Ringo Starr's Opry Debut was Far Out
By Lane Vaughn
“He got his start more than 60 years ago in Liverpool playing local clubs. Most recently, he released an album produced here in Nashville. In between, he and his mates changed the world with their music.”
With those words, announcer Mike Terry introduced Ringo Starr to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. The legendary Beatles drummer made his debut on February 21 in front of a sold-out crowd. After taking a moment to admire the iconic wooden circle, he shared his lifelong love for country music, saying, “It’s just a dream to end up here. It’s far out.”
Ringo’s Opry debut marks a highlight of Opry 100—our best year yet, featuring more stars, surprise guests, and unforgettable moments. As we aim for 100 debuts this year, welcoming Ringo to the Opry family is a true thrill.
Ringo energized the crowd with a performance of “Time On My Hands” from his new album Look Up, followed by “Act Naturally,” originally recorded by Buck Owens and famously covered by the Beatles in Help!. For the grand finale, he was joined on stage by the evening’s other performers, including Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, Molly Tuttle, Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz, Mandy Barnett, Rhonda Vincent, Mickey Guyton, and Ricky Skaggs for a rousing rendition of the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Watch a recap of his unforgettable performance below.
WE GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
Through the years, the Opry has always welcomed friends from different genres. Rockers, pop stars, comedians, movie stars, and even presidents have graced our stage, connected by a love of country music and admiration of Nashville’s music history. As we continue to push country music’s boundaries, we’re excited to see who steps into the circle next.
Be on the lookout for more exciting artist announcements throughout our 100th year. While you wait, here are five other artists you might not know have played on the Opry.
Michael Bublé
After Carly Pearce appeared with Michael Bublé on NBC’s The Voice, she surprised him with an invite to play on the Opry. Michael made his debut on December 15, 2024, during an Opry Country Christmas show. He and Carly sang their duet, Maybe This Christmas. On stage, he quipped, “I’m going to walk out of here telling everybody that I’m a huge country star now.”
Post Malone
Post Malone made his Opry debut in on August 14, 2024, hot on the heels of his groundbreaking crossover album F-1 Trillion. Joined by a star-studded lineup including Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Lainey Wilson, Post performed to an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd. He expressed his gratitude at being invited to play on country music’s biggest stage, saying, “Stepping into the circle today for the first time was very much like the Super Bowl.”
“Welcome to country music, Post Malone,” said Opry Member Lainey Wilson. “We’re glad to have you.”
Pharrell Williams
Singer, songwriter, and producer Pharrell Williams visited the Opry as a surprise guest of country group Little Big Town on June 7, 2016. He joined the band on stage to help them sing “C’mon,” a track off their album Wanderlust, which he produced. Pharrell grabbed a drum and added a new vocal layer to the group’s legendary harmonies.
Jack Black
It wasn’t a complete shock when comedian and musician Jack Black made his Opry debut. After all, he grew up with bluegrass roots and had a father-in-law, Charlie Haden, who was a famed jazz bassist. The pair performed on the Opry stage on February 28, 2009. Alongside them were bluegrass stars Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Andy Hall, Jim Mills, and Bryan Sutton.
James Brown
In 1979, soul singer James Brown made his legendary Opry debut. He was invited to perform on stage by Porter Wagoner when in Nashville finishing up his song “It’s Too Funky in Here.” While on stage, he performed a medley of songs including “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Georgia On My Mind,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” A lifelong country music fan, he later said that performing on the Opry was a career highlight.
Every Opry show is unscripted, unrehearsed, and one-of-a-kind. Last week, one of the most famous rock & roll icons of all time donned a white cowboy hat and stepped onto our stage… you never know who might be next!
Join us for an Opry 100 show as we celebrate the most thrilling year in country music. As Ringo said, “Can you dig it?”
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