The Grand Ole Opry paid homage to icon Ray Charles in October 2018 with a special showcase that was hosted by Darius Rucker and featured performances by Darius, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, Leela James, Trisha Yearwood, Jessie Key, Chris Young and Boyz II Men.
The nightâs performances were filmed for a PBS television special, An Opry Salute to Ray Charles, that will premiere on public TV stations nationwide beginning on Sept. 5.
The 90-minute TV special also features behind-the-scenes footage, a visit to the Ray Charles Library and iconic footage courtesy of the Ray Charles Foundation.
âOne of the coolest things about that night, being a part of it, is not just getting to sing Ray Charlesâ music, but also there was such a broad mix of genres and people and eras that all loved and respected him and his music,â says Chris Young. âGetting to be a part of a night that celebrates the impact that he had, being able to sit there and sing a couple of those songs was a very special night. And I got to sing with Boyz II Men too, so it was pretty incredible.â
Set List
- Boyz II Men and Chris Youg: âYour Love So Doggone Goodâ
- Travis Tritt: âI Am Moving Onâ
- Brett Eldredge: âThat Lucky Old Sunâ
- LeAnn Rimes: âFeverâ
- Charlie Wilson: âUnchain My Heartâ
- Darius Rucker: âDonât Change On Meâ
- Boyz II Men: âGeorgia On My Mindâ
- Trisha Yearwood: âYou Donât Know Meâ
- Ronnie Milsap and Jessie Key: âYou Are my Sunshineâ
- Leela James and Cam: âDonât Tell Me Your Troublesâ
- Lukas Nelson: âSeven Spanish Angelsâ
- Chris Young: âI Canât Stop Loving Youâ
- Allen Stone and Cam: âHere We Go Againâ
- Charlie Wilson and LeAnn Rimes:âCrying Timeâ
- Everyone: âAmerica the Beautifulâ
photo by Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images