Ronnie Milsap performs on stage during Keith Urban's Fifth Annual 'We're All 4 The Hall' Benefit Concert at the Bridgestone Arena on May 6, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Kix Brooks introduced the induction event as "the most important day in country music and something everyone looks forward to."
Bobby Bare, from the Class of 2013, followed with the introduction of the late Hank Cochran, who is the 2014 inductee in the songwriter category. Cochran, who is known by many simply as "The Legend," died in 2010 in Nashville at the age of 74. Bare spoke of his lifelong friendship with Cochran, saying, "This guy was a great songwriter. He called himself The Legend long before he was ever a legend. I’ve been his friend for 60 years. When I hitchhiked to L.A., the first person I met was The Legend. He could break your heart with a set of lyrics. He fell in love at least once a month, and he would marry 'em. Most of us guys would fall in love, and it didn't work out and we'd split, but he would marry 'em."
Suzi Cochran, Hank's wife of 21 years, took the stage next, sharing what an important moment it was for her family. She said, "I never dreamt it would be me and not Hank standing here. I’m so proud of Hank and I’m so thrilled for our family. It’s hard for me to picture Hank without a pen and paper in hand. He would have loved to be here today to thank the nominating committee, CMA members and all of his friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Bluegrass legend Mac Wiseman was the next inductee and the Class of 2014's "veterans era" artist. He came to the side-stage in a wheelchair due to his battle with post-Polio Syndrome. He thanked everyone, saying, "What a pleasure it is to visit with you folks today. This is the height of things that have happened for me in the 70 years I’ve been in music. I hope I will prove worthy of the honor. I can’t say how pleased I am [to be inducted] in the same year as Hank Cochran. I remember the first time he came to California, he was just an old country boy. He got a job at the ballpark to make a living."
Wiseman then apologized for not being able to stand up to accept the honor and assured everyone that while his body may be battling, his mind is still sharp. "I have not had a stroke. I’m in good health. My mind works pretty good sometimes. I just wrote a book. I find a loss for words to tell you how important this is to me. Thank you ladies and gentleman."
The last inductee, Ronnie Milsap, the "modern era" artist, was introduced by Hunter Hayes who is a fan himself. Hayes said, "The music from this legend, this unbelievable hero of mine, has changed my music, has changed my life. I know that pales in comparison of the amount of lives he’s changed. When I was first introduced to his music my whole perception on music changed."
Milsap took the podium and shared that the day was a lifelong dream of his. He said, "I’ve wanted to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame for as long as I can remember. I did not get to Nashville until I was 30. I’ve often thought if I got here earlier things would have turned out different. You just never know. I certainly want to thank my friends who have been pulling for me for a long time. Nashville is a wonderful place to live. This town - it’s perfect. You’ve got studios, you’ve got places to write. You’ve got all kinds of things to do with making a record, and I love making records. We keep doing these things year after year. To finally be recognized, I thank you. I’m so grateful and honored. I want to do things continually to make you proud of the Country Music Hall of Fame."
Congratulation to the 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees.
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