Charlie Daniels News

Charlie Daniels received a gift-wrapped surprise at his annual Christmas for Kids benefit: an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry.

Opry member Martina McBride presented it Monday night during the show at the Ryman Auditorium.

"I cannot even begin to tell you folks ... this is very emotional for me," Daniels, 71, told the audience. "I never ever in my wildest dreams, when I came to Nashville with my precious wife and son, dreamed that this would happen. To think that now my name will be added along with all these great country artists. Thank you."

Daniels — whose 1979 platinum single "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" topped the country chart, reached No. 3 on the pop chart and won a Grammy — is a singer, guitarist and fiddler who has been touring with his band since the early 1970s.

After the announcement, the curtains were pulled back to reveal the barn backdrop of the Opry radio show. Daniels will be officially inducted later this winter.

"Charlie Daniels' songs and musicianship are nothing less than legendary," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager.

Established in 1925, the Opry is the longest continuously running radio show in the country. Legends such as Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline were once members of the cast, and stars such as Alan Jackson and McBride are part of today's show, which airs every Friday and Saturday night on WSM-AM.

Opry management says artists are invited to join based on their commitment to the show, measured by the frequency of their guest appearances, and their overall contribution to country music.

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On the Net:

Grand Ole Opry: http://www.opry.com/