Little Big Town‘s first-ever public performance together was at the Grand Old Opry in 1999, and fifteen years later, the group were formally inducted into the Opry family on Friday October 17. Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet, were invited to join the Opry by at the beginning of October. On the formal induction Little Big Town played a set opening their set ‘Bring It on Home,’ which they played back in their Opry debut. The band were inducted into the Opry by members Little Jimmy Dickens and Vince Gill, with Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher on hand to present the group with their Opry Member Award. “The word ‘family’ really means something out here. It really does,†Gill told the group. “You’ll make friends like I have with this man right here. You’ll be so be blessed by the friends you’ll make out here, and they’ll last your entire life. Welcome to the family, and remember to come here as often as you can.†Little Big Town were joined by Vince Gill on their final song ‘Why Me,’ made famous by Kris Kristofferson. The sold-out audience treated the performers to a standing ovation as Gill proudly said, “Welcome them home!†“It feels like home,†Sweet reflected later. “It’s family.†“This feels like the biggest moment of our lives and our career,†Schlapman said, and Fairchild added, “I’m so excited about sharing this moment with the band. We’ve been through the highest of highs together, and this is sure to be the highest. This is as good as it gets.†Little Big Town have been nomainated for Vocal Group of the Year in the upcoming 2014 CMA Awards, and they are the current reigning champs in the category. Their new album PAIN KILLER was released yesterday, October 21.
