Bobby Karl Works The Room—Harris, Stoneman Medallion Ceremony

Pictured (L-R): Kyle Young, Donna Stoneman, Patsy Stoneman, Roni Stoneman, Tammy Genovese and Emmylou Harris. Photo: Donn Jones

“I think this is the highest concentration of greatness in the whole universe,” proclaimed Jim Lauderdale as he took the stage at the Medallion Ceremony which officially inducted Emmylou Harris and the late Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

He could have been talking about the number of Hall of Famers in attendance—Phil Everly, Jimmy Dickens, Jim Foglesong, Frances Preston, Vince Gill, Jo Walker-Meador, The Jordanaires, Charlie Louvin, Earl Scruggs, Ralph Emery and the like. He could have been talking about the All-Star Band—John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Michael Rhodes, Wes Hightower, Tania Hancheroff, Deanie Richardson and Biff Watson.

He could have been talking about the audience, which included Tom T. Hall, The Statler Brothers, Jon Randall & Jessi Alexander, Jeff Hanna & Matraca Berg, The Whites, John Carter Cash, Marty Stuart & Connie Smith, Guy Clark, Barry & Holly Tashian, Pam Rose, Maryann Kennedy, Randy and Gary Scruggs, Hank DeVito and Charlie Dick. Or it could have been that Sunday’s event (4/27) at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum was simply so fabulous that Lauderdale couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.

We began the evening with a cocktail supper in the Conservatory. It was like “old home week” for the dozens of great musicians who have been in Emmylou’s bands. Everywhere you turned, there was an alumnus of The Angel Band, The Hot Band, The Nash Ramblers or Spyboy.

Then the ceremony was staged in the Ford Theater, which is directly beneath the Hall of Fame rotunda. Kyle Young welcomed the capacity crowd.

“In the words of that great philosopher Charlie Daniels, ‘Ain’t it great to be alive and in Tennessee?’” said Kyle. “This is a night of music and memories,” added the CMA’s Tammy Genovese. The CMA underwrites the event. GAC provides the video crew. Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Steve Turner noted humorously, “I don’t sing; I don’t write songs; so you don’t have to run when you see me.”

Vince kicked things off musically with an awesome rendition of “Drifting Too Far From the Shore.” Then Kyle told Pop Stoneman’s story, noting that his stardom predates that of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. Old Crow Medicine Show were utterly charming on their old-timey performance of Pop’s “Tell Mother I Will Meet Her.”

Unquestionably a highlight of the night was when Pop’s daughters Roni Stoneman, Donna Stoneman and Patsy Stoneman Murphy took the stage with Jack Clement to sing “The Titanic.” They were rewarded with the first of the night’s many standing ovations. On his own with the All-Star Band, Jack earned another with “Blue Ridge Mountain Blues.” Lauderdale and The Jordanaires got one for “Are You Washed in the Blood,” which Pop recorded at the famed 1927 Bristol Sessions.

Kyle introduced Frances as “country music’s guardian angel.” “What a beautiful evening and what a beautiful family,” said Frances. “Pop was determined to make his mark. Tonight, Pop’s perseverence is being rewarded.” She put the Medallion around Patsy’s neck. “This is the biggest thing that has happened since water,” quipped Patsy.

Donna recalled that on her father’s death bed in 1968 she had told him a white lie that he had been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It took 40 more years and Patsy’s dogged determination, but he finally was.

Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller harmonized on “Love Hurts” to begin the Emmylou portion of the ceremony. That took guts, since originator Phil Everly was in the house. Lucinda Williams drew yet another standing ovation, for her version of “Boulder to Birmingham.” “I was in tears a couple of times listening to all these songs,” said Lucinda of the lovely old-time tunes that had preceded her. Guy Clark sang the superbly written “Bang the Drum Slowly” and another s.o. ensued.

Vince, Jon, Buddy, Patty and Sam Bush took the stage and climaxed the musical evening with a thrilling “Green Pastures.” “We’ve named ourselves, ‘O Brother, We’re Out There,” quipped Jon.

Charlie Louvin drew a standing ovation before speaking a word. He formally inducted Emmylou, saying, “She has been a welcome ambassador for all that we stand for.”

“They don’t let just anybody in here,” said Emmylou. “It’s been a real joy and privilege to make music with these people over the years…I’m a bit overwhelmed…I feel like the guy in that Verizon commercial with a sea of people behind him.”

She praised the Stoneman clan, stating, “Patsy Stoneman, you are the bomb!” Emmy’s remarks concluded with her quoting Minnie Pearl: “I’m just so proud to be here.”

The finale was all of the Hall of Famers gathering on stage to sing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” It was, as always, a trainwreck.

Fabulons spotted and schmoozed included Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, David Ross, David Preston, Dick Frank, John Grady, Bruce Hinton, Tim Wipperman, Ed Benson, Don Light, Phil Kaufman, Mary Martin, Brian Ahern, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Mike Dungan, Jeff Walker, Ken Levitan, Paul Kennerley, Del Bryant and Bill Denny, plus power couples Barry & Jewel, Steve & Ree and Tony & Anastasia. If you need to ask their last names, get out of the business.

Steve Fishell & Tracy Gershon brought their teenage kids, who have seemingly grown up overnight. Tom Roland made the pilgrimage from L.A. Bill Cody did the red-carpet arrival announcements. Eddie Stubbs interviewed in the crowd. Peter Cooper, Ed Morris, Chet Flippo and Bob Doerschuk took notes.

Tom T. and The Statlers will be inducted on June 29.