Josh Turne was thrilled to be the one to induct Scotty McCreery into the Grand Ole Opry. Turner, who was inducted by Vince Gill in 2007, was hand-picked by McCreery to do the honors on April 20.
“It was my great honor and privilege to welcome my friend Scotty McCreery as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend,” Turner shared on social media. “With artists like Scotty, the future of country music is bright. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
It was my great honor and privilege to welcome my friend @ScottyMcCreery as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry (@opry) this past weekend. With artists like Scotty, the future of country music is bright. I couldn't be more proud of him. #joshturner #scottymccreery pic.twitter.com/O89PWDz38P
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) April 24, 2024
Turner became emotional as he gave his heartfelt speech, praising McCreery for who he is as an artist, songwriter, husband and father.
“Scotty’s not only a fine singer and a songwriter, but he’s a great man, great husband and now father,” Turner said in part. “I’m proud of him. I’m proud to know him, and I’m proud that he’s filling the shoes of those that have gone before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape. Scotty, it is my distinct honor to say congratulations on officially becoming the newest member of the world-famous home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.”
McCreery was inspired by Turner at the very beginning of his career, singing his songs while competing on Season 10 of American Idol in 2011.
“Josh, he’s become a good buddy of mine, which is amazing,” McCreery said backstage ahead of his Opry induction. “He really was one of my biggest influences and heroes growing up, listening to country music. Back to ‘Everything Is Fine’ and obviously, ‘Your Man.’ I’ve told him many times, ‘Josh, when I got started … I would have gotten sick of me so quick. This guy’s just singing your music over and over.’ But I just loved it so much.”
Turner’s music throughout his career also became the soundtrack to McCreery’s teenage years, and well into adulthood.
“I was singing ‘Long Black Train’ at church, and that was kind of when I started doing the thing when I’d get out in front of people and sing songs,” McCreery shared. “I was singing ‘Long Black Train’ and ‘Haywire,’ ‘Why Don’t We Just Dance,’ Firecracker,’ all his songs. He’s just got his stamp on it. You know it’s a Josh Turner song.
“So the fact that he’s become a buddy is awesome,” he continued. “He’s a great guy, other than the fact that he’s a Duke basketball fan. We’ll give him a pass on it. … Getting inducted, they said, ‘Who would be your top choices to do the induction?’ I gave them my list, but Josh was at the top of it. I’m very glad that he took the time out to be here.”
McCreery was understandably emotional as he stood on the Opry stage for the first time as an official member.
“This is not possible without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said. “I’ve been very blessed, and I feel like He’s blessed me to bless others, so thank you all for allowing me to have fun for a living, make up country songs. I appreciate you all being here. I’m so glad it worked out. I don’t know what else the heck I’d be doing for a living, so this is great.”
McCreery also expressed his gratitude for those who helped make one of his biggest dreams come true, and shared the lesson he hoped to pass on to his one-year-old son, Avery.
“My family, my friends, my beautiful bride, and my little boy, Avery … One day I want to be able to look at Avery — he might not understand tonight — but one day I’ll tell him, ‘Hey buddy, this was your daddy’s dream, and it came true,'” McCreery said. “So hopefully one day he’ll go chase his dreams as well, because one day they could come true … Thank you all so much. I love you and I’m so proud to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
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