Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
On Thursday 14 January 2021, Gene Watson reflected on Vince Gill's surprise invitation, on Friday 17 January 2020, to join The Grand Ole Opry, ahead of the one-year anniversary.
Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
Gene Watson to appear on Willie's Roadhouse, with Jeannie Seely, on Sirius XM, Channel 59, on Sunday 17 January 2021
Here is the official press release, which was issued by Adkins Publicity in Nashville, on Thursday 14 January 2021:
Nashville, TN
'It'll be one year this Sunday 17 January 2021, since country music legend and celebrated vocalist, Gene Watson, received the invitation of a lifetime: to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry.
Vince Gill surprised Gene Watson on stage at Ryman Auditorium during the Opry's Friday night show, and the rest is history.
One year to the date, Gene Watson will be a guest on Jeannie Seely's show, between 12:00pm & 4:00pm, on Sunday 17 January 2021, on Willie's Roadhouse on SiriusXM to commemorate the anniversary of being invited to become an Opry member'.
Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
'Being invited to be a member of The Grand Ole Opry is the highlight of my music career', Gene Watson shared. 'When Vince Gill surprised me with the news, I was so shocked I don't know how I was able to sing. As a kid, I used to sit by the radio with my family and listen to the Opry, and now it's my proud honour to be a member. Right after my induction, the world shut down from the pandemic, so I haven't been able to return, but I can't wait to sing on that hallowed stage again'
Photo Credit
Derrek Kupish / dkupish productions
The Texas native was inducted into The Grand Ole Opry family on Friday 7 February 2020 by Opry member, Steve Wariner. Gene Watson, whose hits, including 'Fourteen Carat Mind' and 'Farewell Party', have become country standards, made his Opry debut 55 years prior at age 21 on the Ryman stage.
After an introduction on stage by Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs, who claimed Gene Watson as one of the most respected voices in country music history, Gene Watson came center stage. 'It's hard to find the words to say, so I guess better than talking I ought to sing', said Gene Watson. 'So many people contributed to this wonderful night, and I make a promise to everyone to keep up the tradition of country music', he continued, before delivering his hits, 'Got No Reason Now For Goin' Home' and 'Fourteen Carat Mind'.
After receiving his Opry member award and holding it high, Gene Watson closed his set to a standing ovation with a flawless performance of his classic, 'Farewell Party'.
About Gene Watson
From his chart-topping soulful gospel albums to his No.1 country standards, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America's musical landscape than Gene Watson.
As the newest member of The Grand Ole Opry, Gene Watson has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. This masterful country stylist from Houston, Texas, known as 'The Singer's Singer', has more than 75 charted titles, 23 Top 10 hits, six No.1 country singles and five No.1 gospel hits.
Gene Watson is also a member of The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Houston, Texas Music Hall of Fame. Fans are still transfixed whenever Gene Watson performs classics like 'Farewell Party', 'Fourteen Carat Mind' or 'Love in The Hot Afternoon'. A road warrior, and considered one of the finest pure-country singers of his generation, Gene Watson offers up one of the best traditional country shows in the business.
About The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is presented by Humana. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows February through December, plus seasonal Wednesday shows and Thursday Opry Country Classics performances.
To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com
The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM.
The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties; for more information, visit opry.com
Gene Watson Media Contacts
Scott Adkins and Kelli Wasilauski
Gene Watson Management Contact
Sarah Brosmer
Gene Watson Booking Contact
Rob Battle
Grand Ole Opry Media Contacts
Jessie Schmidt and Dixie Owen
