Opry Country Christmas/Tuesday Night Opry/Opry NextStage

There is a lot going on this week at the Grand Ole Opry, including three Opry Country Christmas shows, a Tuesday Night Opry and finally, Opry NextStage Live from Category 10. 

Starting off with Opry Country Christmas, here are the shows this week. All shows start at 7:00

Sunday November 30
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Maddox Batson, Mandy Barnett, Branon Heath, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Monday December 1
Host: Larry Gatin
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Rhett Akins, Mandy Barnett, The McCrary Sisters, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Thursday December 4
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ashley McBryde
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Drake Milligan, Mandy Barnett, Maggie Rose, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Now taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, a show that will feature Opry members Vince Gill and T. Graham Brown. Also on Tuesday, Joy Oladokum will be making her Opry debut

Tuesday December 2
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Austin Snell, Joy Oladokum, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Intermission
8:20: Karley Scott Collins, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill 

A note regarding Tuesday night: on the original calendar Jelly Roll was listed and there were two shows scheduled. Jelly Roll was taking off the schedule and now the night is down to one show. 

The final show this week will be the Opry NextStage Live from Category 10, which is advertised as the Home of Luke Combs.  This show will feature the artists from the class of 2025, all of whom have appeared on the Opry. 

Ashley McBryde is the host for the show and scheduled to appear are Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper and Tigirlily Gold. 

Definitely a full week. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/28 & 11/29

At one time there was the Louisiana Hayride, National Barn Dance, WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Old Dominion Barn Dance, Town Hall Party, WSB Barn Dance, and the list goes on and on. There was a time when pretty much every local radio station in the country had some short of barn dance program. Some were more successful than others. After all was said and done, only one has survived in its original format and on Friday night, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with two big shows that will honor the legacy and history of the Opry. 

Looking back, I wonder when it all started, if Edwin Craig, George D. Hay, Harry Stone, David Stone, Uncle Jimmy Thompson and the rest, even thought that what they were doing in the late 1920s and early 1930s would last even a few years, much less a hundred. Do you think they would approve of today's Opry? Obviously, we will never know those answers, but I think all of them would be amazed that the WSM Barn Dance would evolve into the Grand Ole Opry, and would take place in its own theater, would be seen and heard by millions of fans, would be broadcast on national television, heard around the world on social media sites and would make it to 100 years. If they were to walk through the artist's entrance at the Opry House and see the names on the membership wall, the dressing rooms, the displays, the lightening and sound, they would just shake their heads at what became of their Saturday night show that started in the studios of WSM with a single fiddle player. Maybe a few of them had a vision and dream of where the Opry could go. I think Harry Stone realized the potential for sure as did the executives of the insurance company. 

I know there are some that are not pleased at the direction that the Opry has taken. That's a discussion for another day as this weekend we celebrate the legacy and history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

So now, as we have finally reached the date that most Opry fans have had circled on their calendars for quite a few years: November 28, the actual 100th anniversary date of the Grand Ole Opry. In recognition of the night, there are two very special Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule that will feature a large group of Opry members. In fact, both shows will be Opry members only, with the exception of Suzy Bogguss, who is a member-in-waiting. 

Here is the list, in alphabetical order: Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Suzy Bogguss, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Lorrie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites and Mark Wills. 

28 in all. 

I have noticed that some have commented on the Opry's Facebook and Twitter pages that there are a lot of "big" names missing from this lineup. Well, according to the press release from the Opry, there are seven members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with members of the Bluegrass, Comedy, Gospel Music, Musician, Songwriter and Western Music Hall of Fames. Altogether, those appearing have won more than 50 Grammy Awards. The list includes the longest-serving member of the Opry and its newest member. I would say that is a pretty solid group of members on the schedule.

For those who have asked, both shows will be livestreamed on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

“It’s truly amazing to me to think that what began as a regional radio broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925, is thriving more today than ever before and that exactly 100 years after that first performance, fans will be able to see and hear the celebration wherever they are around the globe,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Families will be able to come together this Thanksgiving weekend and celebrate 100 years however they want—by tuning in on WSM or Sirius XM radio or by watching via Opry social media and YouTube. We promise a show that rises to the occasion of having been a century in the making.”  

There are two shows on the schedule, 7:00 and 10:00. (yes, it will be a very long night). The running order that I have been given lists all of the acts in alphabetical order. However, from what I have heard, Ricky Skaggs will open the show with his fiddle, recreating the first tune played by Uncle Jimmy Thompson, "Tennessee Wagoner." After that, I will keep it a secret but from what I have learned, you will not want to miss the special opening of the show.  For those who are planning to watch on the social media sites, it is recommended that you are tuned in at 5:45 CST as not to miss what promises to be a memorable pre-show and opening. 

