For Little Big Town, their induction into the Grand Ole Opry Friday night (Oct. 17) was a whole lot like being on a 15-year-long road trip and finally coming home. That's because the popular quartet of Karen Fairchild, Kimberley Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbook made their debut in the Opry in 1999 - 15 years ago.
"This was the first place we ever played in front of human beings in a public way," Sweet told Rolling Stone Country. "We didn't have a band, we didn't have any musicians. It was just us... "
"And one borrowed guitar," Westbrook chimed in.
"We literally knew three songs," Schlapman recalled.
Little Big Town was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 3 by Opry member Reba McEntire. As the group wrapped up a three-song set with its hit "Pontoon," McEntire returned to the Opry stage, walking out from the side of the stage.
"I know the Grand Ole Opry is very important to y'all, because this is the first place you guys played together as a group in 1999. I have been asked to ask y'all, Little Big Town, would y'all like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?" she asked.
Speaking for the group, Karen proclaimed, "Thank you, Grand Ole Opry! We will try to make you proud!"
At their Opry induction, the group - who will release their sixth album "Pain Killer" on Oct. 21 - also performed their 2006 hit, "Bring It on Home," and their Top 10 hit "Boondocks." They were inducted by fellow members Vince Gill and Little Jimmy Dickens.
During their induction ceremony, the group also received well-wishes via video messages from Opry members Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and the Oak Ridge Boys.
You can experience Little Big Town's induction into the Grand Ole Opry here:
