Earle joins the Opry

Earle performed his hits "Guitar Town," "Hillbilly Highway" and before performing his signature hit "Copperhead Road" Earle said, "There has never been any time since I had a guitar that I didn't want to be on the Grand Ole Opry. Being a member is about as good as it's ever going to get for me."

His close friend and Opry member Emmylou Harris said, "Steve is my captain. We have done so many shows together. He has been my friend. He has been an inspiration. He is such a fantastic songwriter. I've known Steve for so long, and I know that he went through the fire, but he came out with his sense of humor, his intellect and his humanity, not just intact but even stronger." She added, "Steve, I am so proud to know you. I can't think of a better way to begin the next 100 years than with these words, 'Steve Earle, congratulations on becoming the next member of the Grand Ole Opry."

Earle's friends and fellow Opry members who performed on tonight's show in his celebration included Harris, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart and Don Schlitz as well as Deana Carter.

Earlier in the show, Stuart welcomed Earle to the stage saying "Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry Steve Earle. It's family," before the two performed "My Old Friend The Blues" together.

Earle was surprised in April when Gill invited him to become a member. Earle was the first artist invited to join the Opry in this, the Opry's 100th year.