The legendary Crystal Gayle was scheduled to perform for the Grand Ole Opry at the famed Ryman Auditorium in November 2016. Also on the bill were Brothers Osborne, Marty Stuart, “Humble and Kind” writer Lori McKenna and many more.
Gayle began singing her classic hit “Don’t It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue” for adoring country music fans when she was joined by a special guest. As soon as her surprise guest appeared, the audience went nuts – this was clearly a huge surprise to everyone!
Carrie Underwood emerged from backstage to help Gayle finish the song and they sounded incredible together. Underwood took the higher harmony, while Gayle sang the low melody for the last bit of the 1977 hit.
“Don’t It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue” is Gayle’s most successful song and began her country-pop crossover career. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, number two on the Hot 100 chart, and in the Top 10 on Canadian, Netherlands, New Zealand and UK charts. It has since become a staple in all her live shows.
Since Gayle and Underwood pulled of this huge surprise, Underwood and the Grand Ole Opry wanted to surprise the country legend with something she didn’t see coming! Following their short duet, Underwood invited her to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. Before she could even finish the question, Gayle responded with, “I would love that!”
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Underwood announced that her induction ceremony would take place on January 21, 2017. Gayle, who has been in the country music industry since 1970, said, “I’ve always felt like I was a member of the family, and this is just so special, thank you!”
Now that she is a member, it will be a family affair. Her sister, Loretta Lynn, has been an Opry member since 1962. Gayle celebrated her Opry invitation with a Facebook post. She shared a photo of herself and Underwood backstage.
“What a nice surprise at the Ryman tonight,” she wrote as the caption. “I am honored and thrilled to be invited to join the Opry family by Carrie Underwood. It was also great singing with Carrie, one of the best female vocalists ever. Love you Carrie!”
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Watch both surprises in the video below! Your heart will fill with joy watching Gayle’s reaction to Underwood’s invitation.