Gene Watson becomes the latest artist to be invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry

Some 55 years after making his first appearance there, Gene Watson was formally asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 17.
The 76-year-old – who was introduced by Vince Gill that night as “one of the greatest country singers that’s walked the earth” – performed Sometimes I Get Lucky and Forget  and Nothing Sure Looked Good On You, before the moment happened.
After he finished his songs, Gill once again emerged and then asked, “Would you mind singing Farewell Party? The Opry told me that if you would, you could be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
A very surprised and taken aback Watson then performed the song and received a standing ovation for his efforts. Watson will be inducted into the fabled venue later on this year.
Notably prominent in the 70s and 80s, Watson had a string of hits across that timeframe and never really left the music world, constantly writing and releasing songs as a solo artist.
Some of Watson’s most notable hits include Paper Rosie, Farewell Party, Love in the Hot Afternoon, Fourteen Carat Mind, Memories to Burn and You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.
Gene Watson is the latest of recent Opry inductees, which include Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Mark Wills, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs.