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Country Stars Not Opry Members
The Grand Ole Opry is one of country music’s most iconic institutions, with 76 members as of March 2025. But did you know that many huge stars, some of the biggest names in country music are surprisingly not members? That’s right.
For some artists, joining the Opry is a prestigious goal, while for others, the commitment to performing regularly isn’t always possible. Let’s dive into this list of stars who aren’t part of the Opry family.
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George Strait
George Strait, known as the King of Country, is one of the most celebrated artists in country history. Despite his immense success, Strait turned down an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He didn’t want to commit to performing regularly due to his retired life in Texas.
Strait’s impact on the genre is undeniable, with over 60 No. 1 hits. His decision to skip the Opry stage may have disappointed some fans, but his legendary career continues to influence country music every day.
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Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney, a superstar known for his beachy country sound, has been a fixture on the charts for decades. However, he hasn’t appeared at the Opry nearly as often as you’d expect. Chesney’s rare performances at the Opry have kept him from being inducted despite his massive popularity.
His lack of Opry membership might be because his schedule and lifestyle don’t fit the Opry’s requirement for frequent performances.
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Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson, an American music legend, has performed at the Grand Ole Opry in the past. But as his career evolved and he moved back to Texas, his appearances became rare.
Though he was once a frequent performer, his absence from the Opry stage in recent years has kept him from securing membership. Nelson is a trailblazer in country and outlaw music. Despite his connection to the Opry’s history, he’s never received a membership invite.
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Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn, one of the most successful country duos of all time, have made a significant mark on the genre. Despite being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, they aren’t members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have performed at the Opry on separate occasions, but they’ve never been invited to join. Fans have been waiting for the duo to take that next step, but it seems like the Opry membership isn’t in the cards.
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Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s powerful voice has made her a household name, but she’s never been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Though Hill’s 1993 debut performance was a milestone in her career, she hasn’t performed at the Opry enough to receive an official invite.
As one of the most successful crossover artists in country history, Faith Hill’s connection to country music is undeniable. However, her infrequent Opry appearances may be the reason she hasn’t earned a membership yet.
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Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is one of the country’s biggest stars, known for her fiery personality and strong vocals. Despite her many Opry performances, she has yet to be inducted. Fans were shocked when Lambert wasn’t made a member, especially given her prominent place in modern country music.
Lambert’s performances have always been well-received, and she continues to influence the genre. Her lack of membership is puzzling, but her star power hasn’t been affected by it.
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Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s voice has wowed audiences since his debut, and his 2015 solo album made him a household name. He made his Opry debut in 2013, and his performance left an unforgettable impression. However, despite his growing presence in country music, he’s yet to become a member.
Stapleton’s soulful style has won him countless awards, and his Opry performance is considered one of the best. His future with the Opry remains uncertain, but fans would surely love to see him inducted.
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Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam is known for his unique style of honky-tonk and bluegrass-infused country. Though he has performed at the Opry over the years, he has not made enough appearances to qualify for membership. A busy schedule may have kept him from fully embracing the Opry’s commitment.
Yoakam’s distinctive sound has earned him a loyal following, but his infrequent Opry performances have kept him on the outside looking in when it comes to membership.
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Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean made his Opry debut in 2005, but since then, he hasn’t been invited to join. With hits like Dirt Road Anthem and She’s Country, Aldean has been one of the most successful stars of the 2000s and 2010s.
Though Aldean has performed at the Opry, he hasn’t made enough appearances to gain membership. His lack of an invite is surprising, given his stature in country music.
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Tanya Tucker
Tanya Tucker made history in 2023 by becoming the first artist to perform at the Opry while riding horseback. Her connection to the Opry goes back decades, but she hasn’t appeared frequently enough to secure membership.
Tucker’s unique blend of country and Western music has made her an icon. Despite her groundbreaking performances, she has yet to join the ranks of the Opry’s official members.
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Zac Brown Band
The Zac Brown Band has made a few appearances at the Opry over the years, but they’ve never been inducted. Their blend of country, rock, and bluegrass has earned them a loyal fan base, but the Opry membership has eluded them.
With their popularity and diverse sound, the Zac Brown Band would make a great addition to the Opry. But as of now, their time hasn’t come.
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Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan is one of the most recognizable faces in country music today. He’s performed at the Opry nearly every year since his rise to fame. Despite his strong connection to the Opry, Bryan is not a member.
Bryan’s energy and charm have made him a favorite on the Opry stage, but for reasons unknown, he hasn’t been inducted. Fans are hopeful that this will change soon.
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Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen has been no stranger to controversy in recent years. Despite his commercial success and a massive following, the Opry has kept its distance from him. His debut at the Opry in 2017 did not result in an invitation for membership.
Wallen’s success in country music is undeniable, but his controversial moments have likely impacted his relationship with the Opry. His path to membership remains uncertain.
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Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood is known for his patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and has earned his place as a country music legend. However, despite his long career and respect in the industry, he has not been invited to join the Opry.
Greenwood’s connection to the genre is undeniable, yet his lack of appearances at the Opry stage may explain why he’s never received membership.
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Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett, known for his mix of country, pop, and R&B influences, has been a frequent performer at the Opry. Despite his continued support of the institution, Rhett has not yet been inducted.
Rhett’s contributions to modern country music have been significant, but it appears that the Opry membership hasn’t yet been a part of his journey.
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Old Dominion
Old Dominion, known for their catchy tunes and charming performances, made their Opry debut in 2014. Despite multiple appearances since then, they’ve never been invited to join as members.
The band’s modern sound has found a home in country music, but the Opry has yet to extend an invitation. Old Dominion fans hope this will change in the future.
From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, here are the top Old Dominion songs that have captured fans’ hearts.
Discover why you should watch these country artists, who are breaking barriers and redefining the genre with their incredible talent.
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Last Updated: April 9, 2025
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