Monday, April 26, 2021

Grand Ole Opry 4/30 & 5/1

This weekend, the calendar turns from April to May and as it does the Grand Ole Opry will welcome one of its legendary members on Saturday night as Grand Ole Opry member Ronnie Milsap is set to appear on the Opry stage for the first time since 2018. Hard to believe but 2021 marks Ronnie's 45th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And while Ronnie isn't around often at the Opry, each time he is, it is a special night. 

Joining Ronnie on Saturday night will be Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, along with guest artists Home Free, legendary guitarist Doyle Dykes, Dylan Scott, and making her Grand Ole Opry debut, Priscilla Block. The designated comedian on Saturday is Chonda Pierce and also on the schedule is another of those artists who I think would make for a great Grand Ole Opry member, T. Graham Brown. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers will be heading up the broadcast. As with Saturday night, Opry member Jeannie Seely is on the schedule as is Doyle Dykes. Other guest artists on Friday include Levi Hummon, Caroline Jones, Rhett Akins,  comedian Dusty Slay and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz. 

Friday April 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Levi Hummon; Doyle Dykes; Caroline Jones; Don Schlitz
8:00: Rhett Akins; Dusty Slay; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

Saturday May 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Doyle Dykes; T. Graham Brown; Chonda Pierce
8:00: Dylan Scott; Priscilla Block; Home Free; Ronnie Milsap

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Priscilla Block moved to Nashville after high school to pursue a career in music. 

“I love writing about real life experiences and the ups and downs that I’ve gone through,” says Priscilla. “I don’t sugarcoat anything, and I think that’s the beauty of songwriting and being an artist.”

With an honest and upfront approach, Priscilla promotes self-love, empowerment, and acceptance through her own blend of country pop and southern rock, dubbed the Block Party sound. “It’s a little sass, a little trash, and a little sad,” describes Priscilla with a knowing wink as her catalog rolls so easily from heartbreak to laughter.

Over quarantine, Priscilla began experimenting with some new songs on social media app TikTok. There she developed a rabid fanbase with songs like “Thick Thighs,” an unapologetic anthem about women embracing their bodies, no matter their shape or size. Once her audience heard “Just About Over You,” they rallied together to independently fund the song’s recording. Priscilla in turn shared every moment of the recording and release process including all the emotions as she watched “Just About Over You” race to the top of both the iTunes Country and All Genre Song charts in only 12 short hours. Now, “Just About Over You” is climbing country radio’s Top 40.
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From 50 years ago, Saturday May 1, 1971. This was also the final night that Cousin Jody appeared on the Opry, as declining health forced James Clell Summey into retirement. 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stu Phillips (host): Let the Guitars Play
Peggy Little: I've Got to Have You
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Stu Phillips: El Tigrae

6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Bob
Justin Tubb: Big Fool of the Year
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven/Boll Weevil
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound Hammer
Howdy Forrester: Billy in the Low Ground
Connie Eaton: Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks
The Stonemans: Looking Out My Back Door
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: If I'm Gonna Have Your Lovin'
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Bill Monroe: Wicked Path of Sin
The Stonemans: Orange Blossom Special
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: Gotta Lotta Lovin'

8:00 Martha White
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
The 4 Guys: My Special Angel
Bobby Lewis: He Gives Us All His Love
Archie Campbell: Hey Waiter
Del Wood: Kentucky Turnpike
The 4 Guys: Ruby, Don't Take Your Guns to Town

8:30: Stephen's
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Marion Worth: How Great Thou Art
Charlie Walker: My Baby Used to Be That Way
Louie Roberts: Sandy/Cattle Call
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Marion Worth: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Hank Snow: I've Cried a Mile

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Justin Tubb (host): Be Glad
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Peggy Little: Son of a Preacher Man
Stringbean: Ruby
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Peggy Little: I've Got to Have You
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203

10:00: Fender
Stu Phillips (host): Me & Bobby McGee
Connie Eaton: Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times

10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Tex Ritter: Wayward Wind
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: Run That By Me One More Time
Bill Monroe: I'll Never Love No One Else But My Darling

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Archie and Phil Campbell: Release Me

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Charlie Walker: My Baby Used to Be That Way
The Stonemans: White Lightening #2
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island
Charlie Walker: Tell Her Lies & Feed Her Candy
Sam McGee: Where the Roses Never Fade
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Maria
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee/How Great Thou Art
Louie Roberts: Sandy
Bobby Lewis: From Heaven to Heartache/He Gives Us All His Love
The 4 Guys: Sweet Caroline/One Pair of Hands

James Clell Summey was born on December 14, 1914 at Possum Hollow, near Sevierville, Tennessee. His family relocated to Knoxville where he grew up in a musical environment, since both parents (Matty and Jim) were musicians. Other musicians regularly stayed in the home and young Jody soon learned to play several instruments. He initially favored the guitar but by 1931, was an accomplished dobro player (a relatively new instrument in those days, having only been developed in the late 20s).

 By 1933, he was playing local venues with a group known as the Tennessee Crackerjacks, when they were joined by Roy Acuff. He became an important member of Acuff’s band and in February 1938, when Acuff and his band played the Grand Ole Opry, he became the first player to feature the dobro there. He also provided the dobro backing on most of Acuff’s early recordings including ‘The Great Speckled Bird’ and ‘Wabash Cannonball’. 

After differences of opinion over material, Summey and two other band members left Acuff in January 1939. He returned to Knoxville but was soon back in Nashville, where he worked with Pee Wee King, Lonzo And Oscar and briefly as a comedy duo with Oral Rhodes, as Odie And Jody. He had played the comedian during his days with Acuff and finally became a solo Opry act in his alter ego role of the baggy-panted and toothless grinning hayseed, Cousin Jody. In this guise, he mixed rube comedy with his instrumental talents and for many years remained a very popular Opry regular. He died of cancer in 1976.
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Finally, remembering Charley Pride on what would have been his 28th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from Saturday May 1, 1993, the night Charley joined the Opry's cast:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
The 4 Guys (host): If It's From the Country, It's Coming From the Heart
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweeter Than the Flowers
The 4 Guys: (?)

