By Cindy V. Culp Tribune-Herald staff writer

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Willie Nelson is already a member of every hall of fame that matters in country music. But next month, the legendary singer and songwriter will make room for one more induction honor as he returns to his native Hill County for an award that celebrates his roots and his stardom.

The Hillsboro Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen Nelson as this year's inductee to its hall of fame on Jan. 12. While it may not seem like the most prestigious honor, organizers say it is heartfelt and long overdue.

“If it weren't for him, no one would know anything about Abbott or Hillsboro,” said Diann Bayes, executive director of the chamber of commerce. “It's time we love him back.”

The chamber started the hall of fame sometime in the 1980s, Bayes said. Although there is not necessarily an honoree every year, numerous people have been inducted, including former Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock and former Houston Chronicle editor Jack Loftis.

Bayes said she has no idea why Nelson hasn't been inducted before. In fact, when she started her job at the chamber three months ago, that was one of her first questions, she said. The only answer she got is that people didn't think Nelson would actually claim the award, she said.

But they were wrong. When Bayes contacted Nelson's staff, they assured her he would consider the induction an honor, she said. Then, shortly after that, he personally e-mailed her to say he would attend the award banquet in person, she said.

Since then, Bayes has been researching Nelson's life in Hill County for a presentation to be made at the banquet. Much of the it will center on his childhood and teenage years in Abbott, a small town just down the road from Hillsboro. For example, he played on the high school football team and worked at radio station 1560 KHBR, she said.

The presentation also will highlight some of the ways Nelson has helped Hill County over the years, Bayes said. Chief among them were the concerts he held to raise money for renovations to the Hill County Courthouse after it was severely damaged by a fire on New Year's Day 1993.

After that, the presentation will detail Nelson's current influence on the area, Bayes said. Most notably, Nelson is involved with the revival of Carl's Corner, a tiny town in Hill County that revolves around a truck stop.

Aside from the presentation, however, Bayes said the chamber plans to keep the banquet fairly low-key. Officials wouldn't dream of asking Nelson to perform, she said. Officials did request that Nelson present the Farm Family of the Year award, since he is an advocate for farmers, she said.

“He doesn't like a lot of hoopla,” Bayes said. “It's not going to be the Willie Banquet or anything like that.”

Hill County Judge Kenneth Davis will make the official award presentation to Nelson. He is glad the chamber is honoring the musician, even if it's a bit late.

“I'm wondering how he'll dress,” Davis said, with a chuckle. “We'll take him any way he comes.”

Bayes said the civic center where the banquet is being held can accommodate 750 people. If that many tickets sell, attendance will far eclipse the usual crowd of 400 to 450, she said.