Grand Ole Opry 1/2 & 1/3

Casey and I spent Christmas in North Carolina visiting our daughters and their families. As we were driving back home on Friday afternoon, we started talking about Stu Phillips and how in 2017, after celebrating his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he made the decision to retire. At that point, his voice was, to put it kindly, not what it once was. During the peak of his career, I always thought that Stu was one of the best ballad singers on the Opry, and also one of the most underrated members of the cast. Sadly, he did not have the chart success as some of the others. 

But back to Stu and the decision he made to retire and the conversation I had with my wife. As artists age, some better than others, decisions have to be made. Do they continue on until the very end or knowing that their voices were not what they once were, is the decision made to retire and leave the audience with good memories. 

When I think of the Opry members who carried it on to the very end, I think of Roy Acuff. Admittedly, in the last six months of his life, his health faded quickly, as did his voice. Quite honestly, during his final weeks, it was difficult to watch and listen to Roy. And I kept thinking, when is it enough? I absolutely understand that entertaining and being on the Opry was Roy's entire purpose and it would have been very difficult for him to leave. But at the same time, watching and hearing him was just as painful for us who loved Roy. 

Roy was not the only one. Bill Monroe took it to the end. Ernest Tubb went as long as his voice held up. Ronnie Milsap was not as sharp in his later years. Same with Del Reeves, Teddy Wilburn and David Houston. Hank Snow continued until his health began to fail and while we all loved Jimmy Dickens, the final year or two came with a variety of health issues. 

Then there are those, such as Stu Phillips, who realized that they no longer were at the top of their game, and made the decision to retire rather than continue performing. Bobby Lord, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Barbara Mandrell, Tom T. Hall and Holly Dunn are among those that made that decision. And because of the decision those artists made, we are left with good memories of their performances. 

This takes nothing away from any of those artists. Each made the decision based on what each of them felt was best for him or her. 

Country artists are not the only ones who have faced that decision. When I think of those who have gone on way to long, Frankie Valli comes to mind. We have seen Frankie in concert numerous times and have always enjoyed his shows. Now at the age of 91 and seeing the reports of him lip syncing his songs, we would not pay to see him. We would rather be left with a good memory or what Frankie was versus what he is now. The same goes with many of the Opry's members. 

Back in the 70s and 80s, when I began listening more closely to the Opry and attending more Opry shows, there was a group of members that maybe I didn't appreciate at the time as much as I should have. Stu is one of those. How I wish I had paid more attention to Stu, Ray Pillow, Ernie Ashworth, Billy Grammer and a few of the others and the legacy that they were leaving us, never to be repeated. 

I will always have fond memories of Stu and the beautiful songs that he sang on the Opry. While many of today's generation have no idea who Stu Phillips was, Stu was a wonderful Opry member for 58 years and whenever I think of Stu, a smile will come across my face. 

With that, welcome to 2026 and the continuation of Opry 100. 2025 brought us some amazing shows and I am sure there are more of those in the coming year starting with this weekend. While every Grand Ole Opry member brings something to the show, Vince Gill is probably the Opry's most important member and he is back this weekend, appearing on both Friday and Saturday night. 

Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry are Opry members Charlie McCoy and T. Graham Brown. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are on the schedule. Joe had announced earlier this year that he plans on retiring from the road in early 2026. Dillon Carmichael and Kylie Morgan round out the lineup. 

On Saturday night, in addition to Vince, Steve Earle, Connie Smith and Dailey & Vincent are on the schedule. The wonderful Wendy Moten, along with Josh Ross and Nate Smith round out the Saturday lineup. And let's not forget the Opry Square Dancers who will be opening the show. 

Friday January 2
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Kylie Morgan, Dillon Carmichael, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Intermission
8:20: Mae Estes, Charlie McCoy, Vince Gill

Saturday January 3
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Josh Ross, Steve Earle
Intermission
8:20: Wendy Moten, Opry Square Dancers, Nate Smith, Vince Gill

Saturday January 3, 1996, was a sad day in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as Opry member Grandpa Jones, after appearing on the second show that night, suffered the first of what would become a series of strokes. It would be the final time that Grandpa would appear on the Opry, as he was taken directly to the hospital from the Opry House, and as his condition would continue to decline, would pass away the following month. 

Grandpa Jones, who was born on October 20, 1913  is best remembered as an old-time country and gospel music singer and banjo player who always wore his pants tucked inside his boots, whose animated performances were often characterized by his leg kicks and foot stomping, and as a charter cast member of the CBS television show "Hee Haw" that aired from 1969 to 1971, before a 20-year run in local syndication. 

