Grand Ole Opry Saturday December 21

Due to For King & Country performing at the Grand Ole Opry House this week, the only Grand Ole Opry performance will be Saturday night. 

Saturday's show will feature Grand Ole Opry members Connie Smith, T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills. Also on the schedule are a couple of artists whose names have been mentioned from time-to-time as possible future members of the Grand Ole Opry: The Bellamy Brothers and Steve Earle. 

Rounding out the lineup is Sister Sadie and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Kashus Culpepper. 

Saturday December 21
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, T. Graham Brown, Sister Sadie, Bellamy Brothers
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Kashus Culpepper, Don Schlitz, Steve Earle

Sunday and Monday will mark the final 2024 shows for Opry Country Christmas. Personally, I think the series of shows this year have been very, very good. More of the same is expected with the final two. Just to recap: 

Sunday December 22
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Mark Wills, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Berry

Monday December 23
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, Sunny Sweeney

As we continue to look back at the first year of the new Grand Ole Opry House, here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday December 21, 1974:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Get Up, John
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Nobody Darling But Mine
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Bill Monroe: A Good Woman's Love

6:45: Rudy's
Del Reeves (host): Girl On The Billboard
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jan Howard: Gentle On My Mind
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Jan Howard: White Christmas
Opry Staff Band: Remington Ride
Roy Drusky: Fraulein

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Poor Sweet Baby
Billy Grammer: Whispering Hope
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Liberty
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Jean Shepard: Slipping Away
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
George Morgan: In The Misty Moonlight
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Phil Campbell: Help Me Make It Through The Night
George Morgan: Release Me

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): You're Easy To Love
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome To The Sunshine
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Dear Santa Claus

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Monroe (host): Christmas Time's A, Coming
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers To You
Del Reeves: Help Me Make It Through The Night
Bill Monroe: I Am A Pilgrim
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Jan Howard: You Win Again
Billy Grammer: Sentimental Journey
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Roy Drusky (host): Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Jimmy C Newman Blue Lonely Winter
Roy Drusky: The Bitter They Are The Harder They Fall

10:30: Trailblazer
Stonewall Jackson (host): Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

10:45: Beechnut
George Morgan (host): You Turn Me On
Phil Campbell: A Thing Called Love
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: (?)
George Morgan: Silent Night

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Hank Snow: Silent Night
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Hank Snow: A Letter To Santa Claus

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Welcome To The Sunshine
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man/Loving Arms
Ronnie Robbins: If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Marty Robbins: Love Me/I'm Wanting To/El Paso/Devil Woman

(Ray Pillow and Marion Worth were scheduled for both shows but cancelled)

It is interesting that considering it was the weekend before Christmas, that there was not a whole lot of Christmas or holiday music on the Opry that night. Also, many of the big names were missing, getting in those final tour dates before the end of the year. 

Finally, on December 21, 2001, future Grand Ole Opry member Josh Turner made his Opry debut. Here is the lineup from that Friday night: 

7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, BR549
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Bill Carlisle, Jan Howard, Mel McDaniel
8:30: Mike Snider (host): Billy Walker, Charlie Louvin, Gene Watson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host): Josh Turner, Charlie Walker, Marty Stuart
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Del McCoury Band, Emmylou Harris

A very solid lineup. 

As I conclude this week, along with Miss Casey, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my readers. Without you, there would be no reason for me to do what I do. As I wrote at Thanksgiving, I appreciate each and every one of you. Be safe and enjoy this holiday season. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/13 & 12/14

There are only five more Grand Ole Opry shows in 2024 and two of them will be taking place this weekend. 

Starting with the Friday Night Opry, Opry members on the schedule include John Conlee, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Del McCoury. Opry NextStage artist Ernest heads up the list of non-members on the show, along with Jake Worthington, Cody Jinks and making her Opry debut, Maggie Antone. 

Don Schlitz is back on Saturday night, along with members Bill Anderson, Henry Cho and T. Graham Brown. Sam Williams and Wendy Moten are on the schedule, along with Andrew Farriss, who will be making his solo Grand Ole Opry debut. 

Friday December 13
7:00: Del McCoury Band, Maggie Antone, John Conlee, ERNEST
Intermission
8:20: Jake Worthington, Connie Smith, Cody Jinks, Don Schlitz

Saturday December 14

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Wendy Moten, Sam Williams, Don Schlitz

Intermission

8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Henry Cho, Andrew Farriss

Maggie Antone shared her thoughts on social media regarding her Opry debut, "What an honor it is to be invited to step into that circle. It feels like a fairytale come true."

