In February 2020, Gene Watson, the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry, was a special guest on Terri Clark's 'Country Gold'.
'Country Gold', hosted by Terri Clark, is a music-intensive, fan-interactive program, featuring special guest artists and country music classics, which airs on more than 100 radio stations in the United States.
Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for The Grand Ole Opry
On the night of Friday 17 January 2020, Gene Watson received a long-overdue invitation, from Vince Gill, to finally join The Grand Ole Opry as the next official member.
The 76-year-old from Palestine, Texas was surprised by Vince Gill, who is one of the Grand Ole Opry’s favourite couriers of formal invitations.
After performing a song, Vince Gill invited Gene Watson out on stage unexpectedly. 'I've got a little bit of a cold and not feeling too good, and they've got me down for two more songs, but I'd love to give you one of those songs. I'll make you a deal. I'm a wheeler-dealer guy. If you do 'Farewell Party', we'll invite you to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry'.
Of course, Gene Watson accepted, and looked genuinely surprised, elated and emotional.
After catching his breath and receiving a standing ovation, Gene Watson said, 'In 2019, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of this song. And, after 40 years, it's still the most requested song. And then you pull this on me, I'm not sure I've got anything left'.
Watch the moment, on Friday 17 January 2020, when Vince Gill invited Gene Watson to become the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry:
On Friday 7 February 2020, Gene Watson was officially inducted as the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry.
Famed 650 AM WSM radio personality, Eddie Stubbs, officiated, while Steve Wariner made the presentaion to Gene Watson.
In February 2020, Gene Watson, the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry, was a special guest on Terri Clark's 'Country Gold'; the interview was aired on Saturday 22 February 2020 and Sunday 23 February 2020.
Source
Terri Clark's 'Country Gold'
