Steve Martin to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Back in the 1970s, when comedian Steve Martin was performing with an arrow through his head and punctuating his act with a well-timed 'Exc-u-u-u-se me!,' it would have seemed like some kind of April Fool's Day joke to announce that he'd be singing and playing banjo on the Grand Ole Opry. But as fans of the versatile entertainer know, Martin has included the banjo in his act for decades, and even released a half-comedy/half-music album, 'The Steve Martin Brothers' in 1981. And it's no joke, he is indeed taking his banjo to the venerable Opry stage for the first time on May 30.

Martin's Opry appearance will also mark only the third time he has sung in public. In 1978, he performed his novelty hit, 'King Tut' during one of his first appearances on 'Saturday Night Live.' And earlier this year, hosting the show for the 15th time, he sang 'Late for School,' a track from his first all-music album, 'The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo.' He's set to perform that same tune during his Opry appearance.

Among others joining Martin on the Opry will be his lifelong friend, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's John McEuen, along with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Stuart Duncan, and Tim O'Brien.

McEuen and Martin's friendship began when they were teenagers in Orange County, California, both working at Disneyland's Magic Shop.

"This will be a lifelong memory highpoint - one of just how far a dream can go," says McEuen. "Two kids from Orange County at the Opry! Well, when Steve picks, fans will see how much it means to him to bring his music to the heart of country music. The audience will find out he's a musician disguised as an actor."

'The Crow' is currently available exclusively at Amazon.com.