Sunday, October 30, 2011

Some Thoughts About The Opry On GAC

During the month of October, GAC (Great American Country) and the Opry came to an agreement to televise a few of the Opry's shows. The shows were a combination of Tuesday night shows that were taped and shown later, and a couple of Saturday night shows that were shown live. These were the first new Opry shows to be televised since the September 2010 reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House, and prior to that it had been several years since the Opry had been televised.

In the opinion of this writer and Opry fan, the shows that were shown were, in a word, horrible. The shows featured a variety of artists, a few of whom such as Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley and Randy Travis, were actually Opry members. The rest were not.

The recent history of the Opry on television started in the mid 1980s when TNN decided to televise a half hour of the Opry on Saturday night. Nothing special was done. The show stayed the same and whoever was scheduled on that half hour were the ones shown on the televised show. In fact, it was nothing more than putting up a camera or two and televising the radio show. The show usually started on time, although there were weeks when the segment proceeding the televised portion ran long and they had to kill some time before the segment started, and almost every week, the final performer was still singing as the credits ran on the screen. In other words, it was not scripted or polished. Those who appeared on the televised segment included just about everyone who was an Opry member. The rotation of hosts and guests was good and in a 6 month period, everyone usually got on once or twice. Sometimes the half hour had a host and 2 guests, and other weeks, there was a host and 4 guests. It just varied and you never knew who was going to be on until the show started. No pre-publicity of the show.

Over time, a half hour interview show was added that featured that night's artists. For special events, such as the Opry's birthday celebration, a whole hour of the Opry would be shown. Same formula and nothing extra special.

Eventually, the Opry moved to CMT and became an hour long show each week. And with it, the Opry management started to lose control of the show and the professionalism started to set in. The rotation of hosts became smaller and included only those who had a good tv presence. (no more Bill Monroes or Hank Snows), and the number of Opry members who were on the televised portion were picked from a smaller group, again featuring those with TV presence. And, there became more of an emphasis on guest artists promoting new material.

When CMT no longer showed an interest in the Opry, the Opry was forced to find a new marriage partner for television and the only network that came knocking was GAC. And with it, all control for the televised portion was lost. At first, Opry members continued to host the televised hour, but that eventually went away and the host became Nan Kelly, a professional announcer. The number of artists on the hour show went from 6 or 7, down to 5, and then to 4, with some weeks 3. The production became polished, and if you were in the Opry House watching the show, it felt like you were attending a tv taping. And, of the Opry's 65 or so members, only around 10 were actually shown on the show. The rest were guest artists, all young and "sexy" looking.

And that brings us to where we are now. A 1 hour show, that features either 3 or 4 artists, all singing numerous songs, with fancy lighting and large scale production values. The shows are all pre-scripted and rehearsed. The shows start and end right on time, down to the last second. And, there are many more commercials. If you are sitting in the Opry House during a televised show, you get lots of the Opry Staff Band, as that is who is playing on stage during all the commerical breaks.

Over time, most of us have gotten used to this and are happy that at least something from the Opry was televised. It really wasn't the Opry as such, but it was the best we were going to get. And that brings me to the shows this October. For whatever reason, the shows just didn't seem right, especially the birthday show. The timing was off, the camera shots were not real good, Nan Kelly seemed off her game, and I don't think some of the guest artists realized that they were on the Opry. I think they thought they were just at another television taping. In other words, the shows were terrible and tough to watch.

If you were sitting in the Opry House, it was even worse. As it is right now, the Opry is 2 hours in length. On a night when the Opry is televised, the 1st hour actually seems like the Opry. The show is good and moves at a good pace. There is about a 5 minute gap between the 1st and 2nd hours, which gives GAC time to make sure they get started right on time, the chance to get the cameras and lighting right and to make sure the artist and band is in place and ready to go. And, it gives the veteran Opry members time to get backstage to their dressing rooms so that they will not be accidently seen on television. Heaven help GAC if they show someone who is under the age of 40 on the televised show.

When you are in the Opry House, it seems like you are watching 2 separate shows. During the televised portion, the lights are turned up, the sound is louder and you are actually told when to clap and stand. And, it just seems so disconnected from the 1st hour that it doesn't seem like the Opry. When the televised portion is over, that is it. The show is over, right on time, and you are headed out the door. It turns the Saturday show into a mess.

I know the Opry needs televison to sell the product and to attract interest. And I know they want to keep it young as they want to attract younger fans to the Opry. And I know GAC has final control on who is on the televised portion and they want artists that they can promote and who will attract ratings.

So here is my idea and I think it would work. Leave the Saturday show alone. Management has messed it up already. Just leave it as the traditional Opry as we know it. Take the Tuesday night Opry, that has the different format, and tape the last hour and make that the televised show. It can still be shown on the network on Saturday. By taping the show on Tuesday night, it can be edited for televison and look better. The Tuesday Night Opry has been attracting some of the bigger named artists, as many are on the road over the weekend. And since the traditional Opry fan does not tend to go to the Tuesday night shows, they are not upsetting their traditional audience.

Of course a better idea would be to somehow come to a deal with RFD-TV as the Opry would be a perfect fit for their Saturday night line up with Marty Stuart and Midwest Country, along with their other shows. RFD has the traditional audience that grew up to and listens to the Opry. And, with RFD having an emphasis on traditional country music, we could see more of the veteran Opry members. I don't know if RFD has shown an interest in televising the Opry or if they did attempt a deal and could not make one or maybe they are happy with what they have and don't want to televise the Opry. But, if I were RFD, I would certainly explore the idea of televising the Opry. I think they would do a great job with the product and I think they would do it right.

That is just my thoughts.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grand Ole Opry Line Up 10/27 & 10/28

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the shows this weekend. As they finish up October, there will be 1 show on Friday night and 2 shows on Saturday night. After this weekend, it is back to the 1 show Saturdays. Also, this will be the last weekend at the Opry House until February as the Opry moves to the Ryman Auditorium for the next 3 months.

Saturday night will feature the return of Clint Black to the Opry stage. He is scheduled for both shows. Saturday night will also feature the Opry honoring Charlie Daniels, who is celebrating his 75th birthday. (wow, where have the years gone?) Non-Opry members Gretchen Wilson and The Grascals will also be on.

The Friday Night Opry will have Opry member Diamond Rio, along with frequent Opry guests Mark Wills and Mandy Barnett. Mandy will again be signing her new "Sweet Dreams" album, along with "Winter Wonderland." In case you are wondering about the huge promotion of Mandy's new album, it is because it is being distributed by "Opry Music, a division of Grand Ole Opry LLC". The album was produced by Steve Gibson, who is the Opry's music director, and the executive producers are Steve Buchanan, Pete Fisher and Sally Williams. Interesting that they would pick Mandy for this project.

Friday October 27, 2011

7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Mark Wills
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top-X-Press; Diamond Rio

Saturday October 28, 2011

1st show:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; The Grascals
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
8:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band

2nd show:
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
10:00: The Whites (host); Lee Greenwood; Clint Black
10:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Gretchen Wilson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Daniels Band

The are 12 acts on the Friday Night Opry, of which 9 are Opry members, while there are 11 acts on each of the Saturday shows, of whom 8 are Opry members.

The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by David Frizzell. That should be a fine show coming on after the Opry.

Tonight's Opry Country Classics will be the last show for this series. This time around, there were 4 classic shows in October. Here is the line up for this show:

Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also featuring: Lynn Anderson; Mandy Barnett; Jimmy C Newman; T.G. Sheppard; James Wesley.

It's nice to see Lynn Anderson back on. She was on the classics show that I saw last year and she looked and sounded great.

Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry on November 1st, at the Ryman Auditorium:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Edens Edge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Phil Vassar
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Rodney Atkins
8:45: Rascal Flatts

On a final note, Vince Gill's new studio album was released this week. Called "Guitar Slinger", in my opinion it is Vince's best album yet. I have listened to the cuts over and over and it is just great. And Vince has been all over television this week promoting it. I know he was on the Imus Show this morning, and has been on pretty much all the other morning show. "Threaten Me With Heaven" has placed on the charts and "If I Die" might be the best Vince song yet. It has a strong message. If you get a chance, check it out.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Classic Grand Ole Opry From The 1950s

As we get to the end of the Opry's birthday month, I wanted to leave everyone with 2 Grand Ole Opry line ups from many years ago. Back in those days, the Opry didn't always celebrate it's birthday/anniversary in a formal way, but what I found were 2 line ups that took place in October during the week's that for the most part, the majority of the Opry's birthday celebrations have taken place. Sorry, but for both of these shows, I do not have any song lists, just the line ups. I hope that will work for everyone. As a reminder, both of these shows took place at the Ryman Auditorium and this was during the period that the Opry had only 1 show on Saturday nights, starting at 7:30 and lasting until midnight. (not like now when there is 1 Saturday night show that goes from 7 until 9). During this period, each act, for the most part, would appear on the show twice, once before 10 and once after 10. There were a few acts that would appear only once, and once in a while you would have an act that would make 3 appearances on the show.

The first line up is from Saturday October 17, 1953:

7:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre

7:45
Johnnie & Jack (host)
Cowboy Copas
Kitty Wells

8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Bill Monroe
Marty Robbins
June Carter
Carter Family

8:30
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Carl Butler
Jordanaires
Stringbean

9:00
Webb Pierce (host)
George Morgan
Martha Carson
S. & Matty

9:30
Carl Smith (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Anita Carter
Grandpa Jones
Chet Atkins

10:00
George Morgan (host)
Bill Monroe
Johnnie & Jack

10:15
Hank Snow (host)
Kitty Wells
Bill Monroe

10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Marty Robbins
Duke of Paducah
June Carter
Chet Atkins
Carter Family

11:00
Web Pierce (host)
Martha Carson
Rod Brasfield

11:15
Carl Smith (host)
Johnnie & Jack
Stringbean

11:30
Hank Snow (host)
Lew Childre

11:45
Cowboy Copas (host)
Grandpa Jones

The 2nd line up is from Saturday October 22, 1955:

7:30
Carl Smith (host)
Justin Tubb
Eddie Hill

7:45
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Goldie Hill
Red Sovine

8:00
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
T Tommy Cutrer
Maybelle Carter

8:30
Ray Price (host)
Jordanaires
Del Wood
Rod Brasfield
Chet Atkins

9:00
Carl Smith (host)
Louvin Brothers
Bill Monroe
Bill Carlisle
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard

9:30
Ferlin Husky (host)
Anita Carter
Chet Atkins
Lew Childre

10:00
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host)
Bill Monroe
Martha Carson

10:15
Ray Price (host)
Bill Carlisle
Justin Tubb

10:30
Ernest Tubb (host)
Jimmy Dickens
Eddie Hill

10:45
Ferlin Husky (host)
Goldie Hill

11:00
Carl Smith (host)
Hawkshaw Hawkins
Jim Reeves
Martha Carson
Grandpa Jones
Jean Shepard
Maybelle Carter

11:30
Ray Price (host)
Louvin Brothers
Lew Childre
Red Sovine

Yes, there were squaredancers and the string bands on the show, I just didn't have them in my line up. But, overall, a nice look back and pretty good shows both nights

This will be the last of the Opry birthday line ups as October is about done. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at some of the Opry shows from years past. Look for this week's Opry schedule and comments tomorrow.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Grand Ole Opry-October 18, 1980-Opry's 53th Birthday

With only a week left in October (boy did this month go by fast) and not much news coming out of the Opry, I wanted to continue with line ups from the Opry's past birthday shows. This one is from October 20, 1978 and it was the Opry's 55th birthday celebration.

1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo & Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle, Bottle

6:30 Mrs. Grissom's
Charlie Walker: Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All The Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Charmin

6:45 Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Fingers
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song

8:00 Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make Them Like My Daddy Anymore/When The Tingle Becomes A Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz

8:30 Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N' Roll To The Rock Of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
4 Guys: Lovin' Up A Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check

2nd show
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' The Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo & Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk You Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim & Jesse: Paradise

10:00 Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart

10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton, Opry Cast: God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk Of Coal

10:30 Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away

10:45 Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Crook Brothers/Bill Jones Promenadors: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cocklin' Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'Em In The Evening Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check

11:30 Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back To Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You
Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want That Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down To Georgia

In a couple of interesting notes from that night Skeeter Davis, Bill Monroe and Grandpa Jones were all on the schedule and cancelled. Skeeter was scheduled to be on the 6:00 segment and the 9:30 segment (which already had 8 acts on, not counting her). Bill Monroe was scheduled to host the 6:45 and 9:30 segments. At 9:30, they moved up Ernest Tubb, who was originally supposed to host the 10:45 segment. Loretta Lynn was also scheduled to perform on the 10:45 show, but was moved up to 9:30 to replace Skeeter, which allowed her to stay on Ernest's segment. George Hamilton was scheduled in the 11:00 segment but was moved up to host the 10:45 segment instead of Ernest. (hope you got all that moving around). Grandpa Jones was scheduled to host the 6:30 and 10:30 segments.

When Bill Anderson hosted the 11:30 segment, that was his first time being on the final segment of the Opry since October 1971. During Billy Grammer's segment on the 1st show, he introduced Ben Jones from the Dukes of Hazzard, while the Wilburn Brothers introduced Donna Douglas from the Beverly Hillbillies during the 2nd show.

I also found it interesting that the 2nd show was so loaded that Loretta Lynn only did one song, And in 1980, she was at the peak of her career. If anyone should have been allowed a couple of songs it was Loretta. And Roy Acuff, on each of his segments, only did 1 song, the opening one. He did not do a final number on either one of the shows.

The Opry that night ended at just after 12:35, so for a birthday show, it did not run over as long as many of those shows.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Grand Ole Opry's 53rd Birthday-October 21, 1978

As I have been doing all during the month of October, I want to post another birthday line up from the Opry. This one is from the Grand Ole Opry's 53rd birthday show, which took place on Saturday October 21, 1978 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Here is the running order of the shows:

1st show:
6:00 Vietti
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk With Me/Cheated Too
Jim & Jesse: My Baby's Gone/Ashes Of Love
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
Jimmy Dicken's Band: Little Liza Jane

6:30 Mrs Grissom's
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You, Myrtle
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox

6:45 Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Jeannie Seely: There Goes My Everything
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Grammer: Kentucky

7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World/I'll Fly Away
Charlie Louvin: I Gave My Love A Cherry/What Are Those Things With Big Black Wings
Vic Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Cimarron
Philamena Begley: Blanket On The Ground
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tenn. Central #9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00 Martha White
Lester Flatt (host) & The Nashville Grass: My Sara Jane
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning/Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Stu Phillips: It's A Heartache
Tater Tate: Black Mountain Blues

8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On/Country Hall Of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin Hen
Hank Snow: I'm Movin' On

2nd show:
9:30 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Seaman's Blues
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoebox
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

10:00 Fender
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now
Jim & Jesse: Stormy Horizons
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot

10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train To Memphis
Minnie Pearl: You Are My Sunshine
Roy Acuff/Minnie Pearl/S. Davis/S. Jackson/Wilburns: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Charlie Louvin: When I Was Your Man
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale The Crow Told Me
Roy Acuff: Gone Away

10:30 Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Homestead On The Farm
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Vil Willis & C.W. Mitchell: Bob
Charlie Nixon: Columbus Stockade Blues

10:45 Beech-Nut
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Lonzo & Oscar: A Fan Of Country Music
Crook Brothers/Ralph Sloan Dancers: Billy In The Low Ground
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/My Favorite Sin
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You

11:30 Acme
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/Satin Sheets
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On

Del Reeves and Marion Worth were both scheduled that night but cancelled out. As usual with the birthday shows from that era, the 1st show ran basically on time, but the 2nd show ran long. The show ended at 12:28 pm and that was only due to the fact that the final segment, which had only 3 artists scheduled, took only 20 minutes to complete. Roy Acuff's segment that featured the formal birthday celebration and was supposed to be a 15 minute segment lasted 35 minutes.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Grand Ole Opry Schedule 10/21 & 10/22--Updated

Update: Joe Diffie was a last minute cancellation for Friday night. Rebecca Lynn Howard replaced him.

