Craig Morgan is inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 25, 2008 by Opry member John Conlee. Copyright Grand Ole Opry® Photo by Chris Hollo, Hollo Photographics.
Oct. 27, 2008 — Craig Morgan’s big day finally arrived on Saturday, when he joined the Grand Ole Opry during the GAC telecast of Opry Live.
The ceremony was handled with a notable continuity. John Conlee, who introduced Craig when he made his first Opry appearance in April 2000, inducted him Saturday. John also had the pleasure of extending the Opry invitation to Craig during a September performance at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where Craig was once stationed during his tenure in the Army.
"No one loves the Grand Ole Opry more than this young man right here," John said. "He loves it as much as he loves his country, and he’s proven that with his service to his country before."
"I didn’t prepare a speech because I knew I would probably mess it up," Craig said. "I am extremely honored and grateful to the Grand Ole Opry. I am proud to be a part of it, and I hope I can uphold its standards."
Appropriately, Craig then performed "Rose Colored Glasses," a song that was a career-starter for John 30 years ago.
Craig’s induction came during the final Saturday edition of the Opry during Grand Ole Opry Month, as the institution celebrates its 83rd birthday. Diamond Rio, Bill Anderson, Adam Gregory and the Del McCoury Band will play the show on Tuesday.
On next Saturday’s installment, Little Jimmy Dickens will celebrate his 60th anniversary with the show during Opry Live. Taking part in the landmark evening will be Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins and George Jones.
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