Breaking News: Josh Turner Invited to Join Grand Ole Opry
I missed history by this much.
The family was in town and we decided to attend Saturday’s second Opry show to watch Josh Turner, my father’s favorite of the contemporary country crop. Needless to say, Joe Diffie’s off-hand remark near the beginning of the show came as quite a surprise: “Congratulations to Josh Turner for becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Josh himself confirmed the news when he took the stage more than an hour later. Earlier that evening, he had presented host Roy Clark with a plaque commerating his 60 years in country music. Roy found an envelope attached to the back of the frame, opened it, and remarked to Josh, “actually, this is for you. It reads, ‘how would you like to formally become a member of the Grand Ole Opry?’”
Opry.com has more information as well as video of the event:
Josh Turner was the pick of most of our readers when I asked which contemporary star the Opry would induct next, and they were right.
Despite the night’s drama, the real story of the second show was young Ashton Shepherd: she’s for real. Those who have attended the Opry know that the backstage area, partially visible to the audience, is usually a flurry of activity. It often seems like other participants pay little attention to the current performer as they greet and converse with friends and colleagues. However, there was no socializing going on as Ashton Shepherd took the stage, and those visible in the wings stood transfixed as Ashton performed a soft acoustic version of “I Ain’t Dead Yet.” The uncharacteristically anemic audience came to life and host Bill Anderson started tapping his feet as Ashton twisted her face into a sneer and delivered a thumping rendition of her debut single, “Takin’ Off This Pain.” Anderson pulled Ashton aside as she was leaving the stage, complimented her performance profusely and plugged her album. He then confided to the audience that Ashton’s producer had told him, “this girl’s so country, she makes Loretta Lynn sound like she’s from Liverpool.”
Josh Turner and Ashton Shepherd. Those sound like two good reasons to continue to love country music.
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21 Comments
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September 30, 2007 at 1:55 pm Permalink
That Ashton Shepherd is some good stuff. Do you know if her album is available, or when it will be? I did a little digging around and found this YouTube video. Exciting stuff, Matt.
September 30, 2007 at 4:08 pm Permalink
The album is not out yet, and there is not a release date. I’m working on making sure our readers hear about AS first…;-)
September 30, 2007 at 4:08 pm Permalink
The album is out in February of ‘08 (per Ashton last night). Apparently there are some advance copies floating around already (Bill Anderson has heard it and raved about it).
It really was a special moment; I’ve never seen a reception for a new artist like that before. It was probably something like how the audience treated Josh Turner’s debut, without the drama of a standing ovation and encore. Admittedly, the Opry cast and crowd don’t represent the core radio audience, but if radio spins this girl’s stuff, she’s for real because she has some crazy stage presence. She had the whole backstage area quiet and at attention, and when she hit that “I Ain’t Dead Yet” line the whole audience laughed and then started whistling and cheering.
September 30, 2007 at 4:28 pm Permalink
I’ve been tracking her for a while, and I’m hearing the album might get pushed a bit more. They are only rumors, but I think labels are being extra, extra careful with their young female acts right now.
September 30, 2007 at 4:48 pm Permalink
I have a lot more faith in MCA than I do in a label like Columbia (home of my other favorite new female artist, Ashley Monroe). However, there is certainly a risk that the album could be delayed. I don’t understand the caution. It’s really disappointing because it seems like all the best young female artists are getting derailed by label politics while the worst quickly make a big splash at radio.
September 30, 2007 at 5:53 pm Permalink
The problem is that these artists just aren’t testing well, and most of the female acts that DO go to retail don’t sell well at all.
And the label has a TON of money to loose. A major label needs to sell in the 350,000 unit range to break even.
Lambert is the only new female artist I can think of who has come anywhere close to that (and she blew it out of the water).
Without the radio support, Ashley Monroe wouldn’t sell any better than Katrina Elam.
September 30, 2007 at 8:46 pm Permalink
Let’s not close the book on Ashton yet. Based on the three songs from her upcoming album that I’ve heard, her sound, while unabashedly country, is a lot more radio-friendly than Ashley Monroe’s. I think her album might have a few hits on it if radio is willing to spin an artist that sounds traditional.
