Grand Ole Opry 5/29 & 5/30

The last couple of weeks, I have spotlighted several members of the Grand Ole Opry who haven't made any Opry appearances in a number of years. In addition to the previously named Josh Turner and Little Big Town, this week the spotlight shines on Diamond Rio. 

Diamond Rio's last scheduled appearance on the Grand Ole Opry took place on July 2, 2019, almost six years ago. Prior to that year, when they made a total of five appearances, the group had been very good Opry members since joining the cast. In fact, since joining the Opry in 1998, the group has appeared just over 200 times, including several years where they made 20 or more appearances. 

Now, I do know that they remember where the Grand Ole Opry House is because several members of the group, including Marty Roe and Dana Williams, were at the Opry House and appeared on stage for the finale of the NBC 100th Anniversary special in March 2025.

There have been various rumors and thoughts as to why Diamond Rio suddenly stopped appearing on the Opry. It is certainly not because they have retired as the group, as even with a slight change in the group's members, they still remain a popular touring act. 

Whatever the issue is, hopefully it can be settled and once again, Diamond Rio will return to the Opry. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the Friday Night Opry has Opry member Carly Pearce on the schedule. Along with Carly, The Oak Ridge Boys are back, as are The Whites and T. Graham Brown. The Oak Ridge Boys are back on Saturday night to make it a two-show weekend, In addition to the Oaks, the Saturday show also includes Kathy Mattea, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith and John Conlee. 

There are two Opry debuts for Friday night: Travis Bolt and DEK of Hearts. Also scheduled are Breland and Alana Springsteen. 

Mike Rogers will be making his solo Opry debut on Saturday night. Mike has appeared on the Opry hundreds of times as a member of Ricky Skagg's group Kentucky Thunder and as a member of Brothers of the Heart, along with Jimmy Fortune, Ben Issacs and Bradley Walker. He also has performed with Doyle Lawson and Craig Morgan. His debut solo album is set for release this weekend. 

Rounding out the Saturday schedule are Katy Nichole and The Castellows. 

Friday May 29
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Travis Bolt, Alana Springsteen, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Breland, DEK of Hearts, Carly Pearce

Saturday May 30
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Mike Rogers, Kathy Mattea
Intermission
8:20: Katy Nichole, John Conlee, Opry Square Dancers, The Castellows, The Oak Ridge Boys

(lineup subject to change)

Travis Bolt as a child was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. When he was still in grade school, he was offered the opportunity, for a nominal fee, to take an experimental drug to help him with his condition. After he agreed to the trial and accepted the payment, Bolt used the funds to buy his first guitar: a Washburn hollow body. He took the instrument to Bluegrass festivals with his grandparents, where he’d learned how to pick.

As he got more proficient at the guitar, his style gradually evolved from folk to blues to bluegrass to country rock. When he started playing music, he instantly noticed that the symptoms associated with Tourette’s went away – and in turn, playing music became his comfort zone. “It’s the best medicine I’ve found,” he says. “And I’ve taken all of them.”

Bolt bounced around in bands while working a day job before; in time, his music slowly started to resonate with audiences. Buying a Suburban and solid sound equipment all while booking his own shows, Bolt set out on a musical journey with a DIY attitude that’s never left him. 

After waiting a year, he finally released the song "Never Tried Cocaine" independently on an EP, and to his surprise the song began to grow. Six months later, Travis started to consistently post the track on TikTok and then things really took off. "Never Tried Cocaine" streams exploded and suddenly Spotify and Apple Music were supporting the song with multiple country playlists, and his social followers went from a few thousand to half a million. The song has now crossed 25 million streams, and it has registered over 60,000 Shazam tags, despite never having a formal push at radio.

DEK of Hearts is comprised of Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Kollin Bailey. With their band name originating from the first letter of each member’s first name—Dylan, Emily, Kollin—DEK of Hearts’ sound blends country, pop, and bluegrass with soaring three-part harmonies and undeniable onstage chemistry.

