Grand Ole Opry 7/24 & 7/25

I thought it would be appropriate to begin this weekend's post with a look back at last weekend when Bill Anderson was honored upon his 65th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Here is the press release from the Opry:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (July 18, 2026) – The Grand Ole Opry celebrated Bill Anderson on his 65th Opry anniversary. Anderson is the longest-serving member and the first artist in the 100-year history of the Opry to mark 65 years. Anderson was officially inducted as a member on the Opry on July 15, 1961.

Anderson received congratulations throughout the night including a video message from his friends and fellow Opry members Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Steve Wariner and more. His longtime friend and Opry member Lorrie Morgan presented him with a gift from the Opry, a European cut diamond and blue sapphire ring. Blue sapphire is the anniversary stone for 65 years.  After the show, Anderson celebrated backstage in Studio A with his family, friends and fellow Opry members. 

“The Opry is the home of country music, and thankfully for 65 years now the show has been home to Whisperin’ Bill Anderson,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “We’re so thankful that through all the stages of his career—all the hits, all the songwriting successes, all the TV appearances, all the tour dates, and more, Bill has always come home to this Opry he loves. We’re so honored, we’re so proud, and we’re looking forward to the next 65.”

I was at the shows this weekend and here are my random thoughts: 

>While the entire Saturday night show was excellent, the highlight to me was the 30-minute segment that featured Bill. Yes, it got off to a little rough start with "Po' Folks", but he recovered nicely and really hit his stride with Mary Lou Turner and "Sometimes." Bill is still sharp and gets around well, but you could also tell that his hearing isn't what it once was and I think that was the issue. But overall, he was wonderful. 

>The presentation of the gift to Bill by Lorrie Morgan was well done. Lorrie and Bill go back a long way, and you could tell that they were longtime friends. Lorrie was the perfect Opry member to have made that presentation. I have seen video clips on various social media sites. 

>Backstage, in addition to those who performed, I saw John Conlee, T. Graham Brown, Moore & Moore, Dallas Wayne, and a host of musicians, too numerous to name. I did miss Garth, who was there prior to the show but quickly left. 

>It was noted by several people that Connie Smith was not there, nor was she featured in the congratulatory video with a number of other Opry members. We have all heard the stories that don't need repeating, but I was sorry that she did not take part. 

>After the Opry there was a reception for Bill in Studio A that was well attended. Bill cut the cake and took a few questions from those attending. He also stayed and took photos and greeted fans.

>While I am sure it came through loud and clear on the radio, Bill received a long-standing ovation. In fact, he received a couple. I am sure some of the younger members of the audience were not all that familiar with Bill, I was wonderful to see the respect and recognition that he received. 

>On a side note, I went to the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center in Hendersonville to view the Steve Wariner painting exhibit. He had approximately 50 paintings on display and it was outstanding. He definitely has talent. Sadly, it only lasts another week but I highly recommend the visit if you are in the Nashville area. 

>Of course, some brought up Jimmy Dickens and his length of time at the Opry. So to clear it up, while the exact date is lost to history, most accept that Jimmy became an Opry member around November 8, 1948. If Jimmy had never left, he would have been an Opry member for 66 years, 1 month and 20+ days. Assuming that, Bill would have another year to go to become the undisputed leader in Opry membership. Now, we know Jimmy left for 17 years, resigning from the Opry in 1957 and rejoining in 1975. That brings Jimmy' active Opry membership to just under 49 years. Call it what you want, but Bill is rightfully noted as the longest tenured Opry member in the history of the Opry. 

I did want to mention the Friday Night Opry that featured, among others, Hannah Harper. She is the real deal, and I hope that the Opry works on creating a relationship with her that would include more appearances. She received the loudest applause of the night and frankly, I would have liked to have seen her close that show. John Conlee was as sharp as ever and I did enjoy John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash. It was nice to hear a Johnny Cash song, and a Carter Family classic sung again at the Opry. 

Overall, including the Friday Night Opry, it was a very nice weekend in Nashville and again, congratulations to Bill Anderson upon his 65th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Now taking a look at this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys return for both the Friday and Saturday night shows. Joining the Oaks both nights will be T. Graham Brown, while The Whites and Connie Smith are on the Saturday schedule.

