The Class of ‘08 for the Country Music Hall of Fame has been announced, and K.F. Raizor at Raizor’s Edge has the scoop:

EMMYLOU HARRIS: Emmylou belongs in if for no other reason than, during the 1970s, she made it “cool” to proudly proclaim to listen to country music. Forget her career (which is significant enough to warrant induction). She was an ambassador for country music when most people were defining country as “I Honestly Love You.”

THE STATLER BROTHERS: Another long overdue induction. One of country music’s most enduring quartets, and one that transcended “country” for popular culture. Their song “Flowers on the Wall” was awarded a “contemporary (’rock and roll’)” Grammy in 1965, which speaks volumes to their impact (and to the bewildering voting of the NARAS).

TOM T. HALL: I feared he would have to die to get inducted; however, the legendary “storyteller” is being inducted for his decades of hits of his own as well as writing others’ hits (e.g., “Harper Valley P.T.A.” by Jeannie C. Riley, “The Pool Shark,” Dave Dudley’s only #1 hit, and “(Margie’s At the) Lincoln Park Inn” by Bobby Bare).

ERNEST V. STONEMAN: Shout bama-lama, it finally happened! A man whose popularity in the 1920s was crucial to the advacement of country music has finally gotten his just desserts.

Overall, I think this is a great group of inductees.  Emmylou is amazing.  Pop Stoneman was a true pioneer.  I’m really happy to see The Statler Brothers getting in.  I have always loved their music…it takes me back to when I was a kid listening to AM radio in my daddy’s car.

I love Tom T. Hall simply for writing the best beer song of all time:

I like beer — it makes me a jolly good fellow
I like beer — it helps me unwind and sometimes it makes me feel mellow
Whiskey’s too rough, champagne costs too much, vodka puts my mouth in gear
This little refrain should help me explain as a matter of fact I like beer!

Classic!