Why Carly Pearce is a Quality Pick for the Grand Ole Opry
Yes I know. Jamey Johnson is way past due. Why can’t Elizabeth Cook finally be rewarded for all of her loyalty over the years? In fact when it comes to who could be and who should be the next Grand Ole Opry member, the line forms to the left. Just like with the Country Music Hall of Fame, there are too many that should be that aren’t, and a handful that are in that shouldn’t be (cough, Dustin Lynch).
But when it comes to the Opry picking its next contemporary member—meaning not someone past their commercial prime that could instill a little youth and vigor into the institution—there’s just about no better pick than Carly Pearce. In fact, I felt so strongly about that opinion, yours truly called his shot on January 25th, laying out the convincing case for Carly Pearce specifically. Yep, this was all pretty much my doing, with the brilliant strokes of my persuasive pen (probably not).
Only fitting that Dolly Parton was the one to dole out the invitation announced late Tuesday evening (6/22).
Born in Taylor Mill, Kentucky, Carly Pearce developed an interest in country music at an early age from her grandparents, and was playing bluegrass at 11, declaring proudly in one home video that she would play the Grand Ole Opry someday. She dropped out of school at 16 after trying out for the “Country Crossroads” show at Dollywood and winning the job. She then convinced her family to move to Pigeon Forge with her. There she performed bluegrass music six times a day, five days a week, and performed on a few bluegrass compilations albums as well.
Normally Grand Ole Opry invitations come from the Opry stage, but this one was unique. Carly Pearce was convinced to record a promotional video for Dollywood, and talk about her experience cutting her teeth in country music at the theme park. While she was conducting an on-camera interview, Dolly Parton surprised Carly with the invitation (see below).
As Dolly Parton says, the 31-year-old Carly Pearce has performed on the Grand Ole Opry some 80 times, which is just the kind of loyalty you want to see from a new member. Carly moved to Nashville when she was 19, and struggled for years to get her start, signing a developmental deal with Sony Nashville before losing it soon after, and cleaning AirBNB’s to get by. One of her first champions was actually Pete Fisher, who was the General Manager of the Opry at the time, and bestowed Carly Pearce with her Opry debut in 2015 when she was still unsigned.
Beyond all of this personal history with country music institutions that makes her such a smart and clearly eligible pick, Carly Pearce has been allowed to finally put her roots forward in her music. When Saving Country Music asserted she would make a good Opry pick in January, we’d yet to hear her latest EP 29, which might possibly be the most country record released in the mainstream all year.
The Grand Ole Opry doesn’t get all their picks right. But this one they did. Of course we all have our own individual opinions and those we root for. And this should include older artists that the Opry has summarily passed over too often. But if you’re going to pick an artist from the current class of contemporary performers, Carly Pearce has the skins and service time, proven her loyalty, and is just about perfect.
Our very own @DollyParton shared some special news with @CarlyPearce!
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) June 23, 2021
We’ll give you a hint…YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE NEXT MEMBER OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY!
Official induction date set for August 3! Check out the moment it all happened. pic.twitter.com/fLiArEdUhT
June 22, 2021 @ 8:49 pm
I fully support this decision. Carly Pearce has country music running through her veins. She has performed 80 times on the Opry already?? Clearly she has and will pay her dues and continue to uphold the tradition of Opry entertainment. She respects country music and its values. I love her albums, (yes there are sonic moments ala “pop moments” wherein one might question her loyalty to country music as a whole), but that was not necessarily within her control when it came to the production of the albums. Her newest EP clearly shows that she is ready and able to return to her musical roots and showcases some strong songwriting ability. The girl’s got talent and I’m here for it. Can’t wait to see how her career continue to unfolds, especially after this very special moment!
June 22, 2021 @ 9:01 pm
Finally!
June 22, 2021 @ 9:12 pm
That’s awesome. Congratulations to Carly!
June 22, 2021 @ 9:44 pm
I got to witness this live at the Opry tonight. Even though it isn’t really my kind of music she put on one hell of a performance. Also got to see Willie’s son and also Reba tonight.
June 23, 2021 @ 3:41 am
I am disappointed when I read that George Strait had never been a member of the Grand Ole Opryland. Also very disappointed that a wonderful artist like Miranda Lambert has never been asked to join the Grand Old Opry.
June 23, 2021 @ 7:57 am
With both Miranda and especially George Strait, it’s always important to understand the artist may not want the responsibility. It has been reported that Strait didn’t want to join the Opry because he lives in Texas, and wouldn’t be able to make the required annual appearances.
June 23, 2021 @ 4:14 am
I feel that the group of people from Oklahoma are holding Miranda back from being invited into the Grand Old Opryland and even the members like the White family. I am very diassapointed that Dolly and Reba don’t help Miranda Lambert more. Miranda spends lots of money to help others and even helps homeless animals. I like Miranda to sing and write Country Music. Maybe she needs a new manager. Those two guys who write and sing with her lately are taking away from Miranda’s wonderful talent on her own. Miranda should also have won Entertainer of the year by now. The women like Dolly, Reba should be more loyal to Miranda. BLAKE, I think almost ruined her career but Miranda has talent and she is not given credit for it. No matter what, Miranda keeps trying.
June 23, 2021 @ 9:31 am
First congrats to Carly. About time. 2nd. Miranda said years ago she had no interest in joining the Opry. If she changed her mind she has had amble time to show up and perform there. She lives in Nashville. And bud no one “ruined” her career. Not Blake, or Marion or Jon and Jack. She has won more awards then she deserved. She could burp an album and get rave reviews. And seriously “those 2 guys” have written some of her best songs with her. They bring out the best in her. Both have been writing quality music for over 30 years. Don’t victimize her. She’s knows what she’s doing at all times and has powerful people backing her. Poor Miranda my ass.
June 23, 2021 @ 5:42 am
Congratulations to Carly Pearce.
June 23, 2021 @ 7:26 am
This is awesome!! I love her and her music. Congratulations Carly!!! ????????????????????????
June 23, 2021 @ 2:36 pm
Out of the mainstream scene, I hope Jon Pardi is next… He plays the Opry at least 4 times a year.
June 24, 2021 @ 3:48 am
Congratulations to Carly. I have always liked her music. She’s unafraid of using a Dobro as a main instrument for one. Two, very quality songwriting. Anything close to pop sounding on her first two releases was likely due to the late busbee, may he RIP. May not have been the best full fledged country producer, but still a tragic loss. It will be interesting to see what her next full album will sound like.
June 24, 2021 @ 7:37 am
Jamey Johnson needs to release another album before his name is ever considered for the Opry.