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Alt Country Legend Steve Earle Is a Hard Act to Follow at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
Fans of the Grand Ole Opry were extra lucky on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as the legendary radio show presented an eclectic and sometimes Irish inspired program. We were there to see Steve Earle but as always, we enjoyed the entire slate of artists.
Steve Earle at the Grand Ole Opry. Steve Earle is an actor, author, musician and Opry member who is best known for his songwriting prowess. He was a protege of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark yet quickly became a master storyteller in his own right. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, The Pretenders, Waylon Jennings and countless others. In 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2023, Steve was honored by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music for his achievements. At the Opry, Steve was sporting a shamrock shirt. Before playing "Galway Girl", he mentioned that although he spends a lot of time in Nashville, he is currently living in New York working on a variety of musical productions. Like many he expressed appreciation for the Opry but on this occasion his reason was that back in the Big Apple he most likely would be dodging green vomit on the sidewalks after all, some New Yorkers take the holiday associated with drinking very seriously.
Chonda Pierce at the Grand Ole Opry. Earle ended his three-song segment with the popular title track from Copperhead Road (1988). That album is often referred to as Earle's first rock record as it blended bluegrass with metal and a review by Rolling Stone magazine suggested that the style be called "power twang". Since it was St. Patrick's Day the Nashville Irish Step Dancers kicked off the Opry festivities with a traditional dance. Next up was T. Graham Brown who shared a number of his patented boomerang jokes along with country classics but concluded with a rocking "Mustang Sally" which he covered on his most recent record From Memphis to Muscle Shoals.
T. Graham Brown at the Grand Ole Opry. Sunny Sweeney's songs and sound reflected her Texas roots with the visual "East Texas Pines" and "Half Lit in 3/4 Time" which had us sitting at a bar with her. Skip Ewing also took us to different places through his storytelling with our favorite being the reflective "Me & God (And a Fishing Pole)". Charles Esten has played the Opry almost 200 times and it is no wonder as this actor/musician is an engaging entertainer. He talked about his grandmother and her pride in being Irish before dedicating "Danny Boy" to her. Esten closed with a witty drinking song for St. Patty's Day. Gene Watson stuck with a more classic country sound. Comedian Chonda Pierce crafted a parody of "(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman” which was all the better with guest vocalist Gretchen Wilson who stuck around for "Here for the Party". Next was the aforementioned Steve Earle.
Sunny Sweeney at the Grand Ole Opry. "Who wants to follow 'Copperhead Road'?", declared closer Lauren Alaina. She shared that when she said that to Steve backstage that he replied that is why I always play it last - becasue he doesn't want to follow it, either! Lauren talked about her American Idol days and the painful loss of her father but ended her set on an inspiring note by inviting a youngster on stage to help her sing the popular "Road Less Traveled". The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio program ever. Every show is unique as the live format usually showcases established and new artists who are backed by the incredibly versatile House Band. Opry members such as Steve play the venue a certain number of times per year to remain in good standing so be on the lookout for Earle's return.
The rest of the cast from the March 17, 2026 edition of the Grand Ole Opry. Related Links: For more information on STEVE EARLE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Steve Earle | Grand Ole Opry | Steve Earle and the Kentucky HeadHunters Go to Bat for a Good Cause in Nashville
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