August Opry Highlights

 Opry 100 rolls on. Here are the important Grand Ole Opry related events for the month of August: 

August 22, 1910: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Grand Ole Opry comedian, Rod Brasfield was born in Smithville, Mississippi. Rod joined the Opry in the late 1940s and was famous for his comedy routines with Minnie Pearl and June Carter, among others. Rod was a member of the Opry until he passed away in September 1958.

August 30, 1919: Muriel Ellen Deason, known professionally as Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. Kitty, along with her husband Johnny Wright, were members of the Grand Ole Opry from the early 1950s until they left the show in December 1964 over a dispute regarding booking fees. Although they left the Opry cast, Kitty would come back to make a few guest appearances on the show. There are also some reports that she asked to rejoin the Opry cast in her later years, but the request was declined. Kitty passed away in July 2012.

August 8, 1921: Webb Pierce was born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Webb first appeared on the Opry in 1952 and joined the cast shortly after. He was an Opry member for a very short period of time as he figured out, he was losing out on a lot of money by not appearing on the road on Saturday nights. Webb would come back and make an occasional appearance in his later years. In 2001, after his death, Webb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 28, 1925: The great guitarist Billy Grammer was born in Benton, Illinois. Billy joined the Opry in 1959 and was as well known for his guitar playing as he was for his singing. His career song was "Gotta Travel On." Billy remained a member of the Opry until his death in August 2011, after spending more than 50 years as an Opry member. Billy also gave the invocation on the night that the new Grand Ole Opry House opened in March 1974. 

August 12, 1927: The man known as "The Wagonmaster," Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Missouri. Porter came to the Opry in 1957 from the Ozark Jubilee, and he would remain a very popular Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as a member of the Opry. During his long career, this Hall of Fame member had over 80 singles on the country charts and was instrumental in the career of a number of country music artists, including Norma Jean, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Buck Trent and Patty Loveless, among others. Even to this day, Porter is missed at the Opry.

August 29, 1927: Jimmy C Newman was born in High Point, Louisiana. Jimmy joined the Opry in August 1956 and along with his Cajun Band, was a very popular member of the Opry. You could always count on a bouncy, Cajun sound whenever Jimmy appeared on the Opry. Jimmy passed away in June 2014 after a short illness.

August 4, 1931: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. After the Grand Ole Opry moved to Opryland and the new Grand Ole Opry House, Hal was asked by newly promoted Opry general manager Bud Wendall to come and help him out. It worked out pretty well and soon Hal was running the Opry. He received the official title of general manager in 1978 and would hold that position for the next 15 years. It should be noted that it was under Hal's direction attendance requirements were relaxed, and a number of members were added to the cast with no commitment to the show. After a long retirement, Hal passed away in March 2009.

August 20, 1935: Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. Justin would follow in the footsteps of his famous father Ernest and became a successful country music singer, along with being a fine songwriter. Justin became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, at the age of 20. At the time he was the Opry's youngest member. Justin remained with the Opry until his sudden death in January 1998.

August 14, 1941: Constance June Meador was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Better known as Connie Smith, she joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, left for a few years, then returned for good. In 2015 she celebrated 50 years as a member of the Opry and later this month, she will be celebrating her 61st. 

August 11, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee was born in Versailles, Kentucky. John, who has one of the unique voices in country music, joined the Opry in 1981 and remains a very active member of the cast. I don't know about anyone else, but I can't believe John will be 80, and I might add that he sounds as good as ever. 

August 11, 1952: Hank Williams was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry manager Jim Denny. Hank was fired because it was determined that his behavior and personal habits were detrimental to the Opry, and country music in general. Hank was very upset and disappointed at being fired and had hoped that one day he could return as an Opry member. However, Hank passed away and his Opry return never took place. While there are those who believe that Hank should be reinstated as an Opry member, it should be noted that only living individuals are considered as members, however Hank is recognized on the Opry's membership wall located backstage at the Opry House.

