13 Country Stars Who Surprisingly Aren’t Members Of The Opry
on Jul 27, 2023 • Updated Mar 19, 2025
Some of the biggest names in country music history have impressive resumes that don’t include Opry membership.
Most country artists will tell you that their biggest career aspiration was to be invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. Yet, there are many artists who have achieved incredible career success without ever becoming a member of the hallowed Opry family.
Explore the stories behind these artists who’ve made a mark on the world of country music, despite not having Opry membership as part of their legacy.
MIRANDA LAMBERT
Despite her numerous performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Miranda Lambert remains absent from the esteemed lineup, leaving fans wondering why this country music powerhouse has yet to secure a coveted membership.
Since parting ways with Opry member Blake Shelton, Lambert’s perspectives have reportedly changed. Despite adding star power with each appearance, Lambert isn’t actively campaigning for membership.
During a press event after receiving her star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, she revealed her reservations, stating:
“It’s sort of something I don’t talk about. You don’t ask or say that out loud. It was always a big deal to Blake. That was kinda something we always talked about, and he became a member. But I had never really sort of set it out for myself.”
As the artist with the most CMA Female Vocalist of the Year titles in history, there’s certainly a spot for her in the Opry cast, and Lambert seems to be contemplating making the Opry stage her permanent home. While she might have once focused on this dream for Shelton, Lambert is now open to the idea, saying, “I definitely would never say no to being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, for sure.”
For fans of Miranda Lambert, the question remains: Will she soon claim her rightful place on the Opry membership list? Only time will tell.
HANK WILLIAMS JR.
While the Grand Ole Opry boasts a roster of country music’s finest, one name that remains absent is Hank Williams Jr. Hank’s decision not to join the institution isn’t fueled by animosity or any past family drama. In a candid interview with Taste of Country Nights, the country legend revealed that his musical preferences shaped his path.
While his father, Hank Williams, was a member of the Opry, Hank Jr. made it clear that his heart wasn’t set on that stage. “I wasn’t listening to no Grand Ole Opry, brother,” he confessed. Instead, young Hank was drawn to a different beat – the soulful rhythms of R&B. The sounds of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland and Bo Diddley captivated a young Hank and inspired his album, “Rich White Honky Blues,” a compilation of blues covers and original tracks.
While Hank respects the Opry and enjoys mingling with fellow artists there, he remains true to the sounds that shaped him. So, while the Grand Ole Opry remains a cherished tradition for many, Hank Williams Jr. is content walking his own musical path. And that’s what makes him an irreplaceable icon in the world of country music.
GEORGE STRAIT
George Strait, undoubtedly one of the greatest male country artists of all time, has left a lasting impact on the genre, and his influence in the industry is nothing short of legendary. Fans may have wondered why the King of Country isn’t a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While there isn’t a definitive answer, one possible reason could be the geographical distance between Strait’s home in Texas and the Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
As the singer is retired from the road, the required annual commute may not be as appealing to him. Yet, it’s worth noting that, despite not being a member, it’s unlikely that Strait doesn’t find himself in Nashville every now and then for work-related matters. As for why George Strait and the Opry have yet to join forces, no one has a clear answer.
CHRIS STAPLETON
Despite his show-stopping debut at the Grand Ole Opry on September 24, 2013, where he left the audience in awe with his performance of “Amanda,” Chris Stapleton‘s journey to becoming a member of the esteemed Opry family took a slightly different route. Prior to that performance, Stapleton had made some major career moves, having gone solo after his time with the SteelDrivers and securing a record deal with Mercury Nashville. However, his first single, “What Are You Listening To,” failed to break into the Top 40.
While his songwriting talents had earned him recognition, including work with George Strait and Kenny Chesney, Stapleton had yet to make his mark as a mainstream artist. Nevertheless, his performance that night at the Opry showcased his talent and passion for country music’s roots.
Although he isn’t currently a member of the Opry, there’s no denying that Chris Stapleton’s impact on the genre is unmatchable, leaving fans hoping he will get his turn at Opry membership in the near future.
TIM MCGRAW
While Tim McGraw is undeniably a powerhouse in the country music world, he has yet to be inducted into the ranks of Opry membership.
It’s surprising, considering his illustrious career and his memorable debut at the Opry back in December 2003. Since then, Tim has made a few appearances, but not as frequently as some might expect. As of now, he seems to have taken a step back from the Opry spotlight, leaving fans wondering about the reasons behind his absence. While we don’t have a concrete answer, it’s worth noting that Opry membership often comes with a deep-rooted connection to the genre’s traditions, and perhaps Tim’s focus lies elsewhere.
Who knows, maybe one day we’ll see him back on the Opry stage, adding another impressive accomplishment to his already unmatchable resume.
