Sunday, August 31, 2014

September Opry Highlights

Here are the important and historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or involving Opry members, during the month of September.

September 15, 1903: Country Music Hall of Fame member and the "King of Country Music" Roy Acuff was born in Maynardsville, Tennessee. Roy came to the Grand Ole Opry in 1938 and he would remain an Opry member until his death in 1992. I think it is safe to say that Roy was the most influential member in the history of the Opry and the Opry hasn't been the same since he passed away.

September 13, 1911: The "Father of Bluegrass Music" Bill Monroe was born in Rosine, Kentucky. He came to the Opry in October 1939 and he would remain a part of the Opry until his death in 1996.

September 17, 1913: Hank Williams was born. Really nothing else needs to be added. While his time at the Opry would be short, it was very eventful.

September 26, 1925: One of the most popular members in the history of the Opry, Marty Robbins was born near Glendale, Arizona. Marty first came to the Opry in 1953 and shortly after that became an Opry member. His 11:30 Opry shows were legendary. Marty would remain an Opry member until he passed away in December 1982.

September 26, 1926: Jerry Clower was born near Liberty, Mississippi. Jerry joined the Opry in 1973 and was the last member to join the Opry prior to its move to the new Grand Ole Opry House. This great comedian remained an Opry member until his death in 1998. In the history of the Opry, there have been some great comedians and this is something that is missing at the Opry today.

September 1, 1931: Lecil Travis Martin, better known as "Boxcar Willie" was born in Sterratt, Texas. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 1980 at the age of 49 and a year later he became a member. He was one of the first country entertainers to have a theater in Branson, Missouri and in his later years he spent most of his time performing there. He passed away in 1999.

September 12, 1931: George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas. George first came to the Opry and became a member in 1956. He would leave the show and return several different times and while his Opry appearances were few and far between, he was always proud of his Opry membership. George passed away in 2013.

September 5, 1945: Wally Fowler joined the cast of the Opry. Wally was the founder of the Oak Ridge Quartet, which eventually became the Oak Ridge Boys. After he joined the Opry, Wally was frequently featured on the Prince Albert Opry shows and would sing a gospel song. Later, Wally would have some financial issues and in 1957 he sold the rights to the name Oak Ridge Quartet. Wally passed away in 1994.

September 18, 1947: On this night, and the night following, Ernest Tubb, Minnie Pearl and a host of Opry members played two shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. Here is how Ernest remembered that night, "The radio and newspaper people ignored us the first night we were there, but we turned away six thousand people and the next night, every reporter was there." Billboard Magazine reported that, "such screaming and wild applause after each number hasn't been heard in town since Frank Sinatra brought out the bobbysoxers at the Paramount."

September 4, 1948: Eddy Arnold leaves as a cast member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time he was the Opry's biggest star and he left to headline his own CBS network radio show. Eddy did an interview with Ralph Emery in 1991 and talked about leaving the Opry, "I thought I had done as much as I could do there. I had two network radio programs outside the Opry." It was said that Eddy had outgrown the Opry. On his final night as an Opry member, Eddy finished his set and stood on the stage looking out over the Ryman Auditorium. He thanked Harry Stone, WSM, and the Opry fans and then turned to walk away from the microphone. Harold Bradley, who backed Eddie on guitar that night, would say, "We went around the curtain and he and Minnie Pearl hugged and both of them cried like babies because he was leaving." Eddy created some controversy because he was the first "star" to leave the Opry. But Irving Waugh of WSM had this to say: "We hated to see Eddy leave. But, as I recall, it didn't make that much difference to the Opry. At that stage, people were lined up all the way around the block to get in. New people, including Hank (Williams), were coming all the time." By the way, after Eddy left the Opry, he never came back.

September 24, 1948: WSM began the Friday Night Frolics, later to become known as the Friday Night Opry. The show took place from Studio C at WSM and continued to be broadcast from that studio until 1964 when it was moved to the Ryman Auditorium. The show was originally started as part of the effort to keep Eddy Arnold on WSM radio.

September 25, 1948: George Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was brought to the show as a replacement for the recently departed Eddy Arnold. George would leave the Opry for a short amount of time, but then would return and remain an Opry member until his death.

September 13, 1952: Webb Pierce makes his first appearance on the Opry. He joined the show a year later to help fill the absence after Hank Williams left. Webb would remain an Opry member until February 19, 1957, when he left after a dispute with management over the paying of booking fees and commissions.

September 26, 1953: Skeeter Davis makes her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter would join the Opry's cast in 1959 and would be a part of the Opry until her death in 2004.

September 10, 1955: Justin Tubb joined the cast of the Opry. At the time, he was the Opry's youngest member. Justin, the son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb, was an Opry member until his sudden death in 1998 at the age of 62.

September 24, 1956: WSM radio fired Opry manager Jim Denny. He had started at the Opry back in the early days of the show and was involved behind the scenes in various including behind in charge for a time of the Opry's concession business where he saw how much money the Opry had the potential to make for WSM. He was not only the Opry's manager but was a powerful force at both WSM and the Opry. He was fired from the Opry because he would not give up his ownership of Cedarwood Publishing Company. In addition to Denny, Jack Stapp, another WSM executive was also dismissed.

September 25, 1956: Dee Kilpatrick was named the Grand Ole Opry's "general director." He was also named manager of WSM's Artists' Service Bureau, which was the Opry's own in-house booking agency. Dee was a former record company executive and he said at the time, "They asked me what I thought was wrong. We'll, back when I was working with Mercury Records I was at the opry almost every Saturday night I was in town, and I could look at the audience and see what was wrong. The Opry didn't appeal to the younger audiences that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see there were older people and little tweeny kids. There wasn't any teenagers." Kilpatrick would begin to add younger acts to the Opry's cast including the Everly Brothers and Porter Wagoner. What is interesting is that when you read that quote from 1956 about the Opry's aging audience, it sounds almost what Pete Fisher has been saying since 1999.

September 29, 1956: Rose Maddox joined the Grand Ole Opry. Rose did not stay at the Opry for very long as many of the Opry's members, including Roy Acuff in particular, didn't care for her.

