June 27th, 2024, it’s a Thursday night and my friend Alex Miller, traditional country music singer songwriter is making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Being invited to experience this monumental moment along side Alex and his band and team was a humbling experience as a photographer, fan, and friend. This article is a deep dive into what I observed and the emotions and comradely that was felt backstage. 

Walking in and receiving my approved credentials I proceeded past the bust that was dressed with a beautiful Dolly Parton Grand Ole Opry stage worn dress, passing the iconic wall name plates of of all the Grand Ole Opry members, at the end of the list Lainey Wilson who recently became the newest member. Alex Miller was in dressing room 5. The decor was clean and rustic country feel with a tattered distressed American flag encompassing one of the walls. Alex, sitting with his guitar in hand as Roger, his dad sat across the table from him welcome me into the room, band mates; Mark Law, Larry Todd, and Jeff Watson all greeting me as they are always in a fun and chipper mood. This day was no exception.

Alex and his band have been welcoming to me since day one, back in 2021, now four years later the team feels like a second family to me. Alex back in 2021 to 2024 is the same guy but he has grown and matured with his stage presence and his songwriting has become seasoned musician level at such a young age. 

Martha Moore, Alex’s Public Relations manager and owner of “So Much Moore Media” was full of excitement as she is always a joy to be around. Martha is the embodiment of what a dedicated PR representative should be modeled after. She works tirelessly for her artist and as accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the music industry. Martha was thrilled to be there with Alex, who she has had the opportunity to work with since his departure for American Idol is a dream come true. I cannot say enough good things about her. PR’s are the backbone to success, and Martha has been a trailblazer in Nashville for decades.

We all chatted and caught up since it had been a little while since we saw each other last. In comes “Lemonade”, a lady who is the backbone of making things happen backstage. You need anything, she is your one stop shop get it done woman. Her nickname comes from the legendary Lemonade she makes for the shows. Let me tell you, that lemonade was INCREDIBLE! 

We all went side stage when it was time for rehearsal as I grabbed my gear to capture Alex taking to the iconic stage for the first time. He rehearsed with the house band and never missed a beat. Those that know him could slightly see the nerves showing but Alex composed himself strong and rehearsed his songs he would later perform before a sell out packed Opry house. A day that Alex has dreamed of since he was a kid, now it’s the reality he is living.

Between the time of rehearsal and for Alex to take to the legendary circle on stage more artist trickled in to their dressing rooms, where everyone mingled and conversed; family, friends, bands and media. It was really a sight to see and experience that it was much like a family reunion. Alex had many visitors who are well respected artist who came by to personally support him such as Billy Jam Records Jerry Salley, and the beloved Rhonda Vincent. Alex introduced both Jerry and Rhonda to his guitar, a 1945 Martin D-44 (produced during World War 2) that a gentleman from his hometown owns and is passing down to Alex in his will. Alex jokes as he told us their conversation “I’ll have to borrow it when I play the Opry and I’ll bring it back” as he hold the stunning guitar. Alex points out how it’s 100% original aside from the fresh set of strings that bring out its beautiful vibrant sound. 

Alex makes his wardrobe change to get stage ready, excited for his opportunity that he’s worked hard to make happen. One that JB (Alex’s grandfather) and Alex had dreamed of for years and now it becomes reality. JB was a proud grandfather who kept record of EVERY performance of Alex’s up until his unfortunate passing. Alex and JB had a bond that was inseparable. Alex had the handwritten pages that JB had written paper-clipped in his guitar case. “I’ll write in tonight’s show, my debut at the Grand Ole Opry and I’ll put these away and cherish them forever.” Said Alex as he pens the Grand Ole Opry and date show at the bottom of the page. 

Shortly before his debut, Alex celebrated his 21st birthday on the 5th. “I had a Miller since it was my birthday and had to make it Miller since it’s my name” Alex said as he laughs and added “It wasn’t very good to be honest”. 

Talking about his limited down time away from music and touring he in his fun loving way explains “Well I don’t get much down time but when I do I like to chase the women” we both begin laughing out loud. “I do run or walk a mile everyday if I’m not in the gym” Alex states as I return with “Well you’ve gotta keep that cardio going chasing the women around!”. Alex always is a fun guy to chat with, trying to get his mind off the jitters of what a big night that was for him. 

Alex made the effort to shake the hand of every artist that was performing that night and has them sign his debut poster he plans to display at his home. Each artist he interacted with was filled with joy as they discussed the Opry, music, and a shared appreciation for one another.

Alex spends some time in the dressing room of fellow Kentuckian who is celebrating his 15th year in the Grand Ole Opry, Eddie Montgomery.  Of Montgomery Gentry. Eddie invited Alex to the Opry knowing that Alex is the real deal and the future of country music. The two joked around and Eddie gave Alex encouragement in his words to help Alex settle his nerves about his big debut. 

Alex is scheduled to take to the stage right after intermission is over to kickstart the second half of the show. Roger, the band, and myself take to our seats excited cheer on and witness history in the making for Alex. Host, Bill Cody gives a short backstory on Alex, and asks the crowd where they’ve traveled from to see Alex as fans bellowed out different states and cities, “Washington State” catch’s Bill’s attention as they sat down front of the stage. That is amazing and certainly encouraging for fans to travel so far  to support Alex Miller. Eddie Montgomery comes out and gives a humbling introduction giving praise to a young man who has been working for this moment his whole life, Alex Miller! Alex emerges to the stage and thanks Eddie and shakes his hand as the crowd erupts in excitement for Alex to step into the circle. 

Alex talks to the assembled fans as he strums his guitar with his talented picking style “Putting Up Hay”. Alex leads the band with his fast and entertaining guitar picking and his unique southern drawl as fans eat it up. It’s always enjoyable to watch Alex perform as his stage presence is fun and you never know what he’s going to do from playing guitar behind his head to jumping off the stage and performing amount the fans. It’s a connection that is unique and Alex knows how to show his appreciation, give back to his fans and give them a great show.

Leading into Alex’s second song he begins to talk about JB (his late grandfather) and how influential JB was on shaping Alex’s life and career as his number one supporter. We could hear the emotion in Alex’s voice as he takes a brief moment and starts into his latest release “My Daddy’s Dad”. Delivering an amazing performance of a song Alex penned to pay homage to his grandfather. Receiving a stand ovation from fans from to back. It was a goosebumps moment for sure! 

After fans gave a deafening ovation, Bill Cody returns to the stage meeting Alex in the round discussing his appearance, his late grandfather and his potential in country music. 

After the show we all met back up in the dressing room giving our congratulations to Alex. Alex humbly thanked everyone for being there and was proud of how the show went. A day that is going to be forever etched into his legacy. 

To be apart of this career changing moment for Alex and to see how he has grown as a young man was truly an experience for a lifetime. Alex Miller has proven himself as a work horse of country music, he has earned the respect of his peers likewise that of the legends he is filling their shoes proudly. A career changing night for a worthy young man with an insurmountable talent, determination to succeed, and a work ethic unparalleled to anyone else in the industry. It’s an obvious statement but mark my words; Alex Miller will be a member of the Grand Ole Opry along with many other accolades and accomplishments through his career.