Gene Watson Invited to Be The Next Grand Ole Opry Member

“I don’t want to live in the past and I don’t mind young kids making a living in country music. We all want that – but I sure wish they’d get more music out on today’s radio that has some meaning to it. Some depth. What some people just refer to as “real”. Real life has love and it has heartache. There’s a lot of human emotion not being told today and I think that’s what we’re missing.”
These were the words of country music traditionalist Gene Watson around the release of his 2016 album Real.Country.Music. He amassed twelve Top 5 songs including his signature song “Farewell Party,” and twenty-three Top 10’s during the apex of his commercial career starting in 1975. But like so many of the oldtimers, you won’t hear Gene Watson on the radio anymore … unless you turn on 650 WSM on an Opry night, where for decades Gene Watson has been one of the regulars that wasn’t a full-blown member. But that won’t be the case anymore.
On the Friday night Opry (1-17), Gene Watson received a long-overdue invitation to finally join the Grand Ole Opry as the next official member. The 76-year-old from Palestine, TX was surprised by Vince Gill, who is one of the Opry’s favorite couriers of formal invitations.
After performing a song, Vince invited Gene Watson out on stage unexpectedly. “I’ve got a little bit of a cold and not feeling too good, and they’ve got me down for two more songs, but I’d love to give you one of those songs. I’ll make you a deal. I’m a wheeler-dealer guy. If you do ‘Farewell Party,’ we’ll invite you to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Of course, Gene Watson accepted.
After catching his breath and receiving a standing ovation, Gene said, “In 2019, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of this song. And after 40 years it’s still the most requested song. And then you pull this on me, I’m not sure I’ve got anything left.”
The induction of Gene Watson is a win for country traditionalists. The last three inductees have all been newer radio artists, including Luke Combs (June, 2019), Kelsea Ballerini (March, 2019), and Dustin Lynch (August, 2018).
“The Opry strives to showcase an array of musical styles in every show,” says Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “When Gene Watson steps onto the Opry stage, fans know they are going to hear one of the most respected traditional country singers of all time. For years, we’ve watched him wow audiences in the crowd and fellow artists backstage. He’s been committed to the Opry for decades, and we look forward to him becoming an official member of the family. Plus, when all is said and done, you just can’t beat that last note of ‘Farewell Party.’”
Gene Watson waited for his turn at the Grand Ole Opry for a long time. And now he’s finally received it.
BREAKING: @GeneWatsonMusic has just been invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry by #OpryMember @VGcom! pic.twitter.com/hwfmH9q2VQ
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) January 18, 2020
January 17, 2020 @ 8:55 pm
That blows my mind that Gene wasn’t already a member. I wonder why he wasn’t invited to join years ago?
January 18, 2020 @ 9:28 am
I thought he was already a member. He should have been in a long time ago. I have never even heard of those last three inductees. There are probably more out there that should be in. We should “dance with the ones that brought us.”
January 20, 2020 @ 5:04 am
It is also about time he was also honer in the hall of fame !! greatest singer around so happy for hi als would love to see him in the hall of fame !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 21, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
For years I have written Grand Ole Opry and WSM
stating Gary Gene Watson needs to be a member of Grand Ole Opry.
Nice to see it finally happen and know Loretta Lynn always not happy that her friend Conway Twitty never got the invite.
This says Gene from Palestine Texas when actually he was raised in Paris Texas area and has a street named after him there on Red River Valley Fairgrounds where he has played yearly for decades.
His mother in law Alice Hill and family lived in Paris Texas.
Keeps his bus parked and maintained outside Paris Texas and has band members from Paris Texas.
Congratulations Gene finally got part of your DUE
from the mother place of country music which you have carried that flag for them across this country for years!????????????????????????????????????????????
Ronnie Nutt
Paris Texas
Congratulations
January 17, 2020 @ 9:11 pm
Happy he is finally a member. Well deserved! Time to listen to Raisin Cane in Texas!
January 17, 2020 @ 9:32 pm
This is wonderful Gene,has beautiful voice and songs. ❤️ I’m so happy for you, you should had this honor long time ago.????
January 17, 2020 @ 9:53 pm
Should of happened long ago just like George Strait should already be a member.
January 18, 2020 @ 7:44 am
It has become common knowledge that George has turned down informal invitations to the Opry because he does not spend much time in Nashville and would not appear often enough. I know that is odd to read considering how few of the current members do appear frequently, but I do appreciate that he did that vs becoming a member and then never showing up like so many others.
January 17, 2020 @ 10:14 pm
This just makes me so happy! I agree that it’s way overdue, but I’m just glad they finally recognized him. Always loved Gene Watson’s music. “Don’t Waste It On The Blues” is one of my favorites since childhood, especially. Definitely a win of traditional country fans!
