[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 4, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2327-S2328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME 2021 INDUCTEES

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam President, it is my honor to officially 
congratulate the Country Music Hall of Fame 2021 inductees. This past 
weekend I was fortunate enough to attend their Medallion Ceremony and 
help welcome The Judds, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake into 
country music's closest circle of friends.
  Naomi and Wynonna Judd, 2021's Modern Era Artist inductees, were one 
of country music's most cherished duos. The story of how they became 
The Judds reads like something out of a movie script: a mama and her 
daughter change their names, move to Nashville, and land a record deal 
after a chance encounter with a hit producer. I, like thousands of 
their fans, was absolutely heartbroken when Naomi's life came to an end 
just 1 day before she was to receive her medallion, but her story lives 
on in the generations of female artists she inspired and through 
Wynonna's ongoing, stunning contributions to country music.
  Few artists in living memory have taken more risks and earned more 
respect than Ray Charles, 2021's Veterans Era Artist inductee. Ray's 
timeless

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contributions to the past, present, and future of country music have 
inspired generations of rising stars to stake their own unique claims 
in the rich and diverse traditions of the genre. Ray's career should 
serve as a gentle reminder to us all that while conformity may make for 
an easier journey, the creative heart rarely finds solace or joy in 
following in another's footsteps.
  This year, the Country Music Hall of Fame honored not one but two 
musicians who fundamentally transformed the sound and feel of modern 
music and set country musicmaking above the rest. Eddie Bayers, one of 
2021's Recording and Touring Musician inductees, is an undisputed 
master of his craft. He is a first call drummer, a revered instructor, 
and one of the industry's most coveted human metronomes. For more than 
50 years, he has laid the groove for the world's most beloved artists, 
and I am so pleased to see him finally take his place in the spotlight. 
Pete Drake, Bayers' fellow 2021 Recording and Touring Musician 
inductee, used his unparalleled skill on the pedal steel guitar to turn 
already great musicians into chart-topping legends. He forever changed 
the way artists in all genres thought about pedal steel, and his 
version of Alvino Rey's ``talking'' steel guitar, dubbed the ``talk 
box,'' made its way into some of rock `n roll's most iconic and 
instantly recognizable records.
  On behalf of the entire Tennessee delegation, I would like to express 
my gratitude to Naomi, Wynonna, Ray, Eddie, and Pete for their passion 
and artistry. The world is a far more vibrant and beautiful place for 
having experienced the gift of their music.

                          ____________________