Opry Member Garth Brooks Surprises Wariner Onstage
For His 25th Anniversary Celebration
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry celebrated Mother’s Day Weekend with a star-studded Saturday night broadcast featuring performances by Russell Dickerson, Jamey Johnson & Randy Houser, Chris Lane and multi-Grammy award-winning Opry member Steve Wariner, who was celebrating his 25th Opry anniversary. The Opry aired on Circle TV and SiriusXM: Willie’s Roadhouse as well as the Opry’s flagship home 650 WSM AM and wsmonline.com.
Wariner kicked off his portion of the show with the Beatles’ “All My Lovin’” and honored mothers with “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” which he recorded with one his influences, the legendary Glen Campbell. Wariner, who has influenced many artists over the years, was surprised on stage by one of those artists– his friend and fellow Opry member Garth Brooks. The pair performed their hit duet “Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down.” After the official live telecast was over, Brooks and Wariner stayed to play an expanded Opry show which included the pair performing Wariner’s hits “What I Didn’t Do,” “The Weekend” and their popular rowdy duet “Longneck Bottle.” Wariner closed the night with “Sails” from his hit album Drive.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Dickerson, the newest CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador, took to the stage to perform hit singles “Home Sweet” and “Love You Like I Used To,” off his newest album, Southern Symphony. He took time to honor teachers and educators as part of his Ambassadorship, including recognizing his own 4th-grade teacher, his mom, who was in the audience. Dickerson joins a collective of people who believe in the value of music in a student’s life. To support teachers, music programs and the CMA Foundation’s mission to ensure all kids have access to quality music education programs, donate today by texting TEACHERS to 70-70-70.
Lane kicked off his set with his 2x Platinum-selling “I Don’t Know About You.” In honor of Mother’s Day, Lane recognized and honored all of the Moms in the Opry House audience before performing his current new single “That’s What Mamas Are For.”
Johnson and Houser, currently out on the road on their acoustic Country Cadillac Tour, stepped into the circle together for powerful acoustic performances of “Evangeline,” and “Lead Me Home.” “It’s good to see a Grand Ole Opry crowd in Nashville. We love you,” said Johnson.
The Opry will open performances up to full capacity for the first time in more than a year, beginning with its performance on Friday, May 14 featuring Opry members Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys and more. The star-studded lineups continue all spring and summer long.
Next Saturday, May 15, award-winning group Lady A returns to the stage for the first time as Opry members since their induction during the Opry’s 95th Anniversary network television special last winter. Among those joining Lady A on the 15th are Opry member Lorrie Morgan and Ryan Hurd, who is scheduled to make his Opry debut.
The Opry’s annual “Salute The Troops” show honoring members of the U.S. Military is scheduled for Sat., May 29 featuring Lauren Alaina plus Opry members Luke Combs and Chris Young, among others. Also scheduled for upcoming spring and summer Opry performances are Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Aaron Lewis, MercyMe, Keb’ Mo’, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Wills, and more.
In addition to a full lineup of spring and summer performances, the Opry is set to release a limited-edition vinyl LP titled, Unbroken | Empty Room, Full Circle on June 4, 2021. Available exclusively on Opry.com and at the Opry’s Nashville-based retail outlets, the LP includes memorable performances by Luke Combs, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, and more recorded live from the Opry stage in front of an empty house during the 29 weeks that the Saturday night Opry shows continued uninterrupted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saturday night Opry will be broadcast at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT. Opry shows 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. The Opry can also be heard on 650 WSM-AM, wsmonline.com, and SiriusXM: Willie’s Roadhouse. Those tuning into the Livestream on Circle All Access YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels each Saturday can watch a Circle Sessions at 7:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM CT immediately prior to the Opry.