The Country Music Association Announced James Burton, John Anderson, and Toby Keith as its 2024 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“This year’s nominees exemplify the excellence of our genre,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
Keith passed away on February 5th at the age of 62. “Toby’s passing left our hearts broken,” says Keith’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.”
James Burton will be inducted under the Recording and/or Touring Musician Category, John Anderson Veterans Era Artist Category, and Toby Keith Modern Era Artist Category. “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.
Burton was a prolific instrumentalist playing alongside the likes of generational talents such as Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Hank Williams Jr. He also ventured outside of the country and performed with Buffalo Springfield, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Frank Sinatra. Burton was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.
Throughout his years as a recording artist, John Anderson bent the molds of country and rock developing some of the most iconic songs in history such as “Seminole Wind” and “Straight Tequila Night” as staples of the 90’s. With a discography spanning more than 40 years, Anderson’s career track has had enough peaks and valleys and twists and turns to resemble a rollercoaster. His musical vision hasn’t always aligned with the fashion of the times. In 2022 Luke Combs, Tyler Childers, and Sturgill Simpson were featured on the tribute album, Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson. “I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to have such a great family life,” Anderson says.
Inducted posthumously, Toby Keith is arguably one of the most recognizable names from the 90s/2000s country era. “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” gave Keith a No. 1 out of the gate and began a string of hits that would continue across four decades. Keith reached No. 1 on the Country singles charts 32 times, writing or co-writing 26 of those songs. Keith’s memory has lived on in countless ways with his kind heart and unwavering patriotism touching so many lives. “Toby taught me not to prejudge a guest and to have my intention, but to keep my eyes open to the reality of who they are. For that lesson, and for a lot of other things, I’m always going to be grateful” Stephen Colbert once said.
A formal induction ceremony for Burton, Anderson, and Keith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater this October.
