Sara Evans will join the ranks of Nashville royalty on Saturday when she’s inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Evans, 52, a singer-songwriter and former Birmingham resident, was invited to join the country music institution earlier this year by Bill Anderson. He’s a longtime member of the Opry, with more than 62 years of involvement in the star-studded weekly concert and radio show.

Evans has forged a high-profile career as a country artist, with radio hits such as “Born to Fly,” “No Place That Far,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “I Could Not Ask For More,” “A Little Bit Stronger” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” She has 10 studio albums to her credit and awards from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard and the Country Music Association.

Evans’ induction ceremony on Saturday is part of a special weekend at the Opry, which is celebrating its 98th birthday. Country fans might not realize it, but becoming an Opry member is a bit different from entering a traditional hall of fame.

“Becoming a Grand Ole Opry member often starts with a nomination from an artist who is already a member, and the consistency and commitment of a performer to the Opry is strongly considered,” explains The Boot website. “Ultimately, induction into the Grand Ole Opry is about relationships: relationships to country music, to fellow artists, to country fans and to the essence of the Opry itself.

“Once an artist becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he or she can perform or even host any show they wish. Each broadcast typically boasts five to seven Opry members acting as performers in one of the show’s four segments, introducing guest artists or taking on hosting responsibilities for a night.

“Membership in the Grand Ole Opry requires that artists appear consistently to maintain their place in the ranks, and they can be stripped of their membership at the discretion of Opry management,” The Boot continues. “Grand Ole Opry membership expires when a performer dies.”

Right now, more than 70 artists are Opry members, including veteran superstars such as Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire. The list also includes relative newcomers such as Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina, Ashley McBryde and Kelsea Ballerini.

Several artists with Alabama ties have been members of the Opry over the years, starting with the Delmore Brothers in 1933. (The most recent, Jamey Johnson, was inducted into the Opry in 2022.) And one Alabama native — arguably the most legendary figure in country music — was kicked out of the Opry because of his erratic behavior and tendency to be a no-show. Let’s take a closer look.

DELMORE BROTHERS

Who: Alton Delmore (1908-1964) and Rabon Delmore (1916-1952) were harmonizing country pioneers and skillful songwriters. The brothers hailed from Elkmont, in the north-central part of the state. The musicians helped to create the country genre by blending gospel harmonies with blues and folk. They were regulars at the Grand Ole Opry during the 1930s. The Delmore Brothers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more.

Country Music Hall of Fame says: “One of the first of the great brother duos of the 1930s, the Delmore Brothers were perhaps the most musically sophisticated, most creative and most technically proficient of all the duo acts. Their soft, pliant harmony, dazzling guitar work, love of blues, and well-crafted songs endeared them to generations of fans. And though their hit songs such as ‘Brown’s Ferry Blues,’ ‘Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar’ and ‘Blues Stay Away from Me’ became country standards that are still heard today, the Delmores never seemed able to grab the golden ring that would have won them fame and fortune.”

Opry induction: 1933.

READ: Year of Alabama Music: The Delmore Brothers

HANK WILLIAMS

Who: Hank Williams, a legendary singer-songwriter and recording artist, left behind a supremely influential catalog of music that includes “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Move It On Over,” “I Saw the Light,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Lovesick Blues,” “Lost Highway,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and many more. Born and raised in Alabama, Williams (1923-1953) was known as the Hillbilly Shakespeare. He was prolific and colorful, and struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse during his short lifetime. Williams is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and more. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Country Music Hall of Fame says: “Almost singlehandedly, Hank Williams set the agenda for contemporary country songcraft, but his appeal rests as much in the myth that even now surrounds his short life. His is the standard by which success is measured in country music on every level, even self-destruction.”

Opry induction: 1949, with his band, the Drifting Cowboys. Williams’ membership in the Opry was revoked in 1952, after his alcoholism became apparent and he missed several shows without an explanation.

