Johnny Gimble, Dottie West, and Ricky Skaggs became the 134th, 135th and 136th members of the Country Music Hall of Fame as they were formally inducted during a star-studded Medallion Ceremony in the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s CMA Theater.
Gimble, West, and Skaggs, who received country music’s highest honor, were celebrated with heart-felt tributes and incredible performances of the songs they made famous. These tributes, performed by artists who were a surprise to both the audience and the inductees, are an annual highlight of the Medallion Ceremony.
Musical performances were given by Jeannine Seeley, Larry Gatlin, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton just to name a few.
A highlight of the evening came when Skaggs was asked to play the famed Gibson F-5 mandolin which belonged to his hero Bill Monroe.
This famed Gibson F-5 mandolin, which rests behind glass in the museum, was played by Skaggs when he was just 6 years old in the presence of Monroe himself. With great care, a visibly moved Skaggs took the instrument from one of the museum’s curators and lead the audience in the traditional singing of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” With help from Brooks and the Medallion All-Star Band, Skaggs gave a rousing, emotional performance to conclude this historic and momentous ceremony.
See photos of the event below.
