The Country Music Hall of Fame is devoted to the recognition of noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to Country Music. Founded in 1961 by the Country Music Association, the Hall of Fame currently counts 112 individuals and groups among members.
Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams were the first inductees into the Hall of Fame in 1961. Prior to the 1968 CMA Awards, when the inductees were first announced during the Awards, the Hall of Fame inductees were announced at CMA's anniversary banquet and show.
The election of Country Music Hall of Fame members takes place annually in two stages:
- nominating
- electing
A Hall of Fame nominating committee of industry leaders first nominates a slate of 10 to 20 Hall of Fame candidates for each category. From these names, five nominees are chosen by an anonymous panel of approximately 300 Hall of Fame electors.
These electors, who are selected by the CMA Board of Directors, must themselves have participated actively in Country Music for at least 10 years and must merit respect and recognition for their accomplishments and/or knowledge in one or more aspects of Country Music.
After the five finalists have been selected, a second ballot listing their names is sent out to the electors, who then vote to select the inductee for that year. The balloting is conducted by the international accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Each year, there will be inductees in three categories: 1) Modern Era (eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieve national prominence), 2) Veterans Era (eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieve national prominence), and 3) Non-Performer, Songwriter, and Recording and/or Touring Musician active prior to 1980 (rotates every 3 years).