Bill Anderson To Be Honored As Longest-Serving Grand Ole Opry Member

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Bill Anderson performs at Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Bill Anderson will be honored by the Grand Ole Opry as the longest-serving member in the show’s history on Saturday, July 22.

One of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music, Anderson was inducted in the Opry family on July 15, 1961. His membership has not lapsed in those 62 years, eclipsing the membership run of past Opry member Herman Crook, who joined the Opry in 1926 and remained with the show until his death in 1988.

“Whisperin’ Bill” will be celebrated with a Saturday night performance which will include Anderson and fellow Opry members Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jeannie Seely and Ricky Skaggs, among others.

“The Grand Ole Opry continues to be built on the shoulders of Opry members such as Bill Anderson,” says Dan Rogers, Opry Vice President and Executive Producer. “Singling Bill out as the Opry’s longest-tenured member in our history among so many greats who came before him as well as so many contemporaries he calls his friends is a tremendous honor for all of us. We look forward to celebrating his achievement and dedication later this month.”

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is currently featuring Anderson’s life and career of in the exhibit, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which has been extended through September 25. The exhibit explores his life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated artists, songwriters and entertainers in history.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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