Having met while attending Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and officially establishing themselves as a trio upon graduating in April 2024, their musical foundation began in worship music before expanding to churches, festivals, and premier venues across the country.

Featured on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice, they earned a rare 4-chair turn that famously put Reba McEntire on the floor. Later crowned the official Mic Drop Winner during the Knockout Round, the trio advanced to Top 3 finalists of the season, culminating in a career-defining appearance in the Grand Finale of the Rose Parade before more than 40 million television viewers worldwide. Their journey resonated widely, amassing over 26 million views across social media to date. 

Their latest release, “Dear Ole Whiskey,” has quickly become a defining song for the trio, earning widespread attention as a winning song at the 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week competition. With compelling harmonies, dynamic stage presence, and heartfelt storytelling, DEK of Hearts continues to connect deeply with audiences while redefining the modern country-pop trio.

The name Alcyone Bate Beasley might not mean a lot to many, however for those who know the history of the Grand Ole Opry, she played an important role back in the early days. Alcyone was born on 114 years ago on May 30, 1912. She passed away on October 16, 1982, at the age of 70. 

The following is from The Tennessean, October 18, 1982: 

Alcyone Bate Beasley, 70, the first woman to sing on the Grand Ole Opry, died Saturday of a stroke in Nashville Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Beasley, who first sang at the Opry at the age of 13, had been involved with the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, from 1925 to 1975. 

She was the daughter of Dr. Humphrey Bate, the leader of "Dr. Humphrey Bate and the Possum Hunters." That was the first Saturday night string group to perform on WSM, Oct. 25, 1925, three weeks after the station opened. Mrs. Beasley was the last surviving member of the group. When Dr. Bate died in 1936, Mrs. Beasley stayed with the Grand Ole Opry and joined the Dixie Dons who were popular for singing "old favorites." 

With the Possum Hunters, Mrs. Beasley sang such songs as My Wife Died on Friday Night and Miss Sally. With the Dixie Dons she sang Silver Threads Among the Gold and Camptown Races. For both groups, Mrs. Beasley wrote musical arrangements and later wrote music for radio and television commercials. 

Through the years, Mrs. Beasley challenged George D. Hay's claim that he inaugurated the first "barn dance" program on WSM. She contended that it should be her father, Dr. Humphrey Bate that should get the credit. She would claim that her father's group, which included Alcyone Bate at age 13 and playing the piano, did the first Saturday night "barn dance" at the end of October 2025, almost a month before Hay's show. 

It's an interesting discussion and there is some evidence to support her claim. However, in the end, the Opry considers November 28, 1925, as the first Saturday night show of what became the Grand Ole Opry and on the Opry membership wall backstage in the Opry House, Uncle Jimmy Thompson is listed as the first member with Dr. Humphrey Bate & His Possum Hunters as the second. 

In 1975, the Grand Ole Opry began having an annual reunion show, often referred to as "Old Timer's Night." It was a night in which many former members of the Opry would come back for a special appearance. In most cases, this involved former members from the early years of the Opry. Alcyone was a yearly feature at these shows, along with DeFord Bailey. 1982 was the year of her final appearance, which was also the final appearance for DeFord Bailey. 

Here is the running order from that night, April 3, 1982: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jimmy C Newman: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Closed My Heart's Door
David Houston: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Kitty Wells: Amigo's Guitar
Johnny Wright: Ashes of Love
Zeke Clements: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry/Just A Little Lovin
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Mac Magaha: Rocky Top

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind
Curly Fox: Sweet Georgia Brown/The Old Gray Mule
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Bill Monroe: My Florida Sunshine

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jack Shook: Carry Me Back to the Lone Prairie
Alcyone Beasley: Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: Let the Rest of the World Go By
DeFord Bailey: Fox Chase/Cacklin Hen/Pan American Blues/Lost John
Sid Harkreader: Never Alone Waltz/ Red Wing Fiddlin
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
4 Guys: It's High Time to Get Back on My Feet Again
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mine Again

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Make Every Day Feel Like Sunday
4 Guys: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jeannie Seely: When Your House Is Not A Home
Wilburn Brothers: If I Can't Have All of You
Kitty Wells: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels
Johnny Wright: Poison Love
Mac Magaha: Old Flames
Porter Wagoner: The Man in the Little White Suit/Ol' Slewfoot

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over

10:15: Sunbeam
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Zeke Clements: God Made It All/ It Belongs to Him/Smoke on the Water
Jimmy C Newman: (?)

