An invitation to the Grand Ole Opry is the highest honor a country star can receive. For 100 years, the revered Nashville institution has welcomed more than 230 members into its halls. Currently, 75 of those artists hold active membership. Earlier this week, the Opry toasted a century of country music. A host of A-listers gathered to celebrate through song. And the star-studded event sent Dustin Lynch down memory lane. Watch below as the “Chevrolet” singer reminisces about his own Grand Ole Opry invitation.
Videos by American Songwriter
Dustin Lynch Made His Opry Debut in 2012
Growing up in nearby Tullahoma, Dustin Lynch chose to attend Nashville’s Lipscomb University specifically because of its proximity to the iconic Bluebird Cafe. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2007, Lynch opted to forego medical school in favor of making music happen.
And that’s exactly what he did, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with his 2012 self-titled debut. Since then, Lynch has released six studio albums and nine chart-topping singles, including “Where It’s At” and “Hell of a Night.”
Speaking with American Songwriter during Wednesday’s (March 19) Opry 100: A Live Celebration, Lynch, 39, turned his thoughts to a night in August 2018 when Trace Adkins invited him to join country music’s most elite club.
[RELATED: Country’s Biggest Night: 5 of the Best Performances From the ‘Opry 100’ Celebration]
“I Just Jumped in His Arms”
Dustin Lynch’s parents, who “never miss an Opry,” were in the audience for the big moment. And while they did not clue in their son, Patti and Chuck Lynch knew exactly what Adkins had in mind when he joined the “Thinking ‘Bout You” singer onstage. “I thought he was coming to ask me an interview question,” said Lynch, 39.
Instead, Adkins asked, “You’re gonna be back here playing on September the 18th, I heard?” When Lynch nodded, the “You’re Gonna Miss This” hitmaker continued, “Well, I’m here to tell you that when you play here on September 18, it will be as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
What, exactly, went through Lynch’s mind at that point? “‘Holy s—‘ is what went through my head,” he told American Songwriter. “I couldn’t believe it happened. I just jumped in his arms, gave him a big ol’ hug.”
He continued, “Getting the Opry stamp of approval is is a big deal for the brand that you bring to the genre of country music, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Featured image by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
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