Kevin Richards' Grand Ole Opry Debut - 2024 Review

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 10:41 AM

From ‘Close Up’ Shows To The Grand Ole Opry, 2024 Was A Very Good Year - Kevin Richards’ Review

We all have ‘good’ and ‘bad’ years- I’m happy to look back on 2024 and proclaim ‘It Was A Very Good Year’!

As we embrace 2025, I wanted to take this time to reflect and be thankful for a blessed 2024. I could never have imagined that the year I turned 50 would be one of the best year’s of my life, personally and professionally. First, I’m thankful to have a home and family full of love- which lays the foundation for everything else to follow.

2024 saw the growth and rise in popularity of my ‘Close Up’ shows. Three years ago, I pursued a passion of producing Nashville Legends on our little hometown stages- starting with Randy Travis, Larry Gatlin, Aaron Tippin, Billy Dean, Suzy Bogguss, Ty Herndon and more. Although ‘Classic Country’ can be a hard sell in the Northern market, several sponsors and donors stepped up to help keep the series going, and thanks to their support we were able to host Grammy Winning legends Crystal Gayle, Kathy Mattea, T.G. Sheppard, Pam Tillis and Doug Stone’s ‘Farewell Tour’ in 2024. Moreover, we saw some of our showbiz friends shine in sold out tribute shows for Patsy, Loretta, Liberace, Judy Garland and The Carpenters. In addition, our treasured yearly visits from ‘The Voice’ superstar, Billy Gilman, and Nashville talents Martin & Kelly filled the calendar with precious musical memories.

Each one of these shows was special in their own way, and I only wish more could have experienced the love, talent and unique presentation by each artist. I could not have been more proud of these productions and the participation from each entertainer. The highest compliment is that every one of these great talents showed their appreciation with high praise for our hometown theaters, production crews and local Country Music fans that made each show a one-of-a-kind memory.

Looking back on 2024, I am also extremely full of pride that our Country Kickers’ Line Dance Group survives and thrives 32 years after it’s founding, overcoming adversity and obstacles higher each time. What a thrill to still host sold out Line Dance events- regionally and nationally- including our sold out Myrtle Beach Country Line Dance Fan Fest. There is not enough time for me to explain how Country Line Dancing has impacted my life in such a positive way- but just know that I am forever grateful to still be able to say those magic numbers every night- 5678.

As I write this, I realize how lucky I am that my list of blessings could go one for pages: from trips, dances, radio shows, family adventures and the biggest circle of friends, and pets, a man could ask for- but there is one that tops my list for 2024- and perhaps my entire 50 years on this earth… My Grand Ole Opry Debut!

I have hosted several trips to the Grand Ole Opry for years, but this year was a bit more special. After the Opry learned that we had loaded 2 full buses (nearly 100 people) to travel from New York to Nashville, I was given the chance to realize a dream come true. As with every trip to the Opry, I expected to host artist interviews backstage, but this time there was no interviews scheduled, as I would be too busy preparing to go ON stage.

I managed to keep my appearance a secret from all of our friends and guests, until the big moment that everyone in Country Music dreams to be a part of- The OPRY! It was happening, I was an official guest announcer on the World Famous Grand Ole Opry, broadcast around the world.

As luck would have it, I was scheduled to introduce one of my favorite people in Country Music- Whisperin’ Bill Anderson! I could not have been more thrilled with my guest announcer spot, as I had worked with Bill for many years, actually hosting him in concert in 2007 and 2010, as a pre-curser to our ‘Close Up’ shows. In addition, an artist like Bill Anderson represents what the Opry meant to me, growing up watching it on television in my Grandparents living room.

As I turned 50 for my Opry Debut, I could only imagine that ‘Little’ Kevin- who was just 12 when he talked on the radio for the first time- would have ever dreamed this would be possible. But, here I stood, from Corinth, NY to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry! However, what made the pinnacle moment stand high and tall among my memories was that I was able to share it with 100 hometown friends and family, actually in the audience, with my 97 Year-Old Grandma Carrie standing right by my side. They talk bout moments that ‘take your breath away’- well, this was one of those rare moments in life that made my bucket list complete.

2024 was a great year! Just like you, I’ve had good and bad years- I just wanted to reflect and thank the people who’ve been with me every step of the way, during both the good and bad years. From Line Dancers to Radio Fans, Friends and Family- for it is YOU- the people I share these experiences with, that makes them so special. They wouldn’t mean near as much without this circle of love and positivity that surrounds me.

Here’s hoping YOU have a great 2025!

Please visit this site to join me for more Country Radio Shows, Listener Adventures, Close-Up Concerts, Music Trips, Country Line Dances and Parties: www.kevinrichards.com.