Born Louis Marshall Jones, he spent his teenage years in Akron, Ohio, where he started singing country music songs on radio station WJW. In 1931, he joined the Pine Ridge String Band, which provided the musical accompaniment for the very popular Lum and Abner show. By 1935, his pursuit of a musical career took him to WBZ (AM) radio in Boston, Massachusetts, where he met musician/songwriter Bradley Kincaid, who gave him the nickname "Grandpa" because of his off-stage grumpiness at early-morning radio shows. The name stuck and he decided to create a stage persona based around it and started performing under the name, playing the guitar, yodeling, and singing mostly old-time ballads.

In 1937, he met musician Cousin Emmy in West Virginia who taught him the art of the claw hammer style of banjo playing, which gave a rough backwoods flavor to his performances. In 1942, he joined radio station WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he met fellow Kentuckian and country musician Merle Travis. A year later, they made their recording debuts together for Syd Nathan's upstart King Records and by 1944, he was making records under his own name and had his first hit with "It's Raining Here This Morning." 

Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the US Army and after his discharge in 1946, he went back to recording for King Records. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946, and started performing on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that year, he married Ramona Riggins who, as an accomplished performer herself, would also be a part of his performances. Some of his older famous songs that he recorded include "Eight More Miles to Louisville" (1946, which he wrote), "Old Rattler" (1947) and "Mountain Dew" (1947). In 1956, he signed with Decca Records and recorded 16 songs, including "The All-American Boy" (1959, which reached number 21 on the US Country charts), "T For Texas" (1962, which reached number 5 on the US Country charts), and "Night Train to Memphis" (1963). 

In 1969, he joined the television show "Hee Haw" where he played banjo by himself or with fellow banjo player Dave "Stringbean" Akeman and also provided slapstick comedy in skits, and joined cast mates Buck Owens, Roy Clark and Kenny Price in a gospel segment at the end of some shows. In 1978, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Grandpa Jones was unique and his style of performing and entertaining is missing from today's Opry. He was a character, and a very talented one. While he was an Opry member for over 50 years, it was Hee Haw that brought him his greatest fame. 

Here is the running order from Saturday January 3, 1998, the final night that Grandpa Jones appeared on the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Wilma Lee Cooper: Wedding Bells
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
John Conlee (host): As Long As I'm Rockin' With You
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
John Conlee: Domestic Life

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Brother Oswald: Prairie Queen
Jimmy C Newman: Gumbo Song
Osborne Brothers: World of Forgotten People/Rocky Top
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner and Christie Lynn: Milwaukee, Here I Come

7:30: Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Someday I'll Sober Up
Ricochet: Connected at the Heart
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again
Tracy Byrd: Don't Take Her, She's All I Got
Riders In The Sky: Always Drink Upstream from the Herd
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jodle Birge: A Day at Disneyland
Ricky Skaggs: Dim Light, Thick Smoke
Vince Gill: The Key to Life
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle

8:30: Clifty Farms
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
The Whites: Pins and Needles
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
The Four Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

2nd show

9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Riders In The Sky: Where the Bloom is on the Sage
Ricochet: A Lot to Be Desired
Christie Lynn: Walk Softly on My Heart
Porter Wagoner and Christie Lynn: Forty Miles from Poplar Bluff

10:00: Opry Book
Grandpa Jones (host): Stop That Ticklin' Me
Tracy Byrd: Roly Poly/Watermelon Crawl
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

10:30: Purnell's
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe

10:45: MTD
Ricky Skaggs (host): Hold What 'Cha Got
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Lost and I'll Never Find the Way

11:00: Coca Cola
Mike Snider (host): The Whole World Smiles With You
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Vince Gill: A River Like You/The Key to Life
Tom Brantley: Wheel Hoss

11:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now for Going Home
The Four Guys: Moments to Remember
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
Stu Phillips: Dust in My Eyes
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry

Grandpa Jones is another of the legendary stars of the Grand Ole Opry who is still missed today.

That lineup is from 28 years ago, and when you look at it. I am struck at the number of Opry members from that night that are still active: 

John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and The Whites. Not many left. 

There you have it as we start a new year. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/26 & 12/27

Let's start off with a quiz as the Grand Ole Opry comes to the final weekend of 2025. 

What do Ringo Starr, Sabrina Carpenter, Amy Grant, The McCrary Sisters, Train, Shinedown, Bill Medley, James Taylor, Keb' Mo, Shaun Cassidy, NE-YO, Quinn XCII, Breland, Leftover Salmon all have in common?

Each of these artists appeared on the Grand Ole Opry once this past year. What is so special about that?

Well, that means they appeared on the Opry one more time than Josh Turner or Little Big Town. It also means that they appeared on a traditional Grand Ole Opry show (meaning not the NBC special) one more time than Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Alison Krauss, Diamond Rio, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban. 