September 13, 1958: Ben Smathers and the Stoney Mountain Cloggers joined the Grand Ole Opry. Most of their years at the Opry, they would be on an every-other week rotation as the featured square dancers. Ben Smathers passed away in 1990, while the Stoney Mountain Cloggers would remain a part of the Opry until 1993.

September 30, 1958: Opry member Marty Stuart was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Before beginning his solo career, Marty was a part of Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass and toured as part of Johnny Cash's band. His RFD-TV show is reportedly the highest rated show on that network.

September 25, 1962: Loretta Lynn joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 52nd year as an Opry member.

September 27, 1963: The National Life and Accident Insurance Company purchased the Ryman Auditorium from the City of Nashville for an estimated $200,000. WSM, which operated the building, changed the name to the Grand Ole Opry House, even though everyone would still call it the Ryman. By becoming the building's owners, WSM was able to make long needed repairs on the structure.

September 15, 1965: In some of the Opry's historical records, and in some publications, this is the date listed as Connie Smith's Opry induction. Other dates have it listed in June or July of that year. Either way, this year will be Connie's 49th as an Opry member.

September 16, 1967: Jeannie Seely became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 47th year as an Opry member. When Jeannie first joined the Opry, there were no female hosts and he was one of those that pushed for a change. Over time, Jeannie has become one of the Opry's more regular and popular segment hosts.

September 19, 1968: Former Opry member Red Foley passed away in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Red came to the Opry in 1946 and would remain with the Opry for about a decade, always as the host of the Prince Albert Opry show. After he left Nashville, he went to Springfield, Missouri and the Ozark Jubilee for ABC.

September 13, 1969: Earl Scruggs makes his first appearance on the Opry since splitting with Lester Flatt. He performed "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with his sons Gary and Randy.

September 17, 1977: Reba McEntire made her first appearance on the Opry. Later she would join. Sorry to say and as popular as Reba is, she really doesn't come to the Opry any more.

September 6, 1984: Ernest Tubb passed away in a Nashville hosptial. Ernest had been in declining health for a number of years and had made his last Opry appearance in 1982. He joined the Opry in 1943 and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1965. He is considered one of the Opry's greatest legends.

September 9, 1989: Del Wood made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. She first came to the Opry in 1952 and continued as a member until her passed away from a stroke in October.

September 4, 1991: Grand Ole Opry member Dottie West passed away in a Nashville hospital as a result of injuries suffered in an earlier car accident, which took place at Opryland prior to a scheduled appearance on the Friday Night Opry. Dottie had been an Opry member since 1964.

September 4, 1992: Former Opry member Carl Butler died in Franklin, Tennessee. Carl had first appeared on the Opry in 1948 and along with his wife Pearl, joined the cast in 1962. Not only a great singer, but Carl was also a fine writer. Dolly Parton would say that Carl and Pearl were instrumental in helping her out when she first came to Nashville and later in life, Dolly returned the favor. After they left the Opry, they continued to tour until Pearl passed away. After her death, Carl would occasionally perform at the Opry.

September 11, 1993: The Stoney Mountain Cloggers made their final appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. After Ben Smather's death in 1990, his wife Margaret continued as the group's leader.

September 9, 1996: Bill Monroe passed away after a period of declining health. Bill brought the bluegrass sound to the Opry when he joined in 1939. Personally, I find it hard to believe that it has been almost 20 years since he passed away.

September 6, 1996: Hank Snow made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hank was in a period of declining health and made the decision to retire from the Opry. He passed away in 1999.

September 20, 1997: During an appearance on the Opry, Johnny Paycheck is asked by Opry general manager Bob Whittaker if he would like to become an Opry member. Of course, he said yes and would be inducted as a member later in the year.

September 28, 2002: For the first time in ten years, Tanya Tucker makes an appearance on the Opry. She performed along with The Jordanaires.

September 13, 2003: The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a stamp featuring Roy Acuff during a ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House.

September 20, 2004: Opry member Skeeter Davis passed away in Nashville at the age of 72. Skeeter had battled cancer and other health related issues for a number of years. She was always known for her bright outfits and her big smile while at the Opry. Nothing seemed to get her down and she brought a lot of joy to the show.

September 23, 2004: It was not a good week at the Opry as days following the death of Skeeter Davis, another Opry legend, Roy Drusky passed away. Roy had joined the Opry in the 1950s and had one of the smoothest voices you could ever find.

September 28, 2010: While performing with Trace Adkins at the reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House, Blake Shelton is asked to become the Opry's newest member.

September 13, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper passed away. Wilma, along with her husband Stoney Cooper, joined the Opry in 1957, coming to Nashville from the Wheeling Jamboree. After Stoney's death, Wilma Lee continued as a solo artist, keeping the mountain music going. He last Opry singing performance was in February 2001, when she suffered a stroke while performing on the Opry. She did return to the Opry stage in 2007 for her 50th anniversary as an Opry member. Her last appearance at the Opry was in September 2010 as part of the reopening of the Opry House.

September 13, 2011: George Jones makes his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He appears at a show to celebrate his 80th birthday, which featured Alan jackson, among many others.

September 27, 2011: Rascal Flatts were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. They would be officially inducted several weeks later as part of the Opry's birthday celebration.

September 27, 2011: Johnny Wright passed away in Nashville. He was the husband of Kitty Wells and a former member of the Opry.












Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Grand Ole Opry 8/29 & 8/30

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-up for the shows this Labor Day weekend. Usually these are a couple of the shows that are pretty hard to fill as far as having a quality line-up as many of the artists are out on the state and county fair circuit, but for this weekend the Opry has done pretty well.

The highlight, and the name that stood out as a pleasant surprise, is Alison Krauss, who is scheduled for both nights. For Alison, this will be her first Opry appearances in 2014 and if she follows her usual pattern, these might be her only appearances this year. It has hard for me to believe that Alison has been an Opry member now for 21 years. I really enjoy her and wish that she would be around the Opry more often.

