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The Grand Ole Opry<\/a>\u00a0is celebrating\u00a0Bill Anderson<\/a> as their longest-serving member: 64 years!<\/p>\n On Tuesday (July 15), Anderson was introduced onto the Opry stage, like he has been for the past six-and-a-half decades, but this time, it was slightly different.<\/p>\n The Country Music Hall of Famer was surprised\u00a0by Opry Vice President Dan Rogers, who\u00a0not only pointed out that Anderson is the longest-serving member of the Opry, but presented him with a custom scarf designed by world-renowned designer Manuel Cuevas.<\/p>\n Anderson, still humble as ever, took the mic to respond to the moment with class, saying, “More than anything, it\u2019s just a blessing to be up here for more than 64 years. Thank you to the fans and the Opry for supporting me all this time.”<\/p>\n According to Rogers,\u00a0it’s not just the fans that are appreciative of\u00a0Anderson’s commitment to the Opry.<\/p>\n “Bill Anderson has made an indelible mark. We could take a full Opry show and talk about Bill and his impact,” he said.<\/p>\n Rogers continued, “He has continued to be a bridge between new and legacy artists for 64 years now, and now we thank him.”<\/p>\n Bill Anderson\u00a0\u2014 inducted on July 15, 1961 The Grand Ole Opry is not only a country concert, it is also a live radio show which broadcasts two to five times per week in Nashville, Tenn.. It has been ongoing since\u00a0its inception in 1925.<\/p>\n Bill Anderson is a Country Music Hall of Famer (inducted in 2001) and is one of the most popular country entertainers of all time, certainly as far as the Opry is concerned. His nickname is “Whispering Bill,”\u00a0due to his breathy voice and his warm way of singing a country song.<\/p>\n It was a star-studded night at the Grand Ole Opry as country music celebrated the institution’s 100th birthday. Opry 100: A Live Celebration showcased the genre’s deep history while paving the way the next century of music. <\/p>\n From country music legends to those who are just making a splash in Nashville, several artists took the stage to perform as a part of the festivities. It was a night for the record books. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list of stars you won’t believe aren’t members suggests reasons where appropriate. <\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWho’s\u00a0Been a Member of\u00a0The Grand Ole Opry the Longest?<\/h3>\n
Connie Smith<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 inducted on August 21, 1965
Stu Phillips \u2014 inducted on June 1, 1967
Jeannie Seely<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 September 16, 1967
Dolly Parton<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 January 4, 1969<\/p>\nWhat Is The Grand Ole Opry?<\/h3>\n
Who Is Bill Anderson?<\/h3>\n
Opry 100: A Live Celebration Performance Photos<\/h2>\n
31 Country Stars You Won’t Believe Aren’t Grand Ole Opry Members<\/h2>\n