Luke Combs Invited to Be Next Member of the Grand Ole Opry
Surging up-and-coming country music artist Luke Combs will be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 29-year-old was surprised during the Tuesday night (6-11) Opry presentation by traditionalist Craig Morgan, country legend John Conlee, and recent Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson with the invitation. At the request, Combs crumpled at his waste, and burst into tears as Craig Morgan hugged him. Still crying, Combs then had to compose himself to sing another song.
The accolade comes for Combs as his dramatic ascent in country music has become nothing short of unprecedented. After all five of his first singles went #1, including two Triple-Platinum singles, one Double-Platinum single, and two Single Platinum singles, Luke’s new single “Beer Never Broke My Heart” broke singles records in mid May when it received an incredible amount of adds on country radio, debuting at #15. The song currently sits at #10 on country radio. The Charlotte, North Carolina also just released a new 5-song EP called The Prequel on Friday.
Luke’s debut album This One’s For You is a perennial selection at the top of the country albums charts nearly every single week, even though it was released all the way back in June of 2017. The album has now been Certified 2x Platinum. Luke’s current arena tour was also basically sold out as soon as the dates were posted, and will be going strong into December. In no uncertain terms, Luke Combs has been the most successful debut artist in country music since the beginning of the SoundScan era in 1990, if not ever.
The pick will likely agitate a few of country’s traditionalists, but it is a much better selection than some of the other recent invitees, including Kelsea Ballerini who was asked in March, and Dustin Lynch who received an invitation in August of 2018. Mark Wills was also picked in late December of 2018, making the last 12 months a rather busy time for the Opry adding new members.
Luke Combs has been able to build his fan base by being an everyman superstar with sensible songs that don’t overtly offend country’s norms, while also appealing to a wide audience. He obviously will add a shot of youth and relevancy to the Opry membership, while also not shunning its traditions. The only question will be if Combs will be able to keep up with the Opry commitments, which request performers appear around 10 times annually. With such a rigorous schedule facing the emerging superstar, it may be difficult to adhere to these requests.
The invitation also comes on the 70th Anniversary of the debut of Hank Williams on the Opry stage, where he received a reported six encores. Many Hank Williams fans still believe Hank Williams should be reinstated into the Opry after he was fired for drunkenness, and died before he could make amends with the institution. Some will feel like other artists would be a more appropriate pick than Luke Combs, including fans of Jamey Johnson, who has hinted that he’s been asked to join but the Opry has not made it official. But of the current crop of mainstream-level country stars, Luke Combs is one of the more traditionally-oriented, and feels like a better fit than many pop country performers.
BREAKING: @lukecombs has just been invited by @cmorganmusic, @janson_chris, and John Conlee to become the newest member of the Grand Ole #Opry! pic.twitter.com/ua8FSTMPBD
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) June 12, 2019
June 11, 2019 @ 8:38 pm
I don’t have a problem with this pick. There are dozens more I personally would have put in well before Combs, but from the gaggle of country music’s current top stars, he’s the safest. I would have even less of a problem with it if the Opry hadn’t just recently put in Kelsea Ballerini and Dustin Lynch as well. They’re skipping over a lot of older, more independent, and more traditional artists and keep favoring these mainstream stars who will have trouble paying their dues, while performers who play the Opry very regularly continue to be passed over. Still, it could have been much worse, and you can’t watch the video and not believe it doesn’t mean the world to Luke Combs. Those aren’t crocodile tears like with Kelsea.
June 12, 2019 @ 4:38 am
Well said!
June 12, 2019 @ 6:28 pm
It comes down to would the Opry rather have an artist who can sell 3,000 tickets around 5 times per year or one who can sell 300 tickets 30 times per year. And I’m not saying the Opry House would only have 300 people in it when certain people play, I’m saying how many people buy a ticket specifically because they want to see a certain artist. Like it or not, they are a business. That said, they are also a business that recognizes that if they sell out too much they will lose people who don’t buy a ticket to see any singular artist and are there more for the overall experience and traditional history of the Opry. I think this pick does a great job of walking that fine line, although only time will tell.
June 11, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
Wow, that’s quick. He’s got one LP under his belt. Has that ever happened before? I’m a fan, and I love the new EP. Yet, I prefer to see some more time for such a tremendous honor. After the recent inductions of Dustin Lynch and the absolute joke of Kelsea Ballerini, it’s hard not to applaud this induction, but I worry that the Opry is trying too hard to get a younger demographic on board.
June 11, 2019 @ 10:35 pm
Brad Paisley was inducted on February 17, 2001, before his second album Part II.
June 11, 2019 @ 11:21 pm
Lorrie Morgan was inducted before she had even released an album. I agree it does feel early for Luke, but I also don’t worry he won’t take the distinction seriously. Also, he’s 29-years-old, so that’s old for still being on your first album.
