Jamey Johnson Invited To Become Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry: ‘I Love Country Music’
Johnson was left speechless.
Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson; Photo by Chris Hollo
Nearly two decades after making his Opry debut, Jamey Johnson has been invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Standing within the iconic Opry circle, the “In Color” singer was surprised with an invitation to join the sacred institution from Opry member Bill Anderson on Saturday evening (March 19).
It was a full-circle moment as Anderson introduced Johnson to the Opry stage when he made his debut 17 years ago.
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After reflecting on Johnson’s guest appearances over the years, Anderson shocked Johnson with the invitation of a lifetime.
“You have made a lot of guest appearances, but the management and the staff and the people at the Opry tonight told me to tell you that this is going to be your last guest appearance,” Anderson told Johnson, who quickly became overcome with emotion.
“I’ve been kicked out of a whole lot of places in my life,” Johnson joked, as Anderson replied, “well you can add this to the list because you’re not going to be a guest anymore, the next time Jamey Johnson’s on this stage, he’s going to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast and family.”
Johnson earned a standing ovation from the packed Opry house as fans in attendance erupted with cheers and applause.
“I don’t know what to say except the obvious, I love country music. I [would have] never moved here if it hadn’t been for country music, if it hadn’t been for the Grand Ole Opry keeping it alive all these years,” the Alabama native shared. “If it hadn’t been for fans like y’all listening to what we do, thank you. I love you, thank you so much.”
The Opry took to social media immediately following his invitation to celebrate the news.
“BREAKING: @whisperinbillanderson has just invited @jameyjohnsonofficial to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry!” the Opry wrote.
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Several artists congratulated Johnson in the comment of their post, including Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Maggie Rose, Chuck Wicks, Jake Hoot, Mandy Barnett, Joe Bonamassa, Alyssa Bonagura, Jessie James Decker, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, Terri Clark, Jeannie Seely, Runaway June’s Natalie Stovall, among many others.
Anderson closed by telling Johnson, “The Opry’s going to be a better place because you’re a part of it.” Johnson then wrapped up the set with a solo performance of his song “In Color.”
An induction date for Johnson will be announced soon. Tickets for all 2022 Opry performances are on sale now.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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