02/13/2014
Mac McAnally To Make His Grand Ole Opry Debut Feb. 28
Mac McAnally has achieved many milestones in his remarkable career. He's been inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame. He's won the CMA Award for Musician of the Year six consecutive times, most recently last November. He's written six No. 1 hits, become a sought-after producer, and is regarded as one of the foremost musicians of his time. Surprisingly, however, there's one thing McAnally hasn't yet done, and that's play the venerable Grand Ole Opry as a solo performer.
That all changes on Feb. 28 when McAnally is set to take the stage during the Opry's 7 p.m. show. He'll be playing two songs, including a special instrumental surprise for the sure to be packed house. Also on the bill for the Friday night show are Sara Evans, the Henningsens, and Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Ralph Stanley, Jeannie Seely, and more.
Says McAnally, "I've never played the Opry as an artist, only as a sideman. I'm truly honored and am counting on my parents high fiving in heaven. I know they'd be proud."
Coming up, McAnally will also headline an already sold-out show March 21 at another historic venue in the Nashville area, the Franklin Theatre.
A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, McAnally has worked with Jimmy Buffett, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, George Strait, Brad Paisley, and many more. The winner of six consecutive CMA Awards' Musician of the Year, his recent production projects include Buffett's album, "Songs From St. Somewhere," which includes six of McAnally's co-writing credits, and a new project from Jesse Winchester.
Along with performing his own solo dates, McAnally continues writing, producing and touring with Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, and is a highly in-demand session player. His most recent album, "Mac McAnally Live in Muscle Shoals," is available through his website and iTunes.