Steven Curtis Chapman to be honored with Grand Ole Opry membership

The prolific Christian music icon will be honored on Friday as the 75th artist to receive membership at the legendary Nashville venue, joining the ranks of country legends like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Garth Brooks, among others. Chapman received the offer of membership live onstage in July by friend and bluegrass singer Ricky Skaggs. Chapman deserved to be among the greats who have performed on this stage, Skaggs said. Chapman described the Opry as his favorite place to sing and an amazing family to be a part of. Chapman said. He described the invitation as crazy and thanked Jesus Christ.

What’s planned for the night? Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Lady A, and Carly Pearce, are slated to perform at Chapman’s Nov. 1 induction, along with the indie-rock band Colony House, fronted by Chapman’s sons Will and Caleb. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m., ET at the Opry, with $5 of every ticket benefiting Chapman’s nonprofit for orphans.

Isn’t Chapman a Christian singer? Chapman made his Opry debut in 1982, years before his first No. 1 single in 1988, “His Eyes.” After decades in contemporary Christian music, Chapman’s catalog now boasts 50 No. 1 singles, including “The Great Adventure,” “For The Sake of the Call,” and “Dive.” His 1994 album Heaven in the Real World boasted four No. 1 singles and went Platinum in 1997. Chapman’s gut-wrenching bitter-sweet ballad, “Cinderella,” also gained massive popularity, inspired by the tragic death of his five-year-old daughter in 2008.

Five of Chapman’s albums received a Grammy award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, including  All Things New, Speechless, The Live Adventure, The Great Adventure, and For The Sake Of The Call. Chapman also received an American Music Award and dozens of Dove awards.

Dig deeper: Read Mark Bergin’s 2005 report on Chapman promoting adoption while on tour.