Country Music News for the Country Music Enthusiast

MONTGOMERY GENTRY INVITED TO JOIN GRAND OLE OPRY

Formal Induction to Take Place June 23, 2009

Columbia Nashville duo Montgomery Gentry was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening during the Tuesday Night Opry.  Montgomery Gentry made their Grand Ole Opry debut nine years ago on March 3, 2000.  The duo will be formally inducted into the Opry family on Tues., June 23.

Opry member Charlie Daniels surprised Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry by approaching them from the Opry House audience and making his way on stage. "I have been chosen to do something very special," Daniels said. "I have known you guys for a long time, and I am very proud of all your accomplishments," he continued before offering, "if you agree to it, on June 23rd you're gonna be made members of the Grand Ole Opry!"

Montgomery and Gentry, both visibly surprised and moved, exchanged hugs with each other and with Daniels, after which Gentry managed, "I'm speechless" and Montgomery borrowed a handkerchief from Daniels to wipe his eyes.

After composing themselves, the two kicked into their current hit, "One In Every Crowd," while Gentry noted his surprise, yelling out to the Opry staff and Daniels, "y'all got us!"

"The Grand Ole Opry, ba-by!" Montgomery added.

"With each and every Opry performance Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry have offered, it has been quite apparent that not only do they know how to move audiences with their unique brand of music, but they too are moved by the connection they share with the Opry and its rich legacy," said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. "All of us at the Opry eagerly await the 23rd of June when Montgomery Gentry will formally join the ranks of the Opry's esteemed membership roster."

Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry has been a career dream for both of the duo's members.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Montgomery Gentry's debut album, Tattoos & Scars. The duo's road to gold and platinum albums, CMA and ACM Awards, a Grammy nomination and highly successful tours has been paved both with musical integrity and with an abiding respect for the people and the genre they represent. 

Montgomery Gentry is currently climbing the country single charts with the Top 5 hit "One In Every Crowd."  The duo's current album, Back When I Knew It All, has already yielded the No. 1 hit single "Back When I Knew It All" and the multi-week No. 1, "Roll With Me."  The duo recently received two 2009 Academy of Country Music Award nominations including Album of the Year for Back When I Knew It All and Top Duo or Group, and is also nominated in the Duo Video of the Year category for "Roll With Me" at the upcoming CMT Music Awards. Eddie and Troy will join Kenny Chesney on tour this summer, performing as part of an all-star lineup at stadium shows on Chesney's Sun City Carnival Tour.  Fans can check out www.montgomerygentry.com <http://www.montgomerygentry.com/>  for the latest information on the fan favorites.

The Grand Ole OpryŽ is presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country StoreŽ. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year and on Tuesdays through Dec. 15. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  A uniquely American experience for more than 80 years, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and opry.com. The syndicated weekly program, America's Opry Weekend, airs on country radio stations across America and on the Armed Forces Radio Network, and Opry Live airs each weekend on Great American Country (GAC).  The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels.  For more information, visit opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com