Guesting on Friday will be comedian Chonda Pierce, Trey Hensley, Restless Road, Scotty Hasting, Victoria Show and making her Opry debut, Leanna Crawford. 

I am sure everyone remembers Mason Ramsey and Kat Luna. Well, they are both back on the Saturday night schedule, along with Special Consensus, Eric Paslay and Donovan Woods, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Friday July 24
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Scotty Hasting, Leanna Crawford, Trey Hensley
Intermission
8:20: Victoria Shaw, Chonda Pierce, Restless Road, The Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday July 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Donovan Woods, Special Consensus
Intermission
8:20: Mason Ramsey, The Whites, Opry Square Dancers, Kat Luna, Eric Paslay, The Oak Ridge Boys

Leanna Crawford will be appearing on the Opry in support of her new album, Thank God. The record follows an extraordinary stretch for the Nashville resident, who was named New Artist of the Year at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards and earned K-LOVE Fan Awards' Breakout Single of the Year for "Still Waters (Psalm 23)," a Gold-certified hit that introduced millions of listeners to her vulnerable songwriting.

Donovan Woods is known for his candid, emotionally resonant songwriting, blending folk, country, and pop. Outside of his own recorded music, he has written songs that have been recorded by Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ben Platt, Hailey Whitters, Ashley Cooke, Barenaked Ladies, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and more. Albums like Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled, Both Ways, Without People, and his most recent Polaris Prize Long Listed Album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, are praised for his consistent compelling storytelling of exploring love, vulnerability, and relationships. In 2026, he is back with brand new music with his new EP, Squander Your Gifts, released on February 27. 

How many remember when there was a fire at the Grand Ole Opry House? Well, it did happen and on Sunday July 25, 1976 it made the front page of the Sunday Tennessean: 

An early-morning fire in Opryland U.S.A.'s Opry House damaged a lighting panel and caused cancellation yesterday of a performance of Liberty's Song, but the Grand Ole Opry went on as scheduled. 

The fire, according to Opryland marketing director Ray Canday, started about 5:30 a.m. in the panel which controls the theater's lighting. Neither the amount of damage nor the cause of the fire had been determined yesterday, he said. 

Canday said the Opryland night crew discovered the fire and notified the complex's firefighting unit. The fire was extinguished by 6:30 a.m., he said. Canday said the fire was an electrical blaze and was confined to the lighting panel. He said Liberty's Song, an Opryland production with a Bicentennial flavor, will be performed on scheduled today. 

That Saturday night was also the final night in which Opry member Bobby Lord appeared on the show as a member. Like several others, Bobby quietly left the Opry to pursue other interests. He did, however, return a few times to make guest appearances. 

Looking at this weekend back in 1992, the Opry Cameo featured Del Reeves: 

How many shows can you do in a day? As Grand Ole Opry veteran Del Reeves. He'll be singing just about every waking moment this weekend. 

The Good Time Charlies/Girl On the Billboard hit maker will be busy, busy, busy, beginning Friday night. Reeves is booked to sing on the 6:30 p.m. portion of the Friday Night Opry. And he and fellow Opry stars Charlie Walker and Jeannie Seely are also slated to sing at the Jim Ed Brown Nightlife Theater that evening. Del Reeves' Saturday Opry appearances are scheduled for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. and once again, he'll join Opry star Brown and his new Branson-style family theater on Music Valley Drive. 

North Carolina native Reeves spent part of this month on the road. He celebrated Independence Day at a big festival in Jellico, Tenn., then appeared in Knoxville, Pa. on July 12. Next Tuesday, Reeves is scheduled to appear on Crook & Chase on The Nashville Network. 

You see, he's newsworthy again because of a certain young star he discovered several years ago. Reeves produced the first Nashville record on the then-unknown Billy Ray Cyrus, and he took Cyrus to manager Jack McFadden. The rest, as they say, is history. That same day Reeves tells his Billy Ray tales on TV, the Achy Breaky Hunk will celebrate his Platinum Record award for more than a million in sales of his debut CD Some Gave All. 

The Grand Ole Opry great has his own share of country-music success. Among Del Reeves' top 10 tunes are Be Quiet Mind, The Belles of Southern Belle, Women Do Funny Things to Me and The Philadelphia Fillies, all recorded during his 1961-71 heyday. 

