Grand Ole Opry 5/1 & 5/2

Starting off with this announcement that from this past week: 

The Grand Ole Opry Expands Opry Live and Circle Sessions to RFD-TV.

Opry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV announced a new partnership to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series, Opry Live and Circle Sessions, to RFD-TV audiences nationwide. Opry Live airs beginning Saturday, May 9, and Circle Sessions launches Friday, May 8, on RFD-TV.

For more than a century, the Grand Ole Opry has defined country music by presenting unforgettable performances. The agreement expands the Opry’s television presence while reinforcing RFD-TV’s commitment to original programming rooted in rural American culture, music, and storytelling.

RFD-TV will begin airing Opry Live on Saturday, May 9, at 9/8 PM CT. The weekly series features live performances from the most famous stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry. Shows feature established superstars, including Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Jelly Roll, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, and more, as well as new artists such as 49 Winchester, Carter Faith, Hudson Westbrook, and Tucker Wetmore.

Each broadcast delivers highlight performances from the Opry stage, bringing the energy of the live show directly to viewers at home. John Deere is the presenting sponsor of the RFD-TV telecast of Opry Live.

 

CIRCLE SESSIONS: Intimate Access, Iconic Artists

Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments. Filmed in and around the Opry’s circle, the series highlights the stories behind the music, featuring artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, Chris Young, and more.

I think a lot of people will be happy that the Opry is returning to RFD-TV next week. As a reminder, these shows will not be "live" but will feature pre-recorded highlights from past Opry performances, much like Circle TV was doing. Still, it will be nice to have the Opry back on cable television. 

Now taking a look at the shows this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, the first weekend in May gets off to another solid start with The Oak Ridge Boys back for both nights. I have mentioned it before, but it is nice to have the group making more appearances on the show as a featured act. 

Joining the Oaks on the Friday Night Opry are members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, The Isaacs and Chris Janson, while on Saturday night Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Charlie McCoy are scheduled. 

There are two non-members on the schedule for Friday night, Austin Snell and making her Opry debut, Jamie MacDonald. Guesting on Saturday night are Frank Ray, Tyler Braden, and two of my favorites: Sunny Sweeney and Rhett Akins. 

Last weekend there was a surprise appearance by singer/songwriter, Paul Overstreet. I had mentioned that I had hopes that the Opry would reach out to him for a scheduled appearance as the Opry definitely could benefit with having a songwriter as an Opry member, considering the recent death of Don Schlitz. Rhett Akins is another of one. He has appeared on the Opry numerous times over the years, and I feel he is another one of those in the style of Don that could fit right in at the Opry. 

Friday May 1
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Austin Snell, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: Jamie MacDonald, The Isaacs, Chris Janson

Saturday May 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Frank Ray, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Sunny Sweeney, Rhett Akins, Opry Square Dancers, Tyler Braden, The Oak Ridge Boys

As mentioned, Jamie McDonald is making her Opry debut on Friday night. She released her self-titled debut album in January of 2026, which became the biggest debut album launch for a woman in the Christian genre.

Since then, she has amassed nearly 2 million monthly Spotify listeners, 200 million global streams, she sold out her first headlining tour and has had two No. 1 hits. She's duetted with powerhouses like Lauren Daigle and TobyMac, appeared on Tommee Profitt's "Resurrection of a King" project, and performed on the Kelly Clarkson Show.

In regard to her upcoming Opry debut, she said described the moment as “so grateful, so humbled and beyond excited for this beautiful moment,” adding, “I’m playing my Grand Ole Opry Debut! Someone pinch me…this doesn’t even feel real”

There was a period of time in the 1980s and 90s when each week the Nashville Tennessean would spotlight a different Opry member each week. For the weekend of May 1 & 2, 1992, that member was Ricky Skaggs. 

"Same Ol' Love" was more than just another hit record to Grand Ole Opry star Ricky Skaggs. It recently became the 20th top 10 hit in the singer's decade-long career as a country king. Only a handful of performers have staying power in the music business, and Skaggs knows it. 

"Career longevity is something I've always worked for," he says. "We've tried to keep the music fresh, but at the same time stay true to the traditions and values that are important to me. I'm real thankful the fans have stayed interested in what we're doing." 

The landmark song has a poignancy for Skaggs because it was co-written by Chris Austin. Prior to penning "Same Ol' Love" with Greg Barnhill, Austin was a member of Skaggs' band. 

