Tuesday Night Opry 11/5 & Opry Country Classics 11/7

For those who either need a break from following the election returns, or have no interest, the Tuesday Night Opry offers a wonderful show that will take you mind off of the election. 

Tuesday November 5
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Mae Estes, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Annie Bosko, Henry Cho, Connor Smith, T. Graham Brown 

Nice to see that the majority of the acts on the schedule are Opry members, along with Connor Smith, who is one of the Opry's NextStage artists. 

With no Wednesday Night Opry on the schedule for the rest of the year, we now turn our attention to Opry Country Classics on Thursday night hosted by Larry Gatlin. Among those appearing are the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Don Schlitz and the Opry's newest member, Steven Curtis Chapman. The only non-member scheduled for the classics show is Walker Montgomery. 

As with the Tuesday night, Thursday night looks very good. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/1 & 11/2

Friday will be a big night at the Grand Ole Opry House as Contemporary Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Over the past week, there has been some comments regarding the number of Opry appearances by various Opry members. With the induction of a new Opry member, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit some of those numbers, specifically those recently. 

I went back beginning with 2021, the year after Covid during which the Opry was on a very limited Saturday night schedule and added up the number of appearances by Opry members. In the case of the members who were added after 2021, I included their guest appearances that they made prior to their induction beginning in 2021. Here is the list of those with over 100 appearances (updated to October 23):

Jeannie Seely: 307
Riders In The Sky: 283
Connie Smith: 170
Mandy Barnett: 145
Don Schlitz: 142
John Conlee: 135
Rhonda Vincent: 131
Bill Anderson: 123
Gary Mule Deer: 120
Dailey & Vincent: 117
Gatlin Brothers: 106
Charlie McCoy: 104

Other notables: Mark Wills: 82, Vince Gill: 74, Ricky Skaggs: 69, The Isaacs: 68, Henry Cho: 66, Mike Snider: 51, T. Graham Brown: 48, Lauren Alaina: 47, Del McCoury: 40, Jamey Johnson: 37, Lorrie Morgan: 36, Gene Watson: 36, Carrie Underwood: 30, Chris Janson: 30, Crystal Gayle: 28, Steve Wariner: 25, Ashley McBryde: 23, Old Crow Medicine Show: 22, The Whites: 20. 

Everyone else was below 20. And for those wondering, Steven Curtis Chapman made 26. 

A couple of notations regarding this list: 
>Mike Snider has not appeared on the Opry in a year following his motorcycle accident and the death of his wife. 
>The Whites have made only one Opry appearance in 2024
>The vast majority of appearances by Vince Gill have taken place over the last couple of years as before that he had been touring heavily with The Eagles. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend:
When looking at the career of Steven Curtis Chapman there is not much to add, other than the basic statistics. With a staggering 50 No. 1 singles in his catalog he is the most awarded artist in Christian music history winning 59 GMA Dove Awards five GRAMMY Awards an American Music Award and selling more than 17 million albums with ten RIAA-Certified Gold or Platinum albums. And he has continued to add to that total. He has been making guest appearances on the Opry for decades and has truly earned his Opry membership. 

On the night Ricky Skaggs asked Steven to become an Opry member, Steven said “I am so honored and just so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of. I feel like this is my family.”

Joining Steven on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Lady A and Carly Pearce. Guesting will be Colony House and Russell Dickerson. 

Looking at Saturday night, which is back to a one-show night, Opry members Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, and one of the Opry's newest members, Sara Evans is back for an appearance. Guesting are Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, Larry Fleet and Sean McConnell. 

Friday November 1
7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Colony House, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, Lady A 

Saturday November 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Sean McConnell, Connie Smith, Larry Fleet
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Sara Evans

From 50 years ago, Saturday November 2, 1974:

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host): Ray Pillow, Del Wood
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Lonzo & Oscar, Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Archie Campbell (host): Connie Smith, Justin Tubb, Tommy Jones
7:30: Roy Drusky (host): Bill Carlisle, Stu Phillips, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
8:30: Charlie Walker (host): Jimmy C Newman, Harold Weakley, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky (host): Willis Brothers, Del Wood, Lonzo & Oscar
10:00: Ray Pillow (host): Connie Smith, Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb
10:30: Archie Campbell (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Bill Carlisle, Phil Campbell
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Demetrius Trapp, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Charlie Walker (host): Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host): Jeanne Pruett, Ronnie Robbins

