Mid-Week Opry Shows

Before getting into the mid-week lineups, I just wanted to comment on the Grand Ole Opry shows this past weekend and the dedication on Saturday night to Don Schlitz. I thought Dan Rogers did an outstanding job with his dedication. It was so heartfelt and emotional. Don meant so much to the Opry in the short time he was a member, and you could tell, not only in Dan's comments, but also from Vince and Charles Esten. In fact, each of those performing on Saturday night, and the vast majority of those on Friday, mentioned Don and how much he meant to each of them. Ending the show with Vince singing "Go Rest High" was perfect, especially with Vince inviting anyone who was backstage to come out and sing it with him. The chorus of "The Gambler" ending the night was the icing on the cake. 

It is always tough losing an Opry member. I think when a member is retired and away from the Opry at the time of their death, it doesn't touch the heart as much as it does with an active member. Within the past year we have lost three such members: Jeannie Seely, Buck White and Don Schlitz. Like with the others, the Opry will move on and continue. But each time one of the members passes, it does leave a hole and with Don, it leaves a big one. 

Now moving on, it was noted last week how many Grand Ole Opry appearances The Oak Ridge Boys have made thus far in 2026 and there are two more on the schedule as the Oaks are on the schedule for both the Tuesday and Wednesday night Opry shows this week. 

Joining the group on Tuesday night are Opry members Mark Wills, The Whites, Lauren Alaina and Old Crow Medicine Show, in what is a very strong lineup for the mid-week show.

Tuesday April 21
7:00: Mark Wills, Graham Barham, The Band of Heathens, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Drake Milligan, Lauren Alaina, Old Crow Medicine Show

In addition to the Oaks on Wednesday night, Opry members T. Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy are scheduled, as is very frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose and the very popular act The Shootouts. We also have a pair of Opry debuts with Landon Bryant and Owen Riegling making their first Opry appearance. 

Wednesday April 22
7:00: T. Graham Brown, The Shootouts, Owen Riegling, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: Charlie McCoy, Landon Bryant, The Band Perry, The Oak Ridge Boys

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin hosting and Dailey & Vincent as the Spotlight Artists

Thursday April 23
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Cleveland, Charlie Worsham, Belmont Bluegrass

Regarding the two Opry debuts on Wednesday night: 

Landon Bryant is a comedian and best-selling author. from Laurel, Mississippi, and the voice behind the popular account LandonTalks. He has written two books with Running Press, a division of Hachette Book Group, with a third on the way. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Southern Living, and he writes a humor column for Good Grit magazine. Landon hosts the podcast LandonTalks with Kate and has sold out comedy clubs across the country.

Owen Riegling received his Opry invite from Tyler Hubbard. Owen is an award singer/songwriter from Canada. After winning the 2022 Boots & Hearts Festival Emerging Artist Competition and signing with Universal Music Canada, Riegling broke through with his platinum-certified hit “Old Dirt Roads”. His expanded EP-turned-album Bruce County (From The Beginning) earned major recognition, including 2025 CCMA Album of the Year, multiple Country Music of Ontario Awards, and a 2025 Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. With more than 165 million global streams, his momentum continues to build.

Don Schlitz

 Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz has passed away. 

Here is the press release from the Opry: 

Don Schlitz, composer of the iconic song “The Gambler,” passed away on April 16 at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.

 Schlitz was among the most influential and beloved songwriters in the history of Country Music. His chart-topping songs - among them “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “The Greatest,” and “When You Say Nothing At All” - are touchstones and inspirations that continue to influence songwriters and singers decades after they were written. His words and music have articulated the extraordinary emotions inherent in common experience.

 Schlitz’s first recorded song, “The Gambler” won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978, and the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1979.  When Schlitz was notified by a reporter that he was nominated for CMA Song of the Year, the reporter told him, “This will be the first line of your obituary.”

His 50 Top 10 singles have played major roles in the careers of Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss, and many other singers. Schlitz achieved twenty-five Number One’s in his career.