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jack Shook: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: Someone Like You
Sid Harkreader: Amazing Grace/Sally Goodin

10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Roy Drusky: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Charlie Louvin: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight/We Could
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words/Muddy Water
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/That's All Right/Don't Let Me Touch You/Good Hearted Woman/18 Yellow Roses/I Don't Know Why/El Paso

As you would expect on a night with a line-up like that, the Opry ran way over, ending just after 1:00am. The 1st Roy Acuff 30-minute segment ran 45 minutes and the 2nd Roy Acuff 15-minute segment ran 30 minutes. As you would expect, Alcyone appeared on Roy's segment on both shows.

 A great night for the Opry

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There are two shows on the mid-week for the coming week. The Tuesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

The Tuesday Night Opry features Opry members Mandy Barnett, The Whites, Riders In The Sky and The Isaacs. McCoy Moore will be making his Opry debut and Opry NextStage artist Jake Worthington is also on the schedule. 

Tuesday May 26
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Julia Cole, The Whites, David Nail
Intermission
8:20: McCoy Moore, Riders In The Sky, Jake Worthington, The Isaacs

As I post this, Jake Worthington is still listed on the schedule for Tuesday night. For those not aware, he made the following post on Friday: 

“I live a life as my heroes did, but that life gotten ahold of me. I love my family, my friends and my fans too much to let it take over me,” the singer wrote. “I need to take some time to work on myself for my wife and daughter. I promise I will come back even better," Worthington concluded. "God bless country music."

Nothing has been mentioned or posted about any previously announced shows being cancelled or postponed. We will probably know more on Tuesday and best wishes to Jake as he takes time off to better himself. 

Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night for its final show in May. Vince Gill and Paul Franklin are the Spotlight Artists, with Larry Gatlin as the host and Opry member Sara Evans also appearing. 

Thursday May 28
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, Mandy Barnett, Sara Evans

Grand Ole Opry 5/22 & 5/23

Last Sunday night, the ACM Awards took place. No, I did not watch the awards show as I was watching something else, but I did follow along on social media. First, congratulations to all the winners. But secondly, as I was viewing the various posts, a picture of a group popped up that looked somewhat familiar. I think they were presenting an award, or maybe performing, I don't remember. But I do recall seeing them someplace or somewhere. Then it dawned on me. It was Little Big Town and then it hit me where I saw them before: they are members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Maybe I didn't recognize the group as it has been years since they have appeared on the Opry. I did some checking and their last appearance was on August 20, 2024. Prior to that, they last appeared in March 2023. In fact, since 2020, they have appeared just 5 times on the show. I guess they were too busy to participate in any of the Opry 100 shows during the Opry's 100th year. 

Little Big Town is another example of an Opry member who probably should not have been asked to be Opry members. I am not sure why they haven't been appearing, and hopefully they will be appearing at some point in 2026, but obviously being Opry members isn't that important to them. 

They are still actively touring and keeping busy. And you would think with all of the Opry shows each week, that they could fit an appearance or two into their schedule. 

Of course, there are others. But like Josh Turner (last week's highlight), and Diamond Rio, Little Big Town seems to have gone missing as far as the Opry is concerned. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Opry, Memorial Day weekend. Scheduled to appear on the Friday Night Opry are members T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea and Ricky Skaggs. Ricky is also set to appear on Saturday night, along with Mark Wills, Connie Smith and John Conlee. 

There are two Opry debuts this weekend; The Revitalists on Friday and Zach John King on Saturday. 

Rounding out the lineups are Mae Estes, Taylor Hicks, Peyton Porter and Jon Walmsey. 

