NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It’ll be one year this Sunday, Jan. 17, since country music legend and celebrated vocalist, Gene Watson, received the invitation of a lifetime: to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Vince Gill surprised Watson on stage at the Ryman Auditorium during the Opry’s Friday night show, and the rest is history.
One year to the date, Watson will be a guest on Jeannie Seely’s show this Sunday on Willie’s Roadhouse SiriusXM to commemorate the anniversary of being invited to become an Opry member.
Willie’s Roadhouse with Jeannie Seely Ch. 59
Sunday, January 17
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET
www.siriusxm.com/channels/willies-roadhouse
“Being invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry is the highlight of my music career,” shared Watson. “When Vince Gill surprised me with the news, I was so shocked I don’t know how I was able to sing. As a kid, I used to sit by the radio with my family and listen to the Opry and now it’s my proud honor to be a member. Right after my induction, the world shut down from the pandemic so I haven’t been able to return but I can’t wait to sing on that hallowed stage again.”
The Texas native was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family February 7, 2020 by Opry member Steve Wariner. Watson, whose hits including “Fourteen Carat Mind” and “Farewell Party” have become country standards, made his Opry debut 55 years prior at age 21 on the Ryman stage.
After an introduction on stage by Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs who claimed Watson as one of the most respected voices in country music history, Watson came center stage. “It’s hard to find the words to say, so I guess better than talking I ought to sing,” said Watson. “So many people contributed to this wonderful night, and I make a promise to everyone to keep up the tradition of country music,” he continued before delivering his hits “Got No Reason Now For Goin’ Home” and “Fourteen Carat Mind.”
After receiving his Opry member award and holding it high, Watson closed his set to a standing ovation with a flawless performance of his classic “Farewell Party.”
March 6 Azteca Event Hall – Amarillo, Texas
About Gene Watson:
From his chart-topping soulful gospel albums to his No. 1 country standards, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Gene Watson. As the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Watson has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. This masterful country stylist from Houston, Texas, known as “The Singer’s Singer,” has more than 75 charted titles, 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel hits. Watson is also a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Houston, Texas Music Hall of Fame. Fans are still transfixed whenever Watson performs classics like “Farewell Party,” “Fourteen Carat Mind” or “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” A road warrior and considered one of the finest pure-country singers of his generation, Watson offers up one of the best traditional country shows in the business. For more information, visit GeneWatsonMusic.com
About the Grand Ole Opry:
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows February 4 through December, plus seasonal Wednesday shows and Thursday Opry Country Classics performances. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com.
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GENE WATSON MEDIA CONTACTS:
Scott Adkins / [email protected]
Kelli Wasilauski / [email protected]
GENE WATSON MANAGEMENT CONTACT:
Sarah Brosmer / [email protected]
GENE WATSON BOOKING CONTACT:
Rob Battle / [email protected]
GRAND OLE OPRY MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessie Schmidt / [email protected]
Dixie Owen / [email protected]