August 16, 1952: Grandpa Jones, who had left Nashville for a short period of time, rejoined the cast of the Opry. Grandpa had first joined the show in the 1940s and when he came back, he stayed with the Opry until his death in 1998. Can it really be over 25 years since Grandpa passed away? Fortunately, we have the old Hee Haw shows that air on Circle TV to help us remember how funny and talented Grandpa was. 

August 29, 1953: James Clell Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jody first came to the Opry in 1938 as a part of Roy Acuff's group. He also performed with Pee Wee King and Eddy Arnold. While he appeared on the Opry many times as a solo artist, he also appeared with Lonzo & Oscar. While he was noted for his comedy skills, Jody was also a fabulous dobro player, and in fact it was Jody who first played the dobro on the Opry and helped to define the Acuff sound. Cousin Jody stayed as a member of the Opry until the early 1970s, when health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in August 1975.

August 14, 1954: Ernest Tubb took a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry. He was gone for a couple of months, returning in November of that year. What is strange about this is that while he was gone from the Opry, Ernest still hosted the Midnight Jamboree each week. Several reasons and rumors were given as to the reason for not appearing on the Opry, with health-related issues being the most common.

August 28, 1954: Stringbean, or "String Beans" as he was referred to during this period of time, left the cast of the Grand Ole Opry to join the Ramblin' Tommy Scott Show. He was gone for just a short period of time and returned to the Opry, where he would remain until his death in November 1973. Over the years, Stringbean's talents, especially his musical skills, have really become underappreciated. Of note: when Stringbean wanted to return to the Opry management hesitated and it was Roy Acuff that stepped in and insisted that Stringbean return as a member. 

August 4, 1956: As best as can be determined, Jimmy C Newman became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Except for a very brief period of time when Jimmy was absent from the show, Jimmy would remain with the Opry until his death in 2014. On a side note, when Jimmy first joined the Opry, the "C" was missing as at that point he had not dedicated himself to the Cajun sound that he would later become famous for. This was also the date that George Jones made his first guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 11, 1956: This is the date that George Jones first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The dates have changed numerous times over the years as George would come and go from the Opry. Among other dates listed in various editions of the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book are August 4, 1956; January 4, 1969 (he did rejoin the cast on that date after previously leaving), and in the 1979 edition of the book, a 1973 date is listed. Not that it all mattered as George wasn't on the Opry all that often, but whenever he did George received a great ovation. 

August 22, 1957: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio. Texas. Holly was an Opry member for a number of years before retiring and leaving Nashville in 2003. After she left town, the Opry dropped her as a member. Holly passed away in November 2016 after a battle with cancer.

August 4, 1959: Skeeter Davis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With the exception for a period on time in the 1970s when she was suspended from the Opry's cast, Skeeter was an Opry member until her death in 2004. Skeeter, who's biggest hit was "The End of the World" make her final Opry appearance in 2002, after which declining health forced her into retirement. Skeeter was always bouncy when on the Opry and brought a smile to a lot of faces. She is definitely one of those artists who is missed. 

August 8, 1959: Jim Reeves rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim first joined the Opry in 1955. He had left the show a year earlier because of the demands on his career. While Jim did return, it wouldn't be for long as he felt that the Opry was hindering his career. 

August 27, 1960: The Louisiana Hayride took place for the final time. Once considered a rival to the Opry, it would become more famous as being a "farm system" for new Opry members. As the recording industry became more established in Nashville, most of the Hayride's members left Shreveport and moved to music city, thus making it difficult for the Hayride to continue.

August 27, 1960: On the same night that the Louisiana Hayride took place for the final time, future Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Russell made his first guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 26, 1961: Future Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his debut on the Opry. Ray made a great impression and was invited back for more appearances, which eventually led to Ray becoming an Opry member in April 1966. Ray passed away in 2023 after retiring from performing. 

August 10, 1963: Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie, known collectively as The Browns, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Maxine and Bonnie left the act in 1967 due to family considerations, Jim Ed continued on as a solo member. Over the years, Maxine and Bonnie would return for guest appearances, and it was always a special treat when they did. Jim Ed was an Opry member for over 50 years, before passing away in 2015. Bonnie passed away in 2016, while Maxine passed away in 2019.

August 23, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry member Milton Estes died at the age of 49. Milton was originally a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys and served as the group's announcer.

