Scott Stapp at The Grand Ole Opry

Though Scott Stapp, the frontman of Creed and a solo rock performer, may appear to be a surprising choice for the storied circle of the Grand Ole Opry, he isn't the only unconventional artist to step onto this revered platform. Over the years, renowned acts like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Peter Frampton have also taken the Opry stage. Comedians and Christian musicians have joined them as well. Recently, "American Idol" alum Katharine McPhee completed consecutive performances there too, and my personal favorite, Slash. The unifying theme connecting them all, naturally, is music.

"I was unaware until I got into the community how big it is and how supportive and protective they are of people who are sincere... When they know your heart, they've got your back," Stapp shared. Reflecting on his Opry invitation, he said, "I am humbled by this invitation and grateful for the Opry's tradition of including outliers like me. The Nashville songwriting community has been an incredible source of inspiration and support through a life-changing era for me, so it is a distinct honor to step into the circle for the first time."

Dan Rogers, the Opry's executive producer and senior vice president, stated, "It's a whole lot of fun to introduce the Opry to artists whose music we've been fans of for years." He added, "The Opry is always going to first and foremost be about celebrating the past, present, and future of country music. While the musical styles that have rung out on the Opry airwaves for the past 100 years will thrive in our second century just as they have in our first, we also appreciate the opportunity to broaden what you might expect to see and hear at the Opry." Wednesday night's show was a testament to this, with a diverse lineup including Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent, T Graham Brown, contemporary Christian artist Tasha Layton, and of course, Stapp.

Stapp's Opry debut represented roots that run deep. The Grammy-winning rock singer told the crowd that he never thought he would play on this stage, recalling his childhood memories of watching the Opry with his grandparents. "I never thought in a million years that one day I'd be gracing this stage. An outlier like myself being asked to come play here was just an honor," he said.

Stapp's performance was a blend of his own work and a Creed classic. He opened with the first-ever live rendition of his duet "If These Walls Could Talk," featuring singer Dorothy. He then treated the Opry audience to the Creed hit "My Sacrifice," which featured a last-minute collaboration with Nashville singer/songwriter Natalie Stovall on harmonies. Stapp brought the house down with a powerful set, starting off with his first-ever duet and transitioning into Creed's iconic "My Sacrifice." "You can't lose with a great song, even if it's played different,” he declared.

"You know, the Opry's always been about great musicians, great songs and great entertainment," Stapp said. "And so I feel like they're inviting people in that are talented musicians and talented songwriters in their field. And you can't lose with a great song, even if it's played different. I think it's going to help bring in a whole new generation of young people that can have that same type of experience that I had."

Stapp's journey from the frontman of the multi-platinum band Creed to his solo career has been marked by both success and personal challenges. As a solo artist, his trademark lyricism and powerful delivery have continued to inspire listeners through unflinching examinations of failure and triumph, overcoming and rebuilding. His latest album, "Higher Power," has been met with rave reviews, cementing his status as a versatile and compelling artist.

The Opry's decision to invite Stapp to perform represents a commitment to embracing a diverse array of musical talent and expanding the boundaries of what is traditionally considered "country music." Dan Rogers emphasizing that the Opry is focused on presenting the past, present, and future of the genre, & his decision to welcom artists from outside the country music sphere who bring their own unique perspectives and creative visions to the iconic stage is a bold and in my opinion beautiful move. It allows artists such as Stapp & Slash to be seen by music lovers who may have never had the opportunity to really explore before now. A celebration of musical evolution is underway, and the Opry stands as a beacon, embracing the past while welcoming the future. What an exciting time

of celebration for musical evolution, where the Opry shines as a pillar of strength, both recognizing its rich history and welcoming the future with open arms.

Written by

Anna Manis

Zeuses Muses

October 2024