Chris Young, Trace Adkins, and Gretchen Wilson huddled side stage at the Grand Ole Opry, speaking in hushed voices about who would cover which parts in Charlie Daniels’ iconic “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Jamey Johnson was in the Opry’s hallowed circle performing—the last singer of the night for the sold-out “Opry 100 Honors Charlie Daniels.”
“The Devil Went Down To Georgia” was the all-star finale.
When it was time, Young, Adkins, Wilson, Eddie Montgomery, and Rhonda Vincent filed onto the stage to join Johnson. Vincent impressively covered Daniels’ fiery fiddle parts. Johnson took the lead on the verses while the others helped out with the chorus.
As Vincent sawed on her fiddle’s neck, a large picture of Daniels spread across the screen on the Opry’s famed barn backdrop.
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Charlie Daniels’ Opry Tribute Fell on Widow’s Birthday
The Opry’s tribute came near the fifth anniversary of Daniels’ unexpected death. The night’s line-up included Johnson, Wilson, Young, Adkins, Montgomery, Vincent, and The Travelin’ McCourys.
Each artist covered at least one Daniels song during their set. Montgomery put his spin on Daniels’ “Boogie Woogie Man.” Young covered “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye.” Wilson emotionally sang Daniels’ “Long Haired Country Boy.” Wilson and Johnson teamed for “Trudy.”
“I don’t have the words to come up with how much Charlie Daniels meant to me and my life,” Wilson said. “He is, was, and will always be the biggest inspiration in my life.”
Daniels’ artist friends and family milled around backstage, splitting their time between the plush dressing rooms, the green room, the side stage, and their seats. Daniels’ widow, Hazel, was there celebrating her 82nd birthday. The Opry staff got her a large vanilla and chocolate birthday cake from the Puffy Muffin for the occasion and sang to her backstage.
Charlie Daniels Had a Heart for Taking Care of People
Daniels’ son, Charlie Jr., was there, as was his longtime manager, David Corlew. Corlew was suffering from a broken leg as a cow had recently kicked him. Trick Pony’s Ira Dean was there with his wife, as was Daniels’ longtime friend Storme Warren. Daniels was the first person to flag Dean’s struggle with addiction, and Dean partly credits Daniels with his sobriety. Daniels was the person who told Warren, a country radio icon, that he needed to move to Nashville and make his life in Music City. Not only did Warren listen, but Hazel also helped him find his first place to live once he arrived.
Opry host Kelly Sutton brought Hazel and Charlie Jr. on stage to share what the Opry meant to Daniels.
“I think he thought it was never going to happen,” Charlie Jr. said of his dad’s invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. “He grew up in North Carolina, and at night, he could get the signal for WSM. He could hear Roy Acuff and all his heroes.”
The Opry Welcomed Charlie Daniels in 2007
Daniels got to play the Opry in 1976. But, it wasn’t until Martina McBride surprised Daniels with an invitation to join in 2007 – 40 years later – that he learned he was going to become a member.
Charlie Jr. said his dad was speechless.
“For a man that was never at a loss for words, he was befuddled for a minute and a half,” he said. “It meant so much to him, and he loved all of you.”
(Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo)
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