I will have more to say about some of this when I do my yearly recap, but as well as the 100th year of the Grand Ole Opry went in 2025, those active Grand Ole Opry members that I have named above, could not find time in their schedule to appear on the Opry at least one time this year. Sadly, most of those are the Opry members who rarely appear on the Opry. Hopefully these missing members can find time to make it to the Opry in 2026.

I mention 2026 because the Opry 100 celebration is being extended into 2026, so those missing Opry members are being given a second chance to make an appearance and already two of those members are on the schedule with Clint Black celebrating his 35th anniversary as a member of the Opry and Reba McEntire returning to induct Suzy Bogguss as the newest Opry member and to celebrate her 40th anniversary, both in January. So, how about Brad Paisley? His 25th anniversary is coming up in February. Hopefully he will make it for that milestone. 

I know it is frustrating to many of us that several of the Opry's biggest names do not appear all that often on the Opry. That does not take away from those who do. Because of the support that the Opry receives from members such as Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Marty Stuart and so many others, 2025 has been a very good year for the Opry. There have been some great and memorable shows. And with Opry 100 continuing into 2026, I would expect the support for the Opry that these members have shown, will continue thru 2026. 

So now let's take a look at the Opry lineup for the final weekend of 2025, a weekend that will feature Opry members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz. 

There is also an Opry debut on Saturday night as Callie Twisselman will be making her first appearance on the Opry. If you remember, as part of Opry 100, there would be 100 Opry debuts in 2025 and the Opry will end up close to that number. 

Friday December 26
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Sunny Sweeney, Riders In The Sky, Jake Hoot
Intermission
8:20: Erin Enderlin, Channing Wilson, The Cleverlys

Saturday December 27
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Callie Twisselman, Channing Wilson
Intermission
8:20: Jade Eageleson, Opry Square Dancers, Dylan Marlowe, Don Schlitz

Callie Twisselman, who is making her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night, just released her EP Growing In Grace. In addition to her Opry debut, Callie is scheduled to open for Dolly Parton in Las Vegas on September 17, 2026. 

Regarding her Opry debut, she wrote this on her Facebook page: I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life! My Grand Ole Opry debut!! Thank you Jesus for not letting this girl give up! I made a deal with my 89-year-old Grandma some years back, that if I ever played the Opry she would have to come watch. Well, she’s keeping her word and flying on a plane for the first time in over 40 years to see her Granddaughter sing on that very stage. Dreams really do come true.

Hank Snow was one of the greatest Opry members in the history of the show. Once he settled in, Hank would host the 8:30 segment on the first show and the 11:00 segment on the second. Someone mentioned to me once that Hank ran his segments like a train conductor. No matter what time it started, the segment would last literally exactly 30 minutes. He would get the act on and off very efficiently. His segments always included the Fruit Jar Drinkers on both shows, and either Sam or Kirk McGee (or both) on the late show. From a personal standpoint, I always enjoyed that Hank stood behind the announcers' podium when introducing the acts, leaving the stage clear and free for those set to perform. 

As Hank grew older, and his hit making days were behind, he tried to freshen up his act by adding a duet partner, Kelly Foxton. To say that it was an unusual paring would be an understatement. Together, they produced two albums, of which no hits appeared. The partnership lasted about five years and, in the end, let's just say, it didn't work out. Hank continued with his solo Opry appearances and Kelly moved on. 

Hank first introduced Kelly Foxton to Opry audiences in 1979 and together, they made their last appearance on the Opry on December 26, 1981. Here is the running order from their final duet appearance on the Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jan Howard: It's Good To See You
Justin Tubb: Pull The Covers Over Me
Billy Walker: Soap & Water

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Jean Shepard: What Would I Do
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Crippled Boy
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
Osborne Brothers: Old Flames
Ernest Tubb: Half A Mind

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): A Used To Be
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Billy Grammer: Kansas City Railroad Blues
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Bill Monroe: Lonesome Road Blues

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink on Me
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: I Don't Want You're Love Forever
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want To Know
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore Darling
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Before The Next Teardrop Falls

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
The 4 Guys: Living Up A Storm
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Billy Walker: Soap & Water
Wilma Lee Cooper: Singing Waterfall
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas 

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Kentucky Moon
Skeeter Davis: Rock A Bye Boogie
Lonzo: Rambling Fever
Bill Monroe: My Last Days on Earth

10:15: Sunbeam
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Osborne Brothers: Rank Stranger
Charlie Walker: Close All The Honky Tonks

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me
Billy Grammer: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Connie Smith: The Deeping Snow
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Kelly Foxton: Crazy

11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Vic Willis Trio: A Woman Like You
Ray Pillow: Wasted Again
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Marty Robbins: Ribbon on Darkness, Return To Me/Beyond The Reef/That's All Right/Cool Water/I Don't Know Why/Don't Worry/El Paso City/Devil Woman/Muddy Water/Love Me/A White Sports Coat/Teardrops In My Heart/All Around Cowboy/El Paso

After Marty Robbins sang El Paso the first time, it was 12:45 am and WSM ended the Opry and went to the Midnite Jamboree. Everything else that followed was only heard in the Opry House. 

