Monday, March 19, 2018

Tuesday Night Opry 3/20 & Opry Country Classics 3/22

Tuesday night will be very special as Chris Janson becomes the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Chris Janson was born on April 2, 1986 in Perryville, Missouri. He moved to Nashville after completing high school. In June 2009, Chris co-wrote and recorded several duets with Holly Williams. In October 2009, he signed with BNA Records, then in April 2010 he released his first single, "'Til A Woman Comes Along." The song made it up to No. 52 on the country charts.

After leaving BNA, Chris drifted around writing and recording with various artists. He co-wrote Tim McGraw's single "Truck, Yeah," played on Lee Brice's song "Beer," and wrote the title track to Justin Moore's album "Off the Beaten Path." In 2013, he signed with Bigger Picture Music Group and released "Better I Don't," followed by "Cut Me Some Slack." neither of which made the country charts, although they did receive radio airplay.

In early 2015, Chris released "Buy Me a Boat." The song debuted at No. 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart after it received airplay on the Bobby Bones Show. It was officially released as a single via Warner Bros. Records in May 2015 and became a Top 5 hit. The song eventually went as high as No. 2 on the charts. That single was followed by "Power of Positive Drinkin'," "Holdin' Her," "Fix a Drink," and "Drunk Girl." The songs all received considerable airplay, with "Fix a Drink" reaching No. 10 on the country charts.

Chris Janson has guested on the Opry over a hundred times and is known for his energy and enthusiasm that he brings with each performance. Many times he has expressed his love and appreciation for the Grand Ole Opry and has publicly stated how much he would like to become an Opry member. That dream will become a reality on Tuesday night.

7:00: John Conlee; Carly Pearce
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Chris Janson
8:45: Jamey Johnson; Charlie Daniels Band

Opry Country Classics on Thursday night will feature Chris Young as the spotlight artist.

Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Jim Lauderdale; TG Sheppard; Mike Snider; Rhonda Vincent

Congratulations to Chris Janson. He will be the 4th new Opry member since the start of 2017, following in the footsteps of Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent and Chris Young. Those three have so far been good choices and I truly believe Chris Janson will follow their lead and continue to support the Opry as his career continues to move forward.

27 comments:

  1. In my opinion, Jim Lauderdale would be an excellent choice for Opry membership.

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    1. @Bruce - I totally agree with you and I think Tracy Lawrence would be a great addition to the Opry family as well.

      I am very happy that Chris Janson will become an official Opry member in about 25 hours. The first time he walked on stage I knew something very special was happening and I became a fan that very night.

      I also enjoy every time Dailey & Vincent are on the Opry stage. They are a force to reckon with when they are on stage - they command attention, just as Chris does, when he gets going on his harmonica, it's crazy what he can do with that thing!!! Love Jamie & Darrin's music and they can sing anything; traditional country, gospel, bluegrass, they can sing it all. So enjoy them.

      Again, congratulations to Chris Janson; I hope his night of celebration becoming a member is everything he ever hoped it could or would be and I am sure he will do the Opry proud.

      (Jeanene)

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  2. the favorites for the Hall of Fame this year are Hank Williams Jr., Dottie West, The Wilburn Brothers, Ray Stevens, Tanya Tucker, and Crystal Gayle in the Veterans category and Brooks & Dunn, The Judds, and Ricky Skaggs in the Modern category out of all of the names that I mentioned (Hank Jr., Dottie, The Wilburns, Ray, Tanya, Crystal, B&D, The Judds, and Ricky) who do you see going into the Hall of Fame this year?.

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  3. Heard Tracy Lawrence when I attended 'Opry Country Classics last Thursday night.
    His voice sounded much different (a whole lot higher) than he sounds on records. My family commented that they couldn't really believe it was him......

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  4. I don’t like the Chris Young addition. But TG Shepard, Rhonda Vincent, Tracy Lawrence, and a good comedy act like Gary MuleDeer, he was hilarious a couple of weeks ago, they would all make great Opry members.

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  5. My picks for the Hall of Fame this year would be Hank Jr., & Ricky Scaggs.For touring musician I pick the late Don Rich.If I had my way there be at least 4 picks for the Veteran Category,3 picks for the Modern Category,2 picks for Musician.

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    1. Johnny, there's just no way to go wrong with any of them!

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  6. I enjoy Dailey and Vincent's work. I enjoy listening to all of their music, but I respect the heck out of them for showing up way more than required, and doing their part to make the show that made Country Music famous, a little more famous.

    I Hope for the best for Mr. Janson. I hope he finds success beyond his wildest dreams. I also hope he takes his Opry Membership seriously, and continues to show up regularly. If he holds even, or increases his appearances, then we will know he truly loves the Opry, and was not just putting on a show to garner membership into one of the most elite fraternities in the world. Time will tell, and I hope 1, 5, 10 Years from now we will
    look back and think what a wonderful selection Chris was.

    Pat.

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    1. Pat, I rather suspect Chris will continue to appear.
      Anybody willing to appear 200 times before he is finally asked to join is unlikely to suddenly quit.
      At least that's my hope! :)

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  7. Congratulations Chris Janson...Have a GREAT NIGHT....Bob

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  8. What a NIGHT!!! I wish i could of been there...Bob

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  9. I was there LAST week, and it was special also.
    The 'Opry is always special to those of us who love her. :)

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  10. Charlie Daniels cancelled tonight and Garth was a surprise addition to do the induction.