They met backstage at the Opry. Impressed by Austin's multi-instrumental ability, Skaggs hired him and they toured together for three years. Austin joined Reba McEntire's band in early 1991 and died in the plane crash along with her other bandmembers last year. Ironically, Skaggs recorded "Same Ol' Love" on March 15, 1991, the day before the tragedy. He is donating all proceeds from the single's sales to Austin's family. 

The new Ricky Skaggs single appears this week. It is called "From the Word Love." Like its predecessor, it is taken from the CD My Father's Son. Skaggs' "I'm Restless" collaboration with Mark O'Connor, Steve Wariner and Vince Gill won a Grammy award earlier this year, the fourth in the Kentucky-bred star's career to date. 

Ricky Skaggs sings on the 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. portions of the Friday Night Opry. 

Friday May 1
Early Show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens, Roy Drusky, Skeeter Davis, Ray Pillow, Jan Howard
7:00: Porter Wagoner, Jack Greene, Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin
7:30: Roy Acuff, The 4 Guys, Jean Shepard
8:00: Ricky Skaggs, Jim Ed Brown, Mike Snider, The Chieftans
8:30: Hank Snow, Connie Smith, Jimmy C Newman, Riders In The Sky

Late Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner, Billy Walker, Wilma Lee Cooper, Del Reeves, Teddy Wilburn
10:00: Roy Acuff, Jimmy Dickens, Stu Phillips, The Carlisles, Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, The Whites, Jeannie Seely
11:00: Hank Snow, The 4 Guys, Jean Shepard, Riders In The Sky, Justin Tubb
11:30: Jack Greene, Jim Ed Brown, Jimmy C Newman, Mike Snider
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday May 2
Matinee
3:00: Porter Wagoner, Jim and Jesse
3:30: Jimmy C Newman, Jeannie Seely
4:00: Jim Ed Brown, The 4 Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff

Early Show
6:30: Porter Wagoner, Ray Pillow
6:45: Jim Ed Brown, Jeannie Seely, Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Jack Greene, Jean Shepard, Mike Snider, The Whites, Del Reeves
7:30: Billy Walker, Jan Howard, The Carlisles, Molly and the Heymakers
8:00: Roy Acuff, Connie Smith, The 4 Guys, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow, Jim and Jesse, Roy Drusky, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis

Late Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner, Wilma Lee Cooper, Mike Snider, Vic Willis Trio, Michael White
10:00: Jack Greene, The Whites
10:15: Roy Acuff, Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy C Newman, Connie Smith
10:45: Jim Ed Brown, Molly and the Heymakers, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hanks Snow, Jeanne Pruett, The Carlisles, Justin Tubb, Del Reeves
11:30: The 4 Guys, Skeeter Davis, Jim and Jesse

I dare one person to complain about the lineups on any of those shows that weekend!! You just don't see Opry shows like these any longer. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

This week there are only two shows on the mid-week schedule, the Tuesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

Taking a look at Tuesday night, members Riders In The Sky and Mandy Barnett are the only Opry members on the schedule, and they are the two opening slots. John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash are back for another appearance, as is Victoria Shaw, Clay Walker, Sister Sadie and The Frontmen.

Tuesday April 28

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Christan Hayes, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash

Intermission

8:20: Victoria Shaw, The Frontmen, Sister Sadie, Clay Walker

Opry Country Classics features Larry Gatlin as the host, with The Gatlin Brothers, Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke and Hannah Dasher scheduled. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/24 & 4/25

After a very emotional weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, with numerous tributes to Don Schlitz, the Opry closes out the month of April with a pair of shows this weekend. 

The Friday Night Opry has members Dailey & Vincent, T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Charlie McCoy and one of the Opry's newest members, Suzy Bogguss on the schedule. 

There are some Opry members that you think will be good members and appear on the Opry, while not on a regular basis, at least now and then. But then, just when you think that they join the list of semi-missing Opry members. (Which is a different list than missing Opry members.) One of those is Chris Young and on Saturday night, he is back on the Opry schedule. This will be his first appearance of 2026, and this comes after making just one appearance last year. 

Regardless the reasons, it is nice to see him coming back. Another Opry member scheduled is Bill Anderson. Bill seems to be on the every-other week list, appearing just a couple of times each month. Hopefully, at the age of 88 it is his choice to cut back. After the great career he has had, he deserves the break. 

