Best friends. Collaborators. Songwriters. Bandmates. Touring Partners.
“I met [Emmylou] and Rodney when I was 19,” Gill has said. “I don’t have two better friends in the world.”
The rich history and friendship between Crowell, Gill and Harris runs deep and for almost 50 years. The three music legends have careers that have connected, intertwined and supported each other, and most of all lasted. Their connection to and projects with each other have put them in circles of some of the most renowned musicians, songwriters and artists in music. Gill has said of Harris, “She’s the one in the middle that we all connect through.”
“It’s still my favorite gig, is playing with Rodney,” Gill told No Depression last year. Gill added, “I can’t even fathom what my life would be like if I hadn’t met Emmy.”
“Emmy and Vince? Hmm…With those voices, maybe I’ll have a chance if we’re wearing masks,” mused Crowell.
“There’s nothing better than singing with old and dear friends, especially if those friends happen to be Rodney and Vince,” said Harris.
As the Grand Ole Opry approaches its 95th year in the midst of a global pandemic, Opry members and special guest artists have kept the music playing from the unbroken circle and is reaching some of its largest audiences to date. The Opry has been reaching millions of fans and making new ones each week as it has logged viewers from over 100 countries worldwide who have been tuning in just since the live audience shows were paused in mid-March.
Though Opry shows with a live Opry House audience are paused, the show will be broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates. Opry Live on Circle will be hosted by Bobby Bones. The livestream on Circle All Access and YouTube channel will be guest hosted by Natalie Stovall, a member of the country trio Runaway June and host of Circle’s Southern Weekend. Opry announcer Mike Terry will be heard on 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM. Prior to the Opry Livestream at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT, Circle Sessions: Allman Betts Band will air at 7:30 ET/ 6:30 p.m. on Circle All Access’ Facebook, Twitter and YouTube social channels.
This Saturday, July 25, EMI Records Nashville’s recording artist and star of NBC’s hit “This Is Us,” Chrissy Metz and multi-Grammy and Dove award winner, Gospel Music Hall of Fame member CeCe Winans as well as one of the most recognizable voices in country music, Tracy Lawrence, will step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT. The show will be broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV, and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle All Access Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Those tuning into the Livestream on Circle All Access YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels this Saturday can watch a Circle Sessions: At Home with Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Earl Keen and more at 7:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM CT immediately prior to the Opry.
The Opry’s paused shows without an audience since March 14 have included Opry members Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Luke Combs, Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Reba McEntire, Craig Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, Mark Wills, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young along with special guests Lady A, Lauren Alaina, Mandy Barnett, Lee Brice, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Jason Crabb, Sara Evans, Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill, Ashley McBryde, Keb’ Mo’, Carly Pearce, Kellie Pickler, Michael Ray, The Scott Family, Gwen Stefani, Sam Williams, Charlie Worsham, and Brett Young.