Now if the name Jon Walmsey sounds familiar to you, it might be because he is probably better known for portraying "Jason" on the hit television show The Waltons. Since that time, he spent time as a guitarist with the Richard Marx band. Since returning to Nashville, Jon wrote, produced and played on a number of projects for EMI music, including the well-loved holiday CD, A Waltons Christmas-Together Again. After extensive live and session work as a guitarist with a who’s-who of musical artists, Jon released his first solo blues CD in 2017, Goin’ To Clarksdale. Once again living in the UK, Jon’s US visits are extremely rare, so his return to the ‘Opry will truly be a special event for his music and television fans alike. 

While many may think that this will be Jon Walmsey's Opry debut, that is not the case. He actually appeared on the Opry once before on February 15, 1975. This return appearance will take place over 51 years later, which might be the longest time span between Opry appearances. 

Friday May 22
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Mae Estes, The Revitalists, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:20: Taylor Hicks, Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday May 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Zach John King, Jon Walmsey
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Peyton Porter, Opry Square Dancers, Ricky Skaggs

The Revivalists have been embraced as a good-times band, their swirl of indie rock, soul, folk, and even a dash of hip-hop serving a soundtrack to many summer nights. Their story, after all, has been one of youthful triumph, with a chance encounter between singer David Shaw and guitarist Zack Feinberg steadily leading to an octet that rose from the dingiest dives to the grandest American concert halls and amphitheaters. With PJ Howard and Andrew Campanelli, they are a two-drummer powerhouse anchored by bassist George Gekas and buoyed by horn man Rob Ingraham, keyboardist Michael Girardot, and pedal steel guitarist Ed Williams.

Zach John King’s Grand Ole Opry debut was originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, a date he announced on social media as one of the “best news of my life." However, due a winter storm which brought as much as two feet of snow and ice to Nashville, the Opry cancelled its live show for that night. King had already decided not to perform if his family wouldn’t be there, so he chose to skip the show and his debut was rescheduled for this upcoming Saturday night. 

Saturday May 23, 1992 was a significant date in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as on that Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. the new Grand Ole Opry Museum opened at Opryland. 

According to the article in the Tennessean:

The museum features personal memorabilia of Patsy Cline, Hank Snow and Marty Robbins. Displays include a dress worn by Cline for Opry performances and the restored recreation room from her Nashville home; a car, guitars, performing suits and a custom-made silver saddle used by Snow during his trick-riding days; and a car and the restored office of Robbins. 

The museum also pays tribute to the Opry's former home at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville and includes a multi-screen video presentation. 

"The Opry goes on every Friday and Saturday night, but this museum captures the sights and sounds of the Opry's early says," said Hal Durham, Grand Ole Opry general manager. "We are pleased to offer the museum as another way for people to enjoy the legacy." 

Opry spokesman Craig Lamb said the museum involves "tremendous special effects" inside, and the entrance is like walking into the back alley of the Ryman. Rusty Summerville, project coordinator of the museum for Opryland, likened the adventure to opening "the Opry history book for guests to explore and be truly overcome with nostalgia. as soon as they walk in the museum." 

The Grand Ole Opry museum was always a fun place to visit, and while it really didn't change much over the years, other than an addition to the building, it was very popular and best of all, it was free!! Sadly, when the flood of 2010 happened that resulted in the relocation of the Opry for several months, the museum suffered damage and was never reopened. The building is now used as a training and storage building and most of the exhibits are back in the Opry's archives. 

Here are the posted Grand Ole Opry lineup for Saturday May 23, 1992: 

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host): Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jan Howard
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Skeeter Davis, Jimmy C Newman, Jack Greene, Wilma Lee Cooper
7:30: Tom. T. Hall (host): The Whites, Stu Phillips, Martina McBride
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Opry Square Dance Band, The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Osborne Brothers, Jim Ed Brown, The 4 Guys, Hank Locklin

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Billy Walker, David Houston, Tom T. Hall
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Charlie Walker, Roy Drusky
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Mike Snider
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Ray Pillow, Carlisles
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host): Martina McBride, Opry Square Dance Band, The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): The Osborne Brothers, Justin Tubb, The Whites, Jack Greene
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Connie Smith, Hank Locklin, The 4 Guys

And for those who might ask, it was Martina McBride's Opry debut. 