Here is the posted lineup for the weekend of July 23 & 24, 1992: 

Friday July 23
1sr show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): Stonewall Jackson, Jeannie Seely, Roy Drusky, Del Reeves
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): The Osborne Brothers, Jack Greene, Dixiana, Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Carlisles, Skeeter Davis, The 4 Guys
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jimmy Dickens, Jimmy C Newman, Mike Snider
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Ray Pillow, Jean Shepard, The Whites

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Connie Smith, Billy Walker, Justin Tubb, Dixiana
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): The Osborne Brothers, Jan Howard, Charlie Walker
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Mike Snider, Carlisles, Jeanne Pruett, Bill Anderson
11:00: Hank Snow (host): The Whites, Jimmy C Newman, The 4 Guys, Jack Greene
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jean Shepard, Charlie Walker, Johnny Russell
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday July 24
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jim Ed Brown
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeannie Seely
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jan Howard, Carlisles, Charlie Walker, The Whites
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Skeeter Davis, Ray Pillow, The 4 Guys
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, Opry Square Dance Band, The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Billy Walker, Del Reeves, Jeanne Pruett, Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Roy Drusky, Jeannie Seely, Vic Willis Trio
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Walker
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Carlisles
10:30: Del Reeves (host): Mike Snider
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Skeeter Davis, Opry Square Dance Band, The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Billy Walker, Jean Shepard, The 4 Guys, The Whites
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett, Jim Ed Brown, Johnny Russell

Sunday Matinee
3:00: Porter Wagoner, Skeeter Davis
3:30: Jimmy Dickens, The Whites
4:00: Jim Ed Brown, The 4 Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff

(There was also a Saturday matinee but that lineup was not available)

Some may disagree, but in my opinion, Del Reeves was one of the finest showmen that the Opry ever had. He was a total entertainer. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It is a very full week at the Grand Ole Opry as in addition to the usual Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night shows, this week there will be a Monday Night Opry. On Monday, Challenge America will partner with the Grand Ole Opry for a Celebration Honoring our Military Community. Headlining the show will be Vince Gill and Amy Grant. 

In addition to Vince and Amy, the schedule also includes Darryl Worley, John Foster, RaeLynn and making his Opry debut, Austin Edwards. 

Monday July 20
7:00: John Foster, RaeLynn, Austin Edwards, Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:20: Sister Sadie, Amy Grant, Vince Gill

Austin Edwards is from Illinois and grew up in a home full of musical talent — his father was a skilled 12-string guitarist and vocalist, and his mother was a pianist and vocalist. After losing his mother to pancreatic cancer at age six, music became a therapy and a lifelong passion, encouraged by his father 

A 5th-generation U.S. veteran and third-generation law enforcement officer, Edwards has also composed songs honoring fallen brothers and sisters in law enforcement, earning an induction into the American Police Hall of Fame for “Final Call” 

Moving on to the Tuesday Night Opry, T. Graham Brown and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule. Guesting will be Kaitlin Butts, Cleto Cordero, Dasha, Mickey Guyton, Margo Price and Orville Peck, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday July 21
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Kaitlin Butts, Cleto Cordero, Mickey Guyton
Intermission
8:20: Dasha, Orville Peck, Margo Price, Riders In The Sky

Orville Peck is from South Africa.  He is widely known for often wearing a mask and not showing his He released his debut album Pony in 2019 followed by the EP Show Pony the next year. His second studio album Bronco was released in 2022. After a self-imposed hiatus in 2023, Peck released his third studio album Stampede in 2024. W Magazine said that his voice is a "deep, calm bass-baritone that recalls the bygone era of Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison; [his] haunting guitar riffs drift between rockabilly, blues, and dreamy shoegazing distortions."

 
T. Graham Brown is back on the Wednesday Night Opry, which includes Opry members The Whites, Del McCoury and Charlie McCoy. Comedian Aaron Weber is on the schedule, as is Opry NextStage artist Emily Ann Roberts. Rounding out the schedule is Waylon Wyatt, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Wednesday July 22
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Julia Cole, Waylon Wyatt, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Aaron Weber, Emily Ann Roberts, Charlie McCoy

Waylon Wyatt is a 19-year-old folk-country artist from Hackett, Arkansas. He has had viral success on TikTok and his debut album Dustpiles, is scheduled to be released on July 17. He currently has a duet with Wyatt Flores, who has guested on the Opry previously. 

