Grand Ole Opry 10/2 & 10/3: 101st Birthday Weekend

After last year when the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th birthday the entire month of October, this year the Opry is back to the traditional schedule of celebrating the Opry's birthday the first weekend in October. In fact, it will be a long birthday weekend as there is one birthday show on the schedule for Thursday and Friday, two shows on Saturday and finally, a Sunday Night Opry. The Sunday show will include WSM celebrating the 101st anniversary of the station. 

I already in a previous post listed the running order for the Thursday Night Opry, which will be a regular Opry show and not an Opry Country Classics show which traditionally takes place on that night. Opry members Steven Curtis Chapman, Rhonda Vincent and Crystal Gayle are on the schedule, among others. 

Just to review for Thursday night: 
8:00: T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Stephen Day, Crystal Gayle
Intermission
9:20: Mandy Barnett, Steven Curtis Chapman, Charlie Worsham, Rhonda Vincent

Moving now to the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley is scheduled to appear. Joining Brad are Opry members Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Suzy Bogguss, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky and The Oak Ridge Boys. Yes, that makes seven Opry members for Friday night. 

Guesting and making his Opry debut is Lucas Leon. Lucas was on American Idol, along with Brad Paisley and on the show, he performed with Brad, "I'm Gonna Miss Her." After that performance, Brad asked Lucas if he wanted to hang out and play at the Grand Ole Opry with him. Lucas said of the offer, "exciting is an understatement." It is wonderful that the promise that Brad made to Lucas is being fulfilled. 

Moving now to Saturday night, where there are two shows on the schedule, Vince Gill and The Oak Ridge Boys are back to make it a two-show weekend for both. They will be joined by 65-year Opry member Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Mark Wills and soon to be Opry member Rhett Akins. Rhett's Opry induction will be taking place in just a couple of weeks. 

Speaking of Rhett Akins, on Saturday afternoon in Studio A, he will be performing during the Opry's Birthday Tailgate Party. Rhett will perform and share the stories behind your favorite country songs—plus, there’s birthday cake! And as a reminder, this is a ticketed event. 

Rounding out the week will be the Sunday Night Opry with Opry member Ricky Skaggs scheduled, along with The Whites, Dailey & Vincent and Charlie McCoy. Rounding out that lineup are Brandon Lake and Cole Chaney, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Friday October 2

7:00: Rick Skaggs, Connie Smith, Lucas Leon, Suzy Bogguss

8:20: Rhonda Vincent, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill

Saturday October 3

7:00/9:30:

Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Rhett Akins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, The Oak Ridge Boys, Opry Square Dancers, Vince Gill 

(Same running order both shows)

Sunday October 4

7:00: Dailey & Vincent, The Whites, Cole Chaney & Kyova, Charlie McCoy

8:20: Abby Anderson, Brandon Lake, Ricky Skaggs

While it wasn't the birthday weekend in 1987, it was still a very nice weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the posted lineup from that weekend shows: 

Friday October 2
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Skeeter Davis, Justin Tubb, The 4 Guys, Hank Locklin
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Jimmy C Newman, Billy Walker, Lorrie Morgan
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard, David Houston
8:00: Jack Greene (host): Gene Watson, Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeannie Seely, Ray Pillow, Gene Watson
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): The 4 Guys, Carlisles, Jimmy C Newman
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jean Shepard, Billy Walker, David Houston, Hank Locklin
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jack Greene, Stonewall Jackson, Jeanne Pruett
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host): Jan Howard, Charlie Walker

Saturday October 3
1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host): Jan Howard
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host): Lorrie Morgan
7:00: Jack Greene (host): Jean Shepard, David Houston, George Hamilton IV, Skeeter Davis
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): The 4 Guys, Hank Locklin, Dottie West
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Stonewall Jackson, Jeanne Pruett, Carlisles, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely, Charlie Louvin, Wilma Lee Cooper, Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): The 4 Guys, Jimmy C Newman, Dottie West
10:00: Jack Greene (host): Lorrie Morgan
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host): David Houston
10:45: George Hamilton IV (host): Skeeter Davis, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeanne Pruett, Hank Locklin, Justin Tubb, Wilma Lee Cooper
11:30: Charlie Louvin (host): Ray Pillow, Jeannie Seely, Carlisles

Finally, skipping ahead to this weekend in 1998. Appearing that night, in their Opry debut, was Paid In Full. The group was the winner of the Southern Gospel talent search the previous month at the Grand Ole Opry's Gospel Jubilee. The group was based in New Albany, Mississippi. 