June 12, 2019 @ 2:18 pm
“Ouch!” says K.T. Oslin…
June 12, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
In the Opry’s early days and into the 70’s, it was common to invite members very early in their careers. Off the top of my head, Loretta Lynn comes to mind. Barbara Mandrell was just 23 in 1972 when she joined, with only one album and one top ten solo single (actually the first single from her second album, which wasn’t released yet). It hasn’t been until the last 20 years or so that the Opry really withholds membership until artists are more established…in most cases.
Obviously, the Opry sees Combs’ potential, and they want his young fans in the seats. It’s a choice that makes sense on many levels.
June 11, 2019 @ 8:51 pm
Luke hasn’t even played the Opry that often….
June 12, 2019 @ 4:41 am
16th appearance according to John Coblee in the video on YouTube!
June 11, 2019 @ 8:58 pm
Great pick.
June 11, 2019 @ 9:18 pm
On the 70th anniversary of Hank’s debut?? You’ve gotta be fucking kidding. The grand ole opry ain’t shit anymore. One thing to do it, another to rub salt in the wound. Shut it down, it’s done.
June 11, 2019 @ 11:23 pm
They didn’t induct Luke Combs on the 70th Anniversary of Hank’s debut on purpose. I just thought it was an interesting footnote.
June 11, 2019 @ 10:01 pm
his talent aside , isn’t this like the kiss of death for a lot of folks who are given this honour far too soon ? one successful album and your in ??? that’s hardly earning the honour which has eluded so many others who’ve worked so much harder for so much longer . i don’t get it , outside of it being a simple business decision ….just like everything else on music row . i think it means more to those asked to join than to anyone else …particularly to COUNTRY music fans . ….but whatever …..
i really want to like luke combs but he has yet to sing/record THE song , in my opinion . his stuff seems amateurish . yes …better than the last folks asked to join ….but ……hmmmm
June 11, 2019 @ 10:32 pm
could definitely be worse. hopefully we see Childers here at some point tho.
June 12, 2019 @ 12:50 pm
Isbell needs to be in before Tyler
June 11, 2019 @ 10:39 pm
Ok, As a Huge Brantley Gilbert fan I’m gonnna say this….Luke Combs is a great pick, he was a fan at a Eric Church concert a few yrs back….now he’s on stage singing some of the best country since Brooks and Dunn / Garth Brooks. I think some acts gets passed up because they cannot afford the dues. Luke Combs has a beautiful voice and I’d venture to say he will appreciate this honor. He earned it!
June 12, 2019 @ 10:50 am
Ok, As a Huge Brantley Gilbert fan I’m gonnna say this….
Holy shit, I didn’t think any of his fans could read or write and were either in jail or doing meth in the Walmart parking lot. After seeing your Brooks and Dunn / Garth Brooks line its quite apparent you are likely high as fuck!
June 11, 2019 @ 10:40 pm
Conlee invited Luke because he and Luke share the same physical fitness regimen.
June 11, 2019 @ 11:56 pm
Okay I laughed. Conlee definitely rockin’ the mom jeans.
June 12, 2019 @ 6:37 am
Ha ha. Good one. But Conlee is a great singer and seems like a really good guy. Ms. Emily still kills me. What a song. And who doesn’t like Craig Morgan? These two guys seem authentic. And Luke seems to fit that bill as well.
June 16, 2019 @ 10:23 am
Yep, for some reason every time I listen to Combs I’m reminded of Morgan. Combs is a little more rockin’, but thematically they swing for the same section of the outfield.
June 12, 2019 @ 4:38 am
He is genuinely thrilled. I think he truly cares about this honor. No, he’s not Tyler Childers, but he sure as heck isn’t Brett Young, Kane Brown, Dustin Lynch, etc. I really hope his meteoric rise will wake up Nashville and turn the tide to more traditional sounds.
June 12, 2019 @ 12:21 pm
^^^This! He’s not perfect. But he seems to be a much better choice than say, Kelsea Ballerini who would just squeal and gush at the “honor” and thats that. His reaction didn’t seem to be phony, he seems to be truly appreciative and humbled, and I think thats a really good thing – someone that seems to understand and appreciate what a big deal it should be.
June 12, 2019 @ 5:23 am
My pragmatic side leads me to the belief that…eh, what the heck. Could do a lot worse. Luke isn’t my cup of tea, and I’ve tried hard to get into his stuff, but just can’t. The whole Red Solo Cup lifestyle and schtick just makes me roll my eyes. However, I can definitely see how has become the new bridge builder between mainstream and true country. I’d much rather it be someone like Pardi or Randall King, but this certainly isn’t the worst thing ever and as a musician myself, I’m personally very happy for him. Hopefully guys like Vince Gill and others who are dedicated staples at the Opry and still perform regularly can come along side him and reinforce the the gravity and tradition of the Opry.
