(Absolute Publicity) Legendary multi-platinum selling southern rock and country group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) was awarded Pandora's coveted Billionaires Plaque on Saturday night, December 9, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The plaque recognizes over one billion Pandora streams for the MTB.
Ahead of the MTB's final song of the evening, Opry announcer Mike Terry stopped the band for the big reveal. Terry welcomed the late Charlie Daniels' wife and son, Hazel Daniels and Charlie Daniels, Jr., to the stage with a wrapped Christmas present containing the Pandora Billionaires Plaque. The band's lead singer and founder Doug Gray graciously accepted, visibly moved. Two years ago, the MTB presented the same honor to the Daniels family to recognize one billion Pandora streams for The Charlie Daniels Band.
"Receiving this great honor from Pandora was one of the proudest moments in our over 50 years of performing," explains Gray. "Over one billion streams. We are floored and completely overwhelmed. Thank you Pandora, thank you Grand Ole Opry and thank you to Hazel and Charlie Jr. for making it so very special. I know Charlie was watching. And thank you to the fans. We wouldn't be here without you. Merry Christmas!"
Following the presentation, the MTB ripped through its biggest hit song, "Can't You See," earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Marshall Tucker Band's music will now be played on Pandora's Country Billionaires station.
"Saturday night was very special for us, but we'd like to send our thoughts to those devastated by the tornadoes," adds Gray. "By the grace of God, we were all safe, but there are so many of our friends who were affected. We are abundantly praying for those people and God Bless Tennessee."
The Marshall Tucker Band Honored With Pandora Billionaires Plaque
Marshall Tucker Band and Jefferson Starship Announce Live on Cloud 9 Tour
The Marshall Tucker Band's 'Can't You See' Ranked As Top Southern Rock Tune
The Marshall Tucker Band's Doug Gray Pays Tribute To Gary Rossington
Hot In The City: Shows Coming to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Root 66: Silver Bullet Bluegrass- 3 Pairs of Boots- more
On The Record: The Darts, Mike Watt, Papa M, On Being An Angel
RockPile: Spotlight on Cleopatra Records
KISS Making Five-Part Documentary About End Of The Road Farewell Tour
AC/DC Dominate One-Fifth of Album Chart With Classic Releases
Allman Brothers Band's Johnny Neal Passes Away At 70
Creed's Scott Stapp To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
KISS and Nirvana TV Specials Lead AXS TV's Shocktober
David Bowie Offshoot KillerStar Announce U.S. Debut
The Funeral Portrait Share North American Headline Tour Dates
Cartel To Play Full 'Chroma' Album At When We Were Young Festival