Friday, December 30, 2016

Dailey & Vincent Newest Grand Ole Opry Members

A few weeks back it was Crystal Gayle's turn and tonight during the Friday Night Opry, and their 100th Opry guest appearance, Dailey & Vincent were invited by Marty Stuart to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. March 11 will be the date.

A great move by the Opry to a duo that I am sure will support the Opry and continue the great bluegrass tradition on the Opry's stage.

Wow!! We go 2 years without a new member and suddenly we have 2 in 2 months.

Congratulations to Dailey & Vincent.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 12/30 & 12/31

Sometimes how the management of the Grand Ole Opry sets up the shows is a mystery to me and this week is one of those weekends. For the Friday Night Opry, the first 3 segments are set up as you would typically expect, with a host and several acts. Then the final segment goes with just Dailey & Vincent. Looking at Saturday night, the show is broken into 3 segments, with the second segment scheduled for an hour. That is followed by a final 30 minute segment with no host. Both nights have members available who could have hosted as on Friday night, Connie Smith or Mike Snider could have handled the final segment, while on Saturday a 3rd segment could have been hosted by Ray Pillow, with Old Crow Medicine Show handling the final 30 minutes.

Regardless of what I think, the schedules are set for this weekend. The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Marty Stuart, Bobby Osborne and Connie Smith, while on Saturday night Ray Pillow and Old Crow Medicine Show will join Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky. For those keeping score at home, that comes out to 6 members on Friday and 4 on Saturday.

Guest artists on Friday, in addition to the previously mentioned Dailey & Vincent include Carly Pearce, Ray Scott and T Graham Brown. Overall, not a bad line-up. Saturday night has Elizabeth Cook, Jimmy Wayne, The Secret Sisters, Flatt Lonesome, Dan Layus and Dom Flemons scheduled. Again, not too bad for New Year's Eve.

Now the reason that Dailey & Vincent are getting the special treatment on Friday night is that it will mark the duo's 100th appearance on the Opry stage, where they made their initial debut on December 29, 2007. On their Facebook page, Dailey & Vincent offered up some very kind words to their fans and to the Opry's management. Think about it for a minute. Over the past 9 years they have appeared on the Opry 100 times, many more times than the majority of Opry members.  Don't you think it is about time that Dailey & Vincent are asked to become members of the Opry? I think so and it would be well received and well deserved.

Friday December 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Scott; T Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
8:45: Dailey & Vincent

Saturday December 31
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; The Secret Sisters; Flatt Lonesome; Dan Layus; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Dom Flemons; Old Crow Medicine Show

While he has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry previously as a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, this will be his first solo Opry appearance. He is known as the "American Songster." With Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson, he founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops and was a part of the group until leaving to focus on his solo career. He is a Grammy Award winning artist and has released several solo albums. In addition to appearing on the Opry, he will also be opening for Old Crow Medicine Show's New Year's Eve show at the Ryman, beginning after the conclusion of the Opry show.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of December 30 & 31, 2011:

Friday December 30
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Russell Moore & III Tyme Out; Jimmy Wayne
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Restless Heart

Saturday December 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jett Williams
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jimmy Wayne; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown; Dailey & Vincent

Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of December 29 & 30, 2006:

Friday December 29
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeannie Seely; Trent Willmon
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Johnny Reid
9:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Taylor Swift
9:30: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart

Saturday December 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Jett Williams; Hal Ketchum; Jean Shepard; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Chris Young; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jeff Bates

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Jett Williams
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Charlie Louvin; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Chris Young
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jeff Bates

Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday December 28, 1991. You will notice that every act appearing that night was a member of the Opry.

1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow; 4 Guys
7:00: Del Reeves (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Jim & Jesse
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider;
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Roy Drusky; Jean Shepard; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin; Jimmy Dickens; Connie Smith

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; David Houston; 4 Guys; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jeannie Seely; Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim & Jesse; Bill Carlisle
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Del Reeves; Hank Locklin
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Justin Tubb; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

To finish it up for this week, it was on Saturday December 30, 2000, that Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearing performing on the Opry.

It was a far cry, and quite a few miles, from Dry Ridge, Kentucky, to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, but Skeeter Davis successfully spanned the distance when she joined the Opry cast on August 4, 1959. And it didn't stop there. For more than 40 years, Skeeter circled the globe, performing everywhere from New York City's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall to concert halls and theaters around the world. She sung in every major city in every state (except Alaska) as well as in England, Germany, Japan, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, the Virgin Islands, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and Jamaica where she was extremely popular. She performed in small clubs and large theaters, at fairs and rodeos, at music festivals and on radio and television. She has done shows with everyone from Eddy Arnold and Ernest Tubb to Connie Francis, Bobby Vinton, the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & The Pips, the Grateful Dead and Elvis Presley.

Throughout her successful musical career, she remained faithful to the Opry which she listened to growing up in Kentucky. The first born of seven children of William and Sarah Penick, little Mary Frances was nicknamed Skeeter by her grandfather because she was always "skeeting here and there" like a water bug. The name stuck.

She had entertained her brothers and sisters at an early age but didn't take singing seriously until she met Betty Jack Davis in high school in Covington, Kentucky. They started performing together, billing themselves as the Davis Sisters. Winning a talent contest got them a spot on a local television station. This led to other radio and television appearances and ultimately a recording contract with RCA Victor in 1952. The following year their first single, "I Forgot More (Than You'll Ever Know)" went to No. 1, sold a million copies and became a gold standard. Then tragedy struck on August 2, 1953. As they were returning home after performing on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, their car was hit head-on by another car whose driver had fallen asleep. Betty Jack was killed and Skeeter was injured seriously, both physically and emotionally.

As she would do many times in her life, Skeeter overcame that tragedy. She recorded and toured briefly with Betty Jack's sister Georgia before pursuing a solo career in 1958. With Chet Atkins as her producer, Skeeter found success in the form of Top 10 hits gold records, numerous awards and honors for her singing and songwriting including Most Promising Female Vocalist. She also received five Grammy nominations, including one for her first Top 10 hit "Set Him Free" in 1959. More success came in 1963 when "The End of the World" became the very first No. 1 country/pop crossover and a Top 10 hit worldwide. Other big hits followed with "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," "Bus Fare To Kentucky" and "One Tin Soldier."

"Bus Fare To Kentucky" also is the title of Skeeter's 1993 autobiography. The book is a testimony to Skeeter's strong faith in God. In it, she recounts the joys and sorrows in her life, such as her bout with cancer in 1988. For all who knew her, Skeeter was a shining example of the power of courage and religious faith. Skeeter continued to perform on the Grand Ole Opry until health issues forced her to end her performing career. Skeeter passed away in Nashville on September 19, 2004 after a long struggle with cancer.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday December 30, 2000, the final night that Skeeter performed on the Opry (when she appeared on the 8:00 segment, the cast sang Happy Birthday to her, as it was Skeeter's 69th birthday).

