Event to Take Place Monday, October 8 at the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry will host a special Monday Night Opry honoring the iconic Ray Charles to recognize and celebrate the artist’s revolutionary influence on country music. The event will unite two iconic entities and be hosted by Opry member Darius Rucker, featuring never before seen collaborations and special performances of Charles’ music, performed by distinguished artists who have made a mark in their respective genres. Performers include Boyz II Men, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Leela James, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, and Chris Young, plus more to be announced. “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles” will be filmed for a public television special to air in late 2018.
The television music special, produced by Opry Entertainment Group in association with The Ray Charles Foundation, will highlight the significant contributions to country music by the iconic genius, Ray Charles. Ray’s country hits broke down all musical and cultural barriers, as he was welcomed into the country music world, appearing on the Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Show, and the hugely popular television show “Hee-Haw.” Country Music Hall of Famers Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson have both been quoted as saying, “Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music did more for country music than any album in history.”