Neal McCoy Officially Welcomed to Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is set to add another talented artist to its roster. On the evening of September 22, Neal McCoy performed at the legendary venue as part of the Opry 100 Honors event celebrating Charley Pride. During the event, Pam Tillis surprised McCoy with an invitation to become an official member of the Opry.
A Special Tribute to Charley Pride
The significance of honoring Charley Pride on that night was not lost on McCoy, who has long admired the Country Music Hall of Fame icon. McCoy and Pride shared a strong friendship, and the invitation to join the Opry on such a momentous occasion added to the emotional weight of the moment.
Reflecting on Pride’s Influence
While performing, McCoy paid tribute to Pride by singing three of his songs. He shared heartfelt stories about how Pride influenced his own career, recalling how he spent his early days mowing lawns before hitting the road to open for Pride’s shows on weekends. McCoy’s respect for Pride runs deep, as he even released a tribute album in 2013 titled Pride: A Tribute to Charley Pride.
Emotional Invitation from Pam Tillis
Later in the evening, Tillis took the stage for her performance and invited Rozene Pride, Charley’s widow, to join her. Rozene asked McCoy to come on stage, leading to the unforgettable moment when Tillis made the official invitation for him to join the Grand Ole Opry. “Charley would be so happy with what you’re going to do next, Pam,” said Rozene, to which Tillis replied, “I think Neal McCoy needs to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.” McCoy’s reaction was priceless; he couldn’t contain his joy and accepted the invitation with tears of happiness in his eyes.
A Star-Studded Evening
The Opry 100 Honors event also featured performances by notable artists such as Darius Rucker, Dion Pride, Tony Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, and The War & Treaty, making it a memorable night for all attendees.
Future Plans for Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy is expected to join the Grand Ole Opry officially later this year, with a date yet to be determined. In the meantime, he has a busy tour schedule ahead, with numerous performances planned through the end of the year.
Part of the proceeds from the Opry 100 Honors shows will go to the Opry Trust Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting country music community members who face medical and financial challenges.
Source: countrynow.com