Wynonna Sings “Delta Dawn” For Tanya Tucker’s Country Music Hall of Fame Induction

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As a tribute to her friend and fellow country music superstar, Wynonna performed Tucker’s first ever hit, “Delta Dawn,” to celebrate her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Powerhouse Tanya Tucker was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 22, 2023, as the 152nd member. The celebration took place during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony, which also honored country music legends Patty Loveless and Bob McDill, and was held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater located in Nashville, Tennessee.

The prestigious event was held in honor of  “three gifted people who came from small towns in the hinterlands,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Each of these honorees has left a deep and distinctive stamp on our music, now to be forever enshrined in this Hall of Fame.”

Tucker’s Long-Awaited Induction

Tucker’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame was a long-overdue recognition of her remarkable contributions to the genre. With a career spanning several decades, Tanya Tucker has left a memorable mark on the world of country music, captivating audiences with her powerful, soulful voice and authentic storytelling. Her journey, from a young and feisty country prodigy landing her first ever hit in 1972 at the ripe age of 13, to an enduring and respected icon, exemplifies the resilience and talent that define the best in the industry. 

RELATED: 13-Year-Old Tanya Tucker Sings Of A Yearning For Love Lost In ‘Delta Dawn’

Country Music Icons Come Together to Share Their Passion

Surprisingly enough, the two remarkable women had never performed together until Tucker’s appearance on Wynonna’s Final Tour on February 17, 2023 in Fairfax, Virginia. The artists shared a memorable performance, highlighting not only a passion for their craft but also a profound mutual respect for each other’s talents.

“We have never sung together until tonight, so you’re in for a real treat.”

Watch Tucker & Wynonna perform for the first time together.

During a livestream with TalkShopLive, Tucker talked about how thrilled she was when Wynonna asked her to join her on the tour. She also mentioned how the two women didn’t particularly jive well together at first and how their friendship has developed over the years.

“I never really knew Wynonna, we didn’t dance real well together. We were nice when we saw each other but she just talked over my head. She’s very deep. We can talk now and she cares about me so much. And I know it.”

Today, the two women showcase their meaningful relationship, as Wynonna delivered a heartfelt rendition of Tucker’s debut single at her induction, with harmonica courtesy of Charlie McCoy, who played on Tucker’s original recording of the song. Wynonna’s presence and performance for the special occasion was a fitting tribute to the legendary artist, encapsulating the essence of Tanya Tucker’s extraordinary career. 

Listen to a snippet of Wynonna singing “Delta Dawn” for Tucker’s induction below.