One of the most historic and iconic venues in all of music is opening its doors to new artists during its centennial celebration, and one of those artists will make their debut in a matter of weeks.
The Grand Ole Opry has seen the best of country music for the better part of the last 100 years, but as the lines blur between traditional country and the newer interpretations of the genre, more artists have been welcomed.
One artist who’s been a major part of country and American music history had yet to perform at the legendary venue, but he will perform at the Opry for the first time in mid-November.
A Music Legend Enters New Territory
Six-time Grammy winner James Taylor is set to make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on November 11.
“The Opry has been built over the last 100 years in large part by songwriters and storytellers,” said executive producer Dan Rogers. “To have one of the very best ever with us to celebrate 100 years is amazing to so many of us.”
Taylor is best known as a singer and songwriter, with some of his most notable songs like “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got a Friend” hitting the top of the Billboard charts. He’s sold millions of albums during his decades-long career, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Taylor is making his Opry debut, but he has ties to the country genre. Artists like George Hamilton IV covered some of his songs, bringing “Carolina in My Mind” and “Sweet Baby James” to different audiences. Taylor also won one of his six Grammy awards for How’s the World Treating You?,” a collaborative effort with Opry member Alison Krauss of Union Station.
Taylor is making his debut at the Opry during a year in which several artists have joined the radio show and venue for the first time. Ringo Starr, Shinedown and Sabrina Carpenter are among the other artists who will or who already have played the Opry in 2025.
Taylor’s Historic Performance
Scotty Hastings, Jamey Johnson and Craig Morgan are all scheduled to perform at the Opry alongside Taylor on November 11. Actor Gary Sinise will also perform, along with his Lieutenant Dan Band.
The Grand Ole Opry is known as the world’s longest-running radio show, running from Nashville since its inception in 1925. It was originally known as the WSM Barn Dance, but adopted its current name in 1927.
Membership at the Opry is extremely exclusive, and only the top names in country music are eligible to receive an invite. Currently, there are only around 75 artists to represent the Opry as official members, including John Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Darius Rucker.
Fans can tune in to see the 77-year-old Taylor make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at WSM Radio or on SiriusXM satellite radio at Willie’s Roadhouse – channel 56.
This story was originally reported by Men’s Journal on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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