February Opry Highlights

2026 has gotten off to a great start at the Grand Ole Opry. Clint Black and Reba McEntire celebrated Opry anniversaries, Hank Williams was honored and Suzy Bogguss was inducted as an Opry member. And Opry icon celebrated her 80th birthday. 

Now the page on the calendar is turned to February. Let's take a look at some past events: 

February 9, 1914: The legendary Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. 

February 18, 1914: Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski was born. Better known by his stage name Pee Wee King. Pee Wee came to the Opry in 1937, even before Roy Acuff and was one of the Opry's first professional stars. 

February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM and become responsible for the Opry. While in that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the show. While Judge Hay wanted to keep the rural flavor of the show, Harry saw the value of the show to the National Life & Insurance Company, the owners of WSM, and felt that the show should move into a more professional direction. It was during Harry's time that the Opry moved away from local, amateur talent and began bringing in professional and paid entertainers. Harry remained with WSM until 1950, when he left to pursue new opportunities. Overtime it has seemed that Harry Stone's influence at WSM and in the direction that the Opry eventually took has been overlooked, but he was an important part of the history of the radio station and the Opry. On a personal note, I feel Harry Stone should have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame decades ago. Sadly, his time has probably passed. 

February 17, 1931: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first artist to perform on what is now called the Grand Ole Opry passed away. Uncle Jimmy was a part of the Barn Dance until 1927. On the back wall at the Opry House, on the list of Opry members, Uncle Jimmy holds the top spot. 

February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers, led by Jack Shook, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook, as a "sort of Sons of Pioneers group." They stayed with the Opry until 1939. After the group left the Opry, Jack Shook would go on to make recordings with Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow, among others. 

February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans made their second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His first appearance had taken place several months earlier and was not considered a success. This time around, Roy performed "The Great Speckled Bird" and WSM was overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail. As a result, Roy was asked to become an Opry regular, or member, and it became official on February 19. Along with Pee Wee King, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and Eddy Arnold, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry's focus to professional singers rather than the instrumental groups that had been the main focus of the show. Shortly after he joined, Harry Stone suggested to Roy that the name of his group be changed and since Roy was from the Knoxville area, he went with Smoky Mountain Boys, which was effective beginning February 26. Except for a brief year in the 1940s, Roy would remain with the Opry until his death in November 1992.

February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the Opry specifically to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. While I have never heard The Andrew Brothers, I have heard that they were fine harmony singers.

February 13, 1943: While several dates have been listed, it would appear that Ernest Tubb became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry on this particular date. As has been discovered with others, in its earliest years, the Opry didn't keep very accurate records. 

February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair." Several months later, Jimmy would become a member of the Opry.

February 2, 1949: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow met current Opry member Ernest Tubb for the first time. The meeting led to the efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.

February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Rose and the group would later become Opry members, however their stay at the Opry was very short. There are several different versions as to why they left but the consensus seems to be that they were a little too progressive for the Opry. When discussion takes place regarding those who should be in the Hall of Fame but have been passed over, Rose and her brothers are frequently mentioned. 

February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's early competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show, which started on November 16, 1940, was a very popular regional show.

February 23, 1952: Del Wood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry after "Down Yonder" her famous instrumental single, sold over a million copies the previous year. When Del accepted the invitation to perform on the Opry, she turned down a two-week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del became an Opry member the following year and would remain an Opry member until her death in October 1989. It has been said that Del would keep a sharp eye out whenever a newcomer came to the Opry and didn't care for those who were overly progressive. 

February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed two numbers, "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." Marty's debut was a success, and he would shortly become an Opry regular. 

February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider them the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965, from injuries in an automobile accident that also took the life of his wife and another couple. Charlie would remain a member of the Opry, and have a successful solo career, until his death in January 2011. (As a note, some publications list February 10 as the date the Louvin Brothers joined the Opry).

February 19, 1957: Webb Pierce resigned as a member of the Opry. Webb's time at the Opry was fairly short as he quickly realized the amount of money, he was losing by having to be in Nashville every Saturday night. While that was the main issue, there were other instances where Webb felt that he wasn't being fairly treated by the Opry's management. However, after Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would come back for an occasional appearance. 

February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is safe to say that Porter was one of the Opry's most popular and colorful members and in his later years, was considered the face of the Opry. Porter had made his first guest appearance in 1956 and would later say, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here,'" The night of his first appearance, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later become close friends with Porter. Porter remained an Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.

February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Famous for "Gotta Travel On" Billy was also a fine guitar player and maker. Billy was a member for 52 years, passing away in August 2011. Billy also gave the innovation at the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974.

February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. George, who passed away in September 2014, was an Opry member for 54 years. From my own personal experience, George was one of the nicest guys in country music and it was always a joy and pleasure to sit and talk to him. I would also add that I believe George's contributions to country and folk music have been largely overlooked over the years. 

February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes. While Patsy's time at the Opry was short, she had a tremendous influence. 

February 12, 1966: After taking a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry in December 1964, Minnie Pearl returned to the Opry. Minnie saw that she was probably going to be caught up in the Purge of 64 with the members who were fired from the show, thus she took the initiative and asked for a leave knowing that she would be back someday. 

February 19, 1966: Folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary made a special guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As the story has been told many times, they were brought back for several encores. Even though the group never had a hit record, they were such a success with their stage presence that they were asked to become Opry members, were they remained until fired in April 2000. On a side note, Sam Wellington, the original leader of the group was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. Sam also has written some wonderful books about Nashville and the country music industry, 

February 10, 1968: Opry sponsor Shick sponsored a segment for the final time. 

February 17, 1968: Fender Music Instruments sponsored an Opry segment for the first time. They settled into the 10:00 segment on Saturday night, formally occupied by Shick. 

February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their final appearance together on the Opry. The duo had joined the Opry in 1955; however creative differences caused the two to go their separate ways. While they broke up several months later, each remained as individual members of the Opry. On that particular night, they were scheduled for both shows, however they only appeared on the early show as differences kept them from appearing on the late show. 

February 28, 1970: Pure Oil sponsored their final segment on the Opry. They were replaced, basically in a name change, by Union 76. 

February 6, 1971: The Grand Ole Opry began performing two Saturday night Opry shows on a regular basis. Prior to that date, the Saturday show ran 7:30 to midnight, although on special occasions the Opry would break it up into two shows, depending on artist and audience demand.

February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by the Reverend Jimmie Snow, made its debut after the Friday Night Opry. The show would continue for the next 23 years and feature many of the Opry's members, along with other guests including Johnny and June Carter Cash and Dennis Weaver. While the hour-long show took place after the Friday Night Opry, it was not aired on WSM until Sunday morning.

February 19, 1974: Grand Ole Opry members Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton announced the break-up of their act. Obviously, this affected the Opry greatly as Porter would continue as an Opry regular, however Dolly, who would remain an Opry member, would eventually fade away from making regular Opry appearances. 

