Ringo Starr, a Grand Ole Opry star? That’s a new one.
Starr makes his debut Feb. 21 on the famed country music broadcast, remarkably adding a new line to a resume that includes a two-time induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an Academy Award win, an honorary degree from the Berklee College of Music, and, of course, a stint as drummer in one of the most successful rock bands of all-time.
Jan. 14, 2025: Emmylou Harris surprises Ringo Starr onstage at his first of two sold-out headlining … [+]
Singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris invited Starr to make his Opry debut Tuesday night during a performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Starr headlines the Ryman twice this week to celebrate the release of his new country album, Look Up. The LP was produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett; Look Up collaborators include bluegrass pickers Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, roots duo Larkin Poe and lauded fiddler Alison Krauss, among others.
CBS plans to debut a network broadcast and Paramount+ showing of the Ryman concerts — dubbed “Ringo Starr & Friends” — later this year.
The Opry commemorates its 100th anniversary this year. Self-described as the “show that made country music famous,” it first hit radio airwaves in November 1925, bolstering the popularity of country music for decades to come. Today, an invitation to play the Opry remains a rite of passage for most in country music.
“What an honor that after all the extraordinary music he has made and all the incredible history he’s been a part of, Ringo Starr will be making his Opry debut during this, the Opry’s milestone 100th year,” Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer said in a news release. “It’s going to be a night like no other.”
Starr joins a growing list of artists traditionally outside of country music to make an Opry debut. Last year, Post Malone played the Opry in support of his country album F-1 Trillion. Creed singer Scott Sapp also made his Opry debut in 2024, while The Eagles played the Opry at the invitation of Vince Gill in 2017.
The lineup for Starr’s Opry debut includes “Road Less Traveled” singer Lauren Alaina, Grammy winner Molly Tuttle and more to be announced.
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