Radio is finally starting to come around to Miranda, but she sold well even without radio support. I really think that major labels need to put more faith in the ability of mega-talents to generate grassroots support. We had a lot of comments on my review of Ashley Monroe’s album and I don’t think that it would be a total flop if released. Furthermore, there’s no reason that labels have to spend such that they have to sell 350K units of an album to break even. When they sign an Americana-leaning act like Monroe or a hard core honky tonker like Shepherd, it’s no use marketing them like the next rock star. Let them make the album their way and put it out there (like was done with Miranda) or cut them loose and let an indy label give them a chance.
September 30, 2007 at 8:54 pm Permalink
Ashton Shepherd is real country! remember when a song gave you shivers or goosebumps? She does that the same time she holds you with her incredible stage presence. Her heart makes her magic!!!!
September 30, 2007 at 9:25 pm Permalink
I am so glad that Josh Turner got the invitation to the Grand Ole Opry. He always said that he would love to be a member if asked and I’m happy that he was finally asked. I can’t wait to see the induction ceremonies!
October 1, 2007 at 10:54 am Permalink
Ashton Shepherd definetly Sounded Great! Her Song Writing ability as well as her beautiful voice is a tribute to our next generation’s and our Futures staying true to Country music! Thank you Ashton For Continueing the legacy!
Ben Harper
October 1, 2007 at 12:23 pm Permalink
Ashton is AMAZING!!! I was at the Opry on Sat. night (front row:)) and she absolutely BLEW me away!! From the moment she opened her mouth I was HOOKED!! I can’t wait to hear more!
October 1, 2007 at 9:27 pm Permalink
Congrats to Josh. I really hope to make the induction ceremony.
October 2, 2007 at 2:47 pm Permalink
Congrats to Josh Turner he is one of my younf fav’s and as for Ashton dang that girl can sure sing love her voice..
October 29, 2007 at 7:32 pm Permalink
Ashton is like Josh Turners firecracker ,ready to explode her album in February!Shes pure energy that will touch everyone in all directions. The airplay and charts reveal a huge star about to explode!!!Get ready ,shes real, confident and we are so lucky to have her!! SHE WILL BE UNIVERSAL!!!!
November 3, 2007 at 11:03 pm Permalink
Country music is going to hell if the record labels keep ignoring the great female artists like Katrina Elam, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Sarah Buxton, Erika Jo, Ashley Monroe etc. I jus read that Shelly Fairchild’s new album is going to be a rock album. Guess that’s the only way she could get a cd released. If that’s the future, a majority of artists are just going to turn away from country and go for a different genre and so will the fans.
January 14, 2008 at 6:06 pm Permalink
So it takes 50+ years, over 50 albums, writing songs for Elvis, recording with Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash, & putting a legendary mark on Southern Roots music for Charlie Daniels to become a member…. yet 3 years and two records for ol’ Josh Turner.
The Opry needs to seriously take a look at it’s criteria for membership.
If I was Charlie Daniels I would whip it out on stage at the Opryland, take a piss, then walk out with my plaque & middle finger raised as dudes like Josh Turner and Dierks Bentley look at me like I just went crazy.
I wonder how pissed Roy Clark was to have ol’ Josh Turner ruin his big night of 60 years in country music with this deal.
January 14, 2008 at 7:51 pm Permalink
Amen Charlie.
January 14, 2008 at 9:49 pm Permalink
Charlie, I wrote an article questioning whether Josh Turner should’ve been inducted, but not for the reasons that you cite. It is typical, not unusual, for an artist to join the Opry early in his/her career. Daniels is an exception and I think a justified one. In fact, I object to his induction much more strongly than I do to Turner’s. Charlie Daniels abandoned country music some time ago.
January 14, 2008 at 11:02 pm Permalink
Yeah, Charlie, that would be a classy thing to do. Turner is trying to keep the neo-traditionalist movement alive, and that’s what the Opry needs at this point. Like Matt said, Daniels hasn’t been country for a long time.
January 26, 2008 at 9:22 am Permalink
Get ready folks for a huge sound! The sound of Ashton Shepherds fans stampeding the stores and websites to purchase her album! History in the making, so pay attention!! Shes,s real! confident! Taking the stage and taking prisoners! A step above the mainstream! Country came home again!!! Thank god!! Thank you Ashton.
January 30, 2008 at 9:25 pm Permalink
I can’t wait to get her album! I have been listening to it non stop since her label put it on her page! It is so awesome. She is so real and refreshing!
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