January 18, 2020 @ 9:11 am
It’s about time
January 18, 2020 @ 12:47 am
https://youtu.be/-QZp8NPYnHs
The LORD gave my late husband, JW, and me this special song about that very special circle of wood at the Grand Ole Opry, produced by the legendary Doc Holiday and his Nashville “A” Team.
January 18, 2020 @ 2:32 am
About time!
January 18, 2020 @ 5:17 am
I’m so glad well over due. I’ve wanted him in there for years. We’ve been to so many of his shows and he is the greatest. Love him.
January 18, 2020 @ 6:00 am
Not a better voice in country music. What has the Grand Ole Opry been thinking g all these years?? They should be a shamed for not doing this years ago. Congratulations Gene.
January 18, 2020 @ 6:02 am
Yes!!! And I agree it should have been years ago. His voice is easily in my top 10 of the truly great voices in country music. There is a video on YouTube of Gene singing You Gave Me a Mountain, live at one of those Country Reunions, that is just the epitome of everything great about his vocal prowess. By all means, watch it. Its killer stuff. Gene is one of the last true Honky- Tonker’s out there still performing. Go see him and support a true legend of Texas music.
January 18, 2020 @ 6:10 am
It’s a long time coming…well-deserved, Gene!! One of the most classic & traditional country music artists with a voice like no other that keeps our music alive!
January 18, 2020 @ 6:42 am
I can’t believe Gene wasn’t a member of the Opry already, this is a travesty, and I am very glad it has been rectified. He is a gem, a REAL country artist that deserves all the accolades he can get. He appears at a local casino every year and I always make an effort to be in the audience. The humility the man exudes and the appreciation he expresses for all of us in the audience continuing to support him and come to his concerts is amazing. He is in just as good voice as he ever was and I hope he has many more years ahead of him.
January 18, 2020 @ 6:53 am
Who’s gonna fill them shoes?
January 18, 2020 @ 7:13 am
Better late than never.
Gene Watson deserves every little bit of recognition.
January 18, 2020 @ 7:25 am
Gene Watson should have been in the Grand Ole Opry years ago. He is a pure country singer with one of my favorite voices I have seen him in concert about a dozen times or every time he gets close enough I go. Congratualtions Gene You are so deserving and I will see you next time you are close to Springfield MO.
January 18, 2020 @ 7:58 am
I think it’s a RIP Off somebody like Gene has to wait this long. Some punk kid comes along has 1 hit he’s in there. I think they should have to be a guest on the Opry for 20 years before they can be voted a member. I saw one comment saying King George isn’t a member I don’t know if he is or not but if he ain’t then nobody should be. To do as much as he has and not be is just wrong. It’s pandering plain and simple. Let’s vote this young guy in so the young people will come. It’s if you pick the young they will come. The ones named in the article I ain’t never heard of. The young guns can’t sing the songs sound like shit and they look like hell. This new wave junk isn’t Country it’s Pop or bubble gum rock. If that’s what they want to do that fine but go there and do it.
“Who’s gonna fill their shoes.”
George Jones
Answer NOBODY
January 18, 2020 @ 8:14 am
Gene Watson not already a member- speaks volumes to empty suits that infect Nashville.
January 18, 2020 @ 8:16 am
Well deserved and long overdue. Sad state of affairs at The Opry when Dustin Lynch is invited before a legend like Gene Watson. He performed here in my hometown of Newnan GA not too long ago….a great concert. Fourteen Carat Mind is a classic….
January 18, 2020 @ 8:19 am
Gene Watson still one of the best honky tonk country singers around Nashville. Not sure what “qualifications” are required to become member, but Gene surely has become over qualified decades ago. Congrats to him. At 76 he’s still doing great. Bless him.
January 18, 2020 @ 8:21 am
Yeaaaah Gene, could not happen to a nicer more talented man.
January 18, 2020 @ 8:40 am
I’M AN OLD TEXAN-I CALLED THE COU NTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME 20 YEARS AGO AND BEGGED THEM TO ENTER GENE &GIVE HIM A LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION. VINCE MADE IT HAPPEN- GOD BLESS HIM. WATSON IS PURE COUNTRY GOLD- HAVE LOVED HIM FROM THE FIRST RECORDED SONG. OVER 40 YEARS AGO.
January 18, 2020 @ 11:02 am
Yep, glad Gene is in there now for sure but I sure think a Damm same to even play politics like that!
January 18, 2020 @ 9:09 am
Well deserved and long overdue.
January 18, 2020 @ 9:10 am
About ime
January 18, 2020 @ 9:58 am
congrats to gene , of course . but it begs the question ‘ does it even matter ‘ when guys like dustin lynch and one- hit -wonders are voted in decades before a legend like this ?…i mean …..????? i know the Opry has to mean something to the greats like gene though ….so this is pretty great .
its a bit like the rock n roll hall of fame and the people they vote in there . I mean ….its almost easier to list the people who AREN’T in it .
