Smith recounted before the show how she won a talent contest in Columbus, Ohio.
Cale, he worked with some of the most dynamic artists in music history. From Jones and most of his country contemporaries to rock 'n' roll pioneers like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and J.J. Robbins is one of the most widely recorded session players in Nashville history, though his reputation spread far beyond Music City's borders. Ronnie Milsap, who like Robbins is blind, joked 'Pig and I are driving home tonight,' before joining Robbins on 'Behind Closed Doors.' 1 hit Robbins played on in 1959, while simultaneously drinking moonshine from a Mason jar. Ronnie Dunn serenaded Robbins with a version of George Jones' 'White Lightning,' the first No. Merle Haggard provided her induction speech. Lee Ann Womack, the Quebe Sisters and The Whites saluted Smith.
Strait, Seeger and Taylor played for Brooks, dubbed 'the mighty Garth' by Robbins.
Brooks was inducted along with trailblazing singer Connie Smith and keyboard player Hargus 'Pig' Robbins, whose rolling signature sound has adorned countless hits across the radio dial.
