In a press conference hosted by Hall of Famer Vince Gill, Tony Brown, June Carter Cash, and Kenny Chesney were announced as members of the CMA Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Tony Brown will be honored in the Non-Performer Category, June Carter Cash in the Veterans’ Era Artist Category, and Kenny Chesney in the Modern-Era Artist Category.
“This year’s inductees embody the relentless drive and dedication that defines Country Music,” says CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “Kenny, June, and Tony have each left a lasting imprint on the genre, shaping its history with their contributions. Each of them was immersed in music from a young age, and their lifelong commitment has led to this very moment. Their achievements speak to the passion and dedication that have defined their extraordinary careers, and the impact of their work will continue to inspire future generations. There’s something incredibly special about surprising each inductee or their family with this recognition – it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job, knowing how deeply their careers have touched the lives of so many, including myself. We honor these three remarkable individuals with great pride and celebrate the lasting legacy they have created within our format.”
A musician and record label executive in his own right, Tony Brown was named “The Kingmaker of Country Music” by the LA Times. He produced the 100 tracks that topped the country charts, working with dozens of artists during his fantastic career.
June Carter Cash stood beside the genre’s most influential figure, Johnny Cash, for many years as she brought together musicians from countless genres and parts of the country. A beloved figure in not just the country community but all of pop culture, June was surrounded by music from a very young age. Her love of her craft and commitment to honesty in her work preceded her wherever she went. As she and her family moved around the country, she built homes and a reputation as a passionate and dedicated artist.
A native of East Tennessee, Kenny Chesney’s career is filled with accolades. By 2000, Kenny Chesney’s Greatest Hits went triple Platinum, featuring songs like “How Forever Feels” and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” While headlining small arenas, his career surged during George Strait’s stadium tours in 1999 and 2000, inspiring him to develop his own unique sound. A staple of the “beach country” sound in the early 2000s, Chesney’s fans are some of the most passionate in the genre.
