Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Grand Ole Opry 10/2 & 10/3-Grand Ole Opry 90th Birthday Bash

This is the big weekend for the Grand Ole Opry as this historic radio show will be celebrating it's 90th anniversary with their annual birthday bash. There will be 2 shows on Friday night and 2 Grand Ole Opry shows on Saturday evening. I will be headed down to Nashville in the morning and will be at all of the events. 

As I write this, the final line-up has not been posted, but what I can tell you is that among those scheduled to appear on Friday night are Opry members Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan Diamond Rio and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, along with guest artist JT Hodges, who will be signing copies of the Opry's new CD, "Opry 9.0: Discoveries from the Circle, Vol 1."

Among those set to appear on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry are Opry members Carrie Underwood, Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins, along with guests Charles Esten and Sam Palladio. In addition to the 2 Opry shows on Saturday, the Oak Ridge Boys will be performing on the Opry's annual birthday concert during the afternoon and stars from "Nashville" will be featured in the Opry Plaza, along with other artists. The weather is looking decent so it should be a great weekend. 

If I have computer access, I will get the entire line-up posted once it is official. But just going on the names that have been listed, it looks like one of the better birthday weekends in recent memory. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of October 1 & 2, 2010:

Friday October 1
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Dierks Bentley
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Charley Pride; Neal McCoy
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Stonewall Jackson; Sam Bush

Saturday October 2
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Band Perry
8:00: Charley Pride (host); Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Kevin Costner & Modern West

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Grand Master Fiddle Champion; Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Kevin Costner & Modern West

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 30 and October 1, 2005. What made this weekend so special is that on Saturday, Dierks Bentley became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.  

Friday September 30
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Little Big Town
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Shelly Fairchild
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mel McDaniel; Charlie Louvin; Marty Stuart
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jason McCoy; Buddy Jewell

Saturday October 1
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Chely Wright; Chris Cagle; Dierks Bentley
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Osborne Brothers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Jeannie Seely; Chely Wright
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; John Conlee; Chris Cagle
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Stonewall Jackson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Dierks Bentley
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; T. Bubba Bechtol; Osborne Brothers

For this week's featured line-up, it was on Saturday October 2, 1982 that Doyle Wilburn made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 1982 was already a rough year at the Opry as in August both Ernest Tubb and Marty Robbins made their final Opry appearances and now, as Doyle Wilburn was in the final stages of cancer that would claim his life several weeks later, he would appear for the final time.

Doyle Wilburn, along with his brother Teddy, first came to the Grand Ole Opry in 1940 after they won a talent contest in Arkansas and were brought to the attention of Roy Acuff. They were there for six months before child labor laws forced them to quit and return back home. They continued to perform and travel and in 1948 they became a part of the Louisiana Hayride. They were there until 1951 when the act disbanded and Doyle and Teddy joined the Army. While in the service, they performed with Webb Pierce and Faron Young. In 1953, after leaving the service and returning to Nashville, they became members of the Opry. In May 1954, they signed with Decca Records. In addition to their own careers, they were instrumental in the careers of Loretta Lynn and Patty Loveless. They also hosted the highly successful syndicated show, "The Wilburn Brothers Show" that was on the air from 1963-1974 and can still be seen on RFD-TV. After Doyle died in 1982, Teddy continued as a solo artist and Opry member until his death in 2003.

It is hard to believe that as successful as they were, the Wilburn Brothers did not have any #1 hits. Their highest chart success was "Trouble's Back in Town," "Roll Muddy River," "Which One Is to Blame," and "Sparkling Brown Eyes," each of which went to #4 on the country charts.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday October 2, 1982, the final appearance of Doyle Wilburn:

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: 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: New York City Song
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/Ol' 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
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 Once 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: New York 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/Tennessee Travelers: 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: Don't Be Angry
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz/Let It Be Me
Bill Carlisle: Same Ole Tale That the Crow Told Me
Bill/Sheila/Bill Carlisle, Jr: In the Pines
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal/Waterloo

Big congratulations to the Grand Ole Opry on it's 90th birthday weekend. I hope to see a few of you in Nashville this weekend.

Enjoy the Opry!!





















Sunday, September 27, 2015

October Opry Highlights

October has traditionally been one of the more active months in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. Lots of important and historical events have taken place during the month involving the Opry or its members. So here are those events that have taken place during the month of October.

October 25, 1912: Sarah Ophelia Colley, known to the world as Minnie Pearl, was born. Minnie first appeared on the Opry in November 1940 and she was an Opry member for over 50 years, until her death in March 1996. She was an active Opry member until she suffered a stroke in June 1991. Comedy has become a lost art at the Opry, but in her time at the Opry, Minnie Pearl was one of the best.

October 20, 1913: Louis Marshall Jones was born in Henderson County, Kentucky. Louis was an Opry member for over 50 years and was known for his comedy and banjo playing. He was also nationally known for his work on Hee Haw. If the name Louis Marshall Jones doesn't ring a bell, perhaps his stage name will: Grandpa Jones.

October 5, 1925: WSM radio went on the air. Edwin Craig was given the honor of starting off that first broadcast, and he did with a few simple words: "This is WSM. We Shield Millions. The National Life and Accident Company." National Life President C.A. Craig dedicated the station to public service. Among the guests that night was George D. Hay, who would later be hired at WSM as the program director and would go on a few months later to begin the WSM Barn Dance.

October 27, 1934: The Grand Ole Opry moved from Studio C at the National Life Building, home of WSM, to the Hillsboro Theater. The move was made because of the larger crowds that wanted to see the Opry in person. The Hillsboro Theater sat 2,400 and also offered the performers dressing rooms. Because the Opry was now being performed before a live audience, the artists were told to dress for their performances. That meant they were to wear rural clothes that reflected the image of a down home country show. That night also marked the beginning of Vito Pellettiere as the Opry's stage manager. He would hold that position until his death in 1977. Vito is the one who helped move the Opry into a more organized show with segments, sponsors and specific times for each performer to be on. There are some who have felt that Vito is the most important person in the history of the Opry.