Finally, Lainey Wilson is set to appear on the Thursday Night Opry. joined by member Rhonda Vincent. Neal McCoy, who thinks he should be an Opry member, is on the schedule, as is Benny G., Will Hoge, John R. Miller, Conner Smith and making their Opry debut, Switchfoot. 

Thursday July 23
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Connor Smith, John R. Miller, Neal McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Will Hoge, Benny G., Switchfoot, Lainey Wilson

Switchfoot is a Grammy award winning rock band. Their invitation announcement was made to the band by longtime friends the Jonas Brothers during their recent iHeartPodcast “Hey Jonas!” episode. “So incredibly honored to have been invited to debut at the Grand Ole Opry in July. Unreal!” the band posted. “Even better to hear the news from our friends the Jonas Brothers. So stoked… see you soon, Nashville!”

As I wrote previously, I was at the Opry this past weekend, including on Saturday night when Bill Anderson was honored. I will include my thoughts and observations when I post the lineup for the upcoming weekend later this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 7/17 & 7/18

I will be headed to Nashville this weekend for a very special and historical night at the Grand Ole Opry. On Saturday night, Bill Anderson will be celebrating his 65th anniversary as a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Nobody in the history of the show has been a member of the Opry as long as Bill. Bill joined the Opry on July 15, 1961, and as I always note, once he joined, he never left. 

Here is how the Tennessean reported it that morning: 

Ott Devine, manager of WSM's Grand Ole Opry, signs writer-singer Bill Anderson to a regular role in the Opry cast. Anderson, who records for Decca, thus becomes the 48th country music artist to attain star status on the Saturday night sessions. Former resident of Commerce, Ga., Anderson is now making his home in Nashville. He has penned such hits as "City Lights," "That's What It's Like To Be Lonesome," "Face To The Wall," etc. and his latest platter is "Po' Folks." He is married to the former Betty Rhodes, and they have 3-months-old daughter Terri Lee. Anderson appears tonight on the 8 and 11:30 Opry programs. 

In another interview, Bill wrote how the Opry invitation came about: 

"I think what probably led to me getting on the Opry was a show I did in Panama City, Florida, in late spring of '61. Opry manager Ott Devine was down in Panama City on a fishing trip and I was booked at the auditorium there as part of a package show. Ott came over to see the show. At the time, I had the record 'Po' Folks' out and it was getting pretty hot across the country. I did it on that show in Panama City and got about two or three encores--just really stopped the show with it. Ott came backstage and seemed quite impressed. I had been a guest on the Opry a few times--the first time when I had my first record for Decca in '58. 'That's What It's Like to be Lonesome'--but I hadn't really been on that much. Ott said when he got back to Nashville he was going to call me. So I was sitting home watching the All-Star baseball game on TV and about one o'clock in the afternoon my phone rang and I thought, 'Golly, I can't believe somebody is calling me and interrupting the ball game.' But it was Ott Devine and he said, 'How would you like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?' Needless to say, I forgot the ball game."

Bill later said: 

"I was totally in awe of the Opry. It was just so hard for me to believe that I was there with all those people I had listened to and idolized all down through the years. And it took me a long time to be comfortable. Because, if anything, I was a super fan. It was very, very hard for me to relax. And not just with the stars, but with the outstanding sidemen and musicians. It was very difficult for me to go up to them and ask them to play with me on the Opry. That was the days before I had a band. To me, the Grand Ole Opry has always been the pinnacle. I mean, it's like a kid growing up who wants to be a baseball player--in my era he wanted to play in Yankee Stadium, because that was the tops. Or if a guy wanted to be in the movies, he wanted to be in Hollywood. And for somebody who wanted to be in country music, the pinnacle, the top, the ultimate was the Grand Ole Opry. And even though its role has changed somewhat in the modern concept of country music, to me it's still the pinnacle."

I know that Bill doesn't get the recognition some of the other Country Music Hall of Fame members receive. But when you consider everything, Bill has done in his career: singer, songwriter, television host, author, Grand Ole Opry member, Songwriter's Hall of Fame member and Country Music Hall of Fame member, along with his 65+ year career in country music, he is one of the all-time greats. 

