CHESNEY, CASH, BROWN NAMED TO COUNTRY HALL

The Country Music Hall of Fame will induct Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash and producer Tony Brown at its annual Medallion ceremony, to be held later this year.

Chesney, who's been named Entertainer of the Year four times by both the Country Music Association (which presents the CMHOF) and Academy of Country Music, will be inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.

“This is just something you don’t dare to imagine," he said. "I would never have even thought about being here, because it’s almost too much. Just walking past so many of these bronzes, realizing how many are friends or people whose music I’ve listened to my whole life—this is an honor that extends beyond anything my heart would dare think.”

Brown is a six-time Grammy winner who's produced more than 100 #1 singles and contributed to sales of 100m records over the course of a career in which he’s worked with such superstars as Elvis Presley and George Strait, for whom he produced more than 20 albums.

Reacting to his induction into the Non-Performer category, Brown (who’s actually performed with the Oak Ridge Boys and Emmylou Harris, among others) said, “I’ve had a lot of big things happen in my life and career and this is the biggest. This is cool. I don’t care who you are. This is better than money… This is about making an impact and when it comes down to it, that’s the reason we all get into this business.”

Acknowledging the Veteran Era Artist nomination earned by her mother, Carlene Carter minced no words, saying, “My mom was a force of nature. Anything that’s good about me is because of that woman. My mama was the shit, y’all.” June was already an established country star as part of The Carter Family when she married Johnny Cash in 1968. She won Grammy Awards with her husband and as a solo artist, including two posthumous trophies. She died in 2003 at the age of 73.

“This year’s inductees embody the relentless drive and dedication that define country music,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “Kenny, June and Tony have each left a lasting imprint on the genre, shaping its history with their contributions. Their achievements speak to the passion and dedication that have defined their extraordinary careers. The impact of their work will continue to inspire future generations.”

HITS, for its part, inspires various generations to leave the room when we walk in.