As has been previous written on this blog, the vast majority of the Grand Ole Opry's annual birthday celebrations have taken place during the month of October. However, that was not the case in 1963 as the Opry's 38th birthday celebration took place that year took place on Saturday November 2nd. Here is the running order from that night, 61 years ago: 

6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Kitty Wells: Heartaches For A Keepsake
Johnny Wright: Oh, Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine In Them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind The Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Gave My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy C Newman: D.J. For A Day

7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me A Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad For You Is Good For Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In The Shadow Of The Wine

7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign The Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over The Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt & Scruggs: Flint Hill Special

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through The Motions
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
June Carter & The Carter Family: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way You're Living

9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles An Hour
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy To Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. The D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses

10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: T Model & A Train
Billy Walker: Heart Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)

10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy C Newman: D.J. For A Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway
Howdy & Jimmy: Apple Blossom

10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings Of A Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)

10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host) (?)
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: 8 By 10
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Faron Young: (?)

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo & Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam & Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By The Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers:  Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I

11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James: The Minute You're Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry

That was one long show that night and based on the number of artists on the schedule, the backstage area of the Ryman Auditorium was very, very crowded. A heck of a busy night. 

If my memory is right, the only artists still living that appeared on that night are Melba Montgomery, Bill Anderson and Leroy Van Dyke. 

Also, from November 2nd through the years: 

1926: Charlie Walker was born. He joined the Opry in 1967 and would remain a member until his death in 2008. 

1948: Roy Acuff was defeated in his bid to become Governor of Tennessee. 

1968: George Jones made an appearance on the Opry. 

2007: Lady A made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. In 2021 they would become Opry members. 

2021: Mandy Barnett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time of her induction, Mandy had made more guest appearances than any other non-Opry member. 

There you have it for this weekend. Thanks to all for reading and commenting and congratulations once again to Steven Curtis Chapman upon his induction as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Taking a quick look at a full week of upcoming Grand Ole Opry Shows to close out the month of October: 

The Tuesday Night Opry has three Opry members on the schedule: Jeannie Seely, Charlie McCoy and comedian Henry Cho. Bluegrass music will be represented by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. Clay Walker, who cancelled his last appearance due to travel and weather issues, is back on the schedule, as is Zach Top, Mac Powell and MacKenzie Carpenter. 

Taking a look at the Wednesday Night Opry, there are four members on that schedule: Don Schlitz. T. Graham Brown, The Isaacs and Riders In The Sky. Guesting are Opry NextStage artist Breland, along with Chayce Beckham and William Beckmann. Except for two Opry Country Christmas shows in December, this will be the final Wednesday night show for this year. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night with host Larry Gatlin and Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins as the Spotlight Artist. Along with The Gatlin Brothers, Linda Davis, Ruby Leigh and Jim Lauderdale round at that lineup. 

This will all lead up to the Friday Night Opry when Steven Curtis Chapman will be inducted as the Opry's newest member. More on that later. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26

Who else finds it hard to believe that we are coming upon the final weekend in October? Amazing how fast this year has gone, and we are now just over two months away from the start of Opry100, the most exciting year in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

But before we get to 2025, there are still more shows in 2024 and this weekend the Friday Night Opry is on the schedule as are two shows on Saturday night, all three of which will feature Opry member Vince Gill. It seems like during this past year, any time Vince is not out doing a gig with The Eagles, he is at the Opry. And that is a good thing. 

There are only two other Opry members on the schedule each night this weekend: Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz on Friday night and Mandy Barnett and Connie Smith on Saturday. 

John Berry has been making a few Opry guest appearances lately and he is back on the schedule for Friday, along with Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, and making her Opry debut, Sarahbeth Taite. 

Appearing on Saturday night are Tyler Halverson, Tierra Kennedy and Evan Honer. Also on the schedule is Darin & Brooke Aldridge. I mention this husband/wife bluegrass duo separately, as these are two individuals who love the Grand Ole Opry and all of its history. 

For those who might not be familiar, Brooke is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin, once a former member of The Country Gentlemen, is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. They have had numerous nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards) and the Inspirational Country Music Association. In April 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also in 2023, the IBMA nominated the smash hit “Jordan,” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain, in the Gospel Recording of the Year category while the GMA nominated the song for its Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year award.  

Whenever Darin & Brooke are asked to be on the Opry, they are always well received and have made it known that they would love to be members of the Opry someday. From a personal standpoint, I think they would make great Opry members (as does Vince Gill), and I hope that their dream comes true someday. Perhaps they will be one of those asked to join as the Opry moves into its 100th year. 

