The legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, who had 34 Top 20 country hits between 1968 and 1981, is finally going to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at the age of 86.
JUST ANNOUNCED: music executive Joe Galante, singer-pianist Jerry Lee Lewis, and singer Keith Whitley are joining the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to the new members-elect.#HonorThyMusic pic.twitter.com/5V4fhJFCKX
— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) May 17, 2022
‘A Humbling Experience’
“To be recognized by Country Music with their highest honor is a humbling experience,” Lewis said in a statement, according to Fox News.
“The little boy from Ferriday, Louisiana, listening to Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams never thought he’d be in a Hall amongst them,” he added. “I am appreciative of all those who have recognized that Jerry Lee Lewis music is country music and to our almighty God for his never-ending redeeming grace.”
“It’s been a while coming,” Lewis concluded. “But we’re thankful for it.”
What Took So Long?
The announcement of Lewis’ induction was hosted by Brooks & Dunn duo, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. Lewis brushed off the fact that fans had been questioning for years why he had never been inducted.
“I never really got into it too much,” Lewis explained. “I’m sure they had a reason for it.”
Lewis got his start in the world of country music back in 1957, when his song “Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On” made it to the top of the charts.
“I’ve always loved country music. It’s made more sense for me than anything,” he said. “I like to get into it. I love the words to the songs, and they just seem to make a lot of sense.”
Check out the induction announcement for yourself below.
Joe Galante And Keith Whitley To Be Inducted As Well
Lewis’ induction will become official later this year in a Medallion Ceremony, according to Saving Country Music. Country music executive Joe Galante and the late singer Keith Whitley will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at that time as well.
“For this [induction] to happen … I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Galante told The Tennessean. “I’m truly humbled and grateful. It is the pinnacle of my career and something unexpected to happen. I appreciate all the people that got me here, because it was people. It was people along the way [who] were just kind enough to answer my questions and give me the time.”
Whitley tragically passed away in 1989, and his widow Lorrie Morgan responded to the news of his upcoming induction by praising him.
“I fell in love with the voice before I fell in love with the man,” she said. “No music has ever touched me and moved my heart as Keith’s did.”
It’s about time that these legends were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame! We look forward to their official inductions later this year.
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