READ: Hank Williams at 100: Tip your hat to the country icon by visiting these sites in Alabama

LOUVIN BROTHERS

Who: Charlie Elzer Loudermilk (1927-2011) and Ira Lonnie Loudermilk (1924-1965) teamed as a gospel duo during the 1940s, calling themselves the Louvin Brothers. Influenced by the sacred harp singing of their hometown church in Sand Mountain, the brothers became known for their high lonesome harmonies. The Louvin Brothers turned to country music after an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1950s, and their career went into high gear with hits such as “Cash on the Barrelhead,” “Hoping That You’re Hoping” and “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby.”

The Louvins split professionally during the 1960s. Ira, who struggled with alcohol abuse and a fiery temper, died in 1965 after a car accident. Charlie continued to perform as a solo artist, but his career slowed significantly during the 1970s. He surged to prominence again in 2007 with a self-titled CD, partnering on tracks with Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy and Tift Merritt. He recorded more albums and earned status as an elder statesman of country music. The Louvin Brothers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more.

Country Music Hall of Fame says: “In country music’s long tradition of brother duet singing, Ira and Charlie Louvin served as the link between the Delmore Brothers and the Everly Brothers. The Louvin Brothers’ stratospheric vocal interplay made them arguably the most influential harmony duet in country music history, touching everybody from Emmylou Harris to the cowpunk band Rank & File.”

Opry induction: 1955. After Ira Louvin died, Charlie represented the duo until his death in 2011.

READ: Alabama’s Charlie Louvin details stormy relationship with brother Ira in memoir

ROSE MADDOX

Who: Rose Maddox (1925-1998) first earned fame as the lead singer of the Maddox Brothers and Rose, a seminal country group that was popular during the 1930s-1950s. She later became a solo artist, releasing more than a dozen hit singles including “Sing a Little Song of Heartache.” The Alabama native recorded successful duets with Buck Owens and earned a 1996 Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album, for “$35 and a Dream.” She’s a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame says: “Boaz native Rose Maddox began singing at the age of 11 in the migrant camps and honky tonks of California during the Great Depression. With her brothers, the Maddox Brothers and Rose became known as ‘the most colorful hillbilly band in America.’ The music the band played was a raucous and exuberant mixture of folk music, old-time country music, gospel, jazz, swing and boogie-woogie. Often called ‘Okie Boogie,’ it not only influenced later country music but even helped lay the groundwork for rock ‘n’ roll. Their flashy stage costumes, featuring embroidered cowboy/Mexican garb, became a trademark for the band and defined country costuming for a generation.”

Opry induction: 1956.

RELATED: Alabama artists make an indelible impression as Ken Burns explores ‘Country Music’

SONNY JAMES

Who: Sonny James, a country and pop singer, was nicknamed “The Southern Gentleman.” He was born as James Loden to a musical family in Hackleburg, in the northwest part of Alabama. James (1928-2016) began singing and playing at age 3, performed with Loden Family and had spots on radio shows in Birmingham and Muscle Shoals. He also sang on “Louisiana Hayride” and “Saturday Night Shindig.”

As a solo artist, James scored a huge crossover success with “Young Love,” which topped the country and pop charts in 1956-1957. James dominated country charts, 1964-1972, with 20-plus No. 1 singles, including “Need You,” “I’ll Never Find Another You,” “A World of Our Own,” “Endlessly,” “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” “Here Comes Honey Again.” He’s a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more. James also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame says: “Sonny James helped broaden the appeal of country music by offering his own warm, elegant country versions of familiar pop standards of the recent past. More significantly, James evolved into country music’s most consistent hit recording artist of the late 1960s and early ‘70s, enjoying a five-year run of No. 1 hits that kept him in the top spot on the charts for a staggering total of 45 weeks.”

Opry induction: 1962.

