Kathy Mattea is finally getting the recognition she deserves from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. She has been officially invited to join this iconic music institution and will be inducted on Saturday, Oct. 11, during a special two-show night.
The Grand Ole Opry, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is like a living hall of fame for country music. Mattea, a beloved Opry performer for years, received her invitation onstage during a recent broadcast. Fellow West Virginia native Charlie McCoy surprised her by interrupting her performance of her hit song “Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses.” He presented her with a dozen roses and asked, “How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?” Mattea enthusiastically replied, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!” The audience gave her a standing ovation as she took in the moment.
Opry executive producer Dan Rogers expressed his excitement, saying, “I’ve watched Kathy Mattea bring great songs and joy to the Opry stage for nearly 30 years. We look forward to many more performances in her new home.”
Born in Cross Lane, W.V., Mattea has a rich musical background. She moved to Nashville in 1978 and signed with Mercury Records in 1983. Her breakthrough came with the album “Walk the Way the Wind Blows,” featuring hits like “Love at the Five and Dime.” She has scored multiple No. 1 hits, including “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” and has won four CMA Awards and two Grammys.
Since 2021, Mattea has also been hosting Mountain Stage, an NPR show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. She’s excited about this new chapter in her career.