Schlitz was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988-91. He won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two ACM Song of the Year awards, two Grammy’s, and has had many more nominations. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993. 

In 2012, Schlitz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City (along with Bob Seger and Gordon Lightfoot). Past recipients include Bob Dylan, Leiber and Stoller, Otis Blackwell, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney.  

In 2017, Schlitz was inducted as a Member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Having written hits across five decades, he joined an exclusive circle in the Country Music Hall of Fame that at that time included only five other songwriters: Bobby Braddock, Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard, and Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.

In 2022, Schlitz was inducted as a Member of the Grand Ole Opry, the only non-artist songwriter inducted into the show in its 100-year history.  Schlitz would begin his set with his signature self-effacing humor, telling the audience, “You have no idea who I am.”  After hearing the songs that he performed from his iconic song catalog, the audience often erupted in cheers and standing ovations.

Schlitz also wrote the music and lyrics for the 1999 Broadway musical “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. Though he could have hung up his ambitions and his songwriting pen after having written “The Gambler,” Schlitz said he lived in enduring commonality with Tom Sawyer’s creator Mark Twain, who once wrote: “I am hard at work ... merely for the love of it.” 

 Don Schlitz was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He briefly attended Duke University before moving to Nashville at age 20 on a Trailways bus with $80 in his pocket.  His talent was recognized and fostered early on by greats, including Bob McDill and Bobby Bare, and he emerged as an empathetic and intelligent chronicler of the human spirit. 

One of the first performers at Amy Kurland’s iconic songwriter club The Bluebird Café, Schlitz and friends Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch, and Paul Overstreet originated the Café’s songwriter-in-the-round format in 1985. Don popularized his Tuesday Night “Don For A Dollar” show, with a cover charge of $1, where he regularly performed his hits and new material at The Bluebird, interspersed with his wry wit and unique comic timing.

 When Rogers recorded “The Gambler” – the young songwriter’s first recorded song – Schlitz moved into rare territory, penning a crossover song that spawned a pop cultural fascination. Rogers’ 1978 version rode an unforgettable chorus wrapped around a simple life lesson: “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em/know when to fold ’em/know when to walk away/and know when to run.” The song, written when Schlitz was 23, spawned television movies, parodies, Halloween costumes, and became one of those handful of Country songs that crossed over into America’s pop cultural fabric in the 1970s. Rogers’ version resonated deeply with listeners, and nearly 50 years later the song continues to pop up in movies and television, including in an insurance commercial with Rogers singing that iconic chorus during a card game, as well as on a “Draft Kings” commercial promoting responsible gaming.

Don is survived by his wife, Stacey; his daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt Dixon; his son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian Webb Schlitz; his grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; his brother Brad Schlitz; and his sister Kathy Hinkley. 

Perhaps Kenny Rogers said it best when expressing his feelings as an artist when inducting Schlitz into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by stating: “Don doesn’t just write songs, he writes careers.” 

Saturday night’s Grand Ole Opry performance will be dedicated in Schlitz’ honor. Other service plans are pending. 

I was surprised as anyone when Don started to appear on the Opry, with his Opry debut taking place on October 28, 2017. Each Opry appearance he made sure to let the audience know that, in his own way that he was not a country singer, but a songwriter.  I know I was one of those in the beginning who wondered why this guy was on the Opry. 

But over time, he became very, very good and I, among others, began looking forward to his appearances. He made quite a few and on August 30, 2022 he became a member of the Opry. And not only did he become an Opry member, but he became one of the primary members that made regular appearances on the show. In fact, in 2025, he made more Opry appearances than anyone else, with his last Opry appearance taking place earlier this year. 

He became such an important member of the cast that it seemed that if Vince Gill wasn't closing a show, it was Don. While Don didn't get much applause when he was first introduced, once the audience heard him and realized who he was, he always received a standing ovation. 