I know that I have been posting lineups from Opry shows in years past, and more of that will be coming as the Opry continues through its birthday month, but now is the time to get back to the present as the Grand Ole Opry has posted the lineup for the shows this weekend. As with previous weeks in October, there is 1 show on Friday night and 2 shows on Saturday.

Saturday night's show will feature the annual "Opry Goes Pink" as the show remembers those who have suffered from breast cancer and helps create aweness. Martina McBride will throw the switch and the Opry barn will be pink in color for the night. Martina will be on the first show only on Saturday, while Opry member Ronnie Milsap will be appearing on both shows. In addition, American Idol performer Lauren Alaina will be guesting, along with Jeff & Sheri Easter. The last hour of the show will be televised on GAC.

The Friday Night Opry will feature former Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price, who will also be the spotlight artist on the Thursday night Opry Country Classics show. Also appearing on Friday night will be Opry member Joe Diffie, along with non-members Mountain Heart and Whitney Duncan.

Friday October 21

7:00 Jeannie Seely (host): Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30 Jimmy Dickens (host): Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
INTERMISSION
8:15 Riders In The Sky (host): The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:45 Mike Snider (host): Whitney Duncan; Ray Price

Saturday October 22

1st show:
7:00 Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Jeff & Sheri Easter
7:30 Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Ronnie Milsap
8:00 Lauren Alaina; Edens Edge; Kellie Pickler; Martina McBride

2nd show
9:30 Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Kellie Pickler
10:00 Mike Snider (host); Edens Edge; Ronnie Milsap
10:30 Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Lauren Alaina; Opry Square Dancers
11:00 Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Connie Smith; Jeff & Sheri Easter

That comes to 13 artists on Friday night (wow, up from the usual 12), of whom 9 are Opry members. The 1st show on Saturday night is down to 10 artists, of whom only 6 are Opry members. The 2nd Saturday show is back up to 13 artists, with 9 Opry members. And, on the 1st show the square dancers only get the opening slot.

The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will feature Georgette Jones has the host. That should be a good show. Of course, she should be on the Opry that night, but no go.

Opry Country Classics on Thursday October 20 will have Ray Price as the spotlight artist. Here is that lineup:

Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Ray Price
Also Appearing: Jim Ed Brown; Charlie McCoy; Chuck Mead; Jeannie C. Riley; The Whites; Holly Williams

And, finally, the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 25th has been posted. That show will feature Keith Urban.

7:00 John Conlee; Kip Moore
7:30 Jimmy Dickens; Sunny Sweeney
INTERMISSION
8:15 Bill Anderson; Little Big Town
8:45 Keith Urban

Monday, October 17, 2011

Grand Ole Opry's 50th Birthday Celebration-October 18, 1975

On Saturday night October 18, 1975, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 50th birthday. Some will say that outside of the opening night of the new Opry House in 1974, that this night produced the greatest line up in the history of the Opry. When you look at the line up, it is hard to argue. If not the 2nd best show history, it certainly is in the top 5.

The birthday celebration took place during the 2nd show. What I have is the line up from the 1st show and the running order and song list from the 2nd show, including the actual times that the segments took place.

When I was in Nashville several weeks back, I was asked how do I get these line ups. As I told the person then, some of these come from my own records and some come from others who I know have kept a record of many of the shows over the years. In this case, I want to give credit where credit is due, and the running order of the 2nd show comes courtesy of a friend of mine, Barry. You will see Barry leaving comments once in a while on the blog and I appreciate him sending me this show line up. Thanks Barry!!

Saturday October 18, 1975

1st Show:
6:00 Vietti
Bill Anderson (host)
Stonewall Jackson
Billy Grammer
Stu Phillips
Justin Tubb

6:30 Mrs Grissoms
Jack Greene (host)
Jeannie Seely
The Carlisles
4 Guys

6:45 Rudy's
Del Reeves (host)
Barbara Mandrell
Charlie Louvin
Jimmy C Newman

7:00 Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host)
Hank Locklin
Skeeter Davis
Jim & Jesse
The Wilburn Brothers

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host)
Jean Shepard
Minnie Pearl
Charlie Walker
Don Gibson
Del Wood
Crook Brothers
Tennessee Travelers

8:00 Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host)
Dolly Parton
David Houston
Dottie West
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper

8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host)
Jeanne Pruett
Roy Drusky
Ray Pillow
Marion Worth
Willis Brothers
Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd Show
9:30-10:10 Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): If You Don't Quit Checkin' on Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Connie Smith: How Can You Accuse Him Now
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Barbara Mandrell: Johnny B Goode
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Touch the Wind
The Carlisles: Same Old Tale
Jim & Jesse: Paradise

10:10-10:40 Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Country DJ
Jean Shepard: I'm A Believer
George Lindsey: Comedy
Del Reeves: Impressions of Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Walter Brennan, Tex Ritter
Skeeter Davis: On the Way Home
Hank Locklin-Country Hall of Fame
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203

10:40-11:35 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields
Roy Clark & Family: A Sweet Bunch of Daisies/Pain in my Heart/John Hardy
Minnie Pearl: Comedy/Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Tammy Wynette: Clap Your Hands
Presentations by Hal Durham, Hal Davis and Mayor Richard Fulton
Birthday Cake
Charlie Louvin: American Trilogy
Billy Grammer: Instrumental
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man

11:35-12:05 Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Indian Creek
Dolly Parton: We Used To
4 Guys: Down by the Lazy River
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jeannie Seely & Dottie West: Don't Touch Me
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Say Forever You'll Be Mine
Dolly Parton: The Seeker

12:05-12:25 Beech-Nut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Dottie West & Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
The Wilburn Brothers: Country Honey
Susan Raye: He Gives Me Something to Forgive Him For
Alcyone Beasley: Special Award
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton Eyed Joe

12:25-12:50 Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Jeanne Pruett (with Dottie West & Jeannie Seely): Satin Sheets
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Fruit Jar Drinkers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatam
Del Wood-Keep on the Firing Line
Kirk McGee: Freight Train
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I

12:50-1:15 Baltz Bros
Roy Drusky (host): Sunrise
David Houston: Sweet Molly
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Ray Pillow: Roll on Truckers
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know/Throwing Rice at Her Now/Four Walls

As you can see, this show was loaded and really ran over. It is amazing that they scheduled 7 acts in a 15 minute segment!! Even with this line up there a few Opry members missing including Marty Robbins, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe, among the bigger names.

