Charlie Daniels:
Debbie Lamberson came back on stage to announce the winning bid on tonight's artist autographed guitar as a record breaking $5700. She put out call for more volunteers to assist as chaperones for the children's shopping spree as they're in need of 500 volunteers. She announced Charlie Daniels stating he has released 50 albums and everyone stood up giving him a standing ovation as he walked onto the Ryman stage.
Charlie started his set with "Drinking My Baby Goodbye" and "The South's Gonna Do It Again." Then,
Martina McBride walked out onto the stage saying she has an early Christmas present for
Charlie. She read the following note:
"Peace, joy, love, and wishes fulfilled.
These are the timeless treasures of Christmas.
Thank you, Charlie, for all you've done to make Christmas wishes come true
for thousands of children through the years.
Now it's time to make a wish come true for you, too.
You're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Merry Christmas!"
After hugging Martina, Charlie stepped back away from the microphone leaning forward, overcome with emotion while the crowd leaped to their feet exploding into applause and cheers. The auditorium rang with the thundering applause for the several minutes it took Daniels to compose himself.
One of the DJ's from the Wolf radio station brought out an Opry microphone stand and placed it at the center of the Ryman stage in front of Charlie Daniels and the stage curtains were pulled back so the famous Opry backdrop making it visible for the rest of the concert.
Struggling to find his voice, Charlie shared with us that "this is very emotional for me and very special for Martina to have presented it." He continued saying something like, "I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen when I came here in 1967 with my wife and son and a 20 dollar bill in our pockets."
Daniels continued his set with "Trudy," and "The Christmas Song."
Next, Charlie recited the Pledge of Allegiance as an introduction to "In America" as he thanked all our military and their families for the sacrifice they make for us and wished them all a "Merry Christmas."
You could hear a pin drop in the Ryman auditorium as Daniels sang "How Great Thou Art" in which he received another standing ovation.
Next, Charlie began a violin solo of our National Anthem bring everyone to their feet with right hands over their heart. The band joined in during the "bombs bursting in air" lyric.
Daniels took a few minutes to explain that it was the drivers that started Christmas for Kids 25 years ago. He also sent out a prayer to Troy and his mother and the Gentry family. Then, he closed this magical evening with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" gaining him yet another standing ovation.
If you've never experienced a Christmas for Kids concert performance we highly recommend that you plan to attend next year, as we're going to be contacting Debbie Lamberson to find out how early we can order our tickets for next year.
Also, we want to remind everyone if you're in the Hendersonville, TN area on December 17th don't forget to go tour your favorite country artist's tour bus and support this wonderful cause or volunteer as a chaperone.
For more information see the Christmas for Kids website