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Don't 'Cha Cry, Melinda
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love With You/The 3 Bells
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling

7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Osborne Brothers: Rock of Ages
Eddy Raven: Who Do You Know in California/Bayou Boy's Sleep All Day; Run All Night
Del Reeves: The Race is On

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Jan Howard: Crazy Arms
Riders In The Sky: Lovely Yukon Stars
Charley Pride: Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Wings of a Dove/Kaw-Liga
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Charlie Walker: Who Will Buy the Wine
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Dear Tony
 Mike Snider and Charlie Cushman: Sally Goodin
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Breakfast With the Blues
Billy Walker: A Million & One
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Ray Pillow: Invitation to the Blues
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Hank Snow: I'm Not That All Sorry for You

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Charley Pride: Every Heart Should Have One/Mountain of Love/Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Kaw-Liga
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
The 4 Guys: My Special Angel
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Old Camp Meeting Time

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Jim Ed Brown: Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last

10:30: Piccadilly
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Lost and Found: Left Over Biscuits
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

10:45: Opry Book
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Flyer
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
Osborne Brothers: High On a Hilltop
David Crowe: Sally Goodin

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Riders In The Sky: Son of the Western 
Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Eddy Raven: Sometimes A Lady/I've Got Mexico
Hank Snow: Old Shep

11:30: General Jackson
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin; Mama
Connie Smith: Then & Only Then
Roy Drusky: All For the Love of a Girl
Mike Snider: Squirrel Hide
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda

Charley always enjoyed performing on the Grand Ole Opry and it was a pleasure seeing him on the show. Sadly, Charley passed away late last year from Covid complications. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 


 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Grand Ole Opry 4/23 & 4/24

It's going to be an exciting weekend at the Grand Ole Opry House as the legendary guitarist George Thorogood will be making his Opry debut on Saturday night. 

No, he is not a country artist in the traditional sense, but his music has received airplay on the SiriusXM Outlaw channel, including his rendition of the Hank Williams classic "Move It On Over."

“I’m incredibly humbled by the honor and excited to connect with this audience,” says Thorogood. “I’ll be stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with my guitar to share some great American music.”

“Of course the Opry showcases the best in country music to fans around the world each week, but we also appreciate opportunities to welcome guests from other genres and walks of life, including Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Academy Award-winning actors and directors, and even a U.S. President,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “George Thorogood is an Opry fan himself, and we’re all in for a great show.”

In a special collaboration, a unique “SiriusXM Road to George Thorogood’s Opry Debut” will be rolled out including involvement across a wide array of SiriusXM channels discussing this historic moment. Thorogood will be a guest on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country (ch. 60) and Volume (ch. 106) sharing his one-of-a-kind perspective on music and what this Opry debut means to him.

George will be featured on the Circle televised segment on Saturday night, where he will be joined by one of the newest Grand Ole Opry members, Luke Combs, along with another guest artist, Niko Moon. 

Joining this trio on Saturday night will be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Rhonda Vincent, along with fellow Opry members Riders In The Sky and Mark Wills. Also scheduled, and the designated comedian, is Jeanne Robertson. Not only is she funny but Jeanne is also a great storyteller. 

After a one week pause due to the ACM Awards, the Friday Night Opry returns this weekend with a very strong show featuring Grand Ole Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky and Jeannie Seely. Jeanne Robertson is also scheduled on Friday night, along with Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune, Anita Cochran, and making his Opry debut, Elvie Shane. 

Friday April 23
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Anita Cochran; Elvie Shane; Jeanne Robertson; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: Jeannie Seely; Jimmy Fortune; Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday April 24
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Mark Wills; Riders In The Sky; Jeanne Robertson; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Luke Combs; Niko Moon; George Thorogood

Two very strong line-ups for this weekend. Nice to see eight on the schedule for Friday. 
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Ok, I admit it. I have never heard of Elvie Shane before and I am going to guest that not many of you have either. 

Elvie Shane was born in Caneyville, Kentucky, and according to his bio he "aspires to bring his blue-collar upbringing and vibrant American lifestyle to the masses with his distinctive brand of Country music." The BBR Music Group recording artist has carved his own path within the genre by combining honest storytelling with gritty electric guitar licks and unmistakable Southern swagger. Elvie’s larger-than-life personality and hard-to-believe exploits have the makings of an action-packed film and rather than display them on the big screen, the singer-songwriter culls those colorful experiences into his music.

“There’s always been this balance of a little Rock-n-Roll and Jesus in my life. I appreciate both ends of the spectrum,” Elvie, who briefly served as an evangelist preacher until he realized it wasn’t his calling, admits. This duality can be heard within the swampy revival anthem “Sundays In the South,” a vivid story-song that gives a nod to his mother and pays tribute to his religious upbringing that is equal parts tent revival and nostalgia of Elvie’s often trouble-filled youth.

An English Literature and Creative Writing major during his time at Western Kentucky University, Elvie was famously turned away from his school news paper for his Hunter S. Thompson-inspired approach to writing. That didn’t stop his creativity though, as Elvie credits a professor for urging him to enter some of his work into a writing contest where he won several awards. 

Years later at a party, Elvie picked up the guitar and performed a Chris Stapleton song—after discovering he could sing, his friends in a band convinced him to join them on the road as an opener. 

Elvie found his voice as an artist after penning “County Roads,”a rollicking ode to his upbringing. The song serves as not only the title track to his debut EP, set to be released in April, but the ultimate blend of his love for Country storytelling, his soulful vocals and Classic Rock influences with domineering guitar tones and a stomping beat. 

He signed with BBR Music Group in early 2019 and released “My Boy” as his first song on the label amidst the pandemic in 2020. Now Top 40 and climbing on Country radio, the song went viral once again as videos of stepchildren playing the song for their stepparents flooded social media. The heartwarming track connected with blended families in such a beautiful way, leading Elvie to release the sister version, “My Girl.” With only one song released, he was named to Pandora’s 2021 Artist to Watch list as well as Music Row’s “Next Big Thing” 2021 list.
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And now from 50 years ago, Saturday April 24, 1971:

1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Ernie Ashworth; Bill Carlisle
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Earl Scruggs Revue; Tom T. Hall
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Glaser Brothers; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers; Willis Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Tex Ritter; Stonewall Jackson; Lonzo and Oscar; Stu Phillips
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Stringbean; Charlie Walker; Fruit Jar Drinkers; The Four Guys

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Willis Brothers; Dolly Parton; Bill Carlisle
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Tom T. Hall; Earl Scruggs Revue
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Ernie Ashworth; Bill Monroe
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Tex Ritter; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:45: Glaser Brothers (host); Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Lonzo and Oscar; The Four Guys
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Looking back to a couple of shows, the first one is from Saturday April 23, 1994. On that particular night, one of the Grand Ole Opry's more popular members, Randy Travis made an appearance. Here is the running order from that night 27 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
The Four Guys (host): Operator, Information; Get Me Jesus on the Line
Charlie Louvin: Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot
The Four Guys: How Married Are You, Mary Ann

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
Jean Shepard: Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Lost and I'll Never Find the Way
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Jeanne Pruett: Back to Back
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
Randy Travis: Look Heart, No Hands/Before You Kill Us All
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): On & On
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Brother Oswald: Eunita
John Conlee: Domestic Life
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Bill Monroe: Footprints in the Snow/Evening Prayer Blues

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Whites: Makin' Believe
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Porter Wagoner and Colene Walters: Holding on to Nothing

