
The Grand Ole Opry has served as validation for numerous country stars over the years, who count becoming a member of the hallowed institution as the pinnacle of their career. While the Opry has inducted several new and established artists in recent years, including Kelsea Ballerini, Dustin Lynch, Lady A, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Jamey Johnson and more, there are several artists who, perhaps surprisingly, have yet to officially become members. We found ten artists who deserve to be inducted.
1. Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery is one of the very few artists who have successfully transitioned from becoming famous on a reality TV talent show — in his case, American Idol, to a country music career. He made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry in 2011, shortly after his Idol win, and has been a frequent performer since then. Now that Alaina, his American Idol runner-up, is officially a member, his name at least deserves to be included in the list of hopeful future nominees.
2. Luke Bryan
If the Grand Ole Opry was looking for country artists who had star appeal, they need not look any further than Luke Bryan. Not only is Bryan always willing to play the Opry — and has, often — but his career is hard to top in terms of success. Bryan’s superstar status could make him a Grand Ole Opry ambassador, especially if he was actually a member.
3. Tim McGraw
Like Bryan, Tim McGraw is a willing performer at the Grand Ole Opry, and has been for years. With more than three decades of making country music, it seems like McGraw is well past the window when he should have been invited.
4. Michael Ray
Michael Ray is one of the regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and has performed more than 50 times. Ray has also made no secret of his love of traditional country music. Between his outspoken affection for country music, and his respect for the Grand Ole Opry, Ray definitely deserves to at least be considered.
“The Opry, there’s no place like it,” Ray told Everything Nash. “I grew up watching it with my grandfather, studying it. My biggest goal in my career is to be an Opry member, and to be a part of that family that continues the tradition of country music. I know things have to evolve and grow with time, but I think that there is a foundation of the Opry that I think needs to stay and really should be held very preciously. Because, in a lot of ways, that’s the only way that some artists that paved the way for us have a stage.”
5. Lee Ann Womack
How Lee Ann Womack is not a member of the Grand Ole Opry is truly baffling. The country music star has spent more than three decades making country music. Her voice, her songs, her music all seems to be the exact kind of music that the Grand Ole Opry celebrates. While we love honoring the new artists, it seems unfair that Womack is still sitting on the sidelines.
6. The Bellamy Brothers
The Bellamy Brothers, made up of Howard and David Bellamy, are true global pioneers for country music. The sibling duo has had a long, and very successful career, making music that they perform all over the world. With their dedication to country music, and their massive touring careers, the Bellamy Brothers could have rightfully been inducted years ago.
7. Ashley McBryde
When Ashley McBryde made her Opry debut, in 2017, she sang her autobiographical single, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” an emotional performance that proved how important the historic institution means to her. Almost four years after her debut, McBryde says being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is still one of her biggest professional goals.
“The Opry is one of the most important things to me in my whole career,” McBryde told Everything Nash. “I’ve never come into the building without saying hello to Minnie Pearl. I’ve never left the building without saying, ‘Goodnight, Minnie.’ I’ve never stepped right into the circle. I always put a toe in first. And then I always either point down to it or reach down and touch it when I leave. It’s such a sacred thing to me.”
8. Justin Moore
Justin Moore has spent more than a decade releasing pure country music, without giving in to any of the latest trends or hinting at any crossover appeal. Sure, he may not be able to perform at the Opry as much as some of his peers, especially since he lives in Arkansas, but he is a true champion of country music, and deserves to be recognized for his commitment to the industry.
9. Aaron Tippin
By now most people probably assume Aaron Tippin is already a member of the Grand Ole Opry, but in spite of his numerous appearances, he actually is not. With more than 30 years in country music, and his numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry stage, Tippin has yet to become an official member. Hopefully, it’s just a case of better late than never.
10. Alabama
Alabama is one of the most successful groups, of any genre, and has been making music for more than 50 years. The trio, made up of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, has performed on the Opry stage, but somehow keep getting passed over when it’s time to induct another artist. If there was ever a group that deserved to be a member, it’s Alabama.
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Ashley McBryde deserves this more than anyone I know. She loves Country Music, it’s history, and represents us all. The emotion and gratefulness she shows when she plays the Ryman and Opry are proof of it!
What about Sara Evans ?
Tony Jackson
*Artists who should be in Hall of Fame and are not:
Topping this list is Johnny Rodriguez. If one is not “in the clique” in Music City, he/she is continually passed over for this honor. It is DISGUSTING, especially given the crap being marketed as Country Music these days.
First time I heard her, I was like she’s the real deal. She plays and sings, well. And quite the story teller. Three things country music been missing. I’ve been a fan since I saw Eric church bring her up on stage. So amazing!😊
Certainly Alabama should!
How about KELLIE Pickle She would be an excellent addition to the Opry
Alabama was the greatest country group.
They should have more awards
I absolutely agree. They were an amazing country band.
George strait isn’t a member
I think Miranda Lambert should be on that list
Sara Evans should be on this list.
I am shocked about several of these artists namely Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, The Bellamy Brothers and Lee Ann Womack! REALLY? No Luke Bryan??? No Tim McGraw???? Total injustice in my book but what do I know? I know who I like. That’s what I know.
I agree, plus Alabama and almost all the ones listed should be members of the opry
Is wynonna judd a grand ole opry member?
