Garth Brooks Makes It To The Country Music Hall of Fame [VIDEO]

The Country Music Association announced today that Garth Brooks, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, and Connie Smith will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.

Brooks will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category, while Smith will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Robbins will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Non-Performer" and "Songwriter" categories. Brooks, Robbins, and Smith will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 115 to 118 inductees.

"I am astounded and honored to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame," said Brooks. "At the same time, I can't help but feel guilty going in when there are so many deserving artists that came before me who are yet to be inducted."

Induction ceremonies for Brooks, Robbins, and Smith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year. Since 2007, the Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music's highest honor.
Here is Garth Brooks from a performance in Central Park.

Garth Brooks Central Park-Friends In Low Places by bigjmac0815

Here is Connie Smith with Martina Mcbride

And a little something from Hargus Robbins as well