Friday October 2
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Skeeter Davis, Hovie Lister & The Statesmen Quartet
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jeannie Seely, Bill Carlisle, Jimmy C Newman
8:30: The 4 Guys (host): Jim & Jesse, Jan Howard, Charlie Walker
9:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Stu Phillips, Billy Walker
9:30: Mike Snider (host): Jack Greene, Ray Pillow, The Whites, Osborne Brothers

Saturday October 3
1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host): Jan Howard
6:45: Jack Greene (host): Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Jeannie Seely, Jim & Jesse
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Ricky Skaggs, Paid In Full
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, The 4 Guys, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Billy Walker (host): Hovie Lister & The Statesmen Quarter, Jimmy C Newman

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Skeeter Davis, Stonewall Jackson, Stu Phillips, Charlie Walker
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jack Greene
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Billy Walker (host): Hovie Lister & The Statesmen Quartet
10:45: Bill Anderson (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Paid In Full, Jan Howard
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Del Reeves, Jim & Jesse

For those interested, the trio Paid In Full is still active 30 years later and will be giving their Farewell Concert on Sunday November 1 in their hometown. They have just released a new 30th anniversary album. 

There you have it for this weekend. As I have for the past 30+ years, I will be in Nashville this weekend for the birthday celebration and looking forward to some great shows and the opportunity to see some of my Opry friends. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There is a full week of shows on the mid-week Grand Ole Opry schedule beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry. On the schedule for Tuesday are Opry members Riders In The Sky and Charlie McCoy. Sunny Sweeney is back for another appearance, as are DEK of Hearts, Wyatt Flores, Jade Eagleson and bluegrass group Sister Sadie. There is one Opry debut on Tuesday with Blake Pendergrass making his first Opry appearance. 

Tuesday September 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Sunny Sweeney, Blake Pendergrass, DEK of Hearts
Intermission
8:20: Jade Eagleson, Charlie McCoy, Wyatt Flores, Sister Sadie

Blake Pendergrass is from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is an ACM-nominated Songwriter of the Year and a writer on three Grammy-nominated albums with Lainey Wilson’s “Broken Hearts Still Beat,” Post Malone’s “Who Needs You,” Conner Smith’s “Steal My Thunder (feat. Tucker Wetmore) [From Twisters: The Album],” Blake co-wrote seven songs on Jelly Roll’s Grammy-winning album, Beautifully Broken. 

The Wednesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Dustin Lynch, The Whites and Dailey & Vincent. Also scheduled are the Po' Ramblin' Boys, Lauren Watkins, Wendy Moten and making his Opry debut, Wade Forster. 

Wednesday September 30
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, TG Sheppard, Wade Forster, Wendy Moten
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Lauren Watkins, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Dustin Lynch

Wade Forster is from Australia and is a professional rodeo cowboy. In January 2024, Wade became the 44th winner of Toyota Star Maker, launching him onto the national stage as one of Australia’s most exciting new country voices. In September 2025 he embarked on his first-ever North American headline run, The Dying Breed Tour, which was an overwhelming success. 

There is no Opry Country Classics on the schedule for Thursday night, but there is an Opry show on the calendar, with Thursday marking the start of the Grand Ole Opry's 101st Birthday Weekend. This special show will begin at 8:00 and scheduled are Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Steven Curtis Chapman, T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Crystal Gayle. Also scheduled is soon-to-be Opry member Charlie Worsham, along with Stephen Day. 