While every Opry member who passes away is missed, Don will be missed more than many. He was much loved and he will definitely be missed by many at the Opry. I am sure Saturday night's dedication and show will be something special. 

Rest in peace Don Schlitz. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/17 & 4/18

I am sure some of you noticed that earlier this week, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced their 2026 inductees. Counting all categories, there are 18 in all. Yes, that is correct. And while that number is high, it is not unusual as the Rock Hall annually averages over 10 new inductees each year. Contrast that with the Country Music Hall of Fame which annually elects 3 per year. 

Now I know that there is a difference in the demographics of rock and country music, and the size of the audience. However, country music has found a much greater audience in the past several decades and continues to grow. We talk about the backlog now; can you imagine what it will be in 10 or 20 years? I am not saying that the Country Hall of Fame needs to elect 10 or more inductees each year, but they can certainly do better than 3. And I will add, for what it is worth, electing 18 per year dilutes the worthiness of the Rock Hall a bit. That's just my two cents. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry and it is a pretty good one. Opry member Vince Gill returns for both nights, along with comedian Gary Mule Deer. They will be joined on Friday night by Connie Smith and making his first appearance of the year, Darius Rucker. Saturday night has Riders In The Sky and John Conlee listed. 

Non-members on the Friday schedule are The Wilder Blue, Jake Hoot and making his Opry debut, Vincent Neal Emerson. There is another debut on Saturday night as Benny G was recently invited by Vince Gill to appear on the Opry. Also scheduled is Monte Warden & The Wagoneers and Nashville star Charles Esten. 

Friday April 17
7:00: Connie Smith, Vincent Neil Emerson, Gary Mule Deer, The Wilder Blue
Intermission
8:20: Jake Hoot, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker

Saturday April 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Monte Warden & The Wagoneers, John Conlee, Benny G, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

(I had it in my original notes that Don Schlitz, who has only made one appearance thus far this year, was on the schedule for Saturday night. However, he is now off. I do believe he was to be in the spot to open the 2nd half of the show, thus you might see some movement in the running order)

Vincent Neil Emerson was surprised with his Opry invitation back in February. He is a singer/songwriter from East Texas. His debut album Fried Chicken and Evil Women was released in 2019 on La Honda Records. Since then, his music has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including Yellowstone and Landman. Also to his credit is a self-titled record produced by Rodney Crowell and the recent Golden Crystal Kingdom produced by Shooter Jennings. His newest and fourth full length album, Blue Stars, releases April 17th. The first single “Jet Plane” is now streaming everywhere.

Benny G., as mentioned, was surprised with his Opry invitation by Vince Gill. His appearance will follow the release of his new EP ‘When You Know You Know', which will arrive on 17th April. “To stand in the Opry circle for the first time is a moment I imagined as a young kid discovering the magic of music in my childhood home,” said Benny. “For ‘Vinny G’ to be the one to call me and invite me to make my debut is as full circle of a moment as it could get. As a guitarist, songwriter, and performing artist, Vince Gill’s art is the guiding light.”

His Grand Ole Opry debut is the latest in a long line of career accomplishments for the 20-year-old wunderkind. It was recently announced that he will open for Ty Myers on all dates of The Legal Tour. This year, he has been on the road with Jack Wharff Band, Sons of Legion, Congress The Band, Penelope Road, and more. He made his debut at C2C in Germany and London and will make his first appearance at CMA Fest this summer.

I had posted in March the details regarding the night Diamond Rio were invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Fast forward to Saturday April 17, 1998, to the night when Diamond Rio were formally inducted as Opry members. 

Diamond Rio, consisting of Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Gene Johnson, Dan Truman, Dana Williams and Brian Prout, made their first Opry appearance in October 1991 and when they joined the Opry, they were the first group to join since The Whites in 1984. During their careers, they have won numerous awards from the Country Music Association and from the Academy of Country Music and have had more than 20 Top 10 singles.