1st show
6:30: WSM Online.com
John Conlee (host): Common Man
Jeannie Seely: He's All I Need
Bill Carlisle: White Lightening
Jett Williams: Move it On Over
Osborne Brothers: Old Friend of Mine
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Coley McCabe: Cloud 9
Jim & Jesse: I'm Changing the Words to My Love Song
The Whites: Blue Letters
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: She Burned the Little Roadside Tavern Down

7:30: Standard Candy
Riders In The Sky (host): I'm An Old Cow Hand from the Rio Grande
Connie Smith: Once A Day
The Isaacs: Stand Still
Dan Seals: I'd Really Love to See You Tonight/Bop
Riders In The Sky: The Desert Song/Happy Trails to You

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Skeeter
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Rhonda Vincent: Lonesome Wind Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Too Country

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mike Snider: John Henry
Steve Holy: Don't Make Me Beg
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

2nd show
9:30: WSM Online.com
Porter Wagoner (host): My Long Journey Home
Connie Smith: Where is My Castle
Osborne Brothers: Mom & Dad Waltz/Rocky Top
John Conlee: The Carpenter/Before My Time/Baby, You're Something
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: The Last Thing on My Mind/Milwaukee, Here I Come

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Holly Dunn: We've Got the Love
Jim & Jesse: I'm Gonna Love You One More Time
Dan Seals: God Must Be A Cowboy/Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold
Jimmy Dickens: Shopping for Dresses

10:30: Folex/Joggin' In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Head Over Heels in Love
The Isaacs: I Have A Father Who Can/I'm Ready to Go
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Round-Up
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Goard
Jean Shepard & Leona Williams: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Walk Out Backwards
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
Jim Ed Brown: Barroom Pals & Good Time Gals/The 3 Bells
Bill Anderson: A Lot of Things Different

11:30: Ryman Auditorium
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Rhonda Vincent & Randy Barnes: I'll Take the Blame/Get in Line, Brother
Steve Holy: Just A Kiss/The Hunger
George Hamilton IV; Welcome to My Broken Heart/Has Anybody Here Seen Hank

The shows this weekend mark the final 2 Opry shows of 2016. Beginning next week I will begin my 2016 recap.

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and a very Happy New Year to everyone!!!!





Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 12/23 & 12/24

Before getting into the Opry line-ups for this weekend, please let me take the time to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. At my house, we celebrate Christmas, while I know at others it is a different celebration. No matter how you spend your holiday season, I hope it is a safe and there are family or friends to share it with. And as always, my thanks to everyone who has read and commented on the blog this past year. Each of you are amazing!!!

As the the Opry line-ups this weekend, the Opry has gone with the Tuesday night format for both shows this weekend. I know Christmas weekend can be tough, especially with Christmas Eve on Saturday night, so I offer my thanks and appreciation to those artists who are appearing this weekend.

The highlight will be on Saturday night as Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin will be celebrating 40 years as members of the Opry, joining the cast on December 25, 1976. I am sure there will be special recognition for the brothers as they close out the show on Saturday. They will be joined by Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and Bobby Osborne. Jeannie and Mike are also scheduled to appear on Friday night, along with Opry member Jesse McReynolds, who has missed the past several weeks. Glad to see Jesse back on the schedule and I am looking forward to his appearance.

Guest artists on the Friday Night Opry include Jim Lauderdale, Daryle Singletary and Mandy Barnett, all frequent Opry guests, Jonathan Jackson from "Nashville" and making her Opry debut, Alyssa Bonagura.

Alyssa Bonagura is from Franklin, Tennessee and is the daughter of singers Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie of Baillie & The Boys. Now 28, Alyssa has been singing since the age of 2. At the age of 11, she was asked by Kenny Rogers to sing a duet with him on his Christmas album, "Christmas From the Heart." She also performed back up vocals on her mother's 2006 album, "Love's Funny That Way." In the late 2000's, she lived and studied in England, appearing with a number of different artists.

In 2010, she signed with Rondor Music International as a singer and songwriter and has produced artists including Jo Dee Messina and Jesse James. In 2012, her song, "I Make My Own Sunshine" was used in a Lowe's commercial. Her debut album, "Love Hard" was released in October 2012. As mentioned, this will be her Opry debut.

Saturday's Christmas Eve Grand Ole Opry will feature guest artists Jim Lauderdale, making a return appearance from Friday night, Sarah Potenza, Craig Wayne Boyd and Tristan McIntosh. For Tristan, this will be her 2nd solo Grand Ole Opry performance. Tristan was one of the finalists on season 15 of American Idol and at the age of 16, has been working hard at getting her career going. She has mostly been making appearances at smaller venues in the Nashville area.

Friday December 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Alyssa Bonagura; Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: Daryle Singletary; Jonathan Jackson
8:45: Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett

Saturday December 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Mike Snider; Sarah Potenza
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Craig Wayne Boyd; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Tristan McIntosh; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of December 23 & 24, 2011:

Friday December 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Julie Roberts
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stu Phillips; Dale Ann Bradley
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jim Lauderdale; Jimmy Wayne

Saturday December 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Lauderdale; Laura Cantrell
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Johnny Counterfit; Eddy Raven
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; David Ball; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Riders In The Sky; Suzy Bogguss

Now from 10 years ago, the weekend of December 22 & 23, 2006:

Friday December 22
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jason Michael Carroll
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Cherryholmes
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Joe Nichols
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Grand Ole Opry Band; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett

Saturday December 23
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Joe Nichols; Patty Loveless; The Whites
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Cherryholmes

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Patty Loveless
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Grand Ole Opry Band; Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); George Hamilton IV; Joe Nichols
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Cherryholmes

Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday December 21, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms/Ponderosa
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Skeeter Davis: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Charlie Louvin: The Friendly Beast
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves

7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
4 Guys: May You Find Yourself in Heaven
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Jean Shepard: Above & Beyond
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Del Reeves: Be Glad/Good Time Charlie's

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Joe Diffie: Is It Cold In Here/Together Again
Vince Gill: Look at Us/When I Call Your Name
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Texa-Cajun

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim & Jesse: Air Mail Special
Mike Stephens: Fox Chase
Jan Howard: White Christmas/Where No One Stands Alone
Charlie Walker: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer/San Antonio Rose
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard

8:30: Opryland
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
George Hamilton IV: Silent Night
Roy Drusky: Go Bring My Children Home
Jim Ed Brown: Winter Wonderland/The 3 Bells
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A Comin'

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Jeannie Seely: The 12 Days of Christmas
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
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
Joe Diffie: Home
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Cindy
4 Guys: May You Find Yourself in Heaven
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Grandpa Jones & George McCormick: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe it Was True
Vince Gill: When I Call Your Name/Look at Us/Little Liza Jane

10:30: Pet Milk
Osborne Brothers (host): With Pain in My Heart & Blues on My Mind
Charlie Louvin: Old Dreams
Osborne Brothers: Lonesome Day

10:45: B.C. Powder
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe: Big Mon

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Winter Wonderland
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
George Hamilton IV: Silent Night
Justin Tubb: Walkin', Talkin', Cryin', Barely Beatin' Broken Heart
Jim & Jesse: What Child is This/El Cumbanchero
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Jim Ed Brown: A Child is Born/We Wish You A Merry Christmas

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove
Jan Howard: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Johnny Russell: I Wish You A Merry Christmas
Charlie Walker: Jingle Bells

Last, but no least, it was on Saturday December 23, 1967 that Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

For more than four decades, Jack Greene earned the respect of Opry audiences with his rich, resonant voice and consummate showmanship. Jack's hit-filled repertoire includes such classics as "Statue of a Fool," "You Are My Treasure," "All the Time," and "There Goes My Everything," which has been covered more than a hundred times in 14 different languages. Jack holds a special place in country music history as the artist who swept the inaugural Country Music Association Awards in 1967. The Maryville, Tennessee, native won the first Male Vocalist of the Year award as well as Album, Song, and Single of the Year for "There Goes My Everything." Many who attended that very first CMA awards ceremony dubbed it "the year of Jack Greene."

Jack began his career in the 1950s in Atlanta, Georgia, when he launched his first band, The Peach Pickers. He moved back to Tennessee in 1959 and two years later was recruited by Ernest Tubb to join his band, The Texas Troubadours, as drummer. Jack's skills as a vocalist and guitarist soon propelled him into the spotlight, and he began opening shows for Ernest. In 1964, Jack released his first solo single, "The Last Letter." Ernest encouraged him to pursue a solo career, and he signed with Decca Records. He earned his first Top 40 hit in 1966 with "Ever Since My Baby Went Away." Later that year, "There Goes My Everything" was released and became a monster hit, holding the No. 1 spot on the country chart for seven weeks. It also became a crossover hit and Jack's album remained at the No. 1 spot for an entire year.

