The Country Music Hall of Fame named its class of 2015 Wednesday morning in a ceremony hosted by singer Brenda Lee.
The Oak Ridge Boys accepted the honor in person, as did Jim Ed Brown and the Browns (his two sisters, Maxine and Bonnie). Guitarist Grady Martin, who rounds out the class, died in 2001.
“This completes my wishlist,” Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys said, adding that his other lifelong wish was fulfilled in 2011 when he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The band, which has sold 41 million albums, started in gospel music and transitioned to country with a few crossover hits along the way. “Elvira” from 1981 even appeared on the pop charts.
The Oak Ridge Boys figured their number would be called, but William Lee Golden — known for his giant, white beard — said the band has been antsy the past few years.
“Sometimes I guess I couldn’t help but wonder if I did or said something that might have offended these secret voters along the way,” Golden said.
But Jim Ed Brown waited even longer. Some of his earliest hits predate the Hall of Fame itself. “I Take The Chance” and “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing” became popular in the 1950s.
Brown’s induction also includes his two sisters – Maxine and Bonnie – who sang in the act, known as Jim Ed Brown and the Browns. They stood by his side as he accepted the hall of fame honor.
“This past year has not been an easy one,” Brown said, choking back tears. “Cancer is no fun, but I’ve made it through it.”
Brown said he’s in remission and has recorded his first album in 30 years.
Grady Martin was one of the session players known as the “A-team.”
The formal induction ceremony will be held later this year. The Hall of Fame, which started in 1961, now has 127 members.
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