Diamond Rio were originally known as the Tennessee River Boys, a group that performed on a regular basis in the Opryland theme park. During the late 1980s, membership in the group changed as several members left and others joined. In 1991, their first single, "Meet in the Middle" went to No. 1 on the charts and their career took off from there. Their 2001 hit ballad "One More Day" became a key song of healing after the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2004, they were awarded the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award for their work on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. While their hit making days are behind them, they remain a popular road band and are always well received at the Opry.

Here is the running order of the Opry from Saturday April 18, 1998, the night that Diamond Rio joined the Opry's cast:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy-Liggy Lo
Bill Carlisle: (?)
Jimmy C Newman: Jole Blon

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jean Shepard (host): Love's Gonna Live Here
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Picking Up the Pieces
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz

7:00: Shoney's
Vince Gill (host): The Cold Gray Light of Dawn
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Skeeter Davis: I Can't Stay Mad at You
George Hamilton IV: We Will Meet Again
Jack Greene: My World Ain't Turning Yet
Vince Gill: My Pretty Little Adriana/Whenever You Come Around

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Chonda Pierce: Comedy
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Diamond Rio: Meet In the Middle/Tennessee
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Than Know You're Gone

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Ida Red
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Dooley

8:30: Fan Fair
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Jeannie Seely: Making Believe
The Whites: Doing it By the Book
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Oswald: Mansion on the Hill
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Man's Woman
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies/Head on Over to the Twist and Shout

10:00: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Jan Howard: I Wish I Could Love that Much Again
Kenny Sears: Orange Blossom Special
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill: Two Worlds Apart
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

10:30: Purnell's
4 Guys (host): The Grundy County Auction
Jean Shepard: When Two Worlds Collide
4 Guys: Shenandoah

10:45: Opry Book/Opry Cruise
Billy Walker (host): Don't Stop In My World
Roy Drusky: Waltz of the Angels
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Billy Walker: Blue Suede Shoes

11:00: Coca-Cola
Johnny Russell: Good Heated Woman
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Stu Phillips: Only God
Diamond Rio: Dig A Little Deeper/Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John

11:30: Turbo Nutrition
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Charlie Walker: Right or Wrong/Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
The Whites: Swing Down, Chariot
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

As I mentioned in my original post, Diamond Rio has not appeared on the Opry in years, with their last appearance taking place in 2019. Hopefully, the issues can be worked out, and Diamond Rio will be back at the Opry soon. They continue to be a popular road act and they are missed. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It's another full week of Grand Ole Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry featuring Opry members Terri Clark, The Isaacs and Dailey & Vincent. Taylor Hicks is back for another appearance as are The Travelin' McCourys. Rounding out the schedule are Twitty & Lynn, Shaylen and comedian Brittany Ross. 

Tuesday April 14
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Shaylee, Twitty & Lynn, The Travellin’ McCourys
Intermission
8:20: Taylor Hicks, Brittany Ross, Terri Clark, The Isaacs

Moving ahead to Wednesday night, Opry member Charlie McCoy, who has been missing from the Opry schedule for a while is back, along with Rhonda Vincent and The Whites, Bluegrass award winners Darin & Brooke Aldridge are scheduled, along with Mitchell Tenpenny, Megan Patrick, Kelsey Hart and AVTT/PTTN, who will be making their Opry debut. 

Wednesday April 15
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Kelsey Hart, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Charlie McCoy 
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Megan Patrick, AVTT/PTTN, Mitchell Tenpenny

Finally, Opry Country Classics completes the mid-week shows on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin back as the host and Ricky Skaggs as the Spotlight Artist. Also appearing are The Gatlin Brothers, Jamie O’Neal, The Malpass Brothers and Gary Mule Deer. 

