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.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 11/25 & 11/26

With the Thanksgiving weekend upon us, the Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedules for the 3 shows this weekend; the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill is returning to the Opry on Saturday night. Vince has been gone from the Opry for a little while as he has been touring. But now that he is back in town and performing his Christmas shows with Amy Grant, Vince is back on the Opry schedule. He will be joined by another Hall of Fame member, Connie Smith, who is also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. Joining Connie for all 3 of the shows are Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider, and Jeannie Seely. Friday night will see 2 additional Opry members as Riders In The Sky and Jesse McReynolds are scheduled, while Bobby Osborne is on the list for Saturday night.

As to the guest artists this weekend, the name that stands out is John Oates, who is half of the duo of Hall & Oates. John will be making a solo appearance on the Opry this weekend as Pete Fisher and the Opry's management continue to reach out to a variety of artists. While John is not known for his country music, he has completed work on a Christmas project with The Time Jumpers. That could very well explain why he is a guest on Vince's segment. Joining John Oates on Saturday night will be Love and Theft, Jimmy Wayne, Suzy Bogguss and Flatt Lonesome.

The Friday Night Opry has guests artists Jaida Dreyer, Johnny Lee, Will Hoge, Mary Sarah, T. Graham Brown and the Annie Moses Band listed.

Friday November 25
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jaida Dreyer; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Johnny Lee; Will Hoge
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mary Sarah
8:45: Connie Smith (host); T. Graham Brown; Annie Moses Band

Saturday November 26
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Oates; Flatt Lonesome

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
10:00: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); John Oates; Flatt Lonesome

That comes out to 12 artists on Friday night, 6 of whom are Opry members, while there are 11 acts for each show on Saturday night, again with 6 Opry members per show.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of November 25 & 26, 2011:

Friday November 25
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; James Wesley
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sherrie Austin
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band

Saturday November 26
1st show
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Hunter Hayes
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Elizabeth Cook
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ray Pillow; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

2nd show
9:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Hunter Hayes
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); George Hamilton IV; Elizabeth Cook
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

From ten years ago, the weekend of November 24 & 25, 2006:

Friday November 24
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; T. Graham Brown
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Cherryholmes

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mountain Heart
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Stu Phillips; Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Cherryholmes
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; T. Graham Brown

Saturday November 25
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Trent Tomlinson
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; David Ball
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mel McDaniel
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Mountain Heart

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Trent Tomlinson
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; David Ball
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Grand Ole Opry Band; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Mel McDaniel; Mountain Heart

Looking back 25 years ago to Saturday November 23, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Skeeter Davis: If I Don't Have You
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green, Grass of Home/'Ol Slewfoot

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Ricky Skaggs (host): Life's Too Long to Live Like This
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Ricky Skaggs: There's An Old Kind of Love Goin' Around

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Why Did You Wander
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Billy Walker: Peace in the Valley
Bill Monroe: The Little Community Church House

7:30: Standard Candy
John Conlee (host): Lady, Lay Down
Davis Daniel: For Crying Out Loud/But Love Me
Forester Sisters: That Makes One of Us/Men
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: The Deepening Snow/Satisfied/How Great Thou Art
Grandpa Jones: Banjo Sam
Ramona Jones: Sail Away Ladies
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel

8:30: Opryland
Hank Snow (host): Vanishing Breed
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Roy Drusky: All For the Love of A Girl
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Charlie Louvin: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
Hank Snow: It's Over Over Nothing at All

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
David Houston: I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen
Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
David Daniel: Picture Me Holding Pictures of You/Love Me
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Porter Wagoner: What Ain't To Be Just Might Happen

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): White House Blues/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ricky Skaggs: Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's 'A Comin'

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
4 Guys: Tennessee/We're Only Here For A Little While
Roy Acuff: Freight Train Blues

10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents is All I Got
Jean Shepard: The Days of Wine and Roses
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Arkansas Traveler

10:45: B.C. Powder
John Conlee (host): Common Man
Forester Sisters: Sincerely
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
John Conlee: The Dog House

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Colorado Country Morning
Jim Ed Brown: When A Child Is Born
Justin Tubb: Sing Blue-Eyed Elaine Again
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Hank Snow: That Lucky Old Sun

11:30: Creamette
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Roy Drusky: As Long As I Live
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Charlie Louvin: This Darn Pen
Johnny Russell: Ain't 'Cha Ever Gonna Cry
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

While the official Grand Ole Opry induction date for Jean Shepard was November 21, 1955 (which was actually a Monday), the first date that Jean appeared on the Opry as a member was the following Saturday, November 26, 1955. Here is the line-up from 61 years ago this Saturday, the night that Country Music Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard made her first appearance on the Opry as a member.