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Fraulein
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Riders In The Sky: Me Oh, My Miss Molly
Hank Snow: My Happiness

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Ray Pillow: One Memory to Another
The Four Guys: It's All Right (to Have a Good Time)
Jan Howard: Together When We Tried
Tim Atwood: They Call Me a Playboy
Porter Wagoner and Colene Walters: Once More
Porter Wagoner: Trouble in Amen Corner

10:00: Doctor's Cream
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Jimmy Dickens: Shopping for Dresses

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Blue
Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates: My Baby's Gone
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
Bill Monroe: He Will Set Your Fields on Fire

10:45: Opry Book
Riders In The Sky (host): The Trail to San Antone
Kukuruza Band: (?)
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Happy Trails to You

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Blue Sea Blues
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
Hank Locklin: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin In Love With You
Jean Shepard: I Don't See How I Can Make It
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs

11:30: General Jackson
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Johnny Russell: Making Plans
Jack Greene: Oh, Lonesome Me
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The second show is from Saturday April 24, 1998. On this particular night, former Grand Ole Opry member Ray Price made a guest appearance. Here is the running order from that night 23 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:45: National Corvette Museum
Billy Walker (host): Come a Little Bit Closer
Wilma Lee Cooper: Matthew 24
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Charlie Louvin: Be a Life; Not a Judge
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Old Camp Meeting Time

7:30: Standard Candy
Holly Dunn (host): That's What Your Love Does to Me
Stonewall Jackson: BJ the DJ
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Lee Ann Womack: I'll Think of A Reason/A Way to Survive/I Saw Miles and Miles of Texas
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going/Daddy's Hands

8:00: Martha White
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Riders In The Sky: Give Me a Pinto Pal
Jeannie Seely: Hey, Good Lookin'
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jim Ed Brown and Jeannie Seely: Love is No Excuse

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jessica Andrews: I Will Be There for You
Osborne Brothers: Old Roy & Brother Os
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

2nd show
9:30: Blue Green Vacation Resort Development
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Charlie Louvin: Jesus is Whispering Now
Ray Price: City Lights/The Other Woman/For the Good Times
Porter Wagoner: A House of Gold/Carolina Moonshine

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweeter Than the Flowers
Jimmy C Newman: American Cajun
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper

10:15: Opry Visa Card
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jessica Andrews: I Will Be There For You
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:30: Epiphone
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Del McCoury Band: Don't You Think It's Time to Go
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In

10:45: Jogging In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jean Shepard: I'm Not That Good At Goodbyes

11:00: Coca Cola
Holly Dunn (host): Love Someone Like Me
Riders In The Sky: Always Drink Upstream from the Herd
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
Lynn Morris Band: New Patches
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands

11:30: Fan Fair
Jim Ed Brown (host): Mexican Joe
The Whites: Makin' Believe
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
Osborne Brothers: High on a Hilltop
Charlie Walker: Right or Wrong
Jim Ed Brown: Bar Room Pals and Good Time Gals/The 3 Bells

Ray Price came to the Grand Ole Opry in the early 1950s, joining such other Opry stars as Roy Acuff, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Jimmy Dickens, Bill Monroe, Kitty Wells, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, George Morgan, Carl Smith and June Carter, in what many consider one of the Opry's strongest group of members. However, as Ray's career grew, his Opry appearances dropped below the minimum required at the time and he was fired in December 1964 as part of the "Purge of 64." Unlike a few of the others who were fired, Ray never returned to the Opry as a member, but he was always welcomed back for guest appearances and he made quite a few during the remainder of his career, up until his death in 2013. 
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Finally, after an absence of several weeks, the Tuesday Night Opry returns. 

Tuesday April 27
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Mitchell Tenpenny; Riders In The Sky; Caitlyn Smith
8:00: Sierra Hull and Justin Moses; Lindsay Ell; Dusty Slay; Charlie McCoy

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. 








Sunday, April 18, 2021

Nashville Banner April 18, 1985

Readers of the afternoon edition of the April 18, 1985 Nashville Banner, found this headline at the top of Page 1: 

Some longtime Opry members may get boot

The complete article as written by Clarke Canfield: 

About 20 percent of the performers on the world famous Grand Ole Opry will be phased out of the show under a new two-year contract agreed upon Tuesday night. Sources close to the contract negotiations said the move will affect at least 12 acts, all of them longtime show regulars, who will be placed on "Senior Status."

Under the plan agreed upon by Grand Ole Opry management and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the performers will be cut to only 14 out of the Opry's 187 shows a year. "They (Opry management) say they have too many artists for the shows now," said David Maddox, the AFTRA's executive secretary who negotiated the pact. "They say they have more acts than slots."

"I don't know who it will affect," Maddox Said. "What that means is those people who are to be terminated from the Opry will be given enough employment to be covered by all the benefits (when they retire)."

Among those artists Opry management wants to phase out are, according to knowledgeable sources, Justin Tubb, Ernie Ashworth, Jean Shepard, Vic Wills, Charlie Louvin, Lonzo and Oscar, Teddy Wilburn, Del Wood, Stu Phillips and Billy Walker. 

Opryland President E.W. "Bud" Wendell and Grand Ole Opry Manager Hal Durham were both out of town and could not be reached for comment. Opry Information Director Jerry Strobel said he was unaware of the contract details. 

"Why were we promised we'd be there for life and now we're kicked in the teeth," said one performer who asked not to be identified. "We were the glue that held that place together," declared another. "We built the Opry up and bypassed show dates on the road to keep the Opry going. Who are they to judge who is salable and who isn't." "This is nothing but age discrimination," said another. 

Maddox would neither confirm nor deny report that only eight Opry members attended the Tuesday meeting and that seven voted in favor of the contract. The other voter reportedly abstained, sources told the Nashville Banner.

Along with the possibility of being phased out, several Opry veterans voiced displeasure with the new contract that will give Opry performers a 5 percent pay raise over the next two years. The contract was approved Tuesday between the union members and Gaylord Broadcasting Co., owners of Opryland USA, WSM-AM, WSM-FM, the Opryland Hotel and The Nashville Network (TNN), and approved by the AFTRA board today. Contract negotiations had been in the works for about a month, with performers initially seeking 20 percent pay hikes, increased job security and compensation for performances on TNN, which began televising some Opry shows nationwide last week. 

Maddox said that any mention of who would be phased out would be pure speculation on his part, but that under terms of the contract, those who are being kicked off the show will be compensated in the end. Once those performers who are targeted to be phased out of the Opry shows become eligible for the AFTRA pension fund, they will be taken off the show, Maddox said. "A minimum pension is probably not that significant in money, but with the pension they receive the same benefits as if they were actively employed," Maddox said, explaining that those on pension receive major medical and hospital insurance. 

