BORDER country music duo Ray and Lee Kernaghan have become the first father and son to be inducted into Tamworth’s Roll of Renown.
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Lee described the accolade as an “incredible honour”, while a stunned Ray said he was “totally blown away”.
The Roll of Renown was created in 1976 to celebrate those who have made a lasting and significant contribution to country music.
Plaques, citing the feats of the Kernaghans, will now join others marking greats such as Slim Dusty and John Williamson on boulders outside the Tamworth Entertainment Centre.
The Kernaghans’ induction on Saturday night reflected on their past which saw them rise from the Border to become household names in the country music scene, with Lee named Australian of the Year in 2008.
Lee, 50, is the youngest inductee to the Roll of Renown and they are the 45th and 46th overall.
Ray, who won a talent quest at Corowa at the age of 16 in 1954, said he was “totally blown away” by the tribute.
“I am bloody flabbergasted — I had no bloody warning,” he said.
The patriarch of the Kernaghan family said he was “humbled” to have the “wonderful” award bestowed upon him.
“I am totally proud, as proud as any father could be (about Lee) — he is a legend,” Ray said in acknowledging the dedication of his family, including daughter Tania and wife Pam, to his music.
“We are so proud to be called country.”
Lee, who attended Lavington’s Hume Public School and Murray High School, was as equally thrilled at the induction.
“To come and receive it on the same night as my father means the world to me,” Lee said.
“It’s an incredible honour.
Lee’s induction had been expected, but Ray’s was a secret that had to be kept by daughter Tania.
“I did know about dad’s win because there was a lot of things that needed to be co-ordinated in getting dad down here for this, more than just the fact they would be here for Lee’s award and presentation.
“I needed to make sure dad looked good, because I couldn’t tell anyone what was going on, so it is a big relief,” Tania said.