Thursday October 1
8:00: T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Stephen Day, Crystal Gayle
Intermission
9:20: Mandy Barnett, Steven Curtis Chapman, Charlie Worsham, Rhonda Vincent

A great start to the birthday weekend!! See you all there. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/25 & 9/26

On Tuesday night during the Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride show, Opry member Pam Tillis surprised Neal McCoy with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Many will say that this has been a long time coming and Neal, himself, has made it known several times during his guest appearances on the show that he would like to be an Opry member. Most everyone that I have seen who have posted today are in agreement on Neal joining the Opry. In my opinion, it adds another veteran artist to the cast and hopefully someone we can count on to make appearances. I will admit that I was surprised that the invite took place this week as Rhett Akins and Charlie Worsham are awaiting their inductions. Never in the history of the Opry has there been three members-in waiting. While Rhett's induction will be taking place in a couple of weeks, Charlie's and Neal's have not been scheduled as of yet. Again, congratulations to Neal McCoy upon his soon to be Opry membership. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend, we are one week away from the Grand Ole Opry's 101st Birthday Weekend but before we get to the big celebration, there are a pair of Opry shows on the schedule for this weekend. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Steven Curtis Chapman, Connie Smith and Mark Wills are on the schedule. Also scheduled are The Grascals, who have posted that they will be paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who the group had worked with in the past. Taylor Hicks is also scheduled, as are Drew Parker, Wilson Fairchild and making her Opry debut, Abbie Callahan. 

Looking at Saturday night, Mark Wills is back, making it a two-show weekend for him. Joining Mark are members Steve Earle, John Conlee, Suzy Bogguss and Dailey & Vincent, Guesting are Gareth, Moriah and making their Opry debut, Penelope Road. 

Friday September 25
7:00: Mark Wills, Wilson Fairchild, Abbie Callahan, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:20: Drew Parker, Connie Smith, Taylor Hicks, The Grascals

Saturday September 26
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills, Penelope Road, Suzy Bogguss
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, MORIAH, Opry Square Dancers, Gareth, Steve Earle

Abbie Callahan, who is debuting on Friday night, is based in Nashville. Her self-described "kaleidoscope country" sound blends Americana, folk, bluegrass, and pop, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Patsy Cline and Sierra Ferrell to Kacey Musgraves and Sabrina Carpenter. Her latest EP, And For My Next Trick, is set for release on Friday. It follows her debut EP, Grossly Aware, which became a viral breakthrough and earned editorial support across Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Penelope Road is a Georgia‑based soul‑pop quintet known for blending yacht rock‑era pop hooks, funky grooves, and harmonies with a commitment to authentic, live performance The band, led by guitarist/singer Max Moore and bassist James Kopp, formed in 2022 and have built a grassroots following through live shows and viral social media content, including the “Out Tonight” video filmed in their old Atlanta home. They signed with Warner Records in 2025 and released their second EP, The Diamond Street Sessions, the same year

September 26, 1953, was an important date in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as it was on that date that future Opry member Skeeter Davis made her Opry debut. 

Here is the running order from that show that night: 

7:30: Prince Albert
Ray Price: Who Stole That Train
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Darrell Glenn: Crying In The Chapel
Square Dancers: Katy Hill
Ray Price: In The Garden
Old Hickory Singers: Floating Down To Cotton Town
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Darrell Glenn: Hang Up That Telephone
String Beans: Uncle Pen
Ray Price: The Wrong Side of Town

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb: When The World Has Turned You Down
Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin: Cabin of Love
Hank Snow: Golden Rocket
June Carter: Rub A Dub Dub
Possum Hunters: Sleepy Lou
Ernest Tubb: The Long Way
Carter Family: Red River Blues
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues
Hank Snow: Message From The Trade Winds
Ernest Tubb: Daisey May
Fiddle Tune: Old Hen Cackled

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Webb Pierce: I'm Walking The Dog
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Martha Carson: Cotton Eyed Joe
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm Moving On No. 2
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Webb Pierce: It's Been So Long
Lonzo and Oscar: Hole In The Bottom of the Sea
Fiddler: Down Yonder

