As Sally Williams continues to take hold as the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Pete Fisher in 2017, we saw two new members join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry, one former member rejoin, and an invitation was given to another. Chris Janson and Dustin Lynch were the new members, while Bobby Bare rejoined the cast, and Mark Wills received an invitation to become the Opry's newest member in 2019.
That makes six new members who have joined the cast in the past two years. So how have these newest members done in terms of appearing on the Opry? Very well I would say, In 2018, Dailey & Vincent made 33 appearances, while Chris Janson appeared 23 times, Crystal Gayle 12, Dustin Lynch 11, Bobby Bare 10 and Chris Young has 6. (for those who joined in 2018, this does include the guest appearances prior to their inductions).
In addition to the new members, there were other highlights during 2018. The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 93rd birthday with a weekend of shows and activities. As far as Opry milestones, Jeanne Pruett celebrated 45 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Patty Loveless and Ricky Van Shelton celebrated 30 years, Charley Pride, Alison Krauss and Joe Diffie 25 years, Diamond Rio 20 years, Trace Adkins and Del McCoury 15 years, while Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan and Charlie Daniels celebrated 10 years as members.
While we celebrate the Opry's newest members and milestones, we also remember Roy Clark who passed away this past year. While Roy did not appear very often on the Opry, when he did, his appearances were memorable. And he was a great promoter and friend of country music. He will be missed. We also want to mention Loretta Lynn, who suffered some health issues in 2018 that kept her away from the Opry stage. Many are hoping that Loretta will continue her recovery and be back on stage soon. And let's not forget Jesse McReynolds, who was also sidelined for a good part of the year. Hopefully, Jesse will be back in 2019.
Adding up the numbers, there were 223 Opry shows in 2018, which was up slightly from the previous year. The breakdown:
Friday Night Opry: 62 (+2)
Saturday Grand Ole Opry: 68 (-1)
Tuesday Night Opry: 53 (+2)
Wednesday Night Opry: 12 (-1)
Thursday Opry Country Classics: 23 (+4)
Sunday Night Opry: 1 (E)
Saturday Matinee: 1 (E)
Tuesday Matinee: 2 (E)
And then there was the single Monday night show that honored Ray Charles.
Looking at the schedule for 2019, it looks like there will be even more Opry shows as the Wednesday night shows, which traditionally have had a limited run, will extend through much of October in the coming year. As long as there are stars to appear and people to buy tickets, I don't see the Opry cutting back on any of their performances.
When looking at the Opry's members, and who appeared most often, it is once again the veterans and legends who are carrying the heavy load and supporting the Opry week after week. As in past years, Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, The Whites, Riders In The Sky and Bill Anderson lead in number of appearances. In fact, 9 of the top 10 in appearances are the same as the year before with only Jesse McReynolds, who had some serious health issues in 2018, dropping off the list.
1) Mike Snider: 111
2) Jeannie Seely: 108
3) Connie Smith: 83
4) The Whites: 81
5) Riders In The Sky: 75
6) Bill Anderson: 72
7) John Conlee: 57
8) Bobby Osborne: 54
9) Ricky Skaggs: 46
10) Gatlin Brothers (Larry Gatlin): 43
It should be noted that the majority of Larry's appearances occurred on the Opry Country Classics show, as during most of the weeks he is the host.
Under Pete Fisher, the standard for yearly appearances was set at 10, while lately the number seems to be 6. Let's go with 10 as our benchmark, and here are those that reached that magic number:
Dailey & Vincent: 33
Chris Janson: 23
Craig Morgan: 17
Del McCoury: 16
Trace Adkins: 15
Terri Clark: 14
Crystal Gayle: 12
Jesse McReynolds, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, Dustin Lynch: 11
Lorrie Morgan, Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride, Bobby Bare, Carrie Underwood: 10
That adds up to 26 of the Opry's 65 current members who made the list.
As to the rest of the Opry's members, who made 2018 appearances:
Charlie Daniels: 9
Vince Gill: 8
Diamond Rio, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Chris Young: 6
Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Milsap, Josh Turner: 5
Garth Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Marty Stuart: 4
Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis: 3
Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton: 2
Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt: 1
I will say that the one disappointment on the list is Vince Gill. Vince has always been a strong supporter of the Opry, but 2018 found him busy in other areas, both touring as a solo act, and as part of The Eagles, which will continue into 2019.
As far as Garth's appearances, only one was a performance based appearance. The others were special and related to induction new Opry members.
