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.