Friday October 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, John Berry, Sarahbeth Taite, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, Vince Gill

Saturday October 26
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
8:00: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
10:30: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

Sarahbeth Taite, who is making her Opry debut on Friday night, is a country singer-songwriter known for her authentic storytelling and unique sound that resonates with young women and mothers. Her 2020 single "Long Way" became a breakout hit on TikTok, amassing over 10 million streams and a Billboard chart debut, leading to appearances on The Bobby Bones Show and BobbyFest Music Festival. With consistent support from CMA, ACM, and CMT, Sarahbeth's 2024 EP, “The Way We Started,” has been featured on iHeartCountry's "Women of iHeartCountry" radio show, WSM Radio and major outlets like People Magazine, Cowgirl Magazine, American Songwriter, and CelebSecrets. As the EP nears a million lifetime streams, Sarahbeth continues to share her one-of-a-kind sound with the world, carving out a path that uniquely blends family life with her musical career.

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday October 26, 1974. This particular night featured a guest appearance by a very young and talented Crystal Gayle: 

1st show
6:30: Hank Locklin (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Crystal Gayle
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host): The 4 Guys, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Ray Pillow, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, Lonzo & Oscar
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Stu Phillips, Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves

2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Ernie Ashworth, Crystal Gayle
10:00: Hank Locklin (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
10:15: Ernst Tubb (host): Bill Carlisle, Wayne Hammond
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Lonzo & Oscar, Ray Pillow
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jim & Jesse, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Ronnie Robbins

(Stonewall Jackson appeared only on the first show. He was scheduled for the second show but cancelled). 

Rusty Greaves, who was on the Opry that night, was from New Zealand and would make several appearances on the Opry, along with several appearances in Opryland. He was considered a country music pioneer in his home country. Rusty and Gladys Greaves were made honorary citizens of Metropolitan Nashville by then Mayor Richard Fulton in October 1978 for Greaves’ work as an ambassador for New Zealand and his dedication to country music.

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. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Looking at the upcoming mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows, the Tuesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz, Rhonda Vincent, and making his return after a weekend in Las Vegas with The Eagles, Vince Gill. Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Thompson Square and Karley Scott Collins round out the lineup. 

The Grand Ole Opry will host its 16th annual “Opry Goes Pink” on Wednesday night in partnership with Susan G. Komen.

Opry member Ashley McBryde will begin the show by flipping the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to help the fight against breast cancer. 

In addition to Ashley McBryde, Grand Ole Opry members Jon Pardi, T. Graham Brown and Rhonda Vincent are also on the schedule, Victoria Shaw, who is a regular on "Opry Goes Pink" night is again on the schedule as is Scott Stapp, who is making his Opry debut. Oh, one more name that I forgot, Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker will also be appearing. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night will Larry Gatlin as the host and featuring Spotlight Artist, and newest Hall of Fame member, John Anderson. Also appearing will be The Gatlin Brothers, Dailey & Vincent, Chuck Mead and Sunny Sweeney. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/18 & 10/19

After all of the excitement last weekend, things are a little bit quieter at the Grand Ol Opry this weekend. As is the case each weekend in October, there will the Friday Night Opry with one show and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, which is a two-show night. 

Four Grand Ole Opry members are on the schedule for Friday night: Gene Watson, Jeannie Seely, Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, and coming off his induction last weekend into the Comedy Hall of Fame, Gary Mule Deer. Very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is back for another visit, along with Danielle Bradbery, Alana Springsteen and making his Opry debut, Canadian singer/songwriter Jade Eagleson. 

Jade Eagleson is from Bailieboro, Ont., and is a five-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner and Juno award nominee whose songs have been streamed online more than 305 million times. Now living in Nashville, he said, “The tradition of country music and everything surrounding it has always been a very big thing for me, and obviously at the center of all that is the Opry. My dream since day one was to someday end up there and play there. My wife and I will go catch a show from time to time, and I just look at the stage and it’s hard not to get a bit emotional.”  

Gary Mule Deer and Jeannie Seely return on Saturday night, along with two Hall of Fame members of the Opry: Bill Anderson and Ricky Skaggs. Another frequent guest of the Opry, Steve Earle is also on the schedule, along with Drake White and The McCrary Sisters. 

Friday October 18
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Jade Eagleson, Danielle Bradbery, Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Alana Springsteen, Gary Mule Deer, Charles Esten, Don Schlitz

Saturday October 19
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drake White, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer
8:00: The McCrary Sisters, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drake White, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer
10:30: The McCrary Sisters, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs

For what it is worth, I received an email today from the Opry offering 20% off tickets for the back-to-back shows on Saturday night. Supposedly, limited ticket quantities are available. 

