Jelly Roll was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry while appearing on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience‘ podcast. Rogan surprised Jelly with a video message from his mentor and friend Craig Morgan during the podcast, in which Morgan officially invited Jelly to join the Opry.
In the video message taken from the Grand Ole Opry House, Morgan said: “Hey Jelly, my friend. I want to take a minute today to say congratulations on all the great things happening in your career and to thank you for the positive difference you are making in the lives of so many people who need the help. You are doing great work, buddy. I’ll never forget meeting you on the Grand Ole Opry, and how much it meant to ME to hear you say my music helped you get through some really tough times. That’s one thing country music does really well. Who would have ever dreamed I’d be back at the Opry House today to say… Jelly Roll, you are officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s an honor to say, ‘Welcome to the family, brother.’”
Jelly Roll made his debut at the Opry on November 9, 2021, and since then he’s gone on to mentor many artists through the ‘Opry NextStage’ program, as well as serving as host of ‘Opry NextStage Live’ shows in Texas.
Jelly’s history with Morgan dates back years, when he was just released from prison and in the Opry audience as Morgan performed “Almost Home” – which Jelly has said was a “life changing” moment for him. Years later, Jelly was surprised on stage by Morgan. where they performed “Almost Home” together, and Morgan presented him with handwritten, framed lyrics of the song.
Jelly Roll later wrote on Instagram, alongside a video of the surprise moment: “I don’t even know what to say right now y’all. They invited me to be a member of the Opry. CRAIG MORGAN INVITED ME TO BE A MEMBER OF THE OPRY!!!! I’m honored beyond words and I can’t stop pinching myself. To everyone at the Opry, y’all are like family to me. To Craig Morgan, no matter how many times I say it i’ll never be able to tell you enough how much this has all meant to me. I love you Joe Rogan.”
An official induction date will be announced soon.
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