And then there are those active performers who did not appear at all in 2018: Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Trisha Yearwood. Hal Ketchum also did not appear in 2018, although he is limited in his touring, while Loretta Lynn did not appear due to her health concerns.
While retired, Jeanne Pruett did make a couple of appearances this past year, on her 45th anniversary as an Opry member and to promote her autobiography. Jan Howard and Randy Travis also appeared, although neither performed.
A trio of veterans, Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson and Stu Phillips also did not appear in 2018, leading to speculation that they have basically retired from performing.
As to those who are retired, besides those mentioned already, that list includes Tom T Hall, Barbara Mandrell and Ricky Van Shelton.
As to non-members, a total of 290 (give or take one) found their way to the Opry stage this past year, which was up from 282 the year before. Those who were at 10 or more:
1) Mark Willis: 28 (top spot for the 2nd year in a row)
2) Charles Esten: 21
3) William Michael Morgan: 16
4) Carly Pearce: 15
5) Mandy Barnett, Jim Lauderdale, Charlie Worsham, Gary Mule Deer, Don Schlitz: 13
6) Henry Cho: 12
7) Chonda Pierce, Maggie Rose, Dick Hardwick, Michael Ray, Charlie McCoy: 11
8) Steven Curtis Chapman, Tegan Marie, Exile, Delta Rae: 10
Wills, Esten, Morgan, Barnett, Pearce, Exile, Cho, Rose and Worsham were repeats from the previous year.
2018 also saw a number of first time performers on the Opry stage. Some did an amazing job while others were forgettable. Those first timers include Rita Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Heather Land, Molly Tuttle, Abby Anderson, Karen Mills, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Gone West, Birdtalker, Sam Lewis, Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, Mike Farris, Travis Denning, and of course, Mason Ramsey. I know there were others but those are the ones that come to mind. Each of those who made their Opry debut saw their dreams fulfilled and many were overcome with emotion when they first stepped on the Opry stage. Many came back again, while a couple were one and done. And while not newcomers, it was nice to see some of the veteran artists who have been gone from the Opry for years, to come back. Folks like Sawyer Brown and Doug Kershaw to name a couple.
Here is an interesting stat: Grand Ole Opry members gave 1051 performances on the Opry in 2018, while guest artists gave 979, almost an even split. It would appear when looking at the numbers, there continues to be less of an emphasis on Opry members, and more reliance on non-members when filling out the weekly line-ups. And to take it one-step further, when looking at the top 10 as to Opry members who appeared, the heavy load is still being carried by the veteran members of the Opry, while many of the "superstar" members, such as Brad Paisley, Reba, Dolly Parton and the others, rarely appear, if ever, on the Opry.
2018 also saw changes at the Grand Ole Opry House as a very nice renovation took place, which included a much needed expansion of the Opry Shop, along with an improved ticket office. The Opry also added its own parking lot, separate from the Mall parking, which was a pain at times. There is a charge for the new lot ($10), however, it does offer a shorter walk to the Opry House. 2018 also saw the Opry make use of the Roy Acuff house for an excellent exhibit of Les Leverett photograhy, along with more historical exhibits backstage at the Opry House. While those were the positive changes, we also saw the failure of Opry City Stage in New York. Ryman Hospitality put a lot of effort and money behind it, but in the end it just wasn't a good fit for New York.
So, what does 2019 hold in store for the Opry? Well to start with, Dolly Parton will be celebrating her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her actual anniversary date is in January, the celebration will take place in October, the week following the Opry's 94th birthday weekend.
In addition to Dolly, there are several other Grand Ole Opry members who will reach milestones in 2019, including Bobby and Sonny Osborne and Jesse McReynolds, each of whom will celebrate their 55th anniversary as Opry members. The Whites and Lorrie Morgan will celebrate their 35th anniversary, while it will be year 25 for Hal Ketchum, 20 for Trisha Yearwood, 15 for Terri Clark, and 10 for Eddie Montgomery, of Montgomery Gentry.
While the Opry will be celebrating those anniversaries, I also expect more members to be added. In the last two years, six new members have been added, with Mark Wills having already been inducted as a member in 2019. Who will be the future members of the Opry? Your guest is as good as mine, but we know Jamey Johnson wants to be a member. In fact, he has stated that he is just waiting for the Opry to make it official. I think Rhonda Vincent would make a good Opry member, along with Charlie McCoy. Let's face it: there are probably at least a dozen acts who make regular appearances on the Opry and who would love to be a member. Time will tell as we go through the year.
