The 2022 class of inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame has been announced. The

Country Music Association selected Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Whitley, and Joe Galante. Hall of

fame members Brooks & Dunn delivered the announcement.

Lewis is considered one of the most important American entertainers of the 20th century. The Louisiana native paved the way for the rockabilly sound that became popular in the ‘50s. He released singles like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” for the iconic Sun Records in Memphis. His career is often compared to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, whom he toured and worked with often. Lewis shifted his sound to fit more of the country music mold in the ‘60s. He is also one of the rare entertainers to have dual membership in the Country and Rock Halls of Fame.

Whitley will be inducted posthumously as he passed away at the age of 34 in 1989. Greats such as Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Tim McGraw have all attributed the late singer to being an inspiration for their careers. Whitley was signed to RCA Records by fellow inductee Galante in 1984. His first single “Miami, My Amy” was released the following year. His 1988 album Don’t Close Your Eyes earned him countless awards and included the timeless track, “When You Say Nothing At All.” Other notable hit songs from Whitley include “I’m Over You” and “I’m No Stranger To The Rain.”

Galante is being inducted as part of the tri-annual “non-performer” category. He was working at the New York location of RCA Records before being transferred to Nashville. He took over RCA Nashville in 1982 with an interest in helping to create superstars. With his direction, stars such as The Judds, Alabama, Clint Black, and Martina McBride won the hearts of millions of country music fans. It was under his leadership that RCA Nashville sold over 750 million albums. After working as the RCA President for a brief time, he returned to Nashville as a chairman in the mid-'90s. He then began shaping the careers of Kenny Chesney, Lonestar, and Sara Evans.

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