Artists Newly Eligible for the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997
The following artists became eligible for the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Modern Era Category in 1997 because they gained national prominence 20 years prior. Artists are candidates in this category for 25 years before becoming eligible in the Veterans Category.
Newly Eligible in the Veterans Category
The following artists became eligible for the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Veterans Category in 1997 because they gained national prominence 45 years prior. Unlike the Modern Era Category, there is no eligiblity sunset for the Veterans Category.
