Grand Ole Opry 3/27 & 3/28

Some have asked about the Opry show at Carnegie Hall last Friday night. Here is a rundown as reported by Music Row:

The Grand Ole Opry held a special show at Carnegie Hall on Friday night as part of Carnegie Hall’s “United in Sound: America at 250” festival, which celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and continues the Opry’s 100th year.

“An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry” featured performances by Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Rhonda Vincent and Henry Cho, along with special guests Wyatt Flores and The War and Treaty. The artists’ individual sets were bookended by a show opener featuring Vincent and McCreery taking turns on the classic “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” in the styles of Bill Monroe (Vincent) and Elvis Presley (McCreery) as well as an all-cast closing performance of the Opry’s unofficial theme “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” 

The show marked the Opry’s fourth headlining performance at Carnegie Hall. The Opry debuted there in 1947 under the billing “Ernest Tubb and the Grand Ole Opry Stars,” with a sold-out concert also featuring Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Minnie Pearl, Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, and The Carter Sisters with Mother Maybelle Carter. A return performance in 1961 benefited the Musicians’ Aid Society and was headlined by Patsy Cline in her first and only Carnegie Hall appearance, among other all-stars. The Grand Ole Opry’s 2005 show – marking its 80th anniversary – featured Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Trisha Yearwood, along with longtime Opry members Charley Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Bill Anderson.

Throughout 2026, the Opry will continue to honor the past, showcase the present, and shape the future of country music through one-of-a-kind live shows including special themed shows observing the nation’s 250th birthday on April 23, May 28 and July 4. 

I know it was asked a couple of weeks ago if the Opry was planning anything for July 4, which is on a Saturday night, and based on the article, yes, they are. While May 28 is Memorial Day weekend, and the Opry always has a special show that night, I have no idea the significance of April 23. A quick look at the Opry website shows that it is a Thursday night and nothing special is noted other than it will be an Opry Country Classics show. 

After all the excitement of last weekend, with the Carnegie Hall show on Friday and the Jimmy Dickens honors show on Saturday, this weekend looks like a very normal weekend for the Grand Ole Opry. 

It will be a busy weekend for Opry members Dailey & Vincent, as they will be opening the show on Friday night and closing the show on Saturday. Joining them on Friday will be John Conlee, Mandy Barnett and Steven Curtis Chapman. Saturday night has T. Graham Brown and Connie Smith scheduled. 

In addition to those Opry members, Kasey Tyndall, Eric Paslay, Josh Sundquist and Tigirlily Gold are listed for Friday night. Comedian Brian Bates is scheduled for Saturday night, along with Abbey Cone, Tia Sillers, The HillBenders and Jackson Dean. 

Friday March 27
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Kasey Tyndall, John Conlee, Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:20: Eric Paslay, Josh Sundquist, Tigirlily Gold, Steven Curtis Chapman

Saturday March 28
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Abbey Cone, Tia Sillers, The HillBenders
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Brian Bates, Jackson Dean, Dailey & Vincent

On of the most beloved members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as Marty Robbins. March 28, 1970, was a very special night as Marty returned to the Opry after being absent for an extended period of time due to a heart attack. 

From the Tennessean: 

At 11:45 p.m. Saturday night the curtain slowly began to open for the last show on the Grand Ole Opry and the sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the song the familiar figure behind the Opry mike was crooning, but there was no mistake, Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. 

It was his first appearance on the Opry stage since undergoing delicate heart surgery on Jan. 27. Looking somewhat slimmer, Robbins certainly didn't lack the audience magnetism that has become his trademark. Midway through his show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, "I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all my friends for their concern, and I want to thank God for letting me be here. Now I can't think of anything to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you."

And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of "More, more, more." Before he could finish a song, the "more" shouts would begin as if his fans were afraid he would bolt and run. At 12: 17 a.m., after singing several songs, he was obvious in checking his watch, but apparently had no intention of quitting at that point. He brought the crowd to its feet when he said, "We got started a little late and they said we could go on 'til about 2." This kept the crowd standing as Hal Durham, the announcer, winced. Robbins continued, "Here's a song I wrote for all the women in the world. The most important thing in a man is God and the next thing close is a woman." With that introduction, Robbins in his style that has become a tradition, softly began "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife." 

Throughout his performance, a woman in the third row remained in a condition best described as just short of hysteria. She would clasp her hands to her cheek, raise out of her seat and in a shrill trembling voice, shout phrases such as "Lordy, Lordy!" "Oh, mercy Marty," or "Lordy, I can't hardly stand it." 

