Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
On Sunday 17 January 2021, Gene Watson was a special guest on Jeannie Seely's show, between 11:00am & 3:00pm CST, on Willie's Roadhouse on SiriusXM; Geme's appearance was to commemorate the one-year anniversary (on Friday 17 January 2020) of being invited to become an Opry member.
'We're celebrating the one year anniversary of my invitation to join The Grand Ole Opry last year in 2020.
This video from the Opry gives the back story of that night and my induction. I was so shocked, I could barely sing after Vince Gill invited me.
Being a member is definitely the highlight of my music career. I grew up sitting around the radio with my family listening to the Opry, which was our big entertainment. As a kid, I could never have even dreamed of being on the Opry, much less a real member.
I'm so honoured to represent the Opry and I can't wait to get back there. I hope you will visit when you can.
On Sunday 17 January 2021, fans could listen to Jeannie Seely's show on SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse (Channel 59), as we talk about my Opry invitation and induction'
Photo Credit
Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry, Nashville
Gene Watson appearred 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 was a special guest on Jeannie Seely's show, between 11:00am & 3:00pm CST, 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
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
