The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Power of a Performance

I remember the very first time I met Country Music Hall of Fame member-elect Ricky Skaggs. It was in the mid-80’s when I was the PD of Kix 106 in Washington, DC and Ricky and his band were playing a local venue.

What I remember most about our pre-show meeting was Ricky’s repeated use of the word “show” – how excited he was about the show and how he hoped everyone would have a great time and enjoy the show.

Since the majority of the country concerts I’d attended to date were solid performances more than they were “shows,” I remember thinking that Ricky’s frequent use of the word “show” was perhaps a bit over the top.

But I was wrong.

Ricky and his team DID put on a show. Every bit of his excitement and buildup for it was justified tenfold.

It was animated, engaging, fun, energetic, surprising, fast-paced and – well, “showy.”  It was a great night – and the fact that I can still feel the excitement and remember pieces of the performance some 30 years later is a testament to how special that show was.

I had yet to see Chris LeDoux, and Garth Brooks had not yet arrived on the scene (both of whom I saw in the early 90’s and yes, those were both shows), but that takes nothing away from Ricky. He and his team were on fire that night in DC.  It was easily the best live country performance – no, show –  I’d seen to date.

Providing Perspective

Along with the late Dottie West and Johnny Gimble, Ricky will be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during their Medallion Ceremony, Sunday, October 21 in the CMA Theatre in Nashville. Unfortunately I never got to see Dottie or Johnny perform in person. But that doesn’t dim my respect for them anymore than other greats – in music, sports, business or some other field – who I never had the opportunity experience live.

But that’s the beauty of a Hall of Fame.

A Hall of Fame provides not just an historical record for, and recognition of, heroes and trail blazers, they serve as a link across time that connects heroes and fans and boundary-pushing accomplishments. And in so doing they prove the continuing value of the art form, business, or sport.

Halls of Fame serve as both yardsticks for greatness as well as motivational vehicles for those who presently endeavor to make a difference in their field.

And yes, that includes those of us who are performers.

Ricky’s show that night became a type of litmus test for me: could I get this enthusiastic about my show, imaging, contesting, appearance, performance, idea, coaching… you name it.

I hope that you’re as excited about what you have coming up as Ricky was that night in DC.

More:

Country Music Hall of Fame (home)

List of all Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees 

Honored by the Country Radio HOF Forever and Ever Amen

Photo Credits:

Copyright: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_f11photo’>f11photo / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

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