9:00: Martha White
Carl Smith: Hey Joe
Jimmy Dickens: Thick and Thin
Marty Robbins: Sing Me Something Sentimental
Anita Carter: I'm Fading Fast With The Time
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Crook Brothers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Carl Smith: Darling Am I The One
Chet Atkins: Dill Pickle Rag
Jimmy Dickens: Side Meat and Cabbage
Fiddle: Arkansas Traveler

9:30: Warren Paint
Johnny and Jack: Private Property
Lew Childre: Hang Out the Front Door Key
Kitty Wells: I Don't Claim To Be An Angel
Johnny and Jack: Don't Say Goodbye If You Love Me
Paul Warren: Turkey In The Straw

9:45: American Ace
Cowboy Copas: Tennessee Senorita
Ray Price: Talk To Your Heart
String Beans: Take Me Back To Tulsa
Cowboy Copas: Feelin' Low
Dale Potter: Cattle Call

10:00: Wallrite
Webb Pierce: That's Me Without You
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Martha Carson: I'm Walking and Talking With My Lord
Webb Pierce: Wondering
Don Slayman: Fisher's Horn Pipe

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Hank Snow: Ladies Man
Annie Lou and Danny: I'd Rather Die Young Than Grow Old Without You
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Hank Snow: A Fool Such As I
Tommy Vaden: Rickette's Hornpipe

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb: I'm With The Crowd But So Alone
Jimmy Dickens: I'll Dance At Your Wedding
Jordanaires: My Rock
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
June Carter: Juke Box Blues
Marty Robbins: Every Precious Memory
Ernest Tubb: Somebody Loves You
Chet Aktins: Sweet Georgia Brown
Jimmy Dickens: Making Love To A Stranger

11:00: O-Cell-O
Ray Price: Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
Johnny and Jack: South In New Orleans
Paul Warren: Black Mountain Song
Kitty Wells: Hey Joe
Ray Price: Weary Blues

11:15: Hester Battery
Carl Smith: My Trademark
String Beans: John Henry
Gully Jumpers: Old Joe
Carl Smith: This Side of Heaven

11:30: W. E. Stephens
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama
Lew Childre: Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet
Lonzo and Oscar: Pretty Little Indian Maid
Crook Brothers: Fire In The Mountain
Hank Snow: Golden River

11:45: Grand Ole Opry
Cowboy Copas: Gone and Left Me Blues
Sam and Kirk McGee: Riding Old Paint
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire In The Mountain
Cowboy Copas: Will You Forget
Dale Potter: Fiddle Sticks

 Skeeter Davis, who was born on December 30, 1931. To say that Skeeter had a difficult life would be an understatement. Her given name was Mary Francis Penick, and she was born and raised in Kentucky. She received the nickname of Skeeter early in her life, from her grandfather. As far as the last name of Davis, that came from her duet partner, Billy Jack Davis, and together they performed as the Davis Sisters. In 1953, they achieved a #1 record, with the hit, "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know". It was in August of 1953 that Skeeter and Billy Jack were involved in a serious car accident that took the life of Billy Jack and severely injured Skeeter.

In 1956, Skeeter started to record as a single act, under Chet Atkins at RCA Records. She charted a number of hits over the next several years, culminating in the #1 song, "The End of the World", which would become Skeeter's most famous song. The hits would continue through the rest of the 1960's.

She would join the Grand Ole Opry in August 1959. Her Opry career was not without some controversy. In 1973, she dedicated a song to evangelists who were outside and being harassed by the Nashville police. For that, and other political and religious statements that she made at the Opry, she was suspended from the show in 1974. Over a year later, she was reinstated.

Skeeter at one time was married to Ralph Emery, and in books written by both Skeeter and Ralph, they each gave their side to what was not a very good marriage. I think Ralph got the best line of the two, when in his book, "Memories", he wrote, "I thought about including a chapter here, with a headline reading, 'Things I Enjoyed About My Marriage to Skeeter Davis'. I was going to leave the pages blank. No one would have been hurt by the text, and the idea seemed clever".

Skeeter battled a lot of health issues during the last decade of her life, including breast cancer. She was a survivor and would continue to play the Opry as the cancer spread to her bones. She was famous for wearing colorful, full-length skirts with usually a head band, or cover.

