Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Stonewall Jackson

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

Although Stonewall Jackson is most famously recognized for his crossover, up-tempo hit "Waterloo," this Georgia-raised performer was one of the last true legends of Honky Tonk to reign the country charts before the drive of the polished "Nashville Sound" in the 1960s. Still going strong today, Jackson carries on the legacy of his Civil War namesake.

Background and Early Career

• Stonewall Jackson was born November 6, 1932 in Tabor City, North Carolina. Raised in Georgia, the pressures of a hard life with an abusive stepfather led Jackson to join the Navy at age 17, where he learned to play guitar and sing. After his years of service, the young man returned to save money and work before buying a truck and driving to Nashville to give country music life a try.
• Jackson's first request upon arriving in Music City? To get an audition to appear on the Grand Ole Opry, despite the fact the Opry had a strict rule at the time that only artists with a record out on the charts could perform. Jackson broke down that barrier just days later with his no-nonsense country style.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Stonewall Jackson was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on November 6, 1956 — his 24th birthday.

Stonewall Jackson at the Opry

• Want to see when Stonewall Jackson will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry? Visit the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog for upcoming performances and ticket information.

Notable Hits

• "Waterloo"
• "Life to Go"
• "Smoke Along the Track"
• "Life of a Poor Boy"
• "A Wound Time Can't Erase"
• "B.J. the DJ"
• "I Washing My Hands in Muddy Water"
• "Leona"
• "Angry Words"

More Information

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