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Billy Yates Set for 53rd Grand Ole Opry Appearance During Opry Country Classics on April 24th
Nashville, TN – [March 28, 2025] — Acclaimed country artist and Grammy-nominated songwriter Billy Yates will return to the Grand Ole Opry House on Wednesday, April 24th, for a special Opry Country Classics show—marking his 53rd appearance on the legendary stage.
The evening will be hosted by the legendary Larry Gatlin and feature performances by Lorrie Morgan, Mark Wills, and more to be announced.
Yates, a respected figure in traditional country music, is best known for penning iconic hits such as the Grammy-nominated “Choices” and the anthemic “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” both recorded by the late George Jones. His contributions as a songwriter and artist have made him a vital voice in keeping country music’s roots alive.
“It’s always an honor to stand in that circle,” says Yates. “To be back for my 53rd appearance, and to do it as part of Opry Country Classics with such incredible artists, is truly special.”
Opry Country Classics celebrates the golden era of country music, showcasing the songs and stars that defined the genre. Billy Yates' authentic sound and storytelling make him a perfect fit for the series.
Tickets are available now at www.opry.com.
For more on Billy Yates, including upcoming performances and music, follow @billyyatesmusic on social media.
Billy Yates Wins Emmy Award for Still Playin’ Possum TV Special
Nashville, TN – [March 28, 2025] — Grammy-nominated songwriter and country artist Billy Yates has added another prestigious accolade to his career with a recent Emmy Award win for his work on the television special Still Playin’ Possum: Music and Memories of George Jones.
The award was presented during a special celebration held at the home of Nancy Jones, widow of the late country legend George Jones. The honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of those involved in the acclaimed tribute special, which brought together a lineup of country music’s finest to honor the legacy of “The Possum.”
“Winning an Emmy—especially for something that means so much to me personally—is beyond anything I ever imagined,” said Yates. “To be recognized alongside so many talented friends and artists, and to share that moment at Nancy’s home, made it even more meaningful.”
The Still Playin’ Possum TV special, which aired nationally in 2023, featured performances from some of country music’s biggest names, all paying tribute to George Jones and his legendary career. Yates, who penned two of Jones’ career-defining songs—“Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”—was both a performer and contributor to the show’s powerful impact.
With a career built on honoring the heart of traditional country music, Yates’ Emmy win further cements his legacy as both a gifted artist and storyteller.
Billy Yates Returns to Branson’s Grand Country Music Hall for 2025 Season of Down Home Country
Branson, MO – [January 10, 2025] — Grammy-nominated country artist and award-winning songwriter Billy Yates returns for his second season with the hit morning show Down Home Country at Grand Country Music Hall in Branson, Missouri. The 2025 season kicks off Wednesday, April 16th at 10AM.
This high-energy, traditional country music show also features the incredibly talented Jamie Haage—serving as both host and a standout multi-instrumentalist—along with powerhouse vocalist Kimberly Barber and the hilarious Jarrett Dougherty, one of Branson’s most beloved comedians. Together with Yates and a world-class band, they deliver a morning packed with classic country hits, harmonies, and plenty of laughs.
“I’m thrilled to be back with this incredible team,” says Yates. “Jamie, Kimberly, Jarrett—we all bring our love of real country music to the stage, and the chemistry we’ve got this year makes the show even more special.”
Yates, known for writing “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” for George Jones, brings his deep-rooted passion for country music to every performance.
🎟️ Down Home Country runs at 10AM, select mornings at Grand Country Music Hall.
📍 Tickets and showtimes at www.grandcountry.com
📞 Or call 417-335-2484 for reservations.
Billy Yates to Receive Star on the Missouri Walk of Fame During Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield
Marshfield, MO – [February 14, 2025] — Grammy-nominated country artist and hit songwriter Billy Yates will be honored with a star on the Missouri Walk of Fame on Friday, April 25th at 9:30AM, during the prestigious Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri.
The Missouri Walk of Fame, located on the historic courthouse square in Marshfield, celebrates the achievements of notable Missourians who have made significant contributions to American culture and history. Yates, a native Missourian, is being recognized for his decades-long career in country music, including writing landmark hits like “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” for George Jones.
“I’m truly humbled to be recognized in this way by my home state,” said Yates. “To have a star among so many incredible Missourians is something I never imagined. It means the world to me.”
Yates will join a distinguished group of inductees during the Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual ceremony, which has become one of Missouri’s most beloved celebrations of history, culture, and community.