August 27, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny passed away from cancer at the age of 52. When he became the Opry's manager, Jim was the first WSM employee to specifically be given that role. During his time with the Opry, he brought dozens of new members to the show including Webb Pierce, who would later be his partner in Cedarwood Publishing, one of the first music publishing companies to locate in Nashville. It was the success of Cedarwood that led to Jim leaving the Opry as WSM management viewed it as a conflict of interest. In 1966, Jim Denny was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 7, 1964: The Friday Night Frolics, which was still taking place at the WSM studio, moved to the Ryman Auditorium and was renamed the Friday Night Opry. Even with the move, it was still considered a secondary show in comparison to the Saturday night Opry. Now, there doesn't seem to be much difference between any of the Opry shows. 

August 8, 1964: The Osborne Brothers, Bobby and Sonny, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While both are still considered members of the Grand Ole Opry, Sonny retired from performing in 2005, at which time Bobby continued with his own group, The Rocky Top X-Press. On this same date, Dottie West became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Dottie, who was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame this past year, passed away in September 1991. After Sonny passed away in 2021, Bobby Osborne continued as a solo member of the Opry, with his band The Rocky Top Ex-Press. Bobby passed away in 2023.

August 7, 1965: Bobby Bare became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby stayed as an Opry member until March 1974, when he quit the cast as the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. 43 years later, on April 7, 2018, Bobby had his Opry membership reinstated, a move that was well received by everyone at the Opry. Bobby hasn't appeared on the Opry in several years and I know all of us wish him well. 

August 21, 1965: After changing the date several different times, this seems to be the date that the Opry recognizes as to when Connie Smith became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Originally the Opry listed the date as in June, then switched to the August date. What is interesting in either case is that Connie did not appear on the Opry on this date, but actually first appeared as on Opry member a month later, in September. Regardless, this will be Connie's 61st year as an Opry member. While Connie will be recognized at the Opry upon her Opry anniversary, let's not forget that Bob Luman also joined the cast of the Opry the same day. 

August 28, 1965: After suffering serious injuries seven weeks earlier in a car accident, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage. It was his first Opry show in seven weeks. 

August 5, 1967: Opry member Connie Smith made her final appearance on the Opry prior to giving up her Opry membership. Connie would return to the Opry in 1971. 

August 17, 1967: Charlie Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie, who is a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, came to the Opry from Texas, where he launched his very successful recording career. Charlie was always a very active member of the Opry and continued to perform on the show until his death in September 2008.

August 5, 1968: Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark was born in Montreal, Canada. As a Canadian, she would join Hank Snow and Stu Phillips as the only Opry members from the land up north. Stu was an Opry member for over 55 years before passing away in 2025. 

August 31, 1968: Jeannie C. Riley made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Jeannie would make several Opry appearances during that period and was a very popular guest at the Opry. 

August 9, 1969: Grand Ole Opry member Norma Jean performed on the Opry for the final time as a member. Norma joined the Opry's cast as a member of Porter Wagoner's group. However, after Norma Jean left Porter's show and Porter hired Dolly Parton, Norma Jean left Nashville and moved back to her native Oklahoma. While not often, Norma Jean did make several appearances on the Opry later in her career. This was also the night that Buckley's Record Shop, a fixture on Broadway in Nashville, hosted an Opry segment for the final time. Martha White brand Trailblazer Dog Food would take over the 10:30 segment the following week. 

August 23, 1969: Audrey Williams, the former wife of the late Hank Williams, made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

August 16, 1969: Trailblazer Dog Food, produced by Martha White, became the new 10:30 sponsor on the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Buckley's Record Shop. 

August 30, 1969: Crystal Gayle made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal sang "Ribbon of Darkness" during her debut. It would take almost 50 years, but in 2017 Crystal would become an Opry member. 

August 12, 1972: David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. David was another of the artists who came to Nashville, and the Opry, via the Louisiana Hayride. His signature song was the great classic, "Almost Persuaded" which spent weeks at No. 1 on the country charts. David remained an Opry member until he passed away in November 1993.

