Steven Curtis Chapman Becomes Grand Ole Opry Member

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Lady A and Steven Curtis Chapman. Photo: Chris Hollo

Steven Curtis Chapman officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry family on Nov. 1. He was inducted during his special night by Opry members Lady A.

Along with Lady A, Chapman personally requested Opry members Ricky Skaggs, (who invited Chapman to become an Opry member this summer,) Carly Pearce, Russell Dickerson and rock band Colony House, which featured Chapman’s two sons, front man Caleb Chapman and drummer Will Franklin Chapman, be a part of his special night. For the special occasion, Chapman wore a custom suit designed by Manuel Cuevas’ son Manny Jr.

Herb Chapman Sr., Steven Curtis Chapman and Herb Chapman Jr. Photo: Chris Hollo

Chapman kicked off his performance with “Cinderella” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” after telling the story about forgetting the words to that song during his Opry debut when he was a teenager performing at Opryland Theme Park. He was then joined by his father and brother to perform “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” offering his dad a lifelong dream to sing on the Opry stage. Lady A then joined him to welcome him into the Opry family with words about his life and music.

“More than we can ask or imagine, God has promised,” says Chapman. “I know it doesn’t always look like this moment, but I do believe God has so much more for us. And sometimes we get to see it in very tangible and real ways. Like standing in this circle on stage tonight. As I look down, there is an actual light that glows all the way around it. A full circle, an unbroken circle. God is in front and back and side to side, he has us surrounded.”

Chapman then performed a song he wrote specifically for the occasion, “Grand Ole Opry Stage,” and closed with a performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” with members of his family, performers from the night’s show and a handful of Opry members who attended the show.

Chapman and the Opry kicked off National Adoption Month by donating $5 from each ticket sold to benefit Show Hope, the nonprofit founded by Chapman and his wife Mary Beth that provides ongoing care and support to orphaned children and families impacted by adoption and foster care.

With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most-awarded artist in Christian music history. He made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19 when he was a performer at the Opryland USA theme park. Chapman is also scheduled to perform on this season’s Opry Country Christmas and will be the Spotlight Artist on Dec. 22.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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