Grand Ole Opry: Salute The Troops

There is only one show on the mid-week schedule and that is the Tuesday Night Opry which is the annual Grand Ole Opry Salutes The Troops. 

From the press release: 

The Grand Ole Opry, in its 100th year, will honor the United States military and mark the USA’s upcoming 250th birthday with the return of a red-carpet parade and a special Salute the Troops Opry performance on Tuesday, May 19. Among the artists scheduled to perform are Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, Opry member Lauren Alaina, The War And Treaty, the 100th US Army Band, and more. The Opry will also welcome 3-Star General Robert Harter, the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the US Army Reserve Command, as a guest announcer. Lt. General Harter will preside over a future soldier swearing-in ceremony live on stage.

The Opry will invite honored active and veteran military guests attending the show to join a red-carpet parade into the Opry House for the evening’s show.  Leading the red-carpet walk will be Lt. General Harter, Retired US Army General Keith Huber with MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Carol Whitmore, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander and Hal Roesch, VFW Foundation Executive Director.

As we gather for this Salute to the Troops event, we are proud to recognize both our newest recruits and the generations of service members who have answered the call. Presiding over the oath of enlistment is a privilege and a testament to the enduring strength of our all-volunteer force.” – Lt. Gen. Robert D. Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command.

“We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership with Humana and our shared commitment to honoring veterans and their families,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. “This event is more than a celebration — it reflects what we can accomplish together. Events like Salute the Troops demonstrate the power of organizations uniting in service to those who have worn the uniform.”

The public is invited to arrive at 5:00 pm to see the 100th US Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the honored red carpet parade guests beginning at 5:45 pm. Opry House doors will open after the honored guests have entered the building for the 7 p.m. show.  Tickets are available at 615-871-OPRY and opry.com.

The Opry’s Salute the Troops celebration is presented by Humana and supporting sponsors Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Hiller, USAA, Mission BBQ and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), whose mission for more than 125 years has been to support, serve, advocate for and foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans through events like its annual VFW Day of Service.

Tuesday Night Opry May 19
7:00: 100th Army Band, Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, HunterGirl, T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:20: Lauren Alaina, The War And Treaty, Craig Morgan

This is always one of the special nights of the year at the Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 5/15 & 5/16

This week, the Wayne County Fair, which a short 20-minute drive from our house, posted their lineup of grandstand acts for the fair that will be taking place in September. One of the headliners this year is Josh Turner, and it got me to thinking, when was the last time Josh was on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Taking a look in my files, his last Opry appearances were in 2024, when he appeared twice: Saturday April 20 and Saturday September 8. Basically, he has not been at the Opry in almost two years. He missed all of the special Opry 100 shows in 2025 and has yet to appear in 2026. That to me is a mystery. 

He is another of those acts that made a lot of Opry appearances before becoming a member but then once joining, he cut back. I always have liked Josh, and he was always well received when appearing on the Opry. While his hit making days seem to be behind him, he still tours and appears to be easy to book and draws good crowds. 

Hopefully there is not any bad blood or disagreement between him and the Opry and it is just a scheduling issue as to why he doesn't appear. Hopefully that will be rectified soon. 

While Josh Turner will not be appearing at the Opry this weekend, there are other Opry members who will be. Scheduled for the Friday Night Opry are Riders In The Sky, The Whites, Gary Mule Deer, and once again closing out the show, Charlie McCoy. Gary Mule Deer is back on Saturday night, joined by Dailey & Vincent and Connie Smith. 

The legendary Dale Watson will be guesting on Friday night, along with Ben Chapman, Erin Kinsey and Tyler White. 