Joining Alison on Friday night will be guest artist, and someone who I wish would be an Opry member, and that is Kathy Mattea. She is at the Opry every couple of months and is always well received. Also making another appearance will be Mary Gauthier, along with semi-regular Jimmy Wayne.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to Alison, will have Larry Gatlin and this time, The Gatlin Brothers will be joining him. While Larry is around the Opry a lot, very rarely do we get Steve and Rudy, although many times Steve will be there playing guitar for Larry on his solo appearances. Also appearing will be Opry member Lorrie Morgan, along with "Nashville" stars Chaley Rose and Charles Esten. And don't forget The Steeldrivers.

Friday August 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy Wayne; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Connie Smith (host); The Henningsens; Mary Gauthier
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Kathy Mattea
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Mark Wills; Alison Krauss

Saturday August 30
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Mark Wills
7:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Chaley Rose; Jean Shepard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); John Conlee; The Steeldrivers; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Charles Esten; Alison Krauss

Like I said, 2 pretty good line-ups this weekend and it looks like they might be saving a spot for Jimmy Dickens.

Now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, August 28 & 29, 2009:

Friday August 28
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Cherryholmes
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jamie O'Neal
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; The Whites
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley

Saturday August 29
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Jean Shepard; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Clay Walker; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); John Conlee; Connie Smith

And from 10 years ago this weekend, August 27 & 28, 2004:

Friday August 27
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; George Hamilton IV; Melonie Cannon
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Blue Country
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; The Jenkins
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Billy Ray Cyrus
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Walker; Kevin Haynie; Gene Watson

Saturday August 28
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Martina McBride; The Notorious Cherry Bombs; Billy Ray Cyrus; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Riders In The Sky; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Martina McBride
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Billy Grammer; The Notorious Cherry Bombs; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; Billy Ray Cyrus
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Billy Walker; Mandy Barnett

For this week's feature lin-up, I go to Saturday August 31, 1996. This was the final Saturday night show for Hank Snow. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was one of the Orpy's top members. But, by 1996 his health was beginning to fail as he was having respiratory issues along with other ailments. In fact, after making 125 Opry appearances in 1995, he made just 5 in 1996. He came back the following week and did the Friday Night Opry and cancelled out for Saturday. He also failed to appear the weekend after and that was the last time Hank was on the schedule for the Opry. He passed away in December 1999, just weeks from 50 years of Opry membership.

Here is the line-up from Saturday August 31, 1996, the final Saturday night for Hank Snow.

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Mike Snider (host); Tennessee Rhapsody/Cotton Eyed Joe
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn/Foggy Mountain Chimes

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Blue
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips A Beat
Grandpa Jones: Gooseberry Pie

7:00: Shoney's
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Looking Back to See
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

7:30: Standard Candy
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning that Old Memory
The Cumberland Boys: Nothing But Love
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It to Me Again
Margaret Whiting: I Can't Help It
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durane's Hornpipe
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Del Reeves: Got A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
Porter Wagoner & Kristi Lynn: Forty Miles from Poplar Bluff

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): In the Misty Moonlight
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Stu Phillips: Colorado
The Whites: Pins and Needles
Connie Smith: Then and Only Then
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Tell Her Lies and Feed Her Candy
Oswald: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me no Mind
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Texacajun
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Freight Train Boogie

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents Is All I Got
Stonewall Jackson: Me and You and A Dog Named Boo
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:15: Opryland
Jean Shepard (host): I Thought of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels/One Day at A Time
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away

10:30: Purnell's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Cumberland Boys: Today I Might Be Going Home
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love With You

10:45: Fairfield
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Mike Snider (host): Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Load the Cannon

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles in My Beer
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Colleen Walters: Walkin' After Midnight

I know I post this line-up each year, but as I have mentioned before, Hank Snow was and is, my favorite Grand Ole Opry member of all-time, so I hope you don't mind.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Grand Ole Opry 8/22 & 8/23

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend. There is the usual one show on Friday and one show on Saturday, along with the Tuesday Night Opry.

The Friday Night Opry will feature another appearance by Vince Gill. This makes 2 weeks in a row for this Opry star and I am glad to see him back on the Opry stage. Joining Vince on Friday night will be Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys. As far as guest artists, we have Carolina Story, Sundy Best and the ever popular Willis Clan. This week's new artist, making his Opry debut, will be Chase Bryant and also scheduled is a name from the past that I haven't heard from in a while and that is Billy Gilman. I remember when he was a teenage star.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a number of guest artists including Caitlin Rose, James House, Mandy Barnett, Holly Williams, and staying over from Friday night, The Willis Clan.

Friday August 22, 2014
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Carolina Story; Billy Gilman
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Sundy Best; The Willis Clan
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chase Bryant
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Jan Howard; Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday August 23, 2014
7:00: John Conlee (host); Caitlin Rose
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); James House; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan

There is a slot available for Jimmy Dickens. I still find it interesting that the Opry does not list Jimmy on the schedule yet expects him to appear unless told otherwise. I really don't remember that happening previously. Back in the early 1990s when Roy Acuff was basically "show-to-show" for many weeks, he was always listed on the schedule and even Hank Snow was listed for many weeks when he wasn't appearing. In the case of Hank in 1996, the Opry in many cases wouldn't know until right before show time that he wasn't coming.

A thought crossed my mind, and others have offered opinions, that it has been almost a year since the Opry has had a new member. Old Crow Medicine Show last fall has been the last. You would expect a new member soon and rumors are starting to heat up on who might potentially be asked. For what it is worth, there has not been a new female Opry member in years, but that doesn't mean much. Something to watch which way the tea leaves are waving.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, August 21 & 22, 2009:

Friday August 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Crystal Gayle
8:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds; The Whites
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday August 22
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Joey+Rory
8:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Exile

Now, from 10 years ago this weekend, August 20 & 21, 2004:

Friday August 20
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Jack Greene; Christy Sutherland
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Cory & Jarrod Walker; The Whites
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; BR549
9:00: Jeannie Seely (host); J.D. Crowe & The New South; Daryle Singletary
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Brad Cotter; Connie Smith

Saturday August 21
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Lane Turner
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); J.D. Crowe & The New South; Jessi Alexander
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Lynn Anderson; Pinmonkey
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Sherrie Austin; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Billy Walker; Cory & Jarrod Walker; T Graham Brown

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Lane Turner
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Lynn Anderson; J.D. Crowe & The New South; Pinmonkey
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Stu Phillips; Jessi Alexander; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Billy Walker; Cory & Jarrod Walker; Sherrie Austin
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Mel McDaniel; T Graham Brown

For this week's feature line-up, I go to Saturday August 22, 1981. This was the last show for Don Williams as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Don joined the Opry on April 23, 1976 and let's just be nice and say that he figured out that Opry membership just wasn't for him. Not that he was at the Opry that many times anyways. In 1977, the year after he joined, he appeared just 2 times. He followed that up with 3 appearances in 1978, no appearances in 1979 and 1980, before wrapping it up in 1981 with just 2 appearances. A record like that would be acceptable today, but back when he joined, you were still expected to appear. Don had a great career in country music and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. And, he is still touring today.

