B U L L E T I N

 

 

JEAN SHEPARD-REBA MCENTIRE-BOBBY BRADDOCK

NEWEST INDUCTEES

OF THE

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

 

From: Marty Martel:

 

JEAN SHEPARD is one of the new inductee’s into the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with Reba McEntire, and super songwriter, Bobby Braddock.  All three well deserved, but from my point of view, I could not be happier with Jean’s induction into the Circle of Fame with her friends who have been waiting for her.  I was there at today private press conference, and I sincerely thank CMA for inviting me to be part of this special announcement in country music.  I realize that every member of the Country Music Hall of Fame is a special person in country music, and that is why they were inducted, but Jean Shepard is a special induction to so many of us in the industry.  In her remarks she thanked her fans, the CMA nominating committee, and asked that the committee not forget Jimmy C. Newman, Stonewall Jackson, The Wilburn Bros., and the Browns’, and others that deserve the honor that is being paid to her this day.  SHE IS THE GRAND LADY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND THE GRAND OLE OPRY.

 

Her achievements and her love of country music have been rewarded by her induction as one of the newest members of the special family of the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she so richly deserves to be.  She truly sits beside Miss Kitty Wells as a pioneer for her great career, and her efforts to bring the female artists to the forefront of country music, and I know that all of us are thrilled that she is being honored and paid tribute by her induction into the Hall.  She is a model for every female artists who loves country music, as she continues to carry the torch of country music in her long super career, as still is going full speed ahead.  Jean Shepard has given back so much to country music and I remind you that she helped lay the foundation of what country music was, is, and will always be. 

 

I spoke with Jean briefly at the press conference and she was happy, happy.  The media kept her there for way over an hour with interviews and pix.

 

As Kix Brooks said in his introduction for Reba, it was a bitter sweet introduction because Reba could not be there to accept her induction.  Her father had had a stroke and was comatose, so please keep Reba’s Dad and all of her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.  Reba sent a note for Kix to read to all present.  Reba said that before Dad went into coma, she told him that she had been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  As everyone knows, Reba and her parents are very close in her life, her success, and her family. 

 

What can a person who has ever heard the word Reba not know about this woman of so many talents, and especially what she means to country music.  I remember Reba with her jeans, big Oklahoma belt buck shining brightly, and all of her great country records.  In my mind she never drifted too far away from the sounds that gave her this fantastic career as she continues to climb the record charts with her great music.  She has graced the stages of the world with her music and her acting.  Her place in the Hall of Fame has been certified for many years as a country music icon. 

 

When you listen to her songs, you will always hear the country in her voice.  Reba has always been a staunch supporter of country music, and today she was given the honor of being one of the new inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

 

She and Jean Shepard are two of the most gifted voices in all of country music, so it is fitting that they take their rightful place in the Hall, together.  Isn’t it ironic that this is the first time in the history of the Hall of Fame, that two Okie’s are inducted together, and what makes it all the more important, it is two female country artists from two different era’s in country music.

 

You do not have to be a songwriter to know the name Bobby Braddock.  All you have to do is listen to the many super songs he has written, and that in itself will give you all of the information you will need.  He is what I call in my mind, one of music’s master writers and creators of music.  Bobby was blessed with a mind of a poet, and the hands of one of the greatest writers of all time.  He has given the artists who sing his songs the opportunity to become successful because of the stories that he writes.  He is still in constant demand for his songs, as he continues to write great songs to add to his awesome list of songs that have become standards and given so many artists successful careers.  Bobby’s joins Jean and Reba in the special circle that can only be entered by achievements that go way beyond the realms of just success.  His worth to country music, and music in general, has been and is priceless, so it is only fitting that he join his friends in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

The Country Music Hall of Fame nominating committee has outdone themselves in selecting these three giants of country music to enjoy the fruits of their labors by becoming the newest members of this elite group of our industry.  They are welcomed with open and thankful arms.  Congratulations to Jean Shepard, Reba McEntire, Bobby Braddock, and the Country Music Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

 

Marty Martel