Comedian Henry Cho Welcomed Into Grand Ole Opry Family

Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Don Schlitz, John Conlee, Henry Cho, Ben Isaacs and Steve Wariner. Photo: Chris Hollo

Comedian Henry Cho was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family Saturday night (Feb. 11) by his buddy Vince Gill.

Gill called out Opry members John Conlee, Ben Isaacs, Don Schlitz and Steve Wariner to join him for the special induction moment.

“I just want to say congrats. And to encourage you to come out here. That’s the best thing you can do for us and that’s why you are becoming a member; because you show up,” Gill said during the induction. “And when we’re laughing there’s nothing wrong in this world. What you get from this place is friendships, and those will mean more than the funniest joke you will ever write or the biggest hit we will ever have. So welcome to our family.”

Cho responded with a characteristic joke saying, “Thank y’all. For all of you that stood up, I hope you get out of here quickly and the ones that didn’t, I hope you get stuck in traffic. This is a great honor, and I can’t even put it into words. To have my pal Vince do this induction means the world to me. I want to thank my family and thank God—well kinda not in that order. Thank you, Grand Ole Opry.”

Cho, along with Comedian Gary Mule Deer, was surprised in January with an invitation to join the Opry by member Marty Stuart. The two comedians have each played the Opry more than 100 times and are the first comedians to be inducted as members since comedian Jerry Clower became an Opry member nearly 50 years ago. Mule Deer’s induction is set to take place on March 10.

“The Opry is going to be stronger, better, and funnier with Henry as an official member,” said Dan Rogers, Opry VP and Executive Producer. “We’re thrilled our dear friend is family.”