49 Winchester Makes Killer Grand Ole Opry Debut

49 winchester country music
Thomas Crabtree

What a ride these guys have been on. If you haven’t taken a listen to 49 Winchester yet, you need to.

Last night their country music dreams came true as they graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. A dream come true for everyone in the band.

I was fortunate enough to get some words from the guys about their big night and some behind-the-scenes images from Thomas Crabtree of Good Pictures LLC.

49 Winchester got started in the small town of Castlewood, Virginia:

“The earliest days of the band are really just us playing guitar as teenagers. After graduating high school, Isaac, Bus, and Chase started out playing some acoustic shows highlighting Isaac’s early songs.”

Their sound is rooted in country but also draws inspiration from rock, blues, and more. Y’allternative, some might coin the phrase, but more complex at the same time.

When I asked the boys about their sound, they noted:

“Being from such a small town with no music venues, we always had to travel to play. Our sound has continued to evolve every time we hit the stage. There has always been country influences to our music, and some songs are more in that lane, but we are not bound to a certain genre specifically.

We just want to continue making music that we like and resonates with people. There is no better feeling than bringing your songs to the biggest stage in country music and making them part of Opry History.”

And last night, they blew the roof off at their Opry debut.

They were accompanied for a night of music with Vince Gill, Don Schlitz, Aaron Tippin, and more.

When asked about their highlights from the evening shot off performing on WSM earlier that day for an acoustic set, receiving a standing ovation, meeting Randy Travis after the performance over dinner (as he was there to induct Don Schlitz), and going to the podium after the set.

Tim Hall, on keys, dreams came true last night as he grew up watching Opry performances on VHS.

“I remember watching an old VCR tape with my father when I was a kid. It had Hank Jr, Travis Tritt, and Marty Stuart performing ‘Eyes of Waylon.’ I would play those videos back so many times that I would fall asleep on the couch listening to them.

Fast forward, I was talking to a stage tech, Mark. He walked me back to a green room and showed me the exact picture from the VCR tape of Hank, Travis, and Marty performing ‘Eyes of Waylon.’

You could have picked my jaw up off the floor.”

The full circle moment brought tears to their eyes, and clearly, the crowd LOVED them.

To their fans:

“We’re just getting started.”

I am looking forward to the amazing things still to come from 49… from new music and tour dates, I know they will continue to grow in their fame.

49 Winchester opry

49 winchester opry

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