Also on the Saturday schedule are members Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky and Kathy Mattea. 

Guesting on Friday night is the wonderful Wendy Moten, along with Kashus Culpepper and Jackie Lee, while on Saturday night John Foster is back for another appearance, along with Will Moseley, who will be making his Opry debut. For those not familiar with Will, he was Season 22 runner-up on American Idol. Since then, he has been pretty busy establishing his country music career. 

Friday April 24
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, T. Graham Brown, Kashus Culpepper, Wendy Moten
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Jackie Lee, Suzy Bogguss, Charlie McCoy

Saturday April 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Will Moseley
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, John Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Kathy Mattea, Chris Young

(line-ups subject to change)

Lately we have seen the return of comedians on the Opry. Seeing several of these on stage, it got me thinking about some of the past Grand Ole Opry comedians: Minnie Pearl, Duke of Paducah, June Carter, Bill Carlisle, Stringbean, Cousin Jody, Mike Snider, Lew Childre,  and of course, Archie Campbell, who should have been elected to the Hall of Fame decades ago. Thinking of that group always brings a smile to my face. 

And it makes me think of Jerry Clower. 

Jerry Clower was the final cast member added to the Grand Ole Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House. He joined the cast on October 27, 1973. He was also the last comedian to join the cast until Henry Cho was added in February 2023, quickly followed by Gary Mule Deer in March. 

From the Tennessean, Oct. 29, 1973: 

No one at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night whooped or hollered any more than Jerry Clower, the rotund humorist from Zazoo City, Miss., and for good reason. Decked out in a bright yellow suit and surrounded by some of country music's greatest stars, Clower, 46, reached what he called the high point of his varied career, becoming the 64th performing member of the Opry family. 

A 275-pound former Mississippi State football lineman, Clower has spent most of his mature life traveling through rural America spinning yarns for the Mississippi Chemical Corp., a manufacturer of fertilizer. A few years ago, almost by chance, some of his stores were recorded and the fallout of the success of that venture set the stage for his induction into the Opry Saturday night. 

Clower's moment of moments, however, was not a chic, sophisticated affair. It was, in fact, a brief pause in the pandemonium that is a night at the Opry. Sandwiched between the first and second show the installation ceremony lacked only time. Enough stars-Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Grandpa Jones, Roy Acuff-were present, the Governor of Mississippi paid tribute to his funniest constituent and the audience gave forth with its loudest yahoo of the evening. 

Describing himself as the Opry's "heaviest act" Clower had words of thanks for many individuals who he said have helped him along the way but especially for the one who "birthed" him, his mother, and for one who has stood by him for 26 years "without a complaint," his wife. Holding his 3-year-old daughter, Katy, "the one who snuck up on her momma and me," Clower reserved his most serious and solemn thank-you for "all my friends and you people who pay to come see us here." 

Jerry Clower was known as one of the country’s top comedians, but he also wrote a number of books. He is not only known for his comedy, but also for his religious influence.

He was born in Liberty, Mississippi, on September 28, 1926. He grew up in Amite County among family and friends who became the source of his funny routines. After he graduated from high school in l944, he joined the navy. Soon after he was discharged, he earned a football scholarship at Southwest Junior College.  Later, he won another scholarship to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.

Jerry majored in agriculture at Mississippi State and received a job with Mississippi Chemical Company where he became the Director of Field Services for his company. While working, he gained popularity when his coworkers heard his Coon Hunt Story and other comedy routines. One of his close friends suggested that Clower record an album with some of his routines. Jerry liked the idea and recorded an album under the Lemon label.

His first album was named Jerry Clower from Yazoo City Talkin’, and it sold over 8,000 copies without being advertised. He received a contract with MCA in l97l, which sent his album to the billboard charts. Soon after, he recorded a second album, From the Mouth of Mississippi. His third album was called Clower Power, and his fourth was Live in Picayune. As a result of these albums, he earned the title of Country Music’s funniest man.

