The Country Music Hall of Fame will induct Jerry Lee Lewis.
The former rock and roll star-turned-country music artist has been named a “Veteran Era Artist.” According to the Country Music Association, he had 34 Top 20 country hits between 1968 and 1981.
In 1986, the singer of “Great Balls of Fire” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“It is a humbling experience to be recognized by Country Music with their highest honor,” Lewis said in a statement.
“The little boy from Ferriday, Louisiana, who grew up listening to Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams, never imagined he’d be in the same Hall as them. I am grateful to everyone who has recognized that Jerry Lee Lewis music is country music, as well as to our mighty God for his never-ending redeeming grace.”
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn hosted the induction ceremony on Tuesday.
“It’s taken a long time,” Lewis said of his induction. “However, we’re grateful for it.”
Fans have been waiting for Lewis’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame for a long time, but the performer has brushed it off.
“I never got too involved in it,” Lewis explained. “I’m sure they had a good reason.”
Lee entered the country music industry in 1957, when his song “Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On” reached the top of the charts.
“I’ve always loved country music. It’s made more sense for me than anything,” he says. “I like to get into it. I love the words to the songs, and they just seem to make a lot of sense.”