Country Chatter

Jamey Johnson Becomes Member of the Grand Ole Opry

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Jamey Johnson first visited the Grand Ole Opry in 1999 and last night he became an official member last night (May 14). He was welcomed by Opry member and Johnson’s mentor Bill Anderson, after the two collaborated on their ACM and CMA Award-winning co-write “Give It Away.”

Anderson walked into the circle carrying the Opry member award he would present to Johnson and spoke about the night when Johnson was invited to join back in March. “I’ve been talking about this moment since I was a kid,” stated Johnson. “I prayed for it every day and hoped it would come.” Anderson replied, “Well this is proof our prayers do get answered.”

The show concluded with “Near The Cross,” a collaboration between Johnson and Ricky Skaggs, who was celebrating his 40th anniversary as an Opry member as Johnson marked his induction. “I know exactly how Jamey feels tonight; that was me 40 years ago,” said Skaggs. “I want to thank my precious wife Sharon and The Whites for being here. We can’t do this without family.”

Johnson marked his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry stage on September 10, 2005 and as he walked in the artist entrance he knew he wanted to be a member someday. Johnson explained how surreal the experience was, having also grown up listening to the Opry with his father.

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