Immediately in front of the stage, fans pushed and shoved to get a picture of Robbins, because even he doesn't feel like singing is work. The flash bulbs resembled a fireworks display at a small county fair. Usually, some of the tired ones in the crowd begin to filter out of the Opry House during the last show, but not Saturday night. Everyone stayed as long as Robbins. At one point during the tumultuous applause, Robbins told the audience, "I wasn't quite prepared for all of this, but I'm certainly enjoying it." 

After the show, Robbins was asked about the enthusiastic welcome the audience gave his show. "Good ones like that make me nervous," he said. "I couldn't think of a thing to say." 

Of is many Opry appearances in the past, Robbins has never been accused of giving them less than his very best. But a simple phrase muttered by someone backstage as the curtain closed on Saturday night never had a more profound meaning. "Boy, he really put his heart in it." 

Here is the running order from that night 56 years ago, Saturday March 28, 1970: 

7:30: Standard Candy
Jim Ed Brown (host): (?)
Grandpa Jones: Make Me A Pallet Down on the Floor
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Jim Ed Brown: Lift Ring; Pull Open
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Jim Ed Brown: Looking Back to See

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Billy Walker: Darling Days
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
V. Jorden: Little Dave
Charlie Louvin: Tiny Wings
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Uncle Josh: Just Joshin'

8:30: Stephens
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Earl Scruggs Revue: Lonesome Ruben
George Morgan: Lilacs and Fire
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock
Bill Anderson: Love Is A Sometimes Thing
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
George Morgan: My Elusive Dreams
Bill Anderson: Thirty Pieces of Silver

9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Just the Way I Am
Bobby Bare: God Bless America Again
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Tomorrow is Forever
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Dolly Parton: How Great Thou Art
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Millers Cave
Willis Brothers: Bob
Leroy Van Dyke: If A Woman Answers, Hang Up the Phone
Jim & Jesse: I've Got A Freight Train in My Mind
4 Guys: The Games People Play
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
Jim & Jesse: Tennessee Central No 9
Hank Snow: Conscience, I'm Guilty

10:00: Fender
Jim Ed Brown (host): Alabama Jubilee
Grandpa Jones: Don't You Cry Melinda
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top

10:15: Union 76
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Believe You've Me My Baby/Don't Laugh/My Baby's Gone/When I Stop Dreaming
Jimmy Gateley: People Lution
Bill Anderson: 8 by 10/Still/Po Folks

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos At Waco
George Morgan: Lilacs and Fire
Lester Flatt: Regina

10:45: Beech-nut
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have A License
Dolly Parton: Daddy, Come and Get Me
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Crook Brothers: Sally Ann
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Tomorrow is Forever

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): It's A Little More Like Heaven
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Kirk McGee: Milk Cow Blues
Hank Snow: Born For You

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Jim & Jesse: Golden Rocket/When I Stop Dreaming
Leroy Van Dyke: Oklahoma Hills/Walk on By
4 Guys: Put A Little Love In Your Heart/Ruby Don't Take Your Guns to Town
Marty Robbins: Begging to You/I Walk Alone/Devil Woman/I Love You in A Very Special Way/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me

That was one of those nights when Ernest Tubb and the folks at the record shop waiting for the Midnite Jamboree to start, did not mind waiting for Marty to finish. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It will be a busy week at the Grand Ole Opry House as there are Opry shows scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. 

Starting with the Tuesday Night Opry, members Terri Clark, Henry Cho, John Conlee and Rhonda Vincent are on the schedule. Guesting are Paul Cauthen, Mae Estes, Alex Hall and Chuck Prophet, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday March 24
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Alex Hall, Chuck Prophet, Mae Estes
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Henry Cho, Paul Cauthen, Terri Clark

On the Wednesday Night Opry, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Dailey & Vincent and Riders In The Sky are the members on the schedule. Among the non-members is Jo Dee Messina, who is in the process of releasing her first new album in years. Rounding out the lineup is Ashley Cooke, Wood Box Heroes and making their Opry debut, Austin based Americana act, The Droptines. 

Wednesday March 25
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Mandy Barnett, The Droptines, Wood Box Heroes
Intermission
8:20: Riders In The Sky, Ashley Cooke, Dailey & Vincent, Jo Dee Messina

Finishing up the week is the Thursday Night Opry. T. Graham Brown, Dailey & Vincent and Riders In The Sky are back to make it two nights in a row. NEEDTOBREATHE is back for another appearance as is comedian Dusty Slay. Leah Blevins is scheduled and an artist who has been making appearances on the Opry for decades, Darryl Worley rounds it out. 

