Les joins an elite list including Slim Dusty, Tex Morton, Shorty Ranger, John Williamson and Anne Kirkpatrick.

The Roll was established in 1976 to recognise those artists who have made a lasting and significant contribution to Australian country music.

Inductees receive a special commemorative plaque mounted on a granite boulder outside the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

Les said that he was very pleased, but a bit stunned by the honour, which was bestowed upon him last week during the country music festival.

“It’s actually about just about beyond my comprehension," he said.

“I’m positively chuffed.

“One of the best things about the honour is that I have worked with and been friends of 90 per cent of the other members so to see my name alongside there is pretty special to me.”

Les’s career has spanned nearly 70 years of involvement in the writing, performing, recording and broadcasting of country music from his early days in the Victorian banjo club, his contribution to the early acetate recordings.

He co-founded the Australian Country Music guild and instigated the ‘Living Legends’ Awards and has been a guest broadcaster of country music for the ABC for more than 30 years.

“And it isn’t just receiving the award which is special enough,” Les said.

“Next year I have to present the new inductees with their awards, just like 2013 winner Wayne Horsburgh has done for me.”

Les also has an exhibit dedicated to his career in the Hall of Fame itself.

“There are numerous cuttings from the Macleay Argus who have been very good to me over the years,” Les said.

“I hope the people of Kempsey are as pleased as I am with the little bit I have done over the years to get this honour.”