Watch Ricky Skaggs Play “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” on Bill Monroe’s Mandolin at His Hall of Fame Induction

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame

Watch Ricky Skaggs Play “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” on Bill Monroe’s Mandolin at His Hall of Fame Induction

The Country Music Hall of Fame formally inducted three new members on Oct. 21: Ricky Skaggs (modern era), Dottie West (veteran era, decreased) and Johnny Gimble (musician, deceased).

A number of Hall of Fame members and other country artists were in attendance for the celebration, including Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, the Oak Ridge Boys, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton and more.

Johnny Gimble was recognized by:

  • The Time Jumpers and David Ball performed “Right or Wrong”
  • Michael Cleveland and Jeff White performed “Gardenia Waltz”
  • Connie Smith and Deannie Richardson performed “If It Ain’t Love”
  • Medallion Presentation: Connie Smith

Dottie West was recognized by:

  • Jeannie Seely performed “Here Comes My Baby”
  • Larry Gatlin and Steve Wariner performed “Country Sunshine”
  • The War and Treaty performed “Lesson in Leavin’”
  • Medallion Presentation: Brenda Lee

Ricky Skaggs was recognized by:

  • Garth Brooks, Larry Cordle and Sierra Hull performed “Highway 40 Blues”
  • Dierks Bentley performed “You’ve Got a Lover”
  • Chris Stapleton performed “Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn”
  • Medallion Presentation: Garth Brooks

After Garth presented Ricky with his medallion, the Hall of Fame offered Ricky the chance to play Bill Monroe’s Gibson F-5 mandolin, which is on display at the Hall of Fame. With the help of Garth Brooks on vocals, Ricky took his hero’s mandolin and performed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” which you can watch below (video courtesy of the Hall of Fame).

photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall Of Fame

Blogs

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Toby Keith left us 10 months ago.  But his music keeps on keepin’ on in a big way.  He just went GOLD and PLATINUM again. His whole catalog has seen a boost since he passed away from cancer in February at the age of 62.  The RIAA honored him this week with four more certifications,…

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024

While 2024 certainly had its moments of inspiration and incredible country music . . . we also lost more than a few country superstars. Here are some members of the country music family that passed away this year: 1.  Toby Keith.  July 8th, 1961 to February 5th, 2024 2.  Kris Kristofferson.  June 22nd, 1936 to…