Judge: Stonewall Jackson Can Sue Opry

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—A federal judge says Stonewall Jackson may pursue claims of age discrimination against the Grand Ole Opry.

The 75-year-old country singer filed a federal lawsuit in January against Gaylord Entertainment Co. and Opry General Manager Pete Fisher, claiming age discrimination, breach of contract and retaliation.

He's seeking $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

Gaylord has argued the singer wasn't an employee of the Grand Ole Opry and he shouldn't be able to pursue his claims.

U.S. District Judge William Haynes Jr. said Jackson could go forward because of the dispute over whether he is an employee of the Opry. The judge made his ruling recently.

Jackson has been a member of the long-running country music radio show since 1956. He had a string of hits in the 1950s and '60s, including "Waterloo" and "B.J. the D.J."