October 14, 1939: The NBC Radio Network began to carry a half-hour segment which was sponsored by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company to promote it's Prince Albert brand. Roy Acuff was the host. The story behind this is that the William Esty Agency of New York had been employed by WSM to sell advertising time on the Opry. The station had worked with NBC in the past by providing live network feeds from Nashville to New York. In the fall of 1938, Esty added R.J. Reynolds as an Opry sponsor and since Prince Albert was a big brand in the South, it was decided that R.J. Reynolds would promote that brand. It was Dick Marvin, an account executive, that got the idea of trying to sell the tobacco company on sponsoring part of the Opry on the NBC network. Marvin went to the Esty Agency who thought it was not a good idea. After a lot of convincing, he was able to notify George D. Hay and Harry Stone that 26 network stations would broadcast the Opry. On that first show, David Stone announced the open and introduced Roy Acuff and his group, who played the theme song, "Have A Big Time Tonight." Along with George D. Hay, that first show included Uncle Dave Macon, George Wilkerson and his Fruit Jar Drinkers, DeFord Bailey, Brother Oswald and the rest of Roy's group. Over time, the Prince Albert portion would become the most famous Opry segment and would be extended to the entire NBC radio network.

October 28, 1939: Bill Monroe became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. On his first night, Bill performed "Muleskinner Blues." Opry founder George D. Hay was so impressed with Bill and his new sound that he told Bill that if he ever wanted to leave the Opry, he would have to fire himself. Thankfully, he never did and would remain as an Opry member until his death in September 1996.

October 17, 1953: Carl Butler made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Later with his wife Pearl, he would join the Opry cast.

October 2, 1954: Elvis Presley made his first and only appearance as a guest on the Opry. He sang Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Reports have said that Elvis received only modest applause after his performance, which was not that unusual at the Opry. Legend has it that after he finished, Jim Denny told Elvis that he should go back to driving a truck. While Elvis never did go back to truck driving, over the years there has been some doubt if Jim Denny actually made those comments or if they have just become another Opry story. What did happen after that night was that Jim Denny, nor anyone else, ever invited Elvis back to perform on the Opry. One person who was impressed by Elvis was Bill Monroe, especially after seeing the sizeable royalty checks that he began to receive after Elvis recorded his song.

October 22, 1955: Jim Reeves became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, he would become one of the Opry's biggest stars but like so many others, he came to the realization of the limitations of being and Opry member, and would move on. His last Opry appearance was on June 29, 1963. (Some sources give his Opry membership date October 30).

October 29, 1955: For what would be a very short run, Slim Whitman became a member of the Opry.

October 19, 1956: Stonewall Jackson auditioned to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He would become an official member several weeks later, on November 3.

October 15, 1960: Loretta Lynn made her first Opry appearance. The Wilburn Brothers were instrumental in getting her a guest slot and she appeared that night on a segment hosted by Ernest Tubb. At the time, Loretta did not have a band so Leslie Wilburn played base and Lester Wilburn played rhythm guitar. Just like in the movie, she sang "I'm A Honky-Tonk Girl." The Opry was impressed and she would later be asked to become an Opry member.

October 20, 1962: Leroy Van Dyke became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Like many others, Leroy would remain an Opry member for a few years and then he moved on. Even after he left, he has continued to make guest appearances on the Opry.

October 27, 1962: Sonny James became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sorry to say, but like others, Sonny's stay at the Opry would be fairly short.

October 23, 1965: Roy Acuff, Jr. made his first appearance on the Opry. With his father watching off to the side, Roy Jr. sang "Baby Just Said Goodbye." His recording and performing work showed the promise of a career in country music, however he preferred to work behind the scenes and his public performing soon ended.

October 14, 1966: Del Reeves is introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was introduced on a segment hosted by Porter Wagoner. It was a very emotional night for Del as his parents were in the audience and Del was unable to make it through his song before breaking down. Del would remain a popular Opry member until his death in January 2007.

October 21, 1967: The Browns, Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie, gave their final performance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Bonnie and Maxine would retire in order to raise families, Jim Ed would continue as an Opry member, which he was until his death earlier this year. The sisters would come back many times to perform with Jim Ed on the Opry, and at other venues. The Browns made a huge impact in country music and finally this year, after a long wait, Jim Ed and The Browns were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

October 6, 1968: Former WSM executive Harry Stone passed away at the age of 70. The influence that Harry Stone had at the Opry was great, perhaps even greater than George D. Hay himself. While George D. Hay wanted to keep the Opry simple and down to earth featuring local and regional musicians, Harry wanted to move the show forward by hiring established and professional stars. While Hay was away from the Opry due to personal issues, Harry moved ahead with his plan and as a result, there was great conflict between the two. In 1932, Harry became the general manager of WSM and became the boss. Among the first acts that he brought to the Opry were Pee Wee King and Roy Acuff, followed by Eddy Arnold. He saw what the Opry could do for National Life and WSM on a national level and thanks to his leadership, the Opry survived while other country barn dance shows failed.

October 19, 1968: In an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, WSM President Irving Waugh said that the Opry's days at the Ryman Auditorium were numbered. The article stated, "The initiation of plans for the relocation of the Opry, possibly as the center of a multi-million dollar hotel and amusement complex, was announced at a breakfast at Municipal Auditorium sponsored by WSM." Irving Waugh said, "Our feeling is that the Grand Ole Opry needs a new, modern facility. It is estimated the center, which would be called Opryland USA, would require between one hundred fifty and two hundred acres of land. The location would not be in the Music Row area." Over time, details would be announced and the Opry would leave downtown Nashville for a rural location at Opryland USA.

October 27, 1973: Comedian Jerry Clower became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was the last member to join the Opry cast before the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. When he joined the Opry, comedy was a huge part of the show and he joined a cast that included Minnie Pearl, Archie Campbell, Grandpa Jones and Lonzo & Oscar.

