CMT News

Pianist Floyd Cramer and singer Carl Smith will be the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Country Music Association announced Wednesday (Aug. 6). Cramer, who died in 1998, worked extensively with guitarist Chet Atkins and saxophonist Boots Randolph. His "slip-note" piano technique made him one of the most identifiable session musicians in Nashville during the '50s and '60s on recordings by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and countless country acts. As a solo instrumental artist on RCA Records, Cramer's hits include "Last Date," "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" and "San Antonio Rose." Although his contributions are often overlooked, Smith was one of country music's most successful artists during the '50s. His 41 chart singles for Columbia Records during the decade included such No. 1 hits as "Are You Teasing Me," "(When You Feel Like You're in Love) Don't Just Stand There," "Loose Talk" and "Hey Joe!" Married to June Carter during the early '50s, he is the father of singer Carlene Carter. The inductions take place during the 37th Annual CMA Awards, set for Nov. 5 in Nashville. 08/06/03