CHARLIE DANIELS - DANIELS JOINS THE OPRY

Country star CHARLIE DANIELS was overwhelmed with emotion on Monday night (19Nov07) when he accepted a surprise invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. The 71-year-old was performing at a benefit concert at Nashville, Tennessee's Ryman Auditorium when he was presented with the honour by Opry member Martina MCBride. Accepting the spot on the weekly country music programme, Daniels said, "I can not even begin to tell you folks... this is very emotional for me. "I never ever in my wildest dreams when I came to Nashville with my precious wife and son dreamed that this would happen. To think that now my name will be added along with all these great country artists. Thank you."