Monday, August 4, 2025

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There is a full schedule of shows this week, as in addition to the Tuesday and Wednesday Night Opry shows, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night. 

Highlighting the mid-week shows are another guest appearance by Jelly Roll on Tuesday night, the long-awaited return of The Whites to the Opry on Wednesday night and the return of Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers on Thursday night. 


Starting off with the Tuesday Night Opry, as mentioned, Jelly Roll is back for another guest appearance. If you remember his last appearance, he stated that until the new Tennessee Titans stadium opens, of which he stated that he will be the opening act, he will only appear in Nashville on the Grand Ole Opry. Also appearing on Tuesday Night will be comedian Leanne Morgan and Clay Walker. The only Opry member on the schedule is Dailey & Vincent. 

Tuesday August 5
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Holly Williams, Jon Randall & Jessi Alexander, Dave Barnes
Intermission
8:20: Clay Walker, Leanne Morgan, Jelly Roll


Moving ahead to Wednesday night, The Whites have not appeared on the Opry since Buck passed away in January. They have been missed, and I am glad to see that they are back on the schedule for Wednesday night. Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown and Chris Janson will be joining them. There is an Opry debut on Wednesday night as Lanie Gardner will be making her first Opry appearance. 

Wednesday August 6
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Vincent Mason, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Aaron Weber, Lanie Gardner, Chris Janson


Finally, Opry Country Classics returns to the schedule and will continue into the fall. After Larry Gatlin fell off the schedule during the spring run of shows, some were asking if Larry would be back as the host, and I am happy to say that he is. Aubry Rodriquez, who is the daughter of country legend Johnny Rodriquez, who we lost earlier this year, will be making her Opry debut. Also appearing is comedian Gary Mule Deer. Considering that this is the "classics" show, I wonder if he will be doing some comedy that was made famous by past Opry stars Archie Campbell or Duke of Paducah, among others. 

Opry Country Classics
Thursday August 7
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: The Bellamy Brothers
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Aubry Rodriquez, Gary Mule Deer, The Isaacs


I know many have messaged me that they appreciate seeing the older Opry lineups that I post. Thanks!! Here is one from Saturday August 6, 1988. That Saturday night was the last Opry appearance by Webb Pierce. Webb had been an Opry member in the 1950s, during the period when Webb was one of the biggest names in country music. Webb didn't stay long as business interests, and lack of pay from the Opry, sent him in a different direction. Although he was no longer an Opry member, Webb would come back and make occasional appearances. The last one took place 37 years ago. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Wilma Lee Cooper: This Old House
Charlie Walker: Just Call Me Lonesome/Take Me Back to Tulsa

6:45: Rudy's
The 4 Guys (host): Sing It High; Sing It Low
Jeannie Seely: Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me Alone
The 4 Guys: Look Out For Me, Old Muddy Water

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): My World Ain't Turning Yet
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Ray Pillow: So Far, Not So Good
Webb Pierce: There Stands The Glass/Memory No. 1
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure/There Goes My Everything

7:30: Standard Candy
Tom T Hall (host): Faster Horses
Osborne Brothers: Midnight Flyer
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Wagoneers: I Want To Know Her Again/Every Step Of The Way
Tom T Hall: The Old Side of Town/The Year That Clayton Delaney Died

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye/Faded Love
Billy Walker: A Millon & One/Charlie's Shoes
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'
Opry Square Dance Band & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Teddy Wilburn: Lovesick Blues
Connie Smith: Sing; Sing; Sing
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
David Houston: Have A Little Faith
Wilma Lee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Ray Pillow: Don't We All Have The Right
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me

10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Walker (host): Cherokee Maiden
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me Again
Charlie Walker: Tell Me Again/Just Call Me Lonesome/San Antonio Rose

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Tom T Hall: Old Dogs & Children & Watermelon Wine/I Love
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:30: Pet Milk
Osborne Brothers (host): Flying South
Roy Drusky: Time Has Made A Change In Me
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Glen Duncan: Katy Hill

10:45: B.C. Powder
Billy Walker (host): Down To My Last Cigarette
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Opry Square Dance Band & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Billy Walker: Wild Texas Rose

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Looking Back To See
Webb Pierce: In The Jailhouse Now/I'm Walkin' The Dog
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Creamette
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: Slow Burning Memory
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Teddy Wilburn: Arkansas
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk of Coal/Waterloo


Webb Pierce was one of the most popular Honky-tonk stars in country music and had more singles on the Billboard charts than any other artist in the 1950s. His biggest hit "There Stands the Glass" (1953), is regarded as one of country's classic drinking songs. For Decca Records, he charted 48 singles, 39 reaching the top ten to include "In the Jailhouse Now," " More and More," "Backstreet Affair," "Why, Baby, Why," "Oh, So Many Years" and "Finally." 

In 2001, a decade after Webb passed away, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. There have been stories written over the years that there were voters who refused to vote for Webb while he was alive because of how he had alienated people in Nashville. It took the 2001 election, which was the year of the mass induction, to finally get Webb into the Hall. 

Webb Pierce passed away in February 1991 after a period of declining health. 














Sunday, August 3, 2025

August Opry Highlights

Opry 100 rolls on. Here are the important Grand Ole Opry related events for the month of August: 

August 22, 1910: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Grand Ole Opry comedian, Rod Brasfield was born in Smithville, Mississippi. Rod joined the Opry in the late 1940s and was famous for his comedy routines with Minnie Pearl and June Carter, among others. Rod was a member of the Opry until he passed away in September 1958.

August 30, 1919: Muriel Ellen Deason, known professionally as Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. Kitty, along with her husband Johnny Wright, were members of the Grand Ole Opry from the early 1950s until they left the show in December 1964 over a dispute regarding booking fees. Although they left the Opry cast, Kitty would come back to make a few guest appearances on the show. There are also some reports that she asked to rejoin the Opry cast in her later years, but the request was declined. Kitty passed away in July 2012.

August 8, 1921: Webb Pierce was born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Webb first appeared on the Opry in 1952 and joined the cast shortly after. He was an Opry member for a very short period of time as he figured out, he was losing out on a lot of money by not appearing on the road on Saturday nights. Webb would come back and make an occasional appearance in his later years. In 2001, after his death, Webb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 28, 1925: The great guitarist Billy Grammer was born in Benton, Illinois. Billy joined the Opry in 1959 and was as well known for his guitar playing as he was for his singing. His career song was "Gotta Travel On." Billy remained a member of the Opry until his death in August 2011, after spending more than 50 years as an Opry member. Billy also gave the invocation on the night that the new Grand Ole Opry House opened in March 1974. 

August 12, 1927: The man known as "The Wagonmaster," Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Missouri. Porter came to the Opry in 1957 from the Ozark Jubilee, and he would remain a very popular Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as a member of the Opry. During his long career, this Hall of Fame member had over 80 singles on the country charts and was instrumental in the career of a number of country music artists, including Norma Jean, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Buck Trent and Patty Loveless, among others. Even to this day, Porter is missed at the Opry.

August 29, 1927: Jimmy C Newman was born in High Point, Louisiana. Jimmy joined the Opry in August 1956 and along with his Cajun Band, was a very popular member of the Opry. You could always count on a bouncy, Cajun sound whenever Jimmy appeared on the Opry. Jimmy passed away in June 2014 after a short illness.

