The Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

History of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

The Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame was started by Chuck Chellman in 1974. The idea came as the annual Chuck Chellman/Georgia Twitty Radio Golf Invitational was being held at the Crockett Springs Golf Club, which is now known as the Nashville Golf & Athletic Club. Many prizes were being passed out to Country Music disc jockeys and music industry people. It was best event [sic] devoted to pure fellowship during the annual Disc Jockey Convention which was held in Nashville each October in conjunction with the WSM Birthday Celebration.

Chellman's thoughts kept going back to the older radio people [who] were not in attendance. These radio people would have been so proud of the entire day which was devoted to radio personalities with the help of the music industry. As his mind rambled over names and radio events, he realized that there was no award for deserving radio people. Many, many radio personalities of the past are likened to national treasures! We just can not allow the names of those pioneers slip away to oblivion! These are the people who blazed the trail for all of us who earn a living in the country music industry today!

Chellman went immediately to his mentor, Don Pierce. Pierce agreed that the idea was solid and very worthwhile. Together they built the framework for the Disc Jockey Hall of Fame awards. Attorney Justin Wilson did the paperwork necessary to establish the goals and objectives for the Foundation, which Chellman is the sole Trustee.

Chuck Chellman and Don Pierce agreed that to be called to serve on the voting board, a Voting Member must be qualified with at least twenty five years in the country music industry and/or media to cast a vote. Long years of service lessens the chance of the awards becoming political.

Anyone in the country music industry or media can suggest nominees at any time throughout the year. These names, living and deceased, are added to the listing which is distributed to each Voting Member prior to the voting dates. Chellman does not have a vote. He serves as administrator of the process.

The voting records are kept at 2020 21st Avenue South, Nashville or at 5816 Vine Ridge Drive, Nashville and can be examined by securing an appointment in advance during business hours. The mailing address is on the letterhead.

We welcome your interest, participation and input.

P.O. Box 121355 * Nashville, TN 37212-1355 * (615) 352-4848

--from an undated file document