October 18, 1975: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a star studded weekend. In fact, the 50th anniversary show is considered one of the biggest in the history of the Opry.

October 16, 1982: Opry member Doyle Wilburn passed away in Nashville at the age of 52. The Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle, first came to the Opry as children in the 1940s. However, they were forced to leave due to child labor laws. They later came back, becoming members in 1953. They are considered one of the great duos in country music history. After Doyle passed, Teddy continued at the Opry as a solo member.

October 29, 1982: Alabama made their first appearance as a guest artist on the Opry.

October 24, 1983: Opry member, and one of the originals, Kirk McGee passed away. Along with his brother Sam, Kirk made his first Opry appearance in 1926, back when the show was called the WSM Barn Dance. Over the years, he would be part of the Dixieliners and the Fruit Jar Drinkers.

October 19, 1985: Lonzo & Oscar made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Rollin Sullivan, who was Oscar, originally came to the Opry in 1942, while Johnny Sullivan, who was actually the second Lonzo after Ken Marvin, came two years later. After Johnny died in a car accident in 1967, Dave Hooten took over in the role of Lonzo.

October 3, 1989: Opry member Del Wood passed away in Nashville after suffering a stroke several weeks earlier. Del, whose real name was Adelaide Hazelwood, joined the Opry in 1953. She was famous for her ragtime piano and her great #1 record, "Down Yonder." In looking at my past Opry line-ups, it is hard to find a weekend that she was not at the Opry. In an interesting note, the Opry Picture History Book wrote that, "She was famous for her canning and jams."

October 4, 1989: Holly Dunn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She would remain an Opry member until retiring from performing and leaving the music business to move to New Mexico as an artist. If it were up to Holly, she would still be an Opry member, however after she retired she was dismissed from the Opry's cast.

October 6, 1990: Garth Brooks became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This is his 25th year as an Opry member and there have been rumors that Garth will made an appearance to commemorate the event. However at this writing, nothing has been confirmed. Garth did surprise the Opry audience earlier this year by making his first singing appearance since appearing on the Opry's 80th anniversary show back in 2005. Also, on the same night that Garth Brooks became a member, Alan Jackson made his first guest appearance on the Opry.

October 4, 1991: Diamond Rio made their first guest appearance on the Opry. 7 years later, in 1998, they would become Opry members.

October 19, 1991: Grand Ole Opry announcer Grant Turner passed away hours after announcing the Friday Night Opry. He was the "dean" of Opry announcers and had been at WSM since 1944. He also hosted the Opry's warm-up show and was an announcer for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Grant was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

October 24, 1991: Gaylord Entertainment Company, owners of WSM and the Grand Ole Opry, listed its stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time. Many say that this was the event that started the downfall of the Opry as the company became publically owned versus private and became more focused on the bottom line profit performance.

October 23, 1992: Roy Acuff made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. It was a Friday night show and he did his segment sitting in a directors chair. He had appeared on his final Saturday night the previous weekend as part of the Opry's birthday celebration. The Saturday after this Friday night show, Roy was scheduled to appear, but he took an afternoon nap and his family decided not to wake him to go to the Opry. He was hospitalized days later and would pass away the following month.

October 15, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 75th birthday with 4 shows that weekend, including two on Saturday night that featured the majority of the Opry's members including Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton. On a personal note, I would say that the shows that weekend had probably the strongest and best line-ups of any Opry show that I have attended.

October 4, 2003: The Grand Ole Opry is televised for the first time on Great American Country (GAC). The Opry moved to this network after spending several years on Country Music Television (CMT).

October 25, 2003: Del McCoury became a member of the Opry. This will be his 12th year as an Opry member and on the night he joined, Patty Loveless did the induction.

October 1, 2005: Dierks Bentley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 10th year as an Opry member. He made his Opry debut in April 2003 and was a former employee of the Nashville network. On the night he joined, Marty Stuart did his induction.

October 15, 2005: The Opry celebrated its 80th birthday. Garth Brooks marked the occasion by coming out of retirement to perform on the Opry for the first time in five years. He was joined on stage by Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens and Porter Wagoner, along with good friend Steve Wariner.


October 27, 2007: Josh Turner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 8th year as an Opry member. Josh had made many guest appearances before being asked to join the cast by Opry member Roy Clark.

October 28, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Porter Wagoner passed away in Nashville after a short illness. He was 80. One of the most popular members in the history of the Opry, Porter had celebrated his 50th anniversary as an Opry member just a few months earlier. Not only was he a great solo artist, but he was also known for his work with Dolly Parton.

October 25, 2008: Craig Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Inducted by John Conlee, Craig is celebrating his 7th year as an Opry member.

October 22, 2010: Blake Shelton joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 5th year as an Opry member. He had been asked to join the Opry the previous month by Trace Adkins.

October 8, 2011: During the Opry's 86th birthday celebration, Rascal Flatts became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Among those on hand that night to welcome the group was Vince Gill, who performed on the 2nd show.

October 16, 2012: Darius Rucker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He had been invited to join the cast earlier by Brad Paisley, who made a surprise appearance and was sitting in the audience.

October 23, 2012: The Grand Ole Opry honored the memory of Minnie Pearl, on what would have marked her 100th birthday. Among those included in the tribute that night were Vince Gill, Amy Grant, along with Mel and Pam Tillis.

October 3, 2014: During a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, Little Big Town is surprised by Reba McEntire, who invites the group to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry.

There you have it for this month!!
















Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Grand Ole Opry 9/25 & 9/26

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this week, there is some sad news to pass along. I found out today that Ruth Grammer, the widow of Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, passed away on September 6. Ruth and Billy were married in 1944, and were married until Billy's death in August 2011. From what I have heard, Ruth was as well liked and admired as Billy was. Though not active in the music community, I still wanted to pass that news along. 

