NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 27, 2023) - After years of defying the odds and forging his own path in country music, former saddle bronc athlete-turned-country sensation Chancey Williams has checked the box for his biggest career accomplishment to-date. On Saturday (4/22), Williams stepped into the famous Opry circle and made his highly anticipated Grand Ole Opry debut, performing his songs “The Saint” and new single “One of These Days” - both from his recent album release, One of These Days, available now. The moment yielded a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd, further confirming Williams’ has comfortably found a home in the genre.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Williams of his debut. “We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great dates over the years. Growing up just a ranch kid from Wyoming, I never thought any of this would happen. To play Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Ryman Auditorium, and now the Grand Ole Opry debut—it’s like winning the lottery. We all dream about it, but not many people actually win. It’s the home of country music. I got to stand and perform where everyone I’ve grown up idolizing and listening to stood before me. It was surreal.”
Williams’ debut Opry performance takes place amidst a busy touring season that includes stops in Ariz., Mo., Ind., Calif., Texas, N.M., Okla., Kan., Ky., and his native Wyo.
One of These Days released to rave reviews, supported by the likes of People, Billboard, Taste of Country, Whiskey Riff, Holler, and Saving Country Music, who said of the project, “If we could wave a magic wand and instantly remake mainstream country music into something much better than what it is today, Chancey Williams and his new album One of These Days would not be a bad wish at all.”
The twelve-track collection includes several previously released tunes, kicking off with “old school… eye-for-an-eye” (Digital Journal) barn burner “The Saint,” as well as “festive boot stompin’ Irish jam” (Whiskey Riff) “On the Tear Tonight,” tempo, play on words “Look Good Leavin’,” “poignantly weighty” ballad (The Country Note) “If I Die Before You Wake,” refreshingly honest, beat driven “Blame It On the Rain,” and “Hideaway” - “a mellow song with Western roots and a bit of an island vibe” (My Country 95.5). In addition to the six previously released songs, One of These Days features six new tracks - from upbeat, lovestruck “Bordertown Whiskey,” to the retrospective, bittersweet “Talk About a Memory.”
Check out his MDR appearance HERE
