Josh Turner to join Grand Ole Opry

MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner, a leading new talent in country music today, was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening. Turner will be formally inducted into the Opry family by Opry superstar Vince Gill on Sat., Oct. 27.

During “Opry Live” Turner presented Roy Clark with a plaque commemorating his years in music, marriage and also 20 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. After accepting, Clark noticed an envelope attached to the back of the plaque. He opened it and found a formal invitation enclosed and read it aloud. “Well, actually this is for you, Josh,” said Clark. “It reads- how would you like to formally become a member of the Grand Ole Opry?” After taking a moment to regain his composure and give Clark a hug, Turner said, “I made my Opry debut back in 2001. I never knew this could happen so early. And if this is an invitation, I say yes!”

Turner’s Dec. 21, 2001 Opry debut is one of the most memorable in recent history. Though he hadn’t yet had a song released to country radio at the time, the singer earned a standing ovation for the song that would become his breakthrough hit, “Long Black Train,” during the performance of the song and a second standing ovation following an encore.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we invite Josh to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. 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. We look forward to October 27th when Opry member Vince Gill will formally welcome him into our family.”

The talented artist burst onto the national scene with his debut album LONG BLACK TRAIN selling more than a million copies. His follow up disc, YOUR MAN, also went double platinum while spawning the multiple-week No. 1 singles “Your Man” and “Would You Go With Me,” establishing Turner as one of the fastest rising stars in country music. His remarkable voice paired with his inspired songwriting makes him one of Nashville’s most notable new traditionalists. Turner’s forthcoming album from MCA Nashville, EVERYTHING IS FINE is due in stores on Oct. 30th. Turner is nominated for Male Vocalist honors at the Country Music Association Awards the following week.

Fans can see Turner’s on stage invitation beginning Sunday at opry.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 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 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 Great American Country (GAC). 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 opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com