Thursday March 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Leah Blevins, Riders In The Sky, Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:20: T. Graham Brown, Mackenzie Carpenter, Dusty Slay, NEEDTOBREATHE

What I really like about the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows is that there is a good mix of 4 Opry members and 4 non-members. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/20 & 3/21

This weekend will be a special one for the Grand Ole Opry. An Evening with the Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall will be taking place on Friday evening. This is in addition to the normal Friday Night Opry that will be taking place at the Grand Ole Opry House. Then on Saturday night, Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens will be taking place, which will include an appearance by one of the Opry's long-lost members, Brad Paisley. 

Starting with the Carnegie Hall show, the Grand Ole Opry takes the stage at Carnegie Hall as part of the “United in Sound: America at 250” festival. This marks a return of the Opry to one of the most famous stages in America. Grand Ole Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Rhonda Vincent and comedian Henry Cho are on the schedule. Also appearing are Wyatt Flores and The War and Treaty. In looking at the lineup, those who will be attending are getting a good mix of Opry talent. 

Meanwhile the Friday Night Opry at the Grand Ole Opry House will feature Opry members Oak Ridge Boys, John Conlee, Connie Smith and The Whites. There was a time when Hunter Hayes was being promoted as one of the bright new stars in country music. He also made several guest appearances on the Opry. Well, the career hasn't panned out quite as he had hoped, but the good news for Opry audiences is that he will be back on the Opry on Friday night. Also guesting will be Morgan Evans, Ian Munsick and The Herculeons, which consists of John Cowan and Andrea Zonn. The Herculeons will be making their Opry debut as their previously scheduled appearance last April did not take place. 

Now turning to Saturday night where the Opry will continue its series of "Opry 100 Honors" shows and celebrate the life of Opry icon Little Jimmy Dickens. There actually be two celebrations that night as not only will the Opry honor Jimmy but also recognize Opry member Brad Paisley upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry's cast. 

Brad Paisley became an Opry member on February 17, 2001, after being invited in December 2000 by Opry members Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely. As time went on, Brad and Jimmy developed a close friendship which included Jimmy appearing in several of Brad's music videos as well as making surprise appearances on stage together. Brad, who led Little Jimmy’s memorial service at the Grand Ole Opry House, wrote after his passing in 2015, "Do not mourn Little Jim. Celebrate him. Relive and share the memories. Aspire to be like him. And above all, laugh at the punchlines, the craziness, and the way he so gracefully made this planet a funnier, better, richer place while he was alive. And in doing so, will continue to for years to come."

In addition to Brad Paisley, several of the Opry members who will be appearing on Saturday night, have a connection to Jimmy. In 2011, it was Jimmy who not only extended the invitation to the Oak Ridge Boys to become members of the Opry, but he was also the Opry member who formally inducted the group. And it was Jimmy who stood on a step stool and invited Trace Adkins to become an Opry member in 2003. 

Also on the schedule for Saturday night are Bill Anderson, who helped to extend the invite to Brad to become an Opry member and The Gatlin Brothers. Guesting are Julia Cole and 49 Winchester. 

Friday March 20
7:00: John Conlee, Connie Smith, The Herculeons, Hunter Hayes
Intermission
8:20: Morgan Evans, The Whites, Ian Munsick, Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday March 21
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, The Gatlin Brothers, Julia Cole, Oak Ridge Boys, 49 Winchester
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley

(no running order has been released for the Carnegie Hall show)

 
This week, I am taking a look back at Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker, who on March 21, 2008, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Charlie Walker joined the Opry on August 19, 1967, and this is how it was reported in the Tennessean: 

From the Tennessean, August 27, 1967: 

The Grand Ole Opry's newest member is a tall, chain-smoking Texan who three years ago abandoned a position as one of the nation's most popular country music disc jockeys to seek stardom in Nashville. 

But lest he be type-cast in the stereotype of the usual high-pressure record spinner, it should be pointed out that Charlie Walker's radio nickname was "Polk Salad," and he's been wearing cowboy boots all his life. "The only pair of shoes I've got are golf shoes," he said after his first performance as an Opry regular, and then went on to admit, with apparent reluctance, that on the links he shoots in the 70s. 

