Shotgun Willie can add Rock & Roll Hall of Famer to his already impressive list of music accomplishments.
He was officially announced as a nominee of the 2023 Class alongside A Tribe Called Quest, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, The Spinners, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon.
Kate Bush and The Spinners are being nominated for the fourth time, meanwhile Rage Against the Machine are being nominated for the fifth time.
Soundgarden are being nominated for the second time, while Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Joy Division/New Order, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, Warren Zevon, the White Stripes, and Willie Nelson are first-time nominees.
With only 14 nominees, 2023 will the mark the lowest number since 2010.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s chairman, John Sykes, said,:
“This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates.
These artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps.”
If voted in (which, how can you not?), he will be come the 8th country music artist in the Hall, among the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
Country Artists In The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Let’s take a look at the country artists who have etched their name in Rock and Roll fame, according to Billboard.
Chet Atkins (2002)
Guitar player, songwriter producer, Chet is credited with being a significant player in developing the “Nashville Sound.” He was inducted in the Musical Excellence category which “shall be given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.”
Johnny Cash (1992)
The man who needs no explanation…
Floyd Cramer (2003)
A Nashville session piano player, like Chet Atkins, Floyd was inducted into the Rock Hall under the Musical Excellence category.
Bill Monroe (1997)
The skilled singer, songwriter and mandolin player is known as The Father of Bluegrass Music.
Jimmie Rodgers (1986)
Known as the Father of Country Music, he was inducted in the Early Influences category which “shall be given to a performing artist or group whose music and performance style have directly influenced and helped inspire and evolve rock & roll and music that has impacted youth culture.”
Other Early Influences include acts like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, James Brown and Bob Wills.
Hank Williams (1987)
Also needs no explanation…
Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys (1999)
As mentioned previously, Bob Wills was inducted in the Early Influences category for his pioneering work in country music. Known as the King of Western Swing, he influenced the likes of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and more.
And the great…
Dolly Parton (2022)
Of course there are a few more artists that are both Country Music Hall of Famers and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, however they’re not known primarily for being country artists.
Artists like Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson, Sam Phillips or Ray Charles.
