Four outstanding country music artists were inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 21. They are Miranda Lambert, Don Cook, Keith Gattis (posthumously), and George Strait. According to Music Row, it was a gala, highly festive occasion, with Ronnie Dunn doing the emceeing. There were performances by a slew of famous names like Randy Houser, Dean Dillon, Jamey Johnson, George's son Bubba Strait, Parker McCollum, and many others. The event took place in Austin, Texas, at ACL Live.
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Per the outlet, "The evening also honored owners and founders of Arlyn Studios, Lisa and Freddy Fletcher, with the Darrell K Royal Texas Music Legend Award."
Each Honoree Was Given a Special Musical Tribute
Each of the four honorees was given a tribute that celebrated their contributions to the country music genre.
Ashley Monroe, Parker McCollum, and Natalie Hemby paid homage to Miranda Lambert. They did soulful renditions of "Heart Like Mine, "Famous in a Small Town," and "Bluebird." Lambert herself teamed up with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram on "Tin Man."
There were performances of a trio of tracks - "I Got a Car," "Reconsider," and "El Cerrito Place" - for Keith Gattis. He died at 52 in 2023.
George Strait was honored by Dean Dillon ("Drinkin' Man") and Jamey Johnson ("Kicked Out Of Country"). Bubba jumped in with his dad George on "Here for a Good Time."
Don Cook has 20 chart-toppers to his credit. For him, Brooks & Dunn did "That Ain't No Way to Go," "Brand New Man," and "You're Gonna Miss Me."
Lambert Was Ecstatic About the Honor
Miranda Lambert is a sensational songwriter. She has proven that again and again over the years. Nobody excels like she does when it comes to romantic revenge tracks. Standouts from Lambert's pen such as "Over You" which was a co-write with her ex, Blake Shelton, would bring a tear to any listener's eye.
She voiced her sincere, unbridled appreciation for the honor on Instagram. "Last night was one I will never forget as long as I live. Being inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame along with King George, Keith Gattis, and Don Cook was the biggest honor I could ever dream of."
She added, "Thank you to @parkermccollum, @nataliehemby, @ashleymonroemusic, @jonrandallmusic and @jackingram for singing my songs and Frank Lidell for the most heartfelt speech. Texas is always home and the music that came from our great state is the music that built me. Big lone star love to all that have supported me all these years. My heart is full"