As far as the Opry this weekend, the Opry management managed to round up 5 Opry members for the Friday Night Opry, while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have 6 members performing. Friday night will feature Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Terri Clark, Riders In The Sky and Mel Tillis. Jeannie, Mel and The Riders will stay over for Saturday night, and they will be joined by Bobby Osborne, Ray Pillow and Jesse McReynolds. What is interesting and somewhat stands out for me is that Terri Clark will be hosting a segment on Friday night, making Mike Snider, who you would expect to host, the only Opry member performing on Friday night who will not be hosting. 

As far as guest artists this weekend, Friday night will feature a rare Opry appearance by Tanya Tucker. EmiSunshine will also be performing, as will somewhat regular Opry guests Greg Bates, Chuck Wicks, Wade Hayes and Kristian Bush. Of that group, I always enjoy hearing Wade. Kristian will stay around for Saturday night and will be joined by the legendary Ray Stevens, along with Sara Haze, Point of Grace and Charlie Worsham, who will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. And not to forget, but Saturday will also mark the annual Opry appearance of the winner of the Grandmaster Fiddle competition.  

Friday September 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Mike Snider
7:30: Terri Clark (host); Chuck Wicks
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Wade Hayes; Kristian Bush
8:45: Mel Tillis (host); EmiSunshine; Tanya Tucker

Saturday September 26
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Sara Haze; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Grandmaster Fiddle Champion; Kristian Bush
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jesse McReynolds; Point of Grace; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mel Tillis (host); Charlie Worsham; Ray Stevens

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, September 24 & 25, 2010. Both shows were held at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday September 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeannie Seely; Gene Watson

Saturday September 25
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Randy Kohrs
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Janie Fricke
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jimmy Wayne; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Jo Dee Messina

The following Tuesday night, September 28, 2010, the newly renovated Grand Ole Opry House reopened. Bill Anderson was the first artist to perform, which had special meaning as he was the last artist to sing on the Opry stage the night prior to the flood. It was an impressive line-up of Opry members and it was also the night that Trace Adkins asked Blake Shelton if he would like to become an Opry member, which was no surprise as it had been hinted for weeks that it might happen. Blake's official induction would take place later in October.

Now here is the posted line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of September 23 & 24, 2005:

Friday September 23
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; The Whites; Bobby Pinson
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Trick Pony
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Mark Wills
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Gene Watson
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; T Graham Brown

Saturday September 24
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Susan Haynes
7:00: Vince Gill (host); Mark Wills; Kathy Mattea; Gretchen Wilson; J.D. Crowe & The New South
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; Bobby Pinson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Gene Watson

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Kathy Mattea
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Susan Haynes; Mark Wills
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Billy Walker; J.D. Crowe & The New South; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Gene Watson
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ray Pillow; Bobby Pinson

Finally, it was on Saturday September 26, 1953 that future Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her Opry debut.

Skeeter Davis, born Mary Frances Penick, came to Nashville from Dry Ridge, Kentucky. In the late 1940s, she teamed with Betty Jack Davis to form the Davis Sisters. They were signed to RCA Records in 1951. In 1953, they recorded "I Forget More Than You'll Ever Know" which spent eight weeks at the #1 spot on the country charts. On August 1, 1953, while the song was still climbing the charts, the Davis Sisters were involved in a car accident that killed Betty Jack. It was after this accident and her Opry appearance that Skeeter made the decision to retire from the music business. However, in 1958 Skeeter decided to make a comeback and she began touring with Ernest Tubb, performing as his featured female vocalist. She was soon back in the recording studio and starting in 1960, had numerous Top 10 hits, the biggest being "The End of the World."

Skeeter joined the Grand Ole Opry on August 4, 1959 and except for her suspension in 1973, she would remain an Opry member until her death on September 19, 2004. Her last Opry appearance was on December 20, 2000, after which ill health forced her into retirement.

Here is the Opry running order from Saturday September 26, 1953, the night Skeeter Davis made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

7:30: Prince Albert
Ray Price (host): Who Stole That Train
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Darrell Glenn: Crying In The Chapel
Square Dancers: Katy Hill
Ray Price: In The Garden
Old Hickory Singers: Floating Down To Cotton Town
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Darrell Glenn: Hang Up That Telephone
String Beans: Uncle Pen
Ray Price: The Wrong Side of Town

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): When The World Has Turned You Down
Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin: Cabin Of Love
Hank Snow: Golden Rocket
June Carter: Rub A Dub Dub
Possum Hunters: Sleepy Lou
Ernest Tubb: The Long Way
Carter Family: Red River Blues
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues
Hank Snow: Message From The Trade Winds
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May
Fiddle Tune: Old Hen Cackled

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Webb Pierce (host): I'm Walking The Dog
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Martha Carson: Satisfied
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Webb Pierce: It's Been So Long
Lonzo and Oscar: Hole In the Bottom of the Sea
Fiddle Tune: Down Yonder

9:00: Martha White
Carl Smith (host): Hey Joe
Jimmy Dickens: Thick and Thin
Marty Robbins: Sing Me Something Sentimental
Anita Carter: I'm Fading Fast With The Time
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Crook Brothers: Bile Dem Cabbage Down
Carl Smith: Darling I'm I the One
Chet Atkins: Dill Pickle Rag
Jimmy Dickens: Side Meat and Cabbage
Fiddle Tune: Arkansas Traveler

9:30: Warren Paint
Johnny and Jack (host): Private Property
Lew Childre: Hang Out The Front Doorkey
Kitty Wells: I Don't Claim to Be An Angel
Johnny and Jack: Don't Say Goodbye If You Love Me
Paul Warren: Turkey In The Straw

9:45: American Ace
Cowboy Copas (host): Tennessee Senorita
Ray Price: Talk to Your Heart
String Beans: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Cowboy Copas: Feelin' Low
Dale Potter: Cattle Call