February 23, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry members DeFord Bailey, Sid Harkreader, Pee Wee King and several others performed on the Opry as part of the first of what would turn into, an annual reunion show featuring former Opry members. DeFord appeared at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. While this was not DeFord's first Opry appearance since his firing, this was among his more notable ones. Before passing away, DeFord would make several more appearances, most often on the Opry's annual reunion shows.

February 1, 1975: Future Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner made his singing debut on the Opry. He sang a duet with Dottie West "Sweet Memories." He as part of Dottie's band and was introduced that night as Steve Noel. 

February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast as a member of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed at the Opry and how good it was to have him back. As you might expect, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion." Unlike the first time he joined in 1948, this time Jimmy stayed, until passing away in January 2015.

February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ronnie's 50th year as an Opry member. Sadly, Ronnie has had his share of health problems, and it would appear that he has retired. Ronnie last scheduled appearance on the Opry was in March 2024 as part of his 80th birthday celebration. While not on the list of performers, Ronnie did attend the Opry 100 special on NBC last March. 

February 16, 1980: Opry member Charlie Louvin was recognized upon his 25th anniversary as an Opry member. 

February 7, 1981: John Conlee became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be John's 45th year as an Opry member. As an Opry member, John has been very popular and well received. After he first appeared on the Opry, he was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring."

February 21, 1981: Just two weeks after John Conlee joined the cast, Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a country music star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late-night television commercials promoting his train album. Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose, who brought Boxcar to the attention of Roy Acuff. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999. Also, that night, former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made an Opry appearance, her first since October 1975.

February 28, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Archie, who was also known as a star of Hee Haw, passed away in August 1987. For those who haven't, I would recommend a visit to the Archie Campbell Museum in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. It is free and wonderful. I would also add that Archie should have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame decades ago. As to why he has not been elected, I do not have an answer. 

February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour-long segment to Roy that featured Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. On an additional note, on the same night that Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited at the Opry for the first time in 14 years.

February 24, 1990: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn performed on the Opry for the first time with her sisters Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue. 

February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and quickly made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the cast in 1953, he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. In the 1950s, Webb was one of the biggest acts in country music and because of his heavy touring, he only stayed at the Opry for a couple of years. Webb was also a very successful businessman and was involved with one of the first publishing companies in Nashville. In 2001, a decade after his death, Webb was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 34th year as an Opry member. Travis is the only member in the history of the Opry who joined the cast on February 29, leap year. Sadly, over the past decade, Travis has not been to the Opry very often. Also taking place that night was the Opry debut of Trisha Yearwood. She would join the Opry's cast a decade later. 

February 18, 1995: WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Charlie retired from WSM after coming to the station in 1984.

February 19, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones passed away from the effects of a stroke he had suffered earlier in the year. Grandpa had been a 50+ year member of the Opry and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

February 21, 1998: The Grand Ole Opry honored long-time member Grandpa Jones, who passed away earlier in the week from complications of a stroke suffered after an Opry performance. At the show that night, Bill Carlisle, Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children led the cast in singing "Fallen Leaves," one of the great songs that Grandpa wrote. I was at the show that night and it was a very memorable evening. 

February 19, 1999: Brother Oswald made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Oswald had been a part of the Opry for decades, originally coming to the show as part of Roy Acuff's group, then later becoming an Opry member after Roy passed away. 

February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Brad's 25th year as an Opry member. On the night that Brad joined the cast, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carnegie Hall" album. In some ways, Brad has become the poster child of Opry members who seem to have forgotten where the Opry House is. 

February 24, 2001: While performing on the first show that evening, Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee did return to the Opry several times after the stroke, once to be honored for 50 years as a member of the Opry, and then when the Grand Ole Opry House reopened after the flood in September 2010.

February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. performed together on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had recently passed away. Porter Wagoner was the host of the segment, and the four performers spent an hour on stage singing various Waylon songs and telling Waylon stories.

February 23, 2002: Former Grand Ole Opry member Earl Scruggs made a guest appearance. Although he had given up his Opry membership decades earlier, he would still come around at times and perform on the Opry. 

February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997, at the urging of Johnny Russell. However, within a few years, declining health forced Johnny into retirement. At the time of his death. Johnny was in such poor financial shape that George Jones paid for a cemetery plot in which Johnny was buried.

February 22, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final appearance on a Saturday night Opry show. Bill's final appearance would take place a on a Friday night the following month. 

February 4, 2005: Bluegrass group The Grascals made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, the group has continued to make appearances on the Opry. 

February 26, 2005: Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both Opry shows that night in addition to hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Sadly, Charlie was not featured on the televised segment of the Opry that evening. 

February 8, 2007: In response to the recently filed lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry officials file papers in a Nashville court to request a dismissal of Stonewall Jackson's age-discrimination suit. They note Jackson has turned down some opportunities to perform and call the suit an effort "to boost his own career"

February 16, 2008: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away in Florida at the age of 74. Bobby was a popular Opry member who joined the cast in the mid 1960s, leaving in the mid-1970s. At the time, he left Nashville and moved to Florida and got involved in real estate. From a personal standpoint, Bobby is one of those artists that I have missed. 

February 27, 2009: Opry member Billy Grammer was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. On the same night that Billy was recognized, Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after an absence of six weeks following brain surgery.

February 15, 2013: Future Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson made his Opry debut. And yes, he was as wild that night as he was on the night that he became an Opry member. 

February 14, 2015: Future Grand Ole Opry member Kelsea Ballerini made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Kelsea joined the Opry cast in 2019.

February 26, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

February 24, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Roy joined the Opry's cast in August 1987. Roy passed away on November 15, 2018.

February 28, 2017: Travis Tritt returned to the Opry stage for the first time since 2007, upon the occasion of his 25th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

February 8, 2018: Steve Buchanan, President of the Grand Ole Opry, announced his retirement. Steve was instrumental in bringing in Pete Fisher as the Opry's general manager, and in expanding the Opry brand in Nashville and beyond. Steve was also the executive producer of "Nashville," which included the Opry and several of its members in many of their shows. An argument can be made that Steve could be a candidate for the Country Music Hall of Fame in the contributors' category.

February 15, 2019: William Shatner made his Grand Ole Opry debut, appearing with Jeff Cook from the group Alabama. 

February 7, 2020: Gene Watson was formally inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. It was a well-deserved honor for Gene and well received. Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner handled the official induction. 

February 14, 2020: One of the Opry's newest members, Lainey Wilsom, made her Grand Ole Opry debut. From the time of her debut, it didn't take long for her to become an Opry member. 

February 28, 2020: Rhonda Vincent was surprised by Opry member Jeannie Seely with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rhonda had been a guest on the Opry for several decades prior to the invitation. Due to Covid, her induction was delayed until 2021. 

