Bill Anderson invited Johnson on Mar 19th
Jamie Johnson has been invited as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. The surprise invitation came from Opry member Bill Anderson at the close of a writer’s round featuring Anderson, Johnson, and award-winning songwriter Buddy Cannon performing songs they had written together.
“You have made a lot of guest appearances, but the management and the staff and the people at the Opry tonight told me to tell you that this is gonna be your last guest appearance on the Opry,” Anderson says.
“I’ve been kicked out of a whole lot of places in my life…” Johnson responds with a chuckle.
“Well, you can add this to the list because you’re not gonna to be a guest anymore. The next time Jamie Johnson’s on this stage, he’s going to be the newest member of our Grand Ole Opry cast and family,” Anderson adds as the crowd gives Johnson a standing ovation.
Anderson noted that Johnson had to accept the invite.
“I accepted it 20 years ago,” Johnson stated during his acceptance speech. “I don’t know what to say accept the obvious. I love country music. I love country music. Ida never moved here if it hadn’t been for country music, if it hadn’t been for the Grand Ole Opry keeping it alive all these years, and if it hadn’t been for fans like ya’ll listening to what we do. Thank you.”
Anderson introduced Johnson in his first appearance on the Opry stage in 2005. He’s since appeared between five and six times per year.
Details about Johnson’s induction are forthcoming.
