Bill Anderson Adds To His Record As Longest-Serving Member Of The Opry
Grand Ole Opry / Facebook
Bill Anderson Celebrates His 63rd Anniversary As A Grand Ole Opry Member
Country music legend Bill Anderson just added to his record as the longest-serving member of the Grand Ole Opry!
Anderson was inducted into the Opry on July 15, 1961, just two years after his debut on the famous stage. He was only 23 years old when he officially became an Opry member.
Last year (2023), Anderson celebrated his 62nd Opry anniversary, making him the longest-serving member in the institution’s history.
“The longest serving member in Grand Ole Opry history, thatâs what the sign says. And right now I feel every year of it,” Anderson said in a video he shared on social media celebrating the milestone anniversary. “No itâs been a wonderful night. I want to thank all of you for your many cards and letters, your support. People sent me flowers, people sent me all kinds of wonderful messages. And youâre what makes it all worthwhile. Youâve been so good to me, for 62 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
View this post on Instagram
Now age 86, Anderson added to his record when he celebrated his 63rd Opry anniversary on July 15, 2024. The Opry shared a post on social media celebrating the “Still” singer.
“Wishing a very happy 63rd Opry anniversary to our longest serving Opry member, @WhisperinBill,” the Opry wrote alongside a photo of Anderson on the Opry stage.
Wishing a very happy 63rd Opry anniversary to our longest serving Opry member, @WhisperinBill ð pic.twitter.com/xtJYYtKyxk
â Grand Ole Opry (@opry) July 15, 2024
Despite Being The Longest-Serving Opry Member, Bill Isn’t The Oldest…
Although Anderson has been an Opry member longer than anyone else, he actually isn’t the institution’s oldest member. That distinction goes to Buck White of The Whites, who is 93 years old.
The Whites joined the Opry on March 2, 1984.
The oldest solo member of the Opry is Stu Phillips, who is 91 years old. Phillips joined the Opry on June 1, 1967.
On the other hand, Lauren Alaina, who is 29 years old, is the youngest member of the Opry. She was inducted on February 12, 2022.
Jeannie Seely has performed at the Opry more times than any other artist, with over 5,300 shows under her belt since she was inducted on September 16, 1967.
Naturally, Seely and Anderson have spent a lot of time together over the years. Tune in to the video below to watch Anderson interview Seely at the Opry in 1993.
Congratulations to Bill Anderson on his 63rd Opry anniversary! May he celebrate many more!