Here is the line-up and running order of the Opry from Saturday August 22, 1981, 33 years ago this weekend:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): T For Texas
Jan Howard: Six Weeks in the Summer; Christmas Every Other Year
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me/Waltz Across Texas

7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): What Are Those Things
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Joe Edwards: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years; Three Kids; Two Loves Too Late

7:30: Standard Candy
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels/I'll Fly Away
Roy Drusky: If The Whole World Stopped Loving
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Archie & Phil Campbell: Hey Waiter

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/Shake My Mother's Hand For Me

8:30: Acme
4 Guys (host): Loving Up A Storm
Jeannie: When Your House Is Not A Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You//Amanda
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
4 Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us to Sleep With Country Music
Ray Pillow: She Never Likes Nothing For Long
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Don Williams: Living On Tulsa Time/I Believe In You/Amanda
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On

10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): The Way I Am
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Charlie Louvin: Is This How It Is When It's Over

10:15: Sunbeam
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
David Houston: Bandera Waltz

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Charlie Walker: The One Rose That's Left In My Heart
Howdy Forrester: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All

10:45: Beech-nut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming/I'll Fly Away
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Old Joe Clark
Stonewall Jackson: Me and You and A Dog Named Boo

11:00: Coca-Cola
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
The Pilgrims: When They Call My Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Archie & Phil Campbell: The Interview

11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Vic Willis Trio: Shenendoah
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me/Just A Closer Walk With Thee

And finally, it was 27 years ago this weekend, Saturday August 22, 1987, that Roy Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the line-up from that night:

1st show
6:30: 4 Guys (host); Lorrie Morgan
6:45: Charlie Louvin (host); Del Wood
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely; Ernie Ashworth
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Roy Clark
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Tom T Hall; Wilma Lee Cooper; Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jeannie Seely; 4 Guys; Tom T Hall
10:00: Charlie Louvin (host); Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Roy Clark
10:30: Ray Pillow (host); Lorrie Morgan
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Ernie Ashworth; Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Carlisle
11:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

On a final note, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 26:

7:00: Frankie Ballard; Bill Anderson
7:30: Darryl Worley; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: The Whites; Shovels & Rope
8:45: Josh Thompson; Ricky Skaggs.

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Grand Ole Opry 8/15 & 8/16

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the shows this weekend, along with the upcoming Tuesday Night Opry. First, let's cover the shows over the weekend.

Appearing both nights will be Opry member Vince Gill. Vince is usually one of the Opry's more loyal members, and even with all his frequent appearances around Nashville and his touring, he has kept up his appearances. However, I can't help notice that Vince has been at the Opry less this year then he has been in the past. Hopefully the trend will change.

Joining Vince on Friday night will be Opry members Diamond Rio, along with some interesting guest artists. Kix Brooks makes a return to the Opry stage, along with Tracy Lawrence and Sam Bush. On the female side, there is Lindsay Ell and Sunny Sweeney. Also scheduled is frequent Opry guest Chris Janson. Out of the 12 acts scheduled, 6 are Opry members.

On Saturday night, in addition to Vince, will be guest artists Holly Williams, Kim Richey, Aubrey Peoples, from the Nashville show, Exile and Jimmy Wayne. Finally, on the schedule for their first Opry appearances, are Nathan East and Bob James. Nathan is described as a "jazz, R&B, rock bass player and vocalist. He is also said to be the most recorded rock bass player in musical history. He has recorded with Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins and Toto, among others. (I don't see any country artists on the list). Bob James is cut from the same cloth and is touring with Nathan as part of "Fourplay."

Nothing against Nathan and Bob, but what can I say? I guess Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher want to give this week's Opry audience a taste of jazz instead of country. Being on Vince's segment, I also wonder how much he had to do with their booking on the Opry?

Anyways, of the 12 acts booked on Saturday night, they managed to round up 5 members of the Opry.

Friday August 15
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Chris Janson; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); The Whites; Sam Bush
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Lindsay Ell; Tracy Lawrence
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Sunny Sweeney; Kix Brooks

Saturday August 16
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kim Richey; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Aubrey Peoples; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Nathan East and Bob James; Exile

For the Tuesday Night Opry on August 19, there are 2 shows scheduled as Carrie Underwood returns to the Opry. Joining Carrie will be Opry members Trace Adkins, Del McCoury and Craig Morgan. Also scheduled for the first show is Terri Clark. Again, Carrie is upholding her end of being an Opry member.

Tuesday August 19
1st show
7:00: Terri Clark; Joel Crouse
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Mark Chesnutt
8:00: Sam Hunt; Craig Morgan
8:30: Trace Adkins; Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson; Joel Crouse
10:00: Del McCoury Band; Mark Chesnutt
10:30: Sam Hunt; Craig Morgan
11:00: Trace Adkins; Carrie Underwood

And now here is the Grand Ole Opry posted line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, August 14 & 15, 2009:

Friday August 14
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Justin McBride
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rodney Atkins
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jim Ed Brown; Riders In The Sky; The Whites
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Vince Gill

Saturday August 15
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Infamous Stringdusters
7:30: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jack Greene; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Josh Turner

Now, from 10 years ago this weekend, August 13 & 14, 2004:

Friday August 13
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Andy Griggs
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Bruce Robison
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; John Anderson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Melonie Cannon; Jack Greene
9:30: John Conlee (host); Craig Morgan; Ray Price

Saturday August 14
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; BR549
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers; Katrina Elam
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Mountain Heart
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Rodney Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; T Graham Brown

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Katrina Elam
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith; T Graham Brown
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Stonewall Jackson; Rodney Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Walker; Mountain Heart
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; BR549

For this week's featured line-up, I am posting the show from Saturday August 15, 1992. It was 22 years ago this weekend that June Webb made a return visit to the Grand Ole Opry at the request of Roy Acuff.