She would remain a member of the Opry until her death on September 19, 2004. As she battled cancer and she became weaker, she was forced to give up her Opry appearances. In 2000, she appeared on the show 63 times, but that would drop in 2001 to just 4. Her last Opry appearances were on Saturday night, February 3, 2001, when she appeared on both of the Saturday night shows.

Skeeter is one of those Opry members that I truly miss. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Once again, no specific running order for the mid-week shows. So, we go with what I have: 

Tuesday night will be a very special night at the Opry as Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride. Appearing on the show to honor Charley's music and legacy are Opry members Darius Rucker and Pam Tillis. Also scheduled to appear are Charley's son, Dion Pride, The War and Treaty, Tony Jackson, The Malpass Brothers and Neal McCoy. 

The Wednesday Night Opry features members The Whites, The Isaacs and Dailey & Vincent. Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune is scheduled, as are Wade Bowen, Laci Kaye Booth, Drew Baldridge and Young the Giant, who are making their Opry debut. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics features Ashley McBryde as the Spotlight Artist. Larry Gatlin is back as the host, along with The Gatlin Brothers, John Foster, The Malpass Brothers, and a true country music legend, Dickie Lee. By the way, Dickie turned 90 this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/18 & 9/19

It's another weekend at the Grand Ole Opry and starting off with the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Jamey Johnson and Ricky Skaggs head up the lineup. Among the non-members listed is Deana Carter. I mention her name as she has been appearing on the Opry for decades and at times, her name comes up among those who might be considered for future Opry membership. Rounding out the show is Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, Swamp Dogg and Eli Paperboy Reed.

Saturday night looks more fulfilling with Opry members T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith and Charlie McCoy scheduled. Tigirlily Gold is scheduled, along with Lamont Landers, Stephanie Urbina Jones, and making her Opry debut, Ashley Anne. Rounding Saturday out is Skip Ewing, who after making a recent appearance, is back for another show. 

(Still awaiting an official running order)

In 1992, Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely celebrated her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. During the weekend of September 18 & 19, Jeannie was the Opry Spotlight Artist: 

From The Tennessean Friday September 18: 

This year, Jeannie Seely and the Grand Ole Opry are celebrating their silver anniversary. Wednesday marked the 25th year of Opry membership for "Miss Country Soul," who joined in 1967. This weekend, she celebrates the anniversary by singing in shows at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 and 11 p.m. Saturday. 

"I'm so excited, almost like I was the first time," Seely said. "I went through my wardrobe, and nothing was good enough. I went out and splurged today and bought a new dress."  

Seely has always been known for her fashion sense; credited with breaking the "calico curtain," she changed the image of sweet down-home female country music singers by wearing mini-skirts and low-cut dresses. 

In 1966, Seely won a Grammy for Don't Touch Me, a hit song that led to Opry membership. "I can't forget that" she said. "Usually, the first criteria to join is a hit record. When Don't Touch Me hit, I was so excited about having a No. 1 record, but I kept saying 'Does this mean they'll ask me to join the Opry?'" They did. "I was so excited and so nervous the first appearance," Seely said. "I remember thinking of the responsibility, what it meant to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry."

To Seely, it means being a part of a family. "There's just a kinship there," she said. "When I'm away, I'm homesick for the Grand Ole Opry." And every weekend she's in town, Seely can be found on the Opry stage. "It's kind of frightening how fast 25 years have gone by. I just can't believe it," she said. I'm proud of being able to stick with it that long, as well as just happy that they've stuck with me."