Charlie Louvin, David Houston and Boxcar Willie were all scheduled but cancelled. Jan Howard, Ernie Ashworth, Wilburn Brothers and Minnie Pearl only appeared on the first show, while Charlie Walker and Lonzo were only on the late show. Oscar was in Florida. 

I mentioned that Hank Snow ran his segments like a train. On the first show, his segment lasted exactly 30 minutes, while on the second show it came in at 27, three minutes short in a show that was running long. 

There you have it for this week, and for 2025. It has been an amazing year at the Opry as the show celebrated its 100th anniversary. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Opry Country Christmas 12/22 & 12/23

Monday and Tuesday night will feature the final Opry Country Christmas shows of the year. This tradition has been taking place for several years now, and I have to say that I think this year's shows have been among the best. There was the core group of Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky and Charlie McCoy (and of course, Santa). 

There has also been a great group of Spotlight Artist that have included Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Lorrie Morgan, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Lainey Wilson, Kathy Mattea, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, and on Tuesday night, Jamey Johnson. Several other Opry members have also appeared, including Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, The Isaacs, Mark Wills and Ricky Skaggs. 

I know that the "core group" sang the same songs on each show, and have told many of the same stories, but you know, it has been good. The Gatlin Brothers singing Silent Night and the Riders doing Corn, Water & Wood were among my favorites. 

As mentioned, the final two shows are this week, with The War and Treaty the Spotlight artists on Monday night (and the only non-Opry members to have been in that slot) and Jamey Johnson wrapping things up on Tuesday. 

Monday December 22

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: The War and Treaty

Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, RaeLynn, Mandy Barnett, Tasha Layton, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, John Berry

Tuesday December 23

Host: Larry Gatlin

Spotlight Artist; Jamey Johnson w/Jessie James Decker
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Mandy Barnett, Marcus King, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

As the Opry Country Christmas shows wrap up, I want to take the time, on behalf of Casey and myself, to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I appreciate each and every one who reads and comments on the blog, who sends me messages and emails, and those I have met along the way. I saw more than a few of you this past year. For those I haven't met as of yet, there are still opportunities in the coming year that perhaps our paths will cross. 

You don't know what satisfaction I get from each of you and I hope that I can continue to be a place where Opry memories can be shared, and discussion can take place as we move into 2026. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/20

This weekend, there is only one Grand Ole Opry show, which will be taking place on Saturday night, as For King & Country continues its weekly run at the Opry House. 

Looking at Saturday night, it is a good lineup as the veterans have once again turned out. 

Saturday December 20

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, Cam

Intermission

8:20: The Whites, Opry Square Dancers, Charles Esten, Ricky Skaggs

(Steve Earle was on the original schedule but apparently has cancelled and has been replaced by Charles Esten. 

There is also an Opry Country Christmas show on Sunday night. The lineup is strong with Jon Pardi as the Spotlight Artist: 

Sunday December 21

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Jon Pardi
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mark Wills, Mandy Barnett, Ricky Skaggs, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Johnny Cash was a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the 1950s but he didn't stay around long. That was pretty common in those days as Opry members came and went. After he gave up his Opry membership, he continued to make Opry appearances until that famous night in the mid-1960s when, during an Opry appearance, he kicked out the stage lights and was told by management that he would not be invited back. 

By the late 1960s, Johnny had cleaned himself up and became the biggest star in country music. He taped his television show at the Ryman Auditorium and over time, was invited back to appear on the Opry. While he never again became an Opry member, he would from time to time appear on the show, usually with June Carter, or at times, with Waylon Jennings. 

One of those Opry appearances took place 50 years ago on Saturday December 20, 1975. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms

Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks Christmas

Skeeter Davis: On The Way Home

Justin Tubb: Cold Brown Bottle

Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe

6:45: Rudy's

Ernest Tubb (host): If You Don't Quit Checking on Me

Del Reeves: Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song

Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming

Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas

7:00: Shoney's

Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South

Jean Shepard: Another Neon Night

Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill

Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Bobby Lord: Rainbow Girl

Jim & Jesse: Paradise

Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/Texas 1947

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: Jackson

Johnny Cash: I Walk The Line
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Cotton Eyed Joe

Roy Acuff: Will The Circle Be Unbroken

8:00: Martha White

Lester Flatt (host): Salty Dog Blues

Grandpa Jones: Christmas Guest

Roy Drusky: Bouquet of Roses

Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Billy Walker: Don't Stop In My World

The 4 Guys: Let There Be Peace

Marty Stuart: Fire on the Mountain

8:30: Stephens

Hank Snow (host): Colorado Country Morning

Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me

Roy Clark: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/With Rain On My Heart, Blues on My Mind

Willis Brothers: Truck Stop

Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre

Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge

Hank Snow: Christmas Wants

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas

Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres

Del Reeves: You Comb Her Hiar

Skeeter Davis: Let It Shine

Charlie Louvin: (?)

