Country Radio HOF Inducts Class of ’23
• The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. held the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony on Monday, July 10 at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville. The off-air honorees were Pam Green, Charlie Morgan, Wade Jessen (honored posthumously), and John Willyard. The on-air inductees were Trish Biondo and “Dollar” Bill Lawson. These distinguished inductees, representing various aspects of the Country radio industry, were recognized for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication and were celebrated for their immense talent, passion, and commitment to advancing the genre throughout their illustrious careers.
Internationally known voice and Country Radio Hall of Fame member Bill Cody served as the evening’s emcee. As each honoree took the stage, they paid tribute to the mentors who had guided and inspired them on their respective journeys. With grace and gratitude, they shared cherished moments and anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the milestones that shaped their careers and the impact of country radio on their lives.
Scott and Julie De Vos of De Lux Productions were honored with the prestigious 2023 CRB President’s Award, while the legendary Barbara Mandrell was the recipient of the esteemed 2023 CRB Artist Achievement Award. Trisha Yearwood, last year’s CRB Artist Achievement honoree, performed a special musical tribute to Mandrell, while her husband Garth Brooks surprised the audience and joined Yearwood on “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” CMA CEO Sarah Trahern also helped to honor Mandrell during the event.
The sold-out audience was jammed with past inductees, including Lee Arnold, Beverlee Brannigan, Becky Brenner, Bob Call, Charlie Chase, Charlie Cook, RJ Curtis, Jim Denny, Mike Kennedy, Barry Mardit, Joel Raab, Tim Roberts, and Ed Salamon.
Nominations for the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame are now being accepted here, and the Class of 2024 will be revealed at CRS 2024, to be held Feb 28 to March 1, 2024.
Pictured, (l-r): “Dollar” Bill Lawson, Charlie Morgan, Pam Green, John Willyard, Trish Biondo and Wade Jessen’s nephew Meagher McConkie, who accepted his uncle’s posthumous induction. [Photo credit: Kayla Schoen]
