Country music legend Charlie Daniels became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry family January 19, an honor long overdue. Known for his virtuoso talent on the fiddle and his flag waving patriotic songs, Charlie has been a consummate entertainer for 50 years. He grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry as a child and soon became a staunch Opry supporter and fan favorite who has graced the hallowed stage far too many times to count throughout his illustrious career.
The night of his induction was indeed very special and emotional for Charlie, as he performed his signature hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” like never before. He also performed two other classics before closing the televised show with a stirring rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” alongside host Marty Stuart and performers Connie Smith, Trace Adkins and Montgomery Gentry, who were on hand to help celebrate Charlie’s big night.
In introducing Charlie, Marty commented, “The Opry is American and its reach is universal, a steady force in the midst of passing trends. The Opry is family. God bless Charlie Daniels.” This description perfectly suits Charlie and his relationship with the beloved institution. I am a fan of his and know his reputation for supporting the troops is legendary and arguably unparalleled in the country music realm. Passionate songs about the country and the military, as well as anthems for the working people of America, abound throughout his catalog. He has done so much for the troops over the years, from vocally supporting them whenever possible, to traveling the globe to perform for them. In this small way, he expresses his gratitude and appreciation for their dedication to defending us and our freedom.
While accepting the honor, Charlie recalled listening to the Opry as a child and sitting in the balcony for the first time in 1954. He remembered having weak knees during his performance on the legendary stage where so many greats had performed. He proudly told the crowd this year marked his 50th year as an entertainer and he was honored to become a part of the Opry institution. When he was presented with the signature replica statue of the Opry microphone stand given to all new members as they are welcomed into the Opry family, he proclaimed, “My Bible tells me God gives us the desires of our hearts, and tonight, the promise has come true.”
As a child, I never really liked country music that much, but my dad was, and still is, a huge Charlie Daniels fan. I can recall listening to his collection of CDB tapes in the house and in the car whenever we traveled anywhere. Of course, my sister and I loved “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and we also grew to like many of the other songs we sang along to and memorized after hearing them so often. I also have seen Charlie in concert a couple of times, and the energy is simply electric. When he sets the fiddle ablaze - watch out! Witnessing the master perform “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in person, with the fiddles and fireworks going, was astonishing and the crowd reaction indescribable. And well into his 70s, the man still has the energy and fiddle skills to show the younger generation how its done.
Congratulations on the well-deserved and long overdue honor, Mr. Charlie!
