McAnally finally makes Opry debut

McAnally has been inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame. He's won the CMA Award for Musician of the Year six consecutive times, most recently last November. He's written six number one hits and a big time session player.

But he has yet to play the Opry as a solo performer.

That all changes on Feb. 28 when McAnally is set to take the stage during the Opry's 7 p.m. show. He'll be playing two songs, including a special instrumental surprise. Also on the bill for the Friday night show are Sara Evans, the Henningsens and Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Ralph Stanley and Jeannie Seely.

"I've never played the Opry as an artist, only as a sideman," McAnally said. "I'm truly honored and am counting on my parents high fiving in heaven. I know they'd be proud."

McAnally will also headline an already sold-out show March 21 at the Franklin Theatre in Nashvill.e

McAnally has worked with Jimmy Buffett, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, George Strait and Brad Paisley. He produced Buffett's album, "Songs From St. Somewhere," which includes six of McAnally's co-writing credits, and a new project from Jesse Winchester.

Along with performing his own solo dates, McAnally continues writing, producing and touring with Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band.\