Thursday April 16
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Jamie O'Neal, The Malpass Brothers, Gary Mule Deer

Grand Ole Opry 4/10 & 4/11

When I look at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, I see that The Oak Ridge Boys are on the schedule again. If it seems like they have been appearing on the Opry much more frequently since the first of the year, you are correct. These two appearances will be their 8th and 9th of the year, with more on the upcoming schedules. This compares to just six for the entire year both in 2024 and 2025. 

I think there are a couple of reasons for this: while they are still actively touring, it gives Richard Sterban an opportunity to perform with the group. While he is unable to tour with the rest of the Oaks, performing at the Opry gives Richard that opportunity, if he is able, to come out. And as Duane Allen and William Lee continue to age, I think it gives them more chances to sing without the burden of a heavy tour schedule. 

Seeing the Oaks making more appearances on the Opry follows the trend of several other veteran Opry members who earlier in their careers, during their hit making days and heavy touring schedules, did not appear on the Opry all that often. John Conlee and The Gatlin Brothers are two of those acts. While in the past couple of decades we have seen a lot of John and the Gatlins, that wasn't always the case. Whatever the reason for the increased number of Opry appearances, I think all of us are pleased to see it. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry this weekend, in addition to The Oak Ridge Boys, Opry members T. Graham Brown, Craig Morgan and Connie Smith are on the schedule, while on Saturday night, in addition to the Oaks, Mandy Barnett, Bill Anderson and The Isaacs are listed. 

Guesting on Friday night are Tenille Townes, Connor Smith, Sarah Jarosz and making their Opry debut, Breabach. There is another debut on the schedule for Saturday with Stephen Sanchez making his first appearance on the Opry. Also scheduled are Karley Scott Collins, Waylon Payne, and returning to the Opry after a very successful debut, the legendary Don McLean. 

Friday April 10
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Tenille Townes, Breabach, Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Connor Smith, Sarah Jarosz, The Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday April 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Waylon Payne, Don McLean, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Karley Scott Collins, Stephen Sanchez, The Isaacs

Breabach consists of Megan Henderson (Fiddle/Vocals/Step Dance), James Lindsay (Double Bass/Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Highland Bagpipe/Whistle/Bouzouki/Vocals), Conal McDonagh (Highland Bagpipe/Uilleann pipes/Whistle/Vocals), and Ewan Robertson (Guitar/Cajon/Vocals). They are a critically acclaimed Scottish group that has won numerous awards during their 20+ year career. 

Stephen Sanchez is a singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer. His debut album was released in September 2023, with this second album set for release next month.  His breakout single “Until I Found You” went multi-platinum, vaulted into the Top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100, and generated over 2 billion streams powered by the original, piano version, and duet with gold-certified pop singer and songwriter Em Beihold.

I have been asked over time the question of how many Grand Ole Opry members have reached the milestone of 50 years as an Opry member. The question recently came up recently with Ronnie Milsap achieving that honor in February and when it was mentioned on the Opry Honors Jimmy Dickens show that Jimmy had been an Opry member for 64 years.  

While you would think that the answer is clear cut, it is not that simple. In the early years of the Opry, members came and went, and in some cases, came back. There have been times where the Opry has recognized that break in membership, while in other cases, has not. Two of the most recent examples are Jimmy Dickens and Connie Smith. 

So, let's look at it this way and then dig a little deeper. 

The Opry has honored member's milestones based on the original date that they joined the Opry whether that member stayed the entire time or left for a period of time. Based on that, here are those that made it 50 years or more, basically in order of tenure. (The dates listed are when the member first joined the Opry):