June Webb was a popular country artist in the 1950s and 1960s. Beginning in the early 1950s, she made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. She also was on the RCA label and in 1958 she won the award as the "Most Promising Female Artist." Also in the 1950s, she began working with Roy Acuff and joined his road show as the lead female vocalist. She appeared with Roy everywhere including whenever he played on the Opry. In the early 1960s, she went in a different direction and left the music business. As mentioned, in 1992 Roy Acuff asked her to make a final Opry appearance with him, which she did on August 15.

For those interested, she has a very nice website which includes old music, new music and videos. And, she sounds as good as ever.

Here is the line-up from August 15, 1992:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Porter Wagoner (host); Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilma Lee Cooper: There's A Higher Power
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company/Dooley

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Jeannie Seely: Houston
Jim Ed Brown: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On/Morning

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Charlie Louvin: The Family Who Prays
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Billy Walker: Smokey Places
Bill Monroe: Tennessee Blues

7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Same Old; Same Old Love
Justin Tubb: Imagine That
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Alison Krauss: A New Fool/Another Night
Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White: Love Can't Ever Get Better Than This

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come This Far to Say Goodbye/Satisfied
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Jole Blon
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Roy Acuff: That's the Man I'm Looking For

8:30: Opryland
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
4 Guys: Big River
Jean Shepard: Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Hank Snow: The Rainbow's End

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale that the Crow Told Me
Alison Krauss & The Cox Family: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Standing By the Bedside of A Neighbor
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Act Right

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Why Did You Wander
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Bill Monroe: A Beautiful Life

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
4 Guys: My Prayer
June Webb: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry/Making Believe

10:30: Pet Milk
Ricky Skaggs (host): I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
The Whites: Pins and Needles
Ricky Skaggs: Country Boy

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock/Evil On Your Mind
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lost Indian
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Jean Shepard: Above and Beyond
Charlie Louvin: Charlie Whitstein: Knoxville Girl
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

11:30: Creamette
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Jim Ed Brown (host): The 3 Bells
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Johnny Russell: In A Mansion Stands My Love/He'll Have to Go
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

A final June Webb note. Hank Williams was scheduled for a show in my hometown of Canton, Ohio on January 1, 1953. As everyone knows, he died in route to this show. Included on the schedule that night were the Webb Sisters, which were June and her sister. The buiding they were to perform at is still in use today. That evening, after news of Hank's death was released, the show went on with the performers turning it into a Hank Williams tribute show.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Earl White

There have been many musicians whose careers have encompassed the history of country music, but Earl White may be the only one who has lived the history in reverse. Earl, who was born in Hardin County, Tennessee, on March 1, 1936, passed away earlier today.

Earl began playing the fiddle at an early age and by the time he was eightenn he was playing with Marty Robbins and Hawkshaw Hawkins. In the 1960s he took a step backwards in time when he started playing bluegrass with the Cumberland Mountain Boys. And in the 1970s he found himself at the dawn of modern country music when he joined the Crook Brothers, an old time music act that had first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1926. In 2005, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first appearance on the Opry.

In an interview, Earl talked about being at the Opry in the 1950s:

"Yes, it was. I got to meet and play with all my favorite musicians. I became friends with Benny Martin, who, after my father, had the biggest influence on my playing. I was also inspired by Howdy Forrester and Tommy Jackson. The great thing about the Opry back then was that it was all about the music. Roy Acuff's dressing room was always full of fiddlers and pickers and he enjoyed nothing more than sitting back and listening to us play. You got a chance to learn music from people you really respected. When I stated playing there, there were still people from the early days and I got to play with Sam and Kirk McGee, the Crook Brothers, and Dr. Humphrey Bate's daughter Alcyone, people who had been there when the Opry first got started."

As mentioned, in the 1970s, Earl joined the Crook Brothers group. Due to the death and retirement of various members, by the 1980s, the Crook Brothers consisted of Lewis and Herman Crook, along with Earl White. As they had since the start of the Opry, the Crook Brothers performed individually and as back-up for the square dancers. After the passing of Herman and Lewis Crook, it was Earl White and Charlie Collins who backed the dancers, and after the death of Charlie, it was just Earl and the Opry Staff Band. Needless to say, Earl will not be replaced and any link to the Crook Brothers will be forgotten.

I did not know Earl personally. I did shake his hand a few times while at the Opry and said hello. What always struck me was how well liked and respected he was among his fellow artists. I never heard a bad word said about Earl and I never heard him say anything bad about the others. It was true respect and friendship.

While Earl was not an "official" member of the Opry, I hope on Saturday night that the Opry will take a few moments and remember Earl. Perhaps a few words will be said and the square dancers will do a special number.

As the Opry prepares to celebrate it's 89th anniversary in the coming months, another link to the Opry's past has been lost. No, he did not go back with the Opry all the way to 1926, but he played with those who did. And he tried his best to keep that sound alive on the Opry stage. With that, he succeeded.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Grand Ole Opry 8/8 & 8/9


The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend. In looking at the schedule, there are a few interesting names. The Friday Night Opry will feature guest artist Hunter Hayes. Hunter is one of the new young male singers that have been making a name for themselves with not only country hits, but songs that have been crossing over into the pop music world. In other words, he fits the definition of today's country. Joining Hunter will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, who also is scheduled for Saturday night, and Marty Stuart, who makes a return to the Opry stage.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature an appearance by Opry member Martina McBride. Nice to see Martina back on the Opry where she is always well received. Also guesting will be frequent Opry guests Restless Heart, along with Janelle Arthur.

