There were tears of joy mixed with those of sadness, this weekend at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Judds were inducted into the Hall just a day after it was announced that Naomi Judd passed away suddenly. Daughters Wynonna and Ashley were there to accept the award amidst the tears.
The Judds, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers and Pete Drake were all inducted on Sunday night, as the music played on despite the tragic news. Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill were on hand to play the tunes.
Naomi and Wynonna Judd scored 14 number country hits in their thirty-odd year career, but sadly Naomi passed away at the age of 76 on the eve of the induction. Daughter Ashley said, "I'm sorry that she couldn't hang on until today." Wynonna added, "Though my heart is broken I will continue to sing."
Charles's, who died in 2004, played music crossed many musical genres, but the Georgian pianist, better known for his R&B, gospel and soul, grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry. His recording of country music really helped expand audiences in the era of Civil Rights change.
The Judds and Charles were joined in the Hall by two key musicians from the country scene. Eddie Bayers became the first drummer to join the institution; he played on 300 platinum records, playing regularly on records for The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney. Pete Drake, who died in 1988, played pedal steel guitar and was a renowned session musician, playing on hits like Tammy Wynette's 'Stand By Your Man' and 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' by George Jones.
From: Billboard.Com
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