Not many people get to be introduced by Garth Brooks when they make their Grand Ole Opry debut, but Mitch Rossell isn’t most people. The singer-songwriter, who wrote Brooks’ 2017 hit single, “Ask Me How I Know,” performed for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, December 17, introduced as a surprise to Rossell by the Country Music Hall of Fame member.

“People, you have to understand where you’re at,” Brooks began. “You’re at the Opry, where every single country singer’s dreams come true here. This is the pinnacle to get to be part of this family. Tonight I’m getting to do something I never get to do. Tonight I’m getting to introduce a guy for the first time ever on this stage. Try to understand that in Nashville, people, it’s regular that the guy that’s waiting on your table plays better guitar than you, sings better than you, writes better than you. There is a level that, once you get to, nobody’s better than anybody else. What I’m saying is, this cat is on that level. There might be somebody that’s as good of a songwriter, but they’re not better. There might be somebody that’s as good of a singer, but they’re not better.”

Brooks, who previously invited Rossell to open for him for several dates on tour, also praised who Rossell is behind the scenes as well as on stage.

“This guy also is one of the greatest men I’ve ever gotten to be around in my life,” Brooks boasted. “Great father. Great husband. He’s got his head on straight. But the favorite thing about this guy that you’ll love and I love — you’ll get it immediately how much this guy loves country music. This guy is a dream. It is my honor to introduce a great talent, and an even greater friend. Please make welcome Mitch Rossell.”

 

Rossell also shared what the experience meant to him, to be introduced on country music’s most important stage by Brooks.

“Last night, I made my Grand Ole Opry debut, and let me just tell you…it was PERFECT,” Rossell wrote. “I had so many family and friends there, and it was overwhelming how many of y’all drove and flew from all over to come watch my set. I was feeling some serious butterflies and trying not to get emotional the entire evening, and then, before I knew it, there I was side stage about to be introduced. I was trying to stay composed…and then…Mr. Mike Terry announced Garth Brooks to come and introduce me.

“It took every ounce of strength in my body y’all, to hold back a river of tears,” he added. “I was shaking. I had no idea Garth had this up his sleeve.”

Even after Rossell finished his performance, the surprises kept coming for the rising star.

“Then I came off stage, and waiting outside their dressing room was the one and only Emmylou Harris and legendary Gail Davies and they stopped me to tell me how much they enjoyed my songs,” Rossell recalled. “I think I floated all the way back to my dressing room where Bill Anderson came in to say some incredibly kind words. I can’t believe I got to live last night. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people I’ve been able to share it with.”

Rossell performed his new single, “Son,” written about his own experience of growing up without a father, and how that impacts his own parenting, now that he is a father.

“This song is a journey through my childhood; a painful picture of how I lost my Dad, and the healing I found with the birth of my first son,” Rossell said of the song. “‘Son’ is by far the most personal song I’ve ever put on paper and is my life story. It’s my way to honor my father’s legacy and the love he poured into me.”

Find “Son” and all of Rossell’s music by visiting his website.