In the words of noted philosopher Lizzo: IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME.
Charles Wesley Godwin has announced that he’ll be stepping into the iconic circle and making his Grand Ole Opry debut on February 10.
The powerhouse singer and songwriter from West Virginia burst onto the scene back in 2018 with his debut album, Seneca, and then began really picking up steam with his 2021 follow up How the Mighty Fall. He’s kept a full touring schedule, out pounding the pavement opening up for Zach Bryan along with selling out venues around the country as people finally start to realize what a special artist Charles really is.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see Charles live yet, he puts on one of the most high-energy shows you’ll ever see, filled with the incredible sound of his band, The Allegheny High, to go along with his booming vocals and introspective songwriting inspired by his home in the Appalachian Mountains.
And while he’s an independent artist without the backing of the Nashville machine, it’s great to see an artist like Charles build such a rabid following the old-fashioned way: With killer songwriting, an amazing voice, and a workhorse-like touring schedule that’s allowed him to earn fans every time he steps on stage.
It’s also encouraging that the Opry seems to be welcoming more artists from “outside the club” lately – bringing in names like Zach Bryan, Flatland Cavalry, Morgan Wade, and 49 Winchester to truly showcase the diversity (and strength) of country music today.
This is obviously a major win for Charles. But it’s also a win for the Opry. It’s a win for country music.
And if you’re a fan of real-deal songwriting and killer country music, this is a win for you too.
Charles will be appearing on the Opry along with Lady A, Mark O’Connor, and more to be announced at a later date.
I’ve already got tickets to see Charles at least twice this year, but it looks like I’ll be seeing him a third time next month – and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
And just because I love this song from his first album and would love to hear it echoing from the hallowed walls of the Grand Ole Opry, here’s “Sorry for the Wait.”