August 4, 1931: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. After the Grand Ole Opry moved to Opryland and the new Grand Ole Opry House, Hal was asked by newly promoted Opry general manager Bud Wendall to come and help him out. It worked out pretty well and soon Hal was running the Opry. He received the official title of general manager in 1978 and would hold that position for the next 15 years. It should be noted that it was under Hal's direction attendance requirements were relaxed, and a number of members were added to the cast with no commitment to the show. After a long retirement, Hal passed away in March 2009.

August 20, 1935: Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. Justin would follow in the footsteps of his famous father Ernest and became a successful country music singer, along with being a fine songwriter. Justin became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, at the age of 20. At the time he was the Opry's youngest member. Justin remained with the Opry until his sudden death in January 1998.

August 14, 1941: Constance June Meador was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Better known as Connie Smith, she joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, left for a few years, then returned for good. In 2015 she celebrated 50 years as a member of the Opry and later this month, she will be celebrating her 60th. 

August 11, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee was born in Versailles, Kentucky. John, who has one of the unique voices in country music, joined the Opry in 1981 and remains a very active member of the cast. At the age of 79, John continues to tour and make new music.

August 11, 1952: Hank Williams was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry manager Jim Denny. Hank was fired because it was determined that his behavior and personal habits were detrimental to the Opry, and country music in general. Hank was very upset and disappointed at being fired and had hoped that one day he could return as an Opry member. However, Hank passed away and his Opry return never took place. While there are those who believe that Hank should be reinstated as an Opry member, it should be noted that only living individuals are considered as members, however Hank is recognized on the Opry's membership wall located backstage at the Opry House.

August 16, 1952: Grandpa Jones, who had left Nashville for a short period of time, rejoined the cast of the Opry. Grandpa had first joined the show in the 1940s and when he came back, he stayed with the Opry until his death in 1998. Can it really be over 25 years since Grandpa passed away? Fortunately, we have the old Hee Haw shows that air on Circle TV to help us remember how funny and talented Grandpa was. 

August 29, 1953: James Clell Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jody first came to the Opry in 1938 as a part of Roy Acuff's group. He also performed with Pee Wee King and Eddy Arnold. While he appeared on the Opry many times as a solo artist, he also appeared with Lonzo & Oscar. While he was noted for his comedy skills, Jody was also a fabulous dobro player, and in fact it was Jody who first played the dobro on the Opry and helped to define the Acuff sound. Cousin Jody stayed as a member of the Opry until the early 1970s, when health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in August 1975.

August 14, 1954: Ernest Tubb took a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry. He was gone for a couple of months, returning in November of that year. What is strange about this is that while he was gone from the Opry, Ernest still hosted the Midnight Jamboree each week. Several reasons and rumors were given as to the reason for not appearing on the Opry, with health-related issues being the most common.

August 28, 1954: Stringbean, or "String Beans" as he was referred to during this period of time, left the cast of the Grand Ole Opry to join the Ramblin' Tommy Scott Show. He was gone for just a short period of time and returned to the Opry, where he would remain until his death in November 1973. Over the years, Stringbean's talents, especially his musical skills, have really become underappreciated. Of note: when Stringbean wanted to return to the Opry management hesitated and it was Roy Acuff that stepped in and insisted that Stringbean return as a member. 

August 4, 1956: As best as can be determined, Jimmy C Newman became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Except for a very brief period of time when Jimmy was absent from the show, Jimmy would remain with the Opry until his death in 2014. On a side note, when Jimmy first joined the Opry, the "C" was missing as at that point he had not dedicated himself to the Cajun sound that he would later become famous for. This was also the date that George Jones made his first guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 11, 1956: This is the date that George Jones first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The dates have changed numerous times over the years as George would come and go from the Opry. Among other dates listed in various editions of the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book are August 4, 1956; January 4, 1969 (he did rejoin the cast on that date after previously leaving), and in the 1979 edition of the book, a 1973 date is listed. Not that it all mattered as George wasn't on the Opry all that often, but whenever he did George received a great ovation. 

August 22, 1957: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio. Texas. Holly was an Opry member for a number of years before retiring and leaving Nashville in 2003. After she left town, the Opry dropped her as a member. Holly passed away in November 2016 after a battle with cancer.

August 4, 1959: Skeeter Davis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With the exception for a period on time in the 1970s when she was suspended from the Opry's cast, Skeeter was an Opry member until her death in 2004. Skeeter, who's biggest hit was "The End of the World" make her final Opry appearance in 2002, after which declining health forced her into retirement. Skeeter was always bouncy when on the Opry and brought a smile to a lot of faces. She is definitely one of those artists who is missed. 

August 8, 1959: Jim Reeves rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim first joined the Opry in 1955. He had left the show a year earlier because of the demands on his career. While Jim did return, it wouldn't be for long as he felt that the Opry was hindering his career. 

August 27, 1960: The Louisiana Hayride took place for the final time. Once considered a rival to the Opry, it would become more famous as being a "farm system" for new Opry members. As the recording industry became more established in Nashville, most of the Hayride's members left Shreveport and moved to music city, thus making it difficult for the Hayride to continue.

August 27, 1960: On the same night that the Louisiana Hayride took place for the final time, future Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Russell made his first guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 26, 1961: Future Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his debut on the Opry. Ray made a great impression and was invited back for more appearances, which eventually led to Ray becoming an Opry member in April 1966, 57 years ago. Sadly, after a short retirement, Ray passed away earlier this year. 

August 10, 1963: Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie, known collectively as The Browns, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Maxine and Bonnie left the act in 1967 due to family considerations, Jim Ed continued on as a solo member. Over the years, Maxine and Bonnie would return for guest appearances and it was always a special treat when they did. Jim Ed was an Opry member for over 50 years, before passing away in 2015. Bonnie passed away in 2016, while Maxine passed away in 2019.

August 23, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry member Milton Estes died at the age of 49. Milton was originally a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys and served as the group's announcer.

August 27, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny passed away from cancer at the age of 52. When he became the Opry's manager, Jim was the first WSM employee to specifically be given that role. During his time with the Opry, he brought dozens of new members to the show including Webb Pierce, who would later be his partner in Cedarwood Publishing, one of the first music publishing companies to locate in Nashville. It was the success of Cedarwood that led to Jim leaving the Opry as WSM management viewed it as a conflict of interest. In 1966, Jim Denny was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 7, 1964: The Friday Night Frolics, which was still taking place at the WSM studio, moved to the Ryman Auditorium and was renamed the Friday Night Opry. Even with the move, it was still considered a secondary show in comparison to the Saturday night Opry. Now, there doesn't seem to be much difference between any of the Opry shows. 

August 8, 1964: The Osborne Brothers, Bobby and Sonny, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While both are still considered members of the Grand Ole Opry, Sonny retired from performing in 2005, at which time Bobby continued with his own group, The Rocky Top X-Press. On this same date, Dottie West became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Dottie, who was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame this past year, passed away in September 1991. After Sonny passed away in 2021, Bobby Osborne continued as a solo member of the Opry, with his band The Rocky Top Ex-Press. Bobby passed away in 2023.