In 1970, Jack teamed with fellow Opry member Jeannie Seely and one of country music's most successful duos was born. Jack continued to record solo hits as well as duets with Jeannie, including such memorable tunes as "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You," and "What in the World Has Gone Wrong With Our Love." A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, the Associated Press once called Jack "the Garth Brooks of his era" and Billboard magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 "Most Played Artists" of the last 40 years.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Jack continued to perform regularly on the Opry as well as concert dates throughout the country. In 2010, he released a new album of duets with other country stars. Jack said, "It's wonderful to do something that you love and go all over the world and make new friends all the time and see old friends. We get to do our songs and make good money. It's a wonderful way to make a living. We always have the Opry, and we're always got something to do every weekend somewhere."

Nicknamed the "Jolly Greene Giant." Jack ended his career with 5 No. 1 singles, "There Goes My Everything," "All the Time," You Are My Treasure," "Until My Dreams Come True," and his final No. 1, "Statue of a Fool," in 1969. In 1970, his duet with Jeannie Seely, "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You," went to No. 2 on the country charts.

Due to declining health, Jack retired from performing in 2011, the year that he made his final Grand Ole Opry appearances. His voice stayed strong right until the end and most weekends at the Opry, after performing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool," he would receive a standing ovation. At the age of 83, Jack passed away on March 14, 2013.

To remember Jack Greene, here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry, Saturday December 23, 1967, the night Jack became an Opry member:

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Grand Ole Opry Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness in a Man

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: Branded Man
Mack Magaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Dooley

8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A Comin'
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo & Oscar: Jangle Bells/Frosty the Snowman
4 Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime at a Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint a Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants

10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows on the Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stringbean: Run Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mack Magaha & Buck Trent: Katy Hill

10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like a Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Eugene Sloan: (?)

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene; What Locks the Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo & Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging to You/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso

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

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!






Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 12/16 & 12/17

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, and the real surprise is that the Opry is only going with one show on Friday and Saturday night. I say that because each night will feature two of the Opry's biggest names: Little Big Town on Friday night and Brad Paisley on Saturday night. I would have assumed that they could have sold out both of the nights, especially considering that the shows are at the Ryman Auditorium, with the reduced capacity.

Joining Little Big Town on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Mike Snider. That is a really nice group of members. That comes out to 8 Opry members.

Only 3 non-members are on the schedule. William Michael Morgan is a frequent guest at the Opry and he will be signing his new CD after the show. Recently he had the No. 1 in country music. Joining him will be Seth Ennis and Steve Cropper.

The very interesting name on the schedule is that of the legendary Steve Cropper. At the age of 75, Steve has been around a long time and has had a legendary career. He is a noted guitarist, songwriter and record producer, best known as the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Among the groups that this group backed were Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas and Johnnie Taylor. Steve was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band. That is just a short list of the artists that Steve has performed with. In a recent survey by Rolling Stone magazine, he was ranked 39th on the list of 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Steve is not your typical Opry act. Considering that he is on the segment hosted by Vince Gill, I think we are going to be in for some great guitar work.

Also making his Opry debut on Friday night will be Seth Ennis. Unlike Steve Cropper, Seth is a newcomer to the music scene and he will be appearing on the Opry in support of his new single, "Woke Up in Nashville." He records for Arista Records.

On Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, joining Brad Paisley will be Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Bill Anderson, each of whom is also scheduled for Friday night, and The Whites along with Bobby Osborne. Guests artists include Craig Campbell, Chris Carmack, Kelsea Ballerini and Chuck Wicks, each of whom have performed on the Opry previously.

Friday December 16
7:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Ricky Skaggs
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Little Big Town
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Seth Ennis; Mike Snider
8:45: Vince Gill (host); William Michael Morgan; Steve Cropper

Saturday December 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); Craig Campbell; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Chris Carmack; Kelsea Ballerini
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chuck Wicks; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Brad Paisley

What is of some concern is Jesse McReynolds. He has cancelled the last 3 weeks and he was on the original schedule posted for this weekend, but it was quickly changed and Jesse was taking off.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of December 16 & 17, 2011. Both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday December 16
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Joe Diffie
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds; Will Hoge
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
(Connie Smith was originally scheduled of the last segment, but cancelled. Interesting that Mike Snider was hosting a segment, considering that John Conlee, Steve Wariner, Jim Ed Brown and Jeannie Seely were all on the line-up, and were more in the rotation of hosts than Mike).

Saturday December 17
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; The Grascals
7:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; John Conlee
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keb' Mo'; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Emmylou Harris (host); Ella Mae Bowen; The Civil Wars

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of December 15 & 16, 2006, again from the Ryman Auditorium,

Friday December 15
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Diamond Rio; Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard
7:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Buddy Miller
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Riders In The Sky; Vince Gill
8:30: John Conlee (host); Josh Turner; Charlie Daniels Band

Saturday December 16
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:00: Vince Gill (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Ashley Monroe
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Buddy Miller; Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Jeannie Seely; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ashley Monroe
10:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Buddy Miller; Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Grand Ole Opry Band; Del McCoury Band

And from 25 years ago, Saturday December 14, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Ponderosa
4 Guys (host): How Married Are You Mary Ann
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
4 Guys: Last Train to Glory

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Bill Monroe: Life's Railway to Heaven

7:00: Shoney's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Winter Wonderland
Wilma Lee Cooper: Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Charlie Louvin: Where the Roses Never Fade
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel was Born
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Jim Ed Brown: When A Child is Born/Pop A Top

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
Jan Howard: White Christmas
Wayne Newton: I Know So/Why Me, Lord
Porter Wagoner: (?)

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything/Satisfied
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me/Louisiana Man
Charlie Walker: Drinking Champagne/San Antonio Rose
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty

8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Osborne Brothers: Low & Lonely
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
Bill Anderson: Mama Sang A Song

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Wayne Newton: I Know, So/Why Me Lord
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

10:00: Little Debbie
Jim Ed Brown (host): Winter Wonderland
Osborne Brothers: A World of Forgotten People
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
4 Guys: My Special Angel

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): Traveling Down this Lonesome Road
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Bill Monroe: Rawhide

10:45: B. C. Powder
Jack Greene (host): My Cherokee Rose
Riders In The Sky: Back in the Saddle Again
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks Christmas
Charlie Louvin: Must You Throw Dirt In My Face
Jean Shepard: Virginia, You've Taken My Man
Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn
Bill Anderson: Still

11:30: Creamette
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Roy Drusky: Welcome to My World
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox
Johnny Russell: Good Hearted Woman
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou

For the special look this week, it was on Saturday December 16, 2000 that Brad Paisley was surprised while on stage performing as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry, by Jeannie Seely and Jimmy Dickens, during a segment hosted by Bill Anderson, with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. As Jimmy told Brad, "dreams do come true." The actual induction would take place in February, but it was 16 years ago that the invitation to Brad was given.

