Kenny Rogers — an internationally renowned singer-songwriter, restaurateur, actor, author, and phone sex enthusiast — was revealed to be one of the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame today (April 10). The fried chicken purveyor seemed humbled by the distinction; Rolling Stone reported that when the announcement was made during a Country Music Association-held ceremony at Nashville this morning, Rogers said, “The accomplishments I’ve had all pale by comparison to this one.”
Gracious words, but not so fast, Kenny. How could the man who brought us “Lady,” the same man who, as the Country Music Hall of Fame puts it, “parlayed a distinctive, husky voice and laid-back sex appeal into durable stardom” not already be in the Country Music Hall of Fame? Beats us, especially since “the man makes a mean bird” makes him a quadruple-threat, easy.
Thankfully, this outrageous snub will come to an end when Rogers joins country music icons such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire in the Hall of Fame.
Also being recognized in this year’s round of inductions is influential singer-songwriter Bobby Bare, who will be acknowledged in the “Veterans Era Artist” category, and legendary producer “Cowboy” Jack Clement, who will be honored in the “Non-Performer” category. Mr. Rogers is being honored as a “Modern Era Artist,” because, dammit, that’s who Kenny Rogers is: a modern renaissance man.