August 7, 1965: Bobby Bare became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby stayed as an Opry member until March 1974, when he quit the cast as the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. 43 years later, on April 7, 2018, Bobby had his Opry membership reinstated, a move that was well received by everyone at the Opry. Bobby hasn't appeared on the Opry in several years and I know all of us wish him well. 

August 21, 1965: After changing the date several different times, this seems to be the date that the Opry recognizes as to when Connie Smith became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Originally the Opry listed the date as in June, then switched to the August date. What is interesting in either case is that Connie did not appear on the Opry on this date, but actually first appeared as on Opry member a month later, in September. Regardless, this will be Connie's 60th year as an Opry member. Also, Bob Luman joined the Opry on the same date as Connie.

August 28, 1965: After suffering serious injuries seven weeks earlier in a car accident, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage. It was his first Opry show in seven weeks. 

August 5, 1967: Opry member Connie Smith made her final appearance on the Opry prior to giving up her Opry membership. Connie would return to the Opry in 1971. 

August 17, 1967: Charlie Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie, who is a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, came to the Opry from Texas, where he launched his very successful recording career. Charlie was always a very active member of the Opry and continued to perform on the show until his death in September 2008.

August 5, 1968: Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark was born in Montreal, Canada. As a Canadian, she would join Hank Snow and Stu Phillips as the only Opry members from the land up north.

August 31, 1968: Jeannie C. Riley made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Jeannie would make several Opry appearances during that period and was a very popular guest at the Opry. 

August 9, 1969: Grand Ole Opry member Norma Jean performed on the Opry for the final time as a member. Norma joined the Opry's cast as a member of Porter Wagoner's group. However, after Norma Jean left Porter's show and Porter hired Dolly Parton, Norma Jean left Nashville and moved back to her native Oklahoma. While not often, Norma Jean did make several appearances on the Opry later in her career. This was also the night that Buckley's Record Shop, a fixture on Broadway in Nashville, hosted an Opry segment for the final time. Martha White brand Trailblazer Dog Food would take over the 10:30 segment the following week. 

August 23, 1969: Audrey Williams, the former wife of the late Hank Williams, made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

August 16, 1969: Trailblazer Dog Food, produced by Martha White, became the new 10:30 sponsor on the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Buckley's Record Shop. 

August 30, 1969: Crystal Gayle made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal sang "Ribbon of Darkness" during her debut. It would take almost 50 years, but in 2017 Crystal would become an Opry member. 

August 12, 1972: David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. David was another of the artists who came to Nashville, and the Opry, via the Louisiana Hayride. His signature song was the great classic, "Almost Persuaded" which spent weeks at No. 1 on the country charts. David remained an Opry member until he passed away in November 1993.

August 8, 1975: Lester Flatt returned to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time since having heart surgery the previous month. While the surgery would be successful and Lester was able to continue his career, he continued to have health issues until he passed away. 

August 21, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member, and one of the original members, Sam McGee died in a tractor accident on his farm in Tennessee. He was 81. Along with his brother Kirk, he first performed on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. During his time at the Opry, Sam would appear with various individuals and groups including the Dixieliners. Sam was the first Opry member to use an electric guitar on the show, after which George D. Hay told him to put it back in the case, take it home, and not bring it back.

August 11, 1976: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage after suffering a heart attack earlier in the year.

August 21, 1976: Future Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels made his Grand Ole Opry debut. It would take several decades until Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream to become an Opry member. 

August 28, 1976: Jimmy C Newman was honored upon his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

August 5, 1978: The legendary Merle Haggard made a guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 11, 1979: Guy Willis, a member of The Willis Brothers, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with his brothers Skeeter and Guy, The Willis Brothers joined the Opry in 1946, left to tour with Eddy Arnold, and returned in 1957.

August 7, 1981: B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, he did not remain with the Opry for very long, leaving just several years later. For B.J., Opry membership just did not turn out the way he thought it would.

August 22, 1981: Don Williams made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Don joined the cast in 1976, and much like B.J. Thomas a little later, found out that Opry membership just wasn't what he expected. And as with B.J. Don would return for a guest appearance or two. 

August 14, 1982: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb made his final appearance on the Opry. Suffering from emphysema, Ernest had a difficult time breathing, which made singing very difficult. Not only was this his final Opry appearance, but it was also the final night that Ernest hosted the Midnight Jamboree. After his final appearances in Nashville, he made one more short, final tour in November before retiring and spending his remaining years at his home in Nashville.

August 27, 1982: B.J. Thomas made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While his final appearance was on the Friday Night Opry, his last Saturday night appearance was earlier that year, in June. Although he left as a member, B.J. returned on occasion to guest on the show.

August 28, 1982: Just two weeks after the final Opry appearance by Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Marty had been a fixture as the host of the 11:30 segment of the show for years. Marty, who suffered from heart issues, would pass away in December.

August 6, 1983: After previously giving up her Opry membership, Norma Jean returned for a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

August 24, 1984: Rock artist Neil Young made his debut on the Opry stage. While he is best known for his rock appearances, and being a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil has written a number of country music songs.

August 23, 1986: Florence Henderson made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. I only mention this because this month her fellow Brady Bunch star Barry Williams, will be making his Opry debut. 

August 1, 1987: Longtime member of Roy Acuff's group, Smoky Mountain Boy Howdy Forrester passed away. Howdy had last appeared on the Opry in June. 

August 22, 1987: Roy Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Roy joined the cast, there was some hesitation on his part, as he told Hal Durham that he could not guarantee how many shows he would appear on as he lived in Tulsa and only came to Nashville to film Hee Haw. However, that was fine with the Opry, thus when Roy was in Nashville to film or record, he would appear on the show. Roy, who was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away in November 2018.

August 29, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell passed away in a Knoxville, Tennessee hospital at the age of 73. He had been in declining health, dealing with heart issues. Archie joined the Opry in 1958 and achieved some of his greatest success as a member of the cast of Hee Haw. Archie was known for his comedy and storytelling and often used one of the Opry's announcers as his straight man. In his later years, Archie would make most of his Opry appearances in the winter months, spending the prime tourist season performing at his theater in Gatlinburg.

August 6, 1988: Former Grand Ole Opry member Webb Pierce performed on the Opry for the final time. Webb was a member of the Opry for a short amount of time in the 1950s, when he was the hottest act in country music. Webb, however, found that he was missing out on too much money if he was in Nashville every Saturday night instead of out on the road. After giving up his Opry membership, Webb would still occasionally guest on the show.

August 12, 1988: Frequent Opry guest Kathy Mattea made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. There are many, including myself, who feel Kathy would make a great member of the Opry's cast. 

August 10, 1991: Vince Gill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 34th year as an Opry member. On the night he joined, he was introduced by Roy Acuff. Over the years, Vince has made known his love of the Opry and has challenged others of his generation to support the show. I think it is safe to say that Vince is now recognized as one of the mainstays of the Opry. As his commitment to The Eagles has declined over the past several years, Vince has been appearing on the Opry more often. 

August 24, 1991: Dottie West made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Her final song would be her big hit "Here Comes My Baby." Also, on that same night, Opry member Bill Monroe returned for a backstage visit while recovering from heart surgery. He did not perform that night but did walk out on stage. 

August 30, 1991: On her way to the Friday Night Opry, Dottie West was involved in a serious car accident at the entrance to Opryland, which would ultimately prove to be fatal. While Dottie put up a struggle and went through several surgeries, she would pass away a week later.

