Recognizing the Country Music Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

Floor Speech

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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 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.

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