People I Think Should Be in the Country Music Hall of Fame

The newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame will be announced tomorrow morning by Hall of Fame member Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood. Every year I seem to be just a little bit disappointed at some obvious choices that I think have been overlooked. And frankly, also disappointed by the way the inductees are treated at the CMA Awards. We need a blow it out, crazy fun and energetic ceremony like the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame does it. Now THAT'S a party.

Below is my list of who should be inducted, and, just in case their names aren't announced on Tuesday, congratulations to all the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame!

• Tanya Tucker - the youngest person to ever appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, and her first hit song 'Delta Dawn', was recorded when she was only 13 years old. Discovered by Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis, she was one of the very few child artists who actually had success as an adult as well. Was in the hospital having a baby when she was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 1991.
• The Judds - mother and daughter Naomi and Wynona Judd were a duo to be reckoned with in the 80's and 90's. They charted 25 singles between 1983 and 2000, with 14 going to #1. At a time when women were not generally welcome on Music Row, Naomi doggedly walked from record label to record label with a tape produced for $30 to promote their music. They eventually got signed to RCA Records, and broke up in 1991 when Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. They have reunited for several concerts, and a reality television show.
• Hank Williams, Jr - being a legacy isn't easy, but Hank Jr has managed to garner over 50 major awards, including Entertainer of the Year for the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. His southern rock style of country music has earned him millions of fans, despite some controversies throughout the years over his political opinions.
• Dottie West - groundbreaking female artist in the 70's and 80's, and a favorite duet partner with Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers. She also sang on some of the most famous commercial jingles for Coca Cola ever written. Tragically died after a car wreck on her way to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1991.
• Clint Black - his debut album in 1989, 'Killin' Time', was the first country music album to garner four straight #1 songs in a row. He's had 22 songs on the top of the charts, has acted in numerous movies, and is also a record producer. He even at one time owned his own record label. And he's one of the few artists who actually still wears a cowboy hat when he performs!