Welcome back to Country Music 4 Ever! I’m sure if you would ask someone to name a list of Grand Ole Opry members they would most likely say George Strait since he is the king of country music. If you put George on your list you would surprisingly be wrong. I know I was shocked too, but George is not an Opry member, even though he was invited to become a member. He only ever played the Opry one time in his whole career, his first and only appearance was on October 9, 1982. I’m sure you’re wondering why he is not an Opry member, the answer actually makes a lot of sense. George has been living just outside of San Antonio, Texas his whole life, so he played at a lot of venues in Texas and it just wasn’t possible for him to play a show in Texas on a Friday night and make it to the Opry on Saturday.

Since George has spent his whole life living in Texas I can understand why Texas is a more special place to him than the Opry. The Opry requires its members to play at least twelve shows a year, which is only half of what they used to require, but still it would be a lot for someone who doesn’t live in Nashville to commit to. Especially, back when he would tour for several months straight I don’t think he would’ve wanted to get home and then go to the Opry for another show.

Willie Nelson is also not an Opry member for the same exact reason George is not a member. Like I said before, if the Opry isn’t that important to you, then I wouldn’t expect you to play there. I completely respect George and Willie’s decisions not to play there.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think in the comments. Also, if you have friends who love country music please tell them about Country Music 4 Ever. I’ll be back soon!