    Now that he is a member, the Opry needs to get him in the host rotation ASAP. He just brings so much to the show and does more than just come out and sing like so many of the artists today do.

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  11. I couldn't make it to hear it, but it's nice that Garth showed up. Here's hoping he is influenced enough by Chris Janson to start showing up there to sing, you know?

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  12. The Opry did a very nice presentation last night for Chris Janson. The pulled out all stops and now I think we know why his induction date was delayed so that they could fit it into Garth's schedule. Garth is in town next Tuesday for the Hall of Fame announcement, so could there be another surprise appearance next week?

    Now that Chris Janson has been formally inducted, who is next? The last three new members have been males: Dailey & Vincent, Chris Young and now Chris Janson. With the lack of female Opry members (especially those who actually appear weekly which seems to be limited to Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith and The Whites) perhaps it is time for a female to join. The candidate that stands out is Rhonda Vincent. Perhaps she will be next? While there are other females who have appeared on the Opry, there seem to be only a few willing to be Opry members.

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    1. I would love to see Rhonda Vincent or Mandy Barnett...Bob

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  13. Byron,
    Are there only a few females willing to be 'Opry members, or are there simply not any females being asked?
    I can't imagine any country singer turning the 'Opry down, since the appearnce rule is never enforced.
    I'll bet Rhonda would be on it like white on rice!
    I think she would be a great addition, and would meet her obligations.

    As always, THANKS so much for your efforts on this blog. It's a big deal to lots of us.

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  14. So, I get up at 3:00 every morning, it was all I Could do to stay up to hear Chris become a member. So, did Garth come out and sing later? or where his induction duties all he did?

    As far as Women, Rhonda Vincent is an obvious choice, but lets not forget Mandy Barnett, who does an excellent job every time she is on the show.

    Pat

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    1. Pat, all Garth did was the induction of Chris. No singing and he did not come out later.

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    2. That's what I thought. Kind of what I expected, but still disappointing..

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    3. Pat: I'm with you on Rhonda and Mandy...Bob

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  15. Rhonda Vincent would be great, but have you seen her tour schedule; the lady is always on the move; it would definitely be a big change for her to be at the Opry on a frequent basis (no chance it would be weekly like Connie, Jeannie, The Whites).

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  16. Regarding Rhonda Vincent, and I see there are a few comments, besides Rhonda, what other females would the Opry consider, or would make good Opry members? Most of those who are making guest appearances are the younger, up and coming artists such as Carly Pearce and Maggie Rose, who I would not consider. I can think of Kathy Mattea who has guested on the show. Mandy Barnett is on a lot as is Elizabeth Cook. Others?

    As far as Rhonda, I was not implying that she would be on the Opry every week, but if she appeared 15-20 times per year, and with Crystal Gayle making 10-15 appearances per year, it does create more of a female presence by actual Opry members. As I wrote, Jeannie is there almost every week, Connie is there more weeks than not, and same with The Whites. The remaining female Opry members, such as Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Reba McEntire are all basically missing in action. Jan Howard and Jeanne Pruett are retired. Carrie has done a good job and I would expect that to continue.

    I just think the Opry is due for a female member and Rhonda would fit the bill.

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    1. Speaking of Jan Howard, Dailey and Vincent's Facebook feed said D&V ran into Jan at a concert at the Ryman. They included a picture of all three. Glad to see Jan is doing well.

      Pat

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    2. Byron: Elizabeth Cook would be another good choice...Bob

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  17. Regarding Garth and next week, note that next Tuesday is earmarked to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Charlie Daniels joining the Opry. Besides, this counts as Garth's one appearance per year, right?

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  18. I hope the Opry management looks in here now and then as I believe Bryon indicated some time ago. I like the unanimous support for Rhonda Vincent. She has indicated for years that she would love to be a member and what little conversation or communication I have had with confirms here desire.

    Nothing against Chris Janson or others like Mark Wills but Rhonda has been working the Opry for years. As indicated, she keeps a strenuous road schedule, call her the female version of ET, but I would be surprised if she ever turns down the chance to appear. Recall just a few weeks ago when she was on the road somewhere and got the call to fill in for someone. She diverted from her plans, not a road date as I recall, and made B line for the Opry.

    She is still a BIG bluegrass star but she was hitting her stride in my opinion about 10 years ago and the Opry, then Mr. Fisher, did not make her a member. Of course we really don't know the behind the scenes issues. There had been speculation here about her association with Martha White after they quit sponsoring the Opry. And remember that when Jeanne Pruett retired she strongly suggested they make Rhonda a member to take her place.

    My point is that even as much as she travels and makes her home in Missouri, I think Rhonda would appear often, especially with the Opry almost having a nightly opportunity in the summer months. I don't think she would have any complaints from the band either, shoot, three of them are family!

    There are several young and veteran females I'd like to see appear, appear more or be members on the Opry but lack of star power or logistics, where they live, probably make my wish a wast of time. Suzy Bogguss, Leona Williams, Janie Frickie, Amber Diggby, Tea Goans, Dottie Jack, Barbara Fairchild and Norma Jean all come to mind.

    By all means, Rhonda Vincent is my top choice.

    Jim
    Knightsvill, IN

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