Photos courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC by Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry officially welcomed Dustin Lynch as a member last night (Sept. 18) with the help of one of his mentors, Opry member Reba McEntire. Following his performance, McEntire surprised Lynch onstage with the welcome, saying “We’re paving the way like Minnie, Roy, Porter, and all the greats before us paved the way for us. Congratulations and welcome to one of the best families in the world.”
“I told everybody before I came out here I’m a crybaby, and I get it from my dad,” said a visibly moved Lynch, who thanked his friends, family, bandmates, and others who play a part in helping make his dreams come true.“This is one of those dreams right now. … Thank you for allowing us to live the dream.”
Backstage, Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group Jon Loba surprised Lynch with the recognition of another career milestone, presenting him with a plaque certifying streams in excess of one billion.
“We are truly delighted to officially welcome Dustin into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Since making his Opry debut, Dustin has forged a genuine, lasting relationship with the Opry’s members, staff, and audiences. He’s debuted would-be hits on our stage, while backstage he’s gotten to know some of his music heroes and helped welcome newcomers into the country music fold. As Dustin becomes our newest member tonight, we look forward to that relationship growing even stronger, and—as Trace Adkins noted when inviting Dustin to join the family last month—to Dustin carrying on the Opry’s proud tradition for decades to come.”
Lynch made his Opry debut in 2012.
Jon Loba and Dustin Lynch
Pictured (L-R): Jay Jones (VP of Publicity), Chris Loss (VP of Digital Strategy & Analytics), Scotty O’Brien (Southeast Regional), Jon Loba (EVP), JoJamie Hahr (VP of Marketing), Lee Adams (VP of Promotion, BBR), Dustin Lynch, Shelley Hargis (VP of Promotion, BBR), Andrea Knipp (Promotion Coordinator), Rick Shedd (General Manager), Addie Saloman (Director of Digital Marketing), Chelsey Block (Director of Marketing)
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