Here is the lineup from October 27, 1973: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Bill Carlisle
6:45: Willis Brothers (host): Louie Roberts
7:00: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Jim & Jesse, Hank Wada
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton, Crook Brothers, Harold Weakley
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, Del Wood, Jerry Clower
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Bobby Bare, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Willis Brothers, Louie Roberts, Del Wood
10:00: Jim & Jesse (host): Bill Carlisle
10:15: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:45: Bobby Bare (host): Jerry Clower, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Ray Pillow, Hank Wada, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host): Mary Lou Turner, Marty Mitchell

That brings us to the night 28 years ago, Saturday April 4, 1998, the night that Jerry Clower made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Bill Anderson: Five Little Fingers

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: Wait a Little Longer, Please Jesus
Jimmy C Newman; Diggy Liggy Lo

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Brother Oswald: Never Grow Old
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

7:30: Standard Candy
Jerry Clower (host): No Dogs in Hotel
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel/Along the Timber Trail
Patty Loveless: To Have You Back Again/You Don't Seem to Miss Me
Jerry Clower: (?)

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money But A $2 Bill
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Vince Gill: When I Call Your Name
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless: Go Rest High on That Mountain
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Goard

8:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now for Going Home
The Four Guys: My Special Angel
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigre
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
Johnny Russell: Making Plans

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Patty Loveless: To Have You Back Again/If My Heart Had Windows/Timer I'm Falling in Love
Christie Lynn: Head on Over to the Twist & Shout

10:00: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jimmy Dickens: We Could/Mountain Dew

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy C Newman (host): Bayou Blues
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya/Cajun Stripper

10:30: Purnell's
Jerry Clower (host): Big Red Goat
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Jerry Clower: (?)

10:45: Ryman Cruise
Bill Anderson (host): I'm All Right
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Singers: Ida Red
Bill Anderson: 3 A.M.

11:00: Coca Cola
The Four Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Riders In The Sky: That's Amore
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless: You're My Kind of Woman; You're My Kind of Man
The Four Guys: May You Always

11:30: Turbo Nutrition
Johnny Russell (host): Someday I'll Sober Up
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Jesus Walks In/Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles in My Beer/Another Bridge to Burn
Johnny Russell: Orange Blossom Special

Jerry Clower passed away on August 24, 1998, following open heart surgery.

Comedy has always been a part of the Grand Ole Opry but for a number of years it seemed like a lost art. Jerry Clower contributed to the legacy of great Opry comedians, and he is one of those unforgettable, yet forgotten members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Before getting into the mid-week lineups, I just wanted to comment on the Grand Ole Opry shows this past weekend and the dedication on Saturday night to Don Schlitz. I thought Dan Rogers did an outstanding job with his dedication. It was so heartfelt and emotional. Don meant so much to the Opry in the short time he was a member, and you could tell, not only in Dan's comments, but also from Vince and Charles Esten. In fact, each of those performing on Saturday night, and the vast majority of those on Friday, mentioned Don and how much he meant to each of them. Ending the show with Vince singing "Go Rest High" was perfect, especially with Vince inviting anyone who was backstage to come out and sing it with him. The chorus of "The Gambler" ending the night was the icing on the cake. 

It is always tough losing an Opry member. I think when a member is retired and away from the Opry at the time of their death, it doesn't touch the heart as much as it does with an active member. Within the past year we have lost three such members: Jeannie Seely, Buck White and Don Schlitz. Like with the others, the Opry will move on and continue. But each time one of the members passes, it does leave a hole and with Don, it leaves a big one. 

Now moving on, it was noted last week how many Grand Ole Opry appearances The Oak Ridge Boys have made thus far in 2026 and there are two more on the schedule as the Oaks are on the schedule for both the Tuesday and Wednesday night Opry shows this week. 

Joining the group on Tuesday night are Opry members Mark Wills, The Whites, Lauren Alaina and Old Crow Medicine Show, in what is a very strong lineup for the mid-week show.

Tuesday April 21
7:00: Mark Wills, Graham Barham, The Band of Heathens, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Drake Milligan, Lauren Alaina, Old Crow Medicine Show

In addition to the Oaks on Wednesday night, Opry members T. Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy are scheduled, as is very frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose and the very popular act The Shootouts. We also have a pair of Opry debuts with Landon Bryant and Owen Riegling making their first Opry appearance. 

Wednesday April 22
7:00: T. Graham Brown, The Shootouts, Owen Riegling, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: Charlie McCoy, Landon Bryant, The Band Perry, The Oak Ridge Boys

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin hosting and Dailey & Vincent as the Spotlight Artists

Thursday April 23
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Cleveland, Charlie Worsham, Belmont Bluegrass

Regarding the two Opry debuts on Wednesday night: 

Landon Bryant is a comedian and best-selling author. from Laurel, Mississippi, and the voice behind the popular account LandonTalks. He has written two books with Running Press, a division of Hachette Book Group, with a third on the way. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Southern Living, and he writes a humor column for Good Grit magazine. Landon hosts the podcast LandonTalks with Kate and has sold out comedy clubs across the country.