He said that Opry management could have kicked anybody they wanted off the show but instead gave some performers more security by slowing phasing them out. "I was surprised we were able to negotiate that (the phase-out plan)," he said. "This is experimental. What that means is that we want to try this for two years and see how it works out." 

Maddox said everybody he had talked to was pleased with the contract. "The reaction I've gotten from those who've heard the contract results is that they're very pleased with it. We had different priorities than just a  20 percent pay raise. You have to look at the package as a whole."

But some embittered Opry performers claimed that Maddox had "sold us down the river" and did not look out for their best interests.

An Opry solo performer is paid about $156 per radio show and will be paid $150 for a TNN TV show performance. There are 62 acts in the show with more than 100 performers. 
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When all was said and done, the only Opry members who actually retired were Lonzo and Oscar, and that was several years later. The majority of the others did see their appearances cut but not nearly down to what was intended. Most still were at the Opry for at least one show the majority of the weekends. 

It is also interesting how they came up with the list of names. Looking back at the Opry's cast in 1985, there easily could have been a few more that could have been named, artists who were past their prime. 

At the time there were 62 members and cutting the 12 would have taken the Opry down to 50. But if you remember, just several years later, in the late 80s and into the 90s, the Opry started to add members, and at one time were up to over 70. The difference was that the members they were adding were no longer held to any performance requirements while those who were being cut back were performing just about on every show. 

Finally, in the early 2000s, after Pete Fisher became the General Manager of the Opry, he wanted to cut many of the veterans. Some of those, such as Charlie Louvin, Stu Phillips, Ernie Ashworth and Billy Walker, were repeats from the 1985 list. 15 years later, they were still hanging on. 

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Grand Ole Opry 4/17

I am sure the first thing most will notice for this weekend is that there is only one show this weekend, Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, which will be taking place at the Ryman Auditorium. The reason is pretty simple: the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards is taking place on Sunday night, and will be using the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and Bluebird Cafe as locations for the show. Because of the prep work for the show and some filming taking place, the Opry House was not available for the Opry this weekend, thus the Ryman on Saturday night. This is just a one week situation and the Friday Night Opry will return next weekend. 

Looking at the line-up, there are two Opry members on the schedule, Jeannie Seely and Vince Gill. Since joining the Opry 30 years ago, Vince has been one of the Opry's more reliable modern members, so it is strange that this will be his first appearance in 2021, and in fact, his first appearance since last October, almost six months (yes, I know he filled in with the Gatlin Brothers earlier this year, but that was in a backup role). Just my opinion, but with the current restrictions in place at the Opry, you would think that Vince would have been the perfect act to have been on the show more often. Hopefully, we will see more of Vince in the future as he has been missed at the Opry. 

Guesting this week are a couple of acts who would make great Opry members: Suzy Bogguss and Mandy Barnett. In fact, I will add a third one for membership, Don Schlitz. All three have supported the Opry very well over the past decade. Also scheduled is Jimmie Allen and the designated comedian this week is Henry Cho. 

April 17

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Don Schlitz; Mandy Barnett; Henry Cho
8:00: Vince Gill; Suzy Bogguss; Jimmie Allen

Jimmie Allen is becoming one of the more popular new acts in country music. In fact, it was announced last week that Jimmie was announced as the 2021 ACM New Male Artist of the Year. 

Jimmie made his Opry debut on May 4, 2018 and since then has made several guest appearances. He is very energetic and has always been well received. His only album Mercury Lane was released in October 2018 and went to No. 11 on the country album chart. Thus far, he has released four singles, two of which went to No. 1, "Best Shot," and "Make Me Want To." His last two singles did not make the Top 40. He is currently signed to Broken Bow Records. 
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Looking back to 50 years ago, Saturday April 17, 1971 saw Connie Smith rejoin the cast as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Maria/Sweet Caroline
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

6:45: Rudy's
Ray Pillow (host): She Learned to be a Waitress (From Sitting Home Waiting on Me)
Del Wood: Psychedelic Mockingbird
Bobby Lewis: He Gives Us All His Love
Ray Pillow: You Don't Care What Happens to Me

7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Mountain Dew
Earl Scruggs Revue: Fireball Mail
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: If I've Gotta Have Your Lovin'
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Earl Scruggs Revue: The Girl From the North Country
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's a Sunday
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: Alabama Jubilee

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Skeeter Davis: Bus Fare to Kentucky
Stringbean: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Skeeter Davis: Amazing Grace
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Hank Locklin: She's As Close AS I Can Get
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man
Floyd Tillman: Slipping Around
Ernest Tubb: One Sweet Hello
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Connie Smith: Once A Day

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Vanishing Breed
Bob Luman: Mona Lisa
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Hank Snow: So Goes My Heart
Harold Weakley: Crazy Arms
Bob Luman: Sing the Blues to Daddy
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
The Four Guys: One Pair of Hands
Justin Tubb: Free Born Man
Del Wood: Wesley's Tune
Jim Ed Brown: Angel's Sunday
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

10:00: Fender
Hank Locklin (host): Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Bobby Lewis: He Gives Us All His Love
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get

10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Skeeter Davis: Bus Fare to Kentucky
Joe and Rose Lee Maphis: Honey, Be My Honey Bee
Billy Grammer: What A Friend

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Saw the Light
Ray Pillow: The Waitress
Floyd Tillman: Daisy May
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry
Leon Boulanger: San Antonio Rose
Crook Brothers: Sally Ann
Ernest Tubb: Another Story

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Hank Snow: Tangled Mind
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: Mississippi River Blues

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Bob Luman: Sing the Blues to Daddy
Diane McCall: Help Me Make it Through the Night
Charlie Louvin: Love Has to Die all By Itself
Bob Luman: I Got a Woman
Charlie Louvin and Diane McCall: Did You Ever/Something to Brag About

Connie originally became a member of the Opry in September 1965. However, after performing on the show Saturday August 5, 1968, she gave up her membership. At the time, she was going through some personal and family issues and as she said in an interview, "I got to where I never opened my mouth till I got on stage, and then I never opened it again till the next show. I lost all my joy." She credited her turnaround to religion and specifically mentioned Jimmy Snow and his Evangel Temple, which she attended at the time. In addition to returning to the Opry, Connie also appeared on and hosted the Grand Ole Gospel Hour, which was taped after the Friday Night Opry. 

Once Connie returned to the Opry, she never has left and in fact, she had become one of the Opry's regular members in supporting the show. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday night. 

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Grand Ole Opry 4/9 & 4/10

Welcome to another week at the Grand Ole Opry. I hope everyone had a very nice Easter and enjoyed the Opry last weekend. I was very impressed with the televised segment on Circle as Ricky Skaggs, Natalie Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman were each outstanding. And it was nice to see Ricky back on the Opry for the first time this year. 