Jim Ed Brown: Another Morning

Roy Clark: John Hardy/Cryin' My Heart Out Over You

Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye

10:00: Fender

Bill Anderson (host): If You Can Live With It

Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Curly Headed Baby

Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

Bill Anderson & Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes

10:15: Union 76

Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air

Johnny Cash: Big River/I Still Miss Someone/Give My Love To Rose

Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: If I Were A Carpenter

Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

10:30: Trailblazer

Lester Flatt (host): Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine

Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells

Bobby Lord: Mississippi

Jim & Jesse: Please Be My Love

Kenny Ingram: Cumberland Gap

10:45: Beechnut

Porter Wagoner (host): Indian Creek

Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

Billy Grammer: What A Friend

Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand

Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Bill Cheatham

Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus

11:00: Coca Cola 

Hank Snow (host): Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey

Billy Walker: Don't Stop In My World

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin

Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On

Kirk McGee: Blue Night

Hank Snow: Silent Night

11:30: Elm Hill

Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Sweet Baby Jane

Don Gibson: Blue, Blue Day/I Can't Stop Loving You

Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/Devil Woman/Love Me/Cool Water/Driftwood On The River/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife/El Paso

What a night!!! The final Saturday night before Christmas and the Opry members came out. The final segment on the 2nd show with Marty Robbins did not start until 12:15, with the show ending just after 1:00 am. Marion Worth was scheduled but cancelled, while Jean Shepard, Roy Drusky and The 4 Guys appeared only on the early show, and Jim Ed Brown only on the late show. Just an amazing night. 

Oh, and by the way, a ticket in the lower balcony only cost $3.00

To close it out, Randy Travis will be celebrating his 39th year as an Opry member, joining the Opry on Saturday December 20, 1986. I know Randy has always valued his time as an Opry member. 

Here is the line-up from that night 39 years ago: 

1st show

6:30: Del Reeves, Skeeter Davis

6:45: Porter Wagoner, Riders In The Sky

7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, Jim & Jesse, Randy Travis

7:30: Roy Acuff, Jean Shepard, Roy Drusky, Crook Brothers, Melvin Sloan Dancers

8:00: Bill Monroe, The Whites, Stonewall Jackson, Archie Campbell, Connie Smith

8:30: Hank Snow, Boxcar Willie, Osborne Brothers, Mel McDaniel

2nd show

9:30: Porter Wagoner, The 4 Guys, Del Reeves, Jan Howard, Billy Walker

10:00: Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Randy Travis

10:15: Roy Acuff, George Hamilton IV

10:30: Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin

10:45: Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Melvin Sloan Dancers

11:00: Hank Snow, Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb, Charlie Walker, Mel McDaniel

11:30: Boxcar Willie, Osborne Brothers, Connie Smith

There are not many left from that night. 

That takes care of it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. 

Merry Christmas to All!!!

Dan Rogers Interview

This week's issue of Country Aircheck weekly included an interview with Dan Rogers that I thought I would share. The questions that were asked of Dan are highlighted. I thought the interview was very insightful. 

The Lessons Of Opry 100

December 15, 2025, Issue 991

Officially commemorated with two Nov. 28 shows, the Grand Ole Opry hit the century mark and now embarks on its next 100 years. Country Aircheck asked SVP/Exec. Producer Dan Rogers about what he and his team will take away from the anniversary.

CA: What would you do differently if you started this over?

DR: If I could have done anything, it would be to give more of our valued artists even more opportunities and exposure. I wish we could have sent twice as many people to London and that instead of a three-hour NBCTV special, we could have had four. There’s simply not enough time on network TV and you can’t send everybody everywhere. It was really gratifying that every Opry member who raised their hand for the actual 100th anniversary night (11/28) had a featured role somewhere in the show. While it was an incredibly long night, every Opry member in attendance – in some cases until 1:25am – realized that’s what it took to feature everyone. And nobody complained, at least not to me.

Even with a full year, there are still bandwidth issues, right?

Our three tentpole events were perfectly timed to be able to effectively pull them off and also carry the banner for the entire year. We kicked off with the network special, then London, then the actual 100th anniversary. We got lucky that those were all separated by a couple of months. We had more shows than we’ve ever done in our history, but that’s really only going from 220 to 240. The Nov. 28 show was a capstone, but also the first of 17 straight nights of shows between the Opry and Opry Country Christmas. 

