What Would Ricky Skaggs Tell His Younger Self? Keep a Journal

During the 2018 CMA Awards on Wednesday evening (Nov. 14), bluegrass powerhouse (and 2018 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame) Ricky Skaggs performed in a very special feature of his music, featuring rising bluegrass stars such as Sierra Hull as well as country giants like Keith Urban and the Brothers Osborne. After a banner year, as well as a long and accomplished career to date, Skaggs reflected backstage after his performance that, looking back, his younger self would never have believed what his musical career had in store for him.

"It's hard to believe what all has happened since 1982," Skaggs recalls. "I have been given so many opportunities to make music with others." The bluegrass giant goes on to cite his collaborations with Emmylou Harris in the late 1970s, as well as his landmark work with Ray Charles early the following decade.

So, if he could do anything to prepare his younger self for all the incredible things to come, what would he do? "I wish I would have been good about keeping a journal," Skaggs says. "[I would have told myself that] you're not gonna believe all the doors that god is gonna open for you in the ... I'm not great with math," Skaggs goes on to say.

In late October, Skaggs joined the Country Music Hall of Fame, as part of the organization's Class of 2018. Skaggs, a legendary bluegrass mandolinist and musical protege of Bill Monroe, was honored by country stars Dierks Bentley and Chris Stapleton, and inducted by Garth Brooks.

Before handing Skaggs his medallion, Brooks described country radio in the '80s, when he was a young musician, and explained Skaggs' role in carrying the torch of traditional country music. Monroe's iconic mandolin was removed from its case at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for Skaggs to play during the ceremony.

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