The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the songs of Ray Charles as well as the influence the iconic artist had on not only country music, but all of music on a special Monday Night Opry, “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles,” on October 8. “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles” will be hosted by Opry member Darius Rucker and will feature unique collaborations and special performances of Charles’s music, performed by Boyz II Men, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Leela James, Lukas Nelson, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Chris Young and more.
“An Opry Salute to Ray Charles” will be filmed for a PBS television special to air in November, 2018. The special will also feature behind the scenes footage, a visit to the Ray Charles Library and iconic footage courtesy of the Ray Charles Foundation.
“When you think of musical legends, you think of Ray Charles,” says Rucker. “To host this great event celebrating his legacy at the Opry makes it even more special. Being asked to join the Opry six years ago was one of the greatest highlights of my career and it’s an honor any time I get to step onto that stage, especially for a night like this.”
Tickets for “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles” will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday September 20 at 10:00 am at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com.
“An Opry Salute to Ray Charles” is produced by Opry Entertainment Group, Black & White TV, Inc. and The Content Farm in association with The Ray Charles Foundation.
The special Monday Night Opry will kick-off a star-studded Opry 93rd birthday week which includes not only the previously announced special birthday concert by Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride at 3 PM Sat., Oct. 13 at the Grand Ole Opry House but Opry shows on Tuesday, October 9 and an Opry Country Classics show hosted by Larry Gatlin on Thursday, Oct 11 at the Ryman Auditorium. The official Opry Birthday Bash weekend includes two shows on Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13.
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