Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honors individuals who have made significant contributions to country music. The institution is in Nashville. It is operated by the Country Music Foundation, an educational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1964. The Hall of Fame honor was created in 1961 by the Country Music Association, the marketing organization that still conducts the Hall of Fame elections.
Country Music Hall of Fame members are elected annually in two phases. A nominating committee of industry leaders first nominates 10 to 20 candidates in each of several categories. Five nominees in each category are then chosen by an anonymous panel of about 300 electors. The names of the finalists are sent out in a second ballot to the electors, who then vote to select the inductees for that year. Inductees to the Hall of Fame include individual performers, groups, and nonperformers, such as recording executives.
The Hall of Fame and Museum includes exhibits of mementos associated with country music stars, including costumes and musical instruments. The museum also features interactive exhibits, films, a working radio studio, and a restored studio where many country music stars recorded. In 2001, the Hall of Fame and Museum moved into a striking new $37- million building.