Moving ahead to this weekend, what stands out is the Circle televised segment of the Opry as this week, the hour long portion will feature no members of the Opry. Scheduled this week are Jordan Davis, Runaway June, which features Circle TV host Natalie Stovall, Matthew West with Carly Pearce, and making his Opry debut, Zach Bryan. 

Joining that group on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, and the only Opry member on the schedule for Saturday night, will be Jeannie Seely, along with Darin & Brooke Aldridge and the designated comedian for this week, Aaron Weber. In addition to the televised portion with Matthew West, Carly Pearce will also perform during the first hour. 

Jeannie Seely and Darin & Brooke Aldridge are also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, where they will be joined by Riders In The Sky. I really don't know where the Opry would be at without the continued support of Jeannie and the Riders. They, obviously, seem to be the two members that can be counted on every week. Guesting on Friday, in addition to Darin & Brooke, will be Striking Matches, Stephanie Quayle, Wade Hayes, John Crist and Rodney Atkins. 

Friday April 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Striking Matches
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Darin & Brooke Aldridge
8:00: Stephanie Quayle; Wade Hayes
8:30: John Crist; Rodney Atkins

Saturday April 10
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Carly Pearce; Aaron Weber
8:00: Jordan Davis; Runaway June; Zach Bryan; Matthew West w/Carly Pearce

I know it is tough and they are doing the best they can. 
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Some may not be familiar with Matthew West and Carly Pearce's recently released single of "Truth Be Told," which has reached No.1 on the Christian Airplay charts.

In a January 2021 interview, West noted, “I wanna be the first person who says ‘You know what? I’ve got some messes, and I’m going to dare to believe that there’s a God who loves me anyway. And I’m going to dare to believe that there are some other Christians who would love me anyway even if they knew that I was less than perfect.’ So I’m putting it out there, truth be told, and I hope you will too.”

Related to her appearance on the re-released hit, Pearce stated, “My faith is such a huge part of my life. I’ve been praying for the right opportunity to show more of my heart, and ’Truth Be Told’ felt meant to be. Not only am I such a fan of Matthew’s, but this lyric has also been the anthem of my life over the last year. Being transparent and vulnerable is how we connect with others. I’m so excited to be a part of this collaboration!”
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And as mentioned, Zach Bryan will be making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night. 

Zach Bryan is a singer/songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma, proud of his small-town roots and whose music is fueled by a desire to stay true to himself. The 24-year old is an active-duty member of the US Navy currently stationed in Washington state, a family tradition that has instilled a sense of honor and humility that is clear in his music. His success is found in his raspy voice, a mix of classic folk melody and outlaw country with a raw edge that cuts to the bone. His breakthrough moment makes all that clear as day. 

In the video for “Heading South,” shot by phone outside of his Navy barracks in humid 95 degree heat, Zach’s passion echoes off the strings of his trusted Guild. Drenched in sweat and belting words that he had written minutes earlier, the moment is authentic, brutal, and real. Millions of fans have now seen that video without any sort of industry assist, and millions more have connected to the tender, sincere songs found on both Zach’s 2019 debut album DeAnn—dedicated to his late mother—and his 2020 follow-up, Elisabeth, an ode to those he loves. 

A man of simple words, Zach’s ability to create depth in his work is rivaled by few artists. He believes that who you are only extends to the person you are today, an ideology reflected in everything he creates.
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Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday April 10, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Justin Tubb
7:00: Charlie Louvin (host); Diane McCall; Billy Grammer, Bobby Bare; Willis Brothers
7:30: Bill Monroe (host); James William Monroe; Tom T. Hall; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers; The 4 Guys; Bill Carlisle
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Jean Shepard; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; George Morgan; Haskell McCormick; Leroy Van Dyke
8:30: Del Reeves (host); Dottie West; Bob Luman; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Stringbean

2nd show
9:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Ernie Ashworth; Stu Phillips; Del Wood
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Tom T. Hall; Bill Carlisle; James William Monroe
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host); Bobby Bare; Justin Tubb; Diane McCall
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Jean Shepard; Billy Grammer
10:45: George Morgan (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Locklin (host); Dottie West; Stringbean; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Del Reeves (host); Bob Luman; The 4 Guys; Leroy Van Dyke
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I know that over the past several weeks, I have been featuring line-ups from a few of the Grand Ole Opry's reunion shows and this week, I have another one. This one is from 38 years ago, Saturday April 9, 1983: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
Grandpa Jones: Neighbors

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y' all Come
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Duke of Paducah: Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas
Jim Ed Brown: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
Skeeter Davis: I Gotta Know; I Gotta Know
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Roy Drusky: What About You
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling for Loving Me

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Sid Harkreader: Amazing Grace/Mockingbird Breakdown/Red Wing/Easter Parade
Connie Smith: 'Til I Kissed You
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Forever + 1 Days; Forever + 2
The 4 Guys: Ruby Red
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Paul Howard: Stay a Little Longer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: Nevertheless, I'm In Love with You

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jeannie Seely: He's All I Need
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Lonzo and Oscar: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Anderson (host): How Married Are You Mary Ann
Jean Shepard: Home in San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Roly Poly
Pee Wee King: Slow Poke/Tennessee Waltz
Bill Anderson; Golden Guitar

10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Mountain Dew
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Teddy Wilburn: Born to Love Me

10:45: Beechnut
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Vic Willis Trio: You Feel Good All Over
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): That Heart Belongs to Me
Hank Locklin: Tin Roof
Roy Drusky: Wings of a Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That Was Good in My Life

11:30: Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
The 4 Guys: Ruby Red
Paul Howard: Come On In Baby; The Boogie's Fine Tonight
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours/It's Too Late
Jack Greene: From Cotton to Satin

As a note, Minnie Pearl and George Hamilton IV both cancelled

This was the final reunion show for Paul Howard, who along with his Arkansas Cotton Pickers, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the 40s. 

Paul Howard's claim to fame was western swing music. He was born in 1908. As a teenage, he began playing the guitar and by the early 1930s he was appearing professionally on Arizona radio stations. His reputation crew as a result of appearing with the Barn Dance out of Kentucky, and continuing on with the Opry and NBC's Shower of Stars. 

 By the time he came to the Opry, he had his own group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers, bringing with him his style of western swing to the Opry. He claimed to have been the first picker to aim an amplified guitar at the Opry audience and was among the first to present two and three-part fiddle harmonies at the Opry. 

As a songwriter, Howard came up under the guidance of important songwriter and publisher Fred Rose. The Howard songwriting catalog is as salty with tears as any in the sentimental country genre, listeners have the option of weeping along with titles such as "With Tears in My Eyes," "Torn Between True Love and Desire," "The Fiddler With the Patch on His Pants," "You Left a Red Cross on My Heart," "Rock Candy Heart," or "I'm Sending You Red Roses." Good-natured instrumentals such as "Texas Boogie" and "Cherokee Shuffle" are also part of the Howard canon. He fronted his own band known as the Arkansas Cotton Pickers during the Opry years, leading to his nickname of "the Arkansas Cottonpicker."