In looking at the lineup for Saturday night, Bill will be joined by fellow Grand Ole Opry members Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs and Rhonda Vincent. While it is nice that those Opry members will be there, I honestly was looking for more. There are several Opry members that have connections to Bill and in taking a quick look at schedules, some of those are free on Saturday. I do know that Bill did invite several of those to appear with him on Saturday and while they may not appear on stage, hopefully a few will be there to honor Bill with a backstage visit. 

In addition to those members, John Berry, Steve Dorff and Matthew Shafer are also on the schedule. If the name Matthew Shafer doesn't ring a bell, his stage name should: Uncle Kracker. And yes, he does have a connection to Bill. 

While Saturday will be the big night, let's not forget that there is a Friday Night Opry on the schedule that includes Opry members Connie Smith, John Conlee and Riders In The Sky. Joining that group are very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash (who seem to have found a new home at the Opry), The Band Loula, JigJam, from Ireland, and recent American Idol winner Hannah Harper, who will be making a return appearance on the Opry. 

Friday July 17
7:00: Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, The Band Loula, Hannah Harper, JigJam

Saturday July 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, John Berry, Steve Dorff, Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Uncle Kracker, Crystal Gayle, The Isaacs

(While she is not on the lineup for Saturday, I do know that Bill invited Mary Lou Turner to appear with him)

So the thought comes to mind with Bill Anderson marking 65 years as an Opry member, is there anyone else who could reach that mark? With a little luck, there are a few. Connie Smith would reach that mark in 2030 and she would be 89. Very possible in her case. Dolly Parton would reach it in 2032 at the age of 86. Lorrie Morgan would be 90 and Lauren Alaina 93 when their turn comes. Just a few that stand out. Either way, outside of Connie, I would think everyone else is a long shot. 

Finally, before leaving Bill, here is the lineup that was posted from Saturday July 15, 1961, the night Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

7:30: Ray Price, Cowboy Copas, Bill Monroe, Stringbean, Tommy Jackson, Jan Howard
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs, Dick Flood, Bill Anderson, Loretta Lynn, Crook Brothers, Cousin Jake
8:30: Porter Wagoner, Bobby Lord, Archie Campbell, Jordanaires, Margie Bowes, Bob Luman
9:00: Roy Drusky, Glaser Brothers, Stonewall Jackson, Skeeter Davis, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Cousin Jody
9:30: George Hamilton IV, Bill Monroe, Johnny Forbes, Lonzo & Oscar, Mary Bee
10:00: Flatt & Scruggs, Jan Howard, Jordanaires
10:15: Bobby Lord, Loretta Lynn, Stringbean
10:30: Roy Drusky, Margie Bowes, Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Glaser Brothers, Cousin Jody, Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner, Bob Luman, George Hamilton IV, Lonzo & Oscar, Sam & Kirk McGee, Jordanaires, Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Bill Monroe, Bill Anderson, Skeeter Davis, Dick Flood, Johnny Forbes

What is interesting is that Bill wrote in his autobiography that it was Billy Grammer who introduced him that night and he sang "Po' Folks." And while Billy is not listed on the lineup that I have, I trust Bill's memory. 

Congratulations to Bill Anderson and Happy 65th!!

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There is always something special going on at the Grand Ole Opry and that will continue this week as on the Tuesday Night Opry Jamey Johnson will be celebrating his birthday with a special show that includes many of his friends. 

Joining Jamey on Tuesday night are Bill Anderson, ERNEST and Lee Brice. 

Also appearing this year is Tracy Lawrence. Many will remember that a few years back, Tracy was making a lot of Opry appearances and many thought that Tracy would eventually become a member of the Opry. Jeannie Seely was one of those who was pushing it. But, for whatever reason, Tracy stopped appearing. It is good to see him back on the schedule. Rounding out the schedule is Ruby Leigh and two artists who will be making their Opry debuts: Lily Meola and Andy Whatley & Co. 

Tuesday July 14

7:00: Jamey Johnson, Ruby Leigh, Bill Anderson, Andy Whatley & Co., ERNEST
Intermission
8:20: Lily Meola, Lee Brice, Tracy Lawrence, Jamey Johnson

(Since the lineup was posted, Lee Brice has been added, and Randy Houser, who was on the original schedule, has been taken off. And as always, lineups are subject to change)

On the Wednesday Night Opry, Opry members Charlie McCoy and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers will be appearing. Like Tuesday night, there are two more Opry debuts on the schedule as Daniel Grindstaff and The Uptown Troubadours will be making their debut, as will The Last Revel. Comedian Dusty Slay returns and rounding out the Wednesday schedule are Drew Baldridge and Priscilla Block. 

