Steve Earle Officially Welcomed Into Grand Ole Opry Family

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Steve Earle inducted in the Grand Ole Opry family. Photo: Chris Hollo, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

Steve Earle was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry last night (Sept. 17) by friend and fellow Opry member Emmylou Harris.

“Steve is my captain. We have done so many shows together,” said Harris during the induction. “He has been my friend. He has been an inspiration. He is such a fantastic songwriter. I’ve known Steve for so long, and I know that he went through the fire, but he came out with his sense of humor, his intellect and his humanity, not just intact but even stronger. Steve, I am so proud to know you. I can’t think of a better way to begin the next 100 years than with these words, ‘Steve Earle, congratulations on becoming the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Pictured (L-R): Opry’s Dan Rogers, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Opry’s Nicole Judd, Gina Keltner, Jaclyn Batchelor and Nikki Powell. Photo: Chris Hollo, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry

During the special evening Earle performed his hits “Guitar Town,” “Hillbilly Highway” and his signature hit “Copperhead Road,” and said, “There has never been any time since I had a guitar that I didn’t want to be on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member is about as good as it’s ever going to get for me.”

Earle’s friends and fellow Opry members who performed on the show in his celebration included Harris, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Don Schlitz and Deana Carter.

Earle was surprised in April with an invitation from Vince Gill to become a member. The Academy Award winner and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member has been called one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the past 30 years, and his songs have been covered by Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Patty Loveless, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, and Eric Clapton, to name a few. Earle was the first artist invited to join the Opry in the Opry’s 100th year.

The Opry will welcome Kathy Mattea into the family as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 11.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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