7:30: Federal Fertilizer Co.
Marty Robbins: Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

7:45: American Ace
George Morgan: Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Saviour Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in my Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car-Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan

8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey: I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smoky Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: In The Middle of Nowhere
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill

9:00: Roy Crown Cola
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped the Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot-Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love in Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price: I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins: That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way To The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
R.D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

10:45: D Con
Hank Snow: Just Keep on Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey: I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:30: Delited
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou

One more item of note: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree announced that the show this weekend, to be hosted by Leona Williams, will take place at the downtown Broadway shop. The taping will still take place at 10:00. At this point, it is a one time deal, but I really think this is the right move, especially with the Opry downtown at the Ryman. For those who have not noticed, the Ernest Tubb Record Shop downtown has been hosting several live events recently, including one last weekend with Mark Collie and Charles Esten, among others. Of further note, the past several years has seen the Midnight Jamboree suspend broadcasts during the winter months, instead going with previously aired shows. This winter, the Jamboree will be going live each weekend, with the exception of Christmas Eve. In my opinion, these shows need to take place at the downtown shop, as with the Opry at the Ryman and the crowds that are downtown for the bars and other events, it just makes sense. And to be honest, the Texas Troubadour theater area is a ghost town on Saturday night.

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and a very Happy Birthday to Glen Thompson, founder of the Grand Ole Opry Fan Club, and a true friend.

Enjoy!!















Thursday, November 17, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 11/18 & 11/19

It has been an exciting week at the Grand Ole Opry with the news that Crystal Gayle has accepted the Opry's invitation to become the newest member of the cast. The actual induction will take place on Saturday January 21, with Crystal's sister, Opry member Loretta Lynn handling the formal induction. As I wrote briefly, I think this is a good move for the Opry, adding a veteran act who has shown a history of supporting the Opry through her guest appearances. Congratulations to Crystal and I am sure all of us look forward to seeing more of Crystal on the Opry stage. 

As to the 3 Opry shows this weekend, there are a few Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing both nights, as The Whites, Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Mike Snider will be featured. On Friday night, they will be joined by member Bobby Osborne, while on Saturday Jesse McReynolds will be performing. 

As to guest appearances this weekend, the Friday Night Opry will feature Chase Bryant, Post Monroe, Ty Herndon, Anita Cochran, EmiSunshine and Chris Janson. For Chris, this will be another in his string of Opry appearances. As to Saturday night, Brett Kissel is back for another night of shows, along with Gary Mule Deer, who will be making what seems like his once a year annual appearance, Opry newcomer Brooke Eden, Restless Heart and future Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens. 

As mentioned, this will be the Opry debut for Brooke Eden. Brooke is another of the up and coming female artists who is featured on CMT's Next Women of Country. She records for RED BOW Records and has spent the last several years opening for such artists as Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Sugarland and Florida Georgia Line. Originally from Florida, she is appearing in support of her debut EP release, and single, "Diamonds." 

Friday November 18
7:00: The Whites (host); Chase Bryant; Mike Snider
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Post Monroe; Ty Herndon; Anita Cochran
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kiefer Sutherland
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); EmiSunshine; Chris Janson

Saturday November 19
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Brett Kissel; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Brooke Eden; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Restless Heart; Ray Stevens

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); Brett Kissel; Mike Snider
10:00; The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Gary Mule Deer
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Brooke Eden; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Restless Heart; Ray Stevens

That comes out to 13 acts on Friday night, 6 of whom are members of the Grand Ole Opry, and 11 acts for each show on Saturday night, with 6 Opry members. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of November 18 & 19, 2011:

Friday November 18
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Steve Wariner; Wanda Jackson
8:45: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Brandi Carlile

Saturday November 19
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Joe Diffie
8:00: Diamond Rio (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; The Marshall Tucker Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jean Shepard; Joe Diffie
10:30: Diamond Rio (host); Jim Ed Brown; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; The Marshall Tucker Band

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of November 17 & 18, 2006:

Friday November 17
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jon Randall; Kennedy-Rose
9:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Charlie Louvin; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart

Saturday November 18
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Hal Ketchum
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Carolina Rain; Nanci Griffith; Ray Scott; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Radney Foster; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jon Randall; Kennedy-Rose

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Carolina Rain; Nanci Griffith
10:00: Pam Tillis (host); George Hamilton IV; Jim Ed Brown; Ray Scott
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Jon Randall; Kennedy-Rose
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Radney Foster

Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday November 16, 1991. It is nice to see a show with only Opry members scheduled and performing. 