1st show
6:30: WSM On Line
Jeannie Seely (host): Winter Wonderland
The Whites: The Light at the Stable
Bill Carlisle: Stay A Little Longer
Dale Watson: Santa In MY Semi/When You Look in Blue
Jeannie Seely: Shake Me; I Rattle

7:00: Shoney's
John Conlee (host): Pretty Paper
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Charlie Louvin: The Friendly Beasts
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In/Charlie's Shoes
John Conlee: I'm Only in It For the Love/Rose Colored Glasses

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks Christmas
Jessica Andrews: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Ralph Stanley: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
Brad Paisley: We Danced/Baby In A Manger

8:00: Martha White
Riders In The Sky (host): Ride Along
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Round-Up/Happy Trails to You

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down from God
Mike Snider: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Mandy Barnett: Hurt
Joe Diffie: Leroy, the Red-Necked Reindeer/Wrap Me In Your Love
Jimmy Dickens: There's No Place Like Home on Christmas

2nd show
9:30: WSM On-Line
Jeannie Seely (host): Winter Wonderland
The Whites: The Light at the Stable
Dale Watson: First Time & Last Times
Joe Diffie: Leroy, the Red-Necked Reindeer/Behind Closed Doors

10:00: Lincoln-Mercury/Opry At The Ryman
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Wilma Lee Cooper: Amazing Grace
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Runnin' Money
Jessica Andrews: Christmas Once Again/Who I Am
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:30: Folex/Joggin' In A Jug
John Conlee (host): Friday Night Blues
Osborne Brothers: Head Over Heels in Love With You
Holly Dunn: Devil Stand Back
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Goard
John Conlee: As Long As I'm Rockin' With You

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Christmas In Your Arms
Ralph Stanley: Mary, Merry Christmas/Rawhide
Brad Paisley: He Didn't Have to Be There/The Old Rugged Cross
Bill Anderson: Still

11:30: 75th Anniversary
Riders In The Sky (host): Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Charlie Walker: White Christmas
Mandy Barnett: Words
Riders In The Sky: I'll Be Home for Christmas/Happy Trails to You

When Brad Paisley was inducted into the Opry in 2001, George Jones wrote a letter that was read to the crowd. "I am counting on you to carry on the tradition," George wrote, "and make folks sit up and listen to what good country music should sound like." It doesn't seem to matter how many modern elements Brad brings to his music, between his rock-influenced guitar-shredding skills, state-of-the-art touring visuals and topical songs like "Online" and "Welcome to the Future," there's something about his attitude that also speaks to tradition.

"You don't last long here," Brad has said of the Opry, "if you're anything other than humble and down-to-earth." Those adjectives fit Brad to a tee, even though he's sold millions of albums and seems incapable of releasing a single that doesn't leave an indelible mark.

The small town West Virginia native became known as a teenager on Wheeling's celebrated weekly Jamboree USA show. A post-collegiate songwriting deal quickly led to a record deal, and his second single, "He Didn't Have To Be," became his first No. 1 in 1999. He's won male vocalist awards multiple times from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, for which he was also served as multiple year co-host. He's also a winner in his personal life, married to actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who, along with their two sons, inspires plenty of songs, be they humorous, romantic, or both.

Congratulations to Brad Paisley and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!




Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 12/9 & 12/10

When you look at the posted Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend and see Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and John Conlee scheduled for all 3 shows, you know it is going to be a good weekend in Nashville and that is what we have this weekend. December traditionally brings out some of the best Opry line-ups as the stars are home for Christmas, and the shows this weekend confirm it as both nights offer very solid line-ups.

The Friday Night Opry has a number of Opry members scheduled. In addition to Vince, Ricky and John, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Connie Smith, Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Bobby Osborne, Terri Clark and The Whites are all scheduled. In fact, the only 2 non-Opry members are Jenn Bostic and The Steeldrivers.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to Vince, Ricky and John, has Mike Snider and The Whites also returning, in addition to Bill Anderson for both shows, and Jesse McReynolds for the 1st and Jeannie Seely for the 2nd. Guest artists scheduled include William Michael Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, Mindy Smith and Charles Esten.

It is nice to see Jo Dee on the schedule this weekend. Jo Dee came onto the country music scene with her first album in 1996. During the course of her career, she has released 5 studio albums, 1 Christmas album, and a number of Extended Plays. She has released a total of 24 singles, 6 of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The string of No. 1's began in 1997 with "Bye Bye," followed by "I'm Alright," "Stand Beside Me," "That's the Way," "Bring On the Rain," and her last No. 1 in 2005, "My Give a Damn's Busted." Her last charted single was "I'm Done" in 2008. She has continued to record and release songs since then but none of charted. She continues to tour and make personal appearances and personally, it is nice to see her back at the Opry.

Friday December 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Jenn Bostic
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; The Steeldrivers
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Terri Clark
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; Ricky Skaggs

Saturday December 10
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); William Michael Morgan; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jo Dee Messina
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Mindy Smith; Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); William Michael Morgan; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jo Dee Messina
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Mindy Smith; Charles Esten

That comes out to 12 acts for the Friday Night Opry, of which 10 are Opry members (no, that is not a misprint) and 11 acts for each show on Saturday, of whom 7 are members of the Opry.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of December 9 & 10, 2011. The shows took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday December 9
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Del McCoury Band; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jack Greene; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Joey+Rory
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Darius Rucker

Saturday December 10
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sarah Darling
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Eamonn McCrystal; Connie Smith
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Exile

2nd show
9:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sarah Darling
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Eamonn McCrystal; Connie Smith
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Exile

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of December 8 & 9, 2006. Again, both nights the Opry was at the Ryman Auditorium with two shows each night.

Friday December 8
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Marty Raybon
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Diamond Rio (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy C Newman
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Grand Ole Opry Band; Josh Turner

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; Marty Raybon
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Josh Turner
11:00: Diamond Rio (host); Stu Phillips: Grand Ole Opry Band; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press

Saturday December 9
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Lindsey Haun
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); J.D. Crowe & The New South; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Grand Ole Opry Band; Lee Greenwood

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Lindsey Haun
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); J.D. Crowe & The New South; Rebecca Lynn Howard
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Louvin; Old Crow Medicine Show; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Jack Greene; Restless Heart
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Grand Ole Opry Band; Lee Greenwood

A name from that line-up that a lot of folks may not recognize is Lindsey Haun. Lindsey is mostly known for her work as an actress and was on the HBO television series "True Blood." She was also featured on the Disney Channel and starred in the film "Broken Bridges." That movie, which was released in 2006, the same year that she was on the Opry, was with Toby Keith, who also signed her to his record label, Show Dog. She released two singles in her short musical career, "Stronger Than We Know," in 2005 and "Broken," in 2006. Since that time, she has been more involved in acting and directing.

Now looking back 25 years, here is the Opry running order from Saturday December 7, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Del Reeves (host): Be Glad
Mike Snider: What Child is This
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me

6:45: Hall of Fame
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait; Texas Cajun

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come This Far to Say Goodbye
The Whites: Love is A Rose
Oswald: Mountain Dew

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): It's Raining Here This Morning
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Ramona Jones: Sail Away, Ladies

8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Riders In The Sky: Jingle, Jangle, Jingle
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way/Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed

8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks Christmas
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Jan Howard: You Belong to Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: Always
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Funky Grass Band
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Billy Walker: Tennessee Waltz
The Whites: Making Believe/Swing Down Chariot
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Melinda
Billy Grammer: The Old Spinning Wheel
David Houston: I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells

10:15: Sunbeam
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Flyer
Larry Boone: American Faces I Have Seen
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters

10:30: Pet Milk
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Jean Shepard: I Want to Go Where No One Knows Me
Del Reeves: You Win Again

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Be and My Big Loud Mouth
Mike Snider: Road Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
4 Guys: Big River
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Riders In The Sky: Back on the Texas Plains
Bill Anderson: Detroit City

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Jan Howard: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Bill Carlisle: Leave that Liar Alone
Roy Drusky: It Is No Secret
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

Finally, to conclude this week's look back, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up and running order from 50 years ago, Saturday December 10, 1966:

7:30: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Tied Down
Charlie Louvin: I Catch Myself Still Loving You
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Margie Bowes: Come On Home
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I Got
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Bill Anderson: Ride, Ride, Ride
Marion Worth: Shake Me, I Rattle
Clark Kessinger: Sally Ann Johnson/Polka River Blues
Flatt & Scruggs: Houston
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey

8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Cash on the Barrel Head
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Grandpa Jones: Little Ol' Gal A'Waiting
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Bobby Lord: When the Snow Falls

9:00: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): Lonesome Wind Blues
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Bobby Bare: Shame On Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Bill Monroe: Christmas Times A 'Comin'
Loretta Lynn: Don't Come Home A Drinkin'
Bobby Bare: The Deepening Snow
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country/Blue Moon of Kentucky

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
June Carter: I Pitched My Tent on the Old Camp Ground
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Maybelle Carter: The Bells of St. Mary's
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Hank Snow: My Blue-Eyed Elaine

10:00: Schick
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Steel Railroad Blues
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Roy Acuff: The Precious Jewel

10:15: Pure
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Grandpa Jones: Kentucky
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

10:30: Harvey's
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Cabin on the Hill
Del Wood: Melinda
Clark Kessinger: (?) (?)

