James Burton, John Anderson, and Toby Keith have earned their way into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The three artists make up the 2024 class of inductees, voted on by members of the Country Music Association and announced during a press conference hosted by Brooks & Dunn.
“This year’s nominees exemplify the excellence of our genre,” said 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.”
James Burton will join the Hall of Fame class of 2024 in the Recording and/or Touring Musician category. John Anderson is being recognized as an inductee in the Veterans Era Artist category, and Toby Keith was selected to be inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.
“How did I find out about this amazing award? Well, I was on the phone with Keith Urban, and I kind of felt that Keith was beating around the bush a bit and small-talking me,” said Burton. “He then stated that he was going to hand the phone to a young lady for a minute. I thought it was a friend of Keith’s that just wanted to say hi or talk guitars. Instead, she [Sarah Trahern] introduced herself and simply said ‘Mr. Burton, you’ve been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.’ I was completely shocked and couldn’t think of anything to say. All I remember was that my wife Louise started crying, I kept thinking that this couldn’t be real. In fact, when we hung up the call, I redialed the caller’s number just to make sure it wasn’t a prank phone call! I am so humbled and excited to be recognized in this way. So much of my career was spent playing for incredible Country artists and to now be going up on that wall with all those innovators and industry greats is just incredible.”
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place this October at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
“After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” stated John Anderson. “It is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honored beyond words.”
“Each of the three new inductees has left a deep and distinctive stamp on our genre,” stated Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Chief Executive Officer. “Florida native John Anderson helped steer Country Music back to its traditions with his bold honky-tonk style. James Burton, who hails from Louisiana, blended Country and blues to create a fiery picking style that distinguished countless hits and has inspired guitarists the world over. Toby Keith from Oklahoma brought a sly swagger and a patriotic passion to songs that made him one of the best-selling Country artists of the past 30 years. They have all profoundly shaped our music, and we are honored and delighted that their achievements will now forever be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