It has been a year of major accomplishments for Antone. She released her full-length debut album Rhinestoned, which received widespread acclaim, and hit the road alongside artists such as Brent Cobb, Ella Langley, Willow Avalon, and 49 Winchester. She’s also appeared on several festival lineups and made notable guest appearances, including on 49 Winchester’s Leavin’ This Holler.

Andrew Farriss wrote this regarding his Opry debut on Saturday night: “Performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is an American dream come true. It really is the home of the country music greats, and I’m also proud to join the ranks of the amazing artists who have performed at this important and historic venue.” 

From Australia, this singer/songwriter is mostly known in the music world for his years with INXS, however he has become a devoted follower of country and Americana music. His 2021 self-titled debut album is all about showing his love and appreciation for American roots and country music, blending Americana, country, and rhythmic rock music. His latest release, ‘Something Stronger,' co-written with acclaimed songwriter Lawrie Minson, captures Farriss’ evolving style. Infused with southern rock and country influences, the track emphasises his deep connection to the American musical landscape. Over the last 15 years, Farriss has built strong collaborations with Nashville-based songwriters, allowing him to seamlessly transition from his rock background into country and Americana.

When the new Grand Ole Opry House opened, it would just be a matter of time until some of the former and retired Grand Ole Opry members would appear to check out the new building. One of those former members was DeFord Bailey. 

The following is from the Nashville Tennessean: 

Saturday was a big day for DeFord Bailey. It was his seventy-fifth birthday, and he made his debut in the new Grand Ole Opry House. The Opry itself was nothing new, of course. His first appearance there was in 1925, just barely a month after the Opry itself made its debut. For more than fifteen years he was probably the most consistent Opry performer, as well as the only black one, and his style of harmonica playing was widely imitated. He left in 1941-some people at the Opry say it was because he insisted on playing the same old tunes-and has performed only seldom since. 

The feeling Saturday night was all warmth. Roy Acuff credited Bailey with helping his career in the early days. "I guess DeFord traveled with us for about six or seven years. I used him whenever I wanted to draw a crowd. DeFord would play and then I'd go on and try to hold their attention." 

Saturday's crowd seemed a little perplexed. Most of them were unfamiliar with his work-it has been a long time since he recorded. Ironically, at least one authority thinks Bailey may have been the first artist ever to record in Nashville-8 sides for RCA Victor in October 1928. But there were plenty of old friends. Alcyone Beasley recalled how her father, the late Dr. Humphrey Bate brought Bailey to the Opry as "the dangdest harmonica player that ever lived." After the stage appearance, there was cake backstage. Some of the faces were familiar from his own performing days, including Sam and Kirk McGee and Herman Crook of the Crook Brothers. 

On stage, Bailey appeared to be saving his breath until he played. He showed a lot of his old style in "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," "The Pan American Blues," and "Fox Chase."

Now here in the running order from that night 50 years ago, Saturday December 14, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms

Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop

Jim and Jesse: Paradise

Ernie Ashworth: Oh, Lonesome Me
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Every Time I Turn The Radio On

Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me

The 4 Guys: What About Me
Bill Anderson: Proof

7:00: Rudy's

Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South

Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower/Under The Double Eagle

Bob Luman: Let Me Make The Bright Lights Shine For You

Barbara Lea: May You Never Be Alone

Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner
Billy Grammer: Whispering Hope

Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Shackles & Chains
Crook Brothers: Eighth Of January

Brother Oswald: Little Darling
DeFord Bailey: Pan American Blues/Ain't Gonna Rain No More/Fox Chase
Carolee Cooper: Forgetting About You
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Jingle Bells

Connie Smith: I Got My Baby On My Mind

Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again

Marty Stuart & Curly Seckler: Christmas Time's A 'Coming

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: It Takes A Lot Of Loving

Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art

Charlie Nixon: Maggie Blues

8:30: Stephens

Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

Mel Tillis: Heart Over Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

Roy Drusky: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

Mel Tillis: Memory Maker/Sawmill

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Bill Anderson (host): (?)

