Multi-Grammy® Award winning Kathy Mattea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Opry member Charlie McCoy. The four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite, and host of the popular “Mountain Stage” radio show will officially join the Opry family on Saturday, October 11. Tickets are on sale now for the two-show Saturday night.
Mattea’s long-time friend and fellow West Virginian, McCoy surprised her onstage turning off her speaker during her performance of her award-winning hit “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses”. A surprised Mattea said, “Oh…Charlie, you just turned my speaker off!” McCoy replied, “I’m so sorry to interrupt” as he presented her with a dozen roses. “I want to ask you a question,” McCoy continued. “How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?” An emotional Mattea immediately answered, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!” As the audience rose to its feet, Mattea soaked in what had just happened, sharing, “I just want to take this in and just remember this moment.”
“Oh my, I’m here to tell you, I will not forget this night. Ever. Ever. Ever,” Mattea concluded before inviting McCoy to join her on “18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
“I’ve personally watched for nearly 30 years now as Kathy Mattea has brought such great songs, so much artistic integrity, and sheer joy to the Opry stage,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “We all look forward to many more such performances in that circle she’ll call home.”
The Opry will celebrate two of its longtime Opry members later this month on their milestone Opry anniversaries. On August 20, the Opry will celebrate Connie Smith’s 60th Opry anniversary with performances by Smith, Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more. Smith is the second female Opry member in its 100-year history to mark 60 years as an Opry member. Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th Opry anniversary in 2015. On August 26th Pam Tillis will celebrate her 25th Opry anniversary alongside Suzy Bogguss, Russell Dickerson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Emily Ann Roberts, and more.
Steve Earle will officially be inducted into the Opry family on September 17 by Emmylou Harris with appearances by Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and more.
