Neal McCoy To Become Latest Member of the Grand Ole Opry

He’s certainly paid his dues, and he’s definitely waited in line for his opportunity. Now Neal McCoy will be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

It happened Tuesday evening (9-22) at the Grand Ole Opry House as part of the evening’s Opry presentation. During a tribute to the great Charley Pride that included Pride’s widow Rozene and current Opry member Patty Loveless, Neal McCoy was formally invited to be the next official Grand Ole Opry member.

Tillis, speaking for Charley Pride, said to McCoy, “You know what I think he would say? He’d say Neal McCoy needs to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry … So on behalf of Rozene, Charley Pride, and all of us at the Grand Ole Opry, Neal, what do you say?”

“I don’t even know,” Neal McCoy responded. “Oh my gosh, this is great. What a great night. What a great night to be invited!”

McCoy’s connection with Charley Pride isn’t coincidental. Neal’s big break in music came when he performed in a talent contest hosted by long-time Opry member Janie Fricke, and won a spot opening for Charley Pride on tour. In 2013, McCoy released the album Pride: A Tribute To Charley Pride.

Neal McCoy minted two #1 singles back to back in 1993 and 1994 with “No Doubt About It” and “Wink.” This led to a total of eight Top 5 songs between 1993 and 1997. Though the hits stopped coming for McCoy after only half a decade, his career has seen significant longevity as one of country music’s greatest hustlers, putting on high energy and super entertaining shows well into his ’60s.

Neal McCoy is also well-liked among his peers, and known as a personable performer. He’s also somewhat famous for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every single day for 3,912 consecutive days as of Tuesday morning, and for being one of country’s few performers of Filipino heritage.

The Neal McCoy pick for the Opry is hard to argue with, though like with any older performer who gets inducted, many will ask, “Why did it take so long?” McCoy’s induction comes at the age of 68.

Neal McCoy’s invitation comes after Rhett Akins was invited to become an Opry member in July, and Charlie Worsham was invited in August.