Greylan James Gets Emotional After Jordan Davis and HARDY Invite Him To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
“I’m playing the Opry, baby. Let’s go,” James stated enthusiastically.
Photos Courtesy of Greylan James
Greylan James is crossing another achievement off his bucket list after being invited to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 24.
In a new video shared on social media, James filmed himself sitting in front of a computer screen after his parents told him they had a “video to show me.” His face filled with anticipation and excitement as he waited to see what was in store.
The surprise finally came when Jordan Davis appeared on the screen to deliver the exciting news.
“Hope you’re well, brother. I want to send you a message and just kind of tell you how grateful I am over the past four or five years. And not just to get to write songs with you, but to get to see you take off as an artist,” Davis began.
The country act went on to say how “excited” he is to see everything that James has been accomplishing over the years. He then revealed that James would soon have the opportunity to join the ranks of many celebrated country acts who have come before him when he steps into the Grand Ole Opry’s historic circle for the first time on October 24.
“Also another cool thing that really great artists get to do is make their Opry debut, which is what you’re going to be doing October 24th. Couldn’t be more happy for you, man. Enjoy it. Drink it in. Go step in the circle and have a night for the first time, man. It’s going to be awesome. Congrats, brother,” Davis added.
Davis wasn’t the only country star helping deliver the exciting news. Next, HARDY appeared on the screen to congratulate James on the major career milestone.
“The time has come, brother. I’m proud of you. Congratulations on your Opry debut, buddy. That’s a big deal. And I hope that it’s everything that you ever dreamed of, man. Congrats. Love you,” the hitmaker stated.
The video wasn’t over just yet, as James’ mother and father also had some heartfelt words to share with their son. Having watched him dream of a moment like this for years, they were able to make the surprise even more meaningful by not only including their own message of congratulations, but also being right there with him as he received the surprise of a lifetime.
“Greylan James, your dad here, Jethro. You’ve waited to do this since you were five years old and now your dream’s coming true. Can’t wait to see you stand in the circle at the Grand Ole Opry.”
His mom added, “I know that you’ve dreamed of the Grand Ole Opry stage since you were little, and I’ve dreamed of you being on that stage. So congratulations. I love you and I’m so proud of you.”
Once the focus was back on James, he stared at the screen for a few more seconds as he took in the announcement and then yelled in excitement, “I’m playing the Opry, baby. Let’s go.”
He shared a few more words in the caption, after taking some time to truly let the information soak in that he would be fulfilling his childhood dream of making his Opry debut.
“When I was a kid, I asked to play the Grand Ole Opry for my birthday. well the best my parents could do was take me to a karaoke bar and they got me a pillow that had the Opry sewn on it. That pillow was on my bed until I moved to nashville, so I’ve literally dreamed about this as long as I can remember,” he wrote.
James shares a history with both artists, having co-written songs with each of them throughout his career. He helped pen Jordan Davis’ hit “Next Thing You Know” and also co-wrote “Girl With a Gun,” a track featured on HARDY’s 2025 EP. Having two artists he has worked alongside play a part in delivering such life-changing news made the surprise that much more meaningful.
“I always wondered what it’d feel like to be invited to stand in the same circle that all of my heroes did… well getting asked by two of the best artists/humans in country music, and the two people that sacrificed everything for me beats anything I ever imagined. I’m honored beyond words, and I can’t believe I get to say this.. IM MAKIN MY OPRY DEBUT OCTOBER 24,” he added in conclusion.
The comment section on the video was filled with congratulatory messages from fans and fellow artists.
This news arrives just a few days after the Tennessee native announced that he will be releasing his self-titled debut album, Greylan James, on November 13 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Each of the 13 tracks are originals and are all co-written and 11 produced or co-produced by James. The project also features a special Dolly Parton cover.
Plus, he is gearing up for his first ever headline tour, Wedding Season: The Tour, kicking off next month in West Virginia and running through December 19, 2026. Then he will fulfill another dream of serving as a special guest on Kenny Chesney’s Original Vibe Room Tour 2027.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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