Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s premieres July 23rd
Circle Network is partnering with the Grand Ole Opry for a special Opry Live honoring one of the most celebrated decades in country music. Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s will feature performances by Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Midland, Michael Ray, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young covering popular ‘90s country hits from artists like Garth Brooks, Patty Loveless, The Chicks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and more. The one-hour program will also include an exclusive collaboration of the 1996 No. 1 hit “Strawberry Wine” between CMA award-winner Deana Carter and Opry NextStage artist Breland. Hosted by Natalie Stovall, Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s premieres on Circle Network on Saturday, July 23rd at 9 pm ET and will re-air at midnight ET.
Jimmie Allen will cover Toby Keith’s 1993 hit “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” Kelsea Ballerini taking on The Chicks’ 1999 hit “Cowboy Take Me Away,” Cody Johnson shares his version of Vince Gill’s 1990 hit “When I Call Your Name,” Midland takes on John Anderson’s 1992 song “Seminole Wind,” Michael Ray covers Hal Ketchum’s 1992 hit “Small Town Saturday Night,” Carrie Underwood belts Patty Loveless’ 1993 smash “Blame It On Your Heart,” Keith Urban sings John Michael Montgomery’s 1995 tongue twister “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” Lainey Wilson is “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” with Travis Tritt’s 1992 cover of the Elvis song, and Chris Young tributes Garth Brooks with his 1991 hit “Papa Loved Mama,” which the pair also performed together during Brooks’ weekend shows in Nashville in April.
In May, the Opry launched a limited time “Opry Loves the ’90s” experience at the Grand Ole Opry House with a new interactive tour exhibition, special in-show Opry programming, ‘90s-themed Opry Plaza Parties and surprise artist collaborations celebrating ’90s country music. The exhibit showcases the artists, songs and songwriters that defined the decade with displays including iconic stage wear and artifacts representing career milestone moments and performances from Opry members Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Lorrie Morgan, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood and more. The Opry’s ’90s experience runs through the end of 2022 and continues across other Opry Entertainment Group properties including WSM Radio, Circle Network and Opry.com, as well as across the Opry’s social channels. Please see our coverage below.
Circle and the Opry will also celebrate Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell this month on her 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry family with two shows Saturday, July 30th at the Grand Ole Opry House. Opry member Carrie Underwood, who considers Mandrell one of her musical and professional inspirations, is slated to perform and help honor the legend, who will be in attendance. Additionally, multi-award-winning gospel music legend, CeCe Winans is scheduled to perform and honor Mandrell. A one-hour portion of the night’s first show will air live as Opry Live on Circle TV and will livestream via Circle’s social channels at 9 pm ET, while both shows will air in their entirety on WSM Radio, opry.com, and SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channel. The three-time ACM/CMA Entertainer and four-time ACM/CMA Female Vocalist of the Year was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 1972.