In addition, here is the artists that were on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree that night:

1:15-2:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 1
Ernest Tubb
Moe Bandy
Willie Nelson
Jimmie Skinner
Lois Johnson

2:15-3:15 Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Part 2
Justin Tubb
Brian Collins
Barbara Fairchild
Atlanta James
The Tumbleweeds

Hope you enjoy!!!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Grand Ole Opry--October 16, 1971

I hope that I am not overdoing it with these line ups that I have been posting. Please let me know if you think I am, but as the Opry is celebrating it's birthday all month, I thought it would be nice to go back and look at some of the great shows from years past. This show, October 16, 1971, took place 40 years ago tonight and what a great line up this show had. As with a couple of the other past line ups I have posted, the annual country music disc jockey's convention was in town and being 1971, this show took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

1st Show:
6:00 Vietti
Tex Ritter (host): Just Beyond the Moon
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Roy Drusky: Long, Long Texas Road
Willis Brothers: Women's Liveration
Tex Ritter: Fall Away

6:30 Mrs Grissoms
Bill Anderson (host) & Jan Howard: Dissatisfied
Jan Howard: Hurt All Over
Ray Pillow: Haven't You Heard
Ernie Ashworth: A Bottle of the Blues
Bill Anderson: Quits

6:45 Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Bill Monroe: Katy Hill

7:00 Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down From God
Tom T Hall: The Year that Clayton Delaney Died
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
George Morgan: Gentle Rains of Home
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

7:30 Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Answer the Phone
Loretta Lynn: Put You Hand in the Hand
Charlie Louvin & Melba Montgomery: Something to Brag About
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: All Right, I'll Sign the Papers
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Ernest Tubb: Shenandoah Waltz

8:00 Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Will You be Loving Another Man
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Dottie West: Country Girl
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
Justin Tubb: Big Fool of the Year
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

8:30 Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Sea Shores of Old Mexico
Wilburn Brothers: That She's Leaving Feeling
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devils Dream
Bob Luman: Today I Started Loving You Again/Honky-Tonk Man
4 Guys: Shenandoah
Hank Snow: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

2nd Show:
9:30 Kelloggs
Tex Ritter (host): Fall Away
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Jim Ed Brown: She's Leaving
Roy Drusky: I Love the Way that You've Been Loving Me
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Dirty Rice
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

10:00 Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Quits
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard: Dissatisfied
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Ray Pillow: The Waitress

10:15 Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
George Morgan: Gentle Rains of Home
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30 Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): The Bluebirds Singing For Me
Tom T Hall: The Year Clayton Delaney Died
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Lester Flatt: Orange Blossom Special

10:45 Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Lead Me On
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
Earl Scruggs Review: T for Texas
Jack Greene: There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Del Reeves: Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On/Hound Dog
Freddie Hart: Easy Lovin'/My Hang Up is You
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose

11:30 Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Wilburn Brothers: That She's Leaving Feeling
Connie Smith: Just One Time
4 Guys: Let the Sun Keep Shining
Bob Luman: Getting Back to Norma
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone
Marty Robbins: Begging to You
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry
Marty Robbins: Big Boss Man
Marty Robbins: They'll Never Take Her Love From Me
Marty Robbins: Singing the Blues
Marty Robbins: El Paso

The only Opry members who were not on the schedule this particular night were Bobby Bare, Margie Bowes, Archie Campbell, Skeeter Davis, Billy Grammer, Hank Locklin, Lonzo & Oscar, Bobby Lord, Osborne Brothers, Jean Shepard, Stringbean, Marion Worth and George Hamilton IV. In addition, Porter Wagoner, Tompall and the Glasers, Jim & Jesse and Cousin Jody were scheduled but cancelled out.

During the Hank Snow segment on the 1st show, he introduced Nudie, who was in from California. And during the Ernest Tubb segment on the 2nd show, he brought out Dennis Weaver.

The first show actually stayed pretty much on time, which is amazing considering the number of artists on some of the segments. I think it was mostly a quick introduction and then the song and on to the next artist. Some of the segments had more artists on then what the Opry now has on for an entire show!!

The 2nd show started at 9:35, just a few minutes late, but as usually happened many times, it fell way behind schedule. The first segment with Tex Ritter was ok, but then the following 15 minute segments all lasted at least 20 minutes. The Hank Snow segment, which had 8 acts scheduled, lasted for 45 minutes, while the last segment with Marty Robbins didn't start until 12:20 (supposed to start at 11:30) and ended at 1:00 am. Marty's last group of songs lasted 20 minutes.

Hope you enjoy that look back. It reminds us of what the Opry once was.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Remembering Doyle Wilburn

It was on Saturday October 16, 1982 that Doyle Wilburn passed away. This great Opry star performed with his brother Teddy as the Wilburn Brothers. Doyle's given name was Virgil Doyle Wilburn and he was born on July 7, 1930 in Hardy, Arkansas. Doyle, along with his siblings Teddy, Lester, Leslie and Geraldine, first performed publicly on Christmas Eve in 1937. This performance took place on a street corner in Thayer, Missouri. They were brought to the attention of Roy Acuff, who brought them to Nashville in 1940 to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. However, child labor laws prevented them from joining the cast.

The story on how Roy Acuff brought them to the Opry is an interesting one. Roy was always looking for new acts to bring to the Opry and through his touring and recording, he was known as one of the hardest workers at the show. The Wilburn's were dirt poor during the depression. Their father could not work due to his poor health. He and his wife decided to make the family into a musical group and he ordered instruments from the Sears catalog, built a stage in the backyard, and had the kids practice. That let do their first street appearance in 1937. The local merchants got behind the children and raised money to send them to a talent contest in Jonesboro. They won first prize. They performed everywhere and Pop Wilburn borrowed money against his home to buy a $100 car to travel in. In 1939, their home burned down and the family had to live in a chicken house and then a tent. Then a year later, came the big break and Roy Acuff.

The Wilburn Children were playing at a radio station in Dothan, Alabama, when Pop heard that a Birmingham radio station was having a talent contest that would feature Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and some other Opry acts. On the way to the contest, a tire blew out on the car and the family arrived too late. As Teddy remembered, "My dad situated us at the side door of the auditorium and when Roy came out Pop had us performing the song, 'Farther Along'. Roy stood there watching us and with tears in his eyes." Roy had the children come up on stage with him that night and had them sing the song and it brought the house down. When Acuff got back to Nashville, he told David Stone, WSM program manager, about the Wilburns. Stone sent them a telegram to come to Nashville for an audition. They rushed to Nashville, did the audition and got hired at the Opry. Mail came in by the sacksful and the fans loved the children. But, the child labor laws were very restrictive at the time and after trying to work around them, it got to much for the Opry and after six months, they had to leave. The Wilburn Children left Nashville, but continued on with their career.

After signing a recording contract with Four Star, the four brothers went to Shreveport, Louisiana, where from 1948 until 1951, they were featured on KWKH radio and the Louisiana Hayride. In 1951, Doyle, along with his brother Teddy, were drafted and both served in the Korean War. One interesting side note to their time in Shreveport is that the brothers invited an unknown Webb Pierce to be a guest on their radio program, which led to Webb's career-launching Louisiana Hayride stint, and eventually Doyle and Teddy played guitar and bass on his first Decca recording session.

After being discharged from the military, Doyle and Teddy, by then a duo, toured with Pierce, who was by then a member of the Opry and one of its bigger stars. On November 10, 1956 Doyle and Teddy became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The had also signed a recording contract with Decca Records.

During the late 1950s and 1960s, the Wilburn Brothers recorded such hits as "I'm So In Love With You," "Trouble's Back In Town," "Roll, Muddy River," "Let Me Be The First To Know", and "Somebody's Back In Town." They also displayed strong songwriting talents. The brothers, who were known for their vocal harmonies, also back up other artists's recordings.