Yes, I will be there for both shows on Friday, along with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. I know I have heard from many who will also be there and I am looking forward to seeing all of you. 

If we all make it through Friday night, there is a Saturday night Opry on the schedule. 

Saturday November 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Lisa Layne, The Isaacs, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: John Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill 

Since I am posting this before Thanksgiving, I wish everyone a very wonderful Turkey Day. I know Friday is what is traditionally called Black Friday. My advice is not to get up too early to shop as everyone needs to be fresh and awake for the historic Opry shows that night. 

Opry Christmas Shows

For the past several years, the Grand Ole Opry has celebrated the Christmas season with Opry Country Christmas. The shows are back again this year, beginning on Sunday November 30. There are 11 shows in total this year, which is down a couple of from last year. 

Each show will feature Opry members the Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, and with the exception of one show, Riders In The Sky. Each show will also feature at least one additional "special" Opry member, along with guest artists. 

Here are the posted lineups for the Opry Country Christmas shows, as they are currently listed: 

Sunday November 30

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Dailey & Vincent, Maddox Braxton, Brandon Heath

Monday December 1

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Rhett Akins, The McCrary Sisters

Thursday December 4

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Ashley McBryde, Drake Milligan, Maggie Rose

Sunday December 7

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Carly Pearce, John Foster, The Ornaments

Monday December 8

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Chris Janson, Asleep At The Wheel, Jason Crabb

Wednesday December 10

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Lainey Wilson, Connie Smith w/Marty Stuart

Thursday December 11

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Kathy Mattea, Maddie & Tae, 

Sunday December 14

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton

Sunday December 21

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Jon Pardi, Mark Wills 

Monday December 22

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy Riders In The Sky, John Berry, The War and Treaty

Tuesday December 23

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Jamey Johnson, Marcus King 

In addition to Opry Country Christmas, For King + Country will be taking place at the Grand Ole Opry House from Monday December 15 thru Friday December 19. (Yes, no Friday Night Opry that night). For those who are not familiar with this production, KING + COUNTRY’s ‘A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS’ tour features 4x GRAMMY-award winning brothers Joel & Luke Smallbone. With a host of original music as well as thrilling live performances like the harmonic ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ and the anthemic ‘Little Drummer Boy", the shows are always a highlight of the Christmas season. 

Finally, there are a number of holiday shows that will be coming to the Ryman Auditorium this holiday season, highlighted of course, by the annual Vince Gill & Amy Grant performances. Also appearing at the Ryman in December with their Christmas shows will be Opry members Little Big Town and Lady A. 

Those visiting Nashville this holiday season will certainly have a wide selection of shows to see. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/21 & 11/22

Earlier this year, I participated in a documentary that was being filmed by the Nashville Tennessean saluting the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. I am very happy to say that the documentary is now finished and has been released. In the documentary, How the Grand Ole Opry lives on after 100 years in Nashville, the Tennessean spent six months interviewing workers, stars and historians about the last 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. I have posted the link below

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7I_H1uXLd4

Personally, I was honored to have been asked to be a part of this project, and I am very pleased with how it came out. It is roughly 25 minutes in length and if you are so inclined, please feel free to share. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Vince Gill returns for both Friday and Saturday night. Opry members T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, The Whites and comedian Henry Cho will be joining Vince on Friday night, while John Conlee, Don Schlitz and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule for Saturday. 

Deana Carter will be making an appearance on Friday night. There are some who have thought over the years that Deana Carter would make a good Opry member. I don't disagree. Also scheduled to appear are Jackson Dean and making his Opry debut, Maoli. 

Saturday night's lineup includes singer/songwriter Radney Foster, MacKenzie Carpenter, and a group that Vince was once a part of: Pure Prairie League. 

Friday November 21
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Maoli, Deana Carter
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Henry Cho, Jackson Dean, Vince Gill

Saturday November 22
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Mackenzie Carpenter, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Radney Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Pure Prairie League, Vince Gill

There is only one mid-week Opry show during the upcoming week and that will be the Tuesday Night Opry. The Opry's newest member, at least for another month, Steve Earle is on the schedule, as are Dailey & Vincent, comedian Gary Mule Deer and Charlie McCoy. Guesting are Jason Crabb, Mae Estes, Marynn Taylor and making his Opry debut, Lian St. John. 