1st show
6:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jean Shepard
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; The Whites; Charlie Walker; Skeeter Davis
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Justin Tubb; Jeanne Pruett; Riders In The Sky; David Houston
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30; Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens; Connie Smith; 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim Ed Brown
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: 4 Guys (host); Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; David Houston
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

To finish it up for this week, here is the Opry running order from 50 years ago, Saturday November 19, 1966: 

7:30: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): Bright Lights & Country Music
Jim & Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Minnie Pearl: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Bill Anderson: I Get the Fever
Ray Pillow: Don't Know Why I Keep Loving You
Bill Anderson: Used To

8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Cousin Jody: Jody's Chimes
Wilma Lee Cooper: Hero's Death
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: When My Times Comes to Go

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
Glaser Brothers: Gone on the Other Hand'
Archie Campbell: Rindercella
Billy Walker: Bare With Me A Little Longer
Stringbean: Goodbye Sweet Thing
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim Glaser: Thanks A Lot for Trying Anyway
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

9:00: Pet Milk
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
Loretta Lynn: Don't Come Home A Drinkin'
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Osborne Brothers: Up This Hill & Down
George Morgan; Speak Well of Me
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Osborne Brothers: The Kind of Woman I've Got
Hank Snow: My Memories of You

10:00: Schick
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Three Windows
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Ray Pillow: Volkswagen

10:15: Pure
Tex Ritter (host): There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder
Archie Campbell: Life Gets Tee-Jus, Don't It
Stringbean: Cumberland Gap
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin

10:30: Harvey's
Billy Walker (host): A Million & One
Jim & Jesse: Memphis
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Billy Walker: Lonely Street

10:45: Newport
Wilburn Brothers (host): I'm Gonna Tie One on Tonight
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Crook Brothers: Liberty

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Skeeter Davis: These Boots are Made for Walking
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Johnson
Hank Snow: Beggar to A King
George Morgan: Please Don't Let Me Love You
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: Traveling Blues

11:30: Lava
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Billy Grammer: Jessup Polka
Curly Fox: 50 Years Ago
Osborne Brothers: What Kind of Woman I've Got
Cousin Jody: Run, Pete, Run

Not often that you see Roy Acuff closing out the Opry and hosting the last segment. 

Enjoy the weekend and the Opry!!







Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Crystal Gayle-Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry

During the Tuesday Night Opry, Carrie Underwood made a surprise appearance and asked Crystal Gayle if she would like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. In my opinion, an outstanding move by Pete Fisher and the Opry management. Well deserved honor for Crystal that I don't believe anyone can complain about. And it adds a veteran act who I am sure will support the show.

The induction will take place on Saturday January 21st.

More to come.

Holly Dunn

The news broke overnight that former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn has passed away at the age of 59. She passed away from ovarian cancer.

Holly joined the Grand Ole Opry on October 14, 1989, during the Opry's 64th birthday bash. She left Nashville in 2003, moving to New Mexico, as she retired from the music business to fulfill her dreams of being an artist. Several years after she moved, the Opry dropped her membership.

Personally, Holly was one of my favorites. I always enjoyed seeing her on the Opry and in my opinion, she did a nice job hosting segments and in hosting the backstage show. Her huge hit, "Daddy's Hands" launched a career that saw a number of her singles hitting the charts.

Our prayers and thoughts go to Holly's family and friends.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 11/11 & 11/12

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 4 shows this weekend, as the Opry will be presenting 2 shows on both Friday and Saturday night. The reason for two shows on Friday? It is Veteran's Day and both shows will feature Charlie Daniels, who has always been a proud supporter of our veterans. Charlie will be joined on Friday night by fellow Opry members Jeannie Seely, Jesse McReynolds, Mike Snider, The Whites and the legendary Ray Pillow. All will be appearing on both shows, and it is really nice to see Ray scheduled once again on the Opry. 

Guest artists scheduled for Friday night, again for both shows, include Sean McConnell, Exile, The Grascals, Smithfield and Radney Foster. A really nice mix of artists set for both shows. 

Saturday night will include Opry members Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne, Mike Snider, The Whites and Connie. All are set for both shows, and actually scheduled for the same segments on each. Guest artists joining these Opry members will be Carly Pearce, Jim Lauderdale, Brett Kissel, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Eamonn McCrystal & Chloe Agnew, and finally, Mo Pitney. As with Friday night, a real nice group of artists scheduled. 

Friday November 11
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sean McConnell
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Exile; Smithfield
8:00: Ray Pillow (host); The Grascals; Radney Foster
8:30: The Whites (host); Charlie Daniels Band

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sean McConnell
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Daniels Band
10:30: Ray Pillow (host); Exile; Smithfield
11:00: The Whites (host); Radney Foster; The Grascals

Saturday November 12
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Lauderdale; Brett Kissel
8:00: The Whites (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Eamonn McCrystal & Chloe Agnew; Mo Pitney

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Lauderdale; Brett Kissel
10:30: The Whites (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Eamonn McCrystal & Chloe Agnew; Mo Pitney

That comes out to 11 artists for each show on Friday night, of whom 6 are Opry members, while each Saturday night show will feature 12 artists, 5 of which belong to the Opry. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of November 11 & 12, 2011:

Friday November 11
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Love and Theft
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
Intermission
8:15: Charley Pride (host); George Hamilton IV; Dale Ann Bradley
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Guy Penrod

Saturday November 12
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Claire Lynch Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Bradley Gaskin
8:00: Charley Pride (host); Jan Howard; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Love and Theft; Connie Smith