The amiable Walker, who gladly left a Texas cotton farm to turn pro as a guitar-picker at the precocious age of 17, strode out into the Opry spotlight on Aug. 19 and brought the house down with his hit song about a brawl over a girl, who bless her heart, just can't seem to avoid getting herself embraced by everybody except her boyfriend. And to beat it all, she has the unlikely name "Sharmon." 

Charlie Walker is a veteran observer and participant in the business of making country music, and he many times has appeared on the stage of the Opry as a guest star. "But tonight, it felt just like it did the first time I was ever on it," he said afterward. 

Walker grew up on a cotton farm near Dallas, and his lack of feeling for cotton farming probably is a main reason that he usually tells people he is from San Antonio, rather than Dallas. He got himself a guitar when he was 10 years old and started learning to play the songs of the late Jimmy Rodgers, as well as the tunes of the stars of the Grand Ole Opry. He says he was particularly influenced by Tubb and the "King of Country Music" Roy Acuff. He got away to a Texas hillbilly band and finally, after an Army tour in which a group of men he organized introduced country music to Japan in the early 1950s, went to work as a disc jockey in San Antonio, playing dates on the side when he could. For 10 consecutive years, music polls put him the top 10 country music disc jockeys in the nation. 

Three years ago, he decided he wanted to make the big leap to Nashville in search of stardom, and he wasn't as nervous about it as some might have been. "My agent Hubert Long told me he thought they could get me a lot of work if I wanted to come up here and try it, and I knew he wouldn't advise something like that without having some pretty good reasons," Walker said. 

Soon afterward, he had a big country hit, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," and the ones that followed were also successful. He moved into a home at Hendersonville, where he lives with his wife Shirley and their new baby, Art Walker. 

After making his debut as a member of country music's biggest single showcase of stars, Walker hit the road toward the Midwest to perform at the Indiana State Fair and then move on north to Toronto. This fall he expects a tour that will take him to England and Europe. 

On a personal note, I always enjoyed Charlie Walker. I met him several times during the period when he ran for political office, and I always enjoyed the conversation. We had a mutual acquaintance that was a country music disc jockey in Akron, Ohio that Charlie knew, and he would always ask how he was doing.

While at the Opry, and thanks to his radio background, Charlie hosted many segments and was a good host. Toward his later years, many Saturday nights would find him on the closing segment, often in a host role. 

Here is the posted lineup from Friday March 21, 2008, the final night Charlie Walker appeared on the Grand Ole Opry: 

7:00: John Conlee (host): Connie Smith, Sarah Johns
7:30: Jean Shepard (host): Jan Howard, Jimmy C Newman, James Otto
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host): Charlie Walker, George Hamilton IV, Josh Gracin
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Jack Greene, Cherryholmes

Charlie passed away on September 12, 2008, in Hendersonville, Tennessee at the age of 81. Cause of death was colon cancer. In addition to being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Charle was also a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame

Finally, to finish up the weekend, on Sunday night at the Grand Ole Opry House, Trisha Yearwood will be hosting Band As One Nashville. In addition to Trisha, Opry members Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde and Charles Kelley of Lady A are on the schedule. Also listed are The War and Treaty, Rissi Palmer, Lukas Nelson, Hailey Whitters and The Band Loula. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

This week there are two shows on the mid-week calendar with Opry shows on Tuesday and Wednesday Night. 

Who remembers Skip Ewing? Definitely a name from the past and he will be appearing on the Tuesday Night Opry. "Nashville" actor Charles Esten is back as is Sunny Sweeney, who seems to be in the rotation of guest artists. Comedian Chonda Pierce is listed as are Opry members T. Graham Brown, Gene Watson, Lauren Alaina and Steve Earle. And being that it's St. Patrick's Day, the Nashville Irish Step Dancers will be making their annual Opry appearance. Definitely some fire power in the lineup

Tuesday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Sunny Sweeney, Skip Ewing, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Gene Watson, Chonda Pierce, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina

Now moving on to Wednesday night, songwriter Rhett Akins is scheduled. With the Country Music Hall of Fame announcement coming later this week, I would think Rhett is a contender in the Songwriting Category, which is the rotation category this year. The Gibson Brothers are also on the schedule, and it has been a bit of time since they have appeared. Opry. Gene Watson is back to make it two nights in a row, joined by members Rhonda Vincent and Riders In The Sky. Christian artist Jason Crabb, Time Jumper member Wendy Moten and The Lone Bellow round it out. 