Daniel Grindstaff has appeared on the Opry previously, performing with Jim & Jesse and The Osborne Brothers. He later toured with Marty Raybon. He is a two-time IBMA nominated performer. The Last Revel is from Minnesota and is well known on the Americana/Indie-folk circuit. 

Wrapping up the week is the Thursday Night Opry with Opry members Mandy Barnett, Gene Watson, Rhonda Vincent and Riders In The Sky heading up the night. Gospel legend Jason Crabb is scheduled to appear, as is Ashland Craft and Niko Moon. Finally, there is another Opry debut as Tyce Delk rounds out the lineup. 

Tyce Delk is from New Mexico, and his Opry invite was announced on stage while performing at the New Mexico Stage FFA Convention, with his father making the announcement. The Delk Family Band began in 1934 and Tyce will be joined by the family band at the Opry. 

(Lineups have yet to be posted for Wednesday and Thursday)

Grand Ole Opry 7/10 & 7/11

It's the mid-point of the year and time to take a quick look back at the first half of 2026 at the Grand Ole Opry. 

2026 has started out as a busy year for the Opry with Suzy Bogguss and Jelly Roll being added as new members, with Rhett Akins accepting an invitation to join last month. Sadly, Don Schlitz passed away earlier this year, followed by Bob Whittaker and Bill Cody. That currently leaves us with 77 Opry members. 

As you would expect, it is the veteran Opry members that are leading the pack in appearances. Riders In The Sky, Dailey & Vincent and T. Graham Brown have appeared 27 times each, followed by Rhonda Vincent with 26, John Conlee 21, Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett 20, The Whites 17 and The Oak Ridge Boys with 15. It has been nice to see The Oaks up their appearances in 2026, and they have many more on the upcoming schedules. 

On the opposite end, we have these "active" Opry members who have yet to appear thus far in 2026: Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, Diamond Rio, Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Rascal Flatts, and Little Big Town. (I did not include Lady A who is on an upcoming schedule, nor Alan Jackson). There are many more who have appeared only once or twice. That includes Jelly Roll whose only appearance has been the night of his induction. In looking at the list, there really are no surprises. 

What is nice to see is that the latest group of Opry members have been making appearances and are well on their way to making at least 10 this year. Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Earle, Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss have all been good choices. 

The only Opry 100 Honors this year has been for Hank Williams, Jimmy Dickens and Don Williams. I am sure there will be others coming up on the schedule. 

Summing up the first half of the year, it has been a pretty typical year. Lots of shows, lots of non-members and lots of Opry debuts. I am sure we will see more of that in the second half. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry schedule for this weekend, the Friday Night Opry has four members on the schedule: T. Graham Brown, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Steve Wariner. Saturday night features two members: Mandy Barnett and John Conlee.

Guesting on Friday night is award singing/songwriter Erin Enderlin, comedian Alex Velluto, Andrew Farriss and Madeline Merlo. 

Elizabeth Cook is on the short list of non-members who have appeared on the Opry the most times and she is back on the schedule on Saturday night. Joining Elizabeth are Sister Sadie, Kylie Morgan and comedian Karen Mills. 

Friday July 10
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Erin Enderlin, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:20: Madeline Merlo, Alex Velluto, Andrew Farriss, Dailey & Vincent

Saturday July 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Kylie Morgan, Josiah & The Bonnevilles
Intermission
8:20: Mike Reid, Karen Mills, Elizabeth Cook, Sister Sadie

(lineup subject to change)

If you woke up in Nashville on Sunday morning July 11, 1965, you were greeted with this headline across the front page of the Nashville Tennessean: 

Badly Injured Roy Acuff, Friend Rushed to Nashville

Country music star Roy Acuff and Harold B. (Shot) Jackson, injured in an automobile accident at Sparta, Tenn., were on their way to a Nashville hospital late yesterday. The two were returning by ambulance, after medical authorities revised an earlier decision that the two stars could not be moved. The Tennessee Highway Patrol Helicopters prepared to fly to Sparta and return the injured stars to Nashville, were taken off a standby basis about 4 p.m. The decision to return the men to Nashville by ambulance was made shortly after this. 

