NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Fame member, Songwriters Hall of Fame member and entertainment titan, Bill Anderson, was recognized for his indelible 62 years as the longest-serving member in Grand Ole Opry history. Many of Anderson’s Opry family and friends including Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson and Jeannie Seely paid tribute to him throughout the show, including a Seely/Anderson collaboration on “When Two World’s Collide,” a Johnson/Anderson collaboration on “Everybody Wants To Be 21,” and Gill’s performance of his hit “Which Bridge To Cross, Which Bridge To Burn,” co-written with Anderson. Anderson was also presented with a plaque by Gill and Seely to commemorate the historic achievement.
Anderson, one of the most awarded songwriters in the history of country music and a highly successful performer in his own right, was inducted into the Opry family on July 15, 1961. His membership has not lapsed in those 62 years, eclipsing the membership run of past Opry member Herman Crook, who joined the Opry in 1926 and remained with the show until his death in 1988.
“The Grand Ole Opry continues to be built on the shoulders of Opry members such as Bill Anderson,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “Singling Bill out as the Opry’s longest-tenured member in our history among so many greats who came before him as well as so many contemporaries he calls his friends is a tremendous honor for all of us.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum currently features the life and illustrious career of Anderson in the exhibition, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which has been extended through Monday, September 25. The exhibit is an exploration of his life and musical legacy, from childhood through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters, and entertainers in history.
About the Grand Ole Opry:
The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country’s past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry’s members are country’s most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music’s top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee – Music City, USA – to experience one of the 3-5 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on the Circle Network. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP) and part of a strategic investment with Atairos and NBCUniversal. For more information, visit opry.com.
The Grand Ole Opry Media Contacts:
Dixie Owen
Schmidt Relations
615-440-6171
[email protected]
Jessie Schmidt
Schmidt Relations
615-491-7988
[email protected]
