Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Mel McDaniel

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Mel McDaniel's rise to the country music stardom is one riddled with decades of work behind it, but one that culminates with top hits and award recognition. With a deep, rich voice and a penchant for writing hit songs, Mel McDaniel has been one of the Grand Ole Opry's brightest stars since his induction in 1986.

Background and Early Career

• Mel McDaniel was born September 6, 1942 in Checotah, Oklahoma, growing up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He began playing trumpet while still in elementary school, began playing guitar before he was a teenager, and by his late teens was working in Tulsa-area clubs. He enjoyed much local success, so by the late 1960s he decided to move to Nashville. There, he tried to achieve success as a songwriter, but when nothing panned out, Mel moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he became one of the area's favorite country music performers.
• He returned to Nashville in 1973, and had been signed to Capitol Records and released the first of his hits by 1976. His debut album was released the following year, and continued many years of recording hits and touring. In 1996, he was seriously injured in an on-stage accident and was unable to tour for many years. After many surgeries, much rehabilitation, and through the use of a cane to walk, Mel continues to make many appearances each year, including frequent shows at the Grand Ole Opry.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Mel McDaniel was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 11, 1986, two years after his signature hit "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On" was released.

Mel McDaniel at the Opry

• Mel McDaniel continues to bring audiences to their feet with his hit "Stand Up" at the Grand Ole Opry. To find out if Mel will be at the Opry in upcoming weeks, please visit the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog.

Notable Hits

• "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On"
• "Louisiana Saturday Night"
• "Stand Up"
• "Let It Roll (Let It Rock)"
• "Anger & Tears"
• "Love is Everywhere"
• "Do You Want to Say Goodbye"

More Information

• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!