Sunday, April 2, 2017

Grand Ole Opry 4/7 & 4/8

This coming week I will be on vacation, down in the mountains around Gatlinburg and then in North Carolina. I am not sure I will have computer access during the week, so I thought I would post a few comments regarding the Opry shows for the coming week.

For the Tuesday Night Opry, April 4, Opry member Clint Black will be making an appearance. For Clint, it has been a while since he has been at the Opry, and as with his last visit, he will be performing with his wife, Lisa Hartman Black. In addition to Clint, there will be another guest appearance by Chris Janson.

7:00: John Conlee; Caitlyn Smith
7:30: Henry Cho; Easton Corbin
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Chris Janson
8:45: Dailey & Vincent; Clint Black w/Lisa Hartman  Black.

Nice to see Dailey & Vincent back at the Opry. They have Opry members for less than 30 days, and this will be their 2nd appearance, with more on the schedule. Just what many of us expected.

Opry Country Classics resumes on Thursday night after taking a week off. Here is the line-up for that show:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lee Greenwood
Also Appearing: Craig Campbell; The Gatlin Brothers; Wade Hayes; Sylvia

Now looking at those scheduled for the Friday Night Opry on April 7, those listed include Mark Wills, Logan Brill, The Grascals, Jason Crabb, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds and Riders In The Sky. For the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday April 8, those listed so far include Charlie Daniels Band, Kellie Pickler, Mark Wills, Midland, Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and Connie Smith. With the Easter season, and a lot of folks on vacation, the Opry has scheduled two shows on Saturday night, hoping to take advantage of the increased crowds and school groups that are in Nashville.

And now, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of April 6 & 7, 2007:

Friday April 6
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; Luke Bryan
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mountain Heart
9:00: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Young
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Joe Diffie; Gene Watson

Saturday April 7
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel McDaniel; The Whites
7:00: Alison Krauss; Taylor Swift; Bucky Covington; Emerson Drive
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Mountain Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Jean Shepard; Mel Tillis

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mel McDaniel; Alison Krauss
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Bucky Covington; Taylor Swift
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Emerson Drive; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Mountain Heart Mel Tillis

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday April 4, 1992:

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jack Greene
6:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Billy Walker; 4 Guys; Osborne Brothers
7:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Mike Snider; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Ray Pillow
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy Dickens; Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Bill Anderson; Jean Shepard; Del Reeves; Charlie Louvin

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Roy Drusky; Wilma Lee Cooper; David Houston; Jack Greene
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); 4 Guys
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Del Reeves; Justin Tubb; Jean Shepard; Osborne Brothers
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Mike Snider

And from 50 years ago, Saturday April 8, 1967:

7:30: Cordite
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV; Urge for Going
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Grandpa Jones: Give That Mule More Hay
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
Stringbean: The Big 'Un Got Away
Margie Bowes: Is it Over
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Oswald: The End of the World

8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Rocky Road Blues
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Jean Shepard: Careless Hands
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Bobby Lord: Blue Moon of Kentucky

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep an Eye on Me Tonight
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express
Porter Wagoner: Be Careful of Stones that You Throw
Mack Magaha & Buck Trent: Goodbye, Liza Jane

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Journey's End
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Cal Smith: The Only Thing I Want Just Went Home
Ernest Tubb: Honky Tonk Heart
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Austin Wood: I Want 'Cha, But I Don't Wanna Hurt You
Buddy Charleton & Steve Chapman: E.T. Blues

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Willis Brothers: Bob
Grandpa Jones: I Don't Love Nobody
Bob Luman: Come on & Sing
Hank Snow: Snow in Hawaii
Marion Worth: Especially You
Willis Brothers: Anytime
Hank Snow: Miller's Cave

10:00: Schick
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
George Morgan: I Couldn't See
Stringbean: Mule & A Little Red Wagon
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:15: Pure
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Margie Bowes: Get Your Lie the Way You Want It
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Roy Drusky: The World is Round

10:30: Buckley's
Tex Ritter (host): Just Beyond the Moon
Jean Shepard: Sweet Temptation
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jean Shepard: Heart, We Did all That we Could

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Til My Get Up Has Got Up and Gone
Willis Brothers: Oh, Lonesome Me
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Out of the Texas Plains
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: You Tried to Ruin My Name
Marion Worth: There Goes My Everything
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Hank Snow: The Call of the Wild
Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing to You
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: A Legend In My Time

11:30: Lava
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Norma Jean: Conscience, Keep An Eye on Me Tonight
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Bob Luman: You Can't Take the Country from the Boy
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life

Finally, as if anyone needs a reminder, Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. will be the 2017 Country Music Hall of Fame announcement. I am sure most of us will be tuning in, at least I will try to. Some will be pleased and happy; others disappointed but I have a feeling whoever is named, each one will be well deserving of the honor.