June 12, 2019 @ 5:52 am
His music isn’t amazing but there is a realness to it. I hear excitement when he sings like he believes in his music. I don’t hear that same excitement anymore in Aldean or Bryan’s music. “Rain is a Good Thing” came on recently and Bryan’s voice was energetic. You listen to his new material and he sounds bored and jaded.
Good for Combs.
June 12, 2019 @ 6:18 am
yeah, I’m fine with this. seems like a solid dude who takes it serious. I feel a sea change happening in Nashville. I was just there for CMA fest. I know the mainstream keeps forcing weird diversity and pop sensibilities, but the biggest buzz was around Luke Combs, and Riley Green for sure.
June 12, 2019 @ 6:40 am
I think it is a great pick. I read the comments of people complaining and I don’t get it. Luke and Jon Pardi are hopefully the future of country music. I hear people talk about country needs to evolve. Luke and Jon are both modern sounding but still 100% country. They are a modern take on the music we have grown up loving. Their music fits both traditionalist and the country evolutionists. They are the two artists who are saving country music. They are saving it from becoming an outdated form of music and from being taken over by pop artists wanting an easier route to stardom.
June 12, 2019 @ 7:08 am
I haven’t gotten too into Luke Combs for whatever reason. I agree he is a better choice then recent picks. I feel like the Grand Ole Opry hasn’t been that exclusive club for a long time now. They are definitely trying to chase mainstream artists for whatever reasons which is fine if they’re actually country artists.
June 12, 2019 @ 7:41 am
Hootie and The Blowfish provide a cautionary example of an act having a hugely successful debut album but never reaching those heights again. Combs’ debut album is a huge seller too but who knows if he will ever put out an album as remotely successful again. So yeah….seems like a nice and humble guy but a little ridiculous to bestow this honor based on one album.
June 12, 2019 @ 9:26 am
The new single off the second album has been his biggest yet. I agree it’s early, but I wouldn’t bet on Luke Combs falling off a cliff. Also, Hootie’s rapid descent didn’t stop Darius Rucker from getting in.
June 12, 2019 @ 8:12 am
I’m starting to think Luke Combs gets more attention from the readers of this website than FGL.
June 12, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
We actually like Luke (as a whole) as opposed to dumb and dumber
June 12, 2019 @ 8:26 am
Too soon.
June 12, 2019 @ 9:03 am
I have a basic question: What does it mean to be invited to join the Opry? I mean, does it make you an employee, with benefits? Does it obligate you to attend meetings? Does it entitle you to perform whenever? Serious questions. The answer might make a good separate post here.
June 12, 2019 @ 9:19 am
There aren’t any guaranteed number of performances that you’ll get…although the Opry does want members to commit to 10 performances per year. As far as benefits, I know there’s the Opry Trust Fund for members if they need access during difficult times. Not sure if they still offer health insurance benefits to members anymore – I know they used to.
June 12, 2019 @ 9:29 am
The benefit can be seen all of Luke Combs’ face. Many mainstream artists take a massive paycut to play the Opry. Artists are compensated for performances, and there are some funds to help older artists who might be struggling. But it’s certainly not about the money or benefits. It’s about the prestige.
June 13, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
the opry used to mean something. now it’s a joke. what about miranda lambert or chris stapleton or sara evans. people who have paid there dues. or hank sr. what a fucking joke.
June 12, 2019 @ 9:31 am
I’ve become a bigger and bigger fan of Luke Combs over the last year. His music might not be super traditional, however, it leans that way. Plus, his music is head a shoulders better than whatever crap FGL, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, and so forth put out!
June 12, 2019 @ 4:26 pm
Look at his face. It makes me cry for him. More than nearly any recent additional he RESPECTS what it means to be asked to join. He already has achieved more that many previous picks at this stage of his career so I don’t think it’s too soon. I can’t help but see the face of my nephew and his young adult friends when I see Luke. Just a small town Southern boy whose dreams are coming true.
June 14, 2019 @ 1:30 pm
I’ve never really pondered the Grand Ole Opry member list until reading this article and the comments. I checked out the list on its website, and it is pretty underwhelming. I suppose they keep it small and manageable with an eye toward an age/style spectrum. But…wow…so much talent missing.
I guess there are things behind the scenes that affect the list. Such as artists that reject the offer for whatever reason or logistics. I don’t know.
Also, I looked up the Ballerini woman since I’d never heard of her. If that’s what the Opry invites in, then its relevance is severely diminished in my eyes.
June 14, 2019 @ 3:54 pm
Luke Combs is a real honky. I’m happy for him
June 15, 2019 @ 8:39 am
The fact this bro get recognition before Whitey Morgan is an abomination.
June 23, 2019 @ 12:09 pm
I think he deserves it. I feel like he paid his dues, honors country music, and respects country music tradition. Now if only the Opry would get it together and honor Jim Lauderdale, Jamey Johnson, Rhonda Vincent, and the rest of the long list.