Loveless, Tucker, McDill join Country Hall of Fame

Loveless, McDill and Tucker were honored with heartfelt remarks and inspired performances of songs associated with their careers.

Loveless joined in the Modern Era Artist category. Between 1988 and 2003, the Kentucky native scored 31 Top 20 country hits, including the the number ones "Timber, I'm Falling in Love," "Blame It on Your Heart" and "Lonely Too Long."

Sister Sadie sang "The Sounds of Loneliness" at the ceremony, while Bob Seger offered "She Drew a Broken Heart." Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill performed "Lonely Too Long." Gill also formally presented Loveless with membership.

Tucker joined from the Veterans Era Artist category. A hit recording artist at age 13, a Rolling Stone cover story at 15 and a millionaire at 16, Texas-born Tanya Tucker landed six number one records before she turned 18. Following an unsatisfying flirtation with pop-rock and a three-year recording hiatus, Tucker came back to score 24 Top 10 country hits between 1986 and 1997. In 2019, she made yet another comeback with the critically claimed, Grammy-winning album "While I'm Livin'."

Country Music Hall of Fame members Charlie McCoy and Wynonna sang "Delta Dawn" at the ceremony. Margo Price and Jessi Colter performed "It's a Little Too Late" Brandi Carlile sang "Two Sparrows in a Hurricane."Country Music Hall of Fame members Connie Smith and Brenda Lee presented Tucker with membership.

You've been through the ups and downs with me at different times in my life. Thank you for not giving up on me." Regarding her long journey, Tucker said, "Looking back on the past 52 years, it's hard to make sense of it all. But if we lived in a world that made sense, and was logical, it would be a man who rode sidesaddle."

The ceremony concluded with a performance of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," led by Wynonna. The Medallion All-Star Band consisted of Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Rachel Loy (bass), Brent Mason (electric guitar), Jerry Pentecost (drums), Carmella Ramsey (vocals), Deanie Richardson (fiddle and mandolin), Biff Watson (bandleader and acoustic guitar) and Jeff White (acoustic guitar and vocals).

McDill, who joined in the songwriter category, wrote numerous numerous country hits, including "Amanda," "Don't Close Your Eyes," "Gone Country" and "It Must Be Love." Don Williams alone recorded more than 30 McDill songs, 14 of them hits. Others who benefited from McDill's works include Crystal Gayle and Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama, Alan Jackson and Waylon Jennings.

Charley Crockett performed "Louisiana Saturday Night" at the ceremony. Country Music Hall of Fame member Dean Dillon offered "All the Good Ones Are Gone, while Jamey Johnson sang "Good Ole Boys Like Me"

Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, a songwriter, formally inducted McDill.