February 6, 2021: After a yearlong wait due to Covid, Rhonda Vincent was finally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. with Dierks Bentley doing the honors. Since joining the cast, Rhonda has embraced her membership and has appeared on the Opry numerous times over the past year. 

February 14, 2021: NBC-TV televised the Opry's 95th anniversary special. The show featured over a dozen of the Opry's more popular members and included the invitation by Darius Rucker to Lady A to become the Opry's newest member. The special had been filmed the previous month, and Lady A's Opry induction took effect immediately, thus jumping Rhonda Vincent's. 

February 12, 2022: Lauren Alaina was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha Yearwood did the introduction and presented Lauren with her Opry member award, with Garth Brooks also appearing. 

February 4, 2023: The Grand Ole Opry revealed its new backdrop. While still shaped somewhat as a barn, it brought the backdrop into the electronic age with LED and digital lighting that was designed for which ever performer was on stage. 

February 11, 2023: Henry Cho was inducted as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member, and the first comedian to join the Opry's cast since Jerry Clower in 1973. Vince Gill did the formal honors, assisted by John Conlee, Don Schlitz, Steve Wariner and Ben Isaacs. 

February 26, 2023: Melvin Sloan passed away at the age of 82. Melvin came to the Opry following the death of his brother Ralph Sloan and took over the lead role of the Square Dancers. The Group became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin retired in 2002, which also marked the 50th year of either Ralph or Melvin leading the Square Dancers. 

February 20, 2024: T. Graham Brown was surprised by Vince Gill with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation took place while Vince was guesting on T. Graham's radio show. 

There you have it for the month of February.

Grand Ole Opry 1/30 & 1/31

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, some news to share, courtesy of Music Row Magazine: 

The Grand Ole Opry will once again bring legendary performers, A-list artists and new breakout stars to its stage as it honors Ronnie Milsap’s 50th Opry anniversary hat evening. (Tuesday February 24). It will also welcome the Opry NextStage class of 2026. Performers that night include Opry members Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Mark Wills and more. Milsap is confirmed to be in attendance at the celebration.

The generational evening will feature Opry members and special guests performing their favorite Milsap songs to honor the six-time Grammy winner and country music legend, who has more than 35 No. 1 hits. Earlier in the evening, the Opry is set to introduce its Opry NextStage class of 2026.

For the remainder of the year, the Opry NextStage class will receive dedicated support from Opry Entertainment Group and presenting sponsor, Tecovas, through Opry performances, NextStage shows and heightened promotion to fans across brand platforms.

Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have achieved a combined 42 No. 1 hits, spending a total of 52 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to rising stars such as Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Ella Langley and Tenille Townes—all of whom went on to win ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson also made history as the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.

I really don't know what to say. I almost went into shock when I saw that Blake Shelton and Keith Urban, a couple of long-lost Opry members, are going to be appearing that night. It makes sense that Trace Adkins is on the schedule as Ronnie inducted Trace as an Opry member, and Mark Willis is a great fan of Ronnie's and appeared during Ronnie's last Opry appearance, when he was honored upon his 80th birthday. And yes, I do know that all of these artists do have relationships with each other. 

Ronnie Milsap is a legend in country music and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. It's wonderful that these artists, in addition to Vince Gill who was not mentioned in the press release, are coming out to the Opry that night to honor Ronnie. 

Hopefully the weather will be a little better this weekend in Nashville as there are two very good Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule for this weekend as the Opry closes out the month of January. 

Country Music Hall of Fame members, and Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys and Ricky Skaggs are on the schedule for both nights this weekend along with The Gatlin Brothers who I am sure will join them one day in the Hall and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be members Riders In The Sky, with Abbey Cone, Tigirlily Gold and Taylor Hicks rounding out the lineup. 

Saturday night, Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Connie Smith are scheduled, along with the legendary Gene Watson. Home Free and Maggie Baugh round at the show. 

Friday January 30

7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Taylor Hicks, Abby Cone, The Gatlin Brothers

Intermission

8:20: Riders In The Sky, Tigirlily Gold, Ricky Skaggs, Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday January 31

7:00: Opry Square Dance Band, Dailey & Vincent, Maggie Baugh, Bill Anderson, Home Free

Intermission

8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Gene Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Oak Ridge Boys

If nothing else, that last half hour on Saturday night will definitely be worth listening to. Three Hall of Fame members and one who should have been elected to the Hall years ago. 

Taking a look back 66 years ago to Saturday January 30, 1960. What makes this an interesting show is that both Billy Walker and Patsy Cline appeared. Both became Grand Ole Opry members that month, with Billy apparently joining at the beginning of the month, and Patsy becoming a member on January 9. It is interesting in doing some research with the Tennessean, neither event was reported on. 

7:30: Pet Milk

Cowboy Copas (host): Gone And Left Me Blue

Carl Butler: Grief In My Heart

Margie Bowes: I Loved You So Much I Left You Go

Cousin Jody: Unpucker

Cowboy Copas: Black Cloud Rising

Del Wood: Swinging By The Riverside

Rusty and Doug: The Love I Want

Carl Butler: You Just Don't Steel From A Poor Man

Cousin Jody: Cripple Creek

Cowboy Copas: The World If Real

8:00: Martha White

Don Gibson (host): I'm Movin' On

Wilburn Brothers: Which One Is To Blame

Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing At The End Of The Road

Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Be The One

Don Gibson: Big Hearted Me

Crook Brothers: Katy Hill

Jordanaires: Wonderful Time Up There

Wilburn Brothers: Somebody's Back In Town

Hawkshaw Hawkins: Don't Apologize

Don Gibson: Don't Tell Me Your Troubles

8:30: Prince Albert

Roy Acuff (host): Roll On Buddy

Archie Campbell: Comedy

Billy Walker: Forever

Tommy Jackson: Snowflake Reel

June Webb: What A Price To Pay

Jimmy Riddle: Indian Love Call

June Carter: Comedy

Billy Walker: Changed My Mind

Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues

Roy Acuff: Don't You Know

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special

Willis Brothers: (?)

Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind

Carlisles: It's The Same Old Tale That The Crow Told

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Rachel's Guitar

Jordanaires: I Ain't Never

Willis Brothers: (?)

