BILL ANDERSON CELEBRATES 64 YEARS AS THE LONGEST-SERVING MEMBER OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – During his 64th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson was surprised with two remarkable honors during his performance on Tuesday, July 15. Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers presented Anderson with a custom scarf designed by world-renowned designer Manuel Cuevas, given to each Opry member throughout the Opry 100 year. Rogers presented Anderson with his scarf last night to commemorate his historic influence.

Anderson was also recognized on stage by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Committee with the Music and Entertainment Ambassador Award. Bill Anderson said, “More than anything, it’s just a blessing to be up here for more than 64 years. Thank you to the fans and the Opry for supporting me all this time.”

Dan Rogers said, “Bill Anderson has made an indelible mark. We could take a full Opry show and talk about Bill and his impact. He has continued to be a bridge between new and legacy artists for 64 years now, and now we thank him.”

Known affectionately as "Whisperin' Bill," Anderson was inducted into the Opry family July 15, 1961 at the young age of 23. Since then, he has become a pillar of the Opry and a living link between generations of country music tradition.

From classic hits like “Still,” “Po’ Folks,” and “Mama Sang a Song” to chart toppers for artists like George Strait and Brad Paisley, Anderson’s influence reaches every corner of the genre. He remains one of the most awarded and respected songwriters in country music history.

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Anderson continues to write, record, and appear regularly on the Grand Ole Opry, inspiring generations with his timeless contributions to country music.

For more information on Bill Anderson, visit billanderson.com

ABOUT BILL ANDERSON:

Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry titan Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, "City Lights," was written when Anderson was a 19-year old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958. The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing. Anderson was far from a one-hit wonder. He followed "City Lights" with country standards like "Tips Of My Fingers," the GRAMMY-nominated "Once A Day," "Saginaw, Michigan," "That's What It's Like To Be Lonesome," "I Missed Me," "Cold Hard Facts Of Life," which earned him another GRAMMY nomination, "Mama Sang A Song," the crossover smash, "Still," and countless others. He was voted country Songwriter of the Year six times during his first decade in Music City. His success continued into the 1970’s with award-winning hits like "Slippin' Away," "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking," "I May Never Get To Heaven," and the disco-flavored, "I Can't Wait Any Longer." The 1980’s saw Anderson's chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the 1990’s he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like "Wish You Were Here," the GRAMMY-nominated "Two Teardrops," "A Lot Of Things Different," for Kenny Chesney, "Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn)," for Vince Gill and two CMA Song Of The Year trophies for "Whiskey Lullaby," with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Strait’s "Give It Away," in 2005 and 2007 respectfully.  He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisley’s "Dying To See Her.”