’90s Country Mainstay Tracy Lawrence Joins the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

Over the weekend, country hitmaker Tracy Lawrence traveled to his home state of Texas to receive a major career honor. During a ceremony in Carthage, Texas, Lawrence was officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Lawrence burst onto the country scene with his debut single “Sticks and Stones” in 1991. It was the title track from his debut album and his first No. 1 single. He went on to dominate the country airwaves in the early ‘90s with songs like “Alibis,” “If the Good Die Young,” “Texas Tornado,” and more. He continued to release unforgettable songs including “Time Marches On,” “How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye,” and “Paint Me a Birmingham.”

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Tracy Lawrence Enters the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

Tracy Lawrence was in good company during his Texas Country Music Hall of Fame induction. He joined the Hall of Fame with The Mandrell Sisters—Barbara, Irlene, and Lousie—and the late Roy Orbison.

Lawrence didn’t just accept his plaque and make a speech. He also took the stage to perform his Bobby Braddock-penned No. 1 single from 1994, “Texas Tornado.” A clip of the performance is included in the recap video above.

“I’m so honored,” Lawrence said during his acceptance speech. “For those who don’t know, I was born in Atlanta, Texas. I appreciate your graciousness and hospitality here in Carthage. It’s been such a great day for us,” he added. Then, about being a country artist, he said, “It’s not really a job, it’s a lifestyle. I love it. I still love it as much as I ever did.”

According to KLTV, a Texas-based ABC affiliate, Lawrence’s mom wanted him to become a minister. However, he dreamed of being a country singer. As a result, started performing in clubs at the age of 15. Later, he moved to Nashville and found fame.

“I was born in Texas,” Lawrence told the outlet. “I moved away when I was very young, but I spent all of my summers and holidays back in Queen City with my grandparents. So, I spent a lot of time in Texas,” he added.