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin Ridge

Carlisles: Uncle Bud

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Diamond Joe

9:30: Stephens

Hank Snow (host): The Last Ride

Roy Drusky: Another

Carl Bellew: Am I That Forgetful

Lonzo and Oscar: Bareface Bird Brain

Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I

Patsy Cline: Eyes Of A Child

Bill Anderson: It's Not The End Of Everything

Chubby Wise: Sally Goodin

Roy Drusky: Same Corner

Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie

10:00: Jamison Bedding

Roy Acuff (host): New River Train

Wilburn Brothers: A Woman's Intuition

Cowboy Copas: Black Cloud Rising

June Webb: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Roy Acuff: Somebody Touched Me

Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

Oswald: Southern Moon

Crook Brothers: Grey Eagle

Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl

Roy Acuff: When I Lay My Burden Down

10:30: Pops-Rite Popcorn

Don Gibson (host): Don't Tell Me Your Troubles

Carl Butler: Cry You Fool Cry

Margie Bowes: Make A Wish

Don Gibson: Heartbreak Avenue

Fiddle Tune: Leather Britches

10:45: De Con

Hawkshaw Hawkins (host): Coo See Coo

Jean Shepard: I Used To Love You

Cousin Jody: Money

Hawkshaw Hawkins: I'm Guilty Of Dreaming

Fiddle: Forked Deer

11:00: Coca-Cola

Hank Snow (host): Big Wheel

Willis Brothers: (?)

Justin Tubb: I Know You Do

Lonzo and Oscar: Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea

Hank Snow: I Heard My Heart Break Last Night

Billy Walker: Forever

Sam and Kirk McGee: I Saw Your Face In The Moon

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Black Berry Blossom

Willis Brothers: (?)

Hank Snow: Caribbean

11:30: Phillips & Buttorff

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): There's A Big Wheel

Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane

Bill Anderson: Dead Or Alive
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary Hill

Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

11:45: Roy Drusky (host): Another

Patsy Cline: Oh Lonesome Me

Rusty and Doug: Mr. Love
Roy Drusky: Wait And See
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy

Just so much talent on that show. 

There you have it for this week. As always thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Margaret Whiting: Honorary Grand Ole Opry Member

In 1949, vocalist Margaret Whiting was among the most popular stars in the country. That year, Capital Records paired her with singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely in a series of highly successful duets, beginning with "Slipping Around." As a result, Margaret became the first woman to have a No. 1 hit on, what was then, the newly established country music popularity charts. 

Among other highly successful Whiting-Wakely hits were "Wedding Bells," "I'll Never Slip Around Again," "Broken-Down-Merry-Go-Round," "The Gods Were Angry With Me," Let's Go To Church Next Sunday Morning," "A Bushel and a Peck," "When You and I were Young Maggie Blues," and "I Don't Want to Be Free."

So what does all of this have to do with the Grand Ole Opry? Because of her success, and involvement with the Opry, in 1949 Opry General Manager Harry Stone made Margaret Whiting an "honorary member" of the Grand Ole Opry. There is a plague that signifies that event that has been displayed at times at the Opry House. 

Margaret later wrote, "It started the whole crossover movement of country-pop, I was invited to Nashville to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. For a month, I was briefed, as though I were going to a foreign country and should know all the rules of protocol. I was told I was going to meet Little Jimmy Dickens, Roy Acuff, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. I kept…trying to remember their names. To me, it was like trying to remember the names of Lithuanian royalty. I had no idea who anybody was…. What a warm welcome they all gave me.”

Hank Williams plugged his tunes to her. As a result, she became one of the first of the many pop stars who recorded his songs.

While Margaret Whiting had country success, she enjoyed a greater career in pop music. Among her hits were "That Old Black Magic" which she recorded in 1944, and "Come Rain or Come Shine" Another one of her big was "Moonlight in Vermont." Later in life she was a highly successful cabaret singer and was recognized for keeping the music of composer Johnny Mercer alive. 

In addition to her 1940s Grand Ole Opry appearances, she also appeared on the television Grand Ole Opry shows in the 1950s. She later appeared on the TNN televised portion of the Opry in the 1996, in what would be her final appearance on the Opry. 

As mentioned, Margaret Whiting became an honorary member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1949. Here is the lineup from one of her appearances that year, November 5, 1949: 

7:30: American Ace Coffee

Bill Monroe; Molly and Tenbrooks

Chubby: Orange Blossom Special

Hank Williams: You're Gonna Change

Bill and Mack: Traveling That Lonesome Road

String Beans: Pretty Polly

Hank Williams: Lost Highway

Uncle Dave Macon: Eleven Cent Cotton, Forty Cent Meat

Bluegrass Quartet: I've Been Waiting

Rudy Lyle: Shortnin' Bread

Hank Williams: I Just Told Mama Goodnight

Chubby: Cacklin Hen

8:00: Purina

Cowboy Copas: Crazy Over You

Lew Childre: I'll Keep Smiling

Hank Garland: Guitar Boogie

Uncle Dave Macon: Tennessee Farmer

Cowboy Copas: One Step More

Crook Brothers: 8th of January

Lonzo & Oscar: She Almost Drives Me Wild

Okie Dokie's: Take It From One Who Knows

Sam and Kirk: Southern Moon

Cowboy Copas: The Gypsie Told Me
Breakdown: To Be Announced

8:30: Royal Flour

Ernest Tubb: Daisy May

Martha White: Mean Mama Blues

Milton Estes: Thirty Pounds of Silver

Jimmy Dickens: Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me

Possum Hunters: Katy Hill

Ernest Tubb: Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello

Milton Estes: I'm On The Battlefield For My Lord

Jimmy Selph: I Love You So Much It Hurts Me

Jimmy Dickens: My Heart's Bouquet

Dale Potter: Black Mountain Rag

Ernest Tubb: There's A Little Bit of Everything in Texas

9:00: Royal Crown Cola

Hank Williams: Move It On Over

Zeb Turner: Guitar Boogie

Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner

Jamup & Honey: Jokes

Bill Monroe: Brakeman Blues

String Beans: Here Rattler

Bluegrass Quartet: When He Reached Down His Hand For Me

Hank Williams: Mind Your Own Business

Lonzo & Oscar: Cornbread & Lasses

Chubby Wise: To Be Announced

9:30: Prince Albert

Red Foley: John Henry

Margaret Whiting: Skipping Around

Wally Fowler: I've Found A Hiding Place

Red Foley: Take Me Hand Precious Lord

Margaret Whiting: Wedding Bells

Old Hickory Quartet: When My Dream Boat Comes Home

Red Foley: Two Cents, Three Eggs & A Postcard

Square Dance: Ida Red

10:00: Wallrite

Bill Monroe: To Be Announced

Uncle Dave Macon: Rock of Ages

Bill and Mack: To Be Announced

Bluegrass Quartet: To Be Announced

Chubby Wise: To Be Announced

10:15: Warren Paint & Color Co.

