Chris Janson inducted to ‘The Opry’

Garth Brooks welcomes US country star into “the family”

Chris Janson couldn’t hide the emotion on Tuesday night, when he stood on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, taking in the moment and tears streaming down his face. It was evident Janson knew the importance of this special occasion.

Next to him stood Garth Brooks, who welcomed Janson “to the family” and passed along words of wisdom from his own induction more than two decades ago.

“I will tell you this,” Brooks said.”This will be, no matter how many times you look back on it, the greatest night in your music career. It’s mine.”

Brooks recalled “what Johnny Russell said to me” when Brooks was welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry in 1990.

“Enjoy it, son,” Brooks said.

After accepting the Opry award to a standing ovation, Janson, 31, recalled the start of his own career in Nashville 13 years ago when he went door-to-door to Lower Broadway honky tonks, finally being allowed to play at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge watching the country stars come and go from the iconic Ryman Auditorium.

“I got two dreams that came true, man,” Janson told the crowd. “one was getting on the radio, and one was getting on the Opry, and now to be a member is, uh …”

He was cut off by applause, before his wife, Kelly, and children, whom he had earlier invited out, walked on stage.

Wow. Just wow. I am so humbled and grateful to be an official @opry member. And my Lord, @garthbrooks inducted me. This has been SO amazing. pic.twitter.com/Crp30ONfng

— Chris Janson (@janson_chris) March 21, 2018