As I conclude, and I mention this every year, my thanks again to all who read and follow the blog, especially those who take the time to comment, or email questions and other personal thoughts and opinions to me. I always enjoy hearing from everyone. Special thanks go to those who I have met not only this past year, but in other years, while attending Opry shows. I have made many special friends and it is always nice to put a face with a name. To those who I have never meet, either due to distance or timing, don't dispair. It could still happen someday. My thanks to all. And special thanks to those who work or are associated with the Grand Ole Opry and the Grand Ole Opry House. Every time I head down to Nashville and the Opry, I have always felt welcomed and appreciated. Even though we sometimes disagree, I still think the Grand Ole Opry is the greatest show in the world, a real piece of Americana.
Finally, thanks and appreciation go to Sally Williams and the entire team who run the Opry. I know it can't be an easy job booking this show but I also realize that all of you are doing your best to put a good one on each week. You are so dependent on Opry members and the non-members you reach out to, to fill out the line-up each week. I know some weeks are better than others, but I will never question the commitment behind the scenes. We all thank you.
As to the rest of the Opry's members, who made 2018 appearances:
Charlie Daniels: 9
Vince Gill: 8
Diamond Rio, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Chris Young: 6
Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Milsap, Josh Turner: 5
Garth Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Marty Stuart: 4
Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis: 3
Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton: 2
Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt: 1
I will say that the one disappointment on the list is Vince Gill. Vince has always been a strong supporter of the Opry, but 2018 found him busy in other areas, both touring as a solo act, and as part of The Eagles, which will continue into 2019.
As far as Garth's appearances, only one was a performance based appearance. The others were special and related to induction new Opry members.
And then there are those active performers who did not appear at all in 2018: Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Trisha Yearwood. Hal Ketchum also did not appear in 2018, although he is limited in his touring, while Loretta Lynn did not appear due to her health concerns.
While retired, Jeanne Pruett did make a couple of appearances this past year, on her 45th anniversary as an Opry member and to promote her autobiography. Jan Howard and Randy Travis also appeared, although neither performed.
A trio of veterans, Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson and Stu Phillips also did not appear in 2018, leading to speculation that they have basically retired from performing.
As to those who are retired, besides those mentioned already, that list includes Tom T Hall, Barbara Mandrell and Ricky Van Shelton.
As to non-members, a total of 290 (give or take one) found their way to the Opry stage this past year, which was up from 282 the year before. Those who were at 10 or more:
1) Mark Willis: 28 (top spot for the 2nd year in a row)
2) Charles Esten: 21
3) William Michael Morgan: 16
4) Carly Pearce: 15
5) Mandy Barnett, Jim Lauderdale, Charlie Worsham, Gary Mule Deer, Don Schlitz: 13
6) Henry Cho: 12
7) Chonda Pierce, Maggie Rose, Dick Hardwick, Michael Ray, Charlie McCoy: 11
8) Steven Curtis Chapman, Tegan Marie, Exile, Delta Rae: 10
Wills, Esten, Morgan, Barnett, Pearce, Exile, Cho, Rose and Worsham were repeats from the previous year.
2018 also saw a number of first time performers on the Opry stage. Some did an amazing job while others were forgettable. Those first timers include Rita Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Heather Land, Molly Tuttle, Abby Anderson, Karen Mills, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Gone West, Birdtalker, Sam Lewis, Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, Mike Farris, Travis Denning, and of course, Mason Ramsey. I know there were others but those are the ones that come to mind. Each of those who made their Opry debut saw their dreams fulfilled and many were overcome with emotion when they first stepped on the Opry stage. Many came back again, while a couple were one and done. And while not newcomers, it was nice to see some of the veteran artists who have been gone from the Opry for years, to come back. Folks like Sawyer Brown and Doug Kershaw to name a couple.
Here is an interesting stat: Grand Ole Opry members gave 1051 performances on the Opry in 2018, while guest artists gave 979, almost an even split. It would appear when looking at the numbers, there continues to be less of an emphasis on Opry members, and more reliance on non-members when filling out the weekly line-ups. And to take it one-step further, when looking at the top 10 as to Opry members who appeared, the heavy load is still being carried by the veteran members of the Opry, while many of the "superstar" members, such as Brad Paisley, Reba, Dolly Parton and the others, rarely appear, if ever, on the Opry.
