Local School Bus Driver Inducted into “The Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame “

Photo and story courtesy of Carlisle Local Schools

CARLISLE, OH -- Carlisle Local School Bus Driver Chris Oliver was recently playing with his band, Richard Lynch Band, at the “Keeping it Country Concert” when he was called to come on stage. It was then, he was presented with the prestige induction into the “Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame.”

Chris Oliver shares the plaques he received after being named into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Farme.

The Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame remains true to its commitment to honoring Ohioans who have excelled in maintaining the genre of traditional country music. The 2025 Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony featured the induction of Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and the Richard Lynch Band.

Chris started his love for music as a child while attending church with his family. His father had a gospel group, and Chris traveled around and started playing the drums at 7. By the age of 10 years old, he was playing on radio and TV. 

At the age of 16, he was asked to start playing in the clubs with the band Midnight Highway. He was with Midnight Highway for about 7 years before suffering some medical problems that caused him to have to step away from his love of music. 

With his health improving, he received a call from Richard Lynch and was asked to come play with his band. Chris was thrilled to receive the call and get back to playing. He has now played with The Richard Lynch Band for 25 years, and he is looking forward to many more years of sharing his love of music and entertaining.

Over the Years of traveling and entertaining, Chris has met and played with many artists. He has been backstage at the Grand Ole Opry many times. On one occasion, he met Vince Gill. They sat and talked for a while. And then, Vince pulled out his guitar and started playing for Chris. 

This is one of his favorite memories. Just a few more celebrities that he has met and sang on the same stage with are: Blake Shelton, Tanya Tucker, Exile, Ronnie McDowell, T. Graham Brown, and Confederate Railroad. 

Chris said it was nice to talk with different artists and hear stories of their lives and road to success.

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