May 11, 1996, is a day that Steve Wariner will likely never forget: It was on that date, 25 years ago today, that the Indiana native officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Wariner s path to joining the hallowed venue was a lengthy one: He first made his debut at the Opry when it was being held at the Ryman Auditorium. At the time, Wariner was 17 years old and playing bass for Dottie West, who was already a member. West had discovered Wariner when she saw him performing with a band in Indianapolis.
Wariner s guitar prowess also got him a job playing for Bob Luman, followed by a stint playing for Chet Atkins, Wariner s hero. Wariner got to play the Grand Ole Opry with Atkins as well, all while dreaming of his own debut as a solo artist.