Charlie Worsham received one of country music’s biggest honors when Vince Gill surprised him with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry earlier this month. More Entertainment News
The invitation came on stage at the Ryman Auditorium during the fifth night of Gill’s six-show sold-out residency and marked the 20th anniversary of Worsham’s move to Nashville.
After Worsham performed “Wrap My Porch Around” from his newly released album Once Upon a Second Time Around, Gill revealed the surprise.
“I’ve been asked by the Opry to invite Charlie Worsham to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry,” Gill told the crowd.
An emotional Worsham called the invitation “the ultimate dream” and credited Gill, his longtime friend and mentor, as a guiding influence throughout his career.
A native of Grenada, Mississippi, Worsham first performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1997 at age 12 after becoming a Junior National Banjo Champion. He later attended Berklee College of Music before launching a career as both a solo artist and sought-after musician.
Worsham has toured with artists including Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Rogers, and has contributed to recordings by Eric Church, Luke Combs and others. He has also performed as lead guitarist in Dierks Bentley’s band and currently tours with Gill.
Worsham’s career has earned him several major industry honors, including ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, CMA Musician of the Year and CMA Touring Musician of the Year.
He will officially be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry later this year, with a date to be announced.
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