Parmalee Celebrates 10 Years Of Opry Appearances

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Pictured (L-R): JoJamie Hahr (BMG), Jenn Tressler (Opry), Parmalee’s Josh McSwain, Barry Knox, Scott Thomas; Matt Thomas; and Opry’s Jordan Petit and Dan Rogers. Photo: David Fanning

Parmalee celebrated a decade of Grand Ole Opry appearances last night (July 12) with a three-song set for the Opry crowd and a heartwarming dedication.

The band opened with their current hit “Girl In Mine,” followed by Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022 “Take My Name,” before closing with their first No. 1 smash, “Carolina.” Formed in 2001, the band includes brothers Matt (lead singer) and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox and childhood friend Josh McSwain.

“You guys changed our lives with this next song, and I got to tell you a little story about it first,” Matt said of “Carolina” from the Opry stage. “We went in the studio to record the first version of this song and our ‘buddy’ who was helping us out with the money, wrote us a check to pay the studio bill, but the check bounced. So, we owed the studio guy $11,000 and the only person I felt comfortable asking to help was my mom.

“She took out a second mortgage on her little three-bedroom house and wrote a check to cover the bill. And here’s the kicker, one of those songs was ‘Carolina.’ So, we paid her back plus 20% and new car so here’s to all the momma’s and daddy’s out there supporting your babies and your dreamers y’all! I want to dedicate this to my mom!”

Following their Opry appearance, the band headed west for a weekend of shows.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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