10:45: Newport
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Loretta Lynn: The Heck with Old Santa Claus
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Bill Anderson: The First Mrs. Jones

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Bill Monroe: Watson Blues
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Lonzo & Oscar: New River Train #2
Skeeter Davis: These Boots Are Made For Walking
Kirk McGee: Milk Cow Blues
Hank Snow: Rockin' Rollin' Ocean

11:30: Lava
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Bill Carlisle: Dr. R.D.
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: All That You'll Ever Get
Harold Weakley: Almost Persuaded
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Roy Drusky & Marion Worth: Making Believe

A name from that night that some might not recognize is Clark Kessinger. Clark was described as an "American old-time fiddler" from South Hills, West Virginia. He was born in 1896 and came from a family of fiddlers. After serving in the Navy during World War I, Clark teamed up with his nephew Luches Kessinger and they had their own radio program on WOBU in Charleston. In 1928, the pair traveled to Ashland, Kentucky to audition for James O'Keefe, a talent agent for the Brunswick-Balke-Collender recording company. They were hired and called themselves the Kessinger Brothers. They recorded a number of tunes and in the late 1920's, the Kessinger Brothers were the best selling act on Brunswick Records. Following a last recording session in 1930, he retired as a recording artist. The Kessinger Brothers did continue to appear on radio programs, country dances and clubs. At the same time, Clark worked as a painter, a job that he would hold more most of his life. Luches died in 1944 and the Kessinger Brothers came to an end. Then in 1963, Clark was rediscovered by folk music promoter Ken Davidson, who persuaded Clark to return to the music scene and he was soon competing in area fiddling contests. In August 1964, he formed a string band in Galax, Virginia with Gene Meade and Wayne Hauser. The band recorded for Folk Promotions Records with several recordings released. He would continue to record for the label for the next several years, but by 1971, he was on a new label that had just started, Rounder Records. However, shortly after his initial recordings for Rounder, Clark had a stroke and collapsed at a fiddler's convention in Virginia, leaving him unable to continue to play the fiddle. Rounder did release those early recordings as "Clark Kessinger: Old-Time Music With Fiddle and Guitar." Clark passed away in 1975.

Have a great weekend and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry.






Monday, December 5, 2016

December 6, 1964: "Opry Drops 12 Top Stars"

On Sunday morning, December 6, 1964, Nashvillians awoke to find spread across the top of their newspapers an eight-column banner headline in bold type usually associated with war or public disaster: "OPRY DROPS 12 TOP STARS."

"Twelve top country and western music stars," the story read, "will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts, a WSM spokesman said."

Dismissed from the Opry roster were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires (background singers on Elvis Presley's records and concert dates), Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson, and Ray Price. Opry officials, after using the policy only minimally before, had insisted on strict adherence to a rule that said Opry performers had to appear on twenty-six shows in a year to be retained on the roster.

WSM public relations director Bill Williams tried to put a best face on it, insisting, "Nobody is mad at anybody. It's just that periodically we have to take stock. It's just a routine thing." Irving Waugh, somewhat removed from the Opry in his capacity as general manager of the WSM television station, nevertheless thought the announcement was ill advised. He viewed the action as an "antagonism" of the country music community by WSM president Jack DeWitt.

Looking back on it, the "Purge of '64" might have been a monumental public relations goof. Within a day of the release of the original story, Opry manager Ott Devine had to remove Chet Atkins name from the list of the original twelve. His name should not have been included, Devine said, because "Chet has not been officially connected with the Opry for many years." That admission suggested to some that the entire incident reflected adversely on the quality of Opry management.

Money is what really generated the hassle. Faron Young remembered: "When they insisted on the twenty-six week thing, I put a pen to it and figured it out. I was gonna lose $180,000 a year to work the Opry twenty-six weeks out of the year."

Percentages paid by the artists to the WSM Artists' Service Bureau (make that read "booking agency") also were in contention. Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells's husband, explained: "They booked some of our dates, and then some of the dates were booked by our personal managers and booking agents. They were charging us fifteen percent on the dates they booked, and then if they didn't book a date you still had to pay them five percent of the dates that you booked yourself. Some of the artists stopped paying the five percent, a lot of them. But Kitty and I paid it right up to the very last, and I told Ott Devine: 'Ott, I don't think it's fair for us to pay and some of them not paying it. Unless you get everybody to pay it, then I'm not gonna pay it.' They didn't fire anyone. We just quit because we didn't wanna pay the five percent."

Quit or fired? It didn't make a difference; the public perception was that their favorites had been summarily dismissed. If anything good came out of the incident, it was a realization in the city, in some quarters, for the first time, that the Grand Ole Opry was really important to Nashville.

On Tuesday December 8, the Nashville Tennessean ran an editorial under the heading: "Opry Has Duty of Protection." It said, "The Opry has been, and continues to be, the nucleus of Nashville's $40 million music industry. There is hardly a successful music enterprise in the city that does not owe its origin and its longevity to the Opry. Thus, it seems the Opry has a responsibility to compel observance of reasonable restrictions for its own protection and for the protection of the rest of the music industry in Nashville."

"Most of the thousands of people who line up at the Opry House every Friday and Saturday night have traveled long distances to see in person the stars they have come to love by radio. It must be a disappointment for these fans to arrive at the Opry on this one big night for them and find that their favorite stars have found a more profitable audience in some other state. Opry Manager Ott Devine says the 11 released stars will be missed. And they will be. But there is a feeling that such a loss would be more keenly felt if the stars had not already been missed too often at the Opry."

With that, the Tennessean put the onus squarely on the artists, perhaps unfairly. But a lesson was learned, expressed best in a bit of old country philosophy: "Don't try to fix what ain't broke."

Bill Anderson later said: "That was a surprise. I'd never signed a contract saying that I would be in twenty-six times a year. I had the same manager as Faron and Ferlin, and I just felt that they made the choice to work the road. Hubert Long was our manager, and I remember him coming to me at that time and saying, 'Do you realize how much money it's costing you to be on the Grand Ole Opry? I could book you out on the road and you're down there making eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents.' I considered leaving, but my father, who knows nothing about show business but a lot about human nature, gave me as good a piece of advice as I've ever gotten. He said, 'Son, look around you.' The Opry was owned by National Life, and he said, 'Maybe the Opry isn't at the very top, but these people haven't gotten to the level they're at by being stupid. They'll turn things around, and you'll be glad you stayed.' I took his word and it's some of the best advice I've got in my life."

Ott Devine eventually relaxed the requirement to twenty weeks per year, and explained the situation in a letter to Earl Scruggs:

"It has not been and never will be possible to stage the Grand Ole Opry as we know it and compete with the road show in talent fees. The talent fees have doubled since 1962 and as you know, each weekend we schedule several times the number of musicians that a road show would carry. The number and cost of firemen, policemen, ushers, ticket takers, etc. we are forced to employ has increased each year."

