left a deep and distinctive stamp on our genre,” says Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Chief Executive Officer. “They have all profoundly shaped our music, and we are honored and delighted that their achievements will now forever be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
The formal induction ceremony for Anderson, Burton, and Keith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater this October. A reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, the Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, is the official rite of induction for new members.