Here are the posted lineups from that weekend in 1992: 

Friday September 18
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host): Roy Drusky, Jim Ed Brown, Jan Howard, Johnny Russell
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Charlie Walker, Jean Shepard, Billy Grammer
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, The 4 Guys, Carlisles
8:00: Bill Monroe (host): Jack Greene, Jimmy C Newman, Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Hank Snow (host): The Whites, Billy Walker, Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeannie Seely, Stonewall Jackson, Ray Pillow, The Oak Ridge Boys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Billy Grammer, Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): The 4 Guys, Jim Ed Brown, Lorrie Morgan
11:00: Hank Snow (host): The Whites, Jack Greene, Justin Tubb, Carlisles
11:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jeanne Pruett, Jimmy C Newman, Mike Snider
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday Matinee
3:00: Porter Wagoner, Dan Shaffer, Skeeter Davis
3:30: Jimmy C Newman, The Whites
4:00: Jack Greene, The 4 Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff, Smoky Mountain Boys

Saturday September 19
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host): Skeeter Davis
7:00: Bill Monroe (host): Jean Shepard, Jimmy C Newman, Billy Walker, The Whites
7:30: Jack Greene (host): Jeannie Seely, Ray Pillow, Billy Grammer, Jann Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): The 4 Guys, Jimmy Dickens, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Louvin, Jan Howard, Roy Drusky, Carlisles

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Skeeter Davis, Billy Walker, Lorrie Morgan
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy C Newman
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Jack Greene (host): The Whites, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely, Roy Drusky, Jim Ed Brown
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Ray Pillow, Carlisles, Jan Howard, Charlie Louvin

For those interested, the ticket prices for that night were $14.50 for the main floor and lower balcony and $12.50 for the upper balcony. Matinees were $12.50 main floor and $10.50 upper balcony. 

When all was said and done, Jeannie was an Opry member for over 55 years and she was one of the members who once they joined, never left. She also appeared on the Opry more than any other member in the history of the show. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Tuesday September 15
Scheduled to Appear: Riders In The Sky, Del McCoury Band, Rhonda Vincent, Grace Potter, Noeline Hofmann, Restless Road, Tift Merritt
(No actual running order was sent) 

Wednesday September 16
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Wyatt Ellis, Andrea Bejar, The Frontmen
Intermission
8:20: Warren Zeiders, Briley King, Silverada, Steven Curtis Chapman

Opry Country Classics 
Thursday September 17
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, The Whites, Walker Montgomery, Barbara Fairchild, Billy Dean, Sara Evans

Grand Ole Opry 9/11 & 9/12

This weekend on the Friday Night Opry, the Opry will celebrate 50 years of Little House on the Prairie, which will include a cast reunion. While the reunion will be taking place the entire weekend, the big night will be Friday at the Opry. Over a dozen members of the cast are scheduled to attend including Dean Butler, Todd Bridges and Alison Arngrim. 

Among those scheduled to appear on the Friday Night Opry are John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, along with Carlene Carter. For those who might remember, Johnny Cash and June Carter appeared on one episode of the show, on an episode that was one of the highest rated during the entire run of the show. 

Also scheduled are Opry members Gary Mule Deer, Dailey & Vincent and Charlie McCoy. Rounding out the show is Nashville fiddler Matt Combs

On Saturday night, Gary Mule Deer and Charlie McCoy return to make it a two-show weekend. Joining that pair are Opry members Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett. Guesting are Caleb Caudle and Riley Downing and Nicole Atkins, both of whom are making their Opry debuts. 

Friday September 11
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Matt Combs, Dean Butler w/Matt Combs
Intermission
8:20: Gary Mule Deer, Carlene Carter, Little House Cast, Charlie McCoy

Saturday September 12
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Connie Smith, Riley Downing, Grand Master Fiddle Champions
Intermission
8:20: Caleb Caudle, Gary Mule Deer, Nicole Atkins, Charlie McCoy

Yes, it's time for the annual Grand Master Fiddle Championship. It is nice to see that the Opry continues the tradition of having the winning fiddlers appear on the show. 

Riley Downing is a native of small-town Missouri who once worked as a backroad trashman before becoming one of music’s weathered journeymen. He may be best known as a member of noisemaking Americana outfit The Deslondes, a New Orleans-born band that he co-founded after a clandestine meeting with likeminded musicians at a folk festival in Oklahoma. 

Nicole Atkins is “a retro-pop auteur and one of the few singers of her generation for whom the term chanteuse accurately applies.” All the world’s a stage on Drama, her seventh studio offering and first in six years. Produced by Pat Sansone (Wilco) in Nashville and written by Atkins, Drama creates a world securely rooted in the past while remaining deeply personal. Arriving on the legendary Sun Records via the Wicked Game imprint of her longtime friend and collaborator Chris Isaak, Drama is an out-of-time instant classic from an artist whose voice and vision are unmistakably her own.

