The longest-running radio show played to a packed house on a weeknight
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member Charlie McCoy stunned the crowd with his magical harmonica skills as he opened the famed Grand Ole Opry broadcast Wednesday night (July 26th). McCoy offered a tribute to late Charlie Daniels with “South’s Gonna Do It (Again)”. But it was his interpretation of Louis Armstrong’s classic “What a Wonderful World” that made the crowd gasp. It was as if his harmonica were singing the words. He closed with a jaw- dropping “Orange Blossom Special” that must be heard to be believed.
Later on in the first half, Josh Ross made his Opry debut. His rich twang and traditional leanings earned him a rare first-timer standing ovation. It’s clear he has quite the future in country music.
The gorgeously haunting vocals of Maggie Rose and rousing Christian music of Matt Maher closed out the first half. As often happens at the Opry, Maher brought out a special guest. Take Smith joined him for “Father Let Your Kingdom Come.”
Opening the second half was Opry Next Stage alumn Niko Moon. His positive attitude and “no sad songs allowed” philosophy charmed the crowd. He closed with his most well known song, “Good Time.”
Two-time CCMA Vocalist of the year Meghan Patrick kept the Opry’s “Canda Night” going—Maher and Ross are also from Canada. It was her second-ever appearance, and first to do three songs. “Red Roses and Red Flags” was the clear favorite.
2023 Opry NextStage artists Chapel Hart was next. Fresh off their America’s Got Talent success and an Opry debut late last year, the received the biggest reaction of the night. This included a standing ovation as they took the stage. “This Girl Likes Ford” got their party started.
Afterwards, the pensive “You Ain’t Wearin’ Boots” earned a long ovation for its harkening back to simpler times and its traditional arrangement. The hottest trio in country closed their set with the current fan favorite (and among those fans was Ms. Loretta Lynn), “Welcome to Fist City.” As they had done with Dolly Parton on “You Can Have Him Jolene,” the girls offer this song as a response to Loretta Lynn’s hit, “Fist City.” For the rousing number, they welcomed a youth clogging group from their native Mississippi to the stage to the surprise and delight of the crowd.
Rhonda Vincent closed out the night. She opened her set with “Who’s Cryin, Baby?” A subtle nod to her newest granddaughter, born earlier in the day. Vincent then offered her bluegrass take on Dolly Patron’s hit “9 to 5” before ending the show with a stompin’ “Rocky Top.”
Every Grand Ole Opry offers the chance to see favorite stars and get introduced to some of the best in country music. This performance from the storied Grand Ole Opry House was no exception. Now, off to download some new tunes!
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