Lew Childre: Everybody's Fishing

Hank Williams: To Be Announced

String Beans: Pretty Little

Hank Williams: To Be Announced

10:30: Darimix

Milton Estes: Take It Back & Change It For A Boy

Sam and Kirk: Long John Green From Bowling Green

Jimmy Selph: You Can't Pick A Rose in December

Odie & Jodi: Bread & Gravy

Dale Potter: Oklahoma Stomp

10:45: Dr. Le Gear

Cowboy Copas: Read of Broken Hearts

Hank Garland: Sugarfoot Hoe Down

Lazy Jim Day: Singing The News

Cowboy Copas: Stormy Winds

Hal Smith: Sally Goodin

11:00: Willys Overland

Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues

Zeb Turner: Zeb's Mountain Boogie

Jimmy Dickens: To Be Announced

Wally Fowler: Dig A Little Deeper in God's Love

Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Winner Is A Loser Today

Gully Jumpers: Down Yonder

Jimmy Dickens: To Be Announced

Wally Fowler: My Cathedral of Dreams

Hal Smith: Mockingbird

Ernest Tubb: I Hang My Head & Cried

11:30: Jefferson Island Salt

Bill Monroe: To Be Announced

Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song

Crook Brothers: To Be Announced

11:45: Niresk

Cowboy Copas: Jealous Heart

Okie Dokies: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight

Fruit Jar Drinkers: To Be Announced

Cowboy Copas: Blue Pacific Waltz

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ravin's Gap

Almost 50 years later, Margaret Whiting appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday August 31, 1996. It would be her final appearance on the Opry. Here is the posted lineup from that night, in which she was on the TNN televised segment of the Opry and sang "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You."

6:30: Mike Snider (host): Bill Carlisle

6:45: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard

7:00: Johnny Russell (host): Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Jim Ed Brown

7:30: Jeannie Seely (host): The Cumberland Boys, Ray Pillow, Margaret Whiting, Melvin Sloan Dancers, Opry Square Dance Band

8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeanne Pruett, Stonewall Jackson, Del Reeves, Charlie Walker

8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jimmy C Newman, Stu Phillips, The Whites, Connie Smith

(Margaret only appeared on the first show that night) 

Later in her career, she recorded country songs for Verve and Dot records while continuing to perform in nightclubs and musicals in New York. While more successful as an adult oriented pop singer, there were a few years where she was at the top of the country charts which earned her the title of being an honorary member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 1/23 & 1/24--Breaking News Update #2

Update #2 from the Opry: 

Due to anticipated inclement weather, the Grand Ole Opry show on Saturday, January 24th has been canceled, as well as Opry House tours on January 24th and 25th. The safety of our fans, our artists, and our staff is our top priority, and we truly appreciate your understanding. 

To continue the Opry’s legacy of consecutive Saturday night broadcasts, this Saturday’s show will be presented as a radio-only program. No audience will be permitted. Please tune in on WSM Radio!

Both show and tour refunds are available at your original point of purchase. If you purchased your tickets via AXS online or by phone, a refund will automatically be issued to the credit card you used to purchase within 30 business days. Ticketholders, please check your email for further details.

The John Crist show at the Opry House on Sunday, January 25th has been rescheduled to March 8th.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to welcome you back to a show soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and warm!

As of now, the Friday Night Opry is still scheduled to take place. Looking at the Opry ticket site, I have seen tickets for as low $12.55 in the balcony with numerous tickets under $40. If you live in the Nashville area, it might be a good opportunity to see a cheap Opry show. 

Currently the artists still listed for the Friday Night Opry are The Bellamy Brothers, Jenna Paulette, John Morgan, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky, Rhonda Vincent and Victoria Shaw. 

The last couple of weekends have been pretty busy at the Grand Ole Opry as Clint Black and Reba McEntire celebrated Opry anniversaries, Suzy Bogguss became an Opry member and Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday. This weekend things are a little quieter, with no special events on the schedule. In other words, it looks like a more normal weekend at the Opry House. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent and comedian Gary Mule Deer are on the schedule. Gary Mule Deer is back on Saturday night, making it a two-show weekend for him, with members John Conlee, Bill Anderson and Ashley McBryde scheduled. 

I use the word "scheduled" because it looks like it could be an interesting weekend in middle Tennessee, along with much of the country east of the Mississippi River as an intense winter storm will be making its way through the central part of the country. While the path of the storm has changed slightly over the past couple of days, and as I post this on Wednesday afternoon, there are still a few days to go, depending on the location and actual path, it is either going to be a snow or ice event. 

As of now, Nashville is in the predicted snow area, but the line between snow and ice is just south of Nashville. The weather should move in late on Friday afternoon with Saturday being the worse of it. The potential is for at least 4 inches of snow, possible more. If it is ice, there could be a significant accumulation and with the colder weather, whether it is snow or ice, it will not be going anywhere soon. 

Some have already asked me, when was the last time an Opry show was cancelled. Believe it or not, it was just over a year ago as the Friday Night Opry was cancelled on January 10, 2025, due to a snowstorm. As far as a Saturday night show, the last cancellation took place on April 6, 1968, when the City of Nashville instituted a curfew following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In its place, WSM aired a previously taped show. 

Now getting back to this weekend, specifically Friday night, The Bellamy Brothers are back on the schedule. The duo has been missing for a while, and it is nice to see them back. Victoria Show along with Jenna Paulette & John Morgan round it out. Saturday night, Dasha, Megan Patrick and making his Opry debut, Zach John King are listed. 

Friday January 23

7:00: T. Graham Brown, Jenna Paulette & John Morgan, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith

Intermission

8:20: Rhonda Vincent, Victoria Shaw, Gary Mule Deer, The Bellamy Brothers

Saturday January 24

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, John Conlee, Megan Patrick, Zach John King, Bill Anderson

Intermission

8:20: Dasha, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Ashley McBryde

Zach John King was invited by Luke Bryan back in early December, to make his Opry debut. Zach, who is one of Spotify's Artist to Watch in 2026, said after the surprise invite "I don't even have words to say how honored I am." Zach is from Georgia and is part of Sony Music Nashville. His breakout single was "Wannabe Cowboy" in 2024. He opened for Luke Bryan last summer and is scheduled to open for Morgan Wallen this year. In addition to being on of Spotify's Artists to Watch, he has also appeared on several Top 10 lists including from The Nashville Briefing and All Country News. 

Taking a look back, it was 28 years ago, Saturday January 24, 1998, that Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away after a sudden illness. 

Born in San Antonio, Texas singer-songwriter Justin Tubb was the son of Ernest and Elaine Tubb. He studied journalism at the University of Texas, and while he appeared with his father at times on the Grand Ole Opry, it wasn't until the early-mid 50s that he began to make an impact in country music. He was signed to Decca Records in 1954 and his many hits included "Blue Eyed Elaine," "Looking Back To See," "As Long As There's A Sunday," "I Gotta Go Get My Baby" and "Take A Letter Miss Gray." 

As a songwriter for other artists, his songs included "Hurry, Mr. Peters," "Keeping Up With The Joneses," "Love Is No Excuse" and "Lonesome 7-7203." Over the years he toured all over the USA, Canada, Europe, appeared in US television shows and song regularly on the Opry right up to his death. 

Justin was scheduled to appear on the Opry on Saturday January 24, however earlier that morning he died during emergency surgery for a burst blood vessel in his stomach. 