Why isn’t Aaron tipin a grand ole opry member? And josh Turner? And Alan jackson?and Trisha yearwood what about reba mecentire is she a grand ole opry member?
Thank you
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Josh, Alan, Trisha and Reba are all longtime members!
Is wynonna judd a Grand ole opry member? And what about aaron tippin? Is he one and sara evans needs to be one she sings good songs
And Tim McGraw i can’t believe that he’s not
A member of the Grand ole opry and Luke Bryan and a lot more country people too
Thank you
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I cannot believe Lauren Alaina was asked to become a member before Scott McCreery. Scott is always playing the Opry and he is awesome. I like Lauren, but Scotty definitley should have been inducted before her. Also, many on this list should have already been in.
Totally Agree 100% It should of been Scott first then Lauren!
Scotty McCreery is one of the most Talented, Humble, Caring, and Giving Artist I know. His performances and music are straight from the heart and it shows. His Love for The Country Music Industry is unmatched and yes he should be a member of The Grand Ole Opry. In my own humble opinion Scotty is the face and sound of modern day Country Music.
I Totally Agree With You 100% 💯💯💯
There is a commitment that goes with it.
I sincerely hope Scotty McCreery’s year is 2022. He loves the Opry and is so good at singing the traditional songs. He is not pop at all which a lot of the new ones are.
I second that. He lives and breaths country music. He is such a down to earth, faith based humble man. How do we nominate him??
The Grand Ole Opry requires a certain level of commitment to the circle. Not all artist are willing to commit!
I would love to see to become newest members of the grand ole opry Sara Evans joe Nichols David Ball Leeann Womack Deanna Carter mo pitney Alabama Luke bryan jason aldean scotty mcceary miranda lambert Ashley Monroe tracy Lawrence moe bandy Ashley McBride Jamey Johnson chris Stapleton cody johnson Brooks and dunn
I agree Donathan!!!
Certainly not Jason Aldean!no Rap is on tap for the Opry anytime soon.
I think before anyone else is inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, 2 of the most famous artists, shouldn’d have to wait no longer. They are Mr. Hank Willians Sr. And Mr. Hank Williams Jr. My gosh Hank Jr. had to wait 50 years to get inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and that’s only because he wouldn’t play the politics of Nashvillie so sad.
I agree completely
Most of those don’t even belong in country music because they’re not purity country music country music the awards have went to hell many years ago and let me tell you what I don’t ever watch him because they’re not any good you got all them women out there their boobs hanging out and their skirt slid up to their butt and that’s not country music Loretta Lynn Tammy wynette Norma Jean Kenny Wells I could go on and on they didn’t have to show flesh to sell records they could sing these young ones they ain’t worth the power to blow their butt the hell on they don’t belong in country music let him get their own show and do all the new crap that they do that’s not country
I so agree with you the country music is being touted as country music today is not the country music that I grew up on a. I enjoyed three great years at fan fair in Nashville early 90’s -All the great George performed who’s gonna fill their shoes and all the up-and-coming artist came on stage Vince Gill Trisha Yearwood Garth brooks just nothing like it used to be what a time that was
I agree totally! Everything you said was what I would have said myself! I’m 72 & I grew up on Jimmy Roger’s Hank senior George Jones Willie Waylon Johnny cash
Yes for sure LUKE Bryan he is got alot of dam good song out I have all his cds and I love his music Ilove it time to take my drunk ass home
Miranda Lambert has more awards than anyone but not a member
Inviting Lauren Alaina to be a member over the stars you listed is a joke. You can tell who the opera membership has fast track by how often the person appears on the show.
What about Clay Walker?
I can’t understand the people who have NO TASTE IN MUSIC. The politics in music today has RUINED what is REALLY COUNTRY MUSIC. There are a FEW listed above that qualify, but not many. I am a musician, band leader for over years, disc jockey, over 50 years in TV and radio, so I know country music when I hear it and there is VERY LITTLE COUNTRY OUT THERE NOW. Sorry the whole world is missing out on the enjoyment of country music.
I whole heartedly agree.country music is dead as far as I am concerned.
I totally agree with you it’s very disappointing I wish that all of the old artists would get together and go on tour.. They would terret up so many of them gone though but still enough of them left to really do a darn good show
Dwight Yoakam should be an Opry member to. My opinion.
I am surprised that JOHN BERRY hasn’t becom a member. He is so humble and has been singing at the Opry for a while now. His music is so loved and good. Please add him to the list.
What about Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert. Miranda is the most awarded female country music artist of all time.
Add Hank Williams Jr to that list
I do wish Country Music was like it used to be. I do miss it.
I agree with most of the comments. I belive it diminishes the Oprys status and importance to the real Country Music fans.
I quit listening to “top 40” stations years ago, so we don’t know many of those we see on the awards shows or specials.
In the old days you had to pay your dues and have some status to get invited.
If it was not for “real roots radio”, and Classic country radio stations I wouldn’t listen to country anymore.
Teea Goans, Mo Pitney. Young and real country.
Scotty McCreery is the best country star there is he definitely should be a member !!!!
I definitely Agree 100% Karen! He’s my favorite Since Idol!
I’ve been following him since then! I’m A McCreerian!