Country Mike Blog

Honky-Tonkin' and Opry Bloggin'

Mike Sudhalter  |  May 15, 2007

Just last week, I made it clear that the Grand Ole Opry should immediately induct Josh Turner.

Since then, there's been a couple of interesting developments. A reader, John W. in Indiana suggested that the Opry re-induct the late Hank Williams Sr. and sent me an online petition, which I signed, to reinstate the Hillbilly Shakespeare into the genre's greatest institution.

Then, I read something very surprising on the CST site - that 74-year-old Mel Tillis will be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.

I follow country music pretty closely, and I'm surprised to know that Tillis hasn't been a member for decades. Even more surprising was the fact that his daughter, Pam Tillis had been inducted seven years earlier.

After reading the article, I realized that he'll be officially inducted on June 9. Hey, that's the night I'll be at the Opry watching Mel and Pam Tillis perform along with Charley Pride and newcomers Carolina Rain.

I knew Mel was going to be playing this show, but I wasn't aware that I'd be witnessing history. This should be an exciting first trip to the Opry.