When Justin joined the Opry on September 10, 1955 at the age of 20, he was the youngest new member in the history of the show. 

At the time of his death, Bill Anderson said, "I'm sure it wasn't easy growin' up as the son of Ernest Tubb, the legend, and particularly wantin' to follow in his footsteps but not ride on his coattails. Justin was adamant about that for years. There was a time at the Opry he didn't want us to mention that he was Ernest Tubb's son. He wanted to stand on his own two feet, which I admired very much."  

Here is the posted lineup from Saturday January 24, 1998: 

1st show

6:30: Del Reeves (host): Skeeter Davis

6:45: Osborne Brothers (host): Bill Carlisle

7:00: John Conlee (host): George Hamilton IV, Jeanne Pruett, Justin Tubb, Johnny Russell

7:30: Jack Greene (host): Alison Krauss, Ronnie Milsap

8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jim & Jesse, Alison Krauss, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers

8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): The Whites, Charlie Louvin, The 4 Guys, Billy Walker

2nd show

9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ronnie Milsap, Alison Krauss

10:00: Osborne Brothers (host): Oswald & Charlie

10:15: Jack Greene (host): Jeanne Pruett

10:30: Del Reeves (host): Stonewall Jackson

10:45: Johnny Russell (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers

11:00: John Conlee (host): Billy Walker, Jim & Jesse, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow

11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): The Whites, George Hamilton IV, The 4 Guys

The funeral for Justin Tubb, who was just 62 at the time of his death, took place at the Ryman Auditorium. On a personal note, while he was a good singer, I thought that Justin was a very good, but underrated songwriter. 

Finally, congratulations to Grand Ole Opry Square Dancer Marcia Campbell who last weekend celebrated her 40th year as one of the square dancers. It is hard to believe that she was just a young girl when she first danced on the Opry. On a personal note, I miss hearing her on WSM. 

There you have it for this weekend. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope, with the winter storm approaching this weekend, everyone stays safe and warm. And of course, enjoys the Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 1/16 & 1/17

It will be an exciting Friday Night Opry this weekend as Suzy Bogguss will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry and Reba McEntire will be honored upon her 40th anniversary as an Opry member. If that is not enough, the annual Opry birthday salute to Dolly Parton will be taking place on Saturday night. 

Suzy Bogguss was surprised with her invitation to join the Opry cast on the night of Kathy Mattea's induction last October, making Kathy the first Opry member to invite another artist to join the Opry on her induction night. Upon being invited by Kathy, a stunned Suzy said,  “I was just so excited about all of us singing together tonight. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you, but I think I may wake up in a minute."

Suzy Bogguss is a country music veteran, beginning her solo career in the 1980s. In the 1990s, six of her songs were Top 10 hits, three albums were certified gold, and one album received a platinum certification. She won Top New Female Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music and the Horizon Award from the Country Music Association. Her first charted single was " I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" in 1987. Her first Top 10 single was "Someday Soon" in 1991. That was followed by "Outbound Plane," "Aces," "Letting Go," Drive South," "Just Like the Weather," and "Hey Cinderella". The best that I can determine, Suzy made her Grand Ole Opry debut in May 1989, so for her, Opry membership was a long time coming. And I might add, well deserved. 

While Reba McEntire will be on the Friday Night Opry to celebrate her 40th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, she will also be inducting Suzy as the Opry's newest member. While January 17, 1986, was the first date that Reba appeared on the Opry as an Opry member, she was actually announced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry during the taping of the Grand Ole Opry's 60th anniversary special that was taped on November 21 and aired on Tuesday January 14. 

 

According to Tom Adkinson, Opryland public relations executive, "It was pretty emotional. The audience really loves her."

After the announcement Reba sobbed slightly as she sang "Somebody Should Leave" after the announcement. While the news wasn't a surprise it was still an emotional moment. In a later interview with the Tennessean, Reba said, "The Grand Ole Opry is a family unit, and they welcomed me with open arms, every one of 'em. And I'm so proud to be a family member of the Grand Ole Opry. I'm thrilled to pieces." 

Reba made her Grand Ole Opry debut on September 17, 1977 on a night in which Reba received a standing ovation. Sadly, like so many others from that era, Reba has rarely appeared on the Opry, thus making Friday night a special night. 

In addition to Suzy Bogguss and Reba McEntire, the Friday Night Opry lineup includes Opry members Steve Wariner, Terri Clark and Kathy Mattea

While a lot of attention will be focused on the Friday Night Opry, Saturday is a special night also as The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate Opry member Dolly Parton with its annual Opry Goes Dolly show, which will celebrate Dolly's 80th birthday. The show will highlight songs from her iconic 80s era plus other classic songs from her legendary catalogue. 

Opry Goes Dolly will feature Opry members and special guest artists performing their favorite Dolly 80s hits, Dolly-themed events, photo-ops and more. Among those scheduled for the Opry Goes Dolly show are Dolly fans and friends including Opry members Vince Gill, Mark Wills, Lainey Wilson and Rhonda Vincent as well as hit songwriter Trannie Anderson making her Opry debut. Parton is not scheduled to appear in person.

The special Saturday night Opry Goes Dolly is a one-of-a-kind Opry show that falls just two days before her actual 80th birthday. The Opry Goes Dolly show will honor her with tributes throughout the show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. Show highlights will be featured in an upcoming episode of Opry Live on Opry social channels, Circle Country, and more than 100 syndicated stations across the country.

There are several events on the schedule for Saturday including: 

●    Birthday treats baked using Duncan Hines Dolly Parton’s mixes given to Jan. 17 Opry House tour guests (while supplies last)

●    The Opry Shop will launch a limited “80 Years of Song” collection that will be available for pre-order beginning today at Opry.com and available for purchase on Jan. 17 at The Opry Shop.

●     A larger-than-life birthday card for fans to sign at the Opry House on Jan. 17

●    Dolly impersonator on Opry Plaza for photos during Jan. 17 Opry Goes Dolly show

●    Signature Dolly drinks at all Opry House bars​ during Jan. 17 Opry Goes Dolly show

The Opry Shop will feature Dolly music and merchandise in celebration of her birthday while supplies last.

After a couple of weekends at the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry returns to the Grand Ole Opry House with one of the biggest weekends of the year. Both shows are basically sold-out, and as I mentioned on my Facebook page, I will be there this weekend.

Friday January 16

7:00: Kathy Mattea, Terri Clark, Suzy Bogguss
Intermission

8:20: Steve Wariner, Reba McEntire

Saturday January 17

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Elizabeth Nichols, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull

Intermission

8:20: Trannie Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson

While there are only five acts on the schedule for Friday night, I don't think anyone can complain about the quality of the lineup. 