August 8, 1975: Lester Flatt returned to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time since having heart surgery the previous month. While the surgery would be successful and Lester was able to continue his career, he continued to have health issues until he passed away. 

August 21, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member, and one of the original members, Sam McGee died in a tractor accident on his farm in Tennessee. He was 81. Along with his brother Kirk, he first performed on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. During his time at the Opry, Sam would appear with various individuals and groups including the Dixieliners. Sam was the first Opry member to use an electric guitar on the show, after which George D. Hay told him to put it back in the case, take it home, and not bring it back.

August 11, 1976: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage after suffering a heart attack earlier in the year.

August 21, 1976: Future Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels made his Grand Ole Opry debut. It would take several decades until Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream to become an Opry member. 

August 28, 1976: Jimmy C Newman was honored upon his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

August 5, 1978: The legendary Merle Haggard made a guest appearance on the Opry. 

August 11, 1979: Guy Willis, a member of The Willis Brothers, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with his brothers Skeeter and Guy, The Willis Brothers joined the Opry in 1946, left to tour with Eddy Arnold, and returned in 1957.

August 7, 1981: B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, he did not remain with the Opry for very long, leaving just several years later. For B.J., Opry membership just did not turn out the way he thought it would.

August 22, 1981: Don Williams made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Don joined the cast in 1976, and much like B.J. Thomas a little later, found out that Opry membership just wasn't what he expected. And as with B.J. Don would return for a guest appearance or two. 

August 14, 1982: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb made his final appearance on the Opry. Suffering from emphysema, Ernest had a difficult time breathing, which made singing very difficult. Not only was this his final Opry appearance, but it was also the final night that Ernest hosted the Midnight Jamboree. After his final appearances in Nashville, he made one more short, final tour in November before retiring and spending his remaining years at his home in Nashville.

August 27, 1982: B.J. Thomas made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While his final appearance was on the Friday Night Opry, his last Saturday night appearance was earlier that year, in June. Although he left as a member, B.J. returned on occasion to guest on the show.

August 28, 1982: Just two weeks after the final Opry appearance by Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Marty had been a fixture as the host of the 11:30 segment of the show for years. Marty, who suffered from heart issues, would pass away in December.

August 6, 1983: After previously giving up her Opry membership, Norma Jean returned for a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

August 24, 1984: Rock artist Neil Young made his debut on the Opry stage. While he is best known for his rock appearances, and being a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil has written a number of country music songs.

August 23, 1986: Florence Henderson made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

August 1, 1987: Longtime member of Roy Acuff's group, Smoky Mountain Boy Howdy Forrester passed away. Howdy had last appeared on the Opry in June. 

August 22, 1987: Roy Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Roy joined the cast, there was some hesitation on his part, as he told Hal Durham that he could not guarantee how many shows he would appear on as he lived in Tulsa and only came to Nashville to film Hee Haw. However, that was fine with the Opry, thus when Roy was in Nashville to film or record, he would appear on the show. Roy, who was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away in November 2018.

August 29, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell passed away in a Knoxville, Tennessee hospital at the age of 73. He had been in declining health, dealing with heart issues. Archie joined the Opry in 1958 and achieved some of his greatest success as a member of the cast of Hee Haw. Archie was known for his comedy and storytelling and often used one of the Opry's announcers as his straight man. In his later years, Archie would make most of his Opry appearances in the winter months, spending the prime tourist season performing at his theater in Gatlinburg.

August 6, 1988: Former Grand Ole Opry member Webb Pierce performed on the Opry for the final time. Webb was a member of the Opry for a short amount of time in the 1950s, when he was the hottest act in country music. Webb, however, found that he was missing out on too much money if he was in Nashville every Saturday night instead of out on the road. After giving up his Opry membership, Webb would still occasionally guest on the show.

August 12, 1988: Frequent Opry guest Kathy Mattea made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Kathy would continue to make guest appearances over the next several decades and finally in 2025, she was asked to become an Opry member. 