The Wilburn Brothers were also successful businessmen. They owned and operated the Sure-Fire music publishing firm and the Wil-Helm Talent Agency. That talent agency was also co-founded with Don Helms. While Sure-Fire published early songs by Loretta Lynn, whose Decca contract was negotiated by the Wilburns, Wil-Helm booked top country acts such as Jean Shepard, Sonny James and the Osborne Brothers. In 1963 the Wilburn Brothers also began a highly successful syndicated TV show, which featured Loretta Lynn, who had been part of their road show in the 1960s. The program, which can still be seen today on RFD-TV, was one of the first syndicated programs to be in color. After Loretta left the show in the early 1970s, the duo signed 15-year-old Patty Ramey, who appeared on their TV shows and toured with them on her summer vacation. Patty Ramey would go on to have a very successful career as Patty Loveless. Their television show lasted until 1974.

Doyle was married for a brief time to fellow Opry member Margie Bowes. In 1982, he passed away from cancer at the age of 52. His brother Teddy would continue on as a solo artist and Opry member, and would remain with the show until his death in 2003. Doyle is buried in the Nashville National Military Cemetery, next to his brother Teddy.

Despite their great success as a duo, the Wilburn Brothers never had a #1 record. Even without having that number one record, there are many people, including myself, who feel that the Wilburn Brothers should have long ago been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I know that several times, including last year, they have been finalists. One reason on why they have not been elected might have to do with their dispute with Loretta Lynn that ended up in the courts. The Wilburn Brothers held the publishing rights to Loretta's songs, including any that she would write well after she left the Wilburn's show. As a result, Loretta quit writing songs, which many feel led to her career dropping off in the 1980s, as most of her success came from songs that she wrote. The dispute was so bitter and the Wilburns were so unwilling to settle, that the whole issue ended up in court, resulting in bad publicity for the Wilburns. The result of this is that many feel Loretta has used her influence with the hall of fame votes to help keep the Wilburns out. I would hope that this is not the case and that over time the bad feelings would heal and the Wilburns will eventually get in.

In honor of Doyle Wilburn, I am going to present 2 Opry line ups. The 1st is from Saturday October 2, 1982, which was the last appearance of Doyle on the Grand Ole Opry. The 2nd line up that I am going to post is from October 16, 1982. Doyle had died earlier that day, at 9:30am that morning. In honor and memory of his brother, Teddy performed on the Opry that night, which was also was also the week of the annual disc jockey convention in Nashville. It would be the following week that the Opry would have it's annual birthday bash.

So to remember Doyle, here is the Opry line up from Saturday October 2, 1982, Doyle's last Opry appearance.

1st show:
6:30 Mrs. Grissoms
4 Guys (host): I Don't Want Your Love Forever
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
4 Guys: Catfish John

6:45 Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): I've Still Got Room For One More Heartache
Lonzo & Oscar: Take Me Home Country Roads
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool

7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor, Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
R.E. Hardaway: N.Y. City Song
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand/Ole Slewfoot

7:30 Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Eight More Miles to Louisville
Charlie Walker: T for Texas
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It to Me Again
Billy Grammer: Homestead on the Farm
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Joe Carroll: Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party

8:00 Martha White:
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
Stonewall Jackson: Life to Go
WILBURN BROTHERS: The Light House
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All

8:30 Acme
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Roy Drusky: What About You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Again

2nd show:
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor, Howdy
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Jeannie Seely: I'm All Through Crying Over You
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Lonzo & Oscar: I Can Hear Kentucky Calling Me
R.E. Hardaway: N.Y. City Song
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand

10:00 Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Charlie Louvin: Northwind
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning

10:15 Sunbeam
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Ray Pillow: One Too Many Memories
Charlie Walker: Waltz Across Texas

10:30 Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
WILBURN BROTHERS: Arkansas
Roy Acuff: Farther Along

10:45 Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Crook Brothers: Billy In The Low Ground
Roy Drusky: Blues In My Heart

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down The Trail Of Aching Hearts
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
Justin Tubb: Pull The Covers Over Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
David Houston: I'm Gonna Hire A Wino
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown

11:30 Hardee's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz/Let It Be Me
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Sheila & Bill Carlisle Jr: In The Pines
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk Of Coal/Waterloo

Now here is the line up from Saturday October 16, 1982, the day that Doyle died and Teddy performed solo for the 1st time.

1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Del Reeves (host) 2 Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Jeannie Seely: Roarin' & Runnin
Lonzo & Oscar: Take Me Home Country Roads
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
TEDDY WILBURN: Crazy Arms
Del Wood: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Del Reeves: Let's Think About Livin

6:30 Mrs Grissoms
4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Lovin' All The Time
Jan Howard: I Hope this Day is Good
4 Guys: Catfish John

6:45 Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Detour
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

7:00 Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): The Man in the Little White Suit
Charlie Louvin: I Just Steal Away Somewhere & Pray
Jean Shepard: I Love You Because
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Mack Magaha's Group: Old Flames

7:30 Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): My Happy Little Home in Arkansas
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Connie Smith: Till I Kissed You
Sonny Osborne: Rocky Top
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Eighth of January
Grandpa Jones: Neighbors

8:00 Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love/Comedy
Charley Pride: Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Lovesick Blues/Kaw-Liga
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country/I Saw the Light

8:30 Acme
Hank Snow (host): Forever +1 Day; Forever +2
Jack Greene: Half That Much
Vic Willis Trio: Let It Be Me
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Hank Snow: Why Do You Punish Me

2nd Show
9:30 Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): The Man in the Little White Suit
4 Guys" Stealing the Feeling
Del Reeves: Good Hearted Woman
Jeannie Seely: I'm All Through Crying Over You
Roy Drusky: Wings of a Dove
Lonzo & Oscar: Gone, Gone, Gone
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Porter Wagoner: Carroll County Accident/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Green, Green Grass of Home

10:00 Little Debbie
Stonewall Jackson (host): Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jimmy Dickens: May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Jan Howard: When I Dream
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

10:15 Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Billy Walker: Behind Closed Doors
TEDDY WILBURN: Arkansas
Osborne Brothers: Old Flames

10:30 Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Stay A Little Longer
Roy Acuff/Minnie Pearl: I'll Fly Away
Connie Smith: Sing, Sing Sing

10:45 Beech-Nut
Jimmy C Newman (host): The Cajun Band
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Jean Shepard: I Don't See How I Can Make It With You Gone
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Grammer: Believe Me/When You and I were Young, Maggie
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

11:30 Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): It's Hard to do the Disco with a Girl In San Francisco
Vic Willis Trio: Always On My Mind
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Riders In The Sky: Here Comes the Santa Fe
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady/It Sure Feels Like Love/All The Gold in California/I Don't Wanna Cry
Jack Greene: This Ol' Heart Is Gonna Rise Again

As you can guess by the number of acts on the 2nd show, the show did not end until 12:59, one hour over.

I hope you enjoy this look back at Doyle Wilburn. He and his brothers were one of the greatest harmony duos in the history of country music.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Grand Ole Opry's 63rd Birthday Celebration-October 15, 1988

In continuing with the theme of October being the Opry's birthday month (even though the show started in November), here is another of the Grand Ole Opry line up's, this one from the Opry's 63rd birthday bash that took place on Saturday October 15, 1988.