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
10:00: The Whites (host); Jack Greene; Bradley Gaskin
10:30: Charley Pride (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Love and Theft; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Claire Lynch Band

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of November 10 & 11, 2006:

Friday November 10
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Buddy Jewell
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Walker; The Grascals
9:30: The Whites (host); Elizabeth Cook; Andy Griggs

Saturday November 11
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: John Conlee (host); Darryl Worley; Rodney Atkins; John Anderson
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Bar D Wranglers; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Hal Ketchum; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; John Anderson
10:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Bar D Wranglers; Darryl Worley
10:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Daryle Singletary; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rodney Atkins
11:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett

Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday November 9, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Jan Howard
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Osborne Brothers; The Whites
7:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Larry Boone
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky; Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Charlie Walker

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Stonewall Jackson; Stu Phillips; Larry Boone
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); The Whites
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim Ed Brown
10:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Jean Shepard
10:45: Boxcar Willie (host); Charlie Louvin; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Justin Tubb; Mike Snider
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Johnny Russell

To finish it up, here is the Grand Ole Opry running order from 38 years ago, Saturday November 11, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Milkcow Blues
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Charlie Walker: I Love You Because/Stay A Little Longer

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): My Favorite Sin
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Vic Willis: Shenandoah
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: Only Mama That'll Walk the Line/He Will be There
Jim & Jesse: My Time is Running
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Charlie Louvin: Without Love, A Fancy Place to Cry
Linda Carol Moore: Lovers Don't Always Fall in Love
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/Big Wind's A' Comin

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central #9/Sunshine Special
Billy Grammer: Detroit City/Faded Love
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host) & The Nashville Grass: Orange Blossom Special
Grandpa Jones: Dooley/Fair & Tender Ladies
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way that We're Doing it Now
Marion Worth: New Lips
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Charlie Nixon: The Old Spinning Wheel

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jack Greene: Walking on New Grass/Lord I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Hank Snow: My Life with You

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Feed You Now
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Charlie Louvin: When I Was Your Man
Linda Carol Moore: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Porter Wagoner: Ol' Slewfoot/On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Fender
Ray Pillow (host): Excuse Me
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Vic Willis: Shenandoah
Ray Pillow: Another Day; Another Dollar

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Billy Grammer: The Waltz You Saved for Me
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Glorybound Train

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) & The Nashville Grass: Have You Come to Say Goodbye
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way that We're Doing it Now
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Blake Williams: Sunset Express

10:45: Beech-Nut
Grandpa Jones (host): I Don't Love Nobody
Stu Phillips: It's A Heartache
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Grandpa Jones: What'll I Do with Baby-O

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale that the Crow Told Me/I Was On My Way to the Show
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Marion Worth: New Lips
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Acme
Jack Greene (host): & Jeannie Seely: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Sing for the Good Times
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Johnny Paycheck: (?)/Slide Off of You Satin Sheets/She's My Friend; Woman; Wife/Take This Job & Shove It
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

There you have it for this week. Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!








Monday, November 7, 2016

November Opry Highlights

Hard to believe but November is upon us. Many consider the months of November, December, January and February the "winter" months, as the cold wind from the North starts blowing. As far as the Grand Ole Opry is concerned, November is the start of the "winter run" as the Opry moves from the Grand Ole Opry House downtown to it's most famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium. Doing what I do at the start of each month, here are the important and historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in relation to members of the Opry, during the month of November:

November 28, 1912: Early Grand Ole Opry member Robert Lunn was born in Franklin, Tennessee. He was nicknamed the "Original Talking Blues Man." Robert first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on March 31, 1934, and he stayed with the Opry until he retired in 1958. What is interesting is that he was known for his "Talking Blues" yes he never recorded the song until 1947. He was very popular and did many early Opry tent shows, often appearing with Roy Acuff.

November 6, 1925: Uncle Dave Macon, Sid Harkreader and Dr. Humphrey Bate performed a show at the Ryman Auditorium that was broadcast on WSM radio. This is considered the first country music concert to have been broadcast on WSM.

November 9, 1925: George D. Hay began working at WSM radio in Nashville, with the title of "Radio Director." Later in the month, he would put Uncle Jimmy Thompson in front of a WSM microphone on a Saturday night, which was the beginning of the WSM Barn Dance, later renamed the Grand Ole Opry.

November 28, 1925: At 8:00 p.m., and originating from the fifth-floor studio at the National Life and Accident Insurance Company's headquarters in downtown Nashville, George D. Hay stepped up to a microphone and introduced Uncle Jimmy Thompson on WSM radio. This is considered as the birth of the Grand Ole Opry. The first tune played by Uncle Jimmy was "Tennessee Wagoner."

November 2, 1926: Former Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker was born in Texas. This former disc jockey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and would remain a member of the Opry until his death in 2008.

November 30, 1931: Teddy Wilburn was born. Teddy, along with his brother Doyle, were longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. After Doyle's death, Teddy remained as a solo artist on the Opry, until his death in 2003.

