On Wednesday 17 January 2024, Gene Watson announced that it was the anniversary of being invited to be a member of The Grand Ole Opry. I’ll never forget it.
‘Today is the anniversary of my being invited to be a member of The Grand Ole Opry.
I’ll never forget it.
Vince Gill 100% surprised and shocked me, when he said he had a bit of a cold, so he wanted me to take his song slot, and then he said, ‘I’ll make you a deal – if you’ll sing ‘Farewell Party‘, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), we’ll invite you to be the next member of the Opry’.
That took my breath away, because the Opry holds such a special place in my heart.
My family gathered around our old battery radio to hear the Opry every Saturday night.
I have so many memories of those times.
The Opry is the pinnacle of country music, and to be a member is the highest honour.
Trust me, I barely made it through ‘Farewell Party‘ that night’
Source
Gene Watson on Facebook