CMT Blog: Archive

It’s not often you get a stellar evening of excellent music that is also totally Pro Tools-free. No doctoring of performances was needed at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion ceremony on June 29, marking the induction of Tom T. Hall and the Statler Brothers into the Hall of Fame. Although both Hall and the Statlers have been retired for years, they unpacked their chops to sing and to show the world that they’ve still got it. Hall performed his true-life ode, “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine.” The Statlers sang a kick-out-the-jams version of their “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You.” Longtime Hall friend Bobby Bare paid him tribute with a moving “That’s How I Got to Memphis.” Reba McEntire brought the Statlers’ “Flowers On The Wall” back to life with verve.

The surprise of the evening, though, was the overwhelming reception accorded a couple of newer acts. A sweet-sounding traditional duo from North Carolina, Heather Berry and Tony Mabe, won the crowd over with their charming rendition of Hall’s “Can You Hear Me Now.” They have also recorded the song for their new CD. And new bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent ran through an energetic and rigorous version of the Statlers’ “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine” and drew a well-deserved audience ovation. All 100 percent genuine, effects-free musical performances, all night.