2001 NACMAI Hall of Fame

BILLY WALKER At 6 feet 4 inches, Billy Walker is often referred to as the Tall Texan. Billy has had numerous No. 1 hits, 32 Top 10 hits and over 100 chart records. By the age of 15, Billy had won his first singing contest at KICA radio in New Mexico. Billy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960, introduced by Ernest Tubb. In 1962, Billy's "Charlie's Shoes" reached No. 1 and remained on the charts for over five months.

LEROY VAN DYKE Leroy Van Dyke, of "Auctioneer" and "Walk On By" fame, and star of the movie, "What Am I Bid" is known around the world as an entertainer, reccording artist, radio and television star, actor auctioneer and veteran of the Nevada circuit. In 1962, Leroy became a regular member of the Gand Ole Opry and "Walk On By", which stayed in the charts an incredible 42 weeks, was named by Billboard as the biggest country music record in history.

BALLIE & THE BOYS Baillie & The Boys released their first album in 1987. Later that year the first single, "Oh Heart", leaped onto the charts and beccame a trademark for the group as well as a Top Ten Single. The success of the music earned them awards and nominations from the Country Music Assocation, The Academy of Country Music, and the Music City News Awards.

MARTHA CARSON Martha Carson developed a dynamic, Rock-flavored Gospel style that influnced everyone. Her first solo cut for Capitol Records was a song she had penned herself called "Satisfied". From 1951 to 1954, Martha did over two dozen sides for Capitol, joined the Grand Ole Opry, and toured widely with performers like Jimmy Dickens, Faron Young, Ferlin Huskey and the young Elvis Preesley.

WILMA LEE COOPER When historians search for the people who represent the birth of a creation...music will rely entirely on it's legends who founded these creations...Wilma Lee Cooper is truly one of these living legends. Wilma Lee Cooper is called: "The First Lady of Bluegrass" and "An Authentic Mountain Singer" by Harvard University.

CHARLIE LOUVIN He not only maintains contact with his native Sand Mountain, Alabama heritage, but Charlie Louvin has steadfastly maintianed the doctrine of unfrilled music that lets it's honest lyrics, beautiful melodies, and soaring harmonies stand on their own. Charlie is no stranger to hit songs, whether he's singing them or writing them for others to perform.

D. J. FONTANA Legendary Drummer D.J. Fontana began his incredible career as a staff drummer in 1953 on the famous Louisiana Hayride. D.J. played on approximately 460 RCA cuts with Elvid Presley. Today, D.J. is known not only for his magic on the drums, but also as one of the Top Independent Producers in Nashville.

JERRY KENNEDY Jerry Kennedy is probably one of the most dominating influences in the shaping of Nashville, TN., as one of the music capitols of the world. As an executive, Jerry became the head of Mercury Records in Nashville, in 1966, probably the youngest label head ever. He has been named "Producer of the Year" ten times by The Music City News while his work with Roger Miller garnered him four Gammy Awards, the most prestigious award in music.

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