With the Opry losing interest in western swing during the '50s, Howard became involved in radio broadcasting in Louisiana. He worked in management and program directing as well as doing disc jockey shifts. Over the ensuing decades, he was quite often brought back to the Opry to be presented as part of various "old-timers" features. At the age of 75, Howard was continuing to front a version of the Arkansas Cotton Pickers when he died of heart failure.

Paul Howard passed away on June 18, 1984. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 



Sunday, April 4, 2021

April Opry Highlights

April showers bring May flowers!!! Welcome to Spring, when the trees begin to bloom and everyone starts to get anxious to get their gardens in. Here in Ohio it is still a bit early but the warmer weather and later sunsets is a nice sign. As far as the Grand Ole Opry is concerned, here are the important dates in Opry history for the month of April.

April 19, 1924: The WLS "National Barn Dance" was aired for the first time in Chicago. The National Barn Dance was the first of what would be many weekly barn dance programs sponsored by various radio stations around the country. Among the performers who were part of the "National Barn Dance" were Lulu Belle & Scotty, Bradley Kincaid, Gene Autry and a host of others. The "National Barn Dance" lasted until 1960 when the station changed formats. As many know, especially my friends in the Chicago area, WLS stood for "World's Largest Store," which was Sears, who were the owners of the station.

April 17, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon became a regular member of the WSM Barn Dance, soon to be known as the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 55, he was the first performer to join the show that had a national reputation and his hiring, in a way, would start the show on the path of becoming a group of professional entertainers instead of those, who as George D. Hay used to say, "came down from the hills for the weekend." Uncle Dave would remain a popular Opry member until his death on March 1, 1952, at the age of 81.

April 14, 1932: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. Loretta joined the cast of the Opry in September 1962. At the age of 89, Loretta continues putting out new music with the recent release of her newest album. 

April 30, 1932: The Dixieliners, which consisted of Kirk and Sam McGee, along with Arthur Smith, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. All three had been performing on the Opry for several years, but this was the first time that they teamed up as an organized group. Their popularity and reputation grew and within a short amount of time they had two ten-minute segments on the show. It began to end for the Dixieliners in 1938 as Arthur had a drinking problem and was suspended from the Opry. On January 14, 1939, the Dixieliners made their final Opry appearance, after which Arthur left the Opry, while Sam and Kirk would continue on for many years.

April 11, 1933: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark was born in Meherrin, Virginia. Roy, who joined the Grand Ole Opry in August 1987 was one of the more popular Opry members. In addition to being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Roy was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and gained fame as the co-host of Hee Haw.

April 29, 1933: The Delmore Brothers, Rabon and Alton, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. The brothers remained members of the Opry until 1938 when they left to pursue what they felt were better opportunities. Alton would later write an excellent book, "Truth is Stranger" in which he detailed their time at the Opry and the issues that they had with George D. Hay and Harry Stone. After leaving the Opry, the Delmore Brothers moved around the country and had shows at various radio stations until they played out the territory and moved on. They eventually ended up at WLW in Cincinnati, where they got together with Grandpa Jones and Merle Travis and recorded under the name "Browns Ferry Four." Each of these individuals would eventually be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. September 11, 1938 was the final Opry show for the Delmore Brothers and they sang, "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul."

April 1, 1934: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry member, Jim Ed Brown was born in Sparkman, Arkansas. Jim Ed was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, which included time with his sisters Bonnie and Maxine.

April 15, 1937: Bob Luman was born. Bob gained fame as a member of the Louisiana Hayride, and then came to Nashville, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1965. When Bob joined the Opry, many felt that he had too much "rock-n-roll" in him, but he was a very popular member of the Opry and fans enjoyed his performances. Bob remained at the Opry until he passed away in December 1978.

April 29, 1939: The father-and-son duo Asher Sizemore & Little Jimmy performs on the Grand Ole Opry for the last time.

April 26, 1941: Ernest Tubb recorded "Walking the Floor Over You" in Dallas, Texas. This recording was also the first to use an electric guitar. The success of this record, which would become Ernest's theme song, led him to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry several years later.

April 14, 1945: Upon the death of President Franklin Roosevelt, a performance of taps was played from the stage of the Opry. This marked the first time that a trumpet was played during an Opry broadcast. Buddy Harroll, part of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys was the performer, and while it was the right thing to do, George D. Hay was not thrilled. Also of note, while there was an Opry performance that night, it was not broadcast on WSM as the station was running NBC network programming commemorating the life and death of the President.

April 6, 1946: Roy Acuff quit the Opry in a salary dispute. At the time, he was the host of "The Prince Albert Show" segment of the Opry that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. He was making $15 per night at the Opry and asked for a raise to $100 per night. When WSM refused his demands, he left the show and went out to California for an extended tour. Over the years, Roy never talked much about the whole episode, but he knew that as the Opry's biggest star, he could make more money out on the road and have extra time to make movies. A year later, Roy would return to the Opry and when he did, he was paid more than union scale.

April 13, 1946: A week after Roy Acuff left, Red Foley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and debuted as the new host of "The Prince Albert Show." There is a story behind this. After Roy quit, William Esty and Company, which was the advertising agency that represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the makers of Prince Albert chewing tobacco, undertook a study to determine how best to replace Roy Acuff as the host of the program. Most listeners wanted the Opry to continue without any changes, but it was clear after all the questioning was done that a large portion of the Opry fans wanted more music and less talk, suggesting that a singer needed to be hired as the replacement. Esty checked all the available data, which included record sales, jukebox plays and radio favorites, and it all pointed to Red Foley. Red would later say, "I guess I was never more scared than that night I replaced Roy Acuff. The people thought I was a Chicago slicker who came to pass himself off as a country boy and bump Roy out of his job." While it is true that Red came to the Opry from WLS in Chicago, he was actually born in Kentucky and had a string of country hits. It is interesting to note that while Red became a member of the Opry, he only appeared on, and hosted, the Prince Albert segment of the show.

April 13, 1946: The same night that Red Foley came to the Opry, so did Chet Atkins, who was introduced that night by Red. Chet stayed at the Opry with Red for just six months, when he left in his own dispute with Esty. Chet would return later with the Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters and he would continue to make guest appearances until his death. There was always discussion on whether Chet was an actual member of the Opry or not, but in checking the records, his name is listed. 

April 2, 1947: Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris was born. Emmylou joined the cast of the Opry in January 1992, the last member of the cast to have been inducted by Roy Acuff. Sadly, Emmylou does not appear on the Opry as often as many of us would like.