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. Hopefully I will be able to add some comments, and until then, have a great week.






23 comments:

  1. Who do you guys think will make it to the Hall of Fame this year in the Veterans category Hank Williams Jr. Tanya Tucker Crystal Gayle or Ray Stevens?

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  2. Who do you guys think will make it to the Hall of Fame this year in the Modern category Ricky Skaggs Alan Jackson or Brooks & Dunn?

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  3. That's a good lineup for the weekend. I'm sure some names will be added and some taken off. Glad too hear they are having the two shows.
    I believe Daily & Vincent will have wonderful attendance as members. They do tour quite a bit, but it is limited to the "heartland" areas of the USA. Here in Missouri, I've seen them twice at Poplar Bluff and once at Farmington. They usually play the fine arts center at our local community college annually. The atmosphere is very down to earth and they are well received.
    Finally, Clint Black and wife in town before the night of the Hall of Fame announcement??? You don't think?........ He is eligible. His career in the late 80's and 90's was red hot. And he won lots of those CMA awards. And I've always believed at some point he would go in. But before Skaggs, Jackson, Whitley, Stuart, The Judds, Loveless & Brooks & Dunn? If that happens this will be my last year of making any predictions. The award will officially become political in my eyes. Skaggs saved country music, Whitley is the Patsy Cline of his generation, Stuart keeps traditional country music alive in many avenues (records, television, preservation) and Jackson has 35 No. 1 hits, an induction no brainer. I guess we'll know Wednesday.

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  4. First, Byron, safe travels and enjoy!

    I was looking at that 1967 lineup and thinking... Wow.

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  5. Clint Black has cancelled for the Tuesday Night Opry. He is ill.

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  6. I was wondering -----they should have a special election for those who were popular for a very short time;Wendy Holcombe,Johnny Horton,Molly O'Day,others.Anybody agree?

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    1. Sorry, but I respectfully disagree. Tragedies happen sometimes. It is unfortunate that lives can be ended way too soon, and some artists never get the chance to have a full career. And of course the sadness felt by their families and fans. But the Hall of Fame is not meant for "what could have been" or "what might have been".

      There are many, many well-deserving artists who belong in the Hall of Fame, and they wait forever to be inducted. Not to pick on Ms Holcombe, whom I remember fondly from the '80s, but if she were elected to the Hall of Fame, while Alan Jackson, Dottie West, Ricky Skaggs, Archie Campbell, Hank Williams Jr, and many others wait outside... I'm sorry, but that would be an enormous disgrace.

      Paul

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  7. Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed, and Don Schlitz are this year's inductees. Congratulations to all (and in Jerry's case, his family).

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  8. Great choices and each deserves the honor. Jerry Reed was a pleasant surprise as he has been mentioned for several years and I thought he was the one that would have been lost in the shuffle, especially with Tanya Tucker, Hank Jr., and Crystal Gayle being mentioned. And then there was the matter that Jerry passed away several years ago. It is almost like the voters were listening to those who were complaining that deceased candidates were not getting a fair shake.

    Nobody can complain about Alan Jackson getting in as his career achievements are well known. My only concern is that with Alan now getting in, this will open the door for the others who came in the 90's, which will result in those who achieved prominence in the 80's being left behind, or until they are eligible for the veterans class. Ricky Skaggs is the candidate that immediately comes to mind. Just as more candidates for the voters when they consider the veterans.

    There are so many great songwriters and Don Schlitz is one of them He has written so many classic hits and is well deserving of the honor. As with the other categories, there were so many candidates that were under consideration.

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    1. For me Alan was the best candidate, no disrespect to Ricky or anyone else. I do have Ricky on my shortlist and hope your fears don't come true about him getting overlooked. I'm not sure what 90s artist would slip in next year. I think we are still a couple years away from the run of Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, etc., but maybe I am overlooking someone. On second thought, Brooks and Dunn would be the one I could see. I love Ronnie's voice and they had great success, but would like to see Ricky go first.

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    2. Joe, I would tend to agree that Brooks and Dunn would probably be at the top of the list, followed by The Judds. Maybe Martina McBride is another name from that era? Clint Black was more late 80's, but was still strong in the 90's. If nothing else, we have a year to think about it.

