Hank Williams, Jr., Marty Stuart and songwriter Dean Dillon are all headed into the Country Music Hall of Fame this fall. Williams will be inducted in the “Veterans Era Artist” category; Stuart in the “Modern Era Artist” category; and Dillon in the “Songwriter” category. Details regarding a formal induction ceremony for the three will be released as information is available.
Williams said, “Bocephus has been eyeing this one for awhile. It’s a bright spot during a difficult year. I have been making Top 10 records for 56 years. I fell off a mountain and tried to reinvent myself as a truly individual artist and one who stepped out of the shadows of a very famous man…one of the greatest. I’ve got to thank all those rowdy friends who, year after year, still show up for me. It’s an honor to carry on this family tradition. It is much appreciated.”
Stuart said the honor leaves him at a loss for words. “It's family to me. I've always considered the Country Music Hall of Fame — I've said it — it is our ultimate treasure chest. It is the greatest living room that the family of Country music has together, and I've always felt like I was a part of it, but to be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame, it is beyond words. I'm usually not at a loss for words.”
Dillon said, “I was just speechless. Trying to soak in the words that I had just heard. My life flashed before my eyes. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather.”