2012 Country Hall Nominees List?

 Fayfare's Opry Blog.  The guy who runs this blog says he allegedly found a leaked version of the 5 finalists for the Country Music Hall of Fame in its 2 biggest categories  (there's a rotating 3rd for non-performers).


Modern Era: Garth Brooks, Ronnie Milsap, Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and Ricky Skaggs.

Veteran Era: Archie Campbell, June Carter Cash, Connie Smith, Jerry Reed and Hank Williams, Jr.

 Garth Brooks and Connie Smith were elected.  This list, much like the Rock Hall's NomCom meetings are whittled down to 5 apiece.  For Modern Era acts, the Country Hall says that an artist is eligible 20 years after reaching national prominence.  For Veteran's its 40 years.  Not when they put out their first record.  Sounds strange.
The Country Hall used to do things differently on its CMA Awards telecasts.  It would invite nominees to the show and announce the winner on the telecast.  Of course, this caused a lot of grumbling.  Now, they do it in advance.
If you think the Rock Hall is missing names, the Country Hall is too.  I'm surprised that Randy Travis wasn't nominated this year.   Jerry Reed should have gotten in years ago.   The list goes on.
The difference between the Rock and Country Hall is the latter doesn't publicize its nominee list.  In fact voters aren't even allowed to say who was on the ballot.
But this is 2012, and we will always find a way.