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 Nashville Public Television on Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. CT, in advance of national syndication 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.
âWhen you think of musical legends, you think of Ray Charles,â says Darius. âTo host this great event celebrating his legacy at the Opry makes it even more special. Being asked to join the Opry six years ago was one of the greatest highlights of my career and itâs an honor any time I get to step onto that stage, especially for a night like this.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