In their words: New Country Music Hall of Fame inductees react to the news
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Tim McGraw speaks at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images
Tim McGraw wanted to skip the call that changed his life.
- Of course, he didn't know what was about to happen.
The big picture: McGraw is joining the Country Music Hall of Fame this year along with songwriter Paul Overstreet. The quintessential bluegrass duo The Stanley Brothers will be inducted posthumously.
Behind the scenes: After the public announcement on Friday, McGraw told Axios about the moment he heard the news for the first time.
Flashback: McGraw was in New York with his family earlier this year to see his daughter perform. His management insisted on a conference call to discuss his up coming tour.
- He didn't want to do it, but he relented and dialed in during a long walk through the SoHo neighborhood, where he was window shopping for watches.
- Then Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern joined the call. It took McGraw a beat to understand what was happening.
"Sarah said, 'Tim, you were going into the Country Music Hall of Fame,' and I just sort of lost it," he said. He remembers breaking down in tears right there on the sidewalk.
- "People were probably running in all directions from me."
Overstreet got the call from Trahern while he was on a cruise with his wife.
- The news still hadn't quite sunk in on Friday when he talked to Axios. Despite writing several modern classics including "Forever and Ever, Amen," he still seemed gobsmacked.
Zoom out: Overstreet's climb into the Hall of Fame was steep — when he first moved to Music City in 1973 he slept in his car and on church pews.
- "You're walking around broke — seriously walking around not sure where you're going to sleep — and you've got these songs already there, but nobody knows about it."
Yes, but: Eventually Music Row discovered his talent. He credited Nashville, and the industry, with helping to hone his skills.
- "It's a beautiful machine," Overstreet said.
- "Nashville, she teaches you how to write. And if you don't write good, they tell you right up front."
Go deeper: Read our news story about this year's Country Music Hall of Fame announcement.