As I mentioned, the best that I can determine, Suzy Bogguss made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday May 12, 1989. Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show

6:30: Billy Walker (host): Roy Drusky, Jeanne Pruett, The 4 Guys

7:00: Jack Greene (host): The Whites, Ernie Ashworth, Suzy Bogguss

7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Stonewall Jackson

8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Ray Pillow, Wilma Lee Cooper, Johnny Russell

8:30: Hank Snow (host): Carlisles, Jan Howard, Charlie Walker

2nd show

9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Jeannie Seely, Stu Phillips, Suzy Bogguss

10:00: Roy Acuff (host): The Whites, Connie Smith

10:30: Jack Greene (host): Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson, Jeanne Pruett, Billy Walker

11:00: Hank Snow (host): Carlisles, Justin Tubb, Wilma Lee Cooper, Ernie Ashworth

11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Walker, Johnny Russell

And in the case of Reba McEntire, here is the posted lineup from 40 years ago, Friday January 17, 1986, the night that the Opry officially recognizes as the date in which Reba became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

7:30: Bill Monroe (host): Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Wilma Lee Cooper, George Hamilton IV

8:00: Jack Greene (host): Reba McEntire, Jim & Jesse
8:30: Roy Acuff (host): The 4 Guys
9:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeanne Pruett, Osborne Brothers, Stonewall Jackson
9:30: Grandpa Jones (host): The Carlisles, Jean Shepard, Boxcar Willie, Ray Pillow
10:00: Bill Anderson (host): Lorrie Morgan, Charlie Louvin, Connie Smith, Charlie Walker
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jan Howard, Riders In The Sky, Billy Walker, Justin Tubb

(The Friday Night Opry shows were the best value for the money back during that period as it was a 3 1/2 show)

There you have it for this weekend. 

2025 Grand Ole Opry Recap

Another year is in the books as the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. As usual, it was a busy one. From past experience, I know that there a lot of the readers, and Opry fans in general, who are interested in the numbers from the previous year. So, with that in mind, here is a short recap of 2025. 

During the year, there were moments to enjoy as Steve Earle and Kathy Mattea became Opry members. Suzy Bogguss and Jelly Roll were invited to join the cast. There were special guest appearances by icons such as Ringo Starr, Train, Munford & Sons, Bill Medley, Hardy and James Taylor. 

Sadly, the Opry lost three of its long-time members as Buck White, and Opry member for more than 40 years with The Whites, Jeannie Seely, who appeared on the Opry more than any other member in the history of the show, and Stu Phillips, who was an Opry member for 58 years, passed away during the year. 

All in all, there were over 230 shows during the year and when it was all done, there was an Opry show literally every night of the week at some point during the year. The Opry started the year with 76 members and ended the year with the same number, which is the most current Opry members in the history of the show. 

Speaking of those 76 members, here is a look at the Top 10 in appearances this past year: 

Don Schlitz: 82
Riders In The Sky: 78
Mandy Barnett: 61
T. Graham Brown: 54
Connie Smith: 48
Charlie McCoy: 45
John Conlee: 42
Vince Gill: 39
Dailey & Vincent: 39
Gatlin Brothers: 37

While currently there is no set number of appearances that Opry members are required to make, during the Pete Fisher years he asked new members to commit to 10 appearances each year. Using that number as a guide, which I have done for several years, here are those members: 

Rhonda Vincent: 35
Gary Mule Deer: 35
Bill Anderson: 32
Mark Wills: 31
The Isaacs: 23
Ricky Skaggs: 17
The Whites: 16
Del McCoury: 16
Henry Cho: 13
Marty Stuart: 11
Gene Watson: 11
Jamey Johnson: 11
Steven Curtis Chapman: 11
Carrie Underwood: 10

A previous post that I did highlight the members who had not made any Opry appearances in 2025, so I feel there is no need to rehash that topic. I think everyone knows who they are. As far as the rest:

Pam Tillis, Old Crow Medicine Show: 9
Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Ashley McBryde, Kathy Mattea: 8
Dustin Lynch, Crystal Gayle: 7
Carly Pearce, Oak Ridge Boys, Steve Earle, Scotty McCreery: 6
Eddie Montgomery, Terri Clark, Chris Janson, Sara Evans: 5
Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Steve Wariner: 4
Trace Adkins: 3

The remaining non-listed members made 2 or less appearances for the year

Of the non-members, those making the most appearances included Charles Esten appearing the most with 12 appearances. Others who appeared over 5 times included John Foster, Rhett Akins, Jimmy Fortune, Bryce Leatherwood, John Carter Cash, The War and Treaty, Tigirlily Gold, Sister Sadie, Erin Enderlin, Louise Mandrell, Ana Christina Cash, Maggie Rose, Madeline Edwards, Mickey Guyton, Mae Estes and Sunny Sweeney. 

Suzy Bogguss and Jelly Roll were invited to join the Opry, with those inductions taking place this year. In 2025, Suzy made 7 appearances and Jelly Roll appeared 6 times. 

When the announcement was made regarding Opry 100 and the plans for the year, it was announced that the goal would be 100 Opry debuts during the year, which would be less than in previous years. Well, the Opry came in right at the number. There was a lot of variety in those debuts, which included classic country, rock, bluegrass, comedy, Americana, instrumental, blues, rap and Texas swing. There were also Voice and American Idol winners and contestants.

(A note regarding Opry appearances: an appearance at an Opry show that is aired on WSM is considered an Opry appearance. That includes Opry Country Classica, Opry Country Christmas and the London show. It does not include the NBC Opry 100 production in March). 


Being that it was the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary, I thought there were some amazing and special shows during the year. Here is my ranking of the Top 5 Opry shows of 2025: 

1) Friday November 28: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary with two shows on the exact date of the 100th. The night featured over 25 performances with the vast majority being Opry members. Both shows were also livestreamed on the Opry's streaming sites which allowed millions who could not attend the shows, to witness this historic event. Each show lasted almost three hours and highlighted the core group of Opry member who have traditionally supported the show. 

2) Wednesday March 19: NBC's Opry 100: A Live Celebration set the tone for the Opry’s centennial year. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the special was packed with unforgettable performances, touching tributes, crossover collaborations, and so much more. The three-hour show included over 50 Opry members, along with some special guests. It was viewed as the kick-off for the 100th year. 

3) Friday September 26: The Grand Ole Opry went to London and Royal Albert Hall for the first time with a show featuring Opry members Darius Rucker, Carly Pearce, Marty Stuart, Ashley McBryde and Luke Combs. The show was so successful that there are some who would like to see it repeated. 

4) Friday February 21: In the history of the Opry, numerous special guests have appeared on the show, but never a member of The Beatles. That changed as Ringo Starr made a guest appearance on the show and what a night it was. Ringo was joined by several Opry members and guests who treated the audience to an array of Beatles songs. It was a fun night. 

5) Sunday October 5: WSM radio celebrated its 100th anniversary with a day of activities at the Opry House that included a special Sunday Night Opry. Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Ketch Secor, Pam Tillis and special guests appeared on the show that was livestreamed. It was a great way to honor the station.