August 18, 1995: In a surprise appearance, Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley were invited by Porter Wagoner out on stage at the Opry, where the duo performed. Many, including myself, had thought that Jerry Lee never returned to the Opry after his initial appearance, however, I was proven wrong. 

August 26, 1995: Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton made her first Opry appearance in over seven years. 

August 31, 1995: Former Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer David Stone passed away at the age of 93. Along with his brother Harry, David helped to change to focus of the Opry from a regional show into a nationally recognized professional one. He helped to bring such artists, and professionals, as Pee Wee King, Roy Acuff, and Eddy Arnold to the Opry. Both Harry and David Stone have been largely forgotten but their impact on the Opry was tremendous. 

August 9, 1996: Hank Snow returned to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time that year. He had been suffering from respiratory issues. He performed three songs that night, including the hit, "I Don't Hurt Anymore." Hank would make just a few more Opry appearances before retiring the following month.

August 15, 1997: Keith Urban appeared on the Opry for the first time. This was not a solo appearance, but as a member of the Ranch, backing up Slim Dusty. 

August 22, 1997: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills made his Opry debut. It would take several decades and dozens of appearances, but Mark would eventually become a member of the Opry. 

August 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower died in a Jackson, Mississippi hospital after undergoing open heart surgery. He was 71. Jerry joined the Opry in November 1973, the last member to join the cast before the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. A great comedian and storyteller, Jerry was loved by many.

August 26, 2000: Pam Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Pam, this will be her 25th year as an Opry member. Pam always felt bad that she became an Opry member before her father, Mel Tillis, however the Opry rectified that a few years later. 

August 18, 2001: The Grand Ole Opry moved the televised portion of the Opry from TNN to CMT, as TNN changed into Spike TV and changed their focus away from country music. The first show on CMT featured Vince Gill, who celebrated 10 years as an Opry member. Also appearing that night were Steve Wariner, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy C. Newman, Brad Paisley, Elizabeth Cook and Loretta Lynn. Quite an impressive line-up for the televised portion.

August 10, 2002: During the televised portion of the Grand Ole Opry on CMT, the Dixie Chicks announced that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected as the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Personally, I have always felt that the Hall of Fame did an injustice to both Porter and Bill by having the Dixie Chicks make the announcement as part of an Opry show. Nothing against the Dixie Chicks, I just thought the Hall of Fame should have made a bigger deal out of the announcement. In Porter's case, it was long overdue. It is still fun going back an looking at the tape of that night as Porter looked like he was biting his tongue and holding back what I think he really wanted to say.

August 23, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves made his final appearance on the Opry. Del entered a period of declining health that led to his retirement from the Opry. As with so many others of that generation, Del suffered from respiratory issues and emphysema, which would lead to his death several years later.

August 31, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 4,000 Saturday night broadcast. The Opry did a tribute to Minnie Pearl that featured Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Steve Wariner. Almost 20 years later, the Opry will be celebrating show #5000 later this year in October. 

August 23, 2003: Trace Adkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 22nd year as an Opry member. On the night of his induction, his idol Ronnie Milsap did the honors, assisted by Lorrie Morgan. Overall, Trace has been a pretty good Opry member. 

August 12, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman was recognized upon his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

August 25, 2010: In a special ceremony, Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens sang, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" as the historic center piece of wood was returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House after being damaged in the historic flood of May 2010. Thanks to extensive repair and renovation, the center circle was restored to its former condition. I can't believe that this took place over 10 years ago. 

August 5, 2011: Little Jimmy Dickens was named an honorary celebrity chef as the Grand Ole Opry held the grand opening for its new restaurant, the Opry Backstage Grill. 

August 6, 2011: The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry had wanted the quartet as members for years; however, they had always declined due to their heavy touring schedule. However, 14 years ago the Oak Ridge Boys felt the time was right and they accepted the offer by Jimmy Dickens to join the cast. On the night they joined, the group sang, "Bobby Sue," "Amazing Grace," and of course, "Elvira." Every time they are on the Opry, they never fail to receive a standing ovation.

August 13, 2011: Vince Gill celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, in a show dedicated to Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, who had passed away earlier in the week. Joining Vince that night, who opened the show performing Billy's great hit, "Gotta Travel On" were Amy Grant, Martina McBride, and Emmylou Harris, among others.

August 16, 2013: During a concert appearance in Cleveland, Ohio, Old Crow Medicine Show was surprised by Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart, who invited Old Crow to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, they accepted and a month later became official Opry members. Personally, this was one of the best moves the Opry had made in many years.

August 7, 2014: Earl White, the last remaining member of the Crook Brothers square dance band, passed away after a short illness. After the passing of Herman Crook, and then Lewis Crook, Earl continued as the fiddle player for the square dancers, joined by Charlie Collins before he passed away.

August 8, 2015: Connie Smith was honored for 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart hosted a one-hour segment of the show, which included Connie singing her monster hit, "Once A Day."

August 13, 2016: Vince Gill was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince hosted two shows that night, both of which lasted over 3 hours. Vince was on stage the entire night, with both shows featuring Bill Anderson, Ashley Monroe, Rodney Crowell, Charlie Worsham, and of course, his wife, Amy Grant. As someone who was there, it was a spectacular night.

August 18, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hal has been dealing with some medical issues that has forced his retirement from performing.

August 29, 2017: Chris Young was invited by Vince Gill to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris was formally inducted in October.

August 21, 2018: Dustin Lynch was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trace Adkins handled the surprise announcement, which was a surprise to many. Dustin's Opry membership was one of those head scratchers but overall, he has honored the Opry with around 10 appearances each year. 

August 25, 2018: Grand Ole Opry President Steve Buchanan officially retired. He had made the announcement earlier that he would be leaving to pursue other opportunities. Also, Garth Brooks returned to the Opry that night. While Garth had made surprise appearances over the past decade, this was his first announced Opry appearance since October 2005.

August 5, 2019: Dan Rogers was promoted to Vice-President/Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. Dan has been around the Opry for years and in the short time he has been in charge, he has already left his mark on the show adding members such as Lady A, Gene Watson, The Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Jamey Johnson, Sara Evans and Jon Pardi, among others. 

August 10, 2019: Chely Wright returned for a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, her first appearance in 10 years. At one time there was a lot of talk about Chely becoming an Opry member, however it never happened. 

August 3, 2021: Carly Pearce was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha Yearwood did the honors. Carly had been a proud supporter of the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the show over 100 times in her short career, however since joining the cast, her appearances have significantly dropped off. 

August 10, 2021: Just one week after Carly was inducted as an Opry member, Ricky Skaggs surprised The Isaacs during their performance on the Tuesday Night Opry to invite the family group to become members of the Opry. Their induction will take place in September. 

August 20, 2021: Tom T. Hall passed away. Tom T. originally joined the Opry in 1971. After the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium, Tom T. left the show, however he returned in 1980 at the invitation of Ernest Tubb. Tom T. Hall is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

August 21, 2021: Just one day after the death of Tom. T., former Grand Ole Opry member Don Everly passed away at the age of 85. The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, came to the Opry in the early 1950s as part of a youth movement. However, their careers took off and off to California the brothers went. In 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

August 30, 2022: Don Schlitz was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, who had invited Don to become an Opry member earlier in the year, did the honors on that special night. Since joining, Don has really embraced being an Opry member and has appeared on the show on a very regular basis. 