Wednesday March 18
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Rhett Akins, Gene Watson, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:20: Wendy Moten, The Gibson Brothers, The Lone Bellow, Riders In The Sky

Looking at the Opry calendar for the upcoming weekend, An Evening With The Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall will be taking place on Friday night, along with the normal Friday Night Opry at the Opry House. Saturday night will be Opry Honors Little Jimmy Dickens, with Brad Paisley making a return appearance to honor Jimmy and also to be recognized upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. And while it is not an official Opry show, on Sunday night Trisha Yearwood will be hosting "Band As One Nashville" which includes Opry members Reba McEntire and Ashley McBryde. Definitely a busy weekend coming up. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/13 & 3/14

Taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, the Friday Night Opry features Opry members Steve Wariner, The Whites, Riders In The Sky and The Isaacs. On the schedule for Saturday night are Mark Wills, Connie Smith, John Conlee and Dailey & Vincent. 

John Foster has been making a lot of Opry appearances lately and he has two more on his calendar this weekend as he will be guesting on both nights. I still can't believe that John is not part of the Opry NextStage class for 2026. I know he is traditional which makes it tough for him in today's country music environment, especially when it comes to radio airplay. (Remember Mo Pitney). He has been out doing shows and fans seem to like him. Hopefully he doesn't get discouraged. In my opinion, he is the type of artist that the Opry should be promoting and if he can break through, I can easily see him being considered for Opry membership someday. 

The rest of the weekend schedule includes a couple of Opry debuts: Ward Davis on Friday night and Josh Okeefe on Saturday. Rounding out the weekend schedule are Shawn Colvin, Foy Vance, Erin Enderlin, Aubrie Sellers, and the Gardiner Brothers, who will be appearing to help the Opry celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend. 

Michael and Matthew Gardiner are five-time World Champion Irish dancers, global content creators, performers, and keynote speakers whose work sits at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and modern storytelling. The brothers were born in Denver but were raised in Ireland. Formally the principal dancers for Riverdance, they have more than 9 million followers and over 1.5 billion views across social media, as they have introduced a new generation of audiences to the joy of Irish dancing. 

Friday March 14
7:00: Steve Wariner, The Whites, Ward Davis, Shawn Colvin
Intermission
8:20: Riders In The Sky, Foy Vance, John Foster, The Isaacs

Saturday March 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Willis, Connie Smith, Josh Okeefe, Erin Enderlin
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Aubrie Sellers, Gardiner Brothers, John Foster, Dailey & Vincent

Ward Davis, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is an acclaimed musician/songwriter who is from Monticello, Arkansas. His music combines traditional country roots with a modern edge. After moving to Nashville, he gained recognition as a talented songwriter with artists such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Trace Adkins recording his songs. Since the debut of his debut album in 2015, he continues to record with his recently released "Here I Am" being his latest project. 

Josh Okeefe debuts on Saturday night, is a folk singer/songwriter. The child of Irish immigrants, Derby, England, native he is a folk singer-songwriter who has performed with Alison Krauss, Country Music Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Rufus Wainwright. He has made appearances at the Newport Folk Festival and the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, as well as at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts at the invitation of British folk musician Billy Bragg. 

It was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry 28 years ago as on Saturday March 14, 1998, Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry: 

From the Tennessean, Sunday March 15, 1998: 

In a week or two, when schedules allow, Diamond Rio will be the first vocal group since 1984 to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Not since The Whites were inducted that year has a full band been asked to join the cast of the world-famous radio show, broadcast on WSM-AM (650).

The reigning Country Music Association group of the year, Diamond Rio was at the Opry last night to make a guest appearance on the 7:30 segment of the show, telecast live by The Nashville Network. Opry president and general manager Bob Whittaker surprised the band after its performance of its current hit, "Imagine That" with an invitation to become the 71st member of the show's cast. 

"It's a dream that has gone through generations of my family, and I know the rest of the guys here," lead singer Marty Roe told Whittaker on stage. "We accept and are excited. I don't know how else to say it. We are very honored to be asked to do such a thing." 

Roe, Jimmy Olander and Dan Truman worked in the Opryland theme park as members of the Tennessee River Boys before leaving in 1986 to form their own group. Brian Prout and Gene Johnson joined in 1987. Dana Williams is the nephew of Opry members The Osborne Brothers. He joined in 1989, the same year it began calling itself Diamond Rio. 