Jimmy Dickens: August 1, 1948-January 2, 2015: 66 years, 5 months
Stonewall Jackson: November 3, 1956-December 4, 2021: 65 years, 1 month
Bill Anderson: July 15, 1961-Current member: 64 years, 9 months
Herman Crook: July 24, 1926-June 10, 1988: 61 years, 11 months
Jean Shepard: November 21, 1955-September 25, 2016: 60 years, 10 months
Connie Smith: August 21, 1965-Current Member: 60 years, 8 months
Loretta Lynn: September 25, 1962-October 2, 2022: 60 years
Jesse McReynolds: March 7, 1964-June 23, 2023: 59 years
Bobby Osborne: August 8, 1964-June 27, 2023: 58 years
Stu Phillips: June 17, 1967-December 25, 2025: 58 years
Jimmy C Newman: August 4, 1956-June 21, 2014: 57 years
Jeannie Seely: September 16, 1967-August 1, 2025: 57 years
Dolly Parton: January 11, 1969-Current Member: 57 years
Ray Pillow: April 30, 1966-March 26, 2023: 56 years
Bill Monroe: October 28, 1939-September 9, 1996: 56 years
George Jones: August 11, 1956-April 26, 2013: 56 years
Kirk McGee: December 1927-October 24, 1983: 55 years
Charlie Louvin: February 26, 1955-January 26, 2011: 55 years
Minnie Pearl: November 30, 1940-March 4, 1996: 55 years
Roy Acuff: February 19, 1938-November 23, 1992: 54 years 
George Hamilton IV: February 6, 1960-September 17, 2014: 54 years
Wilma Lee Cooper: March 2, 1957-September 13, 2011: 54 years
Barbara Mandrell: July 8, 1972-Current Member: 53 years
Billy Grammer: February 28, 1959-August 10, 2011: 52 years
Jeanne Pruett: July 21, 1973-Current Member: 52 years
Grandpa Jones: March 16, 1946-February 13, 1998: 51 years
Jim Ed Brown: August 10, 1963-July 11, 2015: 51 years
Porter Wagoner: February 25, 1957-October 28, 2007: 50 years
Tom T. Hall: January 8, 1971-August 20, 2021: 50 years
Ronnie Milsap: February 6, 1976-Current Member: 50 years

If Bill Anderson is the longest serving member in the history of the Opry, why isn't he at the top of this list? Because those members that I highlighted had left the Opry for a period of time after they joined. 

Jimmy Dickens joined the Opry in November 1948. He left in 1957 and returned in 1975, a gap of just over 17 years. Yet in 1998 Jimmy Dickens celebrated his 50th year as an Opry member and for years the Opry introduced Jimmy as an "Opry member since 1948." I know several Opry members, especially Jean Shepard, took issue with that and as she always pointed out, once she joined, she never left. Later, Jimmy's introduction was slightly changed, and it was noted that he "first joined the Opry in 1948." In all, Jimmy was actually an Opry member for just under 49 years. How they came up with the 64-year number on the honors show is beyond me. 

Connie Smith is the most recent example. Connie joined the Opry in 1965. Yet at the end of the year in 1967 she left, returning in April 1971. While Jimmy left to tour with a competing tobacco company, there are several versions as to why Connie left, ranging from the pressures of her career, taking time off to be with her family, or her refusal appear on the Opry without her own band members. Regardless, she did return. Last year Connie "celebrated" her 60th year as an Opry member, yet to be technical, she has been a member for just over 57 years. 

In the case of Jimmy and Connie, they were long-time Opry members who fully supported the show while they were members and this is not meant to take anything away from their accomplishments. It just shows that at times; the Opry has been inconsistent as to their record keeping. 

Discounting Connie Smith, and as noted above, here are those Opry members 60 years or more: Bill Anderson, Herman Crook, Jean Shepard, Stonewall Jackson and Loretta Lynn. 

Just to clarify, Stonewall did have a break in his Opry membership. He joined the Opry in November 1956. He was fired from the Opry as part of the Purge of 64, however he rejoined the cast in May 1969 and remained a member until his death in December 2021. Even with his break in service, he still reached 60 years. 

Even Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones and George Hamilton IV had breaks in their membership. Several others have retired from performing well before reaching their 50th year as members.

In years prior, Opry members who left the Opry, either for health reasons, being no longer active, or just deciding they no longer wanted to be Opry members, were removed from the cast. Today, that no longer happens and their tenure continues. 

