Scott Stapp Invited To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut: “It Is A Distinct Honor To Step Into The Circle”

“I am humbled by this invitation and grateful for the Opry’s tradition of including outliers like me,” Stapp shared.

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Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on October 7, 2024

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Scott Stapp; Photo Courtesy of Matt Akana

Scott Stapp is gearing up to make his Grand Ole Opry debut! The 51-year-old GRAMMY award-winning Creed frontman was invited to step into the sacred Opry circle for the first time ever on Wednesday, October 23.

Scott Stapp “Humbled” To Make His Opry Debut On October 23

“I am humbled by this invitation and grateful for the Opry’s tradition of including outliers like me,” Stapp shared in a statement. The singer/songwriter, who has been living in Nashville since 2016, opened up about the Music City songwriting community being a source of inspiration when writing music for his solo career.

Stapp continued, “The Nashville songwriting community has been an incredible source of inspiration and support through a life-changing era for me, so it is a distinct honor to step into the circle for the first time.” In March of 2024, Stapp told The Tennessean, “I was unaware until I got into the community how big it is and how supportive and protective they are of people who are sincere… When they know your heart, they’ve got your back.”

Stapp’s songwriting has long embodied Nashville’s “three chords and the truth” philosophy, delivering raw and authentic storytelling that resonates with rock, mainstream, and country audiences across generations. From hits like “Higher” and “Arms Wide Open” to “My Own Prison,” “One Last Breath,” “My Sacrifice,” and “Weathered,” along with solo tracks such as “Purpose For Pain,” “Higher Power,” and his current success, “Black Butterfly,” Stapp has cemented his status as a rock icon. His songs continue to inspire massive stadium singalongs.

Scott Stapp; Photo Courtesy of Sebastian Smith
Scott Stapp; Photo Courtesy of Sebastian Smith

Set To Perform “If These Walls Could Talk” Featuring Dorothy

According to a press release, Stapp will perform his first-ever duet, “If These Walls Could Talk,” alongside Roc Nation’s Dorothy on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

“If These Walls Could Talk,” written by Stapp alongside Kylie Sackley (Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Walker Hayes), Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Ozzy Osbourne, Faith Hill), and Scott Stevens (Halestorm, Shinedown), is a track that appears on Scott Stapp’s fourth solo studio album, Higher Power, released on March 15 via Napalm Records.

Dorothy said, “It was the highest honor for me to collaborate with Scott Stapp on such a beautiful, raw, emotional song. I’ve been a fan of his all my life, and I hope this song positively impacts the world.” While Stapp added, “Recording this album was cathartic for me while going through the kinds of life challenges we all experience. Dorothy arrives at the album’s turning point — that moment when you acknowledge how far you’ve come while recommitting to moving forward. Her performance is such a soulful contribution to the song that I’m grateful I didn’t do this one alone.”

The track was accompanied by an official music video, directed by Nick Peterson, which you can watch below.

YouTube video

Higher Power

Stapp’s latest album, Higher Power, is out now everywhere and features his current single, “Black Butterfly,” as well as “Weight Of The World,” and three collaborations with his lead guitarist Yiannis Papadopoulous.

Higher Power debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart (all genres) and Luminate reported it at #2 (Current Hard Music Albums), #4 (Current Digital Albums), #5 (Record Label Independent Current Albums), and #3 (Current Rock Albums). The project follows 2019’s The Space Between The Shadows, which debuted at #3 on the US Current Rock Albums chart, the US Current Hard Music Albums chart, and the UK Official Rock and Metal Chart, among countless other top chart positions.

Scott Stapp 'Higher Power' Album Art
Scott Stapp ‘Higher Power’ Album Art

Tickets are available now for Scott Stapp’s Grand Ole Opry debut.

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Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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