The six-man band has demonstrated its commitment to the Opry with frequent guest appearances on the show, Whittaker said. "They will inject their own unique blend of energy into the Opry and help us move the show into the next century." 

The group will be inducted on its next Opry appearance, which could come as soon as mid-April, Roe said. 

Diamond Rio has won the CMA award for group of the year four times. The band's hits include "Meet Me in the Middle," "Norma Jean Riley," "In a Week or Two," "Love a Little Stronger," and "How Your Love Makes Me Feel." The Whites in '84 and Riders In The Sky in '82 were the last full groups to join the Opry. Alison Krauss appears with her band Union Station, but Krauss is the only official member, an Opry spokeswoman said. 

Diamond Rio will also be the first Opry inductee in 1998, and only the second ever to receive a public invitation to join. Johnny Paycheck inducted Nov. 8 was first. 

"You can't compare this to other awards," Roe said backstage. "It's wonderful to be recognized by the industry, but I rank the Opry right up there with the Hall of Fame. We put this right at the top of the heap." 

Diamond Rio's induction took place the following month, on April 18. After joining the Opry, Diamond Rio made regular appearances on the show and were very popular members. And while several members of the group appeared as part of the group chorus on the NBC Opry 100 special last March, for reasons that will be left unsaid, the group has not made a scheduled appearance on the Opry since 2019. 

Here are the posted lineups for the weekend of March 13 & 14, 1998, including Saturday night when Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry: 

Friday March 13
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jean Shepard, Charlie Louvin, Billy Walker
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Bill Carlisle, Ray Pillow
8:30: Johnny Russell (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Charlie Walker, The 4 Guys
9:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jeannie Seely, Del Reeves, The Lynns
9:30: Mike Snider (host): Jack Greene, Stonewall Jackson, The Whites

Saturday March 14
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Bill Carlisle
6:45: Jean Shepard (host): Jack Greene
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jan Howard, Oswald & Charlie, Holly Dunn
7:30: Ray Pillow (host): Mark Wills, Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Del Reeves, Charlie Walker, The Whites, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: The 4 Guys (host): Jeannie Seely, Billy Walker, Marty Stuart

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jean Shepard, Diamond Rio
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Holly Dunn
10:15: Bill Anderson (host): Jo Dee Messina
10:30: Marty Stuart (host): 
10:45: The 4 Guys (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Del Reeves (host): Mark Wills, The Whites
11:30: Johnny Russell (host): Stu Phillips, Charlie Walker, Jeannie Seely

As I write, hopefully Diamond Rio will return to the Opry. They are missed. 

There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

On Tuesday March 10, the day will finally arrive when former rapper turned country singer Jason Bradley DeFord, aka Jelly Roll becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

From the press release: 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (February 19, 2026) – Multi-Grammy® Award winner Jelly Roll will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on March 10. Opry member and close friend Lainey Wilson will induct him into the family. 

 Jelly Roll was invited to become a member during a surprise moment of his interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the #1 podcast in the world across all platforms. Rogan surprised Jelly Roll with a video message from Opry member Craig Morgan - inviting him to join the Opry family. 

 The country superstar and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville/Republic recording artist made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite and beloved by not only the fans, but many of its members over the years. Jelly Roll has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage Live shows in Texas.  

 Jelly Roll’s Opry history with Morgan predates back to a moment years ago when freshly released from prison, Jelly was in the Opry audience as Morgan performed “Almost Home,” a moment the star references as ‘life changing’ for him. Years later, Jelly was surprised on stage by Morgan, where they performed “Almost Home” together on the Opry stage. Marking the full-circle moment, Morgan presented handwritten, autographed framed lyrics of “Almost Home” to Jelly to commemorate the occasion. 

Jelly Roll recently won every Grammy Award he was nominated for in 2026 including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake, Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Shaboozey and Best Contemporary Country Album of the Year for his sophomore album, Beautifully Broken, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. The album features his multi-week #1 Grammy-nominated song, “I Am Not Okay.” The three Grammy wins recognize his major impact on both country and Christian music genres. 

 Having grown up in Antioch, Tennessee, the CMA, ACM, Grammy, Dove and People’s Choice award winning star’s debut Country project, Whitsitt Chapel, continues to resonate and the album marked the biggest debut by a Country artist that year of release.

Besides what was listed in the press release, he recently has been named the 2026 recipient of the Artist Humanitarian Award by Country Radio Broadcasters, which will be presented during the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville later in March. 