1st Show:
6:30 Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine/Take Me Back to Tulsa

6:45 Rudy's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
4 Guys: The Grandest Lady of Them All
Jimmy Dickens: September Memories

7:00 Shoney's
Tom T Hall (host): Fox on the Run
The Whites: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Holly Dunn: That's What Your Love Does to Me/Someday
Tom T Hall: I Know You're Married/Foggy Mountain Breakdown

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: Everytime Two Fools Collide
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00 Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Charlie Louvin: You're Here Today and Gone Tomorrow
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Bill Monroe: Wayfaring Stranger

8:30 Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
Jean Shepard: At the Time
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away too Long
Hank Lockin: Send Me the Pillow that You Dream On
Hank Snow: The Prisoners Song

2nd Show:
9:30 Dollar General
Grandpa Jones (host): Uncle Eph Got a Coon
Skeeter Davis: Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart
Tom T Hall: P.S. I Love You/Old Dogs & Children & Watermelon Wine
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Lorrie Morgan: That's What Friends Are For
Grandpa Jones: Apple Jack

10:00 Little Debbie
Ray Pillow (host): Too Many Memories
Holly Dunn: Someday/Daddy's Hands
Ray Pillow: So Far, Not So Good

10:15 Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater
Roy Thackerson: Orange Blossom Special
Everyone: Happy Birthday, Grand Ole Opry
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:30 Pet Milk
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
Jack Greene: If Its Love Your Playing For
Del Reeves: Bad News

10:45 B. C. Powder
Bill Monroe (host): Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jean Shepard & Gerry Ford: A Dear John Letter
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ragtime Annie
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Between Fire & Water
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby/Everytime Two Fools Collide
The Whites: Swing Down, Chariot
Hank Snow: Once More, Your Mine Again

11:30 Creamettes
4 Guys (host): Tennessee
Roy Drusky: Blues In My Heart
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
4 Guys: Shut the Door, Keep out the Devil

Tomorrow, I will have something special regarding Doyle Wilburn and the Opry's birthday from 40 years ago.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Grand Ole Opry Schedule 10/14 & 10/15

Update: Jim Ed Brown has replaced John Conlee as the host of the opening segment on Friday night.

Before getting to the Grand Ole Opry schedule for this coming weekend, there are a couple of pieces of sad news that I need to pass along.

First, George "Pee-Wee" Rogers, the longtime steel guitar player for Jimmy Dickens passed away on Tuesday. He was a part of the Opry for over 40 years, and played with Jimmy for about the past 30. He was 76 and had cancer. I did not realize that he was ill, but I did notice that he was not playing with Jimmy on the Opry this past weekend. He was there the last time I went in the summer, but he became ill shortly after that. His signature playing was instantly recognized, especially on the introduction to, "Live Turned Her That Way."

And then just a few moments ago, the word came down on the death of another veteran musician, Taz Digregorio, who was the longtime keyboard player and vocalist with the Charlie Daniels Band. He died last night after being involved in a car accident on the way to meat the Charlie Daniels tour bus, as they were preparing to do a few road dates, which have since been cancelled. Taz was an original member of the band and was with Charlie for over 40 years. He was also the co-writer of "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."

Now, as far as this week's Opry shows, with the October schedule in effect, there are 2 shows Saturday night at the Opry House. And, as you would expect, the line ups are pretty good, but not great and as a result, the Opry is selling discount tickets to the shows. The Saturday shows will feature new Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys, along with Elizabeth Cook, The Secret Sisters and Joey+Rory. I saw The Secret Sisters when I was in Nashville earlier this year, and they are an interesting duo. They have great voices and I know they have been featured on various shows. Also on Saturday, Jean Shepard is scheduled for both shows. She was on the original schedule for last weekend, but was taken off. Glad to see her on for this week.

On Friday night, Larry Gatlin will be returning to the Opry stage, along with his brothers. Larry has almost become a real Opry regular, as this will be his 16th appearance this year. I am glad to see that as the Opry needs the Larry Gatlins of the world to appear on a regular basis. Also appearing will be Opry member Josh Turner, along with frequent Opry guests Darryl Worley, Mark Wills and Mandy Barnett, who again will be doing some signings in the Opry shop before the show.

Friday October 14

7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Darryl Worley
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Josh Turner
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
8:45: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); The Black Lillies; Mark Wills

Saturday October 15

1st Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Joey+Rory
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Elizabeth Cook
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Secret Sisters; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Lauderdale; Oak Ridge Boys

2nd Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Joey+Rory
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Elizabeth Cook
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; The Secret Sisters; Opry Square Dancers
11:00; Bill Anderson (host); Jim Lauderdale; Oak Ridge Boys

2 pretty similar shows for Saturday night. In fact, just 1 difference between both shows. All 3 shows this weekend have 12 artists scheduled, which seems to now be the magic number. Of those 12 on each of the 3 shows, each night has 8 Opry members.

This week's Opry Country Classics show on Thursday October 13 will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House, as the Ryman Auditorium is booked for other activities. The spotlight artist will be Lorrie Morgan. A real treat will be former Opry member from years gone by, Jim Glaser being scheduled on the show. I always thought that he, along with his brothers, were just great. I know Hank Snow really liked them and if memory serves me right, Hank hosted the televised portion of the Opry when he celebrated his 40th year as an Opry member and he insisted that the Glaser Brothers be a part of the show. The Glasers thought so much of Hank that they put aside their differences and got back together for that one night.

Here is the line up for Opry Country Classics:

Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: John Conlee; Dailey & Vincent; Jim Glaser; Daryle Singletary; Rhonda Vincent

Finally, here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry on October 18. This will feature the return of Opry members Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood to the Opry. Also being featured will be country music Hall of Famer's, Alabama.

Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 18:

7:00: Bill Anderson; Josh Thompson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Carrie Underwood; Alabama; Brad Paisley

I am not sure if GAC is doing a tv taping of that last hour or not, but it would not surprise me at all.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Grand Ole Opry's 61st Birthday Celebration--October 11, 1986

As I promised to do, I am going to spend some time in October, which is the Opry's birthday month, of publishing some of the line ups from past birthday shows. For many years, the Opry's birthday was part of the annual disc jockey convention in Nashville and for the Opry's members, it was one of their most important weekends of the year. That was during the time when radio stations tended to be owned by small operators who programmed their own music. Once a year they had a big convention in Nashville and it was tied into the Opry's birthday celebration. In fact, the birthday shows grew out of the convention.

For the radio station people, it was like old home week. They got to see many of the stars that they grew to know from past conventions, or when they appeared in their own towns and the radio stations were part of the sponsorship. For the artists, it was a chance to be seen and to promote themselves. This was especially important for the new young artists, who depended on the radio station disc jockeys to play their songs. Most of the artists did private shows during the week. Another feature was that almost every disc jockey carried around a tape recorder and the artists would be taped doing station identifications and other promos for the stations.

A video was put out a number of years ago that covered the week. It is called, "The Nashville Sound" and it is priced at under $20 at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. It is a good one to see and it features many Opry performances.

Anyways, the first line up I want to post is from October 11, 1986, 25 years ago. It was the Opry's 61st birthday celebration and it was tied into that year's convention. You will notice from the line up, and it shows up in many of those earlier shows, the Opry's formal celebration with the cake normally took place during the 2nd show. It was after the shows started being televised that the focus of the celebration switched to the 1st show.

Here is the running order and song list for both shows on October 11, 1986:

1st Show:
6:30 Bonanza
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back To See
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Osborne Brothers: Once More
Jim Ed Brown: Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On

6:45 Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): The Mean Woman With The Green Eyes
4 Guys: The Grandest Lady Of Them All
Charlie Walker & Joe Edwards: Ida Red

7:00 Shoney's
Tom T Hall (host): The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
David Houston: No One Will Ever Know/Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Ed Bruce: The Streets Of Laredo/You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had
Tom T Hall: Old Dogs & Children & Watermelon Wine

7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
The Whites: It Should Have Been Easy
Connie Smith: Hold Me Back
Crook Brothers & Melvin Sloan Dancers
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Roy Acuff: Meeting In The Air

8:00 Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Riders In The Sky: Teardrops In My Heart
Roy Drusky & Riders In The Sky: Cool Water
Bill Monroe: Lord, Protect My Soul

8:30 Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): Forever +1; Forever +2
Lorrie Morgan: Do I Love You
Billy Walker: Am I Blue
Del Wood: 12th St. Rag
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigre
Hank Snow: Nevertheless/Nova Scotia

