On this day in 1991, country star Vince Gill was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, formally welcomed by legend Roy Acuff. The occasion is significant because it marked the start of what has become one of the Opry's most enduring relationships, with Gill going on to perform on its stage more than 100 times over the following three decades while serving as one of the institution's most active champions and mentors to newer artists.

Gill had actually turned down an earlier invitation to make his Opry debut because it clashed with a commitment to accompany his six-year-old daughter, Jenny, on guitar for her elementary school talent show. He later reflected that his Opry membership gave him invaluable time with country greats, including hearing Acuff's stories and working alongside figures such as Jimmy Dickens, Hank Locklin, Charlie Walker and Bill Anderson. Gill has continued championing new talent at the Opry, most recently inviting fellow musician Charlie Worsham to join.