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Courtesy Mike Ryan
02of 10Courtesy Mike RyanMaking my Opry debut was really special. To be part of this great history and to follow some of the greats in great country music is a dream come true. When I arrived, I had my own reserved parking spot with my name on it, and I felt completely welcomed. It was surreal to stand at the artist entrance, and it was only the beginning of an incredible night.
02of 10
Making my Opry debut was really special. To be part of this great history and to follow some of the greats in great country music is a dream come true. When I arrived, I had my own reserved parking spot with my name on it, and I felt completely welcomed. It was surreal to stand at the artist entrance, and it was only the beginning of an incredible night.
03of 10Courtesy Mike RyanSigned some guitars at the Opry!
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Signed some guitars at the Opry!
04of 10Courtesy Mike RyanMy sons MJ, 6, and Myles, 3, were the ones that initially surprised me with the news of my Opry debut. When they told me, I was in the studio working on a project and MJ and Myles came in with a box of tissues. My manager had rehearsed with them what to say, but when it came down to it, they got stage fright. So for a couple minutes, they didn’t say anything but giggle. Finally, MJ told me that I was going to make my debut at the Opry and then I understood why they brought a box of tissues. To have my kids involved in the moment was really special and is something I’ll never forget.
04of 10
My sons MJ, 6, and Myles, 3, were the ones that initially surprised me with the news of my Opry debut. When they told me, I was in the studio working on a project and MJ and Myles came in with a box of tissues. My manager had rehearsed with them what to say, but when it came down to it, they got stage fright. So for a couple minutes, they didn’t say anything but giggle. Finally, MJ told me that I was going to make my debut at the Opry and then I understood why they brought a box of tissues. To have my kids involved in the moment was really special and is something I’ll never forget.
05of 10Courtesy Mike RyanI was excited to join an incredible lineup of artists on the same night as my debut. The Opry gifted me an awesomeHatch Show Printposter with my name on it and the lineup that included Maggie Rose,Lee Brice, Bryan White and more.
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I was excited to join an incredible lineup of artists on the same night as my debut. The Opry gifted me an awesomeHatch Show Printposter with my name on it and the lineup that included Maggie Rose,Lee Brice, Bryan White and more.
06of 10Courtesy Mike RyanWe dropped in for rehearsal with the Opry band prior to our performance. Getting to rehearse with the band was so seamless. It was such an honor to play with them. They are all such a talented group of people and pros at what they do. They picked up the songs really quickly.
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We dropped in for rehearsal with the Opry band prior to our performance. Getting to rehearse with the band was so seamless. It was such an honor to play with them. They are all such a talented group of people and pros at what they do. They picked up the songs really quickly.
07of 10Courtesy Mike RyanBackstage I met Maggie Rose and we had a nice chat and got to hang out for a few minutes. She isso talentedand is the sweetest person.
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Backstage I met Maggie Rose and we had a nice chat and got to hang out for a few minutes. She isso talentedand is the sweetest person.
08of 10Courtesy Mike RyanRight before my official debut, I was able to step out into the legendary circle and take a minute. There’s a whole stage out there, but there’s one special spot where the greats all stand, and to be able to soak that in was really special.
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Right before my official debut, I was able to step out into the legendary circle and take a minute. There’s a whole stage out there, but there’s one special spot where the greats all stand, and to be able to soak that in was really special.
09of 10Courtesy Mike RyanWalking down the hall getting ready to make my Opry debut — it was all about to happen!
09of 10
Walking down the hall getting ready to make my Opry debut — it was all about to happen!
10of 10Mike Ryan.Chris Hollo/Grand Old OpryPerforming on stage at the Opry was incredible. My family and my two sons were in the audience and it was hard not to get emotional. It was an honor to be included and I am truly grateful to be a part of the tradition. What a night!
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Mike Ryan.Chris Hollo/Grand Old Opry
Performing on stage at the Opry was incredible. My family and my two sons were in the audience and it was hard not to get emotional. It was an honor to be included and I am truly grateful to be a part of the tradition. What a night!
source: people.com