2nd Show:
9:30 Dollar General
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
4 Guys: Fox On The Run
Jeannie Seely: All I Need To Know
Tom T Hall: P.S. I Love You/I'm Not That Good At Goodbyes
Bill Monroe: The Boat Of Love

10:00 Little Debbie
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk Of Coal

10:15 Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Charlie Louvin: I Can't Help It/Mansion On The Hill
Roy Thackerson: Orange Blossom Special/Ragtime Annie
Roy Acuff & Everyone: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry

10:30 Pet Milk
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Ed Bruce: Nights Are The Lonliest Part Of The Day
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:45 Heil Quaker
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
The Whites: Blue Letters
Crook Brothers & Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Charlie's Shoes

11:00 Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right Or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Justin Tubb: Thankss Troubadour, Thanks
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Connie Smih: Hold Me Back
David Houston: Living In A House Full Of Love
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me Of Me/Nova Scotia

11:30 Quincy's
Jack Greene (host): Midnight Tennessee Woman
Lorrie Morgan: Unchained Melody
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Riders In The Sky: How The Yodel Was Born
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know

Now, for those counting at home, especially after the mess of this year's birthday show with only 9 artists on the first show and 11 on the 2nd, 1986 had 23 on the line up, while the 2nd show had 24 artists on (not counting the musical numbers.

I hope you enjoy and will have more birthday shows coming.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Observations & Thoughts Regarding the Opry's 86th Birthday Bash

I am back from Nashville and wanted to offer my observations and thoughts regarding the Grand Ole Opry's 86th birthday celebration. I will start off by saying that I have attended every Grand Ole Opry birthday weekend since the 1980s and I know that several of my readers go back even further than that. During that time period I have only missed one birthday show and that was in 1994 when my youngest son was born. I would have to say that the Saturday night early show might have been the worst birthday show that I have ever attended. More on that later, but let me start off with Thursday night.

Thursday night featured Opry Country Classics at the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman was about half full and for those who were in attendance, the show was excellent and very well done. Bill Cody from WSM was the host and if you have seen and heard him before, then you know he is energetic and has a great personality. Eddie Stubbs was the announcer and he did his usual good job.

The show started off with Jeannie Seely, who did 2 nice numbers. She was followed on stage by former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune. Jimmy did 3 of the Statler Brothers hits that he had written including "Elizabeth" and "More Than A Name On The Wall." He was in great voice and did an excellent job. Rebecca Lynn Howard was up next and did the great Connie Smith song, "Once A Day", along with a second number. Then came one of the highlights of the night and that was the great Leroy Van Dyke. He looked and sounded great. I cannot believe that he just had his 82nd birthday. He had on black pants, a black shirt and a bright orange jacket. He did 3 number including his 2 great hits, "Walk On By" and "The Auctioneer". He taked for a few moments about his on-line school for auctioneers and how he first came to the Opry in 1959.

After a 15 minute intermission, Janie Fricke was next and she looked absolutely great. I saw her on the Opry about 15 years ago and her voice is as good as it ever was. She has a new CD out where she re-recorded her hits in a bluegrass style. She did a great job on "Why Me Lord". Rebecca Lynn Howard did another song and then it was time for the spotlight artist and that was Charley Pride. Charley looked and sounded great. He did his hits including "Is Anybody Going To San Antone", along with "Crystal Chandeliers" and "Kiss An Angel Good Morning." All in all, it was a very good show.

The Friday Night Opry was back at the Opry House and the main level seating was filled, along wth the lower balcony. The show was pretty good although I thought the crowd was a little "flat". Mike Snider hosted the 1st segment and actually told more jokes than you usually get out of him. Lately he seems to be concentrating on his music. Jim Ed Brown was next up and did a nice job on a couple of numbers including "Scarlet Ribbons". Jason Michael Carroll was Mike's final guest and was good. He made the mistake of signing a couple of autographs on stage, which I am sure he heard about when he was done, but over all did a good job. He is another of those young talents that is trying to make a career in the business. Mike finished out the segment with another musical number.

Jimmy Dickens hosted the 2nd segment and he looked and sounded very good. In fact, he looked better than I have seen him in a while and while not trying to jump ahead, my wife was watching the televised portion on Saturday night, and she even said he looked pretty good. Jimmy C Newman was the 1st guest and did one cajun number and then Crystal Bowersox of American Idol fame was out. She did a ballad song with just her guitar and then was joined by her husband on the 2nd number. She sounded ok, but I really don't think she is a true country singer. Jimmy then closed out his portion of the show with the usual jokes about his wife and then it was intermission time.

After intermission, Charley Pride hosted the next segment. He was dressed in the same shirt and pants that he wore Thursday night and did the same opening song, "Kiss An Angel Good Morning". That was expected as it was one of his big hits. Jack Greene was next. Jack looked and sounded great, but you can tell he is aging. And, he appears to have lost his eyesite. He was led out to his spot on the stage and stood there. He did "There Goes My Everything" and transitioned into "Statue Of A Fool". He stumbled on the words between the songs and looked to his guitar player who I could see saying the words to him. But other than that little misstep, he nailed it and received a partial standing ovation from the crowd. After he was done, he just stood there for a minute like he was unsure what to do, but then in a very nice jester, Charley came over and guided him off the stage. Next up was Mandy Barnett, who did a meet and greet in the Opry shop before the show. If you have Facebook, you will see a picture of me and her on my page. She did 2 songs from her "Sweet Dreams" CD, which is out on the Opry label. Charley finished up with a final number.

The final segment was hosted by Ricky Skaggs and no, he did not get a haircut. He did a Stanley Brothers song and then brought on Connie Smith. Connie did 2 songs including "Once A Day". She sounded great, but looked a little ragged, like she was getting over a cold. The Whites then did a number and finished with "It's A Big Wheel", with Ricky helping out. Then the cake was brought out, with only Mandy Barnett and The Whites a part of it. Happy Birthday was sung and the Friday Night Opry was over. I would say it was a pretty good show.

Saturday Night's Grand Ole Opry featured the formal Opry induction of Rascal Flatts. Both shows were sold out and the crowd was very into both shows. As I mentioned above, the birthday show did not seem up to the standard of past years. For one thing, only 9 artists were on the schedule so I was expecting maybe something special happening as part of the induction. So were several others that I talked to. But no, nothing extra happened.

Jimmy Dickens hosted the 1st segment and he sounded just as good as he did on Friday night. Jimmy C Newman was out next and then Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys. When listening to Chuck's new group, you would have thought you were listening to his old group, BR5-49. Not only that, but he played for free as part of the Opry Plaza Party before the show outside the Opry House. Chuck did do a nice job. The 2nd segment was hosted by Jeannie Seely, and featured The Whites and Charley Pride. They segment ended a little early as they had to get ready for the television portion, which was the final hour. In fact, there was about a 5 minute wait between the 2nd segment and the television portion.

If you watched on GAC or listened on WSM, then you know the televised portion started off with Rascal Flatts. They did their opening number and then Nan Kelley from GAC came out on stage and introduced the show to the television audience. Rascal Flatts then did another number and the show was off and running. It seemed like they turned up the noise level in the Opry House as the music seemed much, much louder then it did in the opening hour of the Opry. Craig Morgan was out and did 3 songs, 2 of which were on the televised portion. While they were running the interviews on GAC, the Opry Staff Band did a total of 3 numbers through out the show. That seemed a bit too many. Ronnie Dunn did 2 songs and while he did a nice job on them, from a personal standpoint, I just did not care for him. Just me as I know others enjoyed Ronnie.