While those are my five, there were other special shows that need mention. Each of the Opry 100 Honors was special. The shows honored Loretta Lynn, Johnny & June Carter Cash, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Bill Monroe and Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Each of those shows were special and there are more to come in 2026. 

Each of the October birthday shows were also special. Besides the show honoring Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless and Carrie Underwood all made appearances during the month. There were also an Opry induction and an Opry invite, with Kathy Mattea joining the cast and Suzy Bogguss being invited to join. 

Opry Country Christmas again took place, and each show was outstanding. More Christmas shows are on the schedule for the coming year. 

And who could forget the night James Taylor made his Opry debut? I actually considered adding that to my Top 5 list as 5B. Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris joined James that night. Another landmark debut for the Opry. 

So what is in store for 2026? With Opry 100 continuing through the year, or at least until the fall, there are already some special dates and shows on the schedule. A few include: 

Saturday February 28: The Opry celebrates the movie and soundtrack of O Brother, Where Art Thou? While no artists have been announced yet for that night, it promises to be special. 

Friday March 20: The Grand Ole Opry returns to Carnegie Hall. The show will be part of the "United in Sound: America 250" festival. Listed as scheduled to appear are Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Scotty McCreery and Henry Cho. Also on the bill are The War and Treaty. 

Friday & Saturday October 2 & 3: The Grand Ole Opry Birthday Weekend is scheduled. Unlike this past year when a birthday month was celebrated, this year it is back to just one weekend. 

Also on the schedule, in addition to Opry 100 Honors Hank Williams in January, there will also be Opry 100 Honors shows continuing with Patsy Cline and Charley Pride among the future honorees. 

On Christmas day, the Gatlin Brothers will celebrate their 50th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Other significant anniversaries include: 

John Conlee: 45
Reba McEntire, Randy Travis: 40
Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill: 35
Steve Wariner: 30
Brad Paisley: 25
Oak Ridge Boys, Rascal Flatts: 15

And most importantly, Bill Anderson's 65th Opry anniversary in July. 

It definitely looks like another busy year for the Grand Ole Opry. 

If the trend in past years continues, we can expect at least several new Opry members this coming year. Who could they be? There are a lot of potential choices out there so who knows? Sometimes figuring out who might be the next Opry member is like trying to figure out who will be the next member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

As always, I think all of us owe a thanks to Dan Rogers and his entire team. I know for Dan it was a very busy and stressful year with all of the shows and activities that took place. Hopefully things will be a bit calm in 2026, but with what is already on the schedule, who knows. 

On a personal note, I want to think Craig Shelburne, the author of "100 Years of Grand Ole Opry" for the acknowledgement in the book, along with Bryan West for including me in the documentary "Full Circle: 100 Years of The Grand Ole Opry, and the book with the same title. For those who have not watched the documentary, it is on YouTube, which I highly recommend along with both books. 

There you have it for 2025. As always, a special thanks to everyone. I know I have said it before, but I really do appreciate each and everyone. The journey continues into 2026, and I look forward to another year of the Grand Ole Opry. 

(As always, if I missed something, you have my apologies)

Grand Ole Opry 1/9 & 1/10

Looking at the Grand Ole Opry schedule for this weekend, on the Friday Night Opry Clint Black will be honored upon his 35th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, while on Saturday night, Opry 100 Honors will spotlight Hank Williams. Both shows will be taking place at the Ryman Auditorium. 

Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry during a taping of The Grand Ole Opry 65th Anniversary Celebration: The New Tradition, which took place on January 10th at the Grand Ole Opry House. Opry member Garth Brooks did the induction. The special was aired on CBS on January 19. 

After being inducted, Clint said, "It's wonderful when your dreams come true. It's like stepping into a picture you've been looking at all your life." 

Sadly, like many other Opry members who joined during that period of time, Clint's Opry appearances have been infrequent over the years. In fact, since joining the Opry, Clint has appeared less than 50 times. In fact, in 1991, the year that Clint became an Opry member, he only made two appearances and would not make another Opry appearance until 1994. Perhaps a little more thought should have gone into the decision to make Clint an Opry member. 

While Clint's Opry anniversary is being celebrated on Friday night, Saturday night will be the Opry 100 Honors show with Hank Williams as the honoree. 

I won't go into all of the controversy that is on the internet on whether Hank should be reinstated as an Opry member or not. Some just don't understand that only living members are current members of the Opry. Hank's legacy with the Opry is well known and his membership is recognized on the membership wall backstage at the Opry House. 

Dan Rogers, the Grand Ole Opry’s senior vice president and executive producer, spoke to Rolling Stone about his work with country music’s oldest institution. During the conversation, he explained why Williams will never be reinstated.

“Hank Williams will always be a treasured past member of the Grand Ole Opry,” Rogers began. “The Grand Ole Opry is made of living, breathing artists who can contribute to the show, and to whom the Opry can give back. We have a long list in the member gallery of folks who have been members of the Opry from Uncle Jimmy Thompson, who preceded what Opry membership even meant,” he explained.

“Had Hank Williams lived, there is little doubt in my mind that–I would hope that he would have returned to the Opry and all would have been great and right in the world. Unfortunately, he didn’t,” Rogers continued. “I hope the world knows how everyone at the Opry is thankful for and respects all of his contributions.”

What some forget is that Hank's time at the Opry was very short. He joined in June 1949 and was fired in August 1952, a little over three years after joining. Yet those three years at the Ryman were among the three most significant years in the 100-year history of the show. 

The final act that led to the firing of Hank Williams from the Opry took place on Saturday August 9, 1952, when Hank failed to appear for his scheduled appearances that night. On Monday, Opry manager Jim Denny fired Hank. It has been written in some spots that Jim Denny, based on Hank's previously missing appearances, knew that Hank would probably not show up on August 9, but scheduled him anyways. Jim Denny also left the door open for Hank to return if he cleaned himself up. Sadly, that never happened. 

Taking a closer look at this weekend, besides Clint Black, the Friday Night Opry includes Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith and The Whites. 

As you would expect, several members of the Williams family will be on hand on Saturday night to honor their Grandfather, among them Holly, Hilary and Sam Williams. Sadly, the only Opry member on the schedule is Mandy Barnett, who will open the show. Terri Clark was on the original schedule but has cancelled. Of note, John Bryant Irvin will be making his Opry debut. I really don't know much about him other than he seems to have a connection with Hank Jr. 

Friday January 9
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, The Whites, Connie Smith
Intermission
8:20: John Foster, Emily Ann Roberts, Clint Black

Saturday January 10
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Hilary Williams, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, Sam Williams
Intermission
8:20: John Bryant Irvin, Opry Square Dancers, Holly Williams, John Foster

Nice to see John Foster on the schedule for both nights. 

This is the final weekend at the Ryman for 2026.