READ: Year of Alabama Music: Sonny James

TAMMY WYNETTE

Who: Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) was a gifted singer and songwriter, beloved by audiences around the country and known as the First Lady of Country Music. She was born Virginia Wynette Pugh in a doctor’s office in Red Bay, Alabama, and grew up in nearby Itawamba County, Mississippi. As a result, she claimed both states as her home. (“My top half comes from Mississippi and my bottom half from Alabama,” Wynette was known to say.) As a hairdresser in Midfield during the early 1960s, Wynette received her first break by appearing on “The Country Boy Eddie Show,” a variety series that aired mornings on Birmingham’s WBRC-TV.

Wynette headed to Nashville in search of more fame, signing a recording contract and charting with the 1967 single, “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.” She had a highly successful solo career that included hits such as “Stand By Your Man,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” and more. Wynette married George Jones in 1969. Their marriage, a tumultuous affair, lasted until 1975. As duet partners, Wynette and Jones released nine studio albums and more than a dozen successful singles such as “Golden Ring,” “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Two Story House,” “Near You” and “(We’re Not) the Jet Set.” She’s a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more.

Country Music Hall of Fame says: “In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Tammy Wynette was one of the creative, unique, and defining stylists and songwriters articulating women’s perspectives with an autobiographical slant that made her life as much an object of audience interest as her music.”

Opry induction: 1969.

READ: In memory of Country Boy Eddie, Tammy Wynette and a star-studded day in Nashville

JEANNE PRUETT

Who: Jeanne Pruett, 86, a country singer and songwriter, is best known for the 1970s radio hit “Satin Sheets.” Born Norma Jean Bowman in Pell City, she moved to Nashville after marrying guitarist Jack Pruett, who became a regular in Marty Robbins’ band. Robbins kickstarted her career in the 1960s by recording some of her songs, and she continued to gain attention as an artist and writer. She earned two Billboard Awards in 1974 for Best Album (”Satin Sheets”) and Best Female Artist. Pruett recorded six studio albums and released a long list of singles, including “You Don’t Need to Move a Mountain,” “I’m Your Woman” and “Temporarily Yours.” She was a frequent performer on the Opry for decades.

Opry induction: 1973. Pruett, now retired, remains listed as a standing member of the Opry.

DON WILLIAMS

Who: Don Williams (1939-2017) was a prolific singer-songwriter who earned fame with 1970s and ‘80s country hits such as “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe in You,” “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good” and more. The Texas native was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and appeared in a handful of movies starring Burt Reynolds, including “Smokey and the Bandit II.” At the time of his death, Williams was living in Mobile.

Country Music Hall of Fame says: “Known as country music’s ‘Gentle Giant’ for his warm baritone and laid-back ways, Don Williams was a major country hitmaker and international ambassador. Scoring at least one major hit every year between 1974 and 1991, Williams had an impressive fifty-six chart records. Fifty of these reached the country Top Twenty, and 45 made the Top Ten; 17 went to No. 1. In 1978 he was the Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year, and his recording of ‘Tulsa Time’ was the Academy of Country Music Single of the Year. In 1980, readers of London’s Country Music People magazine named him Artist of the Decade.”

Opry induction: 1976.

EMMYLOU HARRIS

Who: Emmylou Harris, a Birmingham native, has a long and distinguished career in country and folk music. Her catalog includes more than 20 studio albums, 1969-present, as well as live records, compilations and a holiday album. Harris, 76, has won more than a dozen Grammy Awards, collaborated with countless artists and earned a stellar reputation for her heartfelt vocals, elegant guitar playing and willingness to cross boundaries in music. Although Harris has spent most of her career as a renowned interpreter, performing tunes written by others, she’s also a skillful songwriter. Harris is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Music Hall of Fame and more.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame says: “Though other performers sold more records and earned greater fame, few left as profound an impact on contemporary music as Emmylou Harris. Blessed with a crystalline voice, a remarkable gift for phrasing and a restless creative spirit, she traveled a singular artistic path, proudly carrying the torch of ‘Cosmic American music’ passed down by her mentor, Gram Parsons. With the exception of only Neil Young — not surprisingly an occasional collaborator — no other mainstream star established a similarly large body of work as consistently iconoclastic, eclectic or daring; even more than three decades into her career, Harris’ latter-day music remained as heartfelt, visionary and vital as her earliest recordings.”