Willis Brothers: Cool Water

Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose

Bill Anderson: City Lights

Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors

Mary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet Baby

Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

10:00: Fender

Bob Luman (host): Kaw-Liga

Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady

Bob Luman: Six Days On The Road

10:15: Union 76

Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country

Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love

Roy Acuff: Turn Your Radio On

10:30: Trailblazer

Lester Flatt (host): Great Big Woman & A Little Bitty Bottle Of Wine

Grandpa Jones: Heading South

Connie Smith: Dallas

Lester Flatt: Homestead On The Farm

10:45: Beechnut

The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River

Stoney & Carolee Cooper: To My Mansion In The Sky

Crook Brothers: Soldier's Joy

The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There

11:00: Coca Cola

Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily

Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

Mel Tillis: Life Turned Her That Way/Ruby. Don't Take Your Love To Town
Roy Drusky: All For The Love Of A Girl/Three Hearts In A Tangle/Somewhere My Love

Sam McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

Harold Weakley: Legend In My Time

Roy Drusky: Anymore

11:30: Elm Hill

Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo

Ronnie Robbins: If We Make It Through December/If You Love Me Let Me Know

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care/Let Me Love You All Over Again

Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands In Muddy Water/Don't Be Angry/Waterloo

(Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Wilma Lee was still sick which is why she did not appear. Also, Skeeter Willis did not appear. Porter Wagoner and DeFord Bailey only appeared on the first show)

Looking at December 14 through the years: 

1973: Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie was brought on stage by her father, Opry member George Morgan. She sang "Paper Roses."

1991: Wayne Newton made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared on the televised segment hosted by Porter Wagoner and sang "I Know So" and "Why Me, Lord." He also appeared on the second show singing the same two songs. 

2002: Toby Keith made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While he never became an Opry member, Toby would make a few Opry appearances during his career. 

2013: Rock legend Peter Frampton made his debut on the Opry. That night he performed with Opry member Ricky Skaggs, including the hits "Show Me The Way" and "Baby I Love You."

Finally, I wanted to take a moment and share a post from Jeannie Seely's Facebook page: 

Good morning everyone. It’s been awhile for me to get this together. Thanksgiving morning Gene asked me to call 911 as he was having chest pains and couldn’t breathe. At St. Thomas Hospital they also confirmed that cancer is back. He has been transferred to Lifecare in Old Hickory for care and they are great folks there.  His boys, Gregg, Kevin and Shane are the best. We would be grateful for extra prayers. Gene Ward is one of the most amazing men I have ever known, and I have been so blessed to be his wife.  The river and I have been in tears. 💔😢

Jeannie, I know I speak for all of the readers and followers of the blog as we pass along our prayers and thoughts to you, Gene, and your entire family and support group. 

There you have it for this weekend. Only two more weekends to go in 2024 before Opry100 gets underway in January. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 12/10

It's the final Tuesday Night Opry of 2024 and it's a good one: 

Tuesday December 10
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Amythyst Kiah, Marty Stuart
Intermission
8:20: Vincent Mason, Gary Mule Deer, Darius Rucker

Marty is finishing up, what he is calling, his four-night residency at the Grand Ole Opry. It's also nice to see Opry member Darius Rucker returning. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/6 & 12/7

Some breaking news from this past week involving Grand Ole Opry member Alison Krauss: 

Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are set to hit the road for the first time in a decade.

The beloved bluegrass musicians announced the Arcadia 2025 Tour on Tuesday, Dec. 3, which will take them across the U.S. and Canada for 73 shows from April through September. The group, which has not toured together since 2015, is also set to release new music for the first time in 14 years.

“I’m so grateful to get to make music again with my comrades of 40 years,” singer Krauss, 53, said in a statement. “They’ve always accomplished incredible work individually and have been constantly traveling because of it. We’re very inspired to experience this new exciting chapter in the band’s history.”

The 27-time Grammy winner will be joined by Union Station members Ron Block on banjo, guitar and vocals, Barry Bales on bass and vocals, Russell Moore on vocals and guitar and Jerry Douglas on Dobro, lap steel and vocals.

As noted, Russell Moore, the leader of III Tyme Out, will be the main vocalist on this tour. He will take the place of Union Station member Dan Tyminski, who is busy with his own solo career. 

We all know that it has been years since Alison Krauss has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Hopefully, with her return to bluegrass and touring with Union Station, she will fit in an Opry appearance or two. With the Opry celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, it would mark the perfect occasion for her to return. 

Moving on to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, Opry member Marty Stuart is back for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. He will be joined both nights by his wife, and fellow Opry member, Connie Smith. 

Joining the pair on Friday night are Opry members John Conlee and T. Graham Brown. Non-members on the schedule include LOCASH, Joshua Ray Walker, and making her Opry debut, Summer Dean. 

