Critically acclaimed Grammy®-winning vocal group Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook) was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member and friend Reba McEntire. The group will be formally inducted into the Opry on Fri., Oct. 17 by Opry member Vince Gill.
As the group finished a three-song set with its smash “Pontoon,” McEntire appeared from the side of the stage, improvising on the song’s last few words. “I know the Grand Ole Opry is very important to y’all, because this is the first place you guys played together as a group in 1999,” McEntire began after the impromptu collaboration. “I have been asked to ask y’all, Little Big Town, would y’all like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?”
After hugs with McEntire and between the members as well as a collective “yes” from the group, McEntire said, “Special moments like this—they’re priceless.”
Speaking for the group, Fairchild cheered, “Thank you, Grand Ole Opry! We will try to make you proud!”
Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher said, “We have been enjoying Grand Ole Opry visits from Little Big Town for almost 15 years now. During that time, the group has developed an amazing artistry and has won over millions of fans, all while maintaining a commitment to and love for the Opry we saw firsthand tonight. We will all be excited to officially welcome Little Big Town to the Opry family October 17.”
About Little Big Town
Critically acclaimed Country group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook – first entered the music scene more than 15 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and Grammy-nominated single “Little White Church.” The quartet’s fifth studio album Tornado was released on September 11, 2012 and debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Chart where it stayed for five consecutive weeks. The album has been certified Platinum with sales of more than 1 million copies and features #1 hits “Pontoon” and “Tornado.”
Collectively, the group has earned more than 25 award show nominations and has taken home the award for ACM Top New Vocal Group, CMA Single of the Year (“Pontoon”), CMA Vocal Group of the Year (2012 and 2013), ACM Vocal Group of the Year, ACM Video of the Year (“Tornado”), a Grammy Award for Best Country Group/Duo Performance (“Pontoon”) and an Emmy award (Outstanding Original Song-“Good Afternoon”).
Little Big Town recently completed their sixth studio album working again with producer Jay Joyce. The first single off of the new album entitled “Day Drinking” is quickly climbing the Country radio charts. The album, entitled Pain Killer, is set for release on October 21.
For more information on Little Big Town please visit www.littlebigtown.com.
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through December 16. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nearly nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP). For more information, visit opry.com
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