Opry induction: 1992. Harris continues as an Opry member in 2023.

RELATED: The gorgeous ‘Last Waltz’ song Robbie Robertson performed with an Alabama legend

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN OF OAK RIDGE BOYS

Who: William Lee Golden, 84, is best known as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. His baritone vocals helped to earn acclaim for the country and gospel band during the 1970s and ‘80s. His signature style, with long hair and flowing beard, also made music fans take notice. The Oak Ridge Boys topped country charts with “Elvira,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” “Love Song,” “Bobbie Sue” and many more. Golden published an autobiography, “Behind the Beard,” in 2021. He’s a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame on his own, and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame with the Oak Ridge Boys.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame says: “Brewton native William Lee Golden made his show business debut at the age of 7 playing guitar and singing on a hometown radio station. He is now one of the most recognizable faces in country music and has seen the top of the charts in three fields: gospel, country and pop. … Golden’s rich baritone can be heard on over two dozen Oak Ridge Boys albums and was featured on such hits as ‘Trying To Love Two Women,’ ‘Ozark Mountain Jubilee’ and everyone’s favorite ‘Thank God For Kids.’”

Opry induction: 2011, with the Oak Ridge Boys. The band continues as an Opry member in 2023.

READ: Year of Alabama Music: William Lee Golden

JIMI WESTBROOK OF LITTLE BIG TOWN

Who: Jimi Westbrook is one of four principals in Little Big Town, a harmonizing country-pop band with massive appal. The singer and guitarist, 51, grew up in Sumiton. Two other band members, Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman became friends in Birmingham during their college days at Samford University. Little Big Town initially charted a slow-and-steady course, building its career with four painstakingly produced records, 2002-2010. With the single “Pontoon” in 2012, popularity hit the band like a tidal wave and Little Big Town has been going strong ever since.

The band’s hit singles include “Day Drinking,” “GIrl Crush,” “Better Man,” “Little White Church” “Boondocks” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.” Little Big Town has earned many awards and nominations in the music industry, including three Grammys, nine CMA Awards and eight AMC Awards. Little Big Town’s 10th studio album, “Mr. Sun,” was released in 2022.

Quotable: “People (at our concerts) count on us to have a good time and a party, but we want to make some moments where people are moved, as well,” Westbrook said in a 2013 interview with AL.com. “These songs mean something to us. That’s our goal.”

Opry induction: 2014, with Little Big Town. The band continues as an Opry member in 2023.

JAMEY JOHNSON

Who: Jamey Johnson, a singer-songwriter, combines a traditional country vibe with outlaw influences. He was born in Enterprise and grew up in Montgomery. He also attended Jacksonville State University. Johnson, 48, started his music career after a stint in the military and moved to Nashville to further his dreams. He released a couple of records, wrote songs for other artists and came to fame in 2008 with “In Color,” a rugged-yet-sensitive single from his album “That Lonesome Song.” Johnson followed up with 2010′s “Guitar Song” and 2012′s “Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran.” He’s been nominated for several awards, earned 10 Grammy nods and has won accolades from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Johnson tours regularly and has a devoted following.

Quotable: “All aspects of life are fair game when it comes to songwriting, not just the hard stuff, and not just the fun stuff, and not just the whatever stuff,” Johnson said in a 2015 interview with AL.com. “All of it is. … You definitely draw from the mood that you’re in that day. The good thing about songwriting is that you get an immediate feedback from yourself — whether or not this is good material, whether or not it’s worth passing along, letting somebody else hear, or if it’s just an echo rattling around inside of a hungry mind.”

Opry induction: 2022. Johnson continues as an Opry member in 2023.

READ: Jamey Johnson: Country star talks about Alabama roots, outlaw heritage, more