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    3. I think the CMA sent a message today, that they still induct deceased artists. I wouldn't look for that posthumous catergory that most think is needed. You could tell Bobby Bare was humbled and overwhelmed with joy. I'm certain he worked hard for this. Now all the "Old Dogs", Reed, Waylon, Bare and Tillis are in. Jerry Reed certainly did have a Hall of Fame career.
      Schiltz is well worthy but I'm surprised he went in before Dallas Frazier.
      Same with Alan Jackson. As popular and loved as Ricky Skaggs is, his exclusion thus so far is mysterious to me. But then again so is Hank Williams, Jr.
      I must admit is does not look good at all for Archie Campbell, The Wilburns and truthfully now, Dottie West. As the years pass by the electors will only become younger and less informed and knowledgeable of these type of artists. The Gatlins, Ricky Skaggs, Tanya Tucker, etc, will be inducted as Veterans and yes, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney will be your modern inductees.

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    4. While much more an 80s act than 90s, you are right about The Judds. I can't see Martina for the next couple years. Overall I feel B&D, The Judds, and Ricky should all be in first plus from a timing perspective she did not have her first #1 until 1995, although she did have a pair of Top 10s in 1993. And yes, Clint would be another one to consider from the class of '89. Another one I had overlooked previously was Toby Keith as his first singles were in 1993. He has a lot of chart toppers, but not sure he'll do well enough in other areas to get much consideration for now. Lots to debate ahead over the next ~360 days I guess.

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    5. There's a reason why Ricky Skaggs is called "Picky Ricky." I've met him several times and it is a crap shoot on what you get from him attitude wise. He can also be really preachy from the stage. Wondering if he hasn't rubbed some voters the wrong way. Remember Webb Pierce was shut out of the HOF until he was dead bc ppl said they'd never vote for him while he was alive.

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  9. Who do you guys see as the early favorites for the Hall of Fame for next year?

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  10. With Bryon on vacation this week, thought I'd go ahead and post the detailed lineups for the weekend shows since I see they are out:

    Friday, April 7th
    7:00: Jeannie Seely, Ray Scott, Jesse McReynolds
    7:30: The Whites, Striking Match, Jason Crabb
    8:15: Mike Snider, Logan Brill, Shenandoah
    8:45: Connie Smith, The Grascals, Mark Wills

    Saturday, April 8th
    7:00: Jeanne Seely, Mike Snider, Midland
    7:30: Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Mark Wills
    8:00: The Whites, Kellie Pickler, Opry Square Dancers
    8:30: Connie Smith, Charlie Daniels Band

    Second show
    9:30: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Kellie Pickler
    10:00: Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels Band
    10:30: The Whites, Midland, Opry Square Dancers
    11:00: Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne & the Rockey Top X-Press, Mark Wills

    Can't wait to hear Midland Saturday as I feel like their sound will work really well with the Opry. Also, the two shows next Tuesday look jam packed with big names, although my most anticipated will be the return of Home Free to the Opry.

    Hope you are enjoying the smokies!

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  11. Joe, thank you very much. I may have to designate you as my new second in command!! I do appreciate it very much.

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    1. No problem at all. If you ever need somebody to look up the Opry's website and copy a list, I'm your man. Now if you need somebody to provide a tenth of the knowledge and history of those acts that you do, I come up more than a little short.

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  13. Well here we are. TRUTH.

    Logan Brill, who is her idol. Bonnie Raitt! This is future of country music?

    I have been writing about our experience with Opry members and country folks in general over the past 25 years. I just wrote 15 pages on our meeting Roy Acuff and his last days at the Opry. In the closing remarks I question how many new artist know who he is today. Is he just a footnote in history to today's acts who only care about their little piece of the world today in the future? So often we hear these new acts on the Opry sight all these non country acts as their influence. What history are they going to pass on? Not the history of country or the Opry.

    I surely must be getting old!

    Jim
    Knightsville, IN

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  14. Well, for what it's worth, I'm in your camp Jim.
    The choice of guests is just bewildering.
    I hear more new real country artists on our local community radio station than I hear on the Grand Old 'Opry. They're out there, and they understand what the 'Opry is all about.

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  15. It's called pay to play boys. The record companies and PR firms pony up the dollars for a spot on the Opry, the Opry takes the cash to stay afloat. I have wondered for years why the Opry isn't in lock-step with the Americana Music Association and IBMA -- artists who have real followings who play real music. If Jason Isbell or Sturgill Simpson is good enough for the Tonight Show or Margo Price on SNL -- with real national exposure, why don't we see them as Opry Members? Those are the kind of people that will sustain the show for years to come unlike the Keith Urbans and Darius Ruckers of the day.

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