Posted on 11/19/2007 10:07:11 PM PST by alnick
Charlie Daniels Invited to Become the Next Member of the Grand Ole Opry Martina McBride Extends Surprise Invitation During Daniels' Christmas For Kids Benefit Show Legendary country superstar Charlie Daniels was surprised with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening. Daniels was hosting his annual Christmas For Kids benefit show at the historic Ryman Auditorium when Opry member Martina McBride delivered the surprise Opry invitation. After McBride walked on stage with what appeared to be a Christmas gift for Daniels, she opened the small box she was holding to reveal a Christmas card reading:
“Peace, joy, love, and wishes fulfilled. These are the timeless treasures of Christmas. Thank you, Charlie, for all you’ve done to make Christmas wishes come true for thousands of children through the years. Now it’s time to make a wish come true for you, too. You’re officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Merry Christmas!”
Daniels backed away, overcome with emotion while the crowd exploded with applause.
“I can not even begin to tell you folks…this is very emotional for me,” said Daniels. “I never ever in my wildest dreams when I came to Nashville with my precious wife and son dreamed that this would happen. To think that now my name will be added along with all these great country artists. Thank you.”
Following the Opry invitation, the Ryman’s stage curtains were pulled to reveal the Opry’s classic barn backdrop, and an Opry microphone stand was added center stage. Daniels performed the rest of the benefit show in front of the famous backdrop. Daniels will be officially inducted into the Opry during an Opry at the Ryman performance later this winter.
“Charlie Daniels’ songs and musicianship are nothing less than legendary,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “He’s known worldwide as one of country music’s true icons, and all of us with the Opry are excited to welcome him into our family of new stars, superstars and legends.”
Daniels has been a music icon for more than 40 years. Born in Wilmington, N.C., he was raised on a musical diet that included Pentecostal gospel, local bluegrass bands, rhythm & blues, and country music from the radio, including Nashville’s 650 WSM. During his career, Daniels has been awarded a Grammy, three CMA awards, the ACM Pioneer Award, and the TNN/Music City News Living Legend award for his musical contributions. His signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” topped both country and pop charts, bringing him international acclaim.
The artist’s current Blue Hat/Koch Records CD release, Deuces, is his first duet album and features guest artists Brad Paisley; The Del McCoury Band ; Gretchen Wilson; Earl, Gary & Randy Scruggs; Bonnie Bramlett; Travis Tritt; Dolly Parton; Brooks & Dunn; Marty Stuart; Darius Rucker; Brenda Lee; Vince Gill; and Montgomery Gentry.
He put on a great show. If you ever get a chance to see Charlie Daniels perform, do it.
Really great.
Thanks for posting this, alnick.
Is what I shall buy myself for Christmas!
What a nice man he is...thanks for the thread!
He did a beautiful rendition of How Great Thou Art. He played the Star Spangled Banner on his fiddle. He, of course, finished with The Devil Went Down to Georgia. It was an amazing show.
Wow, I wish I could have been there. I love Charlie Daniels!!!
It took ‘em long enough....
Charlie is an American treasure. Congratulations to Charlie, and may God bless.
It’s about time.
There's no magic formula, no secret code that grants access to one of the most coveted invitations in all of music.
The decision to increase the Opry’s ranks is, and always has been, made exclusively by the show’s management. The people who’ve been entrusted with the Opry’s tradition and future direction take into account all the standards of success in country music—radio airplay, album and ticket sales, industry recognition—when considering an act for membership. The Opry considers career accomplishment, as well as the potential for continued success.
But the Opry doesn’t simply pass out invitations to the biggest stars with the most hits. Opry management looks for a musical and a generational balance. Opry membership requires a passion for country music's fans, a connection to the music’s history. And it requires commitment – even a willingness to make significant sacrifices to uphold that commitment. Often, the Opry seeks out those who seek out the Opry, though decisions aren’t based on which artists appear most on the show, either.
The decision to bring a new act into the Opry fold is a two-pronged one, based on a combination of career accomplishment and commitment. But, really, it comes down to just one word: relationships. The relationships between performers and fans. The relationships Opry members have with each other, relationships that may last for decades. And, perhaps most importantly, the relationship between each artist and the ideal of the Grand Ole Opry.
New members guarantee the future success of the Opry. Yesterday’s bright young talents have now become legends. And today’s superstars will become icons to future generations. All new members add another chapter to the Opry story, and their commitments, their relationships, have made the Opry endure for 80 years strong.
Adkins, Trace
Anderson, Bill
Ashworth, Ernie
Bentley, Dierks
Black, Clint
Brooks, Garth
Brown, Jim Ed
Clark, Roy
Clark, Terri
Conlee, John
Cooper, Wilma Lee
Diamond Rio
Dickens, Jimmy
Diffie, Joe
Dunn, Holly
Gatlin Brothers
Gill, Vince
Grammer, Billy
Greene, Jack
Hall, Tom T.
Hamilton IV, George
Harris, Emmylou
Howard, Jan
Jackson, Alan
Jackson, Stonewall
Jones, George
Ketchum, Hal
Krauss, Alison
Locklin, Hank
Louvin, Charlie
Loveless, Patty
Lynn, Loretta
Mandrell, Barbara
McBride, Martina
McCoury, Del
McDaniel, Mel
McEntire, Reba
McReynolds, Jesse
Milsap, Ronnie
Morgan, Lorrie
Newman, Jimmy C.
Osborne Brothers
Paisley, Brad
Parton, Dolly
Phillips, Stu
Pillow, Ray
Pride, Charley
Pruett, Jeanne
Riders In The Sky
Seely, Jeannie
Shelton, Ricky Van
Shepard, Jean
Skaggs, Ricky
Smith, Connie
Snider, Mike
Stanley, Ralph
Stuart, Marty
Tillis, Mel
Tillis, Pam
Travis, Randy
Tritt, Travis
Turner, Josh
Wagoner, Porter
Walker, Charlie
Wariner, Steve
Whites, The
Yearwood, Trisha
Saw him in 1976 in Savannah, on the same bill as Lynnrd Skynnrd. Great night of music.
If you ever get a chance to meet him, do it. I got to meet him once by chance in Nashville at a Columbia Records party that I was fortunate enough to attend. He graciously spent a few minutes chatting with me. He's a real American gem and an extremely tallented musician that does not read music. He's as "down to earth" as they get.....
Like George Strait.
73 CMA nominatations (#1 career nominations), 32 platinum and 35 gold records (#1 country artist, #3 all time behind Elvis and the Beatles), and a career of over 20 years that has survived the “New Country” era.
But... no Grand Ole Opry invite. For someone who is “pure country”, that’s odd.
no Johnny Cash?
no Willie Nelson?
that aint right ...
how about Toby Keith, George Strait, Alabama, Statler Brothers ???
are you sure that’s the complete list?
I’ve seen him live! He’s great! And CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....................................
No Merle Haggard.
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