November 1, 1937: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was born. Bill became an Opry member in 1961 and is still an active member today. Not only has the Country Music Hall of Fame member have numerous hit records to his credit, but he is also considered one of the great songwriters in the history of country music. Hard to believe that Bill will be 79 this year.

November 2, 1948: Roy Acuff was defeated in his campaign to become the Governor of Tennessee. While Roy would remain a big supporter of Republican candidates, Roy himself would never run for public office again. Roy's campaign mixed country music and politics, but it was not enough to overcome the Democratic majority in Tennessee.

November 6, 1948: While official records are many times hard to come by, it would appear that this was the date that Jimmy Dickens first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy was an Opry member until leaving in 1957, however he returned to the cast in 1975. Jimmy then stayed with the Opry until his death in January 2015.

November 13, 1949: The Grand Ole Opry sponsored its first overseas tour, as a group of Opry performers traveled to England, Germany and the Azores as part of a USO sponsored tour. Among the Opry stars making the trip were Roy Acuff, Rod Brasfield, Jimmy Dickens, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams.

November 13, 1953: Del Wood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Del was known for her ragtime piano playing, and her #1 record, "Down Yonder." Del would remain as a member until her death in October 1989.

November 14, 1953: Bill Carlisle joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Bill was an Opry member for just over 49 years, until passing away on March 17, 2003, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

November 20, 1954: Western singer and television star Gene Autry made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

November 21, 1955: Jean Shepard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean, who passed away earlier this year, was an Opry member for over 60 years, the only female to achieve that number. Not only was November 21 the date that Jean joined the Opry, but it was also her birthday and wedding anniversary. It should be noted that after Jean joined the Opry in 1955, she never left.

November 3, 1956: The great Stonewall Jackson originally joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This year will mark his 60th anniversary from when he first joined the show. While it will be 60 years since Stonewall originally joined, it should be noted that Stonewall was fired from the Opry in 1964 for failing to make the required number of annual appearances. He rejoined the cast in 1969. Given Stonewall's history with the Opry, and its current management, it will be interesting to see if there will be any recognition given to Stonewall, who has not appeared on the Opry for several years.

November 10, 1956: The Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle, became official members of the Grand Ole Opry. Teddy and Doyle, along with other family members, originally came to the Opry in the 1940s, however due to child labor laws, they were sent packing. Thankfully, with the help of Roy Acuff, the brothers returned and became one of the most successful brother acts in the history of country music.

November 9, 1960; Hank Locklin accepted an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Hank had made his first Opry guest appearance on November 28, 1953. Over the years, he would continue to guest until finally becoming an Opry member. Hank would remain an Opry member until his death in March 2009, 6 month short of 50 years as an Opry member.

November 3, 1961: The Country Music Association announced the first class of inductees to the new Country Music Hall of Fame. In that first class were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams. Roy Acuff would join that group the following year to become the first living inductee into the Hall.

November 25, 1961: Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM air personality, Eddie Stubbs was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Before joining WSM, Eddie was a fiddle player with the Johnson Mountain Boys, and then later he was a part of Kitty Wells' band.

November 29, 1961: A group of Opry members, which included Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and Grandpa Jones, performed before a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in New York.

November 28, 1964: Willie Nelson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Willie was an Opry member for just several years, as Nashville was tough on him and he eventually left Music City, returning to his native Texas and reinventing his career. While at the Opry, Willie would constantly complain about the low pay and having to give up every Saturday night to be there.

November 20, 1968: While not specific to the Grand Ole Opry, the first televised Country Music Association Awards show was televised on NBC. While the awards started in 1966, it took several years to find a network interested in airing it. The show was televised from the Ryman Auditorium with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans as the hosts.

November 12, 1971: Construction officially started on the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland USA. It was a massive project, taking until March 1974 to complete. While there were initial worries about the Opry leaving downtown and the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry has done just fine in its new home.

November 10, 1973: David Akeman, known professionally as Stringbean, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that night, when he and his wife Estelle returned home, they were ambushed and murdered by two men who were waiting in their home to rob them. The bodies were found the following morning by their neighbor and good friend, Grandpa Jones, who had come to pick up Stringbean for a fishing trip. Nashville, and the Opry, was shaken by the murders, with many Opry members, led by Roy Acuff, calling for the death penalty. Grandpa Jones left Nashville for a number of years, moving to Arkansas and opening his own dinner theater. The killers were quickly caught and convicted. One died in prison and the other is out on parole.

November 24, 1975: One of the Opry's early members, Asher Sizemore, passed away at the age of 69. Asher appeared on the Opry with his son, known as "Little Jimmie." While there is some confusion as to when they started on the Opry, the date appears to be September 24, 1932. They were on the Opry for most of the 1930s, leaving the Opry in 1942. Years after they left the Opry, the pair would continue to perform on various radio stations, primarily in the Midwest.

