Watch: Garth Brooks Welcomes Chris Janson As Newest Opry Member

Chris Janson was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday night (March 20) by Garth Brooks, who has been an Opry member himself since 1990. The moment was a monumental one for the artist, who has already played the hallowed stage more than 150 times.

“Driving in here tonight, I passed a billboard that says ‘Welcome To The Family.’ Family is a great name for this place,” said Brooks during Janson’s induction. “Another great name for this place is church. That’s what it’s all about. Because if any time you are at your lowest, these people are going to be here for you. And they’ll expect the same out of you, and they’ll get the same out of you.”

“How do you not cry on a night like this?” said Janson, who is now the Opry’s youngest living member. “To know me is to know I really, truly love the Grand Ole Opry. This will be a moment I will never forget. Thanks for making my dreams come true, and thanks for buying a ticket to the Opry to see it happen! I hope you come back a million times! I’ll buy the ticket for ya. I don’t even care. I love you that much!”

“Chris Janson showed us all again tonight why we are so excited to welcome him into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Like he has during every Opry appearance he’s made, he exuded passion and enthusiasm for this iconic show he loves so much. Whether he’s playing his own hits, songs he’s written for fellow artists, or his all-time country favorites, he brings Opry audiences to their feet with his performances. Backstage, it’s amazing to watch him connect with both the artists who have come before him and those who are following in his footsteps. We could not be more thrilled about the excitement, loyalty, and great music he will bring to our Opry family for years to come.”