August 10, 1991: Vince Gill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 35th year as an Opry member. On the night he joined, he was introduced by Roy Acuff. Over the years, Vince has made known his love of the Opry and has challenged others of his generation to support the show. I think it is safe to say that Vince is now recognized as one of the mainstays of the Opry. As his commitment to The Eagles has declined over the past several years, Vince has been appearing on the Opry more often. 

August 24, 1991: Dottie West made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Her final song would be her big hit "Here Comes My Baby." Also, on that same night, Opry member Bill Monroe returned for a backstage visit while recovering from heart surgery. He did not perform that night but did walk out on stage. 

August 30, 1991: On her way to the Friday Night Opry, Dottie West was involved in a serious car accident at the entrance to Opryland, which would ultimately prove to be fatal. While Dottie put up a struggle and went through several surgeries, she would pass away a week later.

August 18, 1995: In a surprise appearance, Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley were invited by Porter Wagoner out on stage at the Opry, where the duo performed. Many, including myself, had thought that Jerry Lee never returned to the Opry after his initial appearance, however, I was proven wrong. 

August 26, 1995: Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton made her first Opry appearance in over seven years. 

August 31, 1995: Former Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer David Stone passed away at the age of 93. Along with his brother Harry, David helped to change to focus of the Opry from a regional show into a nationally recognized professional one. He helped to bring such artists, and professionals, as Pee Wee King, Roy Acuff, and Eddy Arnold to the Opry. Both Harry and David Stone have been largely forgotten but their impact on the Opry was tremendous. 

August 9, 1996: Hank Snow returned to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time that year. He had been suffering from respiratory issues. He performed three songs that night, including the hit, "I Don't Hurt Anymore." Hank would make just a few more Opry appearances before retiring the following month.

August 15, 1997: Keith Urban appeared on the Opry for the first time. This was not a solo appearance, but as a member of the Ranch, backing up Slim Dusty. 

August 22, 1997: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills made his Opry debut. It would take several decades and dozens of appearances, but Mark would eventually become a member of the Opry. 

August 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower died in a Jackson, Mississippi hospital after undergoing open heart surgery. He was 71. Jerry joined the Opry in November 1973, the last member to join the cast before the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. A great comedian and storyteller, Jerry was loved by many.

August 26, 2000: Pam Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Pam, this will be her 26th year as an Opry member. Pam always felt bad that she became an Opry member before her father, Mel Tillis, however the Opry rectified that a few years later. 

August 18, 2001: The Grand Ole Opry moved the televised portion of the Opry from TNN to CMT, as TNN changed into Spike TV and changed their focus away from country music. The first show on CMT featured Vince Gill, who celebrated 10 years as an Opry member. Also appearing that night were Steve Wariner, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy C. Newman, Brad Paisley, Elizabeth Cook and Loretta Lynn. Quite an impressive line-up for the televised portion.

August 10, 2002: During the televised portion of the Grand Ole Opry on CMT, the Dixie Chicks announced that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected as the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Personally, I have always felt that the Hall of Fame did an injustice to both Porter and Bill by having the Dixie Chicks make the announcement as part of an Opry show. Nothing against the Dixie Chicks, I just thought the Hall of Fame should have made a bigger deal out of the announcement. In Porter's case, it was long overdue. It is still fun going back an looking at the tape of that night as Porter looked like he was biting his tongue and holding back what I think he really wanted to say.

August 23, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves made his final appearance on the Opry. Del entered a period of declining health that led to his retirement from the Opry. As with so many others of that generation, Del suffered from respiratory issues and emphysema, which would lead to his death several years later.

August 31, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 4,000 Saturday night broadcast. The Opry did a tribute to Minnie Pearl that featured Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Steve Wariner. Almost 20 years later, the Opry will be celebrating show #5000 later this year in October. 

August 23, 2003: Trace Adkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 23rd year as an Opry member. On the night of his induction, his idol Ronnie Milsap did the honors, assisted by Lorrie Morgan. Overall, Trace has been a pretty good Opry member. 

August 12, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman was recognized upon his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

August 25, 2010: In a special ceremony, Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens sang, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" as the historic center piece of wood was returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House after being damaged in the historic flood of May 2010. Thanks to extensive repair and renovation, the center circle was restored to its former condition. I can't believe that this took place over 15 years ago. 

