Three country legends are being added to the Country Music Hall of Fame's famous rotunda. Ricky Skaggs, Dottie West and Johnny Gimble were announced as the 2018 inductees by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood earlier today, March 27.
Ricky Skaggs was named as the Modern Era Artist inductee for his incredible career achievements in both country music and bluegrass. Skaggs began playing as a teen alongside the late Keith Whitley, which earned them both spots in Ralph Stanley's band, the Clinch Mountain Boys. He went on to play alongside Vince Gill and Jerry Douglas before joining Emmylou Harris' band in the late 1970s. His solo country career took off in the 1980s, earning him 12 No. 1 hits.
Veterans era artist inductee Dottie West passed away at just 58 in a car crash while on her way to the Grand Ole Opry in 1991. A close friend of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, West paved the way for many other female country artists. She recorded multiple hit duets with Kenny Rogers but also found solo success in the 1980s, including her No. 1 hit "A Lesson in Leavin'."
Texas native and legendary fiddler Johnny Gimble was selected as the Recording and/or Touring Musician nominee. Gimble was a longtime member of Bob Wills' Texas Playboys but also toured alongside Merle Haggard, George Strait and Marty Robbins.
All three artists will be inducted in a private medallion ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.