Owen Riegling received his Opry invite from Tyler Hubbard. Owen is an award singer/songwriter from Canada. After winning the 2022 Boots & Hearts Festival Emerging Artist Competition and signing with Universal Music Canada, Riegling broke through with his platinum-certified hit “Old Dirt Roads”. His expanded EP-turned-album Bruce County (From The Beginning) earned major recognition, including 2025 CCMA Album of the Year, multiple Country Music of Ontario Awards, and a 2025 Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. With more than 165 million global streams, his momentum continues to build.

Don Schlitz

 Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz has passed away. 

Here is the press release from the Opry: 

Don Schlitz, composer of the iconic song “The Gambler,” passed away on April 16 at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.

 Schlitz was among the most influential and beloved songwriters in the history of Country Music. His chart-topping songs - among them “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest,” and “When You Say Nothing At All” - are touchstones and inspirations that continue to influence songwriters and singers decades after they were written. His words and music have articulated the extraordinary emotions inherent in common experience.

 Schlitz’s first recorded song, “The Gambler” won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978, and the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1979.  When Schlitz was notified by a reporter that he was nominated for CMA Song of the Year, the reporter told him, “This will be the first line of your obituary.”

His 50 Top 10 singles have played major roles in the careers of Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss, and many other singers. Schlitz achieved twenty-five Number One’s in his career.

Schlitz was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988-91. He won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two ACM Song of the Year awards, two Grammy’s, and has had many more nominations. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993. 

In 2012, Schlitz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City (along with Bob Seger and Gordon Lightfoot). Past recipients include Bob Dylan, Leiber and Stoller, Otis Blackwell, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney.  

In 2017, Schlitz was inducted as a Member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Having written hits across five decades, he joined an exclusive circle in the Country Music Hall of Fame that at that time included only five other songwriters: Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard, and Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.

In 2022, Schlitz was inducted as a Member of the Grand Ole Opry, the only non-artist songwriter inducted into the show in its 100-year history.  Schlitz would begin his set with his signature self-effacing humor, telling the audience, “You have no idea who I am.”  After hearing the songs that he performed from his iconic song catalog, the audience often erupted in cheers and standing ovations.

Schlitz also wrote the music and lyrics for the 1999 Broadway musical “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. Though he could have hung up his ambitions and his songwriting pen after having written “The Gambler,” Schlitz said he lived in enduring commonality with Tom Sawyer’s creator Mark Twain, who once wrote: “I am hard at work ... merely for the love of it.” 

 Don Schlitz was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He briefly attended Duke University before moving to Nashville at age 20 on a Trailways bus with $80 in his pocket.  His talent was recognized and fostered early on by greats, including Bob McDill and Bobby Bare, and he emerged as an empathetic and intelligent chronicler of the human spirit. 

One of the first performers at Amy Kurland’s iconic songwriter club The Bluebird Café, Schlitz and friends Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch, and Paul Overstreet originated the Café’s songwriter-in-the-round format in 1985. Don popularized his Tuesday Night “Don For A Dollar” show, with a cover charge of $1, where he regularly performed his hits and new material at The Bluebird, interspersed with his wry wit and unique comic timing.

 When Rogers recorded “The Gambler” – the young songwriter’s first recorded song – Schlitz moved into rare territory, penning a crossover song that spawned a pop cultural fascination. Rogers’ 1978 version rode an unforgettable chorus wrapped around a simple life lesson: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em/know when to fold ’em/know when to walk away/and know when to run.” The song, written when Schlitz was 23, spawned television movies, parodies, Halloween costumes, and became one of those handful of Country songs that crossed over into America’s pop cultural fabric in the 1970s. Rogers’ version resonated deeply with listeners, and nearly 50 years later the song continues to pop up in movies and television, including in an insurance commercial with Rogers singing that iconic chorus during a card game, as well as on a “Draft Kings” commercial promoting responsible gaming.

Don is survived by his wife, Stacey; his daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon; his son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz; his grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; his brother Brad Schlitz; and his sister Kathy Hinkley. 

