two veterans and a rookie

To have a successful career in Country Music is a feat in itself, but to be voted into the Hall of Fame is probably the greatest honor. Two well-seasoned country stars, Sonny James and Harold Bradley, and the Texas rancher George Strait were inducted into the Hall of Fame May 7,2007. At the invitation only gala affair, many already hall of famers were present. Bill Anderson, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Porter Wagoner, Kitty Wells, Phill Everly, Frances Preston, Charlie Louvin, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jo Walker-Meador, the Jordanaires, and Alabama were all there to honor the inductees.

The first inductee Harold Bradley, who is the only session player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, almost became a professional baseball player but became one of the most sought after session guitar players in Nashville. Bradley played on Country Classics such as, "Crazy", "Dang Me", "For the Good Times" and "Stand By Your Man." Reba Mcentire and current great session player Brent Mason showcased a unique version of "I Fall To Pieces" in which orginally Bradley was the lead guitarist on that song. Bradley remarked on his induction saying, "I just hope my induction will pave the way for other players to get in."

The smooth vocalist Sonny James was the next to be honored. Porter Wagoner was the one to present the medallion to James. Sonny, in 1967-1971, had an unprecedented 16 #1 hits. The two of these songs the people mostly remember were "Running Bear"(in which Ray Stevens and George "Goober" Lindsey" covered at the ceremony), and the ballad "Young Love."

The introverted George Strait was the last to be inducted. Strait was presented by George Jones who is no stranger to the red carpet. The emotional side of Strait was shown when he got choked up while accepting the medallion. He pointed out that he never could have made it in this business by himself.

The Hall of Fame has gotten some slack in the past for letting in favorites, but these recipients justly deserve this honor.