Darius Rucker Becomes Member of Grand Ole Opry

Darius Rucker was performing at the Grand Ole Opry when, in the middle of his set during the weekly Tuesday night Opry show, he was abruptly interrupted.  The announcer asked him if he would be willing to respond to some questions from the audience.  Ever the gentleman, he agreed and responded to the queries of two female fans. 

That’s when one more question was allowed and it was asked by a man in a white hat.  Within moments, the audience recognized him as country music superstar, Brad Paisley.  The audience cheered while Rucker and his band started laughing.  You see, he had been pranked by Paisley before and likely assumed this was one of those times but, really, this was something much more important than any gag.

Paisley said: "I have two questions. One, are you still the worst poker player in the world?"  Rucker had to admit that he remains unskilled at the card game.  That’s when Paisley followed up saying: "And two.  Would you like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?"

The crowd erupted and gave an astonished Rucker a standing ovation.  He will become the “first African-American to join the Opry since Charley Pride became a member in 1993.”  Wiping tears from his eyes, he told his fans: "You guys are here for one of the most special nights of my life. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Rucker, the former frontman for Hootie and the Blowfish, will be inducted during the GAC’s Noteworthy at the Opry segment of the radio show on October 16, 2012.