August 5, 2011: Little Jimmy Dickens was named an honorary celebrity chef as the Grand Ole Opry held the grand opening for its new restaurant, the Opry Backstage Grill. 

August 6, 2011: The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry had wanted the quartet as members for years; however, they had always declined due to their heavy touring schedule. However, 15 years ago the Oak Ridge Boys felt the time was right and they accepted the offer by Jimmy Dickens to join the cast. On the night they joined, the group sang, "Bobby Sue," "Amazing Grace," and of course, "Elvira." Every time they are on the Opry, they never fail to receive a standing ovation.

August 13, 2011: Vince Gill celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, in a show dedicated to Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, who had passed away earlier in the week. Joining Vince that night, who opened the show performing Billy's great hit, "Gotta Travel On" were Amy Grant, Martina McBride, and Emmylou Harris, among others.

August 16, 2013: During a concert appearance in Cleveland, Ohio, Old Crow Medicine Show was surprised by Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart, who invited Old Crow to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, they accepted and a month later became official Opry members. Personally, this was one of the best moves the Opry had made in many years.

August 7, 2014: Earl White, the last remaining member of the Crook Brothers square dance band, passed away after a short illness. After the passing of Herman Crook, and then Lewis Crook, Earl continued as the fiddle player for the square dancers, joined by Charlie Collins before he passed away.

August 8, 2015: Connie Smith was honored for 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart hosted a one-hour segment of the show, which included Connie singing her monster hit, "Once A Day."

August 13, 2016: Vince Gill was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince hosted two shows that night, both of which lasted over 3 hours. Vince was on stage the entire night, with both shows featuring Bill Anderson, Ashley Monroe, Rodney Crowell, Charlie Worsham, and of course, his wife, Amy Grant. As someone who was there, it was a spectacular night.

August 18, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hal has been dealing with some medical issues that has forced his retirement from performing.

August 29, 2017: Chris Young was invited by Vince Gill to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris was formally inducted in October.

August 21, 2018: Dustin Lynch was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trace Adkins handled the surprise announcement, which was a surprise to many. Dustin's Opry membership was one of those head scratchers but overall, he has honored the Opry with around 10 appearances each year. 

August 25, 2018: Grand Ole Opry President Steve Buchanan officially retired. He had made the announcement earlier that he would be leaving to pursue other opportunities. Also, Garth Brooks returned to the Opry that night. While Garth had made surprise appearances over the past decade, this was his first announced Opry appearance since October 2005.

August 5, 2019: Dan Rogers was promoted to Vice-President/Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. Dan has been around the Opry for years and in the short time he has been in charge, he has already left his mark on the show adding members such as Lady A, Gene Watson, The Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Jamey Johnson, Sara Evans and Jon Pardi, among others. 

August 10, 2019: Chely Wright returned for a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, her first appearance in 10 years. At one time there was a lot of talk about Chely becoming an Opry member, however it never happened. 

August 3, 2021: Carly Pearce was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha Yearwood did the honors. Carly had been a proud supporter of the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the show over 100 times in her short career, however since joining the cast, her appearances have significantly dropped off. 

August 10, 2021: Just one week after Carly was inducted as an Opry member, Ricky Skaggs surprised The Isaacs during their performance on the Tuesday Night Opry to invite the family group to become members of the Opry. Their induction will take place in September. 

August 20, 2021: Tom T. Hall passed away. Tom T. originally joined the Opry in 1971. After the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium, Tom T. left the show, however he returned in 1980 at the invitation of Ernest Tubb. Tom T. Hall is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

August 21, 2021: Just one day after the death of Tom. T., former Grand Ole Opry member Don Everly passed away at the age of 85. The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, came to the Opry in the early 1950s as part of a youth movement. However, their careers took off and off to California the brothers went. In 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

August 30, 2022: Don Schlitz was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, who had invited Don to become an Opry member earlier in the year, did the honors on that special night. After Don joined the Opry, he appeared more often than the majority of Opry members and was always well received. Sadly, Don passed away earlier this year after a short illness. 

