Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist CharlieWorsham,ACM winner (Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year), CMA winner (Musician of the Year), and CMA Touring Award-winner for Touring Musician of the Year, was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Friday (Aug 7) by his friend/mentor Opry member Vince Gill while on stage at the Ryman Auditorium. The invitation came on the 20th anniversary of Worsham’s move to Nashville and during the fifth of Gill’s six-night sold-out residency at the Mother Church.
After Worsham performed “Wrap My Porch Around” from his new album ONCE UPON A SECOND TIME AROUND, released today, Gill said, “I’ve been keeping this a secret for a long time. What I get to do tonight is fulfill a dream for someone and this guy deserves this more than anyone I know. I’ve been asked by the Opry to invite Charlie Worsham to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
An emotional Worsham said, “I’ve had the great privilege of having Vince as my North Star. We’ve had interviews together over the last year about the great music you are making. And I got to ask you about what you said when you went into the Hall of Fame, and your answer would be what I’m going to say. Now I’m going to try to go earn it.’” Charlie ended by saying, “This is definitely the ultimate dream.”
Worsham, a native of Grenada, Mississippi made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1997 at the age of 12 as a gifted Junior National Banjo Champion. In 1999, at the age of 14 he was commended by the Mississippi Senate for his outstanding musical accomplishments. After graduating high school as a straight-A student he went on to study the art of songwriting and hone his playing skills, moving to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music. He was part of the band KingBilly for several years before becoming a solo artist where he went on to open for artists including Opry members Brad Paisley and Old Crow Medicine Show as well as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Rogers. In addition to his solo career, Worsham is an in-demand session musician contributing to albums by artists like Eric Church, Luke Combs, Chris Shiflett and more. He has worked in Opry member Dierks Bentley’s band as lead guitarist and is currently a member of Gill’s touring band.
Worsham will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry family later this year.
This week, he kicks off his latest round of UK shows, including a main stage performance a Country Calling festival:
Thursday, 13th August 2026 – York, UK – FortyFive Vinyl Café (SOLD OUT)
Friday, 14th August 2026 – Manchester, UK – YES (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, 15th August 2026 – Chelmsford, UK – Country Calling 2026
