If Tug McGraw were still alive, he’d probably tell his son: “You gotta believe!”
The Mets’ and Phillies’ iconic closer — one of the characters from the Amazin’s 1969 World Series championship team — isn’t here to cheer on his son, singer and songwriter Tim McGraw, as he awaits his nomination into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Tug McGraw, who also won a championship in 1980 with the Phillies, died in 2004 from brain cancer.
As a panel secretly weighs this year’s inductees, McGraw’s name is on everyone’s short list of stars being considered. It’s generally agreed that he’ll go in — the question is, how much longer will he have to wait.
There are three categories: Modern Era, Veterans Era and Non-Performer (a star who was active before 1990). McGraw is eligible in the Modern Era category.
Here’s what SavingCountryMusic.com says about his candidacy:
McGraw never had that consecutive string of years when he was the biggest thing in country music like other Hall of Fame inductees, but he has shown a longevity in his career that few others have matched. McGraw’s had 27 #1 hits in a span covering over 20 years. This includes some universally-recognized hits within there like “Don’t Take The Girl,” “Live Like You Were Dying,” and “Humble and Kind” written by Lori McKenna. McGraw also won the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year in 2001.
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Similar to Kenny Chesney, the question is if Tim McGraw is still considered a current artist. His singles continue to perform well here three decades into his career. Some Modern Era nominees may not want the distinction yet, almost like it symbolizes the end of their popular career while McGraw is still cutting hit radio singles. McGraw is getting in, but voters may wait a couple more years before making it official.
Meanwhile, country music superstar Blake Shelton will host a concert in Tulsa to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The lineup will feature Ronnie Dunn, Kristin Chenoweth, Wade Hayes and The Swon Brothers. More artists will be announced at a later date.
“I can’t think of a better place than Oklahoma for the next All for the Hall show,” Shelton said in a news release. “Oklahoma and country music are synonymous, and members of the Country Music Hall of Fame include some of our most iconic stars, from Ronnie Dunn to Garth, Reba and Vince Gill, to name a few. I’m thrilled to be hosting this show in my home state!”
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