10:00: Wallrite
Webb Pierce (host): That's Me Without You
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Martha Carson: I'm Walking and Talking With My Lord
Webb Pierce: Wondering
Don Slayman: Fisher's Horn Pipe

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Hank Snow (host): Ladies Man
Annie Lou and Danny: I'd Rather Die Young Than Grow Old Without You
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I
Tommy Vaden: Rickett's Hornpipe

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): I'm With The Crowd But So Alone
Jimmy Dickens: I'll Dance at Your Wedding
Jordanaires: My Rock
Duke Of Paducah: Comedy
June Carter: Juke Box Blues
Marty Robbins: Every Precious Memory
Ernest Tubb: Somebody Loves You
Chet Atkins: Sweet Georgia Brown
Jimmy Dickens: Making Love To A Stranger

11:00: O-Cell-O
Ray Price (host): Don't Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes
Johnny and Jack: South In New Orleans
Paul Warren: Black Mountain Song
Kitty Wells: Hey Joe
Ray Price: Weary Blues

11:15 Hester Battery
Carl Smith (host): My Trademark
String Beans: John Henry
Gully Jumpers: Old Joe
Carl Smith: This Side of Heaven

11:30: W.E. Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama
Lew Childre: Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet
Lonzo and Oscar: Pretty Little Indian Maid
Crook Brothers: Fire On The Mountain
Hank Snow: Golden River

11:45: Grand Ole Opry
Cowboy Copas (host): Gone and Left Me Blues
Sam and Kirk McGee: Riding Old Paint
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire On The Mountain
Cowboy Copas: Will You Forget
Dale Potter: Fiddle Sticks

Another interesting name who appeared on the Opry that night was Darrell Glenn, a name that I am sure many are not familiar with.

Darrell was born in December 1935. He began his musical career in Knoxville, Tennessee and did his early recording in Ft. Worth, Texas. His most famous hit was "Crying In The Chapel" which he recorded in 1953. If the title sounds familiar it is because Elvis Presley covered the song a decade later and had a monster hit with it. That song would be Darrell's only real success and soon after his Opry appearance he faded from the scene. He passed away in 1990.

On a final note, next week will be the Grand Ole Opry's 90th birthday celebration. What started off as a pretty thin line-up has turned out much better as Little Big Town, Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Trace Adkins and Joe Diffie are some of the Opry members who will be performing next weekend. There is the Opry Country Classics show on Thursday night with Spotlight Artist Crystal Gayle, and there will be the usual Opry Plaza Party featuring member of the cast of "Nashville." The Opry Birthday Concert on Saturday will feature the Oak Ridge Boys. 

As usual, I will be in Nashville next week attending the Classics show on Thursday and all 4 Opry shows, 2 on Friday night and 2 on Saturday. It should be a great weekend and I am looking forward to seeing many of those who read the blog. 

Until then, enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

































Sunday, September 20, 2015

Tuesday Night Opry 9/22

The Grand Ole Opry will have two shows this week for it's Tuesday Night Opry. Opry member Blake Shelton is set for both shows. He is in Nashville not only for the Opry, but is involved in a few other activities. Also scheduled for the first show only is Rascal Flatts.

1st show
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; David Nail
7:30: John Conlee; Scotty McCreery
8:00: Rascal Flatts
8:30: Blake Shelton

2nd show
9:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; David Nail
10:00: John Conlee; The Willis Clan
10:30: Jeannie Seely; Scotty McCreery
11:00: Blake Shelton

I have always said that if you are going to give an artist an entire half hour segment, the mid-week Opry shows, whether on Tuesday or Wednesday night, if the perfect place to do that. And whether you like Blake or not, it is nice to see him back at the Opry.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Grand Ole Opry 9/18 & 9/19

It took a little longer than usual, put the Grand Ole Opry finally put out the line-up for the shows this weekend. Makes me wonder if maybe they had a little trouble filling out both nights.

When you look at the line-ups for this weekend, there are a few names of interest. The Friday Night Opry has guest artists The Willis Clan, Jim Lauderdale, Phil Vassar, and from "Nashville" Chris Carmack. Some very solid names but nobody who I would call a standout star. As far as Opry members, Ralph Stanley makes another Opry appearance, his 2nd weekend there in a month. He will be joined by Opry veteran Ray Pillow, along with fellow Opry members Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne and John Conlee. As you can see by the list, it is the usual veterans.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky holding over from Friday night, joined by The Whites, Jan Howard and Jesse McReynolds. "Nashville" is represented by Clare Bowen. Other guests include The Quebe Sisters, the every popular Jimmy Wayne, frequent Opry guest Darryl Worley and a lady who I think would make a great Opry member, Kathy Mattea.

Friday September 18
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Lauderdale; Phil Vassar
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Carmack
8:45: John Conlee (host); Ralph Stanley; The Willis Clan

Saturday September 19
7:00: Connie Smith (host); The Whites; The Quebe Sisters
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy Wayne; Kathy Mattea
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jan Howard; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Clare Bowen

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, September 17 & 18, 2010. Both shows were held at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday September 17
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Doyle Dykes
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Sawyer Brown
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stu Phillips; John Conlee; The Whites

Saturday September 18
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Whitney Duncan
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Chuck Mead; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds; Dolly Parton

Now from ten years ago, September 16 & 17, 2005:

Friday September 16
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Chely Wright
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Ryan Shupe & The Rubber Band
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Osborne Brothers; Peasall Sisters
9:00: Roy Clark (host); The Whites; Rebecca Lynn Howard
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; Restless Heart

Saturday September 17
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
7:00: Roy Clark (host); Rhonda Vincent; Billy Dean; George Canyon; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Keni Thomas; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Dan Seals

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett; George Canyon
10:30: Roy Clark (host); The Whites; Keni Thomas; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Dan Seals

Finally, it was on Saturday September 20, 1997 that Johnny Paycheck was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Donald Eugene Lytle was born on May 31, 1938 in Greenfield, Ohio. He was taking part in talent contests before the age of ten. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, he toured and recorded with a number of country music legends including George Jones, Ray Price, Faron Young and Roger Miller. His first chart success as a solo artist was in 1960, under the name of Donny Young. In 1964, he changed his name to Johnny Paycheck and his first charted hit, "A-11" followed a year later. He played it as a pretty straight country artist until the early 1970s when he became part of the outlaw movement with Willie and Waylon and changed his appearance and image to fit the movement. He took the outlaw image a little bit too far and in 1985 he was sentenced to prison for shooting a man at a bar in Hillsboro, Ohio. He was at rock bottom in his career as along with the prison sentence, he had a drug and alcohol addition. Twenty-Two months later, he was released from prison and made a vow to change his ways. In November 1997, thanks to the efforts of several, including Johnny Russell, he received the invitation to join the Opry.