Tuesday November 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, MaRynn Taylor, Liam St. John, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:20: Mae Estes, Gary Mule Deer, Charlie McCoy, Steve Earle


This week the Grand Ole Opry Spotlight shines on Jean Shepard, who joined the Grand Ole Opry on November 21, 1955: 

Ollie Imogene Shepard was born on November 21, 1933. She grew up singing in church and was drawn to the music of Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. As a teenager, she played bass in the Melody Ranch Girls, an all-female band formed in 1948. Hank Thompson discovered her a few years later and with his help, she signed with Capitol Records in 1952, which followed the success of Kitty Wells. She cut four songs at her first session with popular band players Jimmy Bryant, Speedy West, Cliffie Stone and Billy Strange and recorded her first single for the label in 1952, "Crying Steel Guitar Waltz", but it failed to chart. Her next single "A Dear John Letter", a duet with Ferlin Husky in 1953, hit number one on the country charts and was number four on the pop charts. The duo's follow-up, "Forgive Me John", was another crossover hit, peaking in the Top 10 on the country chart and the top 25 on the pop chart.

 She would go on to release 70 singles to the Hot Country Songs chart and a total of 24 studio albums from 1956 to 1981. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and remained a member for the next 61 years. Her first marriage was to fellow singer Hawkshaw Hawkins, but it ended when he, along with Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas, was killed in a plane crash in 1963. In 1968 Jean married musician Benny Birchfield. 

In 1981 she released her final album "Dear John". She continued to perform until her retirement from the stage in 2015. During her long career, she was considered a pioneer "who opened the doors for women in country music". She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. 

As mentioned, Jean Shepard was born on November 21st. It was also the date that Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. Her first appearance as a member would take place later that week on Saturday November 26. Here is the running order from that night 70 years ago: 

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Marty Robbins: Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

7:45: American Ace
George Morgan: Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Savior Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in My Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan

8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey: I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smokey Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Louvin Brothers: In The Middle of Nowhere
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped The Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love in Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price: I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins: That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way to The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
R. D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

10:45: D Con
Hank Snow: Just Keep On Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey: I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:30: Delited
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou

On Saturday November 21, 2015, Jean Shepard became the first female member in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to have celebrated 60 years as a member of the Opry cast. 

Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
7:30: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host): Ashley Campbell, Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
10:00: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ashley Campbell, Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host): Charles Esten

Jean Shepard was pretty much retired by then and only appeared on the first show that night. The curtain was closed before Jean was introduced by Bill Anderson and when it opened, Jean was seated. During that segment, she sang "Tennessee Waltz" and "A Dear John Letter" which was a duet with Bill Anderson. During the show, Jean announced that she was officially retired and this would be her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, on September 25, 2016, Jean Shepard passed away. 

While other Opry members came and went, once Jean joined the cast of the Opry in 1955, she never left. She was proud of that fact, and she made no secret how she felt about those members who did leave and then would return. She was definitely a treasure who was not shy about speaking her mind. For those who have not read her autobiography, I highly recommend the book. 

There you have it for this week. Next weekend the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special Friday Night Opry. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Taking a look at the mid-week Opry shows on the calendar for this week, starting with the Tuesday Night Opry with members Del McCoury and Don Schlitz on the schedule. Frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is scheduled, while Noah Rinker will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday November 18
7:00: Jamie O'Neal, Del McCoury Band, Noah Rinker, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Emmy Russell, Jonnie W., Tyler Rich, Don Schlitz

There is only one Opry member scheduled for Thursday night and that is Dailey & Vincent, who will be opening the show. Veterans Nel McCoy and Clay Walker are scheduled, with The War and Treaty closing out the show. NE-YO will be making his Opry debut. 

Thursday November 20
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Tyler Braden, Holly Williams, Clay Walker
Intermission
8:20: Neal McCoy, NE-YO, The War and Treaty

(only 2 Opry members on Tuesday night and just one on Thursday)

NE-YO is a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose illustrious catalog has generated a combined total of 23 billion streams worldwide.

His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple-platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer, ”Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don].”

His film and television credits include NBC’s World of Dance, Netflix’s Dance Monsters, Empire, Stomp the Yard, Save the Last Dance, Battle: Los Angeles, George Lucas 'Red Tails, The Wiz Live!, Starz’ Step Up: High-Water, Hip-Hop Family Christmas Wedding and The Sound of Christmas. He will be starring in the upcoming season of 50 Cent’s acclaimed drama series BMF on STARZ.