August 17, 2023: During a show at the Ryman Auditorium, Sara Evans was invited by Bill Anderson to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sara would be inducted in October, during the Opry's 98th birthday weekend. 

August 1, 2025: Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely passed away. Jeannie was an Opry member for almost 58 years and made more Opry appearances than any other member in the history of the show. 


There you have it for August. As usual, it was a busy month in Nashville and at the Grand Ole Opry.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Jeannie Seely

Here is the official press release regarding the death of Jeannie Seely: 

Grand Ole Opry star and country music legend Jeannie Seely has passed at age 85. Seely died peacefully today at 5:00 p.m. CT at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee, as a result of complications from an intestinal infection.

Seely had battled health issues since last fall, which escalated in December following the passing of her husband, Gene Ward. She’d undergone multiple back surgeries this spring for vertebrae repairs, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries.

As of her last Grand Ole Opry show on February 22, Seely had made 5,397 Opry performances, more than any other artist in the Opry’s 100-year history. In 2018 Seely began hosting her own weekly “Sundays with Seely” show on the Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM, and her most recent show aired this past Sunday, July 27. A trailblazer and an icon, Seely was considered to be the oldest actively working female entertainer in country music at the time of her death.

Music industry professionals early on praised Seely’s soul-inspired vocals which resulted in her being nicknamed “Miss Country Soul,” a title used throughout her career spanning seven decades. In 2019, Dr. Jeannie Seely was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts from Lincoln Memorial University for her many groundbreaking accomplishments in the music industry.

Born on July 6, 1940, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Seely was raised on a farm along a dirt road outside of nearby Townville. A year ago this week, Seely returned to her roots when new “Home of Jeannie Seely” signs were unveiled in Townville. The ceremony was held at the Townville Fire Station where decades earlier Seely had first performed in front of a live audience.

When she was barely tall enough to reach the dial on her family's big Philco console radio, Seely was tuning in the Grand Ole Opry on radio station WSM 650. At age 11, she began singing for a Saturday morning radio show on Meadville station WMGW, and by age 16 she was performing on TV station WICU in Erie. At Hillbilly Park near Franklin, Pennsylvania, Seely had the opportunity to see and meet performers like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, never imagining that one day she’d share the Grand Ole Opry stage with them.

Seely was a cheerleader, majorette, and honor student while attending Townville High School, and she sang at local amateur contests and began performing at weekend dances throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. Following high school graduation in 1958, Seely worked for three years at the Titusville Trust Company and continued her education by completing night classes that were conducted by the American Institute of Banking in Oil City, Pennsylvania.

At age 21, Seely packed everything she could into her car, shipped the rest to "General Delivery, Los Angeles" and headed west. She initially took a job at a Beverly Hills bank but left it after a year to take a secretarial position for half the money at Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood. With a foot in the door of the music business, she began writing songs for Four Star Music and became a regular act, along with an unknown Glen Campbell, on the Hollywood Jamboree television series. Her songwriting led to her own recording contract on Challenge Records, and a couple regional hits and a West Coast tour resulted.

Seely received the “Most Promising Female Artist” award in 1964 from the Country and Western Academy which later became the Academy of Country Music. A year later upon the encouragement of friend Dottie West who’d recorded one of her songs, Seely moved to Nashville where she signed with Monument Records. Her chart-topping hit “Don’t Touch Me” resulted in Seely becoming only the third female country artist to receive a Grammy Award. After receiving the “Most Promising New Artist” awards from Cashbox, Record World, and Billboard, Seely subsequently went on to appear on Billboard’s country singles chart for 13 consecutive years.

On September 16, 1967, Seely was inducted as a member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. She was the first Pennsylvania native to become an Opry member, and then later became the first female to regularly host Opry segments. Widely recognized for changing the image of female country performers, Seely became the first person to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage. With fellow Opry member Jack Greene, she formed one of the most successful duets and road shows in country music history. In 2022 the Grand Ole Opry honored Seely for her 5,000+ performances, a record which will likely remain intact forever.

A BMI-awarded songwriter, Seely’s songs were recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame members including Dottie West, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Faron Young, Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Hank Williams Jr. – as well as by artists ranging from Irma Thomas (the “Soul Queen of New Orleans”) to Rhonda Vincent (the “Queen of Bluegrass”), from Chris LeDoux to Moe Bandy, and from Boys II Men to Seal. Seely’s composition “Yours” was named “Song of the Year” at the 2022 Arkansas Country Music Awards.

The star of major stage productions including Always, Patsy Cline, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Could It Be Love, and several others, Seely served as a radio disc jockey on her own Armed Forces Network, traveled on military tours throughout Europe and Asia, and published her own book titled Pieces Of A Puzzled Mind. Recordings by Seely have spanned seven decades from her Top 10 Billboard album The Seely Style to her Curb Records album An American Classic which includes her third duet with friend Willie Nelson. Seely appeared in Nelson’s movie Honeysuckle Rose and sang on the platinum soundtrack album.

In 2018 Seely was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame which represents all genres of music. At the inaugural Influencing Women Awards Gala in 2019, the first “Standing Ovation Award” was presented to Seely – and then her name was added to the annual award. In 2022, Seely was the honored recipient of the Legacy Award at The Nashville Women in Film & Television WIFT ALICE Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner. In 2022 Seely was recognized on the nationally televised Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Show, in 2023 she received the CMA’s prestigious Joe Talbot Award, and in 2024 she was honored by SOURCE with the esteemed Jo Walker-Meador Lifetime Achievement Award.

With the release of her single “Suffertime” in 2024 accompanied by a music video and short documentary, Seely established a new record as the vocalist with the longest timespan (60 years) between recording sessions at historic RCA Studio B on Music Row. Following Seely’s 5,381st performance on the Grand Ole Opry in September 2024, the “Jeannie Seely Interchange” was dedicated at the Briley Parkway exit to the Grand Ole Opry House. In March of 2025, Sony Music Publishing Nashville celebrated Seely during Women’s History Month by releasing three reimagined versions of her songs as collaborations with rising female artists.

In late 2024, a display honoring Seely was added to the "Sing Me Back Home" permanent exhibit on the second floor of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and in November Seely visited her display in person. Seely’s Billboard Most Promising Female Vocalist Award trophy is also on display in a special exhibit located in the museum’s concourse to the Omni Hotel.

Seely’s last public appearance was on March 1, 2025, when she attended the rebranded opening of the Legends of Country Music Museum located in Nashville’s Music Valley area. Her image appears on the outside of the building, and she is honored inside with an updated exhibit. In April 2025, the Studio Space at the SAG-AFTRA office on Music Row was named in Seely’s honor and she was scheduled to attend the formal dedication. Until the time of her death, Seely proudly served as the producer for the bluegrass group Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass and she was planning to produce their next recording session.

Throughout her career, Seely spearheaded efforts to support and enhance artist, musician, and songwriter roles in the music industry, especially paving the way for females who followed. Instrumental in instilling an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie at the Grand Ole Opry – and in any music circle she entered – Seely connected with artists, musicians, songwriters, and industry personnel from all generations and backgrounds.

