Steven Curtis Chapman is still in awe after being invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Chapman, who has 50 No. 1 hits on contemporary Christian radio, made his Opry debut 42 years ago when he was just 19 years old. At that time, he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park singing the songs of Opry greats including George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and more.
Now the most-awarded artist in Christian music history, Chapman was surprised when Ricky Skaggs invited Chapman to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry following a performance Sunday night.
Skaggs approached his friend with a framed photo of a young Chapman around his Opry debut.
“Get a good picture because this is going to go great beside that picture right there that he’s taking because you are going to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry if you want to!? Only if you want to!?”
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Chapman was blown away, dropping down to one knee.
“I cannot tell you how surprised I am. I had no idea,” said Chapman. “I am so honored and so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of.”
The longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history, the Grand Ole Opry is among the most revered and enduring stages of the country music genre. Current members include Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, and Trace Adkins.
Chapman’s induction date will be announced soon.
Josh Shepherd contributed to this article, which was originally published by CHVN Radio.
Journalist Colleen Houde is a news writer and on-air host at CHVN in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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