On a business level, was this a good year on its own or an investment in future growth?

A bit of both. We’ve met that goal of celebrating the past, present and future of country music and celebrating our staff, fans and artists. Every one of those 240 shows has been successful. We’ll know more about the real success of the 100th a year from now. But I very strongly believe we’ve planted seeds that will bear fruit for years to come. When we were talking with artists about considering going to Royal Albert Hall with us, I said that will be a photo that is in the 200th anniversary book – the Opry’s first live broadcast from outside the U.S. 

You were excited about getting James Taylor. Any others that almost made it?

There are country legends and Rock And Roll Hall of Famers I’d still love to see here. I’ve made no secret – including in a conversation with him – that I think Eddie Vedder would kill at the Grand Ole Opry. And that he would have an experience, not unlike James Taylor’s, of getting a real kick out of being in the middle of it all ... if only for one night. As James Taylor was leaving, he said something so beautiful and eloquent. I remember thinking, “I’ll never remember exactly what he just said.” And maybe that’s for the best. After that, he did turn around one more time and say, “I really hope I get to come back here someday.” That’s the ultimate compliment.

Did you expect your guest announcer program to go so well?

Did we think that would be great for our partnership with radio? Yes. Did I foresee everybody posting about it? I guess I should have, but that wasn’t the reason we did it. I feel like we have 60 new friends that were probably friends to the Opry before, but we didn’t know that well.

What’s next?

We’ll come back ready to take stock of what we did well and what we could have done better and then work to maximize the fact that the Opry is 100. I really hope we’ve laid groundwork and given young artists and fans a reason to connect, along with giving people who have loved the Opry all their lives a nostalgic look back.    

 Rogers’ Top 10 Opry 100 Moments

• Anniversary Night Quotes: Between shows, Bill Anderson – the Opry’s longest-serving member – led a toast to 1925 and all that has been, to 2025 and all that is, and to 2125 and all that will be. Bill always knows just what to say. And earlier in the night, Scotty McCreery spoke for the entire Opry cast. 

• Perfect Guests: I’ll [always] remember the moment when James Taylor sat down in the famed circle of wood at soundcheck and began playing – for no one in particular – the first chords to “Carolina In My Mind.” I wasn’t prepared for the looks on Opry members’ faces as they came offstage the night they performed alongside Ringo Starr. We also welcomed Sabrina Carpenter, Train, Shinedown, Aloe Blacc and more in what I hope is a harbinger of things to come.

• Live From London: I am not sure any of us were ready for the huge embrace the Royal Albert Hall gave us, beginning with thunderous applause when Scottish group Breabach’s bagpipes provided a surprise prelude to Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel,” right through the Luke Combs/Marcus Mumford collaboration “Always On My Mind.”

• Record Numbers: The biggest 180-degree day was when we were honored to host beloved Opry legend Jeannie Seely’s memorial service ... followed immediately by load-in of Sesame Street characters for collaborations on that night’s Opry with Lauren Alaina and Tayla Lynn. I can only imagine the choice words Seely would have had for me ... she would have reveled in giving me hell about it.

• Opry 100 Honors: We created that series to make sure certain names like Loretta Lynn, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl were remembered and celebrated. In a year with a lot of love in the Opry House, those were standouts.

• Snapshots: Standing in the Ryman alley on a cold afternoon in March, [I watched] as Barbara Mandrell got out of her car to make a surprise appearance on that night’s show. As she posed for photos with fans, I thought, “Moments like this were taking place in this very same spot 60, 70 and 80 years ago.”

• Surprises: Highlights included two visits from Tanya Tucker to surprise both the audience and her collaborator on “Delta Dawn,” and Garth Brooks and his band kicking off our birthday month by tearing it up on “Callin’ Baton Rouge” with zero advance notice for our sold-out crowd.

• Song Legends: I love when a song is so perfect for the Opry that its legend grows from year to year. Anyone who worked Ashley McBryde’s debut or induction night remembers the significance of her “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” [This year], the song and the Opry grew even closer when Ashley and Terri Clark [performed it on the] NBC special ... Ashley introduced [and performed the song] at Royal Albert Hall ... [and it] opened our year-end Opry NextStage show.

• Family: Vince Gill played the Opry more in our 100th year than ever before. As our Nov. 28 shows went on past midnight, it was fun to hear backstage chatter about Vince suggesting everyone go across Briley Parkway to Waffle House. But my favorite Vince moments were when he sang “Jenny Dreamed of Trains” with daughter Jenny followed by an impromptu appearance by Jenny’s daughter alongside her mom and grandpa ... and when he dedicated a song to his mom in Oklahoma who turned 100 just a few weeks before the Opry followed suit.  