January 18, 2020 @ 10:51 am
Gene Watson is a much better singer in fact a legend compared with the prior 3 inductees, something stinks in Nashville. George and Miranda were blown off by idiots.
January 18, 2020 @ 10:55 am
My heart is happy. Gene sings great, has had a long career, and will represent the Opry perfectly. Give yourself a treat and see him in concert for great classic country . .
January 18, 2020 @ 12:30 pm
What a joke that he wasn’t already a member!
January 18, 2020 @ 1:20 pm
Way past due. Country Music Hall of Fame next!
January 18, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
I am thrilled, to read the news, about Gene Watson. Long overdue. His talent/voice, is a great gift, & I am so glad, he shares that with all his fans. I, for one, never tire of listening to his songs. Keep on singing, Gene!
January 18, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
Congratulations Gene, their is not a Country Music performer that has ever stood on any stage that is more deserving of this honor then you. You are what Country Music is all about. I believe that they realized that your fans were not going to stop until this day came. I am very proud to be one of those that put my name on the petition to see this happen. Hoping to see you in concert again soon, and for the fans, just to follow up on what Kevin said above, that rendition of ” You Gave Me a Mountain” is as good ,if not better then Marty Robbins or Elvis Presley’s version. If you have never seen his live performances on Country’s Family Reunion, you are missing some of his best. In my opinion Farewell Party is one of the greatest songs of all times, I don’t care what type of music you listen to !!!!!
January 18, 2020 @ 7:19 pm
Gene never got the recognition he deserved in Nashville as he was viewed as a Texas singer. Many others from Texas should be included because country music is still real in Texas.
January 18, 2020 @ 9:06 pm
Sometimes it seems completely arbitrary who’s a member of the Opry and who’s not.
Below is a list of 40 or so names pulled down from the Opry membership site, interspersed with a similar number of names that I pulled out of the air.
I bet almost no-one who’s not an Opry groupie or fanboy will be able figure out who’s a member and who’s not (with say, a dozen mistakes or fewer).
Trace Adkins
Rhett Akins
Gary Allan
John Anderson
David Ball
Moe Bandy
The Bellamy Brothers
Dierks Bentley
Clint Black
Suzy Bogguss
T. Graham Brown
Tracy Byrd
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Carlene Carter
Deana Carter
Mark Chesnutt
Terri Clark
Luke Combs
Rodney Crowell
Billy Currington
Lacy J. Dalton
Charlie Daniels
Diamond Rio
Joe Diffie
The Forester Sisters
Radney Foster
Janie Fricke
The Gatlin Brothers
Crystal Gayle
Vince Gill
Lee Greenwood
Emmylou Harris
Wade Hayes
Alan Jackson
Chris Janson
The Judds/ Wynonna Judd
Hal Ketchum
Sammy Kershaw
Alison Krauss
Tracy Lawrence
Little Big Town
*Little Texas
Patty Loveless
Dustin Lynch
Kathy Mattea
The Mavericks
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Ronnie Milsap
Eddie Montgomery
Craig Morgan
Lorrie Morgan
Michael Martin Murphey
David Lee Murphy
Willie Nelson
Joe Nichols
Oak Ridge Boys
K.T. Oslin
Paul Overstreet
Brad Paisley
Lee Roy Parnell
Dolly Parton
Rascal Flatts
Eddie Raven
Darius Rucker
Sawyer Brown
Blake Shelton
Ricky Van Shelton
Shenandoah
Ricky Skaggs
Marty Stuart
Pam Tillis
Aaron Tippin
Randy Travis
Travis Tritt
Tanya Tucker
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Clay Walker
Steve Wariner
The Whites
Joy Lynn White
Mark Wills
Trisha Yearwood
Chris Young
January 18, 2020 @ 9:43 pm
This is so so wonderful! So happy for you Gene. You are one of the greatest. I really like hearing you sing any song.
January 19, 2020 @ 7:01 am
About time, way over due, just goes to show how things are screwed up in Nashville, with the cma awards also, it’s about time that they let the fan vote for who deserves what, Gene should have name entertainer of the year, male vocalist of the year, several times over,
January 20, 2020 @ 11:13 am
Watson was never a huge record seller or concert draw. It’s unlikely that he would have received those awards via a “fan vote.” (I guess it depends on which fans were to vote.)
January 21, 2020 @ 11:17 am
WOW Please someone post the date I live in Canada and want to be there — one of THE greatest voices in Country Music — any day!!!! God bless the Grand Ole Opry —you finally got it right — how many more are there that need to be inducted — quite a few youngsters done before Gene — and many others — not right!
January 22, 2020 @ 10:33 am
One of the best country voices of all time.