Courtesy of Kenny Goodyear

RADFORD -- Jimmy Fortune calls Allen "Big Al" Hall a kindred spirit.

Fortune, a Country Music Hall of Famer and headliner of this year's Radford Fourth of July celebration, met Radford resident Hall years ago at a concert and the two quickly became friends.

So when Hall asked Fortune if he would perform at Radford's Independence Day celebration three years ago, Fortune agreed.

"We wanted to upgrade our Fourth of July celebration, so I asked Big Al to see if there was any way Jimmy would come," said Ken Goodyear, the city's director of parks and recreation. "We didn't think we'd ever be able to get him."

But Fortune, who grew up in Staunton, agreed to perform and has been back each year since.

"It's not that far from my home, so it's kind of like coming home for me," Fortune said. "The town is beautiful, and everyone is so nice to me and my family."

Fortune performed with country and gospel music group the Statler Brothers, of which he was a member for 21 years, in Staunton's Fourth of July celebration for 14 years.

"He affects a lot of people," Hall said. "It's really special because he was just inducted into the [Country Music] Hall of Fame."

The Statler Brothers, including Fortune, were inducted Sunday night.

"The only way I know how to describe that is this side of heaven -- it was awesome," Fortune said. "I still haven't come down from it, and this will be my first show since being inducted. I'm anxious to get there and show off my [Hall of Fame] medallion."

The Statler Brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in October.

After the Radford show, Fortune said he's planning to vacation with his family, which includes seven children and four grandchildren. He'll be on tour in July, August and September and then head back into the recording studio.

"I'm about a year and a half overdue," Fortune said. "I don't know what it's going to be titled or what songs will be on it, but I'm really looking forward to doing it and I want to take my time with it."

He recently contributed country music singer David Frizzell's compilation "Frizzell & Friends," due out in September, which got Fortune thinking he may do some duets of his own.

"It's just a matter of finding the time," he said.

Fortune said that no matter what, he makes time for the Radford Fourth of July Celebration each year.

"I look forward to this every year," Fortune said. "It is one of my favorite things to do."