Perhaps Kenny Rogers said it best when expressing his feelings as an artist when inducting Schlitz into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by stating: “Don doesn’t just write songs, he writes careers.” 

Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry performance will be dedicated in Schlitz’ honor. Other service plans are pending. 

I was surprised as anyone when Don started to appear on the Opry, with his Opry debut taking place on October 28, 2017. Each Opry appearance he made sure to let the audience know that, in his own way that he was not a country singer, but a songwriter.  I know I was one of those in the beginning who wondered why this guy was on the Opry. 

But over time, he became very, very good and I, among others, began looking forward to his appearances. He made quite a few and on August 30, 2022 he became a member of the Opry. And not only did he become an Opry member, but he became one of the primary members that made regular appearances on the show. In fact, in 2025, he made more Opry appearances than anyone else, with his last Opry appearance taking place earlier this year. 

He became such an important member of the cast that it seemed that if Vince Gill wasn't closing a show, it was Don. While Don didn't get much applause when he was first introduced, once the audience heard him and realized who he was, he always received a standing ovation. 

While every Opry member who passes away is missed, Don will be missed more than many. He was much loved and he will definitely be missed by many at the Opry. I am sure Saturday night's dedication and show will be something special. 

Rest in peace Don Schlitz. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/17 & 4/18

I am sure some of you noticed that earlier this week, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced their 2026 inductees. Counting all categories, there are 18 in all. Yes, that is correct. And while that number is high, it is not unusual as the Rock Hall annually averages over 10 new inductees each year. Contrast that with the Country Music Hall of Fame which annually elects 3 per year. 

Now I know that there is a difference in the demographics of rock and country music, and the size of the audience. However, country music has found a much greater audience in the past several decades and continues to grow. We talk about the backlog now; can you imagine what it will be in 10 or 20 years? I am not saying that the Country Hall of Fame needs to elect 10 or more inductees each year, but they can certainly do better than 3. And I will add, for what it is worth, electing 18 per year dilutes the worthiness of the Rock Hall a bit. That's just my two cents. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry and it is a pretty good one. Opry member Vince Gill returns for both nights, along with comedian Gary Mule Deer. They will be joined on Friday night by Connie Smith and making his first appearance of the year, Darius Rucker. Saturday night has Riders In The Sky and John Conlee listed. 

Non-members on the Friday schedule are The Wilder Blue, Jake Hoot and making his Opry debut, Vincent Neal Emerson. There is another debut on Saturday night as Benny G was recently invited by Vince Gill to appear on the Opry. Also scheduled is Monte Warden & The Wagoneers and Nashville star Charles Esten. 

Friday April 17
7:00: Connie Smith, Vincent Neil Emerson, Gary Mule Deer, The Wilder Blue
Intermission
8:20: Jake Hoot, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker

Saturday April 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Monte Warden & The Wagoneers, John Conlee, Benny G, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

(I had it in my original notes that Don Schlitz, who has only made one appearance thus far this year, was on the schedule for Saturday night. However, he is now off. I do believe he was to be in the spot to open the 2nd half of the show, thus you might see some movement in the running order)

Vincent Neil Emerson was surprised with his Opry invitation back in February. He is a singer/songwriter from East Texas. His debut album Fried Chicken and Evil Women was released in 2019 on La Honda Records. Since then, his music has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including Yellowstone and Landman. Also to his credit is a self-titled record produced by Rodney Crowell and the recent Golden Crystal Kingdom produced by Shooter Jennings. His newest and fourth full length album, Blue Stars, releases April 17th. The first single “Jet Plane” is now streaming everywhere.

Benny G., as mentioned, was surprised with his Opry invitation by Vince Gill. His appearance will follow the release of his new EP ‘When You Know You Know', which will arrive on 17th April. “To stand in the Opry circle for the first time is a moment I imagined as a young kid discovering the magic of music in my childhood home,” said Benny. “For ‘Vinny G’ to be the one to call me and invite me to make my debut is as full circle of a moment as it could get. As a guitarist, songwriter, and performing artist, Vince Gill’s art is the guiding light.”

His Grand Ole Opry debut is the latest in a long line of career accomplishments for the 20-year-old wunderkind. It was recently announced that he will open for Ty Myers on all dates of The Legal Tour. This year, he has been on the road with Jack Wharff Band, Sons of Legion, Congress The Band, Penelope Road, and more. He made his debut at C2C in Germany and London and will make his first appearance at CMA Fest this summer.