How about Tom T. Hall, who in January 2021 was recognized as a 50-year Opry member. However, he left in the middle of 1974 and returned in March 1980. That left him just under 45 years. 

Then there is the saga of George Jones. George joined the Opry in August 1956. He passed away in April 2013, which would have brought him in at 56+ years of membership. However, taking a closer look, you will see that shortly after joining, George left. He rejoined in January 1969, but that didn't last either. For the final time, he came back in March 1975 and this time he stayed just short of 39 years well short of the 50-year mark. 

There have been a few Opry members who have come close. Hank Snow was weeks away from his 50th Opry anniversary before he passed away. Bill Carlisle and Jan Howard each made it 49 years, while Hank Locklin hit 48.

And of course, in December, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers will join the 50-year club. 

In my memory, I don't recall the Opry recognizing Herman Crook and The Crook Brothers when they reached the 50- and 60-year milestones. They might have said something, but I just don't recall. I do remember Roy Acuff's 50th, which was the televised segment on TNN. Roy was the first to have his Opry anniversary honored in that manner. 

Whatever way the Opry wants to define length of membership is fine as long as they are being consistent. I have no problem with recognizing Opry anniversaries based on the date a member first joined the Opry. However, those whose membership has been without interruption should also be noted. So while Jimmy Dickens might be at the top of this list, it is Bill Anderson who, rightfully so, is recognized as the longest tenured member in the history of the Opry. Much like Herman Crook and Jean Shepard, once Bill joined the Opry he never left. And, he has never retired. 

In Connie's case, if she is introduced as a 60-year member of the Opry, that is ok with me also. And like Bill, she is still an active member of the cast, which to me accounts for something. 

And as far as Bill, he will be celebrating his 65th anniversary as an Opry member on Saturday July 18 and yes, he is the longest tenured member in the history of the Opry. And I think I can safely say, it is a record that will probably never be broken. 

 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It's another full week of Grand Ole Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry. Opry members Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Henry Cho and Rhonda Vincent head up the lineup. Taylor Holder will be making his Opry debut, with Hogslop String Band, Nate Smith and Chase Matthew rounding out the schedule. 

Tuesday April 7
7:00: Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Taylor Holder, Hogslop String Band
Intermission
8:20: Nate Smith, Henry Cho, Chase Matthew, Rhonda Vincent

Now moving ahead to Wednesday night where Dustin Lynch will be returning to the Opry stage, joined by members The Whites and Dailey & Vincent. Americana artist Jim Lauderdale, Dom Flemons, Danielle Bradberry, Liam St. John and Point of Grace round it out. 

Wednesday April 8
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, The Whites, Liam St. John, Point of Grace
Intermission
8:20: Jim Lauderdale, Danielle Bradberry, Dom Flemons, Dustin Lynch

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin as host and The Oak Ridge Boys as the Spotlight Artists. Also on the schedule are the Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jaelee Roberts and John Foster. 

Opry Country Classics
Thursday April 9
7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Jaelee Roberts, The Isaacs, John Foster

(line-ups subject to change) 

Grand Ole Opry 4/3 & 4/4

Starting off with this note regarding WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody: 

Longtime Ryman Hospitality Properties WSM-AM/Nashville morning host and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody is on a short medical hiatus for an undisclosed reason until his doctors deem a return to work suitable. The station shared with listeners that Cody is "focusing on his health and well-being as he takes time to rest and recharge." Get well messages can be sent to the Grand Ole Opry House at 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 or via the contact page at WSMRadio.com.

The past year has been difficult for Bill as he has battled some health issues along with a family tragedy with the death of his son. Here is hoping that Bill returns to WSM soon. 

When I looked at the Grand Ole Opry schedule for this weekend, it brought a smile to my face when I saw that The Secret Sisters are back for an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. I can't remember the last time that the Lauren and Lydia Rogers were on the Opry, but I know it has been at least several years. While they have never achieved any great chart success, the sisters have developed a following over the years with some intriguing music. Their latest project, Mine, Men, Medicine is available everywhere. 