Taking a look at the rest of the Tuesday Night Opry lineup, Lainey Wilson and Craig Morgan are on the schedule and will help to induct Jelly Roll into the Opry. Comedian Leanne Morgan and ERNEST round out the schedule. 

Tuesday March 10
7:00: Craig Morgan, ERNEST, Leanne Morgan
Intermission
8:20: Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll

Ok, I understand that Jelly Roll isn't for everyone. He does have a story and testimony to tell, and I would like to believe his sincerity with all of it. I know people can change and, in his case, I hope the change is real and that he does not go back to his old ways. Time will tell and I will leave it at that. 

No, he is not one of my favorite artists and I am not sure how all of it will play out at the Opry. But let's see. While I will not be attending his induction on Tuesday night, I will be listening. I am sure it will be a special night, as each Opry induction is. 

The only other show on the mid-week lineup is the Thursday Night Opry. Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Whites, and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule. Neal McCoy, Karley Scott Collins, Walker Montgomery and Sophia Scott round out the schedule. 

Thursday March 12
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Sophia Scott, The Whites, Walker Montgomery
Intermission
8:20: Riders In The Sky, Karley Scott Collins, Neal McCoy

Grand Ole Opry 3/6 & 3/7

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, I am sharing this from Bill Anderson's March newsletter: 

The Grand Ole Opry folks reached out to me the other day and asked when I’d like to celebrate my 65th anniversary as a member of that legendary show. I joined on July 15, 1961, and July 15th comes on a Wednesday this year. There will be an Opry show that night, but I’ve always been a Saturday-night-Opry-kind-of-guy, so when given a choice, I picked Saturday night July 18th to mark my special day.

No other Opry member has ever made it to 65-years, so this will be something special. Mary Lou Turner is planning to be in Nashville that weekend, and I have invited her to join me onstage. Our #1 hit duet record, “Sometimes,” turns 50-years old this year, so we’ll celebrate two milestones at the same time. Hopefully, a bunch of you will want to come celebrate both occasions with us.

Not only will Bill Anderson be the first Opry member in the history of the show to have made it 65 years, but he has been an active member that entire time. And unlike some other members, once Bill joined the Opry, he never left. 

I know that there are a lot of Bill Anderson fans out there who might want to be there on that special night. I know I am one of them and yes, I already have my tickets.

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry schedule for this weekend, the Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith and Eddie Montgomery, who will be making his first Opry appearance of 2026. Riders In The Sky will be back on Saturday night, making it a two-show weekend for the cowboys, joined by Mandy Barnett, The Isaacs, John Conlee and the legendary Gene Watson. 

One of the non-members on the schedule on Friday night is HunterGirl, a former runner-up on American Idol. She has appeared on the Opry before, but it has been a while. Also appearing will be Trey Hensley, Shane Profitt and making his Opry debut, Austin Michael. 

Saturday night, MaRynn Taylor will return for another Opry appearance, along with Wyatt Ellis and Victoria Shaw. 

Friday March 6

7:00: T. Graham Brown, Austin Michael, Connie Smith, Eddie Montgomery

Intermission

8:20: HunterGirl, Trey Hensley, Shane Profitt, Riders In The Sky

Saturday March 7

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, MaRynn Taylor, John Conlee, Victoria Shaw

Intermission

8:20: Mandy Barnett, Wyatt Ellis, Opry Square Dancers, Gene Watson, The Isaacs

Newcomer Austin Michael was surprised by Justin Moore who delivered the announcement at his February 20 concert in Knoxville, Tennessee, calling Austi to the stage before revealing the news. 

"I wanted to also give you the news that on March 6, you're going to make your Grand Ole Opry debut," Moore told Michael from the stage. "I was not expecting that!" Michael replied. "Man, you made me cry."

His Opry debut will coincide with the release of his debut album "Lonestar." "Lonestar" is an independently released 13-song collection, featuring 11 new tracks each written or co-written by Michael. The album draws on his upbringing in Van Alstyne, TX — where he spent his adolescence hunting, fishing and roping — and traces his path from rodeo competitor to emerging country artis

Rarely in the history of the Grand Ole Opry have two members joined the cast on the same night. One of those nights was March 7, 1964, when Jim & Jesse McReynolds and Ernie Ashworth both became Opry members. 

From the Tennessean March 15, 1964: 

Three new singers have been signed up as permanent members of the cast of stars of the Grand Ole Opry. They are Ernest Ashworth and Jim and Jesse. All have been guests on the Opry but were not admitted to the envied status as permanent members until proving themselves in the country music field. 