"It was never our intention to ban for life those persons unable to meet our requirements as to the number of Saturday nights at the Opry House. We were not angry with them then or now. Some felt we were too harsh in not allowing the acts to even guest with us in 1965. Some felt we were not strict enough. In my opinion, all were treated as fairly as possible. We feel that the twenty week requirement settled upon last year is fair to the artist who wishes to remain a member of the Grand Ole Opry and fair to the audience which travels hundreds of miles to see you here in Nashville. We will continue maintaining and improving the Grand Ole Opry, and hope that you will continue to appreciate its value to you."

Interesting when you look back on this event 52 years later. Of those fired, several would return as Opry members: George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson. Minnie Pearl did return a year later from her leave of absence. Of those who did return, all but Don Gibson would become Opry "regulars" as far as their appearances. Kitty Wells would never become an Opry member again, although there was a report that later in life, she asked to be reinstated as an Opry member, but was refused. Johnny Wright, the Jordanaires, Ferlin Husky, Faron Young and Ray Price would come back to the Opry, not as members, but by making guest appearances. As to Chet Atkins: no he was never officially an Opry member, but Chet would come back as an Opry guest.

It can be debated if the Ott Devine and the Opry's management made the right decision in firing the members who were not supporting the show. If nothing else, it had an effect as it forced the Opry's members to actually appear on the show at least twenty weeks of the year, or face the consequences. While those eleven were the only ones officially fired, others would leave the show over the next decade, including such artists as Willie Nelson, Bobby Lord, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Bobby Bare, Norma Jean, The Glaser Brothers, Sonny James, Leroy Van Dyke, and two who joined during the 1970s and 1980s, Don Williams and B.J. Thomas. By the mid-1980's, Bud Wendall and Hal Durham had dropped appearance requirements for new members. This policy would continue under Bob Whittaker. In 1999, Pete Fisher became the Opry's general manager and he has worked at trying to require ten annual appearances by those he has asked to join the cast. At best, the results have been mixed.

The Grand Ole Opry cannot go back to the way it was in the 1960s, when Opry members were expected and required to perform weekly on the show. But I do believe that as an Opry member, there is an obligation to support the show and to be there on a somewhat regular basis. I realize it is tough for some acts and a lot of money can be lost by not being on the road. But, each Opry member had a choice when asked. If they were not inclined to support the show, then the invitation could have been declined. And in the case of a few, it should have been.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

December Opry Highlights

Where did 2016 go? I ask that question because we are now entering December, the final month of the year. In just a matter of weeks, it will be Christmas and the holiday season. As the Grand Ole Opry prepares to close out another year, here are the important dates and events that have taken place regarding the Opry, or Opry members, during the month of December:

December 2, 1989: Herman Crook was born. Herman was one of the Opry's original members, joining the show when it was still called the WSM Barn Dance. Herman's first Opry appearance was on July 24, 1926, and he was with the show until his death in June 1988, just short of 62 years. When he passed away, the Crook Brothers were the last of the originals on the Opry, and they never wavered from the traditional string band sound. As Roy Acuff said, "He loved country music, but he wanted it country. He didn't go for any of this rock n' roll type stuff.

December 14, 1899: DeFord Bailey was born. DeFord was another of the Opry's original members, making his first appearance on June 19, 1926. DeFord was there the night Opry founder George D. Hay changed the name of the show from the WSM Barn Dance to the Grand Ole Opry, and he played the first song on the newly named show. DeFord was with the Opry until he was fired in 1941, in a move that left DeFord very bitter. Despite repeated efforts by Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe, among others, DeFord stayed away from the Opry until returning on February 23, 1974, when he appeared for the Opry's first reunion show. DeFord would make several more Opry appearances before passing away in 1982. In 2005 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 11, 1914: James Clell "Tex" Summey was born. Known professionally as Cousin Jody, he first came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in 1937, and he later worked with Pee Wee King and Lonzo & Oscar. He also performed as a solo act, until health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in 1975, and it should be noted that he was the first person to play the dobro and steel guitar on the Opry stage.

December 19, 1920: Jimmy Dickens was born in Bolt, West Virginia. Jimmy first came to the Opry in 1948. While he left the show for a period of time, Jimmy returned to the Opry in 1975 and remained an Opry member until his death in January 2015.

December 26, 1925: The WSM Barn Dance was formally listed for the first time on the WSM program schedule that was printed in the Nashville Tennessean. The listing read, "Because of this recent revival in the popularity of the old familiar tunes, WSM has arranged to have an hour or two every Saturday night starting Saturday December 26. Uncle Dave Macon, the oldest banjo picker in Dixie, and who comes from Readyville, Tennessee, and Uncle Jimmy Thompson of Martha, Tennessee, will answer any requests for old-time melodies."

December 10, 1927: While there seems to be some confusion as to the exact date, it would appear that his was the date that the WSM Barn Dance became known as the Grand Ole Opry. The Barn Dance came on the air at 8:00. In the hour prior to the start of the Barn Dance program, WSM aired a classical musical show on the NBC radio network called "Music Appreciation Hour." At the conclusion of the Music Hour show that particular night, Barn Dance founder George D. Hay announced, "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera; from now on we will present the Grand Ole Opry." While this is the story that was told by George D. Hay, there seem to be no independent verification of this event. In fact, some historians who have looked back at the WSM program schedules,  believe that the date was actually December 8, 1928, a year later, as the "Music Appreciation Hour" did not begin on WSM until that year. However, to back up the 1927 claim, others have pointed out that on December 11, 1927, the Nashville Tennessean used the word "Grand Ole Opry" in their editions of the paper. Either way, the new name stuck.

December 13, 1930: Grand Ole Opry member Buck White was born, Along with his daughters Sharon and Cheryl, The Whites have been Opry members since 1984.

December 7, 1931: Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, Bobby became an Opry member in 1964. At the age of 85, Bobby still appears on the Opry weekly and of course, always does "Rocky Top," sounding as good as ever.

December 30, 1944: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the Prince Albert portion of the show that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Minnie Pearl, who was there that night, remembered that a lady in the balcony was so excited that she fell out of the balcony onto the Ryman stage. And after Roy Acuff heard the electrified fiddles that Bob brought, he made the statement that the Opry would be ruined forever. What is interesting, that while Bob brought electrified fiddles with him, both Pee Wee King and Ernest Tubb had been playing electric instruments on the Opry previous to that night. There is another story from that night, regarding the use of drums and Bob being told to keep his drummer behind the curtain. Much like the electric fiddles, Bob's drummer was not the first to drum on the Opry, as Harold "Sticks" McDonald, a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, had brought drums to the Opry several years prior. He supposedly used them for a couple of weeks until George D. Hay told Pee Wee to take the drums home and leave them there. While that may be true, within a few years, many of the Opry's acts included drums.

December 8, 1945: Earl Scruggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He was the final member to join what many consider the greatest of Bill's many renditions of the Blue Grass Boys, and what many feel was the greatest bluegrass band ever. That group included Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Harold Watts. This group would only stay together until 1948. After leaving Bill's group, Earl would team up with Lester Flatt, before moving on to play a more progressive sound with his sons.

December 12, 1959: While performing on the Opry, Bill Monroe was served with divorce papers from his wife, Carolyn Brown. She charged that Bill was having an affair with his bass player, Bessie Lee Mauldin. The story goes that Carolyn was waiting for Bill outside the Opry that night and when he came out the Ryman's back door, she really laid into him.

December 24, 1960: The final Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast on the NBC network. The decline of radio and the rise of television led to the decision to end the Opry's broadcasts. Hank Snow was the host for that final broadcast, and I am happy to say that I have a recording of that show.