Friday August 8
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Sara Haze; Jean Shepard
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Greg Bates
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Francesca Battistelli
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Hunter Hayes

Saturday August 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Janelle Arthur; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Martina McBride

I don't expect the Opry to add another artist for the final segment either night, letting the "big" names do an extra song. They do have a couple of spots to fill on Saturday night, possibly one for Jimmy Dickens, who did not appear last week.

Another note of interest is that as of Wednesday evening, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree still has not named a host for this week's show. If you remember 2 weeks ago, the record shop did not do a live show, but ran a tape of a previous show. I don't know what the issue is regarding the lack of interest in hosting the Jamboree, or finding a host for the show. I know there have been some tough times recording the show, and I hope things get straightened out as it does have a great history and being free, it is one of the better bargains in Nashville.

Now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, August 7 & 8, 2009:

Friday August 7
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Darryl Worley
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Sunny Sweeney
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; Stonewall Jackson; George Hamilton IV; Mark Wills
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Connie Smith; Jim Lauderdale

Saturday August 8
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; David Nail
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Jean Shepard
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Sunny Sweeney; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites

And from 10 years ago, August 6 & 7, 2004:

Friday August 7
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Ronnie Bowman
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Amy Dalley
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Lane Turner
9:00: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Carolyn Dawn Johnson
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Daryle Singletary

Saturday August 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Amy Dalley
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Billy Joe Shaver
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Dan Seals
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Lane Turner; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Carolyn Dawn Johnson

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Amy Dalley
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Carolyn Dawn Johnson
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Dan Seals; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Lane Turner
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Billy Joe Shaver

For this week's feature line-up, I want to post the show running order from Saturday August 7, 1993. This was the night of Opry member Teddy Wilburn's final appearance on the televised portion of the Opry.

While the Wilburn Brothers came to the Opry many years earlier, they officially joined in 1953. Doyle Wiburn died in 1982, after which Teddy continued as a solo member. By 1993, his Opry appearances had really dropped as he battled health issues and spending less time performing. In fact, his 6 Opry appearances in 1993 would be his last until 1998, when he appeared just 4 times.

Here is the line-up from Saturday August 7, 1993:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jack Greene (host): I Don't Believe I'll Fall in Love Today
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything

6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Pliny Jane
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me About It
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls and A Ceiling

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): I'm on My Way Back to the Old Home
4 Guys: My Special Angel
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jean Shepard: Slippin's Around
Bill Monroe: It's Me Again Lord/Fair Play

7:30: Standard Candy
Del Reeves (host): A Dozen Pair of Boots
Teddy Wilburn: Because He Lives
Oswald: Dobro Chimes
Dude Mowrey: Hold On, Elroy/View From the Bottom
Del Reeves: The Race is On

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Riders In The Sky: How Does the Yodel
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Love You Anymore
The Whites: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Forked Deer
Porter Wagoner: Trouble in Amen Corner

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Vanishing Breed
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ray Pillow: Congratulations, You're Absolutely Right
Roy Drusky: Molly Darling
Mike Snider: Dueling Banjos
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Jan Howard: Wayfaring Stranger
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Dude Mowrey: View from the Bottom
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Free Little Bird
Bill Carlisle: I'll Fly Away
Jean Shepard: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Grandpa Jones: Rosalee

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Bill Monroe (host): Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Bill Monroe: True Life Blues/Blue Moon of Kentucky

10:30: Picadilly
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off Me Knee and Load the Cannon
Jim Ed Brown: The Chapel

10:45: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
4 Guys: Shut the Door; Keep Out the Devil
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Justin Tubb: Tears in Heaven
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk of Coal
Riders In The Sky: Blue Bonnet Lady
Hank Snow: Roll Along Kentucky Moon

11:30: General Jackson
Jack Greene (host): Looking Back is Easier
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Roy Drusky: Homesick
Johnny Russell: You Just Better Not Do That
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool

2 very nice shows that night. And I have to ask, what ever happened to Dude Mowrey? Nice try but he just never made it.

Finally, for those keeping track, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 12th:

7:00: Aaron Tippin; The Whites
7:30: Rhett Walker Band; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Tyler Farr; John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
8:45: Little Big Town

The following week, August 19th, the Tuesday Night Opry will have 2 shows as Carrie Underwood will be returning to the Opry.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

August Opry Highlights

Here are the important dates and historical events that have taken place in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, or with Opry members, during the month of August.

August 22, 1910: Country Music Hall of Fame member and former Grand Ole Opry member Rod Brasfield was born in Smithville, Mississippi. Rod was famous for his comedy routines with Minnie Pearl that were featured on the Prince Albert Opry shows for many years. Rod came to the Prince Albert show in 1948 and remained an Opry member until he passed away on September 15, 1958, after suffering a heart attack.

August 30, 1919: Muriel Ellen Deason, better known as Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. Kitty, along with her husband Johnny Wright, were Opry members from the early 1950s until they left the show in December 1964 in a dispute over booking fees. Even though she left the Opry cast, she continued to make guest appearances and there were some reports that she expressed an interest in rejoining the Opry later in her life, but she was turned down. Kitty passed away in July 2012.

August 8, 1921: Former Opry member Webb Pierce was born in West Monroe, Louisiana. He first appeared on the Opry in 1952, but he quickly figured out he could make more money by not being an Opry member. He left the show and proceeded to have a Hall of Fame career. As to the reasons for leaving the Opry so soon, he said, "You had to be there every Saturday night, and that was too much, because, you see, most of our money, we made it on Saturday night. Of course, we'd be on a tour and then we'd have to turn around at the end of the week and be back at the Opry. I don't care if you was in Podunk, Canada!" Of all the great country stars in the 1950s, Webb had the greatest chart success, but he made some enemies along the way. Because of that, many of the Hall of Fame voters said that they would never vote for Webb as along as he was alive. It wasn't until 2001, after he had passed away, that he was finally elected. Webb was also famous for his guitar shaped swiming pool and his feud with Ray Stevens, his neighbor. Webb's former home, with the pool, is now owned by Colin Reed, the chief executive officer of Ryman Hospitality.

August 28, 1925: Billy Grammer was born in Benton, Illinois. Billy joined the Opry in 1959 and remained an Opry member until his death in August 2011.

