Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Martina McBride

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Since the early '90s, Martina McBride has displayed incredible talent both onstage and in her top selling albums. Though she began in obscurity, Martina McBride is a name that is well known to music fans around the nation.

Background and Early Career

• Martina, a Kansas native, began singing in her father's band when she was seven years old. Her father led a band that played local gigs, and he taught her classic country songs by artists like Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, and Tammy Wynette.
• Martina and her husband, John McBride, moved to Nashville in 1990 and worked for Garth Brooks' tour. John was Garth's production manager while Martina sold t-shirts. Two years later, Martina signed with RCA and became Garth's opening act.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Martina became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1995, during its 70th anniversary television special. Martina has felt deeply honored to be a member. "The Opry's going to be here for hundreds of years," she said, "and I'm just proud my name is on that list. It's a highlight of my life."

Martina McBride at the Opry

• If you would like to see when Martina will be performing at the Opry, check out the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog for scheduled performances.

Notable Hits You Might Hear at the Grand Ole Opry

• "Wild Angels"
• "My Baby Loves Me"
• "Life # 9"
• "Independence Day"
• "A Broken Wing"
• "I Love You"
• "Blessed"
• "This One's for the Girls"
• "Happy Girl"
• "Whatever You Say"
• "Safe in the Arms of Love"

More Details

• Martina has received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian award, which was presented to her by Vince Gill and Bill Anderson.
• Martina has won CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year four times, which ties her with Reba McEntire.
• Martina has three daughters: Delaney, Emma, and Ava. Even with all her accomplishments and awards, Martina says that at the end of the day she's "just Mom."
• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!