Tyler Childers Introduces Robert Earl Keen at the Grand Ole Opry

Robert Earl Keen has checked off quite a few milestones in his career — penning a Lone Star anthem, getting inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, writing one of country music’s most irreverent Christmas standards — but up until last week he’d somehow never performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

That all changed last Wednesday, when country fans were treated to a three-song performance from Keen at the long-running Nashville institution and radio show.

“It was an honor to sing in the Circle last night, a place so many of my heroes have stood,” Keen told Rolling Stone shortly after the performance. “I’ve been playing these songs up and down the highways for decades — singing them last night on the Opry stage felt a lot like coming home.”

Opry fans were also treated to a surprise appearance from Tyler Childers, who was on hand to introduce the 69-year-old Keen, who recently decided to un-retire. Calling him an “inspiration to road dogs and poets alike,” Childers introduced Keen by putting a twist on his most famous song: “Preaching that the road goes on forever, and the poetry never ends,” said Childers, who described him as “the great American songwriter.” (The two artists have played shows together over the years and Keen is opening for Childers later this year).

Keen proceeded to play a trio of his time-tested classics: “Gringo Honeymoon,” “I Gott Go,” and “Feelin’ Good Again.”

“It meant so much to have my good friend Tyler introduce me, as well as all of the friends and family who joined backstage,” Keen said. “I’m feeling good again, so singing that song last night was a nod to it.”