Yesterday, from the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Hall of Fame country duo Brooks & Dunn announced the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 Inductees: Joe Galante, Jerry Lee Lewis and Keith Whitley.
Record executive Galante will be inducted in the “Non-Performer” category, Lewis in the “Veterans Era Artist” category and Whitley will be inducted in the “Modern Era Artist” category. All three more than deserving of such an honor, however, it was when Whitley’s name was announced that one could hear the entire country world applause. An acknowledgement overdue, but still ever so wonderful.
Among those cheers, applause and tears was of course Lorrie Morgan, there to accept the honor bestowed upon her late husband, but also as a beacon to his legacy along with their son Jesse Keith and daughter Morgan.
Lorrie shared with The Country Note how important this acknowledgement is their family, for the history of Country Music and for future generations of artists:
What this honor bestowed on Keith means to her on a personal level as well as a fellow country artist: “This honor is tremendously gratifying for me, personally. I have felt in my heart for a very long time that Keith belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and I am so pleased for his children, grandchildren, family and his many fans. I still believe … I always will … that Keith’s voice remains the finest and truest in country music. I fell in love with the voice before I knew the man. And I want to say, “Hey, Dwight! Your brother made it to the Hall of Fame!”
What the recognition of Keith’s career by the HOF means in the regards to the history of Country Music: “It is wonderful to see the Country Music Hall of Fame recognize Keith in this way. It all happens in its own time, and I’m so grateful that the time is now. Keith made a lasting and undeniably unique impression on country music, and bluegrass before that. He changed the standard, in my opinion. His place in history has never been questioned, but to have his legacy acknowledged in this way is simply wonderful … tho I’m sure Keith himself would have been painfully humbled and certain they’d made a mistake!”
What the recognition of Keith’s career by the HOF means to future generations of country artists: “I just hope that Keith’s voice and music will be discovered over and over by generations to come. It is timeless and beautiful.”
Congratulations for fellow inductees Jerry Lee Lewis and Joe Galante: ” I was thrilled to see Jerry Lee’s name on the list as well. We have worked together and like everyone else, I am a fan. The induction of Joe Galante at this time is equally significant. He is a friend and the impact of his role in Keith’s career, and my own career, is immeasurable.”
Whitley’s career, while cut way too short, set a standard in country music that many current country artists as well as artists of other genres recognize by covering his iconic songs. From 1988-89, Whitley scored five consecutive #1 singles – “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When You Say Nothing at All,” “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” “I Wonder Do You Think of Me,” and “It Ain’t Nothin’,” – the last two released after his death in May of 1989.
The formal induction ceremony for Galante, Lewis and Whitley will take place later this fall at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater.
For those unable to be there in person, yesterday’s press conference was livestreamed on CMA’s YouTube channel. Watch here.