Three New Inductees to Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville is buzzing with the news: Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash, and Tony Brown are the 2025 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Vince Gill announced the honorees, and the excitement was palpable.

June Carter Cash, inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, is celebrated as the "whole cloth of Country Music." Her family emphasized her enduring legacy, saying, "Her voice has been heard across the country...both with Mother Maybelle Carter, sisters Helen and Anita, and on her own." A multifaceted talent, June’s impact goes beyond her marriage to Johnny Cash.

Kenny Chesney, joining in the Modern Era Artist category, was nearly speechless. "You don’t dare dream of being in the Country Music Hall of Fame," he admitted. With over 50 Top 10 hits and a reputation as a touring powerhouse, Chesney’s influence on 21st-century country is undeniable. From "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" to headlining NFL stadiums, he’s created a unique sound and a devoted fanbase, "No Shoes Nation." As Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, noted, these inductees "embody the relentless drive and dedication that defines Country Music."

Tony Brown, the "Kingmaker of Country Music," will enter as a Non-Performer. Known for shaping modern country sounds since the 80s, Brown’s reaction was humble. "When you’re producing No. 1 records, you feel like you know what you’re doing," he said, "but being inducted...makes it feel like you’ve truly made an impact." His influence is undeniable, with over 100 chart-topping hits to his name.