Announcement of the signing was made last week by Ott Devine, manager of the Opry and program manager of WSM. "We welcome to our cast these fine country artists who have already made a name for themselves in the world of country music," Devine said. "We welcome them not only as artists but as friends and are proud that these three young men will be known the world over as stars of the Grand Ole Opry." 

A native of Huntsville, Ala., Ashworth has been carrying a guitar since he learned to walk. But it wasn't until 1951 that he decided to make music his profession and headed for Nashville. For the next few years, he spent most of his time writing songs for other artists but in 1963 he signed a contract with Hickory Records. His big songs have been "Everybody But Me," "I Take the Chance," and "Talk Back Trembling Lips." In 1963 he was voted most promising male vocalist in the country and western field. 

Jim and Jesse McReynolds come from Coeburn, Va. They perform in the Blue Grass style and have been featured stars on WNOX in Knoxville, CBS Saturday night, Country Style, and WWVA World's Original Jamboree in Wheeling, W. Va. Since 1959, their television shows have been seen weekly in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Jim and Jesse signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1961 and have to their credit such outstanding Blue Grass numbers as "Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes, " Pickin' and a Grinnin," and several others. Jim and Jesse now call Prattville, Ala., their home, and along with the members of their Virginia Boys Band, will commute to the Opry each Saturday night. 

To remember both Ernie Ashworth and Jim & Jesse, here is the lineup of the Grand Ole Opry from that night 62 years ago, March 7, 1964:

7:30: Luzianne
Jimmy C Newman (host): Wilburn Brothers, Marion Worth, Stringbean, Del Wood, Merle Kilgore

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Skeeter Davis, Glaser Brothers, Ernest Ashworth, Ray Pillow, Crook Brothers

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): June Stearn, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Hank Williams, Jr. Oswald, Howdy Forrester

9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Jean Shepard, Billy Walker, Jim & Jesse, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Cousin Jody

9:30: Kellogg's

Leroy Van Dyke (host): Carter Family, The Browns, Willis Brothers, Dottie West

10:00: Schick
Wilburn Brothers (host): Jimmy C Newman, Stringbean

10:15: SSS Tonic
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Marion Worth, Del Wood

10:30: Harvey's

Roy Acuff (host): Skeeter Davis, Ernest Ashworth

10:45 Ford

Ernest Tubb (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Crook Brothers

11:00: Coca Cola
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Jean Shepard, Billy Walker, Glaser Brothers, Hank Williams, Jr., Sam McGee, Fruit Jar Drinkers 

11:30: Gretsch Guitars
Marty Robbins (host): The Browns, Willis Brothers, Jim & Jesse, Cousin Jody, Don Winters

Ernie Ashworth came to Nashville from Huntsville, Alabama where he performed on radio station WBHP. By the age of 20, he had found success in Nashville as a songwriter and was signed by Acuff-Rose, where he wrote songs for Jimmy Dickens, Carl Smith, Johnny Horton, Wilma Lee Cooper and even, Paul Anka. Ernie received his first recording contract in 1955 but he was unable to come up with a hit and returned to Alabama. In 1960, Wesley Rose called him back to record once again and this time "Each Moment" was a success, reaching the Top 10. That was followed by "You Can't Pick a Rose in December." Three years later, Ernie had his career hit, "Talk Back Trembling Lips." The song went to #1 and was on the charts for 36 weeks. It was not only a country hit, but it also crossed over onto the pop charts. That song led to his invitation to join the Opry. While Ernie would enjoy a few more successful records, he never again saw the success that he had with his first #1. Later, Ernie would own radio stations in Ardmore and Gallatin, Tennessee and in 1992 he was elected to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Ernie passed away on March 2, 2009, at the age of 80.

Jim & Jesse McReynolds came to Nashville from Coeburn, Virginia. Coming from a family with a musical background, they signed with Capital Records in 1952. Their first Top 20 country hit came in 1967, three years after they joined the Opry, with "Diesel on My Tail." From then until the 1980s, they regularly made the country charts with a string of hits, most with a bluegrass flavor. In 1993 the duo were elected to the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. Jim McReynolds passed away on December 31, 2002, and since then Jesse has continued as an active recording artist and as an Opry member. In 2014, Jesse celebrated 50 years as an Opry member. Jesse McReynolds passed away on June 23, 2023. 

Enjoy the shows this weekend.