December 3, 1961: "Doctor" Lew Childre passed away. Lew, who was born in 1901, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. He remained with the Opry through most of the 1950's.

December 6, 1964: The Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. The Nashville Tennessean wrote, "Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said. Those who were dismissed from the Opry were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry's management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists.

December 23, 1967: Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jack started as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours before going on to a very successful solo career. Jack would remain an Opry member until his death in 2013.

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

December 15, 1973: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis was suspended by the Opry's management for comments she had made the previous Saturday night while performing on the Opry. As Skeeter said, "Hank Williams got kicked off the Opry for drinkin' too much old wine. Me? I got kicked off for singing about the new wine." What actually happened was that Skeeter was on her way to the Ryman Auditorium for an Opry appearance when she witnessed the arrest of what were known as "Jesus Freaks," which was another name for the young people who were protesting not only in Nashville, but around the country. The arrests enraged Skeeter and on the Opry, she expressed her rage by talking about it, singing about it, and weeping about it. When she came off the stage after performing, she faced an angry Opry management. She was told that she was no longer considered an Opry member. Happily for all, and especially for Skeeter, she was invited back to the Opry 18 months later.

December 29, 1973: Opry member Tex Ritter made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Tex, who had joined the Opry in 1965, would pass away after suffering a heart attack, the following week.

December 25, 1976: Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 40th year as Opry members, and according to my records, the only members to join the cast on Christmas day.

December 27, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman passed away at the age of 41. Bob joined the Opry in 1965 and was known for his rockabilly sound that was very popular with many of the Opry's younger fans. While some on the Opry felt Bob's music had too much rock in it, he was a popular member of the cast and enjoyed great support. His last Grand Ole Opry appearance was on Saturday December 2, 1978, while Friday December 15 was his final Friday Night Opry appearance.

December 8, 1982: Marty Robbins passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 57. Probably the Opry's most popular member, he was famous for hosting the 11:30 segment when he was in town, and making the last half hour of the Opry his own, often performing well past the traditional midnight sign off time. Just that previous October, Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 20, 1986: Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Randy's 30th year as an Opry member. Randy had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, and helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. Sadly, Randy has suffered a serious of health setbacks and will probably never perform on the Opry again. However, he has visited the show several times in the past couple of years, and he always receives a great audience response when introduced on stage. Just this past year, Randy was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 17, 1993: Herman Harper, the famous and very popular bass singer for the Carol Lee Singers, passed away. Herman had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys back in the day when they were considered one of the country's top gospel acts.

December 24, 1994: Vic Willis was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. The Willis Brothers, originally known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, came to the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957. In addition to Vic, the group included brothers Guy and Skeeter. Skeeter had passed away in 1976, while Guy retired in 1979 due to health issues. Vic continued on, forming the Vic Willis Trio, until he passed away early in 1995 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

December 30, 1994: Grand Ole Gospel Time, which followed the Friday Night Opry and hosted by Reverend Jimmie Snow, Hank's son, was broadcast for the final time. The show was taped on Friday night and broadcast on WSM Sunday mornings. Airing for 23 years, the show would feature a number of Grand Ole Opry performers including Connie Smith, Billy Walker and Roy Acuff, and feature such guests as Johnny Cash and Dennis Weaver.

December 19, 1999: Former Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth passed away at the age of 69. Marion joined the Opry in 1963, and while never a superstar, she was very entertaining and a fan favorite. She left the Opry cast in 1980, when she went into semi-retirement.

December 20, 1999: The legendary Hank Snow passed away at his Rainbow Ranch in Madison, Tennessee after a period of declining health. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was just weeks shy of 50 years of Opry membership. Hank last appeared on the Opry in September 1996, and is considered one of the all-time Opry greats.

December 16, 2000: Brad Paisley was surprised on stage by Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely, in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jimmy & Jeannie were dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reason for the surprise visit was the delivery of an invitation for Brad to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Brad tearfully accepted and the following February he would officially join the cast.

December 30, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter, who had been battling various illnesses, would enter a period of declining health that made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter passed away in December 2004.

December 31, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Jim McReynolds, one half of Jim & Jesse, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee after a long illness. Jim & Jesse, along with the Virginia Boys, became Opry members in March 1964, and are considered one of the greatest acts in bluegrass music history.

December 30, 2006: The Grand Ole Opry's 2nd Saturday night show concluded at midnight for the final time. The following week, both Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows were cut to 2 hours, with the late show ending at 11:30.

December 13, 2013: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was honored for 20 years of Opry membership. Joining Joe on the Opry that evening were Opry members Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

December 20, 2014: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. On Christmas Day, Jimmy was admitted to a Nashville hospital and would pass away shortly after the first of the year. Jimmy's final song? "Out Behind the Barn."







Thursday, December 1, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 12/2 & 12/3

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the first weekend of December, with all three shows taking place at the Ryman Auditorium. Highlighting this weekend will be an appearance by Grand Ole Opry member Alison Krauss. Alison will be appearing on the closing segment on both Saturday shows, joined by Jamey Johnson. With no "host" for that final segment, I am going to assume that we will be getting a lot of Alison and Jamey, which is fine with me.

Also appearing on Saturday night will be Opry guest Kathy Mattea. I have always enjoyed Kathy over the years, especially her Opry appearances. She is another one who I have thought would have made a good Opry member. Like Alison and Jamey, she is scheduled for both shows. Joining those three will be Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, and on the first show, Jesse McReynolds. Guest artists scheduled on Saturday include Eric Paslay, Sleepy Man (formally known as the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys) and Jason Crabb. That adds up to 11 acts on the first show, 6 of whom are Opry members, and 10 acts on the second show, 5 of which belong to the Opry.

Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider and Connie Smith are also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, where they will be joined by members Bobby Osborne and Riders In The Sky. That makes 5 members appearing. The non-members scheduled include Carly Pearce, Wade Hayes, Brent Cobb, Shenandoah, Sarah Potenza, Mountain Faith and Kristian Bush, for a total of 12 acts.

Hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night will be the Tennessee River Boys, with the taping taking place back at the Texas Troubadour Theater.

Friday December 2
7:00: John Conlee (host); Carly Pearce; Wade Hayes
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Brent Cobb; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sarah Potenza
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Mountain Faith; Kristian Bush

Saturday December 3
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Eric Paslay; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Sleepy Man; Jason Crabb
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Kathy Mattea; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jamey Johnson; Alison Krauss

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Eric Paslay; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Sleepy Man; Jason Crabb
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Kathy Mattea; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jamey Johnson; Alison Krauss


And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of December 2 & 3, 2011. The shows both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

Friday December 2
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Collin Raye
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Mandy Barnett; Alison Krauss & Dan Tyminski
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Dierks Bentley

Saturday December 3
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Terri Clark
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Brent Anderson
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Jim Ed Brown; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mindy Smith; Connie Smith

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Terri Clark
10:00: Mel Tillis (host); Jack Greene; Brent Anderson
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mindy Smith; Connie Smith

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of December 1 & 2, 2006. The shows both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium and there were two shows each night. The 7:00 segment on Saturday night was televised, thus there was no host. And in looking at the line-ups, the Grand Ole Opry Band was given a slot on each of the four shows.