He became an official member on November 8, 1997, however his Opry career was short as illness over took him. He was only able to make 7 Opry appearances in 1997 and 7 more in 1998 before being forced to retire due to emphysema and respiratory issues. When Johnny passed away in February 2003, there was no money for a funeral and George Jones noted the burial site and paid for his funeral.

During the course of his career, he released 64 singles, with his only #1 record being "Take This Job and Shove It" in 1977. He had Top 10 hits with "She's All I Got," "Someone to Give My Love To," "Mr. Lovemaker," "Song and Dance Man," "Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets," "I'm the Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised," and "Friend, Lover, Wife." He was also a noted songwriter, with his credits including "Apartment #9," a huge hit for Tammy Wynette.

Here is the running order from Saturday September 20, 1997, the night Johnny Paycheck was asked to join the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Bill Anderson: Orange Blossom Special

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents Is All I Got
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Kristy Lynn: Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine
Porter Wagoner: Sugarfoot Rag

7:30: Standard Candy
Steve Wariner (host): On Life's Highway
Country Rose Barbie: You're Looking at Country
Johnny Paycheck: Love's On Fire Again/The Old Violin/A-11
Steve Wariner: Big Old Empty House

8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Hal Ketchum: I Know Where Love Lives/Stay Forever
Wilma Lee Cooper: Matthew 24
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durango's Hornpipe
Jack Greene: Follow Me

8:30: Clifty Farms
John Conlee (host): Friday Night Blues
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
Jean Shepard: Live and Let Live
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down/Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Coming
Oswald: Mansion on the Hill
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down From God
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Man's Woman
Country Rose Barbie: You're Looking At Country
Porter Wagoner & Kristi Lynn: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

10:00: Massy Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Hal Ketchum: The Way She Loves Me
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:15: Banquet
Steve Wariner (host): On Life's Highway
Roy Drusky: Jody and The Kid
Steve Wariner: A Big Old Empty House

10:30: Purnell's
Jean Shepard (host): I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Stu Phillips: Colorado
Jean Shepard & Jeannie Seely: Live and Let Live/Farewell Party

10:45:
Jimmy C Newman (host): LaCajun Band
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
The Whites: Hanging Around/He Took Your Place
Johnny Paycheck: Love's on Fire Again/The Old Violin
Bill Anderson: The Unicorn

11:30: Opry Book
John Conlee (host): Common Man
Jeannie Seely: Burning that Old Memory/Too Far Gone
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer/Jesus Walks In
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!!














Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Roy Acuff




Today would have been Roy Acuff's 112th birthday. I hope this video brings back a memory for many. The Opry has not been the same since he passed away.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Grand Ole Opry 9/11& 9/12

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Solid line-ups with Friday being the better night, in my opinion.

The Friday Night Opry will feature a pair of Opry members hosting segments that normally do not host. Josh Turner gets a crack at the "big time" as he will be introducing Jesse McReynolds and Exile during the 2nd segment. And Charlie Daniels gets to close out the show, hosting and introducing Ryan Weaver and Tracy Lawrence. They will be joined in the hosting slot by Connie Smith and Bill Anderson, both of whom will return on Saturday night. Other Opry members set this weekend include Mike Snider and The Whites, who are scheduled for both nights, and Bobby Osborne who is down for Saturday.

Guesting this weekend will be the Annie Moses Band and Exile, who are scheduled for both nights, and joined on Friday by Maggie Rose. Saturday will have Keith Anderson, Jonathan Jackson, Seth Alley and The Secret Sisters, who are always outstanding on the Opry.

A couple of names that might not be familiar and making their Opry debuts are Ryan Weaver and Seth Alley. Ryan describes himself as an "all-American rockin' country music artist. He performed at the recent Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, and he has been working with Charlie's manager. I am sure that led to his Opry invite. He is an Army veteran whose brother died in Iraq. I won't go into his entire biography, but it is listed on his website and is very interesting and moving.

Seth Alley records for Big Machine Records and he recently opened for Dwight Yoakam at the Ryman Auditorium. He is another one of those youngsters trying to make his way in the country music business.

Friday September 11
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Maggie Rose; Mike Snider
7:30: Josh Turner (host); Jesse McReynolds; Exile
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Annie Moses Band
8:45: Charlie Daniels (host); Ryan Weaver; Tracy Lawrence

Saturday September 12
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Keith Anderson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Secret Sisters; Exile
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jonathan Jackson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Seth Alley; Annie Moses Band


And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, September 10 & 11, 2010. The shows both nights took place at Two Rivers Church, across from the Opry House.

