Bill Anderson, who joined the Grand Ole Opry on July 15, 1961, is the show's longest-serving member. The Opry celebrated his 65th anniversary this year, a milestone no other singer has reached. Anderson is 89 and has continued performing throughout 2026.
Bill Anderson joined the Grand Ole Opry on July 15, 1961. This year the Opry celebrated his 65th anniversary as a member, a milestone no other singer has reached. That makes him the longest-serving member in the show's history.
Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers said the Opry is thankful that the show has been home to Anderson for 65 years. Rogers added that the Opry looks forward to the next 65.
Anderson, known as Whisperin' Bill, was born James William Anderson III in 1937. He is 89 years old. Since 1958, he has charted more than 80 singles on Billboard's country chart. Seven of those singles reached No. 1.
A freak accident forced Anderson to miss an Opry performance in August 2025. He returned to the stage afterward and has continued performing throughout 2026.
