As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the revered country music institution is honoring its essential role in the genre. Originally launched as the WSM Barn Dance in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has since become the longest-running radio show in U.S. history. Today, the Opry boasts 76 living members, with the invitation to join being a crucial milestone for artists at any stage in their careers.
Inductions into the Grand Ole Opry are touching moments, often filled with emotion as artists receive their invitations. For example, when Carrie Underwood was inducted as a member in 2008 by fellow country star Garth Brooks, he told her, “Nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight.” This sentiment reflects the significance of Opry membership in the country music community.
Each year, a select number of artists receive invitations to join the Opry. According to the Opry's website, invitations hinge on various factors, such as radio airplay, music sales, touring, and industry recognition. However, the decision is also shaped by a desire for musical and generational balance among members and a commitment to the Opry itself. The website states, “But, really, it comes down to just one word: relationships.”
The Opry’s most recent inductees are Lainey Wilson, Scotty McCreery, T. Graham Brown, and Stephen Curtis Chapman, each welcomed into the fold in 2024. Bill Anderson, now 87, remains the Opry’s oldest living member, having been part of the Opry since 1961. Membership is not limited to singers; comedians like Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer, who were inducted in 2023, also hold a place in the Opry family.
Several memorable Opry induction moments stand out in the minds of fans. In 2011, Little Jimmy Dickens surprised The Oak Ridge Boys with an invitation to join the Opry, dressing as member William Lee Golden for the occasion. “All my life I’ve wanted to be a little bitty Oak Ridge Boy,” Dickens humorously declared. Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall responded, “This is a brotherhood and sisterhood like any other.” They were inducted on August 6, 2011, during a ceremony that included a video greeting from then-President George H.W. Bush, who called both the Opry and the Oaks “American icons.”
Craig Morgan's induction also showcases the unexpected joy of Opry invitations. He was invited to join on September 18, 2008, during a concert for U.S. military members at Fort Bragg. After performing with John Conlee, Morgan received the surprise invite. “Oh, God, yes! I do love the Grand Ole Opry,” he said, visibly emotional. His formal induction followed shortly after on October 25, 2008.
In a notable moment from March 2008, Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood onstage at the Opry with an invitation to join. “Let me think about it…yeah!” Underwood joyfully replied, and she was formally inducted by Garth Brooks on May 10, 2008.
Luke Combs also has an inspiring induction story. In 2019, he was invited to become a member after performing at the Opry. “What a career this guy is having, it’s incredible,” commented John Conlee. Overwhelmed with emotion, Combs accepted, saying, “Holy cow. Are you serious?” He was inducted on July 16, 2019, at a ceremony attended by several renowned artists.
Further along, Charlie Daniels experienced an emotional induction in 2007 during his Christmas For Kids benefit. Invited by Martina McBride, who expressed how honored she was to stand by him, Daniels shared his gratitude, stating, “this is very emotional for me.” He was officially inducted on January 19, 2008, with fellow artists like Marty Stuart and Connie Smith participating in the ceremony.
In 2012, Darius Rucker was invited to join by Brad Paisley during his Opry performance. Rucker accepted with excitement, replying, “Oh, you’re kidding me…yes, I would.” His induction took place on October 16, 2012, led by Vince Gill.
Little Big Town’s induction in 2014 came at the hands of Reba McEntire during a performance. McEntire said, “I have been asked to ask y’all: Little Big Town, would y’all like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?” Each member of Little Big Town enthusiastically accepted, leading to their official induction on October 17, 2014.
Scotty McCreery’s invitation to join in December 2023 came from none other than Garth Brooks during a holiday concert at the Opry. Following this surprise, McCreery stated, “Holy cow,” before formally being inducted on April 20, 2024, by Randy Travis and Josh Turner.
Lainey Wilson had a memorable surprise invitation during her guest appearance on The Voice in 2024. Reba McEntire, with heartfelt pride, invited Wilson onstage saying, “I couldn’t be more proud,” and Wilson expressed her gratitude, noting how her family had brought her to the Opry when she was nine. She was inducted on June 7, 2024.
Lastly, Blake Shelton's induction story is quite humorous. In 2010, Trace Adkins and the Opry made a fun toast to Shelton’s Twitter fame by proposing he join the Opry via a tweet read during a performance. “I don’t know what I ever did...but whatever I did, man I’m loving this,” Shelton remarked excitedly. His induction occurred on October 23, 2010, introduced by Jeannie Seely.
The Grand Ole Opry remains a cherished institution in country music, continually fostering the heartfelt connections between artists and their audience. As it moves into its second century, the legacy of the Opry is set to grow even richer.