In addition to Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, Saturday night's schedule includes members Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky and Don Schlitz. Ryan Larkins, who made his Opry debut back in August, is scheduled as is Ryan and Rory. It will be the Opry debut for Ryan and Rory, who previously had performed on the Opry Plaza. 

Friday December 6
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Summer Dean, John Conlee, Joshua Ray Walker
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, LOCASH, Marty Stuart

Saturday December 7
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Ryan and Rory, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Ryan Larkins, Marty Stuart

Summer Dean is considered by most to be the reigning queen of Texas Country Music. The singer/songwriter is from Fort Worth and was recently named the Texas Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year. Regarding her Opry debut, she said, “Like almost every country music artist, I can say, ‘This has been my dream since I was a little girl,’” Dean said. “I remember listing what I wanted to be when I grew up and it was — number one: Miss Texas, and number two: sing on the Grand Ole Opry. It’s been a goal on my vision board for years. The view of the iconic WSM mic stand from inside the wooden circle has been the home screen on my phone for more than five years.”

Ryan Follesé is a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter and American Music Award winner. Rory John Zak, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. The duo has opened for Sam Hunt and Jamey Johnson. In fact, it was Jamey who surprised Ryan and Rory several weeks back with an invitation to appear on the Opry. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday December 7, 1974. This particular night featured an appearance by George Jones and Tammy Wynette, along with Mel Tillis: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

6:45: Rudy's
George Morgan (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose
George Morgan: The Last Letter

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Mel Tillis: Memory Maker
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Mel Tillis: Midnight, Me & The Blues/Sawmill
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We Go Together/Take Me To Your World
The 4 Guys: What About Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Divorce #2
Patsy Sled: Chip; Chip
George Jones: The Door
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: The Jet Set
The 4 Guys: Country Lullaby
George Jones: White Lightening

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Tammy/You're Easy To Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Release Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces Of Life
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Lonzo & Oscar: The Crawdad Song

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim & Jesse: Paradise/I Wish You Knew
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Roy Drusky (host): A Satisfied Mind
Mel Tillis: I'll Come Back To You/Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine

10:30: Trailblazer
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We're Gonna Hold On
Tammy Wynette: You're Good Girls Gonna Go Bad
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me
George Jones: The Window Up Above
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: Let's All Go Down To The River

10:45: Beechnut
Stoney Cooper (host) & Carolee Cooper: Little Darling Pal Of Mine
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Carolee Cooper: Rocky Top

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Black Diamond
Dottie West: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall
Sam McGee: Columbus Stockade Blues
Hank Snow: On The Shores Of Old Mexico

11:30: Elm Hill
Justin Tubb (host): Ramblin' Man
Jeanne Pruett: Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets/Welcome To The Sunshine
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Ronnie Robbins: El Paso
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

(Jean Shepard was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Wilma Lee Cooper was sick and did not appear, while Skeeter Willis also did not appear)

Roy Acuff had left the Opry, with his final show taking place on April 6, 1946, with what has been reported as a pay dispute. Roy went out to California and make some personal appearances. A year later, in April 1947, Roy returned to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. During the year that Roy was gone, it was assumed that he did not make any Opry appearances. However, he did come back and one of those appearances took place on December 7, 1946. Here is the posted schedule from that night: 

8:00: Purina
Ernest Tubb: You Only Want Me When You Are Lonely
Eddy Arnold: I Talk To Myself About You
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Rock About My Sarah Jane
Ernest Tubb: This Troubled Mind Of Mine
Jamup and Honey: Jokes
Eddy Arnold: Be Sure There's No Mistake
Jimmy and Leon: As Long As I Live
Crook Brothers: John Henry

8:30: Warren Paint & Color Co. 
Paul Howard: Oklahoma City
Lew Childre: They Took The Stars Out Of Heaven
Bill Monroe: I Traced Her Little Footprints In The Snow
Milton Estes: Long Lost John From Bowling Green
Clyde and Marie: No Children Allowed
Lew and String Beans: Rabbit In The Log
Clyde Moody: I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome
Possum Hunters: Pull Off Your Over Coat
Robert Lum: Grandfather's Clock
Bill Monroe: Florida Blues