August 17, 2023: During a show at the Ryman Auditorium, Sara Evans was invited by Bill Anderson to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sara would be inducted in October, during the Opry's 98th birthday weekend. 

August 1, 2025: Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely passed away. Jeannie was an Opry member for almost 58 years and made more Opry appearances than any other member in the history of the show. 

August 9, 2025: Kathy Matttea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Her friend Charlie McCoy surprised Kathy with the invitation to join. 

Grand Ole Opry 7/31 & 8/1

Earlier this week, it was posted that Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town will be returning to the Opry for not just one, but for two consecutive nights. They are scheduled to appear on the Wednesday Night Opry on September 2 and Opry Country Classics on Thursday September 3. They are appearing in support of their new album, "It's a Dying Art." 

I only mention this because Little Big Town was one of the acts that I highlighted recently for their lack of Opry appearances. As I noted at that time, their last appearance was almost two years ago on August 20, 2024. Prior to that, they last appeared in March 2023. They did not participate in any Opry shows during the Opry's 100th anniversary year. 

Regardless of the reasons, I am happy that they have found their way back to the Opry and look forward to seeing them the first week of September. 

While Little Big Town will not be appearing on the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, there are other Opry members who will be. On the Friday Night Opry, Rhonda Vincent, Charlie McCoy and John Conlee are on the schedule. Also listed is Opry NextStage artist Alexandra Kay, Lee Roy Parnell, Brandley Gilbert, and Lindsay Lou, who is making her Opry debut. Rounding out the lineup is Wil and Landon Reid, who perform under the name Wilson Fairchild. If the last name sounds familiar, it is. They are the sons of Harold and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers. 

Taking a look at Saturday night, Opry member Lorrie Morgan returns, joined by Gene Watson, Mandy Barnett and The Whites. Ruby Leigh, who appeared just several weeks ago, is back, as is Byrce Leatherwood and another act making their Opry debut, The National Parks. 

Friday July 31
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Lindsay Lou, Lee Roy Parnell
Intermission
8:20: Wilson Fairchild, Alexandra Kay, Charlie McCoy, Brantley Gilbert

Saturday August 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, The Whites, The National Parks, Gene Watson
Intermission
8:20: Ruby Leigh, Opry Square Dancers, Bryce Leatherwood, Lorrie Morgan

Lindsay Lou is known by many as the Queen of festivals. She is from Michigan, which is where she started out, touring with acts such as The Flatbellys and the Sweet Water Warblers. Since making Nashville her home, she's toured with her folk/rock Queen of Time Band and the acoustic/harmony driven Honey Moon Trio. 

 The National Parks consists of husband-and-wife duo Brady and Meg Parks, and are inspired by love, life, and the great outdoors. Much of that world begins in a small shed studio in their backyard outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, where the two write and record side by side, shaping songs that feel both intimate and expansive. Their music blends indie folk and cinematic pop, carried by soaring melodies, layered harmonies, and Meg’s violin. Centered on storytelling, their music is shaped as much by the outdoors as it is by the life they are building together. Since forming in 2013, The National Parks have built a loyal global audience through six full-length albums. Their songs have connected with listeners drawn to music that feels both adventurous and deeply personal.

The Grand Ole Opry member spotlighted in the Tennessean this weekend in 1992 was Holly Dunn: 

Grand Ole Opry star Holly Dunn has launched a whole new image with her video for As Long As You Belong to Me. The clip features the Texas-bred singer/songwriter juxtaposed with an industrial league, shirtless hunk. The whole effect is rather sexy, especially for someone whose previous image was pretty prim. 

Dunn is a preacher's daughter from San Antonio who came to Nashville as a songwriter in 1979, shepherded by her composer/producer brother Chris Waters. Her tunesmithing talents for stars such as Louise Mandrell, Sylvia, Marie Osmond, Terri Gibbs and others paved the way to an MTM Records contract in 1985. 

The sentimental Daddy's Hands, written as a Father's Day present, became Dunn's first top 10 hit in 1986. She followed it with 1987's Only When I Love, Someone Like Me, and the Michael Martin Murphy duet A Face in the Crowd. Strangers Again, That's What Your Love Does to Me, You Really Had Me Going, Two Too Many and Someday are among her other hit records. 

