In early July 2025, the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, Tennessee – a cornerstone of country music – hosted a special concert titled “Opry 100 Honors: Charlie Daniels.” This show was part of the Opry’s centennial celebration, honoring music icons who helped shape country music. It was also timed around the fifth anniversary of Charlie Daniels’ passing – Daniels was a beloved fiddler and Southern rock legend – so the Opry assembled a star-studded lineup of country performers for a grand finale tribute to him. For decades, the Grand Ole Opry has been the home of country music’s biggest stars, and this event lived up to that legacy. Earlier in the season, the Opry 100 series had celebrated icons like Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, making the Charlie Daniels show one of the year’s most anticipated events. The concert quickly sold out, with fans of all ages filling the hall to honor the music legend. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many attendees, some of whom had traveled hundreds of miles to be there.
Standout Performances
The night featured many country stars covering Charlie Daniels classics. Notable performances included:
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Eddie Montgomery – delivering a lively version of “Boogie Woogie Man.”
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Chris Young – singing “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” with his smooth baritone.
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Gretchen Wilson – offering a heartfelt rendition of “Long Haired Country Boy.”
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Gretchen Wilson & Jamey Johnson – teaming up for a powerful duet on “Trudy.”
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The Travelin’ McCourys – injecting high-energy bluegrass flair into the show.
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Grand finale – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”: For the closing act, Jamey Johnson led the entire lineup in Charlie’s signature fiddle song. Trace Adkins, Chris Young, Gretchen Wilson and the others all joined on the chorus. Renowned fiddler Rhonda Vincent took on the fiery violin parts of the tune, electrifying the audience. Behind them, the Opry’s iconic barn backdrop displayed a giant image of Charlie Daniels, making the performance even more moving.
In the final moments, the crowd witnessed an all-star collaboration as everyone on stage joined together in “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The classic song – known for its breakneck fiddle duel – came to life in an epic performance, ending the night to thunderous applause and a spontaneous standing ovation. By the song’s end, the audience was on its feet, cheering and celebrating the unforgettable finale.
Charlie Daniels – An Enduring Legacy
Charlie Daniels was known for his explosive fiddle playing and for blending Southern rock, country and blues into his music. His career spanned decades and produced countless hits. Perhaps no song is more emblematic of his legacy than “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” a No. 1 country hit from 1979 that has become one of the most unforgettable anthems in music history. Daniels brought a rowdy showmanship to every stage and pushed genre boundaries, introducing country music to a bolder, rock-infused sound that earned him legions of fans and a lasting legacy.
The tribute showed how deeply Charlie’s music and spirit are woven into the fabric of country music. For example, Charlie’s widow Hazel Daniels attended the show (it was also her 82nd birthday) and was honored on stage with a celebratory cake. Charlie’s son, Charlie Jr., and longtime friends shared stories about Charlie’s lifelong dream of joining the Grand Ole Opry – a dream fulfilled in 2008 when Martina McBride surprised him on stage with an invitation to become an official member, 32 years after his first performance there. By the end of the night, fans were abuzz with emotion, reminded once again why Charlie’s music still means so much to so many people.
Trace Adkins and Charlie Daniels’ Influence
Among the performers, Trace Adkins held a special place of honor. Adkins is a country star whose music often celebrates patriotism and Southern pride – qualities that Charlie Daniels also embraced. Adkins has spoken openly about Daniels’ influence: after Charlie’s death in 2020, Adkins performed the patriotic song “Arlington” at Daniels’ Nashville memorial service and said that Daniels was “on that short list of great men” he had ever known. In Nashville’s Opry tribute, Adkins once again honored his mentor by lending his deep baritone to the all-star finale, paying fitting homage to the influence Daniels had on him.
The Charlie Daniels tribute at the Grand Ole Opry in 2025 was a powerful evening that bridged generations of country music. It gathered some of today’s biggest stars to pay homage to a legend who helped shape the sound of country and Southern rock. Even though Charlie Daniels is no longer with us, his music and the trail he blazed continue to inspire fans and artists alike. Fans left the Opry House buzzing about the performance – a testament to how strongly Charlie’s legacy still resonates.