• Heart: Unscripted moments of real joy included when one of our St. Jude guest announcers sang along with Kelsea Ballerini, and when Kathy Mattea paused in the middle of her own Opry induction set to invite her friend of 30 years, Suzy Bogguss, to join the family. The leather-bound book each of the artists who played this year signed backstage [bears messages that are] universally heartfelt and often deeply emotional, including Jamey Johnson’s masterful thank you letter and young John Foster’s recollection that he and seven friends took an Uber from Jackson, TN to the Opry after his bus broke down on I-40, barely making it on time.

Grand Ole Opry 12/12 & 12/13

When I look at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, a smile comes across my face as both nights offer very solid lineups, with a bit of something that should please everyone as there is a lot of variety on both Friday and Saturday night. 

Starting off with the Friday Night Opry, Opry members, T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Don Schlitz (who is not closing the show for a change), John Conlee and comedian Gary Mule Deer are on the schedule. Five different Opry members, each with their own style. Neal McCoy will be closing out the show, with Keb' Mo and Alexandra Kay also scheduled to appear. 

Saturday night offers us Marty Stuart, Old Crow Medicine Show, Connie Smith, Bill Anderson and Gary Mule Deer, who is making it a two-show weekend. Marty is closing the show, while the other four members will be appearing during the first half. Dom Flemons, who is really, really good is on the schedule, along with Miko Marks, Tierra Kennedy and bluegrass artist Mike Compton. Mike has appeared on the Opry previously as part of the duo Compton and Newberry. 

Friday December 12
7:00: T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Alexandra Kay, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Gary Mule Deer, Keb' Mo, Neal McCoy

Saturday December 13
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Old Crow Medicine Show
Intermission
8:20: Dom Flemons, Miko Marks, Mike Compton, Tiera Kennedy, Marty Stuart

On Sunday night, there is another Opry Country Christmas show on the calendar. 

Opry Country Christmas
Sunday December 17
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Scotty McCreery
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

I find it hard to believe but after this weekend, there are only three more Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule for 2025, and three more Opry Country Christmas shows. 

This week, as Opry 100 continues, the Spotlight shines on Ira and Charlie Louvin.

Ira Lonnie and Charles Elzer Loudermilk were born in Alabama. Becoming known as brothers Ira and Charlie Louvin, they started singing traditional and gospel music professionally on local radio stations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They were heavily influenced by the Delmore Brothers and Monroe Brothers in the early part of their musical careers.

After Charlie left the act briefly in 1945, to serve in World War II, the brothers moved first to Knoxville, Tennessee and later to Memphis, Tennessee, working as postal clerks by day while making appearances in the evening. Another brief disbandment, due to Charlie's service in the Korean War, led to the brothers' relocation to Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1955, they joined the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Among their top songs were "When I Stop Dreaming" (1955), "Hoping That You're Hoping" (1956), "You're Running Wild" (1956), "My Baby's Gone" (1958), and "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" (which reached number 1 on the US Country Charts in 1965). By the 1960s, their popularity began to wane and in 1963 Charlie split from Ira because of his drinking and abusive behavior and they each pursued solo careers.

Two years later, Ira was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 41, along with his 4th wife, near Williamsburg, Missouri, as they were returning from a performance in Kansas City, Missouri.

After Ira's death, Charlie continued to record music with solo hits "I Don't Love You Anymore" in 1964 and "See the Big Man Cry" in 1965. He continued as a solo member of the Grand Ole Opry and made regular appearances before passing away in January 2011 from pancreatic cancer. 

In 2001, the Louvin Brothers were introduced into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Their harmonies would influence later artists such as Emmylou Harris, Graham Parsons, and The Byrds. In 1975, Emmylou Harris had a hit with their song "If I Could Only Win Your Love." In 2001, he and his brother were introduced into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The tribute CD "Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers," released in 2003, won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Country Album. 

Now a look back to Saturday December 13, 2003, as the Grand Ole Opry remembered The Louvin Brothers, Ira and Charlie.

From the Tennessean (Fri. Dec. 12)
Nothing can match the ache, yearning and tension of the original recordings of Ira and Charlie Louvin. But a new album called Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers is a lovingly produced, highly musical tribute album that should help folks discover or rediscover the songs popularized by the greatest harmony duo in country music history. 

Tomorrow night on the Grand Ole Opry, a bevy of musicians will take the tribute to the stage, as Dierks Bentley, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark, Rhonda Vincent, Ronnie Dunn, Del McCoury and Rodney Crowell are set to perform. The scene should bring a smile or two to the face of Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin. 