Now going back 50 years ago to Saturday October 19, 1974. That night, the Opry celebrated its 49th anniversary, the first at the new Grand Ole Opry House. Featured on the show that night were Tennessee Ernie Ford and, in a surprise appearance, The Pointer Sisters. The show also featured Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton appearing together for the final time on the Opry until their reunion 14 years later. 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): (?)
Willis Brothers: Bob
4 Guys: It's Too Late To Turn Back Now
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Mary Lou Turner: Tomorrow
Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Jeannie Seely: He Can Be Mine
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Seeing Is Believing
Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlett Ribbons/The 3 Bells/Looking Back To See

7:00: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Please Don't Stop Loving Me
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Hank Locklin: Send Me Your Coffee Cup
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Stu Phillips: Love You All Over Again
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): I've Got All The Heartaches I Can Handle
Wilburn Brothers: Little Johnny From Down The Street
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Fireball Mail
Tennessee Ernie Ford: Tie A Yellow Ribbon/Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
George Lindsay: Comedy Joke
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: Hello Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Jerry Clower: A New Bull
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Mary Lou Turner: All That Keeps Me Going
Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

10:00: Fender
Ernest Tubb (host): Don't Water Down The Bad News
Connie Smith: I Never Knew What That Song Meant Before
Jim Ed Brown: Southern Loving
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Ernest Tubb: Walking The Floor Over You

10:15: Union 76
Jack Greene (host): It's Time To Cross That Bridge
The Pointer Sisters: Fairytale
Jeannie Seely: He Can Be Mine
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: Love Is Like A Butterfly
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine
Hank Locklin: Send Me Your Coffee Cup
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Please Don't Stop Loving Me

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
The 4 Guys: It's Too Late To Turn Back Now
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Barbara Mandrell: Midnight Oil
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): It Almost Felt Like Love
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome To The Sunshine
David Houston: Can't You Feel It
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Something To Brag About

Tennessee Ernie Ford and George Lindsay only appeared on the first show, while Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin, Barbara Mandrell and The Pointer Sisters only appeared on the second show. Connie was scheduled for the first show but didn't make it. Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. 

What was interesting regarding Porter and Dolly singing together, Dolly was not originally scheduled on either of Porter's segments that night. If You remember, Dolly had left Porter's show and was on her own, while Barbara Lea had joined Porter's roadshow. Obviously, whatever feelings Dolly had toward Porter, all was forgiven, or forgotten, for that one final night. 

Finally, as you would guess with that loaded lineup, the show ran way over, with the second show not ending until after 12:30, helped out by the fact that the final 30-minute segment only ran for 15. 

Other Opry highlights from October 19 over the years:

1956: Stonewall Jackson was given an audition at the Opry. He passed and was invited back to perform. Stonewall would become an Opry member the following month. 

1985: Lonzo & Oscar made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to being on the Opry that night, the duo hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Also of significance, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry. Roy had been missing for several months due to the discovery of a blood clot. Roy was ordered by doctors to rest, but that didn't prevent him from visiting backstage in his dressing room during his recovery. 

1991: Legendary WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Grant Turner passed away, just hours after announcing the Friday Night Opry. Grant was called "the Dean of Opry announcers", starting at WSM on D-Day 1944. Grant Turner is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Taking one more look back, here is the schedule from October 19, 1985, the final night that Lonzo & Oscar appeared on the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host): Vic Willis Trio
6:45: The 4 Guys (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Loretta Lynn, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Billy Walker, Jean Shepard, George Hamilton IV, Crook Brothers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeanne Pruett, Jack Greene, Roy Drusky, Connie Smith, Tommy Hunter
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jimmy C Newman, Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson, Bill Carlisle

2nd show
9:30: Del Reeves (host): George Hamilton IV, The 4 Guys, Loretta Lynn
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jan Howard, Ray Pillow
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeannie Seely, Lonzo & Oscar
10:45: Jack Greene (host): Jean Shepard, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson, Billy Walker, Bill Carlisle
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Charlie Walker, Roy Drusky, Johnny Russell

Rollin "Oscar" Sullivan passed away in 2012 while at last word, David Hooten, the last Lonzo, was still alive. 

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It was a wonderful and busy week at the Grand Ole Opry as the Opry celebrated its 99th birthday this past weekend and announced the plans for the 2025 100th birthday celebration. 

