Monday, November 30, 2009

The Grand Ole Opry






A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to play the Opry at its original home--the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. I consider it a great honor to be able to play on a stage that has so much history.  The likes of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, etc. have all performed there, which means the Ryman has the coolest stage in all of music!  Before the show, I got to spend some time backstage with one of my heroes, Little Jimmy Dickens.  He's always such a pleasure to be around, and I'll never forget that he was the first person to introduce me on the Opry in 1991.  He is one of a kind and one of the last "greats" still among us. The Opry is great, except for the fact that they only let you play three songs!!  (ha ha). That night, we played three of our best--I Can Still Feel You, That's My Story, and She's With Me (my newest single and tribute to my granddaughter).  Thank you to all who attended!!  I am looking forward to more Opry performances in the future and hope to see you there!



Backstage at the Opry with the band.

4 comments:

  1. I used to be an avid country non-listener. But, on a business trip, I went to Nashville and saw you perform-- it was the Grand Ole Opry, but in a different building. To be honest, I went because my friend REALLY likes your music, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I had a great time: I loved how you interacted with the audience and your music was so fun. I have been a Collin Raye Fan since. I wonder how many people you converted this time.

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  2. Collin, wanted to tell you what a great tribute that was to Haley. I saw your video on CMT and I was almost in tears watching the beauty and the love you two have for each other. I don't know how you were able to sing without welling up, I couldn't have done it.

    'Sometimes God's greatest gifts are unaswered prayers' (Garth?) I believe each child born into this world has 'Destined for Greatness' invisibly etched into their souls because they are our greatest teachers. Learning, knowing and understanding about love, compassion, mercy, patience, grace are what 'the less than' teach us.

    People look away and don't want to acknowledge they exist but when they do, they short change their growth from that point forward. The love you have for your grand daughter cannot be measured in man's terms, but in the eyes of the Lord 'He see's all'.

    Thank you very much for your gift of music and for making my day that much better. Good luck to you and your family and Happy Holidays.

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  3. Collin....thanks, again, for another set of fun concerts in Laughlin last weekend. We brought some friends from Boston and you now have three new avid fans as a result. Thanks for remembering our anniversary, it was very special. We've followed you for over fifteen years and you never disappoint. We're looking forward to seeing you, again soon, in 2010. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Donna Royds

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  4. Collin, my forever friend...I have been a fan since the first time I heard "Love Me" in the early 90's and it has special meaning to me and my hubby (he went HOME 10/5/09). Thanks for reaching out to me when I came to see you at the Ryman Nov. 7th. You sang "I Can Still Feel You" and I knew it was for me. Your music and friendship have helped me more than you will ever know.

    Praying you have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Looking forward to seeing you in Alabama in 2010...Remember the blessings....
    forever friends,Florrie Cox

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