62 Artists Not in the Country Music Hall of Fame

Publish date: 2024-08-27

There are 152 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and no fewer than 60 in waiting. These men, women and groups have Hall-worthy resumes and supporters.

Toby Keith, John Anderson and James Burton were announced as Class of 2024 inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Each year, the Hall inducts three new members: a Modern Artist Artist, Veterans Era artist and one from a rotating third category.
This year's third category was Recording and/or Touring Musician.

A Modern Era artist is eligible 20 years after reaching national prominence. A Veterans Era artist is eligible after 40 years. The full, rotating third category includes: Non-Performer, Songwriter and Recording and/or Touring Musician.

Most debates around who the next Country Music Hall of Fame inductee should be center on Modern Era artists, as there are simply fewer people who can present an artist like Gene Watson's credentials with authority. Thus we find ourselves wondering who's more worthy: Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw or Trisha Yearwood?

Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams were the inaugural class of Country Music Hall of Fame artists in 1961.
16 country artists are in both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
Roy Rogers is in the CMHOF twice, as both a member of the Sons of Pioneers and as a solo artist.

As you scroll through this list, you'll find several eligible artists that hardly seem old enough to be in a Hall of Fame — looking at you, LeAnn Rimes — and several more you won't believe aren't in already (cough, cough, Dwight Yoakam). We chose from artists who either won artist awards at the CMA and ACM Awards, were nominated frequently or just dominated a decade, a la Eddie Rabbitt.

If any artists has expressed thoughts on the Hall of Fame, that's noted. Unlike those eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a country singer will typically remain quiet until it's time to accept that medallion.