If you’re a fan of bluegrass music, you’ve likely heard Ashby Frank’s talents. He’s performed with a who’s who of artists, including the Mashville Brigade, the Earls of Leicester, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Marty Raybon, and Special Consensus, among others. He has also written songs that have been recorded by Junior Sisk, the Lonesome River Band, Amanda Cook, Dale Ann Bradley, and a number of other artists.
Now, he’s set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut as a solo artist on Friday, July 3, 2026. Although he has previously performed on the Opry as a member of groups or supporting other musicians, this will be his first time as a featured performer in his own right.
“I’ve had the honor of playing the Opry many times over the years,” Frank says. “The first time was with Marty Raybon and Full Circle when I was 19 years old. I never imagined that I’d ever get a slot of my own, but here we are!”
With a new album arriving July 17, the timing has worked out wonderfully for Frank, and he says he is extremely excited for the opportunity.
“I knew that the great publicist Susan Collier was going to pitch me and my new project to the folks over at the Opry, but when I got the news, I was just totally flabbergasted,” he says.
Supporting Frank as he takes his place in the legendary Opry circle will be several longtime friends and bandmates.
“Joining me on stage will be the guy I’ve known and picked with the longest in this business, the great Jim VanCleve on fiddle, my Mountain Heart bandmates Seth Taylor on guitar and Travis Anderson on bass, and my good buddy that I occasionally get to pick with on Steve Earle’s bluegrass shows, banjo master Russ Carson,” Frank says. “It’s such an honor, and I can’t wait!”
Frank’s Opry debut will come during a special “Opry Celebrates America’s 250th” performance. Also featured that evening will be country artists Suzy Bogguss and Charlie Worsham, powerhouse vocalist Wendy Moten, and comedian Gary Mule Deer, among others to be announced.