2018 also saw changes at the Grand Ole Opry House as a very nice renovation took place, which included a much needed expansion of the Opry Shop, along with an improved ticket office. The Opry also added its own parking lot, separate from the Mall parking, which was a pain at times. There is a charge for the new lot ($10), however, it does offer a shorter walk to the Opry House. 2018 also saw the Opry make use of the Roy Acuff house for an excellent exhibit of Les Leverett photograhy, along with more historical exhibits backstage at the Opry House. While those were the positive changes, we also saw the failure of Opry City Stage in New York. Ryman Hospitality put a lot of effort and money behind it, but in the end it just wasn't a good fit for New York.
So, what does 2019 hold in store for the Opry? Well to start with, Dolly Parton will be celebrating her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her actual anniversary date is in January, the celebration will take place in October, the week following the Opry's 94th birthday weekend.
In addition to Dolly, there are several other Grand Ole Opry members who will reach milestones in 2019, including Bobby and Sonny Osborne and Jesse McReynolds, each of whom will celebrate their 55th anniversary as Opry members. The Whites and Lorrie Morgan will celebrate their 35th anniversary, while it will be year 25 for Hal Ketchum, 20 for Trisha Yearwood, 15 for Terri Clark, and 10 for Eddie Montgomery, of Montgomery Gentry.
While the Opry will be celebrating those anniversaries, I also expect more members to be added. In the last two years, six new members have been added, with Mark Wills having already been inducted as a member in 2019. Who will be the future members of the Opry? Your guest is as good as mine, but we know Jamey Johnson wants to be a member. In fact, he has stated that he is just waiting for the Opry to make it official. I think Rhonda Vincent would make a good Opry member, along with Charlie McCoy. Let's face it: there are probably at least a dozen acts who make regular appearances on the Opry and who would love to be a member. Time will tell as we go through the year.
As I conclude, and I mention this every year, my thanks again to all who read and follow the blog, especially those who take the time to comment, or email questions and other personal thoughts and opinions to me. I always enjoy hearing from everyone. Special thanks go to those who I have met not only this past year, but in other years, while attending Opry shows. I have made many special friends and it is always nice to put a face with a name. To those who I have never meet, either due to distance or timing, don't dispair. It could still happen someday. My thanks to all. And special thanks to those who work or are associated with the Grand Ole Opry and the Grand Ole Opry House. Every time I head down to Nashville and the Opry, I have always felt welcomed and appreciated. Even though we sometimes disagree, I still think the Grand Ole Opry is the greatest show in the world, a real piece of Americana.
Finally, thanks and appreciation go to Sally Williams and the entire team who run the Opry. I know it can't be an easy job booking this show but I also realize that all of you are doing your best to put a good one on each week. You are so dependent on Opry members and the non-members you reach out to, to fill out the line-up each week. I know some weeks are better than others, but I will never question the commitment behind the scenes. We all thank you.
(As a disclaimer, the recorded number of appearances is based on the tracking that I do of each Opry show. If there is an error, such as a missed appearances, my apologies. Additionally, the thoughts and opinions written are those of myself and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Grand Ole Opry or its management)
Thanks for the great work that you are doing with the blog. I appreciate your insights regarding the Opry. I agree with you that the Opry is not what it was, even thirty years ago. But I also realize that the nature of life is that nothing remains the same. One positive development last year was Sally Williams coming on as the general manager. Let's hope that incrementally there will be other positive developments. On my "wish list" for this year is that Marty Stuart will perform on the Opry more often and that Rhonda Vincent and Charlie McCoy will become members. Keep up your wonderful work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Byron for all you do for those of us who love the Grand Ole Opry and country music. We did meet you at the 90th Anniversary weekend and enjoyed being able to personally thank you and share my "opinions" as well. Unfortunately we made the decision that it would probably be our last trip to the Grand Ole Opry, we were so disappointed that weekend (after many, many years of attending) - although maybe we will make it back for the 100th, you never know. In the meantime, we will continue to follow your blog and attend as many live shows as we are able - heading to the Country Family Reunion Cruise again in a couple of weeks - now that is a show!! (FROM ANONYMOUS IN PA)
ReplyDeleteIt isn't Thanksgiving, but we have thanks to give.
ReplyDeleteTo you, Byron, for a terrific blog/website with tons of great information.
To all of the commenters.
To Sally Williams, for doing her best to make the Opry better, and to, ahem, repair it.
And to the artists who show up. Like Byron, I'm surprised at the low numbers from Vince and, especially, Marty, but they have had other things going on. I guess those things go on almost every Friday and Saturday evening and Tuesday evening. Ahem.