Friday September 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sam Bush
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Mel Tillis (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds; Jean Shepard
8:45: Mike Snider (host); T.G. Sheppard; Connie Smith

Saturday September 11
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Blaine Larsen
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Joey+Rory
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 9 & 10, 2005:

Friday September 9
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Mike Snider
8:00: John Conlee (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Greencards
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Dean Miller
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Legacy Five Quartet
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Diamond Rio

Saturday September 10
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Catherine Britt
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jamey Johnson
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jeannie Seely; David Lee Murphy
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Lorrie Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Mountain Heart

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; David Lee Murphy
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Mel McDaniel; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: John Conlee (host); Stu Phillips; Catherine Britt; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Jamey Johnson
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Mountain Heart

For this week's classic line-up, it was on Saturday September 13, 1969 that Earl Scruggs made his first solo appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Earl, along with Lester Flatt, became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, after breaking away from Bill Monroe. Prior to their time joining the Opry, Bill worked hard to keep them off the show, however Martha White, who was the sponsor of the Flatt & Scruggs tour and television show, put pressure on Opry management to accept them as members. Flatt & Scruggs made their final appearance as Opry members on February 22, 1969 and shortly after that they broke up. Both continued as Opry members, with Lester Flatt taking over the Martha White segment while Earl reorganized into the Earl Scruggs Revue. Earl would remain as an Opry member for just a couple of years, leaving in March 1974.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday September 13, 1969, the night that the Earl Scruggs Revue made their Opry debut:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
George Hamilton IV (host): Canadian Pacific
4 Guys: My Special Angel
Leona Williams: Once More
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind

6:45: Rudy's
Stu Phillips (host): That's A Chance I'll Have to Take
Liz Anderson: Mama Spank
Bobby Lewis: 'Til Something Better Comes Along
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God

7:00: Luzianne
Billy Walker (host): Better Homes and Gardens
Skeeter & Vic Willis: Buying Popcorn
Stringbean: Little Pink
Diana Trask: Children
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Skeeter Willis: A Maiden's Prayer
Diana Trask: There Goes My Everything

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Ray Pillow: You Don't Care What Happens to Me
Martha Carson: Swing Down Chariot
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Billy Grammer: Peace on Earth Begins Today
Johnny Carver: Sweet Wine
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Martha Carson: Let the Light Shine On me

8:00: Martha White
Charlie Walker (host): Truck Driving Man
Ernie Ashworth: My Love for You
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Merle Kilgore: Folsom Prison Blues
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Ernie Ashworth: Love, I Finally Found It
Lonzo & Oscar: Hertz, Rent A Chick
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Linda Martel: All I Have to Offer You Is Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Roy Acuff: Branded Wherever I Go
Randy Scruggs: If I Were A Carpenter
Linda Martel: Color Him Father

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
4 Guys: Love of the Common People
Liz Anderson: Excedrin Headache #99
George Hamilton IV: Urge for Going
Willis Brothers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
4 Guys: The Games People Play
Liz Anderson: If the Creeks Don't Rise
George Hamilton IV: Abilene

10:00: Fender
Billy Walker (host): Things
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Bobby Lewis: Love Me and Make It All Better
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Reuben
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Trailblazer
Stu Phillips (host): Do What 'Cha Do Do Well
Leona Williams: Once More
Merle Kilgore: Ring of Fire
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God

10:45: Kent
Ray Pillow (host): Wonderful Day
Diana Trask: Children
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ray Pillow: Take Your Hands off My Heart

11:00: Coca-Cola
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Ernie Ashworth: A New Heart
Martha Carson: This Old House
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is a Soul Man
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose in December
Martha Carson: Shout & Shine
Kirk McGee: Milk Cow Blues

11:30: Lava
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Lonzo & Oscar; Lonesome Road Blues
Linda Martel: All I Have to Offer You Is Me
Johnny Carver: Proud Mary
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Lonzo & Oscar: Making Plans
Linda Martel: Color Him Father
Johnny Carver: That's You Hang Up Baby

There were quite a few guest artists on the Opry that night, a few that may have been forgotten over the years that might be of interest.

Martha Carson was actually a former Grand Ole Opry member who first came to the Opry in 1951 by way of Knoxville's "Midday Merry-Go-Round" on the strength of a Capital hit titled "Satisfied," a hand-clapping gospel song that established her bouncy, spirited performance style. She was quickly a favorite of Opry fans, so much so that what happened to her is an incomprehensible part of the history of the Grand Ole Opry. Martha was on the Opry steadily until her first child was born in 1957 and then she took a sabbatical, which also included a year of working in New York. Martha was quoted as saying "I got a leave of absence from the Opry. I didn't quit and I wasn't fired. When I came back to Nashville, Opry manager Ott Devine said they had no openings. I never did go back. I never even got to be a guest." She may have been quoted as saying that, but she did come back and make a few guest appearances. (Interesting that on the appearance she made on this particular night, she did not sing "Satisfied." Martha would continue to make records and appearances well into the 1970s. She passed away in December 2004 at the age of 83.

Diana Trask came to Nashville from Australia. The prime of her career took place in the 1970s. During her career, she had 18 songs on the charts, with the highest being "Lean It All on Me" which went to #13 in 1974. Her last chart recordings were in 1981 and at last word she was back in Australia.

Another female singer from that night was Linda Martel. She was born Thelma Bynem in 1941 and she does hold a place in Opry history. In 1969, she became the first African-American female to perform on the Opry. From what I can tell, she released only one country album, "Color Me Country" in 1970. All together, she made 11 more appearances on the Opry and then disappeared. And I mean really disappeared as it seems nobody knows what has happened to her.

Finally, I wanted to mention Liz Anderson, mother of Lynn Anderson, and a fine country singer in her own right. Liz was born in January 1930. In the 1960s, she was noted as being one of the first country music female entertainers to write and record her own music. Among her songs that she wrote, the list includes Merle Haggard's "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers." During the course of her career, she wrote and published over 250 songs, of which over 25 ended up on the country charts. Her songs were recorded by just about everyone in country music including Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard, Roy Drusky, Faron Young, Charley Pride, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Skeeter Davis, and the list goes on and on. In 2006, Lynn Anderson released "Cowgirls" which was an album of songs written by her mother. Liz passed away in 2011.

There you have it. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.




