9:00: Roy Crown
Golden West Cowboys: Orange Blossom Special
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Cowboy Copas: Filipino Baby
Texas Ruby: Freight Train Blues
Curly Fox: Old Joe Clark
York Brothers: Like Can Never Be The Same
Annie Lou and Dannie: When I Was A Baby From The Mountains
Jimmy Walker: Oh Why
Bradley Kincaid: Rocking Alone
Shorty Boyd: Flower Of Texas

9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Blues In My Mind
Oak Ridge Quartet: I's In His Care
Duke of Paducah: Jokes
Jennie Lee: I Don't Love Nobody
Red Foley: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Old Timers: In A Little Red School House
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Grandpa Jones: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Lay Down Your Soul
Square Dance: Arkansas Traveler

10:00: Wall Rite
Earl and Bill: Carless Love
Bill and Lester: True Life Blues
Blue Grass Quartet: Where Could I Go
Lester Flatt: If I Should Wander Back To Night
Chubby: I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky

10:15: Weather House
Paul Howard: You Can't Break My Heart
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: I've Only Been Down To The Club
Clyde Moody: You Caused It All By Telling Lies
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The Blues
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out Of The Mud
Paul Howard: White Cross On Oklahoma

10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Curly Fox and Ruby: The Old Home
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Bradley Kincaid: Goose Berry Pie
Oklahoma Wranglers: Rocky Mountain Express
Roy Acuff: Unannounced

10:45: Southern Agriculture
Golden West Cowboys: Filipino Baby
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Lew Childre: John Henry
York Brothers: Rocky Mountain Lullaby
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Crook Brothers: Sitting On Top Of The World

11:00: Eddy Arnold Song Book
Eddy Arnold: Too Far Apart
Lily Belle: Too Late To Worry Too Blue To Cry
Lonzo and Oscar: When The Sun Goes Down
Eddy Arnold: I Walk Alone

11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Ernest Tubb: Our Last Goodbye
Dot and Smokey: I'll Come Back To You
Short Horns: I Wonder
Ernest Tubb: How Can I Be Sure

11:30: Sal Kill
Wally Fowler: Plowing In The New Ground
Tommy Tompson: Two Blue Eyes
Gully Jumpers: Sleepy Lou
Andrews Brothers: The Letter You Left Me Tied With Blue
Wally Fowler: I Got Faith

11:45: Michigan Bulb
Milton Estes: One Little Tear Drop Too Late
Robert Lunn: Riding To Glory
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ragtime Annie
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Milton Estes: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dixie

Certainly, a much different Opry than we see today!!

Looking at December 7 through the years: 

1931: Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, the Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964. After Sonny retired, Bobby continued on as a solo act, until his death in 2023. 

1940: After making several guest appearances, Minnie Pearl was listed for the first time in the Opry program.

1957: The Dixie Tabernacle, one of the Opry's former homes, burnt down in a fire that destroyed the building. While the name sounds impressive, the building had benches for those attending to sit on and sawdust on the floor. 

1976: In an interview in the Nashville Banner, Roy Acuff stated that the Ryman Auditorium should be torn down in an effort to keep tourists away from the Lower Broadway area of downtown Nashville. That area of town had turned into a troubled spot in the 1970s. Thankfully, others had different ideas and the building was saved. 

1984: Roy Acuff returned to the Opry for the first time since summer. Heart related issues kept Roy from performing. 

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. 

Tuesday Night Opry 12/3

Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart returns to the Grand Ole Opry House for this week's Tuesday Night Opry. The show will feature five members of the Opry's cast: 

In addition to Marty, Connie Smith, Henry Cho, John Conlee and Ashley McBryde are listed on the schedule. The only non-members scheduled are William Beckmann and Dylan Schneider. 

Next week will be the final Tuesday night show until February 2025. 

Tuesday December 3
7:00: John Conlee, William Beckmann, Connie Smith, Dylan Schneider
Intermission
8:20: Ashley McBryde, Henry Cho, Marty Stuart

Opry Country Christmas 2024

It's that time of the year and once again, Opry Country Christmas will be returning for another year of holiday magic. This year there are 10 shows on the schedule, beginning on Sunday December 1st. 

As in previous years, Larry Gatlin will be joined on the majority of the shows by a standard group of Grand Ole Opry members that includes Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy and of course, Steve and Rudy Gatlin. Additionally, each show will highlight one or two special guests, along with a special Spotlight Opry Member. 

