Grand Ole Opry Welcomes Steve Earle As Its Newest Member
Steve Earle becomes the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
Legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle becomes the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry
During his show on April 26 at the Grand Ole Opry House, Steve Earle had just finished singing his legendary song “Copperhead Road” when he received the surprise invite.
Longtime Opry member Vince Gill was the one who walked on stage to ask Earle the prestigious question.
At first, it seemed like Gill was just gifting him a personalized guitar strap made for the Opry’s 100th anniversary this year. But, it was what he said next that made Earle realize what was really happening.
“You have to be an Opry member to have one of these,” Gill said. “We want to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Earle was clearly overwhelmed by the life-changing honor. Looking shocked, he immediately hugged Gill and accepted the invitation.
Considering his decades-long career, Earle’s membership was a long time coming.
His songs have been recorded by some of the biggest stars in country music. Just a few of those names include Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Emmylou Harris.
He is also a three-time Grammy winner and inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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On Wednesday night, September 17, Steve Earle’s Opry induction ceremony took place
As a legend himself, it was only fitting that Earle’s induction night featured appearances from other country music icons. Deana Carter, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, and Marty Stuart all took the stage throughout the evening.
Emmylou Harris had the honor of officially welcoming Earle into the Opry family.
“He’s been my friend, my inspiration. He’s such a fantastic songwriter,” Emmylou said. “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 in tact, but even stronger.”
She then turned to Steve and said, “I’m so proud to know you, and I can’t think of a better way to begin the next hundred years, but with these words. ‘Steve Earle, congratulations on becoming the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.'”