Those who woke up on Saturday September 12, 1998, found this news in the Nashville Tennessean: 

After managing the renovated Ryman Auditorium for five years, Steve Buchanan becomes president of Gaylord Entertainment Company's Grand Ole Opry Group, with responsibilities including direction of the Grand Ole Opry itself. 

Buchanan, 41, succeeds Bob Whittaker, who retires at the end of the year. In his new post, Buchanan will oversee the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and Opryland Productions. He will not continue as general manager of the Ryman Auditorium. A successor will be named later. 

A Gaylord veteran, Whittaker joined the company in 1971 to staff Opryland theme park for its opening. He was named vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry in 1993 and became president of the Grand Ole Opry Group in 1996. 

Among the country stars who joined the Opry during his tenure are Diamond Rio, Hal Ketchum, Joe Diffie, Johnny Paycheck, Martina McBride and Bashful Brother Oswald. Whittaker owns the farm that belonged to the late Grand Ole Opry star Bill Monroe, and he intends to retire and take up farming. 

A Vanderbilt graduate and former booking agent for Buddy Lee, Buchanan joined Gaylord in 1985 and was marketing manager for the Opry before moving to the Ryman in 1993 to oversee its renovation and reopening as a concert hall. He has brought a strong lineup of talent to the Ryman including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Beck, Sheryl Crow and Matchbox 20. 

During his first term at the Opry, Buchanan was close to many members of the show's cast, and he produced a Grammy nominated album by bluegrass founding father Bill Monroe. 

"I feel like the Opry is everchanging," he said yesterday. "What I want to do is help direct and focus that change. We're considering a lot of different things for the Opry as we look to the future. We always are, and that hasn't changed. It's important to us that the Opry always be the crown jewel that it is to Gaylord Entertainment Company, to Nashville, to Tennessee and to music fans around the world. Our focus is to help it grow." 

Buchanan planned to talk to members of the Opry at shows last night and tonight. 

With the closing of Opryland theme park last year, the Grand Ole Opry played a reduce schedule this summer. There was one show on Friday night instead of two, though the tradition of two shows on Saturday night was maintained. As a result, overall, Opry attendance declined this year, but on a per-show basis, attendance figures stayed flat, a Gaylord spokesman said. 

"I have tremendous respect for those who have come before me as managers of the Opry," Buchanan said. "The Opry is a very different entity, and it truly deserves special attention."

At the time, little did we know what kind of changes would be coming to the Opry. One of the first moves that Steve Buchanan made was to appoint Pete Fisher as the general manager of the Opry. That move would take place the following year. It has been said that one of the reasons Bob Whittaker retired was that he saw the future and what changes were going to be mandated for the Opry and felt that he was not the person to carry those changes out. And change did come to the Opry. 

Here is the posted line up for the Opry shows that weekend: 

Friday September 11
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Skeeter Davis, Jim & Jesse, Jimmy C Newman
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle, The 4 Guys
8:30: Bill Anderson (host): Linda Feller, The Whites, Jeannie Seely
9:00: Johnny Russell (host): George Hamilton IV, Jean Shepard, T. Graham Brown
9:30: John Conlee (host): Billy Walker, Jack Greene, Charlie Louvin, Wylie & the Wild West

Saturday September 12
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host): Jean Shepard
6:45: Ray Pillow (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Skeeter Davis, Bill Carlisle, Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Wylie & the Wild West, George Hamilton IV, Ernie Ashworth, Doyle Dykes
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jimmy C Newman, Billy Walker, The 4 Guys, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Johnny Russell (host): Jeannie Seely, Jan Howard, The Whites

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Stonewall Jackson, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host): Wylie & the Wild West
10:30: Jean Shepard (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
10:45: Bill Anderson (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Johnny Russell (host): Doyle Dykes, Jeannie Seely, The Whites
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Jack Greene, Billy Walker