Brett Kissel honours country music royalty wearing Hank Snow’s iconic stage jacket at the Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, TN – November 2, 2026 – On Thursday evening, Canadian country star Brett Kissel stepped into Music City’s famed circle as part of “Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating 50 Years of the CCMA,” a landmark showcase honouring the deep-rooted ties between Canadian country artists and the historic home of country music. Kissel carried more than just his music to the stage; he brought a tangible piece of country music history on his shoulders, performing in an original, rhinestone-emblazoned stage jacket belonging to the late country titan Hank Snow, generously loaned by the Snow family and the Hank Snow Home Town Museum, located in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. 

Snow became one of the genre’s defining figures throughout the 20th century and is one of the few Canadian artists to be inducted as an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Snow played a pivotal role in music history, notably helping discover Elvis Presley. Renowned for his dazzling, tailor-made wardrobe designed by master couturiers Nudie Cohn and Manuel Cuevas, Snow’s intricate suits set the standard for classic country sparkle. 

For Kissel, wearing the museum-treasured piece marked the fulfillment of a lifelong connection. As a young boy competing in singing contests across Alberta, Kissel cut his teeth performing Snow’s notoriously fast-paced signature hit, “I’ve Been Everywhere.” Leading up to Thursday’s performance, Snow’s great-nephew, Cal, invited Kissel for a personal tour of Rainbow Ranch, Snow’s legendary former estate located in Madison, Tennessee. 

“It was an absolute honour to be trusted with a piece of music history that stood in the Opry circle,” said Kissel. “Cal joked with me during my visit to Rainbow Ranch, saying, ‘Good thing you’re small like Hank. If you were tall like Blake Shelton, this would’ve never worked.’” 

During his set at the 50th-anniversary celebration, Kissel delivered electrifying renditions of fan favourites “Let Your Horses Run” and “Make a Life, Not A Living.” Later in the evening, Kissel teamed up with the iconic Carolyn Dawn Johnson for a stunning duet performance of “Die of a Broken Heart,” taking on Keith Urban’s vocal role, and then joined the entire cast of Canadian stars on stage for an all-artist finale of Paul Brandt’s “Alberta Bound.” 

The historic evening also featured another milestone moment close to Kissel’s heart: the Grand Ole Opry debut of legendary CFCW broadcaster Jackie Rae Greening, who served as a guest announcer. Kissel had the honour of inducting Greening into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018. 

“Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating 50 Years of the CCMA” featured performances by a world-class roster of Canadian talent, including Terri Clark, Gord Bamford, Tami Neilson, Tenille Arts, Jess Moskaluke, Johnson, Brandt and Kissel. The complete historic broadcast will air in Canada across the Pure Country radio chain on Friday, November 6, at 7:00 PM local time. 

Kissel begins The Side You’ve Never Seen Tour: Holiday Edition on November 20 in Regina, SK. He will visit a curated selection of some of his favourite venues across Canada, alongside 

highly requested stops in locations he has yet to visit with this tour, plus a special homecoming show in Bonnyville, AB. 

ABOUT BRETT KISSEL: 

Known for his charismatic personality, dynamic stage presence and unique musical style, Brett Kissel has soared to the top of the Canadian country music charts as one of the country’s most celebrated entertainers. With 23 CCMA Awards – including the 2026 Humanitarian Award – 3 JUNO Awards, 2 Gold-certified albums, 14 Gold singles, 6 Platinum singles and more than 20 Top 10 radio hits including 4 #1s, his impact is undeniable. Kissel has toured with Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks and collaborated with Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, 98° and Dierks Bentley. Following the ambitious four-album rollout of The Compass Project, Kissel entered a powerful new chapter last year with a run of Top 10 singles from his latest album “Let Your Horses Run” including “Cowboys & Dreamers,” the title track and “Hurtin’ Songs.” 

Tickets and Tour Information

THE SIDE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN TOUR: HOLIDAY EDITION: 

November 20, 2026 – Regina, SK | Casino Regina 

November 21, 2026 – Lloydminster, AB | Vic Juba Community Theatre 

November 22, 2026 – Bonnyville, AB | Strathcona Performing Arts Centre 

December 1, 2026 – Lethbridge, AB | VisitLethbridge.com Arena 

December 2, 2026 – North Battleford, SK | Dekker Centre 

December 16, 2026 – Glace Bay, NS | The Savoy Theatre 

December 17, 2026 – Truro, NS | Rath Eastlink Community Centre 

December 18, 2026 – Halifax, NS | Bella Rose Arts Centre 

December 19, 2026 – Charlottetown, PEI | Eastlink Centre 

BRETT KISSEL MEDIA CONTACT: 

Adam Gonshor Collabo PR adam@collabopr.com