The music icon is in Nashville to celebrate the release of his first-ever country album
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member Bill Medley made his Grand Ole Opry debut on the Saturday night broadcast of the long-running country music institution this weekend (Feb 22nd).
Medley, an icon of soul music for his decades with The Righteous Brothers, has recently released an album of country ballad covers on Curb Records. Straight From the Heart dropped on Friday.
During his expanded debut set, Medley highlighted each moment from his career. He opened with a wispy cover of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance.” He followed that by introducing his daughter, McKenna, to join him for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” Medley’s duet with Jennifer Carnes from the movie Dirty Dancing. It earned him a standing ovation from fans eager to see the soulful singer make his welcome visit to country music.
Given his legendary status, the Opry granted Medley the opportunity to perform two more songs. Most artists who step into the vaunted Opry circle for the first time are only permitted two numbers. Medley took this rare opportunity to perform another tune from his country LP, George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” His raspy, deep voice fit well on the song and echoed the late Possum himself.
Medley closed his set with the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody.” As he does when on tour with the group, he uses the song as a tribute to his late Righteous counterpart Bobby Hatfield, who sang lead on their original recording. His rendition earned him a second standing ovation.
Medley was a recent guest on The Music Universe Podcast where he discussed the new album, his career, and his Opry debut.
Other highlights from the 1,573rd Saturday Night Opry included Jeanne Seely covering “Heart Over Mind” and the Del McCoury Band showcasing a mandolin-heavy instrumental that had the whole Opry House toe-tapping. It was a triple-debut night, with Kat Luna marking her first Opry performance by playing two songs from an upcoming EP. Sara Evans closed the night by bringing out Shane Stevens for a duet that will appear on the prolific songwriter’s upcoming project.
It was Stevens’ first time on stage at the Opry as well, though he had been many times with Evans as her hair dresser.
