Seven years ago today was an unforgettable day for Chris Young. It was on October 17. 2017, when Young was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, by Brad Paisley, after he was invited to join in August by Vince Gill.
“Now it’s not just that I went to Bill Anderson’s fan club party, which I did before I had my record deal. It’s not just that I went fishing with Little Jimmy Dickens,” Young told The Tennessean after his induction. “It’s not just those stories now. It’s that I’m also in that family, and it means the world to me.”
After his induction into the Grand Ole Opry, Young said it was an honor that he took very seriously, to be part of the Opry family.
“I do realize that it’s a big responsibility to be a part of the Opry family,” Young told Yahoo! after his induction ceremony. “It makes me proud. And, I’m really excited to be in that group. It’s not a very large group if you look at the number of years it has been around versus the number of people that are actually Opry members.”
Still a regular performer on the Opry stage, Young vows to always honor the history and legacy of the Grand Ole Opry, and what it represents.
“It’s the intersection of the history and the future of country music in so many ways … There’s something really special about saying you’re a part of the Opry family,” Young said. “I remember going to shows there as a kid, and it just holds a very large place of significance to our community.”
Young just celebrated his 14th No. 1 single, with “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” the title track of his latest album.
“Every number one is special, but this one – my 14th – really hits differently,” Young said of the accomplishment. “To be part of Bowie finding success in country music eight years after his passing is truly an honor and it’s been wild to watch audiences at my live shows reacting to this song that has its roots in a rock staple from 50 years ago. Just wow.”
In addition to more music, the 39-year-old is also working on another creative project, this one not related to country music.
“There’s a project people don’t know about that we haven’t announced,” Young just hinted on Country Countdown USA. “I don’t wanna say it yet. But I may or may not be writing a book that has nothing to do with the music business. It is a fiction novel. Something that I’ve not attempted before, but always had it in the back of my mind.”
Find all of Young’s music and tour dates, as well as his upcoming performances at the Grand Ole Opry, at ChrisYoungCountry.com.