Steve Earle is about to hitch nation music’s most venerable establishment. The legendary singer-songwriter acquired an invitation to hitch the Grand Ole Opry throughout his efficiency Saturday evening on the Opry stage. He’s the primary individual to obtain a brand new membership invite for the reason that Opry launched its Opry100 centennial celebration this 12 months.
After Earle’s efficiency of “Copperhead Road,” his pal Vince Gill emerged to current him with an Opry-branded guitar strap. After applause, Gill sprung one other shock on Earle: “You have to be an Opry member to have one of these. We want to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.” A visibly moved Earle replied, “This is kind of the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my life.” He’ll be formally inducted later this 12 months.
Opry membership could also be his biggest honor thus far, however Earle, 70, has piled up the accolades all through his profession. The Americana titan has received three Grammys, every for Greatest Up to date Folks Album, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Corridor of Fame in 2020. His highest-charting hit, 1988’s “Copperhead Road,” was made an official state tune of Tennessee in 2023.
Earle looms giant over the world of alt-country and Americana. The Texas-raised artist was mentored by icons like Townes Van Zandt and Man Clark, and his songs have been carried out by fellow legends like Gill, Johnny Money, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Percy Sledge, Bob Seger, and Patty Loveless. He has additionally produced basic albums comparable to Lucinda Williams’ Automotive Wheels On A Gravel Highway, written a novel (2011’s I’ll By no means Get Out Of This World Alive) and brief story assortment (2003’s Canine Home Roses), served because the musical director of the 2020 play Coal Nation, and acted in acclaimed TV collection The Wire and Treme.
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