Friday December 1
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Sarah Buxton
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Grand Ole Opry Band; Danielle Peck
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; Sarah Buxton
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Danielle Peck
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; The Grascals

Saturday December 2
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Craig Morgan; Kellie Pickler; Joe Diffie; Ray Price
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; Kellie Pickler
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Ray Price
10:30: Ray Pillow (host); Joni Harms; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Craig Morgan
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes

And finally, from 25 years ago, the weekend of November 29 & 30, 1991:

Friday November 29
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis; Justin Tubb; Ernie Ashworth; Stu Phillips
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; George Hamilton IV
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson
9:00: Four Guys (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Ray Pillow; Hal Ketchum
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Charlie Walker; Bill Carlisle; Vic Willis Trio; Jeannie Seely
10:30: Jack Greene (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Alan Jackson

Saturday November 30
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis; Roy Drusky
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Charlie Walker; Jan Howard
7:30: Jack Greene (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Tracy Lawrence
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jeannie Seely; Four Guys; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Houston; Jean Shepard; Bill Carlisle

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Justin Tubb; Charlie Walker
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Tracy Lawrence; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: The Whites (host); Billy Walker; Riders In The Sky; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Four Guys; Johnny Russell

For this weeks featured line-up, it was on Saturday December 2, 1978 that Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman made his final Saturday night appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Bob Luman had been an Opry member since 1965. Born and raised in Texas, Bob's musical interests were influenced by his father, who was a musician. He received his first guitar at the age of 13 and by the time he was in high school, he had formed his first band. While in high school, he also was a fine baseball player who had a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates, however when that did not pan out, he decided to concentrate on music. In 1956, he won a talent contest that included an appearance on the Louisiana Hayride. In the late 1950s, he recorded on Imperial and Capital Records, where he had a number of minor hits. In 1960 he entered the Army and after being discharged in 1962, he moved to Nashville.

While Bob never had a #1 record, he had a very successful recording career throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Among his Top 10 hits were  "Let's Think About Living," which went to #9 in 1960, "When You Say Love," which went to #6, and "Lonely Women Make Good Lovers," which went to #4, both in 1972, and "Neither One of Us," and "Still Loving You," both of which reached #7 in 1973. His final Top 20 single was "The Pay Phone," which went to #13 in 1977. In addition to his recording career, Bob was a very popular touring act, who was very popular in Las Vegas. Sadly, Bob became ill in December 1978 and passed away from pneumonia on December 27. In addition to having been a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Bob Luman is also a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

As mentioned, while Saturday December 2, 1978 was Bob's last Saturday night appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, his final Opry appearance was two weeks later, on Friday Night Opry, December 15.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday December 2, 1978, the final Grand Ole Opry show for Opry star Bob Luman:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
David Houston: Best Friends Make the Worst Enemies
Charlie Walker: Lucille

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): A Used to Be
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Vic Willis: Cimarron
Bill Monroe: The Old Cross Road is Waiting

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Wilma Lee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoe Box
Charlie Louvin: Hey Daddy
Tonya: You Make Everyday Feel Like Sunday/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Feed You Now/Big Wind

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central No. 9/Sunshine Special
Jan Howard: I'll Remember the Good
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Herman Crook: Amazing Grace
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
Bob Luman: Let Me Make the Bright Lights Shine for You/The Pay Phone
Jim & Jesse: Ashes of Love
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Mt. Laurel

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Ray Pillow: Texas
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin' Hen
Hank Snow: Ramblin' Rose

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue Eyed Darling
Charlie Walker: T for Texas
David Houston: Best Friends Make the Worst Enemies
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Vic Willis: Shenandoah
Stu Phillips: Come Sundown
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord

10:00: Fender
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: What A Way to Go
Charlie Louvin: When I Was Your Man
Porter Wagoner: Ol' Slewfoot

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Billy Grammer: Faded Love
Jan Howard: It's A Heartache
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine them All

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Dan Tucker
Roy Drusky: Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way That We're Doing it Now
Grandpa Jones: Falling Leaves

10:45: Beech-Nut
Bob Luman (host): Good Hearted Woman
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: (?)
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Ray Pillow: Dreams of A Dreamer/Another Day; Another Dollar
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Jim & Jesse: The Voice of My Darling
Kirk McGee: Chitlin Cooking time in Cheatham County
Hank Snow: Hobo Bill's Last Ride

11:30: Acme
Stonewall Jackson (host): A Wound That Time Can't Erase
4 Guys: Let Your Love Flow/Catfish John
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane/I Was on My Way to the Show
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin/Waterloo

An interesting item from that night. It was Herman Crook's 80th birthday and when he sang "Amazing Grace" on the first show, it was the first time that Herman had ever sung on the Opry.

That will do it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!














Monday, November 28, 2016

Happy "Official" Birthday Grand Ole Opry

It was 91 years ago tonight, Saturday November 28, 1925 that George D. Hay walked up to a microphone at WSM and introduced Uncle Jimmy Thompson. While there has been questions raised over the years, this is the date that has been proclaimed as the start of the WSM Barn Dance, later to be renamed the Grand Ole Opry.

George D. Hay gave the following account: "Because the Grand Ole Opry is a very simple program, it started in a very simple way. Your reporter, who was the first director of WSM, had considerable experience in the field of folk music when the station opened in October 1925. Realizing the wealth of folk music material and performers in the Tennessee Hills, he welcomed the appearance of Uncle Jimmy Thompson and his blue ribbon fiddle who went on the air at eight o'clock, Saturday night, November 28, 1925. Uncle Jimmy told us that he had a thousand tunes. Past eighty years of age, he was given a comfortable chair in front of an old carbon microphone. While his niece, Mrs. Eva Thompson Jones, played his piano accompaniment your reporter presented Uncle Jimmy and announced that he would be glad to answer requests for old time tunes. Immediately telegrams started to pour into WSM. One hour later at nine o'clock we asked Uncle Jimmy if he hadn't done enough fiddling to which he replied, 'Why shucks, a man don't get warmed up in an hour. I just won an eight-day fiddling contest down in Dallas, Texas, and here's my blue ribbon to prove it.' Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Mrs. Jones and The Solemn Old Judge carried on for several weeks for an hour each Saturday night."

This, of course, is George D. Hay's version. Some, specifically Mrs. Alcyone Bate Beasley, the daughter of Dr. Humphrey Bate, has claimed that it was her father that should get credit for being the originator of the Grand Ole Opry. Mrs. Beasley's has said that it was her father's group, of which she was a part of , that did the first Saturday night "barn dance" on WSM at the end of October 1925. Mrs. Beasley said in an interview, "I remember that night after it was over, and we drove back home in the old Ford car and Daddy, who always called me 'Booger,' said, 'Booger, we might've started something down there tonight, you just don't know.' We played there for about four or five weeks before Mr. Hay came. We would drive into Nashville and perform on WDAD in the afternoon, then we would walk up the hill and play on WSM later in the evening. I remember we would give Jack Keefe, who was the WSM announcer then, a list of the numbers we were going to play during the hour we would be on the air. And within just two weeks or so, bands from everywhere began to come up to be put on the air. One of the first of them was Mr. Ed Poplin's band from Lewisburg, Tennessee. I never felt badly about it toward Mr. Hay, because he wasn't well, but the fact remains that nothing was ever said about Uncle Jimmy Thompson being the first one on the show until long after my Daddy died in 1936."

Over the years, various researchers have found credence Mrs. Beasley's version of events. One piece of evidence is that on Sunday October 18, 1925, the Nashville Tennessean under the heading: "WSM Announces Weeks' Program": Saturday, 10-11 (p.m.) Studio program featuring Dr. Humphrey Bate and his string quartet of old-time musicians." That would have meant that they appeared on Saturday October 24, exactly as Mrs. Beasley stated. Further, Uncle Jimmy Thompson was never mentioned in the weekly radio program listing in the Tennessean until the December 20 issue, which listed his appearance for Saturday December 26 at 8:00 p.m.

At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter as back before any of us were around, WSM and the Opry decided that November 28, 1925 was the start of it all. So, on the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, congratulations are in order for the management and staff, along with all of the performers and members, past and present, on this historical milestone.