A night to remember at the Grand Ole Opry is now beautifully preserved for fans to see. On April 20, 2024, Scotty McCreery was officially inducted into the Opry family, and standing beside him were two of his musical heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis. Together, they shared an unforgettable moment that celebrated three generations of country music greatness.
To honor that special evening, the Opry unveiled a new display called “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” inspired by the George Jones classic. The exhibit features the very shoes all three artists wore during McCreery’s induction — a touching symbol of legacy, talent, and the enduring spirit of country music.
Josh Turner’s speech that night perfectly captured the moment: “I stand here proud to bridge the gap between Randy Travis’s generation and Scotty McCreery. Only time will tell who will be inspired by Scotty.” Turner then sang the chorus of Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes, bringing the crowd to a hushed, emotional silence.
He continued, “Scotty is not just a remarkable singer and songwriter — he’s a great man, husband, and now father. Watching him step into the shoes of the artists before him is a proud moment. With artists like him, country music is in excellent hands.”
The display includes McCreery’s sleek black Lucchese boots, Travis’ classic black low-top Converse, Turner’s square-toed Ariat cowboy boots, and an autographed copy of Turner’s heartfelt induction speech.
Sharing his thoughts online, Turner said, “Seeing this display for the first time moved me. Being part of Scotty’s induction alongside my hero Randy Travis was a highlight of my career.”
McCreery echoed the sentiment: “I’m deeply honored that the Opry created this backstage display of our boots and shoes from that unforgettable night.”
Fans visiting Nashville can now view this meaningful exhibit during backstage tours of the Grand Ole Opry, a true tribute to the legacy and future of country music.