Here is the running order from the first show on Saturday December 13, 2003:

6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/I Love Charlie Brown
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlet Ribbons
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus
Wagonmasters: Circle The Wagon

7:00: Tootsie's/Standard Candy
Rhonda Vincent & Joe Nichols: Cash On The Barrelhead
Carl Jackson: Must You Throw Dirt In My Face
Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle & Carl Jackson: Runnin' Wild
Rebecca Lynn Howard & Rhonda Vincent: The Angels Rejoice
Del McCoury: Let Us Travel, Travel On
Terri Clark & Jon Randall: I Can't Keep You In Love With Me
Rodney Crowell & Del McCoury: My Baby's Gone
Dierks Bentley & Harley Allen: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Charlie Louvin & Leslie Satcher: When I Stop Dreaming
Rebecca Lynn Howard & Ronnie Dunn: If I Could Only Win Your Love
Lesley Satcher & Jon Randall: Are You Teasing Me
Charlie Louvin & Terri Clark: Keep You Eyes On Jesus

8:00: Martha White
John Conlee (host): Friday Night Blues
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
John Conlee: How High Did You Go

8:30: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks Christmas
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Hal Ketchum: The Point of Rescue/It's A 5 O'clock World
Bill Anderson: There's No Place Like Home For Christmas

This was the last appearance that Charlie made on the televised portion of the Grand Ole Opry. In his later years, sadly, Charlie was one of the veteran Opry members whose appearances were greatly reduced. At the time of his death, Charlie had been an Opry member for just over 55 years, and he proudly told people that once he joined the Opry, he never left, unlike others. 

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

Breaking News: Jelly Roll --Updated

The following is from Country Aircheck Today: 

Almost House: Stoney Creek's Jelly Roll was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Craig Morgan during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. "It don't get no bigger in country music, bubba," Mr. Roll told Rogan. "That's as big as it gets. F***ing Grand Ole Opry, dawg." He also shared a story about seeing Morgan at the Opry, saying, "He comes out and sings 'Almost Home,' and I had, I'm not bulls***ing, cried maybe 10 times in my life at that point. I cried and cried. I cried like I'm crying here now, and I just remember thinking, 'Man, I want to make people feel the way he makes me feel.' That's what I want to do. I did it, Joe."

I will say that watching the video clip, it has been a long, long time since I have seen anyone get that emotional after being invited to join the Opry. I want to believe that it was sincere and, in his case, a dream that came true. 

Some have asked, so here you go with my thoughts:  I do have mixed feelings about Jelly Roll. I know that I am not part of the demographic that Jelly Roll appeals to, so maybe I am missing something. But when I talk to those who follow him and his message, he makes an impact. And those that he is making an impact with are those who are part of the next generation of Opry fans. 

I have been reading some of the comments on the Opry's social media sites and he definitely has his supporters, as well as those who are really against this. I saw the comment about Jelly Roll's Opry appearances. Since his Opry debut in 2021, he has made 15 appearances. Certainly not as many as some others, but more than many of his contemporaries. 6 of those appearances have taken place this past year and he has stated that until the new Tennessee Titans stadium opens, he will only appear in Nashville on the Opry. 

Overall, Dan Rogers has done, in my opinion, a very good job at bringing on new Opry members. His last four invites have gone to Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea, Steve Earle and Steven Curtis Chapman. The last contemporary invite was Lainey Wilson who joined prior to Steven Curtis. It was time for a member who appealed to a younger audience. As with the others Dan has brought on, I will trust him on this one and trust that he made the right call. 

How often Jelly Roll will appear on the Opry is anybody's guest. If the Opry gets 5-10 appearances from him in 2026, I call it a win. Anything more would be a bonus, while anything less would be a disappointment. Yes, there are members of the Opry of whom I do not care for. Not personally, but their music. But I do appreciate that they are Opry members and support the show by appearing. Hopefully, Jelly Roll will be one of those. Not like a few of the Opry members who can't seem to find their way to the Opry House. 

One last comment that doesn't even pertain to Jelly Roll. I have been reading several comments about what a crime it is that Jelly Roll will be an Opry member, while Hank Williams still has not been reinstated. Let me remind those people once again that the Opry is only for living members. There are no dead members who are current Opry members. I will also note that if you go backstage at the Opry House, there is a wall that lists, in order, all of the members in the history of the Opry. Hank Williams is listed on that wall. While he left under unfortunate circumstances, it is still recognized that Hank was an Opry member. And don't forget that there is an Opry 100 Honors show in January that will honor Hank. 

So at the end of the day how do I feel about it? I am fine with it. As with other new members, I offer my congratulations to Jelly Roll and I will look forward to his Opry induction, and in seeing him on the Opry. I am sure it will be quite a night.