Rascal Flatts was out next and after their song there was a video by George Bush that was nicely done. Pete Fisher came out to do the induction with Jimmy Dickens. Like I said before, I was expecting more and it just never happened. In looking at Jimmy standing on the stage, it almost seemed to me that he didn't want to be there. I am sure that was not the case, but he just looked it. The 3 members of Rascal Flatts gave their thanks, but they ran long and I know it was cut short on television. If you know from past birthday celebrations, then you know that traditionally they would cut to a commercial and then come back for a final segment of the cake being rolled out and Happy Birthday being sung. But, they rolled the cake out during the commercial break to no announcement in the Opry House. Besides the artists on the televised portion, I could see Jim Ed Brown, Vince Gill and I think Charley Pride up on stage. Yep, Vince was there with the cake but there was no introduction of Vince and he kind of stood off in the back. He might have been scheduled to come out and do a final song with Rascal Flatts, but the timing of the show was very bad and the show did not have a good flow to it. It just seemed disjointed. Anways, they came back from the commercial, sang Happy Birthday, let off the balloons and at some point during that time, the televised portion ended. After Happy Birthday, that was it and almost exactly at 9 the show was over. It just kind of ended suddenly.

The 2nd show started at 9:30 and it was much better than the first. I think televising an hour of the Opry just messes up the show. As I have pointed out before, it just seems like you are watching two separate shows, a one hour pre-show and then the televised show. Anyways, when the 2nd show started, I think only about half the crowd had made it into the Opry House. With the Opry not used to having 2 sold out shows on a Saturday night, as they don't have many weeks with 2 shows anymore and certainly not 2 sold out shows, they did not handle the crowd very well and had trouble moving the people in. I know when I walked back in around 9:30, the ticket takers at the door had stopped scanning the tickets and we just letting people walk in as fast as they could.

Jimmy Dickens hosted the 1st segment of the 2nd show and opened with "Mountain Dew". George Hamilton IV did "Abilene" with George the 5th, and Ronnie Dunn was out doing the same 2 songs he did on the 1st show. After the commercial, Jimmy said there was someone in back just hanging around and needed to do some work, so he was giving up his 2nd song and brought out Vince Gill, to a great ovation. He did "Look At Us." Very nice job.

Charley Pride hosted the 2nd segment and had Bobby Osborne and his group on, and among their 2 songs, he did "Rocky Top". Chuck Mead finished out the segment. Jim Ed Brown hosted the 3rd segment and did "Pop-A-Top" and was great. Jan Howard was his first guest and they featured the Opry singers, although Jim Ed called them the Carol Lee Singers. Carol Lee is still not there and has been gone from the Opry since around March. Hopefully, she will be back some day. Craig Morgan did 2 nice songs and it was noted that it was his 3rd anniversary as an Opry member. The Square Dancers did their usual job with Earl White and Charlie Collins. They attempted to get Craig Morgan out to dance, but he took a couple of steps and that was it. Jim Ed finished with "The Three Bells".

Jeannie Seely hosted the final segment and opened with "Ode To Billy Jo". Her only guest were Rascal Flatts and they again talked about their Opry membership and did 3 songs. Then Jeannie came back and ended the show without a final number, as they finished up right on time at 11:30. Overall, I thought the 2nd show on Saturday night was the best of the bunch.

The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree was hosted by the Quebe Sisters. If you like western swing then you would love them. The theater was full and I saw Jim Ed Brown and Jan Howard hanging around the back during the show. Not sure, but Jeannie Seely might have been there also.

The Opry did have a new edition of the Opry's Picture History Book on sale. Now what was odd, and I thought not fair to the people who were there on Friday night, on that night they were still selling the old book, while on Saturday night the new book was being sold. The new book was updated to add the Oak Ridge Boys and Rascal Flatts and Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Grammer and Charlie Louvin had been removed. The Carol Lee Singers were still pictured with Carol Lee, so that is why I thought maybe she might be back some day.

That covers the weekend in Nashville and at the Opry. Even though the birthday show was not as good as in past years, and that is just my opinion, it is still great to go to the Opry and to see the show. And I plan at being at the birthday show next year. To those who I saw and talked with, thanks for being there and thanks for taking the time to chat. I just wished we could have done it longer as I always enjoy meeting the readers of the blog and sharing Opry stories and gossip. We just have to do it more often then once a year. Thanks again to everyone.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Grand Ole Opry 10/7 & 10/8--86th Birthday Celebration

This weekend the Grand Ole Opry will be celebrating its 86th birthday. Traditionally, the Saturday night show of the birthday weekend has produced some of the strongest line ups that the Opry will see during it's entire year. And while the Saturday night line up for this weekend has some good quality to it, there are only 9 artists scheduled for the 1st show. Yep, that is not a misprint---only 9 artists. And, for the last hour which will be televised live on GAC, there are only 3 artists scheduled for the whole hour. I know that it is the induction of Rascal Flatts as Opry members, but that is just ridiculous!!! I can remember when the birthday show would have 20-30 artists scheduled for the night and the shows would be fantastic. I am hoping that they will be adding an artist or two as a surprise during that last segment as that is a lot of time to fill with just the 3 that they have.

As far as Saturday night is concerned, besides the formal induction of Rascal Flatts as Opry members, Ronnie Dunn will be making his Opry debut as a solo artist. Also appearing will be Craig Morgan. Charley Pride will be in town for all the shows over the weekend, including the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday night. And American idol Crystal Bowersox, along with Jason Michael Carroll and Ricky Skaggs will be on the Friday Night Opry.

The Opry has taken the approach that the birthday celebration is no longer a weekend affair, but is now a celebration that lasts the entire month and the birthday weekend has turned into birthday week. The Tuesday night show this past week, and the Tuesday night show for the following week is very strong, which is good for the Opry and attendance, but to me, it just seems to take away the importance of the Saturday night show.

Now for the schedule:

Friday October 7:
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Crystal Bowersox
INTERMISSION
8:15: Charley Pride (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith; The Whites

Saturday October 8
1st show:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chuck Meade & His Grassy Knoll Boys
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Charley Pride
8:00: Craig Morgan; Ronnie Dunn; Rascal Flatts

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Ronnie Dunn
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Chuck Meade & His Grassy Knoll Boys
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Rascal Flatts

For those counting at home, Friday night features 12 artists of whom 9 are Opry members. Saturday night's 1st show features 9 artists, of which 7 are Opry members, while the 2nd show features 11 artists, with 9 are Opry member. And no square dancers are listed for the 1st show. My final thought for the 1st show is that they have something special planned for the induction of Rascal Flatts and maybe there will be a surprise artist or two coming out for that.

In addition to the Opry shows on Saturday, the Opry birthday concert Saturday afternoon will feature Opry member Mel Tillis. Also, the Opry House will be open for tours and other activities will be taking place in the Opry plaza during the day and evening.

This week, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night. The line up for that show is as follows:

Thursday October 6
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Charley Pride
Featuring: Jimmy Fortune; Janie Fricke; Rebecca Lynn Howard; Jeannie Seely; Leroy Van Dyke

Personally, I cannot wait to see Leroy. He is one of the great veterans in country music.

Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 11. This will be another television taping for GAC and the show features a very strong line up.

7:00: Sara Evans; Scotty McCreery; Montomery Gentry; Trace Adkins
INTERMISISON
8:15: LeAnn Rimes; Dierks Bentley; Eric Church; Chris Young

I am headed off to Nashville and will be there for all the shows this weekend, beginning with the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday night. When I return next week, I will offer my views and opinions on what I see and hear.

And, finally, as the Opry moves through its birthday month, I will begin next week to offer line ups from birthday celebrations from years back so that some of you can relive old memories from shows you might have seen, or for some of the newer fans, can see what kind of shows the Opry used to have in years past. Many of those years, the birthday celebration was tied into the annual Country Music Disc Jockeys convention, which made that weekend a "must" for Opry members.

Enjoy the weekend!!!