November 5, 1983: Glen Campbell made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed a melody of his hits.

November 21, 1985: Reba McEntire made her first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Reba had actually joined the show earlier when she was asked to join during a taping of the Opry's 60th anniversary show. Since the show was taped for later broadcast, news of her Opry membership was kept under wraps.

November 3, 1990: Minnie Pearl was honored as an Opry member for 50 years. She joined the cast in 1940. As a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, this comedian is considered one of the great stars in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.

November 15, 1992: The Grand Ole Opry radio program was inducted into the Museum of Broadcast Communication's Hall of Fame.

November 23, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff passed away in Nashville, just one month after his final appearance on the Opry. His influence at the Opry, and with country music in general, cannot be overstated. Thanks in large part to Acuff-Rose Publishing, Nashville became the home of country music. Roy was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, and for many years he was the Opry's most popular member. There are many who feel that his death was the first nail in the coffin that had led to the many changes that have taken place at the Opry over the past several decades.

November 28, 1992: Marty Stuart became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Marty's 24th year as an Opry member.

November 27, 1993: Joe Diffie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Joe, this will be year number 23 at the Opry.

November 30, 1993: Grand Ole Opry member David Houston passed away at the age of 57. David, who came to Nashville and the Opry from the Louisiana Hayride, had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music with "Almost Persuaded." David had joined the Opry in 1972.

November 30, 1995: Martina McBride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Martina joined during a CBS television special that celebrated the Opry's 70th anniversary. This will be her 21st year as an Opry member. Loretta Lynn, who Martina said was a big influence to her while she was learning the business, did the formal induction. Regarding Martina, I love this story that I have repeated several times: She actually appeared on the Opry as part of the 70th anniversary birthday bash that was televised by TNN. She was the last performer on the televised segment before the cake was to be brought out, along with the cast singing "Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry" which always concluded the televised segment. During her portion, she sang two ballads that ran long, causing the cake and singing to be delayed until the next segment, which was not televised. There were many unhappy viewers at home who missed this Opry tradition, and many unhappy Opry members, who missed the chance to be onstage during the televised segment. Martina was very upset afterwards, believing that her mistake on the timing of her songs, cost her a chance of becoming an Opry member, something she always dreamed of. She apologized to everyone she could fine that night, and dreams do come true as the following month, she became an Opry member.

November 23, 1996: Trace Adkins made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. 7 years later, in August 2003, he would become an Opry member. Trace has told the story several times that on the night of his first appearance, Grandpa Jones, who was hosting the segment, forgot his name. Not unusual for Grandpa.

November 8, 1997: Johnny Paycheck became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Johnny, this came pretty late in his life, and after several years of trying to rebuild his image and career after some series legal issues that included prison. Johnny Russell did a lot of work behind the scenes to help Johnny become a member, convincing Opry management that Johnny had cleaned up his act. Sadly, Johnny became ill a few years after joining the show.

November 7, 1998: Jimmy Dickens was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Jimmy, who originally joined the Opry in 1948, was joined that night by Waylon Jennings, Bill Anderson, Carl Smith and Bobby Bare.

November 23, 2000: Dolly Parton and Vince Gill hosted a CBS televised special celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.

November 8, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry is broadcast for the first time on Sirius satellite radio. For many, it was the first time that they were able to listen to an entire Opry show, while for others, it was the first time to enjoy the show without static.

November 23, 2002: Jim & Jesse McReynolds performed on the Opry for the final time. Jim McReynolds, who was in the final stages of an illness that would lead to his death on December 31, sang and played his guitar while sitting. The brothers had been Opry members since 1964, with Jesse still actively performing on the Opry.

November 30, 2002: Tim McGraw made his first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Tim would appear on the Opry stage a few more times.

November 17, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson passed away in Nashville. Don was one of the greatest songwriters in the history of country music and in 2001 he had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Don joined the Opry on May 20, 1958, but was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of Opry appearances. He rejoined the show several years later, but even after coming back, his appearances were few. His last Opry show was on March 16, 1996.

November 15, 2005: The Grand Ole Opry returned to Carnegie Hall in New York for just the 3rd time in its history, this time to promote the Opry's 80th anniversary. The show included performances by Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Trisha Yearwood.

November 19, 2007: During Charlie Daniel's 11th annual Christmas For Kids benefit at the Ryman Auditorium, Opry member Martina McBride surprised Charlie on stage with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

November 8, 2008: Actor Kevin Costner and his country and western band, Modern West, performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.

November 14, 2009: The Grand Ole Opry streamed part of its show on MySpace. The segment featured Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Jake Owen and Rodney Atkins. This was the first time that the Opry attempted a broadcast like this and despite numerous technical issues, the Opry considered it a success.

November 9, 2010: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin made his final Opry appearance, in a show that took place at the Ryman Auditorium.

November 21, 2015: Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She appeared in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson, her first Opry appearance in a year. During the show, she announced her retirement and this was Jean's final appearance on the Opry.




Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Grand Ole Opry 11/4 & 11/5

It was 60 years ago this weekend, November 3, 1956, that Stonewall Jackson originally became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And Saturday night will be special at the Opry as Stonewall is scheduled to appear on the 1st show. Many of us were wondering if the Opry and Stonewall would be able to get together as we all know the feelings that Stonewall has toward the Opry. I am glad that they did.

The story of Stonewall joining the Opry is pretty well known. After finishing a stint in the Navy, Stonewall was a farmer for several years until he saved enough to buy a new pickup truck. Once he got it, he drove to Nashville. "I came into town, stopped at a little motel on the south side of town, and checked in," Stonewall recalls of that day in 1956. As fate would have it, he'd booked a room just across the street from the offices of Nashville's top publishing company at the time, Acuff-Rose. "I said, I believe I'll walk over there and see if anybody in country music will talk to me." Stonewall wound up singing for publisher Wesley Rose. One of the best-connected men in Nashville's music industry, Wesley quickly took him downtown to meet Opry founder George D. Hay and manager W.D. Kilpatrick. Stonewall sang the same three songs for them that he had at Acuff-Rose. "They took me down the hall and signed me to a regular member's contract," Stonewall says. "I've been here ever since." (Well, not quite as Stonewall was fired from the Opry in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's requirement as to the number of annual appearances to be made. He later rejoined the Opry in May 1969.) 

The same men then helped Stonewall secure a contract with Columbia Records. Until his recording career took off, he also worked shipping Opry souvenir books from the basement of what was then the National Life Building. Stonewall had his first hit, "Life to Go" in 1958. The follow-up single, "Waterloo," became Stonewall's signature tune. Other hits included "Don't Be Angry," "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water," "Me & You & A Dog Named Boo," and the 1964 chart-topper "B.J. the D.J."All together Stonewall has placed more than 40 singles on the Billboard country charts, which has included 2 #1 singles (Waterloo and B.J. the D.J.) and a total of 11 Top 10 hits. You can make a case that Stonewall Jackson is one of the greatest honky-tonk singers in the history of country music, and perhaps deserves a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Stonewall will also be celebrating his 84th birthday on November 6, and on Saturday night he will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. These days, Stonewall is basically retired so his appearances this weekend will be special. The last several years have also seen Stonewall's Opry appearances decline. In fact, he last appeared on Opry on Friday November 7, 2014. As with many others, I will be listening on Saturday night to hear Stonewall, and hoping that he receives the recognition that he deserves. 

As to the rest of the Opry this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Mike Snider, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, and Bill Anderson. They will be be joined on Friday night by Jesse McReynolds, while on Saturday night, in addition to Stonewall, The Whites are scheduled for the 1st show, while Bobby Osborne is down for the late show. 

Now let's look at the guest artists for this weekend. First, there always seems to be someone making their Opry debut and this weekend it will be Kelsey Waldon on Friday night and Caitlyn Smith on Saturday. 

Kelsey plays a little bit of everything, from country to bluegrass. She lists her influences as Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs and Guy Clark. She has been on tour, playing a number of smaller venues around the country. Her first album "The Goldmine" was released in 2014, and she released new music "I've Got a Way" this past year. Originally from Kentucky, she now lives in Nashville, where she worked her way up through the club scene. 

Caitlyn Smith is a member of the "Next Women of Country Music Class of 2016," sponsored by CMT. Other members of the class include Jamie Lynn Spears (who is appearing on the Friday Night Opry), Kree Harrison, Logan Brill, Lucie Silvas, Maggie Rose, Margo Price, Post Monroe and Runaway Jane, all of whom of previously appeared on the Opry. Not only a fine singer, but Caitlyn is also an accomplished songwriter, with songs recorded by Garth Brooks and Kenny Rogers, among others. She records for Skylark Records and released her first EP in 2014. 

Among other artists scheduled to appear on Friday night, the list includes Jamie Lynn Spears, another on the list of the "Next Women of Country Music Class of 2016,", The Steeldrivers, and Kristian Bush. Saturday, the artists scheduled, in addition to Caitlyn Smith, are Crowder, O'Connor Band with Mark O'Connor, Rhiannon Giddens and Charles Esten. I have noticed that Mark O'Connor seems to be making the Opry a semi-regular stop lately. He does a nice job and it is good to hear him on the Opry. 

