Toby Keith, James Burton & John Anderson Named 2024 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees

Toby Keith, James Burton, and John Anderson will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year.

Keith, who passed away last month, sadly died just one day before the names of the final inductees were delivered to the Hall of Fame (per Rolling Stone).

The Should’ve Been A Cowboy singer is already a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and by entering the Country Music Hall of Fame, Keith will be part of the Modern Era Artist category.

Meanwhile, guitarist James Burton, known for his work with Elvis Presley – including leading the singer’s TCB Band – Emmylou Harris, The Wrecking Crew, John Denver, Elvis Costello, Suzi Quatro, Vince Gill and more, will be inducted into the Recording and/or Touring Musician category – an award that’s given every three years.

Wild And Blue singer John Anderson, who has charted more than 40 singles on the Billboard country music charts, will be inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category. Anderson was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014.

“James, John, and Toby have each made an indelible impact and brought their distinctive contributions to Country Music, enriching our format,” Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association (CMA) Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release.

Trahern added, “Their influence is evident throughout the longevity of their careers, ensuring each legacy will thrive indefinitely. It is with great pride that we welcome these three remarkable individuals into the esteemed ranks of the Country Music Hall of Fame.”

Toby Keith’s family commented, “Toby’s passing left our hearts broken. We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.”

Burton also shared his reaction to learning he had been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, joking that Keith Urban was “beating around the bush a bit and small talking me” when they were on the phone.

Burton shared, “He then stated that he was going to hand the phone to a young lady for a minute. I thought it was a friend of Keith’s that just wanted to say hi or talk guitars. Instead, she [Sarah Trahern] introduced herself and simply said, ‘Mr. Burton, you’ve been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.’”

He went on to recall feeling “completely shocked” and speechless and could only remember his wife, Louise, “started crying”. Burton insisted that the phone call didn’t feel real, so he re-dialed the caller’s number to ensure it wasn’t a prank call.

“I am so humbled and excited to be recognised in this way,” he continued. “So much of my career was spent playing for incredible Country artists, and to now be going up on that wall with all those innovators and industry greats is just incredible.”

Anderson added, “After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is one of the greatest honours I could ever receive.

“My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honoured beyond words.”

The trio will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at the CMA Theatre in October.