Seely is survived by numerous friends, family members and her special cat, Corrie. In addition to her husband Gene Ward and her parents Leo and Irene Seely, she was preceded in death by siblings Donald Seely, Bernard Seely, and Mary Lou Seely Lang.

A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Tomorrow night's Grand Ole Opry will be dedicated to Seely.

Thank you to Absolute Publicity, Inc.

This one hurts a bit, especially in the Opry's 100th year. When you think about it, Jeannie, along with Bill Anderson and Connie Smith, were the last links at the Opry from the mid-late 60s. And all 3 were still active. As Opry fans, we treasure these stars as they have given so much to the Opry and to country music in general. 

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Grand Ole Opry 8/1 & 8/2

Beginning with the month of August, the Grand Ole Opry is back to just two weekend shows as the Sunday Night Opry has completed its July run of shows. August also brings back Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

But first, looking at this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, the Friday Night Opry has members John Conlee, Connie Smith, Gene Watson and Don Schlitz on the schedule. Don will be closing out the Friday show and he will be performing in the same slot on Saturday night. Joining Don on Saturday will be Riders In The Sky and Bill Anderson. 

Among the non-members this weekend, Sunny Sweeney, Shane Profitt, Ingrid Andress and JP Saxe, who will be making his Opry debut are set for Friday night, while Maggie Baugh, Eric Paslay are on the schedule for Saturday, along with very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten and making their Opry debut, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. 

Friday August 1
7:00: Sunny Sweeney, John Conlee, Shane Profitt, Connie Smith
Intermission
8:20: Indrid Andress, Gene Watson, JP Saxe, Don Schlitz

Saturday August 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Maggie Baugh, Bill Anderson, Eric Paslay
Intermission
8:20: Charles Esten, Opry Square Dancers, Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Don Schlitz


Jonathan Percy Starker "JP" Saxe, who is debuting on Friday night, is a Canadian singer and musician. He is best known for his collaboration with American singer Julia Michaels titled "If the World Was Ending" which was released in 2019. The song was nominated for a 2021 Grammy. His "hero" grandfather, noted cellist János Starker, was a multiple nominee and Grammy winner. He has amassed over 3 billion streams and spent much of 2024 criss-crossing four continents via his sold-out headlining tour and (before that) opening for close collaborator John Mayer.

Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd will be making their debut Grand Ole Opry appearance together on Saturday night. A noted blues legend, Bobby has won three Grammy Awards, while Kenny Wayne is a five-time Grammy nominee. Rush and Shepherd will perform songs from their new collection of blues tunes that was recently released titled "YOUNG FASHIONED WAYS."

At 83, Rush received his first “Best Traditional Blues Album” Grammy award for “Porcupine Meat,” and he’s been on fire ever since, winning the same category in 2021 (“Rawer than Raw”) and 2024 (“All My Love For You”). He’s also been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. 

In addition to his multiple Grammy nods, Shepherd has received two Billboard Music Awards, two Orville H. Gibson Awards which honors the world’s greatest guitarists, a Blues Music Award and a Keeping The Blues Alive Award. He’s also scored eight Top Ten singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart shares the record with B.B. King and Eric Clapton for the longest running albums on the Billboard Blues charts with his second album “Trouble Is…”

In addition to his 15 solo albums (recently including two volumes of “Dirt on My Diamonds”), Shepherd also recorded two albums as one third of The Rides in the mid-2010s with Stephen Stills and Barry Goldberg from Electric Flag. Meanwhile, Rush has released over 30 solo albums since the late 70s.

Both of these artists are true legends, and it will be a treat to hear them on the Opry this weekend. 


This week I am going way back in the history of the Grand Ole Opry and posting the lineup from 78 years ago, Saturday August 2, 1947. At the time, the Opry was only in its 22nd year of existence. 

8:00: Purina
Eddy Arnold: Rose of the Alamo
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart
Oklahoma Wranglers: Missouri
Marie and Clyde: You Are Somebody's Rose Now
Blue Grass Quartet: Shining Path
Lonzo and Oscar: John Henry
Oklahoma Wranglers: Mockingbird
Eddy Arnold: Many Tears Ago

8:30: Warren Paint & Color Co. 
Lew Childre: Riding on the Elevated Train
Paul Howard: Lazy Morning
Milton Estes: Jole Blonde's Daughter
Clyde Moody: Shenandoah Waltz
Lew and String Beans: Sister Lucy
Robert Lunn: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Possum Hunters: Durang Hornpipe
Johnny Selph: That's Why I Worry
Paul Howard: Somebody Else's Trouble
Lew Childre: Good Old Mountain Dew

9:00: Royal Crown
Golden West Cowboys: Southland Polka
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Free a Little Bird
Roy Acuff: Golden Treasures
Bradley Kincaid: Two Little Shoes
Oswald: Good Old Mountain Dew
Cowboy Copas: Sweet Thing
York Brothers: Riding and Singing My Song
Roy Acuff: Turn Your Radio On
Golden West Cowboys: Texas Tony Lee

9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Honey Be My Honey Bee
Old Timers: Old Miss Hanna
Bill Monroe: Blue Yodel Number Four
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Red Foley: Tears on My Pillow
Scruggs: Sally Goodin
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Fowler Quartet: Sit Down
Red Foley: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Square Dance: Fire in the Mountain

10:00: Wall Rite
Bill and Lester: True Life Blues
Blue Grass Quartet: In Our Heavenly Home
York Brothers: I Want to Live and Love
Chubby: Orange Blossom Special

10:15: Weather House
Roy Acuff: Don't Make Me Go to Bed and I Will Be Good
Arthur Smith: Paddy on the Turn Pike
Jug Band: Lazy Day
Gang: I'll Fly Away
Jimmy Riddle: Tiger Rag

10:30: O'Bryan Brothers
Milton Estes: Keep Those Cold Icy Fingers Off of Me
Bradley Kincaid: Lizy Up a Simmon Tree
Clyde Moody: Where the Old River Flows
Johnny and Jack: Love in the First Degree
Milton Estes: One Way Ticket to the Sky

10:45: Oven Magic
Oklahoma Wranglers: Dragging the Bow
Lew Childre: When You Wore a Tulip
Wally Fowler: Rocking on the Waves
Oklahoma Wranglers: Open Up Dem Pearly Gates

11:00: Eddy Arnold Song Bood
Eddy Arnold: That's How Much I Love You
Lily Belle: Time Changes Everything
Lonzo and Oscar: Old McDonald Had a Farm
Eddy Arnold: Don't Bother to Cry

11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Clyde Moody: If You Need Me I Will Be Around
Marie and Clyde: Though I Tried
Oklahoma Wranglers: Old Indians Never Die
Clyde Moody: Leaf of Love

11:30: Saf Kill
Golden West Cowboys: Tennessee Waltz
Old Timers: They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree
Gully Jumpers: Flop Eared Mule
Crook Brothers: Wait for the Light to Shine
Golden West Cowboys: I Hear You Knocking

11:45: Bob Anderson
Paul Howard: Oklahoma City
Robert Lunn: Tooth Picking Time in False Teeth Valley
Sam and Kirk: Long John Green
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Stones Rag
Paul Howard: Please Don't Leave

There were some legends who appeared on the Opry that night that we all remember: Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Pee Wee King and Cowboy Copas among several others. It was also still the era of the string bands, and they were all present that night: Crook Brothers, Possum Hunters, Gully Jumpers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. In addition, a number of other acts would feature instrumentation numbers. With the Opry now anchored at the Ryman Auditorium, and with a national radio audience, the Opry would continue the trend to feature more vocalists while decreasing the number of string band performances. 