April 19, 1947: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry. Roy left the Opry a year earlier in what some said was due to a salary dispute. On the night he returned, Roy was a guest on the Prince Albert portion of the show. The following Saturday, he would take over as the host of the Royal Crown Cola portion of the Opry. 

April 26, 1947: Just over a year after leaving the Opry, Roy Acuff returned as host of the "Royal Crown Cola Show." There is a story that Ernest Tubb and Harry Stone went to see Roy, who was in a Nashville hospital, telling him that the Opry might go under if he didn't return. While there is no evidence that the Opry was about to go under, the words worked and Roy came back, this time to stay for good.

April 3, 1948: The Louisiana Hayride started on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. Over the next decade, the Hayride would become known as a farm club of the Opry, with many of the Hayride's biggest stars leaving Shreveport for Nashville. Among those were David Houston, Billy Walker, Webb Pierce, Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. The Hayride was also were Elvis Presley got his start. While the Hayride was very successful with Horace Logan at the helm, the lack of a recording industry in Shreveport meant that the stars had to go elsewhere, including Nashville to record. Once there, the Opry grabbed many of them.

April 29, 1950: Future Grand Ole Opry member Carl Smith made his Opry debut. Carl would eventually join the Opry's cast and would remain an Opry member until leaving the show in 1956.

April 26, 1952: Martha Carson, the great gospel singer, joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry on the strength of her hit "Satisfied." Martha remained a member of the Opry until 1957, at which time she took a leave of absence when her first child was born and to spend some time working in New York City. However, when it came time for her to return, the Opry would not hire her back. According to Martha, "I got a leave of absence from the Opry. I didn't quit and I wasn't fired. When I came back to Nashville, Opry manager Ott Devine said they had no openings. I never did go back. I never even got to be a guest." Obviously a poor decision by Ott and the Opry's management. While Martha would claim that she never got to be a guest again on the Opry, that apparently was not true as I have several line-ups with Martha listed as performing. 

April 9, 1953: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum was born. Sadly, Hal experienced some serious health issues over the past decade and passed away in 2020. 

April 18, 1953: Red Foley made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance as the host of "The Prince Albert Show." Red made the decision to leave Nashville and go to the Ozark Jubilee, which was televised. Red had numerous personal issues when he was with the Opry and when he decided to leave, the Opry had no objections. While many wondered about Red when he first came to the Opry, he become one of the Opry's biggest stars and one of the more popular members. After he left, "The Prince Albert Show" no longer had a permanent host.

April 12, 1957: Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill was born. Vince has been a loyal and vocal member of the Opry since 1991. While Vince has always supported the Opry, and has been very vocal in that support, the last several years saw his appearances drop as he was busy touring with his own show and as a member of The Eagles. Who else finds it hard to believe that Vince will be 64 this year?

April 4, 1959: Bill Anderson made his debut as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, in July 1961, Bill would become an Opry member. On July 17, Bill will be honored upon his 60th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

April 30, 1960: The WLS "National Barn Dance" aired for the final time. At one time, the barn dance was considered a major competitor of the Opry, and while it lasted much longer than others, like those others, it could not sustain itself as musical tastes changed.

April 30, 1966: Ray Pillow became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ray's 55th year as an Opry member. On the night he joined, Ernest Tubb introduced him. Ray hasn't been on the Opry for a few years so the thinking is that he is now retired.

April 22, 1967: The Four Guys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They came to the Opry from the Wheeling, West Virginia area and spent 33 years as members of the Opry until they were fired in April 2000. The reason given for their termination was the fact that all four of the original members had left the group. For a number of years, they operated a very successful dinner theater in Nashville and were a popular cruise trip attraction.

April 6, 1968: Following the assassination of Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., the city of Nashville imposed a curfew that forced the Opry to cancel the live show for that night. WSM played a previously taped Opry appearance. After being notified that the show was going to be cancelled, Roy Acuff, Sam and Kirk McGee, along with a few others, put on a makeshift show at a nearby square dance hall that afternoon for Opry fans who came to town to attend the Opry. WSM and the Opry claims this was the only time that the Opry was ever cancelled, however when looking at the Opry's history, it was not the first.

April 6, 1968: On that same evening as the Opry was cancelled, Bud Wendall became the new general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. He replaced Ott Devine, who had been in charge of the Opry since 1959.

April 21, 1971: After taking a break to raise her children, Connie Smith returned as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Connie joined the Opry in 1965 and left the show in 1968 while she was having some issues in her personal life and felt she needed to give her attention to areas other than her music. 

April 12, 1972: The first "Fan Fair" was held in Nashville. It was so successful that it would become an annual event, eventually moving to June and the summer tourist season. Fan Fair was a chance for the fans to meet their favorite country music stars and the Opry was a big part of the event. It still takes place, although it is now called "CMA Music Fest."

April 27, 1972: Opryland opens for the first time. The park was an immediate hit and within several years, the Opry House would be completed and the Opry would make the move. Opryland shut down at the end of 1997 and replaced by Opry Mills shopping center. Yes, while it may seem hard to believe, Opryland has been closed for over 20 years.

April 28, 1973: Conway Twitty performed on the Opry for the first time. While never becoming an Opry member, Conway had one of the great voices in the history of country music.

April 13, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time as he resigned as an Opry member. Tom T. was not happy with the move from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. He would appear several times at the new building, then left. Tom T rejoined the Opry in 1980. In later interviews, Tom T. said that it was basically a mistake on his part leaving the Opry and he was happy that he had returned. 

April 5, 1975: After having been suspended from the Opry in December 1973, Skeeter Davis was welcomed back to the show. Several Opry members had gone to Bud Wendall, asking that she be allowed to return to the show. When Skeeter returned, she did apologize for those safety forces that she might have offended.

April 23, 1976: Don Williams is introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne Pruett did the honors. As everyone knows, Don and the Opry experience didn't really work and he left the show several years later. Even though he left the Opry as a member, he did return for a couple of guest appearances.

April 2, 1977: Vito Pellettieri worked his final show as the stage manager of the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, he suffered a stroke and on April 14 he passed away at the age of 87. While very few people have heard of Vito, he was probably one of the most influential people in the history of the Opry, so much so that he was never really replaced when he passed away. Years after his death, one veteran Opry member said, "I miss Vito. You know, we don't have a marshal anymore. What we have out there is a piece of paper in a box, with a list of acts and when they're supposed to go on. But we don't have anybody encouraging us, goading us, giving us advice on how to do better. Nobody to jack us up." One of Vito's closest friends was Hank Snow and Hank wrote extensively about Vito in his autobiography, including the jokes they used to play on each other. Now for those who do not know, Vito was WSM's librarian and started as the Opry's stage manager in 1934. He was the one who set up the Opry on a schedule, with assigned times and slots for each performer. He broke the show into segments with sponsors. Before that, it had been a free-for-all, with the artists coming and going as they pleased. In 1959, Vito faced mandatory retirement at WSM. However, every one of the Opry's members signed a petition demanding that Vito be allowed to continue working at the Opry and that November at the annual disc jockey convention, Opry members staged a show in Vito's honor. By the way, Vito never drove or owned a car and took the bus to WSM and the Opry each day.