Grand Ole Opry 11/14 & 11/15

Let me start off by saying how great it was to have James Taylor appearing on the Opry last Tuesday night. That last hour with Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and James was just utterly amazing. (I should also add that Randy Travis was backstage last night and was introduced to the audience). From what I gathered listening, James sang five songs: Copperline, Carolina In My Mind, You've Got a Friend, Shower the People and Fire and Rain. I have been reading the comments on the Opry's Facebook page and while most were positive, you had those that had to chime in about what a disgrace it was to have James on the Opry. Sorry, but I am not one of those. For those who were there, it was a memorable night and from what I heard, he fit right in. Thanks to Dan Rogers for making this night happen. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Opry member Kelsea Ballerini is on the schedule, for one of her rare Opry appearances. Also appearing are Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and The Whites. Comedian and radio personality Bobby Bones is listed along with Ashley Cooke and making their Opry debut, LANY. 

Taking a look at Saturday night, Carly Pearce returns, along with members T. Graham Brown, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Sara Evans. Rounding out Saturday's lineup are The Band Loula and making his Opry debut, Michael Marcagi. 

Friday November 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, The Whites, Ashley Cooke
Intermission
8:20: LANY, Bobby Bones, Kelsea Ballerini

Saturday November 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Michael Marcagi, Bill Anderson, Carly Pearce
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, The Band Loula, Don Schlitz, Sara Evans

A very nice group of Opry members this weekend and hopefully Dan will remind Kelsea, Carly and Sara that there is a 100th anniversary show in a couple of weeks and maybe they might want to appear!

LANY, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is a pop-rock band that was formed by Belmont University alums in Nashville. The duo is comprised of frontman Paul Klein and drummer Jake Goss. They have been around since 2014 and just released their sixth album "Soft." While the group is based in Los Angeles, they do return to Nashville frequently. 

Regarding their Opry debut, Paul Klein said that he knows that opportunities for non-country acts to play the Opry's stage are few and prestigious. Some of the stars to have the honor include Olivia Newton-John, John Legend, Quinn XCII, and most recently, Sabrina Carpenter.

"I lived here almost 10 years; that's a rite of passage, playing the Opry," Goss said. "(That's) where the best musicians in all of history have played. We're so excited to join the party."

Michael Marcagi, who is making he debut on Saturday night, is a singer/songwriter from the Cincinnati area. He released his solo debut single, "The Other Side", in December 2023. The following month, he announced he had signed to Warner Records and released a second single, "Scared to Start". Aided by popularity on TikTok, "Scared to Start" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Both singles were included on his debut EP, American Romance, released in February 2024.

I don't know about anyone else, but I really enjoy taking a look back at some of the Grand Ole Opry lineups during what many called the Golden Age of the Opry. It was back during the time when if you were an Opry member, who were expected to appear. The lineup below is from 63 years ago, Saturday November 15, 1952, and if I counted right, there were 18 future Hall of Fame members on the show that night, and a couple more who should be. And this was a typical Opry night. 

Taking a look back to Saturday November 15, 1952. Here is the posted lineup from 63 years ago: 

7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Lew Childre: Hang Out the Front Door Key
Roy Acuff: Eye From on High
Howdy Forrester: Blackberry Blossom

7:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff: They Can Only Fill One Grave
Webb Pierce: That Heart Belongs to Me
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
Oswald: Surely In A Train
Fiddle: Bill Bailey

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb: Fortunes In Memories
Hank Snow: The Girl Who Invented Kissin'
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin'
Carter Family: Willow, Will You Weep for Me
Bill Monroe: Footprints in the Snow
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama Blues
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood on the River
June Carter: Comedy-Walkin' To Missouri
Chet Atkins: Guitar Polka
Hank Snow: Such A Fool as I
Bill Monroe: Tall Timber

8:30: Prince Albert Show
Red Foley: Birmingham Blues
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Martha Carson: Crying Holy to the Lord
Square Dancers: Mississippi Sawyer
Red Foley: My God Is Real
Old Hickory Singers: Kentucky Babe
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Martha Carson: Swing Down A Chariot
String Bean: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Somebody's Crying
Square Dancers: Devil's Dream

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff: Don't Make Me Go To Bed
Fruit Jar Drinkers: McCloud's Reel
George Morgan: Yesterday's Roses
Duke Of Paducah: Comedy
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Grandpa Jones: Are You Drom Dixie
Roy Acuff: Thank God
Homer Harris: To Be Selected
Oswald: Roll On Buddy
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin'

9:30: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith: Our Honeymoon
Jimmy Dickens: You Don't Love Me
Ray Price: I Can't Escape From You
Anita Carter: Foggy Mountain Top
Lonza and Oscar: Let's Live A Little #2
Possum Hunters: Bill Cheatham
Carl Smith: Sing Her A Love Song
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Faron Young: Going Steady
Carl Smith: This Side of Heaven
Hal Smith: Sally Goodin'