The celebration will take place all year, and it is going to be a very busy year for the show as there are a lot of activities planned. The big news, at least to me, is that there will be no specific weekend for the 2025 birthday in October, but rather, the Opry will celebrate the entire month, with birthday celebrations scheduled for each show during the month. Those celebrations will include the traditional cake, cupcakes and plaza parties. The other important date is Friday November 28, 2025, as that date falls exactly 100 years from the very first WSM show that featured George D. Hay and Uncle Jimmy Thompson. The Opry will be having a special show that night to commemorate the event. 

Some of the 2025 announced plans, as reported in The Nashville Tennessean: 

In January 2025 the Opry will be at downtown Nashville's Ryman Auditorium through Jan. 17, the program's host venue from 1943 to 1974. On the show's Jan. 3 edition, Country Music Hall of Famer "Whispering" Bill Anderson, the longest-serving member in Opry history, has been tapped to open the 100th celebration with the first song performed in 2025.

The Grand Ole Opry will offer 100 debut performances in 2025 beginning on January 18 with Shaboozey. 

The Opry's will stage a fall 2025 performance at London's Royal Albert Hall which will "feature an all-star cast that will bring to life the rich and diverse musical styles found within the country music genre," according to an official statement.

"Opry 100 Honors" shows honoring legends including Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and more will be held. A portion of these ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which, for 60 years, has assisted members of the country's music community in need.

The Opry will name country music's 100 all-time greatest songs as determined by fans worldwide. Those songs will be showcased in Opry shows throughout 2025.

On Nov. 28, 2025, the Opry will celebrate the 100th anniversary of performer Uncle Jimmy Thompson sitting down and playing his fiddle for the first time on what would become the Grand Ole Opry. A press statement describes the event as "(walking) through the Opry's decades, beginning with that first performance and building toward a look to the Opry's next century."

The Grand Ole Opry and Abrams Books-released "100 Years of Grand Ole Opry" was written by historian Craig Shelburne and is available for pre-order at Opry100.com with exclusive editions containing bonus content available at select retailers. Opry and Abrams have also collaborated on 2025 wall and desk calendars, plus an Opry-themed children's book titled "Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry," debuting in fall 2025.

Other limited-edition commemorative merchandise, including apparel and home goods, will be released in Jan. 2025 and available online at Opry100.com.  

The question was asked and yes, there will be more members added to the Opry's cast in 2025. No names were mentioned, but Dan Rogers said to say toned. 

"This centennial is not just a look back — it’s a celebration of the future of country music and the artists who continue to shape its story,” Grand Ole Opry Senior Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers said. “Most importantly, we are grateful to the fans, artists, employees, Nashville and the entire country music community who have helped us reach this special moment. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for what will be an unforgettable year."

Overall, it is promising to be an exciting year, and tickets will be available for all shows on Friday. Pre-sales are now taking place. 

As far as the 2024 birthday weekend, I thought it was an outstanding weekend, one of the best in the past several years. All three shows over the weekend were sold out and the shows offered some great music. Among the standouts on Friday night were standing ovations to Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz, along the Gretchen Wilson, who closed out the show with "Redneck Woman." The Friday show also had a surprise appearance by Marty Stuart. No Marty did not sing; he came out and played guitar for Connie. 

In addition to the two Opry shows on Saturday, there was the Opry Plaza Party, which has become an annual event. With the perfect weather, there were a lot of people there. The Saturday show had lots of highlights including the final appearance by Danny Davis, who spent decades at the Opry and a number of years with Jeannie Seely. Danny announced his retirement to spend time with his family. Another highlight was Katherine McPhee, who was making her Grand Ole Opry debut. And she did not disappoint. Like Gretchen Wilson on Friday night, Katherine sang "Redneck Woman" and in what I am sure was an Opry first, she danced through the audience and to cap it off, she jumped up on the piano, surprising Randy Hart. The audience loved it and it was a lot of fun to watch. 

While there was no "superstar" on any of the shows, the lineups were very solid and offered some great country music. It was a fun weekend. 

It is back to normal on Tuesday night and here are the running orders for the shows this week: 

Tuesday October 15
7:00: Craig Morgan, Riders In The Sky, Jason Carter & Bronwhyn Keith-Hynes, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson & Sam Palladio, Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson

Wednesday October 16
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Madeline Merlo, Jeannie Seely, Dustin Lynch
Intermission
8:15: Jackson Dean, Del McCoury Band, Scotty McCreery

Thursday October 17
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Steve Wariner
Also Appearing: Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Jake Hoot

Some good shows this week that will include some collaborations and an Opry debut.