The Judds, Ray Charles Among This Year’s Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees

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The Country Music Hall of Fame just revealed the inductees for the 2021 class, with Reba McEntire announcing this year’s honorees, which include The Judds, Ray Charles and musicians Pete Drake and Eddie Bayers. 

• The Judds, the first female duo to be inducted, earn this year’s “Modern Era Artist” slot, with Wynonna sharing during the virtual announcement, “As an artist, it’s wonderful to be included in the family of country and as a believer, I thank God for my gift,” adding, “As an American, it’s just wonderful to celebrate anything.” She also added "it's about damn time."
• Meanwhile, Ray Charles is being inducted posthumously as this year’s “Veterans Era Artist.” Charles' country contributions include 1962’s “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” as well as “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Vol. 2.” He also had a number one hit with his Willie Nelson collaboration, “Seven Spanish Angels."
• In addition drummer Bayers and pedal steel player Drake earn the triennial  "Recording/Tour Musician" category (it was a tie). Bayers is now the first drummer to enter the hall, while Drake is the first pedal steel player. 

The 2021 lineup will be recognized at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony at a later date.

Source: Country Music Hall Of Fame