The Grand Ole Opry honored one of its longest tenured members, Bill Anderson, for his 50th anniversary as an Opry member last night. The Country Music Hall of Fame member made his Opry debut just a few weeks before his 21st birthday and became a member less than three years later.
During his performance last night Anderson said, “I’m more nervous tonight than I was 50 years ago!” Among the highlights of his special evening were video-taped messages from Opry members Brad Paisley and Steve Wariner and the presentation of a #50 Ryman Martin guitar by Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. He was also honored with a surprise appearance by Alison Krauss who performed “Whiskey Lullaby” with Jon Randall and Dan Tyminski. The song was written by Anderson and Randall and made a hit by Paisley and Krauss.
