Scotty Hasting Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Scotty Hasting during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Scotty Hasting recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut as the Opry celebrated the 30th anniversary of Forrest Gump.

After receiving an invitation from Gary Sinise, Hasting fulfilled his dream of stepping into the historic circle. Prior to the performance, he welcomed 49 CMA EDU students backstage to wrap the first day of the program’s 11th annual Leadership Summit.

Scotty Hasting & Gary Sinise. Photo: Dawn Delvo

Following an introduction from Forrest Gump producer Wendy Finerman, Hasting was immediately greeted with a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. He then kicked off his set with a rendition of “Fortunate Son” from the film’s soundtrack. Between the hoots and hollers from friends, family and fans, Hasting took it all in and shared the significance of the next number.

“This next song is the hardest song I’ve ever written…April 21, 2011 was the day that I got shot in Afghanistan,” he stated. “The hardest thing about being at Walter Reed [National Military Medical Center] wasn’t trying to survive, it wasn’t going to occupational therapy, it wasn’t going to physical therapy. It was the fact that some of the greatest people I’ve ever known were still in Afghanistan, they were losing their lives, and there was nothing I could do about it.”

Hasting continued, “The hardest one was everyone’s best friend. His name was Adam [‘Ham’] Hamilton. Actually, his family is here right now.”

Everyone rose from their seats once again in thanks and support of the Hamilton family’s service and sacrifice. The artist proceeded to tell the story of “How Do You Choose,” which he wrote following a conversation with Hamilton’s mother after she came to see him perform on Broadway in Nashville. Hasting performed the emotional track for the audience, which included 16 of Hamilton’s family members and friends—leaving over 4,000 Opry guests and himself with tear-brimmed eyes.

Additionally, Hasting accepted a formal invitation to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Second Annual National Veterans Parade yesterday (Aug. 7). The parade is set to take place in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 10.

Liza Anderson
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