Inducted January 1988
The 13th entry to the Roll of Renown, was
the first and only inductee that was not a singer John
"Mr Hoedown" Minson. John grew up in Waverley,
NSW, but moved to Tamworth to work at Radio 2TM where, for 23
years, he produced and presented Australia's most successful
country music radio program Hoedown.
He was instrumental in the development
of the Country Music Awards, himself instrumental in creating
the first Golden Guitars. John is a founding member of the Capital
Country Music Association and has given generously, forfeiting
his own financial gain, to establish country music as a major
part of Australian arts.
He is a renowned craftsman of pedal steel
guitars and a gifted harmonica player and has also been a tremendous
source of encouragement to newcomers and old-hands alike in the
country music community.
Now retired, John holds enormous respect
in the industry.