Lewis, 86, nicknamed "The Killer," wore a red sequined jacket and white shoes at Tuesday's announcement, where he was introduced by duo Brooks & Dunn.
Over the years, he's been vocal about being snubbed from the Country Music Hall of Fame, saying he couldn't understand not being recognized for his country records and contribution to the genre. The Country Music Association created the Hall of Fame and handles balloting. A veteran-era artist and a modern-era artist are inducted each year, along with a rotating category of non-performers, recording musicians and songwriters.
Whitley had a short career, spanning just four years and seven months on the Billboard charts before his death at the age of 34 in 1989. But the singer from Sandy Hook, Kentucky, found commercial breakthrough with hits like "When You Say Nothing at All" and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain." He met Ricky Skaggs when they were both teenagers and they both were hired to be part of bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley's band, the Clinch Mountain Boys.
Whitley met Morgan, then a receptionist at a studio, was while he was recording the demo of "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," which became a hit for George Strait. They married in November 1986.