The public is invited to attend the star presentation, which will be held on the Webster County Courthouse lawn in downtown Marshfield.
📍 Missouri Walk of Fame Star Ceremony
🗓️ Friday, April 25, 2025
🕤 9:30AM
📍 Marshfield, Missouri – Webster County Courthouse Square
Billy Yates to Perform at 11th Annual Country For A Cause During CMA Fest
Nashville, TN - [March 7, 2025] — Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Billy Yates will join a stellar lineup of country music favorites for the 11th Annual Country For A Cause concert, taking place Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 PM at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. Held during CMA Fest, this special evening of music and giving back will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Yates will perform alongside legendary acts including The Oak Ridge Boys, Mandy Barnett, John Berry, T. Graham Brown, Lacy J. Dalton, Jimmy Fortune, The Malpass Brothers, Mark Wills, Michelle Wright, and many more. The event will be hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, with Devon O’Day joining as emcee. The show is proudly presented by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms.
“Country For A Cause is one of those events that reminds you just how powerful music can be,” says Yates. “It’s a privilege to be part of something that brings us all together for such an important cause.”
Tickets are on sale now for $55 (general admission), with a very limited number of VIP tables available. This annual event is known for its intimate setting, surprise appearances, and unforgettable performances—all while supporting one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation.
🎟️ To purchase tickets, visit: 3rdandlindsley.com
Billy Yates to Perform at Norway’s Prestigious Norsk Country Treff Festival This July
Grammy-nominated traditionalist brings classic country across the pond for one of Europe’s top country music events
Nashville, TN – [September 27, 2024] — International country fans are in for a treat this summer as Grammy-nominated artist and acclaimed songwriter Billy Yates heads to Breim, Norway for a featured performance at the Norsk Country Treff festival, taking place this July 2025.
Recognized as one of Europe’s premier country music festivals, Norsk Country Treff draws fans from across the globe to celebrate authentic country music in a stunning mountain setting. Yates joins a world-class lineup of artists set to take the stage in what promises to be a highlight of the summer festival season.
“It’s always an honor to share my music with fans overseas, especially at an event as respected and well-loved as Norsk Country Treff,” says Yates. “European country fans have such a deep appreciation for traditional country music, and I’m looking forward to connecting with them once again.”
With hits like “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” (both recorded by George Jones), Yates is celebrated around the world for his dedication to keeping the heart of country music alive. His performance in Norway is part of a summer filled with high-profile appearances, including the Grand Ole Opry and CMA Fest.
For tickets and festival information, visit www.norskcountrytreff.no.
BILLY COMPLETES 50th FEATURED PERFORMANCE ON THE GRAND OLE OPRY's country classic show
"Grammy nominations, numerous accolades and awards don't compare to performing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry according to Billy. "Growing up out in the country in rural Missouri, some of my greatest memories are listening to the Opry with my family. I often dreamed of one day getting to go to the Opry, but to be honest, at that point in my life, I don't think I even knew how to dream big enough to ever think I'd perform on that stage, let-a-lone, 50 times!" His first performance was several years ago and he described that night as magical as he recalls stepping onto the "sacred circle" for the first time to sing. "I remember being so excited, but I was also determined to soak it all in and not let it become a moment that would be forgotten because of nerves. I just stood there and took a deep breath and I asked the audience to give me a minute, I looked down at my boots that were standing on the same circle where many of my heroes had stood. It truly was a night to remember!" Now flash forward to June 11th and the same respect was displayed as Yates performed his 50th performance on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry during one of their ever-so-popular "OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS" shows!
(Pictured above is Billy with show host, Larry Gatlin.)
BILLY IS PRESENTED BMI'S MILLION AIR AWARD ON OPRY STAGE at the ryman auditorium in nashville
June 11th was a special day as Billy was invited to perform his 50th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As Billy completed the last of three songs he was performing, he was surprised by the show's host, Larry Gatlin, as he, along with WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer, Bill Cody, presented Billy with the coveted "Million Air Award" for the Yates penned, "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair" that country music legend, George Jones made famous back in 1992. The song was Yates' first song to have been recorded by anyone and was also awarded the "CMA Vocal Event of the Year" in 1993.
The BMI Million Air Award is awarded to songwriters, composers and publishers whose songs accumulate over one million U.S. broadcast performance, the designation has been bestowed upon many revered songwriters, including Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison.