In addition to The Secret Sisters, the Friday Night Opry includes Opry members T. Graham Brown, John Conlee and Dailey & Vincent. The wonderful Mickey Guyton is scheduled, as are Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff, who will be making their Opry debut. 

Suzanne is a member of the legendary Cox Family, who along with her son have been making some wonderful bluegrass infused gospel music. On Friday, in addition to their Opry debut, they will be releasing a new four song EP, which includes Far Side Banks of Jordan, a song that Johnny and June Carter Cash recorded and sang. 

Friday April 3
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Restless Road, The Secret Sisters, Mickey Guyton
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Suzanne Cox and Brandon Ratcliff, Lainie Gardner, Dailey & Vincent

Now taking a look at Saturday night, Grand Ole Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Connie Smith, Del McCoury and Riders In The Sky are scheduled. Another legendary artist, Lucinda Williams is also on the schedule, as are The McCrary Sisters, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, and making their Opry debut Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman, known collectively as Brisco. 

Saturday April 4
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Connie Smith, Briscoe, Lucinda Williams
Intermission
8:20: Del McCoury Band, The McCrary Sisters, Opry Square Dancers, Tommy Emmanuel, Riders In The Sky

Saturday April 11, 1987, was the Grand Ole Opry's 14th annual Homecoming Show. The first of these shows took place in 1974 as a way for former Opry members to make a return appearance on the Opry before the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House located at Opryland. After that first show, these "reunion" shows became an annual tradition until the early 1990s. As more of the older former Opry members passed away, the reunion shows just sort of faded out. 

Here is the running order from that night 39 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
The Four Guys: Way Down Deep
Jack Greene: Yours for the Taking Midnight Tennessee Woman

6:45: Rudy's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Skeeter Davis: 'T Ain't It Nice
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Ray Pillow: Days When You Were Still in Love With Me
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Bill Anderson: No Ordinary Memory

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Clyde Moody: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Zeke Clements: I'll Have to Live and Learn/Somebody's Been Beatin' My Time/Why Should I Cry/Just A Little Lovin'
Pee Wee King: Bonaparte's Retreat
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lyin' In Love with You
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Lorrie Morgan: Lone Star State of Mind
Curly Fox: Mockingbird/The Old Gray Mule
Riders In The Sky: Wayward Wind
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

8:30: Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jeannie Seely: It Should Be Easier Now
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
Hank Snow: A Faded Petal from a Beautiful Bouquet

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
The Four Guys: Tennessee
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Bill Carlisle: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy Dickens (hos): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Zeke Clements: The House at the End of the Road
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Jack Greene: All the Time
Jimmy C Newman: Let the Good Times Roll

10:45: Heil-Quaker
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Clyde Moody: Somebody Loves You Darling
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Gray Eagle
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Caribbean
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Picking Up the Pieces
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Lorrie Morgan: Candy Kisses
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Once Again

11:30: B. C. Powder
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Riders In The Sky: Riding Down the Canyon
Jeannie Seely: Pride/It Should Be Easier Now
George Hamilton IV: She's a Little Bit Country

Back in the earlier days of the Opry, members came and went. In fact, most were not expected to stay as lifetime members. However, now when an artist becomes an Opry member, they are there for life. Nobody leaves anymore, including those retired. 

As the years have passed, the list of living former Opry members keeps getting smaller. The current list: 

Leroy Van Dyke
Willie Nelson
Norma Jean
Sam Wellington of the Four Guys
Ray Walker of the Jordanaires
Doug Kershaw
Dave Hooten of Lonzo & Oscar

There might be a few other members of the Four Guys who are still living, but toward the end they were cycling through members, thus I can't account for all of them. In fact, I am not even sure the Opry would consider those other members of the group as Opry members at all. 

There you have it.