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


Monday, July 28, 2025

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There are two mid-week shows on the schedule for this week; the Tuesday and Wednesday Night Opry shows. 

The Tuesday Night lineup features two Grand Ole Opry members: Mandy Barnett, who will open the show, and Jamey Johnson, who will close it out. Also on the schedule is Mon Rovia, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday July 29
7:00: Mandy Barnett, George Birge, Mon Rovia, Austin Snell
Intermission
8:20: Wyatt Flores, 49 Winchester, Jamey Johnson 

From Mon Rovia's Facebook page: The Grand Ole Opry, regarded as the pinnacle of country music, was founded in 1925. It has grown from an ordinary radio show to the biggest stage that any country musician can perform on. On July 29 in Nashville, Tennessee, Mon Rovîa will join a select group of artists to launch the next century of Opry tradition. His inclusion in the Opry 100 Debut means that he is one of the most promising rising country music talents whose music has earned the admiration of country music icons as well as the endorsement of its Opry’s leadership.

Mon Rovia was named one of Spotify's 2024 Juniper Artists to Watch. He has quickly garnered a devoted following, selling out every headline show to date. After a successful festival debut at Bonnaroo, Mon is set to perform at Austin City Limits this fall. His music has also garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok, amassing over half a billion views and attracting fans like Bella Hadid and Lexi Hidalgo. His latest release, “crooked the road.,” marks a new chapter as he joins the Nettwerk Music Group.


Taking a look at the Wednesday Night Opry, Steven Curtis Chapman, who is still the Opry's newest member, is on the schedule, as are members Dailey & Vincent. Comedian Killer Beaz is scheduled, as is Michael Ray, Connor Smith, Breland, Morgan Wade, and The Kody Norris Show. 

(Wednesday lineup not finalized)


Ray Price, Don Gibson and Willie Nelson were once members of the Grand Ole Opry. As Opry 100 continues, I thought I would share the running order from 30 years ago, Saturday July 29, 1995, a night when all three returned to the Opry: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Billy Walker (host): Word Games/Singing The Blues
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Billy Walker: Lay It Down; Give It Up/Charlie's Shoes

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Good Time Chariot
Wilma Lee Cooper: Hallelujah, Praise The King
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Old Molly Hare/Battle Cry Of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off Me Knee & Load The Cannon
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure/Satisfied

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Janie Fricke: Do Me With Love
Ray Price: Heartaches By The Number/For The Good Times
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You/Oh, Lonesome Me

Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind The Barn

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Brother Oswald: Euneta
Charlie Louvin & Bob Bates: My Baby's Gone
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Geisha Girl
Stu Phillips: That's A Chance I'll Have To Take
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Del Reeves: The Race Is On
Hank Snow: With The Ring, I Thee Wed

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Hank Locklin: Country Hall Of Fame
Ray Pillow: I Just Can't Honky-Tonk You're Memory Away
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Janie Fricke: Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'/Do Me With Love
Porter Wagoner & Collen Walters: If Tear Drops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Goody's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Jan Howard: Lonely Street
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:15: Cooper's/Tennessee Pride
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons Oh Lafayette
Roy Drusky: Too Old To Die Young
Cajun Country: In The Cajun Mood
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jack Greene (host): Walking On New Grass
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Ray Price & Willie Nelson: Night Life/It Should Be Easier Now

10:45: Fairfield
Jeanne Pruett (host): Temporarily Yours
Whitewater: Paradise
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acron Hill
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): My Filipino Rose
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Charlie Louvin & Bob Bates: I've Cheated On You
The Whites: Making Believe/Keep On The Sunny Side
Hank Snow: Linda Lou

11:30: Loreal
Mike Snider (host): What Child Is This
Del Reeves: This Must Be The Bottom/Bad News
Jeannie Seely: Burning That Old Memory/When He Leaves You
Mike Snider: Little Maggie

Ray Price appeared on both shows, while Don Gibson only appeared on the early show. Willie Nelson was a surprise appearance and was not listed on the schedule. 


There you have it for the mid-week shows this week. 






Thursday, July 24, 2025

Grand Ole Opry 7/25 & 7/26

We have come upon the last weekend in July. Many of the Opry's members are off on the road, appearing at fairs, music festivals, arenas and stadiums. However, there are some who are not out on the road and several of them will be appearing on the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, members John Conlee, Charlie McCoy and Rhonda Vincent are on the schedule, while on Saturday night, four different Opry members will be appearing: T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz and Connie Smith. Finally, in what will be the final Sunday Night Opry until October, T. Graham Brown and Riders In The Sky are back to make it a two-show weekend. 

There is a lot of variety in those who will be making guest appearances this weekend. Veteran country music artist Darryl Worley is set for Friday, along with Opry NextStage artist Avery Anna, Neon Union and making his Opry debut, Gary Nicholson. 

There is another Opry debut on Saturday night with Callum Kerr scheduled. He will be joined by Mae Estes, Brennley Brown and comedian Brian Bates. Finally, Sunday night is very interesting in the collection of artists listed: formerly of Highway 101, Paulette Carlson is scheduled, as is husband/wife bluegrass artists Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Bryce Leatherwood, Wendy Moten and Restless Road will be making appearances, and finally, gospel music legend Russ Taff finishes out the lineup. 


Friday July 25
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Gary Nicholson, Neon Union, Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Ryan Larkins, Avery Anna, Charlie McCoy

Saturday July 26
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Brennley Brown, Callum Kerr, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Brian Bates, Mae Estes, Riders In The Sky

Sunday July 27
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Restless Road, Russ Taff
Intermission
8:20: Paulette Carlson Bryce Leatherwood, Wendy Moten, Riders In The Sky


As mentioned, there are two Opry debuts this weekend, Gary Nicholson and Callum Kerr. Gary Nicholson is a singer/songwriter who has written or co-written over 700 songs. Among those songs are "One More Last Chance" by Vince Gill, "The Trouble with the Truth," recorded by Patty Loveless, and Don Williams' "That's the Thing About Love." His songs have also been recorded by Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Ringo Starr and Waylon Jennings, among others. In addition to his songwriting credits, he is a Grammy-winning producer, having helmed five albums for Delbert McClinton, earning two Grammy Awards along the way. He is a proud inductee of both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Regarding his Opry debut, he said “It is a great thrill and honor to make my debut appearance on the Opry. I have performed numerous times through the years as a sideman for various artists, but it is so special to perform my songs under my own name. I never dreamed when I moved to Nashville in 1980 that I would someday have this opportunity, being mostly behind the scenes as a songwriter, sideman, and producer. I am very thankful that the Opry is recognizing songwriters.”

Callum Kerr's debut EP, Roots Under Me, is set to release on July 25. The EP showcases his rich songwriting and an ability to fuse twangy country with broad folk rock influences. His background is a compelling mixture of Scottish heritage and Texas upbringing, now centered in Nashville. 


