NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Grand Ole Opry) - Legendary country superstar Charlie Daniels was inducted into the world-famous Grand Ole Opry by Opry members Marty
Stuart and Connie Smith.
Stuart welcomed Daniels into Opry membership, before a sold-out crowd, by saying, "The Opry is American and its reach is universal. A steady force in the midst of passing trends. The Opry is family. God Bless Charlie Daniels."
Daniels responded, "My Bible tells me God gives us the desires of our hearts and tonight the promise has come true." He then invited Stuart, Smith, Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins to join him on stage to perform "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."
During the induction which aired live on "Opry Live" on GAC: Great American Country, Daniels was also presented the Opry Member Award, a 14-inch bronze and oak wood replica of the Opry's vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains.
"What a great night for the Opry," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. "For five decades, Charlie Daniels has been sharing the many musical styles he performs so well with the world. We are truly proud to welcome him to our Opry family, and we look forward to the years ahead filled with great Charlie Daniels Band music on the Opry stage."
During Daniels' 50-year career, he has scored hits on the rock, country, pop and Christian charts and counts awards from the Country Music Association (CMA), Academy of Country Music (ACM), TNN/Music City News Awards, and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) among his many accolades. Born in Wilmington, NC, he was raised on a musical diet that included Pentecostal gospel, local bluegrass bands, rhythm & blues, and country music from the radio, including Nashville's 650 WSM. His signature song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," topped both country and pop charts, bringing him international acclaim.
Daniels' current Blue Hat/Koch Records CD release, DEUCES, is his first duet album and features guest artists Travis Tritt; Bonnie Bramlett; Gretchen Wilson; Vince Gill; Earl, Gary & Randy Scruggs; Dolly Parton; Darius Rucker; The Del McCoury Band; Brenda Lee; Brooks & Dunn; Marty Stuart; Montgomery Gentry; and Brad Paisley.
The Grand Ole Opry is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.