Friday November 4
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Kelsey Waldon; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jamie Lynn Spears
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); The Steeldrivers; Kristian Bush

Saturday November 5
1st show
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Caitlyn Smith
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Crowder; Stonewall Jackson
8:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; O'Connor Band w/Mark O'Connor; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Rhiannon Giddens; Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Caitlyn Smith
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Crowder
10:30: John Conlee (host); O'Connor Band w/Mark O'Connor; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Rhiannon Giddens; Charles Esten

Adding it all up, that comes out to 7 Opry members on Friday Night, 7 for the early Saturday show and 6 for the late show. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of November 4 & 5, 2011:

Friday November 4
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Diamond Rio
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; JT Hodges
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Craig Campbell
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Johnny Lee

Saturday November 5
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; James Wesley
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sarah Darling
Intermission
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Stonewall Jackson; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Exile

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of November 3 & 4, 2006:

Friday November 3
8:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Blue Country
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ralph Stanley; Katrina Elam
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bradley Walker; T. Graham Brown
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Hank Locklin; The Grascals

Saturday November 4
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Ball
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ralph Stanley; Lane Turner
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Josh Turner
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Collin Raye; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Ball
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Ralph Stanley; Josh Gracin
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Josh Turner; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Lane Turner; Jack Greene; Collin Raye
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts

And from 25 years ago, Saturday November 2, 1991. What stands out about this show is that every performer was a member of the Opry. 

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Billy Walker; Jim Ed Brown
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); Mel McDaniel; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; The Whites; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); David Houston; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jack Greene; Bill Carlisle
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Loretta Lynn
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Anderson
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Mike Snider; Charlie Louvin
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; Johnny Russell

To conclude, normally the Grand Ole Opry's annual birthday bash takes place in October. But not always and 1961 was one of the years that it did not. The 36th anniversary of the Opry took place on November 4. Here is the line-up from the birthday show, 55 years ago. 

7:30: Pet Milk
Faron Young (host): Back Track
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Roy Drusky: I Went Out of My Way
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink on Me
Jimmy Newman: Alligator Man
Skeeter Davis: Optimistic
Glaser Brothers: Let Me Down Easy
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Faron Young: I Haven't Got the Time

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): My Long Journey Home
Billy Grammer: Save Our Tears
Patsy Cline: I Fall to Pieces
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Cowboy Copas: Alabam

Del Wood: Down Yonder
Bill Anderson: Po Folks
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Flatt & Scruggs: Where Will I Shelter My Sheep
Earl Scruggs: Earl's Breakdown

8:30: Faultless Starch
Jim Reeves (host): How Can I Write on Paper, What I Feel in My Heart
Hawkshaw Hawkins: I Walk Up with A Big Old Heartache
Willis Brothers: Everlovin' Dixie Land
Hank Locklin: This Song is Just for You
Jean Shepard: I've Got to Talk to Mary
Stringbean: 20 cent Cotton & 90 cent Meat
Carl Butler: Honky Tonkitis
Jordanaires: Satisfied
Jim Reeves: Melody

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Girl From Abilene
Wilburn Brothers: The Legend of the Big River Train
Ray Price: (?)
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Monroe: Linda Lou
Cousin Jody: (?)
Margie Bowes: Lonely Pillow
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Ernest Tubb: Thru that Door

9:30: Stephens
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Johnny & Jack: Let My Heart Be Broken
Ferlin Husky: The Waltz You Saved for Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Country Music Time
George Morgan: Everyday of My Life
Kitty Wells: Our Mansion Is A Prison Now
George Hamilton IV: (?)
Marty Robbins: El Paso

10:00: Standard Oil/Sustaining
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Roy Drusky: Anymore
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Carl Butler: For the First Time
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Del Wood: Creole Fandango
Billy Walker: Faded Lights & Lonesome People
Porter Wagoner: Everything She Touches Gets the Blues

10:30: Jasper Engine and Transmission
Ernest Tubb (host): Don't Just Stand There
Jimmy Newman: Alligator Man
Stringbean: Herding Cattle
Patsy Cline: Crazy
Ernest Tubb: Thoughts of a Fool

10:45: De Con
Faron Young (host): Hello Walls
Jan Howard: (?)
Cowboy Copas: Signed, Sealed, & Delivered
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Faron Young: Going Steady

11:00: Coca-Cola
Ray Price (host): (?)
Willis Brothers: Pretty Diamonds
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Lonzo & Oscar: I Can't Pitch Woo In An Igloo
Billy Grammer: Save Your Tears
Jordanaires: House of Gold
Sam & Kirk McGee: Lonely River
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Ray Price: (?)

11:30: Black Draught/Sustaining
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings of A Dove
Bill Monroe: On & On
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Wilburn Brothers: No Legal Right
Cousin Jody: (?)
Loretta Lynn: I Walked Away from the Wreck
Glaser Brothers: Tired of Crying Over You
George Hamilton IV: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)

I guess you can say that is a "real" Opry show!! As I look at the line-up from that night, a couple of observations. First, the only non-members who performed were Jan Howard and Loretta Lynn, both of whom would eventually become Opry members. Second, most every Opry member was on but two of the more notable ones missing were Roy Acuff and Hank Snow. Finally, Marty Robbins appeared only at 8:30, Hank Snow's normal spot and not at all during the 2nd half of the show. It would be a few years later that Marty would establish himself in the 11:30 slot. 

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and congratulations once again to Stonewall Jackson on his 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.