The Cleverlys, the fun and talented group is slated for Saturday night, along with Renee Fleming and Bela Fleck, Emily Nenni and Joshua Ray Walker.

Friday May 15
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Ben Chapman, The Whites, Dale Watson
Intermission
8:20: Erin Kinsey, Gary Mule Deer, Tyler White, Charlie McCoy

Saturday May 16
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Emily Nenni, Connie Smith, Joshua Ray Walker
Intermission
8:20: Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Renee Fleming and Bela Fleck, The Cleverlys

(lineup subject to change)

There was a period of time in the late 1980s and early 1990s when many referred to the Opry as a "living museum." Attendance had started to drop, primarily due to the fact that the Opry was rolling out pretty much the same lineups every weekend. In many ways, they were right as the majority of the acts were aging veterans. I have posted the posted lineups for three different years, basically five years apart: 1987, 1992, 1998. 

By 1998, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones and Hank Snow were gone, but for the most part, the rest of the veteran Opry members were still there, performing most weekends. And while many new members were brought on board in the 1990s, there was little evidence of any of those new members making more than a handful of appearances. 

May 15 & 16, 1987
Friday May 15
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Roy Drusky, Jeanne Pruett, The 4 Guys, Ray Pillow
7:00: Bill Monroe (host): Lorrie Morgan, Jim Ed Brown, Wilma Lee Cooper, Jack Greene
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Porter Wagoner
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host): Connie Smith, David Houston, George Hamilton IV
8:30; Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely, Osborne Brothers, Del Reeves

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host): Ricky Skaggs, Jan Howard, Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, The 4 Guys, Justin Tubb, Charlie Walker
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Connie Smith, Jack Greene, Carlisles
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Del Reeves, George Hamilton IV, David Houston, 
11:30: Boxcar Willie (host): Jeannie Seely, Osborne Brothers

Saturday May 16
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): The 4 Guys
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host): Boxcar Willie
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeannie Seely, Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson, Jack Greene
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jan Howard, David Houston
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Roy Drusky, Charlie Louvin, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Del Reeves, George Hamilton IV, Connie Smith, Jimmy C Newman

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): The 4 Guys, Lorrie Morgan, Charlie Walker, Jimmy Dickens
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Boxcar Willie
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Carlisles
10:45: Del Reeves (host): Jack Greene, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith, David Houston, Wilma Lee Cooper, Justin Tubb
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): George Hamilton IV, Charlie Louvin, Roy Drusky

May 15 & 16, 1992:
Friday May 15
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): Roy Drusky, Ray Pillow, Jim & Jesse, Justin Tubb
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): The 4 Guys, Jack Greene, Jeanne Pruett, The Whites
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Monroe (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, George Hamilton IV, Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jan Howard, Carlisles, Jeannie Seely

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Stonewall Jackson, The Whites, The 4 Guys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): Bill Anderson, Ray Pillow, Ernie Ashworth
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Vic Willis Trio, Jack Greene, Mike Snider
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jan Howard, Carlisles, Connie Smith
11:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeannie Seely, George Hamilton IV, Johnny Russell
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday May 16
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host): Jan Howard
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeannie Seely, Mac Wiseman
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Charlie Louvin, Jimmy C Newman, Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): The Whites, Charlie Walker, George Hamilton IV, Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy Dickens, Jim Ed Brown, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith, Roy Drusky, The 4 Guys, Skeeter Davis

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Mike Snider
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Mac Wiseman
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jack Greene
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Charlie Louvin
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host): The Whites, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith, Jimmy C Newman, The 4 Guys, Carlisles
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Skeeter Davis, Roy Drusky, Johnny Russell

May 15 & 16, 1998
Friday May 15
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Skeeter Davis, Stonewall Jackson, Bill Carlisle
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Del Reeves, Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Johnny Russell (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Louvin, Jeannie Seely
9:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jean Shepard, Stu Phillips, Billy Walker, The 4 Guys
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): Jack Greene, The Whites, Johnny Paycheck