I am not surprised at most of those on the bad actor list, and I wouldn't mind seeing them go bye-bye. I know that won't happen, but still.
And I note that Carrie Underwood nailed her 10. I'm reminded of what I read about Ernest Tubb, that even after the requirements changed, at the beginning of every year, he would send in a list of the minimum of 26 shows he would do over that year. I have the feeling Carrie and her manager are doing the same, and good for them.
Tribute show for Loretta coming in April for her 87th birthday - it is a great idea to celebrate her while she can enjoy it; similar to the one for Willie this weekend. And "King George" will be there again among many others.
ReplyDeleteLoretta looks pretty frail in the photos from today's announcement.
ReplyDeleteI thought Loretta Lynn looked great.
ReplyDeleteYour review is incredible and really helps us fans to realize what is happening at the Opry. I am most grateful, Byron. As a rabid fan who has missed listening to no more than 4 shows in the past 21 years it is hard to reflect in the past without longing for more if it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I will say that I found a more positive mood this year than probably in the last five years. Sally seems to be slowly turning the ship around.
Is 50% member vs. non member a good number to target? Selfishly I would say no but realistically maybe it is today.
As many of us would like for the Hal Ketchum and Brad Paisly era stars to come back I don’t get a strong feeling that it will happen.
Anyway, it is an institution that we love and continue to support and that is the best we as the listeners/audience can do.
I am hopeful for a good, maybe even better 2019!
I know you will keep us informed, Byron and we sincerely appreciate it.
Your review is incredible and really helps us fans to realize what is happening at the Opry. I am most grateful, Byron. As a rabid fan who has missed listening to no more than 4 shows in the past 21 years it is hard to reflect in the past without longing for more if it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I will say that I found a more positive mood this year than probably in the last five years. Sally seems to be slowly turning the ship around.
Is 50% member vs. non member a good number to target? Selfishly I would say no but realistically maybe it is today.
As many of us would like for the Hal Ketchum and Brad Paisly era stars to come back I don’t get a strong feeling that it will happen.
Anyway, it is an institution that we love and continue to support and that is the best we as the listeners/audience can do.
I am hopeful for a good, maybe even better 2019!
I know you will keep us informed, Byron and we sincerely appreciate it.
Thanks Byron for the fantastic job you do and to all the people that add there comments to the blog. Bob
ReplyDeleteByron I say it all the time, but thank you so much for all you do! It's amazing to always have a place to go to see the line ups as the opry website is not the most blind friendly place on the internet. I recall asking you years ago, long before we actually became friends, if there was any way you could post the Tuesday night line ups. Not only have you never missed that, but the Wednesday and Thursdays as well. It may seem like a small thing, but it's a huge gift to me to have a one stop shop! I'm very thankful!
ReplyDeleteAgree E. Z.
ReplyDeleteThis blog means a lot to us 'Opry nuts!
Thanks Byron.
Byron, huge thanks for all you do on a weekly basis to keep all of us Grand Ole Opry fans informed of line-ups, good news happenings & at times, sad happenings. I read your blog weekly & I know in January you will put out your Year in Review & another terrific review very well done, just so disappointed to read how seldom so many "members" get to that stage. You named & ranked their appearance numbers. And the winner with 111 appearances is Mike Snider - he's so funny, just love his jokes & music. He used to play the fiddle on the Opry years ago, wish he'd play it again, though he is just so great on the banjo & wish he'd play harmonica, I guess he is leaving that to Chris Janson & that's not a bad thing at all.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all the comments regarding Sally Williams. I agree with each & every one of you. Ms. Williams is steering the Opry ship in the direction in which it needs to go. Thank you for an excellent year of Opry shows Ms. Williams. My very favorite show & there were plenty of them, was the recent one in which the Opry paid tribute to Jimmy Capps. Marty Stuart's 40-minute segment was just plain awesome, all deep traditional country music, this type of stuff is in this guy's wheelhouse & music to our ears, so here's to another year of great country music coming from the Grand Ole Opry House or the Ryman Auditorium.
(Jeanene)
Please take a look at Bill Anderson's web page. His special friend and companion Vickie passed this morning.
ReplyDeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteByron, was the Sunday night show you listed the Bonaroo show in June?
ReplyDeleteYes, it was Sunday June 10. The artists who were on that show were Del McCoury Band, Bobby Bare, Joshua Hedley; Old Crow Medicine Show; Maggie Rose; Lanco; Riders In The Sky; and Nikki Lane.
Delete