10 Country Artists Who Belong In the Grand Ole Opry

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1. Michael Ray

Michael Ray remains an outspoken advocate of the Grand Ole Opry, and has performed well over 70 times. Ray has also made no secret of his love of traditional country music. He is always eager to perform at the Grand Ole Opry whenever he is asked, even though he no longer lives in Tennessee.

“The Opry, there’s no place like it,” Ray told Everything Nash. “I grew up watching it with my grandfather, studying it. My biggest goal in my career is to be an Opry member, and to be a part of that family that continues the tradition of country music. I know things have to evolve and grow with time, but I think that there is a foundation of the Opry that I think needs to stay and really should be held very preciously. Because, in a lot of ways, that’s the only way that some artists that paved the way for us have a stage.”

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2. Luke Bryan

Bryan also performs regularly at the Grand Ole Opry, ever since he made his debut in 2007. He’s had more than 30 No. 1 singles, and has been a part of numerous celebrations and events at the Grand Ole Opry, including flipping the switch for Opry Goes Pink in 2019, and recently inviting newcomer Vincent Mason to make his Opry debut. How Bryan has yet to become a member is truly baffling.

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3. Charles Esten

Charles Esten has the beloved TV show, Nashville, to thank for his warm embrace in country music. Esten played singer Deacon Claybourne on Nashville, bringing him to Music City, and expanding his career as a performer. Although the show ended in 2018, Esten remained in Nashville, and just celebrated his astonishing 175th performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which he shared on social media.

“My 175th Grand Ole Opry performance is officially IN THE BOOKS!!” Esten said. “Of all the blessings that came from the show [Nashville], and there are MANY (including our dog Blue!), my relationship with this hallowed and historic show and the wonderful people that have kept it so special, is still the most amazing and the most treasured to me. Every time in that circle is a dream, and tonight was no different. Thank you, Opry.! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!”

4. Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack has carried the country music torch since her self-titled debut album came out in 1997. Womack has also stayed largely true to the genre, and had a long string of hits that spanned more than a decade. Womack has been a regular on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and performed frequently with Opry members. Her time as a Grand Ole Opry member seems long overdue.

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5. Wynonna Judd

Like Womack, Wynonna Judd has been a regular at the Grand Ole Opry, and a proponent of celebrating it as an institution. Judd made her debut in 2001. Both as a member of The Judds and as a solo artist, the country music hitmaker is part of the soundtrack of country music, and has been for decades. Already a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Judd could have rightfully earned her membership into the Grand Ole Opry a long time ago.

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6. Alabama

Few acts in country music have had as pivotal of a role as Alabama. The group, founded in 1969 by Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and the late Jeff Cook, have been making music for 55 years, and are still as active today as ever. Alabama has performed frequently on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and is probably assumed by most to already be a member, even though membership has, at least so far, eluded them.

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7. The Bellamy Brothers

Sibling duo The Bellamy Brothers, made up of David and Howard Bellamy, are probably already assumed by many to be longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Bellamy Brothers have performed at the Grand Ole Opry numerous times in the last almost 50 years, and have more than earned a place as an Opry member.

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8. Clay Walker

Clay Walker has been performing at the Grand Ole Opry for so long, it’s shocking he hasn’t already been inducted. Walker is a fan favorite at the Opry, and consistently delivers stunning performances with some of his many, many hits. His induction frankly could have happened a long time ago.

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9. Darryl Worley

Darryl Worley has not only performed multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, but he is also one of the biggest advocates for country music. His songs align with the Opry’s values, and he is also a champion of other artists.

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10. Cody Johnson

Compared to some of the other artists on this list, Cody Johnson is a relative newcomer, but he still has done enough to be worthy of Opry membership. Johnson made his Opry debut in 2017, and has continued to perform regularly, and advocate country music. It’s likely his career accomplishments will soon include becoming an Opry member.

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