<Dl> <Dd> Main Article: List of Grand Ole Opry Members </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Main Article: List of Grand Ole Opry Members </Dd> <P> Regular performers at the Grand Ole Opry can be inducted into the organization as a member, by way of an existing member nominating them . Opry membership must be maintained throughout an artist's career and expires when the performer dies . Although a number of legendary country artists either lost their Opry membership (such as Hank Williams, Sr. and Willie Nelson) or never received it in their lifetimes (longtime leading hitmakers Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Conway Twitty being prominent examples), receiving Opry membership is considered an honor equivalent to a hall of fame induction . </P> <P> In April 1963 Opry management made a rule that members had to perform on at least 26 shows a year to keep their membership active . WSM dropped the number of required performances to 20 in January 1964; in 2000 the minimum number of Opry performances was at 12 . The minimum number of performances has reduced over the years, but artists offered membership are expected to show a dedication to the Opry with frequent attendance . </P>

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