“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
I still get goosebumps thinking about last Wednesday evening, March 19, when I had the incredible privilege of witnessing history unfold before my eyes. The legendary Grand Ole Opry marked an extraordinary milestone with its televised special “Opry 100,” a breathtaking commemoration of a full century of country music excellence. The broadcast brought together an absolutely stellar lineup of inducted members and special guests who gathered to pay tribute to this iconic institution that has been the heartbeat of American music for 100 years.
For anyone who’s ever fallen deeply in love with country music (like myself!), the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry represents the ultimate achievement—a dream that burns in the hearts of aspiring artists everywhere. I was completely awestruck watching more than 30 incredible performers unite for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The legendary veterans who’ve shaped the very DNA of country music were all there: Vince Gill with those heavenly vocals that can bring tears to your eyes, Alan Jackson exuding that unmistakable traditional country charm, Clint Black with his signature sound that takes me back to my childhood, and so many others whose storied careers have been beautifully intertwined with the Opry’s magnificent legacy.
But this special night wasn’t solely focused on celebrating the glorious past. One of the Opry’s brightest rising stars, Lainey Wilson, delivered a performance that left me completely spellbound. My heart swelled with emotion when she performed her breakthrough hit “Things A Man Oughta Know” alongside the incomparable country legend Marty Stuart. There was something truly magical about witnessing her authentic, powerful delivery complemented by his masterful musicianship—it created this perfect moment that beautifully connected country music’s rich history with its promising future.
And trust me, the enchantment didn’t end there! In what I personally felt was the evening’s most soul-stirring tribute, Wilson and Stuart paid homage to the immortal Hank Williams with an absolutely haunting rendition of “Lost Highway.” Their harmonies seemed to transcend time itself, channeling the very essence of Williams’ spirit and reminding all of us lucky enough to witness it of the enduring, timeless soul of country music.
What makes Wilson’s participation in this historic event even more meaningful is her recent induction story. On May 21, 2024, during The Voice’s Season 25 finale, Wilson experienced what must have been the most beautiful shock of her career when none other than country music royalty Reba McEntire extended the coveted invitation to join the Opry family. I couldn’t help but feel emotional myself watching the genuine surprise wash over Wilson’s face as she, having just finished her performance on the show, was completely caught off-guard when McEntire gracefully walked onstage to ask the question every country artist dreams of hearing.
The Nashville performance at the Ryan Auditorium featured Wilson and Stuart among a thoughtfully curated group of artists representing the Opry’s extraordinary legacy. Their “Lost Highway” performance carried an even deeper significance as Wilson actually played Williams’ historic guitar—an instrument that has helped craft the very soundtrack of country music as we know it. I literally felt chills race down my spine watching her fingers dance across those same legendary strings that Williams once played, creating this tangible, almost spiritual connection between generations of country greatness.
As the evening unfolded in all its glory, I found myself reflecting on how the Grand Ole Opry has remained not just relevant but absolutely essential to country music for an entire century—a remarkable testament to its ability to honor sacred traditions while embracing fresh, authentic voices like Wilson who will undoubtedly carry its precious legacy forward for the next 100 years.