Josh Turner inducted into Grand Ole Opry

Multi-platinum MCA recording artist Josh Turner was inducted into the world-famous Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening by Opry superstar Vince Gill.
After Turner performed his current hit “Firecracker” and his breakthrough smash “Long Black Train,” Gill made Opry membership official, saying, “We are so proud of your success. Congratulations.”
Turner responded, “Thank you Grand Ole Opry… Country music has always been a huge part of my life. I have always been willing and able to fight for it and that’s what I want to continue to do— and just continue to make great music for all these great country fans out here. Thank y’all.”
During the induction which aired live on “Opry Live” on GAC: Great American Country, Turner was also presented the Opry Member Award, a 14-inch bronze and oak wood replica of the Opry’s vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains.
“What began as a magical moment with his debut performance of ‘Long Black Train’ in December of 2001 has grown into a very special relationship with the Opry and the rest of its membership,” Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher said last month following Turner’s Opry invitation. “We’re so happy to formally welcome Josh into our family tonight and look forward to years of great Opry performances and career accomplishments to come,” Fisher added this evening.
Turner burst onto the national scene in 2003 with his debut album Long Black Train, selling more than a million copies. His follow up disc, Your Man, has sold more than double that amount establishing Turner as one of the fastest-rising stars in country music today. His distinctive voice paired with his inspired songwriting make him one of Nashville’s most notable traditionalists. The singer’s latest album, Everything Is Fine, hits stores on October 30th and is powered by the fastest-rising single of his career, the self-penned “Firecracker.” The new Opry member is on the road in select cities this fall with Sara Evans. For more information, please visit www.joshturner.com www.joshturner.com.

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 18. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. A uniquely American experience for more than 80 years, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, XM Satellite Radio, and opry.com. The syndicated weekly program, America’s Grand Ole Opry Weekend, airs on more than 200 country radio stations across the country and on the Armed Forces Radio Network, and Opry Live airs each weekend on GAC: Great American Country. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels. For more information, visit www.opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com