<P> Regular performers at the Grand Ole Opry can be inducted into the organization as a member , by way of an existing member nominating them . Opry membership must be maintained throughout an artist 's career and expires when the performer dies . Although a number of legendary country artists either lost their Opry membership ( such as Hank Williams , Sr. and Willie Nelson ) or never received it in their lifetimes ( longtime leading hitmakers Merle Haggard , George Strait , and Conway Twitty being prominent examples ) , receiving Opry membership is considered an honor equivalent to a hall of fame induction . </P>
<P> Regular performers at the Grand Ole Opry can be inducted into the organization as a member , by way of an existing member nominating them . Opry membership must be maintained throughout an artist 's career and expires when the performer dies . Although a number of legendary country artists either lost their Opry membership ( such as Hank Williams , Sr. and Willie Nelson ) or never received it in their lifetimes ( longtime leading hitmakers Merle Haggard , George Strait , and Conway Twitty being prominent examples ) , receiving Opry membership is considered an honor equivalent to a hall of fame induction . </P>
who has been fired from the grand ole opry
who has been fired from the grand ole opry
Hank Williams , Sr. Willie Nelson
Hank Williams , Sr. Willie Nelson