Dunn made headlines with her teasing 1991 single Maybe I Mean Yes. When women listeners objected to the song, she asked that it be withdrawn rather than capitalizing on the controversy. Her new album is getting it Dunn. 

She performs on the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. portions of the Friday night Opry shows. 

Here are the posted lineups from that weekend, July 31 & August 1, 1992: 

Friday July 31
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host): Jim Ed Brown, Skeeter Davis, Roy Drusky, David Houston
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Ray Pillow, Del Reeves, Connie Smith, Charlie Walker
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): 4 Guys, Bill Anderson, Justin Tubb
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard, Mike Snider, Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Billy Walker, Connie Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): David Houston, Jim Ed Brown, Grandpa Jones
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Del Reeves, Carlisles, 4 Guys
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jimmy Dickens, Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker
11:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jeannie Seely, Jack Greene, Mike Snider
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday August 1
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Jim Ed Brown
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): Jimmy Dickens 
7:00: Jack Greene (host): Skeeter Davis, Stonewall Jackson, 4 Guys
7:30: Billy Walker (host): David Houston, Ernie Ashworth, Holly Dunn
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Mike Snider, Jeanne Pruett, Opry Square Dance Band, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Louvin, Del Reeves, Jan Howard, Roy Drusky

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Charlie Walker, Wilma Lee Cooper, Ray Pillow, Holly Dunn
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeannie Seely
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Mike Snider
10:30: Billy Monroe (host): Jack Greene
10:45: Del Reeves (host): 4 Guys, Opry Square Dance Band, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeanne Pruett, Carlisles, David Houston, Charlie Louvin
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Roy Drusky, Jan Howard, Johnny Russell

Obviously, a misprint in the Tennessean as Holly was on Saturday night, not Friday. 

The manner in which Holly Dunn was fired from the Opry was sad. She should have been allowed to be a retired Opry member as were others who had stopped appearing. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Grand Ole Opry member Lady A has yet to appear on the Opry in 2026, but that all changes on Tuesday night as they are scheduled to close out the show. Hillary Scott will have double duty that night as in addition to performing with Lady A she will also be appearing with The Scott Family Band. 

Tuesday July 28
7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Blake Whiten, The Whites, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family Band
Intermission
8:20: Elizabeth Nichols, Dave Barnes, Lady A 

Now taking a look at the Wednesday Night Opry, members T. Graham Brown, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy and The Isaacs are listed. 

Wednesday July 29
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Mandy Barnett, Sons of Legions, Charles Wesley Godwin
Intermission
8:20: Jenna Paulette, Waylon Payne, Charlie McCoy, The Isaacs

Finishing up the mid-week lineup of shows, the Thursday Night Opry features Lorrie Morgan and Rhonda Vincent. Also appearing are The Shootouts, Tia Sillers and Jimmy Fortune. Belles will be making her Opry debut, and I also want to add that Mo Pitney is back for an Opry appearance. Mo is one of those singers that many have been asking the question, "Where did he go? He made numerous appearances on the Opry and, I thought, was really good. A true country voice. But happily, they found him. 

Thursday July 30
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Mo Pitney, Belles, Jimmy Fortune
Intermission
8:20: Tia Sillers, The Shootouts, Maddox Batson, Lorrie Morgan 

Belles is a singer/songwriter with over 100M+ cumulative streams across her catalog. He song "Crazy as Me" peaked at #3 on the iTunes Country Charts in 2025. She has 1.5 million followers on her social media sites. In April she released her self-penned song "Son of Jolene," which features Dolly Parton. In an interview, Dolly said "When I heard ‘Son of Jolene,’ I thought it was very clever. No one had ever thought of it that way.’” 

Grand Ole Opry 7/24 & 7/25

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

Here is the press release from the Opry:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Ole Opry 7/17 & 7/18

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

Here is how the Tennessean reported it that morning: 

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

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

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

Bill later said: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to Bill Anderson and Happy 65th!!

Mid-Week Opry Shows

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

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

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

Tuesday July 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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