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: I Love Everything About You
Bill Monroe: When The Cactus Are In Bloom
Johnny and Jack: Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
Tommy Sosebee: I'd Trade All My Tomorrows
Don Slayman: Turkey in the Straw

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
George Morgan: Honky Tonk Street
Cowboy Copas: Some Fine Morning
Bill Monroe: Boat of Love
Webb Pierce: I'll Aways Take Care of You
Charlie Cline: Arkansas Traveler

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb: Somebody's Stolen My Honey
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Gully Jumpers: Soldier's Joy
Faron Young: My Open Arms
June Carter: Beautiful Morning Glory
Ernest Tubb: I'm With A Crowd But So Alone
Ray Price: Please Be Mine
Chet Atkins: Mary Lou
Jimmy Dickens: Hot Diggity Dog
Ernest Tubb: Daisey May

11:00: Soltice
Roy Acuff: The Streamlined Cannon Ball
Lonzo and Oscar: Goodbye Little Darlin'
Roy and The Gang: Gethscme
Howdy Forrester: Cripple Creek

11:15: O-Cello
Carl Smith: There's Nothin' As Sweet As My Baby
Johnny and Jack: The Only One I Ever Loved I Lost
String Bean: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Carl Smith: I Overlooked an Orchid
Fiddle: Rickett's Hornpipe

11:30: Darimix
Hank Snow: I Went to Your Wedding
Lew Childre: Sister Lucy
Moon Mullican: Pipeliner Blues
Crook Brothers: New Five Cents
Hank Snow: Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud

11:45: Hester Battery Co. 
Cowboy Copas: Boomerang
Sam and Kirk: Sugar Moon
Grandpa Jones: Frog Hair
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sweet Jenny Lee
Cowboy Copas: Copy Cat

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

The Ernest Tubb Record Shop has posted news about the return of The Midnite Jamboree, live from The Ernest Tubb Record Shop 417 Broadway. Here is the post: 

We’re bringing back one of country music’s most cherished traditions — The Midnite Jamboree!

Founded by Ernest Tubb in 1947, the Midnite Jamboree became a cornerstone of Nashville’s musical heritage — a place where country legends and rising stars alike took the stage after the Opry to perform live on WSM Radio.

On Saturday November 15 at 10pm, the Midnite Jamboree returns, live from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, featuring a house band and rotating guest performances, carrying forward the spirit of the original broadcast that helped shape Music City

While this is wonderful news, there is a downside to all of this: the Jamboree will no longer be free!!

General Admission:
$19.59 (including fees and sales tax)

VIP Table for 2:
$114.45 (including fees and sales tax)
Premium Seat Package - Private front row table with velvet seats for 2 people.

Table for 4:
$133.18 (including fees and sales tax)
Private table up front with seats for 4 people

Table for 2:
$67.61 (including fees and sales tax)
Private bar-height table with seats for 2 people

I really have no words. For over 50 years, the Midnite Jamboree was free, and it featured wonderful entertainment. You could usually count on an Opry member, or frequent Opry guest hosting and you never knew who would drop in to just visit or do a special number. The artists were friendly, and you could always get a picture or autograph. And it was all free!!

To say I am disappointed, would be an understatement. It will be interesting to see how this progresses and what artists will be included as the rotating guest performers. I can add that I will not be one of those driving downtown after the Opry, paying an exuberant rate for parking, then fighting the Broadway crowd to pay $20 to see the Jamboree. 

Now looking at the midweek Opry shows for this week, some nights are better than others at the Grand Ole Opry House, and Tuesday night will be one of those as the legendary singer James Taylor will be making his debut on the Opry. And while James Taylor will be making his Opry debut, it will also be a special Veterans Day show that will feature Opry member Craig Morgan, along with Scotty Hasting and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band. 

Tuesday November 11
7:00: Craig Morgan, Scotty Hasting, Jamey Johnson, Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band
Intermission
8:35: Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, James Taylor

Making an observation, it almost seems as it will be two distinctly separate shows with the first half devoted to Veterans Day, and the second half wrapped around James Taylor, with Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill scheduled. 

Opry Country Classics has wrapped up for the year, so starting this week the Thursday Night Opry will be presented as a traditional Opry show. Opry members Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky and The Whites are scheduled. Maggie Rose is back for another Opry appearance as is the delightful Sunny Sweeney. William Prince and Tylar Farr round it out. 

Thursday November 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Tyler Farr, William Prince, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Sunny Sweeney, Charlie McCoy, Treaty Oak Revival