So, taking a look at the schedule as currently listed: 

Sunday December 1
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Jon Pardi
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Marcus King

Monday December 2
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea, Eric Paslay

Wednesday December 4
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Oak Ridge Boys
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Rhonda Vincent, Jason Crabb, Maggie Rose

Thursday December 5
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Scotty McCreery, Hillary Scott
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Matthew West

Sunday December 8
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Priscilla Block, Louis York & The Shindellas 

Wednesday December 11
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Chris Janson
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy,  Chapel Hart

Sunday December 15
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Carly Pearce & Michael Buble
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, The Isaacs, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, The Ornaments

Monday December 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Clay Walker
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Drake Milligan, Mickey Guyton, The Ornaments

Sunday December 22
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Wills
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, John Berry

Monday December 23
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Louise Mandrell, Sunny Sweeney

As someone who has attended an Opry Country Christmas show in the past, these are wonderful shows that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/29 & 11/30

The Oak Ridge Boys have been spending 2024 on what was originally going to be a farewell tour. However, plans have changed, and they now are planning on extending their touring into 2025 with no specific ending date in sight. The group has included several Grand Ole Opry appearances as part of their tour and on the Friday Night Opry, the boys will be back for another appearance. 

Joining the Oak Ridge Boys on Friday night are Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely and T. Graham Brown.

Guesting on Friday night will be Wyatt Ellis, one of the most watched musicians in bluegrass music, Lisa Layne, who has appeared on the Opry previous, most notably with Gene Watson, Chris Lane and comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. 

Now taking a look at Saturday night, only two Opry members are listed on the schedule: Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz. 

Steve Earle heads up the list of non-members on the Saturday night schedule, joined by bluegrass group Special Consensus, Opry NextStage artist Jackson Dean, Megan Patrick and Colin Stough. 

(Official lineup will be posted as soon as it is available)

From 50 years ago, Saturday November 30, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): The 4 Guys, Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Charlie Walker, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Ernest Tubb (host): Jan Howard, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa Jones, Willis Brothers, Marion Worth, Tim Smith, Ramona Jones
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Justin Tubb, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host): Willis Brothers, Jan Howard, Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Osborne Brothers, Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa & Ramona Jones, Justin Tubb, Curly Seckler, Marty Stuart
10:45: Charlie Walker (host): Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Louie Roberts, Ronnie Robbins

Tim McGraw is not an Opry member, but over the years, he has made a handful of appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. The future Hall of Fame member made his Opry debut on Saturday November 30, 2002. Here is the running order from that night 22 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue Of A Fool 
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Brad Paisley: Wrapped Around
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire & Roses/I Drove All Night
Brad Paisley: Jingle Bells/Silent Night/I Wished You'd Stay
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take The Girl/Unwound
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used To Be/Turn The Wind Into Water/Darlene
Brad Paisley: I'm Gonna Miss Her

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Why Don't You Haul Off & Love Me
Jeannie Seely: Winter Wonderland
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/Oh Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Porter Wagoner: The Carroll County Accident

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Bill Anderson (host): Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Mountain Heart: A Road I've Not Been Down/Real Time
Bill Anderson: Christmas In Your Arms

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed
Jack Greene: Try A Little Kindness/Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used To Be/Turn The Wine Into Water
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Osborne Brothers: Lonesome Feeling/Rocky Top
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take The Girl/Unwound/Everywhere

10:30: online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons Ah Lafayette
Jan Howard: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/Oh Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Liar's 1; Believes O
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself To Sleep
Vince Gill: Look At Us
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire & Roses/I Drove All Night
Bill Anderson: A Lot Of Things Different

11:30: Tootsie's
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Charlie's Shoes
Mountain Heart: The Grand Tour/Lee Highway Blues
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again

(Loretta Lynn was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. She was replaced by T. Graham Brown. Brad Paisley appeared only on the first show and Vince Gill only on the late show). 

Looking at November 30th through the years: 

1931: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn was born. Along with his brother Doyle, The Wilburns were longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. After Doyle's death, Teddy remained an Opry member until his death in 2008. There are those, me included, who believe that the Wilburn Brothers deserve to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

1940: According to various reports, Minnie Pearl made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Minnie, who was an Opry member for over 50 years, would go on to become one of the most beloved members in the history of the Opry. 

1993: Opry member David Houston passed away at the age of 57. David, who had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Almost Persuaded," came to the Opry in 1972. In addition to his solo work, David recorded and toured with Tammy Wynette and Barbara Mandrell. 

1995: Martina McBride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Martina joined during a CBS television special celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Opry. Martina had made her Opry debut on May 23, 1992, and this year will be her 29th as an Opry member. 

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