Steve Earle Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry

In a historic and emotional moment at the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday night, multi-Grammy Award winner Steve Earle was officially invited to become a member of the legendary institution. The honor was extended by none other than longtime friend and fellow Opry member Vince Gill, marking a major milestone in the Opry’s 100th anniversary year.

Following a rousing performance of his iconic anthem "Copperhead Road," Earle was surprised onstage by Gill, who presented him with a specially crafted personalized guitar strap—reserved exclusively for Opry members as part of the centennial celebrations.

“You have to be an Opry member to have one of these,” Gill said with a grin. “We want to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Clearly moved by the moment, Earle responded, “This is kind of the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my life,” before launching into another one of his classics, "Hillbilly Highway," at Gill’s request.

Earle’s upcoming formal induction will be a highlight in a year already filled with historic firsts for the Grand Ole Opry as it celebrates its 100th year as the heart of country music.

About Steve Earle

Few artists have shaped Americana and country music’s storytelling tradition like Steve Earle. A protégé of songwriting legends Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, Earle rose to prominence with his landmark 1986 album Guitar Town, which shot to No. 1 on the country charts and remains a cornerstone of the genre.

His 1988 hit “Copperhead Road” not only became a fan favorite but was also declared an official Tennessee state song in 2023—cementing Earle’s deep ties to the heartland he so often sings about.

Beyond his work as a recording artist, Earle is a prolific writer, actor, and producer. His literary work includes the novel I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive and the short story collection Dog House Roses. As a producer, he has worked with legends like Joan Baez (Day After Tomorrow) and Lucinda Williams (Car Wheels on a Gravel Road).

Earle’s talents extend to the screen as well, with notable acting roles in HBO’s The Wire and Tremé, and a Drama Desk nomination for his contributions to the play Coal Country. His voice remains a fixture on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel, where he hosts the weekly Hard Core Troubadour radio show.

In 2020, Steve Earle’s songwriting legacy was formally recognized with his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame—a fitting acknowledgment of a career that has influenced generations of artists, from Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to Emmylou Harris and Eric Clapton.

About the Grand Ole Opry

Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been the beating heart of country music, serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Celebrating 100 years of live performances, the Opry continues to showcase both country music’s biggest stars and its brightest rising talent.

Hosting between three and seven live shows each week, the Opry welcomes fans from all over the world to its Nashville stage. Audiences can tune in via opry.com, WSM Radio, SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse, or watch Opry Live on Circle Country television. Owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties and supported through partnerships with Atairos and NBCUniversal, the Grand Ole Opry remains a living, breathing symbol of America’s musical spirit.

As Steve Earle prepares to take his place among the ranks of the Opry’s most celebrated members, this milestone not only honors his storied career but also adds another shining chapter to the Opry's centennial celebration.