Thursday, September 3, 2015

Grand Ole Opry 9/4 & 9/5

The Labor Day weekend is upon us which means that the vast majority of country music stars are out on the fair circuit this weekend. What that means at the Opry, and for the two shows this weekend, is a pretty ordinary line-up with a mix of Opry veterans and some younger newcomers.

The Opry veterans this weekend include Jeannie Seely, The Whites and Connie Smith for both nights, while they will be joined by Jesse McReynolds and Riders In The Sky on Friday, and on Saturday by Mike Snider and Bobby Osborne. In addition to Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Ralph Stanley is scheduled for both nights.

The star power this weekend will be supplied by Opry member Ricky Skaggs, who is scheduled for Saturday night, while we will see Pure Prairie League on Friday. This week's newcomer to the Opry is William Michael Morgan, and like many others starting in the business, we will see in a few years whether or not his career has any length to it.

On the positive side, it is always a pleasure to see Amber Digby on the Opry line-up. She is a true country music singer and to me, the real deal. I know others will disagree, but I do enjoy Elizabeth Cook. I always enjoy her on the Opry.

The rest of those scheduled are replaceable names, none of which are worth the $70 price of a prime ticket.

Friday September 4
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Josh Thompson; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jackie Lee; Emily West
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Amber Digby; Ralph Stanley
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Aubrey People; Pure Prairie League

Saturday September 5
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ray Scott; Ralph Stanley
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Elizabeth Cook; Green River Ordinance
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; William Michael Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Rhett Walker Band

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, September 3 & 4, 2010. The show both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday September 3
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Dean
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Exile
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Darryl Worley

Saturday September 4
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Ashton Shepherd
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; The Steeldrivers
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Shawn Camp; Connie Smith

And from ten years ago, the weekend of September 2 & 3, 2005:

Friday September 2
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker; David Ball
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Emerson Drive; John Berry
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Wrights; Josh Turner
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ralph Stanley; The Crabb Family

Saturday September 3
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mark Collie
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Billy Walker; Jean Shepard; Emerson Drive
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; The Wrights; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Mel McDaniel; Rebecca Lynn Howard

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Mark Collie
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Billy Walker; Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Emerson Drive; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Marty Stuart (host); John Conlee; The Wrights
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Mel McDaniel; Rebecca Lynn Howard

For this week's featured line-up, let's go back 62 years to Saturday September 5, 1953. Check out the Opry line-up from that night:

7:30: Prince Albert
Ernest Tubb (host): You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Faron Young: Baby My Heart
Square Dancers: Sugar In The Gourd
Ernest Tubb: Stand By Me
Jordanaires: I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Faron Young: Going Steady
String Bean: Ida Red
Ernest Tubb: My Wasted Past

8:00: Martha White
Carl Smith (host): Just Wait Til I Get You Alone
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues
Johnny and Jack: South In New Orleans
June Carter: You Flopped When You Got Me Alone
Possum Hunters: Soldier's Joy
Kitty Wells: Honky Tonk Waltz
Carl Smith: Trade Mark
Carter Family: The Sun's Gonna Shine In My Back Door
Bill Monroe: Uncle Pen
Carl Smith: Don't Just Stand There

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Lonesome Joe
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Molly Neely
George Morgan: I'll Furnish The Shoulder For You To Cry On
Pap and Jug Band: Darling Nellie Grey
Webb Pierce: It's Been So Long
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Roy Acuff: Wait For The Light To Shine
Oswald: Roll On Buddy Roll On
Howdy Forrester: Say Old Man

9:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): I'm So Alone In A Crowd
Jimmy Dickens: Galvanized Wash Tub
Hank Snow: For Now and Always
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
Anita Carter: Why Should I Cry Over You
Lonzo and Oscar: Charming Betsy
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood On The River
Chet Atkins: Sweet Georgia Brown
Jimmy Dickens: What About You

9:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): Tennessee Central No. 9
Lew Childre: El Rancho Grande
Cowboy Copas: Gone and Left Me Blues
Roy Acuff: Just To Ease My Worried Mind
Howdy Forrester: Cripple Creek

9:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff (host): Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Marty Robbins: Sing Me Something Sentimental
Jimmy Riddle: Casey Jones
Roy Acuff: Drifting Too Far From The Shore
Oswald: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues

10:00: Wallrite
George Morgan (host): Everything Rolled Into One
Bill and Jimmy Martin: Cabin of Love
Webb Pierce: I'm Walking The Dog
George Morgan: Crying In The Chapel
Don Slayman: Fire On The Mountain

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Faron Young: I Can't Wait
Bill Monroe: I'll See You In Church Next Sunday
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I
Fiddle Tune: Ricketts Hornpipe

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
Jimmy Dickens: Bessie The Heifer
Jordanaires: My Rock
Duke Of Paducah: Comedy
June Carter: Kawliga
Lonzo and Oscar: Hole In The Bottom of The Sea
Ernest Tubb: Fortune In Memory
Chet Atkins: Rainbow
Jimmy Dickens: Asleep At The Foot of The Bed
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:00: O-Cello-O
Howdy Forrester: Liberty
Marty Robbins: I'll Go On Alone
Roy Acuff (host): No One Will Ever Know
Bobby Hebbs: Mr. Spoons
Roy Acuff: Jesus Died For Me

11:15: Darimix
Carl Smith (host): Hey Joe
Johnny and Jack: Poison Love
String Bean: John Henry
Gully Jumpers: Old Joe Clark
Carl Smith: This Orchid Means Goodbye

11:30: Hester Battery
Hank Snow (host): Message From The Tradewinds
Lew Childre: Maple On The Hill
Moon Mullican: A Thousand and One Sleepless Nights
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Hank Snow: Honeymoon On A Rocket Ship

11:45: Grand Ole Opry
Cowboy Copas (host): Filipino Baby
Sam and Kirk McGee: Goodbye and So Long To You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Going Home To Julie
Grandpa Jones: Good Old Mountain Dew
Cowboy Copas: Love Me Now

Enjoy the Opry this weekend and please had a safe Labor Day!!