Joanna to perform on Grand Ole Opry Oct. 26

Joanna Smith Early County's Joanna Smith will be performing on the grandest stage in country music Oct. 26 when she sings at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Joanna will be the opening act for WSM radio's 81st Anniversary of WSM at the Ryman Auditorium, a show which will be headlined by Glen Campbell.

Her opportunity to perform on the Grand Ole Opry is the grand prize she earned by winning WSM's 2nd annual "From Tootsies to the Ryman" talent search contest.

The former Miss Teen Georgia America and Early County High valedictorian has been drawn to the stage since she was five. She headed to Nashville at age 19 to pursue her dream and has been songwriting and doing demos in the Music City.

As far as the News can determine, Joanna will be the first person from Early County to have performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Joanna is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Smith of Arlington.