FAITH HILL
Faith Hill made her unforgettable Grand Ole Opry debut on Dec. 18, 1993, just months after her debut album, “Take Me as I Am,” took the world by storm. Despite her early success and subsequent stardom in the country music scene, Faith hasn’t received an invitation to join the Opry. While her chart-topping singles and triple platinum debut album have solidified her position as one of the most iconic female artists in country music, an Opry membership has somehow evaded her.
BROOKS & DUNN
While Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have undoubtedly left a mark on the country music genre, there’s one accolade that still eludes them: membership in the Opry.
Despite making memorable solo appearances on the legendary Opry stage, Brooks & Dunn have yet to secure a spot as official members. Nevertheless, their impact on the country music industry is impressive. With a staggering 80 industry awards under their belt, including two Grammy Awards, 20 Country Music Association trophies, and 27 Academy of Country Music honors, they hold the title of the most-awarded act in ACM history. Not to mention, they have collectively been named Entertainer of the Year four times by both the ACM and CMA.
ALABAMA
While Alabama holds a prestigious place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, some fans may wonder why they are not official members of the Grand Ole Opry. Despite the band’s remarkable 50-year history and numerous appearances on the Opry stage, they have not been inducted as official members.
The Opry, with its deep-rooted traditions, has often been selective in extending membership invitations. However, Alabama is credited with revolutionizing the country music scene, introducing rock-style guitars, lights, pyrotechnics, and unique sounds to the genre. Their impact has been felt not only by their peers but also by a wide range of artists, including the likes of Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and even rock icon Jon Bon Jovi. The band’s music has stood the test of time, as evidenced by its enduring popularity, with younger generations still singing along to classics like “Dixieland Delight.” Alabama’s success is unparalleled, with over 80 million albums sold, 43 #1 singles (including an unprecedented streak of 21 consecutive #1 hits), and a multitude of prestigious awards.
Their philanthropy and charitable efforts have also made them world-class humanitarians. But for some reason, these accomplishments have been overlooked by the Opry, leaving fans to wonder why they’ve never been offered a place in the hallowed ranks.
TOBY KEITH
While Toby Keith made a significant impact on the country music scene over the past two decades, his limited appearances at The Opry have left some fans wondering why he was never made a member.
Toby made his Opry debut in 2002, but it wasn’t until nine years later that he graced the historical stage again. The Grand Ole Opry often looks for artists who have a strong and consistent presence at the venue. While Toby’s performances were well-received, he only played a handful of times, and the Opry tends to favor artists with more frequent visits.
THE JUDDS/WYNONNA
Despite their impact on country music history, the beloved mother-daughter duo of The Judds, comprising lead vocalist Wynonna Judd and her late mother Naomi Judd, were never officially welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry.
The Judds rose to fame after signing with RCA Nashville in 1983, and their journey was nothing short of remarkable, producing six studio albums and charting numerous number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The duo’s accolades include five Grammy Awards and nine Country Music Association awards, cementing their place as one of the greatest duos in the genre’s history.
On April 30, 2022, Naomi Judd sadly passed away by suicide, one day before they were scheduled to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Though The Judds didn’t receive the Opry’s official invitation, Wynonna’s fans are hopeful that she may one day have the honor of being a Grand Ole Opry member.
SHANIA TWAIN
Canadian musician Shania Twain has yet to be extended an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Twain’s journey to stardom began with her self-titled debut album which unfortunately sold only 100,000 copies.
However, her fortunes changed when she collaborated with the renowned producer Robert John (“Mutt”) Lange, resulting in her second album, The Woman in Me, which was a massive hit, selling over 18 million copies and earning her a Grammy Award. Follow-up albums like Come On Over and Up! solidified her status as the best-selling female country musician and marked her as the first female artist across genres to have two consecutive albums surpassing 10 million copies sold.
Despite her success, the reason why Twain hasn’t been welcomed into the Opry remains a mystery.
WILLIE NELSON
Willie Nelson made his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 28th, 1964, and became an official member in 1965.
But, in 1972, Willie left Music City and moved back to his home state of Texas. The distance complicated his Opry memberships. So, while Willie once graced the Opry with his presence, the distance between Texas and Nashville eventually led him to relinquish his membership and he hasn’t been invited to rejoin since.
TANYA TUCKER
Tanya Tucker has an impressive career that spans from the “Hee-Haw” era to modern crossover success. Despite having 56 Top 40 singles, 23 Top 40 albums, and 10 No. 1 hits to her credit, she still awaits an official invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Opry’s decision to include new acts is based on career accomplishments, commitment, and the relationship between performers and fans. Tanya’s journey has been a remarkable one that includes two GRAMMY Awards and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tanya’s exclusion from the Opry remains a mystery. But, perhaps her day of joining the family is yet to come.
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