I had posted in March the details regarding the night Diamond Rio were invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Fast forward to Saturday April 17, 1998, to the night when Diamond Rio were formally inducted as Opry members. 

Diamond Rio, consisting of Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Gene Johnson, Dan Truman, Dana Williams and Brian Prout, made their first Opry appearance in October 1991 and when they joined the Opry, they were the first group to join since The Whites in 1984. During their careers, they have won numerous awards from the Country Music Association and from the Academy of Country Music and have had more than 20 Top 10 singles.

Diamond Rio were originally known as the Tennessee River Boys, a group that performed on a regular basis in the Opryland theme park. During the late 1980s, membership in the group changed as several members left and others joined. In 1991, their first single, "Meet in the Middle" went to No. 1 on the charts and their career took off from there. Their 2001 hit ballad "One More Day" became a key song of healing after the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2004, they were awarded the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award for their work on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. While their hit making days are behind them, they remain a popular road band and are always well received at the Opry.

Here is the running order of the Opry from Saturday April 18, 1998, the night that Diamond Rio joined the Opry's cast:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy-Liggy Lo
Bill Carlisle: (?)
Jimmy C Newman: Jole Blon

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Love's Gonna Live Here
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Picking Up the Pieces
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz

7:00: Shoney's
Vince Gill (host): The Cold Gray Light of Dawn
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Skeeter Davis: I Can't Stay Mad at You
George Hamilton IV: We Will Meet Again
Jack Greene: My World Ain't Turning Yet
Vince Gill: My Pretty Little Adriana/Whenever You Come Around

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Chonda Pierce: Comedy
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Diamond Rio: Meet In the Middle/Tennessee
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Than Know You're Gone

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ida Red
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Dooley

8:30: Fan Fair
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Jeannie Seely: Making Believe
The Whites: Doing it By the Book
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Oswald: Mansion on the Hill
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Man's Woman
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies/Head on Over to the Twist and Shout

10:00: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Jan Howard: I Wish I Could Love that Much Again
Kenny Sears: Orange Blossom Special
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill: Two Worlds Apart
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

10:30: Purnell's
4 Guys (host): The Grundy County Auction
Jean Shepard: When Two Worlds Collide
4 Guys: Shenandoah

10:45: Opry Book/Opry Cruise
Billy Walker (host): Don't Stop In My World
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Billy Walker: Blue Suede Shoes

11:00: Coca-Cola
Johnny Russell: Good Heated Woman
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Stu Phillips: Only God
Diamond Rio: Dig A Little Deeper/Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John

11:30: Turbo Nutrition
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Charlie Walker: Right or Wrong/Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Whites: Swing Down, Chariot
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

As I mentioned in my original post, Diamond Rio has not appeared on the Opry in years, with their last appearance taking place in 2019. Hopefully, the issues can be worked out, and Diamond Rio will be back at the Opry soon. They continue to be a popular road act and they are missed. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It's another full week of Grand Ole Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry featuring Opry members Terri Clark, The Isaacs and Dailey & Vincent. Taylor Hicks is back for another appearance as are The Travelin' McCourys. Rounding out the schedule are Twitty & Lynn, Shaylen and comedian Brittany Ross. 

Tuesday April 14
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Shaylee, Twitty & Lynn, The Travellin’ McCourys
Intermission
8:20: Taylor Hicks, Brittany Ross, Terri Clark, The Isaacs

Moving ahead to Wednesday night, Opry member Charlie McCoy, who has been missing from the Opry schedule for a while is back, along with Rhonda Vincent and The Whites, Bluegrass award winners Darin & Brooke Aldridge are scheduled, along with Mitchell Tenpenny, Megan Patrick, Kelsey Hart and AVTT/PTTN, who will be making their Opry debut. 

Wednesday April 15
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Kelsey Hart, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Charlie McCoy 
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Megan Patrick, AVTT/PTTN, Mitchell Tenpenny

Finally, Opry Country Classics completes the mid-week shows on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin back as the host and Ricky Skaggs as the Spotlight Artist. Also appearing are The Gatlin Brothers, Jamie O’Neal, The Malpass Brothers and Gary Mule Deer. 

Thursday April 16
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Jamie O'Neal, The Malpass Brothers, Gary Mule Deer