Acuff, 58, "The Granddaddy of the Grand Ole Opry" and Jackson, 44, a guitarist in Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, were injured when Acuff's gray Imperial skidded into the path of another car on U.S. 70, six miles west of Sparta, about 9:30 yesterday morning. Earlier attempts to move the country music star to Nashville were called off when his blood pressure reportedly dropped. At attending physician, Dr. Donald Bradley at White County Hospital, Sparta, said Acuff was in serious condition with broken ribs, pelvis and collarbone. 

Jackson was listed by Bradley in critical condition with fractures of the skull, broken ribs and a possible punctured lung. A third victim in the Acuff party was Mrs. Agnus June Burdette, 26, who sings under the name June Stearns, she suffered a broken ankle. There were no other persons in the Acuff car. 

Mrs., Burdette said the Acuff troupe was en route to Terrell, N.C. for a performance last night. State Trooper Eddie Cantrell said Acuff's car was headed east on the rain-swept highway when his car skidded into the path of the other lane. Eddie Blish, 34 of Smithville hit the gray Imperial near the right front door, where Jackson was sitting. Arnold Smith, the Hunter Funeral ambulance driver, who helped take the injured to the hospital, said he arrived at the scene "right at the height of the rain downpour. Acuff could talk and he asked us to notify his wife. Jackson's right foot was pinned in the door, and he was moaning and saying he couldn't breathe. 

The article when on to state that Roy, who was driving, tried to avoid a head-on collision. Upon the return to Nashville, Roy and Shot Jackson were taken to the Miller Clinic for their recovery. 

During that period, numerous country music stars were involved in highway accidents. The list includes Bill Monroe, Hank Snow, Ira Louvin, Ernest Tubb, Jean Shepard, George Jones, Jack Anglin and the Carter Family, who were involved in their own separate accident the same weekend in Ohio. Travel was difficult on those two lane roads before the interstates. 

Roy would not return to the Opry until August 28, seven weeks after the accident. After the accident, Roy said he would be cutting down on his traveling. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

The summer of fun at the Grand Ole Opry continues with a full week of shows on the schedule, beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry and the Opry debut of Niall Horan. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (June 18, 2026) – Capitol Records multi-Platinum recording artist Niall Horan will make his Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday, July 7 as part of the Opry’s ongoing 100th anniversary celebration and in support of his new album Dinner Party. The Irish born singer/songwriter and popular former coach on The Voice, rose to worldwide fame as a member of the globally successful band One Direction. 

Horan recently collaborated with multi-platinum country music superstar Thomas Rhett on a revamped version of Thomas Rhett’s popular hit song “Old Tricks.” The two superstars are co-headlining two stadium shows this summer including the highly anticipated show at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Thursday, July 9 as well as Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, PA on July 18. Horan will kick off his Dinner Party Live On Tour on September 22 in Birmingham, England. Tickets for all tour dates are available on NiallHoran.com.

I remember Niall well as a member of One Direction, which during their time was one of the biggest acts in music. I also saw his solo show at Blossom Music Center in 2024, and it was a very good show. 

Joining Niall on his Opry debut night will be members Rhonda Vincent and Charlie McCoy. Dek of Hearts is back for a repeat performance, as are Tommy Emmanuel, Karly Scott Collins, and also making his Opry debut Theo Lawrence. 

Rhonda Vincent is back on Wednesday night, joined by T. Graham Brown. Bluegrass group Sister Sadie is on the schedule, as are Tenille Arts, William Beckmann, Johnnie W., Anna Vaus and making his debut, Patrick Droney. 

Finally, there is the Thursday Night Opry. That lineup includes members Dustin Lynch, Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy and Connie Smith. The Cleverlys are listed as is Ashley Kutcher, who is making her Opry debut. 

(Lineups are subject to change and still waiting on the release of the exact running order). 

Grand Ole Opry 7/3 & 7/4

It's the July 4th weekend and at the Grand Ole Opry, on Friday and Saturday nights the Opry will be celebrating America's 250th. 

