Happy Grand Ole Opry anniversary to Terri Clark! Clark became a member on June 12, 2004, celebrating the milestone on social media by sharing a video of her induction, which was done by Marty Stuart and his wife, Connie Smith.
“21 years ago I walked out of that circle an Opry member… and I still get nervous every single time I walk in it!” Clark captions the video. “The greatest honor of my career.”
Stuart begins the induction, before passing it off to Smith, who officially makes Clark a member.
“The thing that mean the most to me is, out of the billions of people on earth, there’s such a small fraternity of people that call themselves Grand Ole Opry members,” Stuart says. “We are such a part of a wonderful heritage. And it would mean something coming from me, but it would mean a whole lot coming from one of the greatest country singers in the world, Miss Connie Smith.”
“It’s great to have you in the family. I’ve been here since 1965, and so I’m just really proud,” adds Smith.
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Clark also made history when she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first Canadian female member to join the Grand Ole Opry. She was invited to join by Steve Wariner. Clark later returned the favor by inducting Ashley McBryde into the Grand Ole Opry in 2022.
Of all of the awards and accolades Clark has received, being part of the Grand Ole Opry will always be her biggest accomplishment.
“Just to be on the Opry is an honor,” Clark says. “I never thought I’d get to be a member. It’s a tremendous responsibility, too. I feel like a lot of us who are younger members of the Opry really need to make sure that we pass down the tradition of it, and make sure that younger people who are getting into country music know what it means.”
Clark is still touring and still making music, including her 2024 Take Two project, rightfully proud of her legacy in country music.
“I was the tomboy in the cowboy hat and the rolled-up T-shirt sleeves, and I’m still that person,” Clark tells People. “I did step out of the box and do something different, and there are women now who aren’t afraid to be who they are and to genuinely be an original.”
Now 56 years old, Clark admits this era of her career might be her favorite, even if she no longer has the hits at radio that she did in the past.
“It was more about me,” Clark recalls. “It was more about ‘I want to.’ I want to make music. I want to be on TV. I want to be part of it. Now I want people to come to the show and feel like they’re watching and listening to somebody who’s walked through their life with them through music. You stop trying to prove yourself as much as bringing joy and leaving somebody with a feeling when you’re playing their song.”
Find all of Clark’s music and upcoming shows at TerriClark.com.
Photo Credit: Rachael Black