As Opry 100 continues, for this week I am going to go back in Opry history and compare lineups from the weekend of July 25 & 26 through the years. I find it interesting to see how the lineups and the number of artists per show has changed in the past 30 years. 

Friday July 25, 1986
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Roy Drusky, Jeanne Pruett, David Houston
7:00: Bill Anderson (host): Mel McDaniel, Skeeter Davis, The 4 Guys
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Charlie Walker, Minnie Pearl
8:00: Bill Monroe (host): Jean Shepard, George Hamilton IV, Billy Walker
8:30: Jack Greene (host): Jimmy C Newman, Gene Watson

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): The 4 Guys, Jeannie Seely, Mel McDaniel
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): Charlie Louvin, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Pillow, Justin Tubb
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Skeeter Davis, The Carlisles, Gene Watson
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jean Shepard, Charlie Walker, David Houston
11:30: Billy Walker (host): George Hamilton IV, Jack Greene


Saturday July 26

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): The 4 Guys
6:45: Charlie Walker (host): Lorrie Morgan
7:00: George Hamilton IV (host): Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb, Charlie Louvin
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett, Teddy Wilburn, Roy Drusky, The Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Ray Pillow (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Vic Willis Trio, Sylvia
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jeannie Seely, David Houston, Del Wood, The Carlisles

2nd show
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host): Stu Phillips, Lorrie Morgan, Charlie Louvin, 
10:00: Ray Pillow (host): Sylvia
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard
10:30: Charlie Walker (host): Teddy Wilburn
10:45: Roy Drusky (host): Jeanne Pruett, The Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Vic Willis Trio, Justin Tubb
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Jeannie Seely, David Houston, The Carlisles


Friday July 25, 1997
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host): Skeeter Davis, Bill Carlisle, Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jack Greene, Jeanne Pruett, Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Stu Phillips, Jeannie Seely, Charlie Walker
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jan Howard, The 4 Guys, Connie Smith
8:30: Mike Snider (host): Martina McBride, The Whites

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Charlie Louvin, Jimmy C Newman, Martina McBride
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Del Reeves, Jeanne Pruett, Jack Greene, The Whites
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard, Stonewall Jackson, Ray Pillow, Jan Howard
11:00: Mike Snider (host): Connie Smith, Stu Phillips, Jeannie Seely
11:30: Johnny Russell (host): Charlie Walker, Justin Tubb

Saturday July 26, 1997
1st show

6:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jean Shepard
6:45: Jack Greene (host): Bill Carlisle
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jimmy C Newman, Jeanne Pruett, Wilma Lee Cooper
7:30: World Vision Youth Ambassadors, Skeeter Davis, The 4 Guys, Charlie Walker, Mila Mason
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Louvin, Johnny Russell, Melvin Sloan Dancers, Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Mike Snider (host): The Whites, The Stevens Sisters, Jeannie Seely

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeanne Pruett, Ray Pillow, Charlie Louvin, Darrell McCall
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard
10:15: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): The Stevens Sisters
10:45: Mike Snider (host): Melvin Sloan Dancers, Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Jack Greene (host): Del Reeves, The 4 Guys
11:30: Johnny Russell (host): Jeannie Seely, The Whites


Friday July 25, 2003: 
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): The Whites, George Hamilton IV, Billy Currington
8:00: John Conlee (host): Jan Howard, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob, Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jean Shepard, Bering Strait
9:00: Bill Anderson (host): Osborne Brothers, T. Graham Brown
9:30: Mike Snider (host): Josh Turner, T. Graham Brown

Saturday July 26, 2003
1st show

6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Connie Smith, Jim Ed Brown
7:00: Bill Anderson (host): Rachel Proctor, Martina McBride, Earle Scruggs
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jimmy C Newman, Osborne Brothers, Jean Shepard, Hal Ketchum, Opry Square Dance Band, Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Jack Greene, Holly Dunn, T. Graham Brown

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jeannie Seely, Hal Ketchum, Earl Scruggs
10:30: Jean Shepard (host): Charlie Walker, Martina McBride, Opry Square Dance Band, Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host): Osborne Brothers, Rachel Proctor
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host): Holly Dunn, Jack Greene


Friday July 25, 2008
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Jimmy C Newman: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys, Jean Shepard, The Time Jumpers
9:00: Ricky Skaggs (host): The Whites, Rebecca Lynn Howard
9:30: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Gene Watson

Saturday July 26, 2008
1st show
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Connie Smith, Jennifer Hanson
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Jean Shepard (host): Jan Howard, The Isaacs, Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): The Whites, The Time Jumpers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Connie Smith, Jennifer Hanson
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X Press, Suzy Bogguss
10:30: Jean Shepard (host): Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys, The Isaacs, Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host): The Whites, The Time Jumpers 

Friday July 25, 2014
1st show

7:00: John Conlee, The Gibson Brothers
7:30: Lennon & Maisy, The Whites
8:00: Henry Cho, The Band Perry
8:30: Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee, The Gibson Brothers
10:00: Lennon & Maisy, The Whites
10:30: Henry Cho, The Band Perry
11:00: Carrie Underwood

Saturday July 26, 2014
7:00: John Conlee (host): Greg Bates
7:30: The Whites (host): T. Bubba Bechtol, Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host): Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host): Jesse McReynolds, Casey James

Yes, definitely some changes in those lineups and I might add, not all for the good. 

As always, thanks for checking out the Grand Ole Opry this weekend and thanks for reading and commenting. 



Monday, July 21, 2025

Mid-Week Opry Shows

The Tuesday Night Opry and The Wednesday Night Opry return this week as Opry 100 rolls on. With all the Opry shows taking place, I think it is safe to say that the Opry will reach the advertised number of 230 shows this year. 

Looking at Tuesday night, Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Henry Cho are scheduled. Country Music Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune heads up the list of non-members. I have said it before, and I will repeat it, I think Jimmy would make a very good Opry member.

Opry Next Stage artist Tigirlily Gold, Niko Moon, Matthew West, and making his Opry debut, Hudson Westbrook, close out the schedule. 

Tuesday July 22
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Fortune, Hudson Westbrook, Matthew West
Intermission
8:20: Niko Moon, Henry Cho, Tigirlily Gold

Hudson Westbrook is from Texas. After a 2024 debut with viral first release “Take It Slow,” he quickly strung together a series of grassroots hits while enrolled at Texas Tech University, including debut Texas radio single and chart-topper, “Two Way Drive,” and debut single to country radio, “House Again." Amassing nearly 350 million global streams in his first year as an artist and averaging over 20 million streams a week, he was named Billboard’s December 2024 Country Rookie of the Month and a 2025 Artist to Watch by Country Now, Holler, The Country Wire, and more. Westbrook started 2025 off strong as Sirius XM’s The Highways’s newest Highway Find, one of SXM’s all-genre Five for 2025, and one of Spotify’s all-genre 2025 Artists to Watch. 

The Wednesday Night Opry lineup is led by Opry members Mandy Barnett, Del McCoury and Charlie McCoy. Rhett Akins is back for his second appearance of the week, along with Christian artist Jason Crabb, Ashland Craft and Frankie Ballard. 

Wednesday July 23
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Frankie Ballard, Del McCoury Band, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:20: Ashland Craft, Rhett Akins, Mike "The Drifter" Flanigin, Charlie McCoy