August 12, 1927: Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Misssouri, the same hometown of Jan Howard. Porter came to the Opry from the Ozark Jubilee in 1957 and would remain an Opry member until his death on October 28, 2007. During his career he had over 80 singles on the country charts and had a number of others with duet partners Norma Jean and Dolly Parton.

August 29, 1927: Jimmy C Newman was born in High Point, Louisiana. Jimmy joined the Opry on August 4, 1956 was an Opry member for 58 years. He passed away last month.

August 4, 1931: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham was born in McMinnville, Tennessee, which is also the hometown of Dottie West. After the Opry moved to Opryland and the new Opry House, Bud Wendall was promoted to general manager of both the Opry and Opryland. To help him out, he asked Hal to take over the Opry management. In 1978 he was promoted to the position of general manager of the Opry, a post he held for 15 years. While many people blame Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher for the fact that many of the Opry's members make few appearances on the show, it was actually Hal who was responsible for relaxing the membership requirements and allowing individuals to join the cast with no commitment to the show. Among the artists that he brought aboard as members were Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. Hal left the Opry in 1993 and was President of the Opry Group until 1996, when he retired. He died in March 2009.

August 20, 1935: Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. Justin would follow in his father's footsteps and become a successful country music singer and songwriter. He joined the Opry in 1955 at the age of 20, and at the time he was the Opry's youngest member. He passed away from a sudden illness on January 24, 1998.

August 14, 1941: Constance June Meador, otherwise known as Connie Smith, was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Connie first joined the Opry in 1965, the same night that Bob Luman became a member. She left the show for a short period of time while raising her children, but returned. In 2012 she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and next year will be celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.

August 11, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee was born in Versallies, Kentucky. John came to Nashville and joined the Opry in February 1981.

August 11, 1952: Hank Williams was fired as a member of the Opry. Jim Denny, the Opry's manager, made the call to Hank. He had Ernest Tubb in the room as a witness when he made the call. Hank always hoped to make it back to the Opry, but it never happened. Even though Hank has been dead for over 50 years, there are many people who feel that he should be reinstated as a member.

August 16, 1952: Grandpa Jones rejoined the Opry. He had moved away from Nashville a few years back and had left the cast.

August 29, 1953: Cousin Jody joined the cast of the Opry. He would often appear with Lonzo & Oscar, along with his solo performances. He would remain an Opry member into the 1970s, passing away on August 18, 1975. Jody first came to the Opry in 1938 and was part of Roy Acuff's group, and also performed with Eddy Arnold and Pee Wee King.

August 14, 1954: Ernest Tubb took a leave of absence from the Opry. He was gone several months, coming back in November. Many feel that the reason he left the Opry was due to his drinking problems, which caused some health issues. While absent from the Opry, Ernest continued to host his Midnight Jamboree and it was during this period that he had Elvis Presley as a guest.

August 28, 1954: Grand Ole Opry member Stringbean, or "String Beans", as he was referred to during this period, left the cast of the Opry to join the Ramblin' Tommy Scott Show. Stringbean would rejoin the Opry and remain an Opry member until his tragic death in November 1973.

August 11, 1956: George Jones first joined the Opry. George and his history with the Opry is very interesting. See if you can follow the dates. First, some list his original induction date as August 4, the same night that Jimmy C Newman joined the cast. But the August 11 date is the one listed in the last Opry History Picture Book which featured George. Prior to that edition, his Opry induction date was listed as January 4, 1969, as he had left the show for a while. In the 1979 edition of the book, he is listed as having returned to the Opry in 1973 after a short absence. In the 1972 book, he is not mentioned at all. Not that all of it mattered as George rarely appeared on the Opry. After what might have been 56 years of Opry membership, George passed away last year.

August 22, 1957: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio, Texas. Holly retired from the music business and left Nashville in 2003. After leaving Nashville, the Opry dropped her as a member.

August 4, 1959: Skeeter Davis joined the Grand Ole Opry. With the exception of a short period of time when she was suspended from the show, Skeeter would remain an Opry member until her death on September 19, 2004. She last appeared on the Opry in 2002. Skeeter was known for her colorful skirts and bursts of energy while doing the Opry. Her final years were difficult as she battled various health issues.

August 26, 1961: Ray Pillow made his Opry debut. He made a great impression and was invited back, eventually joining the cast in April 1966.

August 12, 1963: The Browns joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. While Maxine and Bonnie retired from the group in 1967, Jim Ed Brown has continued as an Opry member and last year he celebrated 50 years as an Opry member. Maxine and Bonnie joined him that night.

August 23, 1963: Former Opry member Milton Estes died at the age of 49. Milton was part of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys and acted as the groups announcer.

August 27, 1963: Former Opry manager Jim Denny died from cancer at the age of 52. When he became the Opry's manager, he was the first WSM employee to specifically given that role. During his time at the Opry, he brought dozens of acts to the show including Webb Pierce. It was with Webb that Jim started Cedarwood Music Publishing and it was the success of this business that caused Jim to leave the Opry. When he left the Opry, many of the Opry's members joined him and his new artist bureau, electing to have Jim handling their bookings instead of the Opry's service bureau. This would case some issues between those members and the Opry's management. In 1966, Jim was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. On a final note, and if you believe the story, it was Jim who told Elvis Presley, after his only Opry appearance, that he should go back to driving a truck.

August 8, 1964: Bobby and Sonny, the Osborne Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Sonny retired in 2005, Bobby has continued and this year will be his 50th year as an Opry member. (In some places, the date is listed as August 1st, which is what I have in my files).

August 14, 1965: Bobby Bare became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby would remain and Opry member until 1974, leaving the show when the Opry moved to the new Opry House. Although no longer an Opry member, Bobby will still show up once in a while and do the Opry.

August 28, 1965: Seven weeks after a near-fatal car accident, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage. He had a cane with him and told the audience not to make a big deal out of the accident.

August 17, 1967: Charlie Walker joined the Opry. Charlie would remain an active Opry member until his death in September 2008. I had the opportunity to meet Charlie back in the 1990s, and I can tell you what a fine gentleman he was and a pleasure to spend some time with. Charlie started out as a DJ in Texas and he never forgot his roots. In 1981, he was elected to the Country Music Radio DJ Hall of Fame. In addition to being a fine singer, Charlie was also a pretty good golfer.