Saturday May 16
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): Bill Carlisle
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Skeeter Davis, Jack Greene, Jeanne Pruett
7:30: The Whites (host): Charlie Walker, Jeannie Seely
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Charlie Louvin, Ray Pillow, Johnny Russell, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host): Del Reeves, Jan Howard, Jean Shepard, The 4 Guys

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Stonewall Jackson, Stu Phillips, Charlie Walker
10:00: Johnny Russell (host): 
10:15: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:45: The Whites (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Mike Snider (host): Billy Walker, Ray Pillow
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Del Reeves, Johnny Counterfit

I think we can all agree, or many of us can, when we look back at these lineups from 30 years ago, how much the Opry has changed over the years, and how much many of us miss these veteran Opry members. I know time never stops but it is always nice to take a look back. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Once again there are two mid-week Opry shows on the schedule, the Tuesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics. 

The Tuesday Night Opry features members Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky and Mandy Barnett, Also on the schedule is an Opry debut: Wyatt McCubbin. 

Tuesday May 12
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Wyatt McCubbin, 49 Winchester
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Priscilla Block, George Birge, Marty Stuart

It is somewhat a surprise that Opry member Jamey Johnson has not appeared on the Opry thus far in 2026. That gets rectified on Thursday night as he will be the Spotlight Artist on Opry Country Classics. 

Opry Country Classics
Thursday May 14
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Jamey Johnson
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Bryce Leatherwood, Gary Mule Deer, Suzy Bogguss

With no Opry show on Wednesday night, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will be appearing in concert as part of their 60th anniversary Farewell Tour. 

Grand Ole Opry 5/8 & 5/9

On Saturday night, Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner will be celebrating his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve joined the cast on May 11, 1996.

From The Tennessean, Saturday May11:

Sometimes you're got to make a record solely for the sake of music, without worrying at all about commercial success. So without hope of radio airplay, Steve Wariner has recorded his first all-instrumental album. Chances of booming sales are slim, but this is something Wariner has wanted to do for years. 

"I've thought about this for a long, long time," says Wariner. "And my hat is off to Tim DuBois for letting me do it." DuBois, who heads Arista Records, gave Wariner his blessing for the No More Mr. Nice Guy album knowing that it was unlikely to sell. 

Steve Wariner if fulfilling two lifelong dreams this year. The instrumental album is one. The other occurs tonight as he is inducted into the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. "It's the supreme achievement and the ultimate stamp of approval," says Wariner. "I am profoundly honored to belong. The Opry puts me in the company of the most beloved performers in the world." 

Wariner's roots go back to the show's old days at the Ryman Auditorium. He made his debut on the stage as Dottie West's 17-year-old bass player in 1973. "Linebaugh's Cafeteria was still down on Broadway, the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. I did all that-played the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, ate at Linebaugh's, been in Tootsie's many times. And I am so glad I caught the tail end of that era. The very first time on the Opry, I was so scared to death. We were late and I was ridin' with Dottie in her Cadillac, flyin' downtown tryin' to get to the Opry. We were listenin' to WSM, and they were announcing her name as we were pullin' in the parkin' lot. I had no idea where to go, where to plug in. They're rushin' us through and I'm seein' Marty Robbins and Hank Snow and I'm just fascinated. Boy, what a great time." 

Joining Steve Wariner on Saturday night will be his good friend Bill Anderson, along with members Dailey & Vincent and Henry Cho. Also on the schedule is someone who has not been on the Opry in a while, Michael Martin Murphy. Casey and I saw Michael in concert last year and the show was wonderful. Michael has done the Opry a few times in his career. Rounding out that schedule are Sierra Hull, Carter Faith and Scott Hasting.

While the focus will be on Saturday night, there is also a very good Friday Night Opry this weekend with members T. Graham Brown, Rhonda Vincent and Charlie McCoy. Also scheduled are two acts that have recently appeared on the Opry and both were well received: Tia Sillers and Suzanne Cox & Brandon Ratcliff. I sure didn't take long for the Opry to have both of them back. Rounding out the Friday show are Lauren Watkins, Lee Roy Parnell and CAIN. 

