Rhett Akins Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member

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Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Rhett Akins was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry last night (June 28).

Akins has penned 36 No. 1 country hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and more. In 2010, Rhett was named the No. 4 Billboard Country Songwriter. In 2011 and 2014, BMI named him Songwriter of the Year. Akins is a seven-time CMA Triple Play recipient and was named Songwriter of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 2019. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.

Akins was surprised on stage with the invitation by Jon Pardi, who shared “Rhett has always been somebody who has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me about how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s.” Turning to Akins, he continued, “You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

“All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now except, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’ I have been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a little kid with my grandparents,” Rhett shared from the stage. “Watching it when it used to be on TNN. Anytime they’d ask me to play, if I was in Alaska, I’d fly home immediately. I love country music with all my heart and all I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan…and Jon Pardi. This is just unbelievable.”

After the show, Akins carried the celebration to a special post-show party with fans in Opry House Studio A.

“We’re going to be so pleased to welcome a fellow like Rhett who has made such an impact both as a recording artist and an often-recorded songwriter into the Opry family.” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “Rhett lauds the Opry’s traditions and is excited to help build its future as the show enters its second century. This is going to be a great marriage.”

Akins official induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Lauryn Sink
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