August 5, 1968: Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark was born in Montreal, Canada. As a Canadian, she would join Hank Snow and Stu Phillips as Opry members from the northern land.

August 21, 1975: Opry member Sam McGee died in a tractor accident on his farm in Tennessee. He was 81 and still was working the farm. Along with his brother Kirk, he first performed on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. During his time on the Opry, he would appear with several different groups, including the Dixieliners. Sam was also the first Opry member to use an electric guitar on the Opry, after which George D. Hay politely told him to put it back in the case and not to bring it back.

August 11, 1976: Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage for the first time since April after suffering a heart attack.

August 7, 1981: B.J. Thomas becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, as many know, he did not remain an Opry member for very long. Even though he left, he continues to make guest appearances at the Opry.

August 22, 1981: Don Williams made his final appearance as a member of the Opry. Don had joined the show in 1976 and it just didn't work out for him. This was still the period in Opry history when they expected their members to show up and Don found it more then he could handle.

August 14, 1982: Ernest Tubb made his final appearance on the Opry. He was suffering from emphysema, which made breathing and singing very difficult. He also gave up hosting the Midnight Jamboree, turning those duties over to his son Justin. He would spend his final years at home, passing away on September 6, 1984.

August 28, 1982: Marty Robbins made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Marty had been a fixure in the 11:30 slot for decades at the Opry. Marty, who suffered from heart issues, passed away in December 1982.

August 24, 1984: Neil Young makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. Best known for rock songs and performances, he actually wrote a few country songs over the years.

August 22, 1987: Roy Clark joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 27th year as an Opry member. Since joining the Opry, Roy will usually make about a half dozen appearances each year, although that has fallen off lately as Roy has had a few health issues. When Roy was asked to join by Hal Durham, he told Hal that he wouldn't be able to be at the Opry as much as he would like due to his schedule, but Hal was ok with it.

August 29, 1987: Opry member Archie Campbell passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee. He passed away after suffering a heart attack, but he had been in declining health for a couple of years. Archie joined the Opry in 1958 and acheived some of his great success when he joined Hee Haw. He was one of the main joke writers for the show, but then it came out later that Archie had actually used jokes that came from Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah. In his later years, Archie would make most of his Opry appearances in the winter months, spending the prime tourist season at his own theater in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A strong case can be made that Archie deserves consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 10, 1991: Vince Gill joined the cast of the Opry. This will be his 23rd year as an Opry member. The night he joined the Opry, he was introduced by Roy Acuff and over the years, Vince has made known his love of the Opry and as much as anyone from his time period, has supported the show. Vince turned down his first invitation to guest on the Opry in order to appear at his daughter's school function. Luckily, he was invited back and the rest is history.

August 30, 1991: On her way to the Friday Night Opry, Dottie West was involved in a serious car accident at the entrance to Opryland. She would not recover from the injuries and passed away on September 4. Even to this day, if my wife is riding with me to the Opry, she always makes a comment to slow down on that curve.

August 31, 1995: Former WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer David Stone died at the age of 93. Along with his brother Harry, David was responsible for changing the face of the Opry from a rural part-time performers show, to one that featured professional artists. He helped to bring Pee Wee King, Roy Acuff and Eddy Arnold to the show. By 1940, he had left the Opry and WSM.

August 9, 1996: Hank Snow returns to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time in 1996. He did 3 songs that night, including "I Don't Hurt Anymore." He would make a few more appearances before calling it quits in September 1996.

August 24, 1998: Opry member Jerry Clower died in a Jackson, Mississippi hospital after undergoing open heart surgery. He was 71. He joined the cast in November 1973, and was the last member of the cast to join the show before it moved to the new Opry House.

August 26, 2000: Pam Tillis became a member of the Opry. This will be her 14th year as an Opry member. Nice to see that Pam has been making a few more appearances at the Opry.

August 18, 2001: The Grand Ole Opry moved their televised portion of the show from TNN to CMT. The first show on CMT was highlighted by Vince Gill celebrating his 10th year as an Opry member. Also on the show that night were Steve Wariner, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy C Newman, Brad Paisley, Elizabeth Cook and Loretta Lynn. Nice to know that in 2001 they were still letting the veterans on the televised segments.

August 10, 2002: During the televised portion of the Grand Ole Opry on CMT, the Dixie Chicks announced that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I always thought that the Hall of Fame did a great injustice to Porter and Bill by having the Dixie Chicks do the announcement. Nothing against the Dixie Chicks, I just thought that the announcement could have been a bigger deal then during and Opry show. In Porter's case, the induction was way overdue. Like many others in country music, Porter made an enemy or two over the years and many felt that was one of the reasons he was kept out for so long. If you get the chance to watch a video from that night, watch the expression on Porter's face. You just knew what he was thinking, and what he wanted to say, but I think he also knew that it was not the time or place to do it. He was formally inducted in October with Dolly Parton doing the honors.

August 31, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry has it's 4,000th Saturday night show. The Opry does a tribute to Minnie Pearl and on the Opry that night were Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Steve Wariner.

August 23, 2003: Trace Adkins joined the Grand Ole Opry. Ronnie Milsap did the honors. This will be his 11th year as an Opry member.

August 6, 2011: The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry wanted the Oaks as members for many years, but they always turned down the invitation due to their heavy touring schedule. But things changed 3 years ago and the Oaks accepted.

And finally, it was in August 1948 that Jimmy Dickens first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The exact date seems to be in dispute, but this year will mark 66 years since Jimmy first became an Opry member. In 1957 Jimmy left the Opry to head up a major road show sponsored by the Phillip Morris company. This was in violation of Opry rules as R.J. Reynolds was a major Opry sponsor and would not accept Jimmy working for a rival company. On February 8, 1975, Jimmy rejoined the Opry, being introduced that night by Hank Snow. So even though many will say that it has been 66 years since Jimmy joined the Opry, this will actually be his 48th year as an active Opry member.

There you have it for August.