Starting off with the Friday Night Opry, there are four Opry members on the schedule: Suzy Bogguss, T. Graham Brown, Charlie McCoy and comedian Gary Mule Deer. Charlie Worsham and Wendy Moten are guesting, along with Dee White and making his Opry debut, Ashby Frank. 

Gary Mule Deer returns on Saturday night, joined by members John Conlee and Connie Smith. Songwriter Dean Miller will be guesting, as are Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Kody Norris Show, Frank Ray and the wonderful and talented Sunny Sweeney. 

(As I post this, I still do not have the running order for the shows this weekend. I will update as soon as I receive them)

Ashby Frank, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night has performed with a who’s who of artists, including the Mashville Brigade, the Earls of Leicester, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Marty Raybon, and Special Consensus, among others. He has also written songs that have been recorded by Junior Sisk, the Lonesome River Band, Amanda Cook, Dale Ann Bradley, and a number of other artists. 

 Although he has previously performed on the Opry as a member of groups or supporting other musicians, this will be his first time as a featured performer in his own right. “I’ve had the honor of playing the Opry many times over the years,” Frank says. “The first time was with Marty Raybon and Full Circle when I was 19 years old. I never imagined that I’d ever get a slot of my own, but here we are!”

With a new album arriving July 17, the timing has worked out wonderfully for Frank, and he says he is extremely excited for the opportunity. “I knew that the great publicist Susan Collier was going to pitch me and my new project to the folks over at the Opry, but when I got the news, I was just totally flabbergasted,” he says. 

“Joining me on stage will be the guy I’ve known and picked with the longest in this business, the great Jim VanCleve on fiddle, my Mountain Heart bandmates Seth Taylor on guitar and Travis Anderson on bass, and my good buddy that I occasionally get to pick with on Steve Earle’s bluegrass shows, banjo master Russ Carson,” Frank says. “It’s such an honor, and I can’t wait!”

In the history of the Grand Ole Opry, there have been three Opry members who have come from Canada. Hank Snow, Stu Phillips and Terri Clark. While Terri has continued to represent herself as a Canadian citizen, that has not been the case with Hank Snow or Stu Phillips. In 1958, Hank and his family became U.S. citizens. Stu Phillips and his wife Aldona became U.S. citizens in June 1998, and it was July 4, 1998, that Stu appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time as an American. 

From The Tennessean, July 3, 1998: 

Grand Ole Opry members Stu Phillips will experience the Fourth of July this weekend in a different manner than ever before: He'll observe it as a U.S. citizen. Born in Montreal and raised in the Canadian Rockies, Phillips and his wife Aldona, were sworn in as citizens last Friday at the U.S. Court House in Nashville. Having lived in Nashville for the past 33 years, he's now spent more of his life in the U.S. than in his native Canada. Phillips, who joined the Opry in 1967 just before releasing his biggest record, Juanita Jones, appears on both Saturday shows. 

Here is the posted lineup from July 3 & 4, 1998: 

Friday July 3
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jan Howard, Oswald & Charlie, Stonewall Jackson, Mike Snider
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Del Reeves, Bill Carlisle
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Louvin
9:00: Bill Anderson (host): Osborne Brothers, Jean Shepard, The 4 Guys, Johnny Counterfit
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): Charlie Walker, The Isaacs

Saturday July 4
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Bill Carlilse
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jan Howard, Hank Locklin
7:30: The 4 Guys (host): Charlie Walker, Stu Phillips
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Del Reeves (host): Jeff Carson, Jeanne Pruett, Johnny Counterfit

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Hank Locklin
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Bill Carlisle
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host): Roy Drusky
10:30: Charlie Walker (host): Jean Shepard
10:45: Bill Anderson (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Jeanne Pruett, Jeff Carson
11:30: Del Reeves (host): Charlie Louvin, Johnny Counterfit

While on the Opry that Saturday night, Stu and his wife Aldona celebrated their American citizenship. Stu explained "Our lives simply evolved over the years and took a new direction. Whenever I traveled overseas, I used to think of Canada as home. After moving to Nashville, our lives became integrated into this land with all its comforts. Now, whenever I travel overseas, home is Tennessee where I live." 

I definitely remember the moment well and it was a wonderful night for Stu at the Opry. While not the Opry's biggest star and as I have said over the years, Stu was a fine ballad singer.