Also as part of the Friday Night Opry, radio personality Delilah will be a guest announcer. From the WSM Facebook page: 

A special guest co-host is joining us on WSM this Friday! The one and only @radiodelilah will be On Air With Eryn live at 5p CT, talking about her trailblazing radio career, her connection to country music, and spinning some of her favorite country songs as she shares her personal stories behind each one. Then later that night, she’ll step into the guest announcer role on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

While Delilah will be guest announcing on Friday night, a reminder that Saturday is WSM Night at the Opry. Many of WSM's personalities will be guest announcing during that show. 

Friday May 8
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Lauren Watkins, Rhonda Vincent, Tia Sillers
Intermission
8:20: Suzanne Cox & Brandon Ratcliff, Lee Roy Parnell, CAIN, Charlie McCoy

Saturday May 9
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Bill Anderson, Sierra Hull, Michael Martin Murphy
Intermission
8:20: Scotty Hasting, Opry Square Dancers, Henry Cho, Carter Faith, Steve Wariner

As mentioned, Steve Wariner joined the Opry on May 11, 1996. Here are the posted Opry lineups for that weekend: 

Friday May 10
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host), Oswald & Charlie, Wilma Lee Cooper, Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host), Jan Howard, Stu Phillips, Osborne Brothers
8:30: Grandpa Jones (host), Bill Carlisle, Skeeter Davis, The Whites
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host), Jeanne Pruett, Del Reeves
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host), Jean Shepard, Billy Walker Johnny Russell
10:00: Mike Snider (host), Charlie Walker, Mac Yasuda, Jeannie Seely
10:30: Jack Greene (host), Ray Pillow, Karen Breiner, Marty Stuart

Saturday May 11
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host), Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Mike Snider (host), Bill Carlisle
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host), Jean Shepard, Billy Walker, Skeeter Davis, Ray Pillow
7:30: Bill Anderson (host), Chet Atkins, Steve Wariner
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host), Ray Pillow, Riders In The Sky, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host), Jeannie Seely, The Whites

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host), Jeanne Pruett, Oswald & Charlie, Steve Wariner
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host), Jan Howard
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host), Sweethearts of the Rodeo
10:30: Mike Snider (host), Charlie Walker
10:45: Bill Anderson (host), Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host), Jim Ed Brown, Billy Walker, Riders In The Sky
11:30: Johnny Russell (host), Stu Phillips, The Whites, Jean Shepard

And here now is the actual running order from that Saturday night show: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball Headed End of the Broom
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstip/Mississippi Sawyer
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee & Load the Cannon

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Darling, Take Pity on Me
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Big Wind

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Chet Atkins: (?)/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Steve Wariner: Why Goodbye/Heart Trouble/Midnight Fire/What I Didn't Do/Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Bill Anderson & Steve Wariner: The Tips of My Fingers

8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: One More Night/Since I Found You
Riders In The Sky: Lonely River
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family

8:30: Kraft
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
Del Reeves: Wild Blood
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Swing Down Chariot
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter/Looking Back to See

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Oswald: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Steve Wariner: (?)/A Woman Loves
Steve Wariner & Rick Wayne: (?)

10:00: Massy Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): The New Vitamin
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am Or Let Me Go
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

10:15: Red Foot Bath
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: Mule Skinner Blues
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Purnell's Sausage
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat

10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acorn Hill
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Jim Ed Brown: The Family Bible
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman/Smokey Places
Riders In The Sky: Miss Molly/Always Drink Upstream From the Herd
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
The Whites: San Antonio Rose/Keep on the Sunny Side
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

Looking back, I can't believe that Steve has been an Opry member for 30 years. And overall, he has been a good member making a steady stream of appearances each year. Usually around Hall of Fame election time, his name comes up in conversations, and I would think that someday he might get in. 

I can also add that from personal standpoint, Steve is one of the nicest Opry members that I have met. Congratulations to Steve upon his 30th year as an Opry member.