April 14, 1979: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor W. E. Stephens sponsored their final segment on the Grand Ole Opry. Stephens was one of the Opry's longest running sponsors. For those who have never heard the Stephens jingle, check it out online. One of those fun little numbers. 

April 13, 1981: Guy Willis of the Willis Brothers died at the age of 65. The Willis Brothers consisted of Guy, Skeeter and Vic. They originally joined the Opry in 1946, but left in 1948 to go on the road with Eddy Arnold. They rejoined the Opry in 1960. Skeeter passed away in 1976, after which Guy and Vic continued on, until Guy retired from performing in 1979 due to illness.

April 3, 1982: DeFord Bailey made his final appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. An early member of the show, DeFord had returned in the 1970s and made several appearances on the Opry's annual reunion shows.

April 13, 1985: The Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the first time on TNN. The original shows were a half hour in length, later expanding to an hour. In 2001 the broadcast moved to CMT and then later to GAC in 2003. The first televised show was a one hour edition and featured Roy Acuff, as the host for the first half hour, with Connie Smith, Minnie Pearl and the Four Guys as guests. The 2nd half hour was hosted by Porter Wagoner and featured Dottie West, Jack Greene, the Crook Brothers and the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Those original TNN shows were not scripted for television and were nothing more than the radio show with a camera. As a result, the timing was sometimes a little bit off and the hosts forgot they were on television and would mention the names of the radio sponsors.

April 18, 1985: It was reported in the Nashville Banner that under a new two-year contract between the Grand Ole Opry and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (the union that represents Opry members and musicians), that at least 12 Grand Ole Opry members, all of them longtime show regulars, would be placed on "Senior Status," which essentially would remove them from the show. Among those listed as being phased out were Justin Tubb, Ernie Ashworth, Jean Shepard, Vic Willis, Charlie Louvin, Lonzo and Oscar, Teddy Wilburn, Del Wood, Stu Phillips and Billy Walker. As you would expect, several of those named were less than pleased and voiced their concern. At the time, a solo Opry performer was paid $156 per radio show and an additional $150 if they appeared on the TNN portion of the Opry. The performers who were to be cut would be limited to 14 shows per year. Looking back, many of those listed were not cut, nor put on "Senior Status," while others were. 

April 29. 1986: The Country Music Hall Of Fame opens a new exhibit, "The Grand Ole Opry: The First 60 Years." Items on display include Minnie Pearl's first hat, Loretta Lynn's road atlas, and a pair of Reba McEntire's boots

April 22, 1989: Clint Black made his first appearance as a guest at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1991, Clint would become an Opry member.

April 20, 1991: Emmylou Harris began a three night run at the Ryman Auditorium, during which her recording of "At The Ryman" took place. It marked one of the first uses of the Ryman for a concert performance since the Opry had left in 1974. Due to the condition of the building, only a small portion of the seating was able to be used. Those shows with Emmylou helped to spark the idea of renovating and reopening the Ryman.

April 2, 1994: During the TNN telecast of the Opry, an all-star bluegrass jam took place that featured Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Roy Husky, Jr., Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss and Earl Scruggs. Vince said, "That's what this place is all about. Night that are like that."

April 12, 1997: Lewis Crook passed away in Nashville at the age of 87. The Crook Brothers joined the Opry on July 24, 1926, so it is safe to say that they were original members of the WSM Barn Dance. The Crook Brothers remained at the Opry until 1988, a total of 62 years. Lewis was not with the Crook Brothers when they originally began at the Opry, joining the group later in 1928. After Herman passed away and the Crook Brothers name was retired, Lewis would continue to play and make appearances with the Opry's Square Dance Band. When you add it all up and do the math, Lewis was at the Opry on and off for almost 69 years, longer than any other performer.

April 6, 1998: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette passed away in Nashville at the age of 55. She had been battling health issues for a number of years. Tammy joined the Opry in 1969 and remained for just a few years.

April 4, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower made his final appearances on the Opry. Jerry, who joined the cast in October 1973, appeared on both Saturday shows that weekend, along with the Friday Night Opry the night before. Jerry passed away in August 1998 due to complications from heart surgery.

April 18, 1998: Diamond Rio became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 23rd year as Opry members, and overall, they have been pretty good members of the Opry's cast.

April 12, 1999: Lecil Martin, known better as Boxcar Willie, passed away in Branson, Missouri after an extended illness. He was 67. Boxcar joined the Opry in 1981 at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff, who was a real fan of Boxcar, so much so that when Boxcar was on the Opry, and Roy was there, he would come out and do his famous train whistle during the Wabash Cannonball.

April 5, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry fired The Four Guys. The group had been members of the Opry for 33 years. The reason given was that none of the original members were no longer part of the group. 

April 28, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry members Rascal Flatts made their Opry debut. 

April 18, 2003: Future Grand Ole Opry member Dierks Bentley made his Grand Ole Opry debut. 

April 17, 2004: The Judds made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, they would show up a time or two on the show.

April 30, 2004: The Grand Ole Opry took to the road and sponsored the "Grand Ole Opry American Road Show." The appearance took place in York, Pennsylvania and included Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, the Del McCoury Band and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

April 10, 2012: Keith Urban is invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

April 21, 2012: Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 9th year as an Opry member. Sorry to say that Keith hasn't been around much since joining the cast. In fact, he has been around very little. 

April 26, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry dedicated the shows that weekend to Opry member George Jones, who had passed away several days earlier. Those performing included Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry and John Conlee.

April 11, 2015: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown made his final Opry appearance. The newly elected member of the Country Music Hall of Fame had been an Opry member for just over 50 years.

April 15, 2016: Jimmy Wayne performs "Do You Believe Me Now" and "I Love You This Much" as he makes his 200th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy would be one of those very frequent guest artists who performed on the Opry but was never asked to become a member. 

April 30, 2016: Ray Pillow was recognized upon is 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry general manager Pete Fisher presented Ray with a gold pocket watch.

April 7, 2018: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare was reinstated as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby, who originally joined the Opry in 1964, left the Opry in 1974, just after when the show moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It has been a few years since Bobby has appeared on the Opry and hopefully he is doing better.

April 16, 2019: Kelsea Ballerini became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Kelsea was invited to join the cast by Little Big Town during the Tuesday Night Opry on March 5.

There you have it for this month and as usual, it was a busy one around the Opry.