May Opry Highlights

Here we go for the month of May. These are the Grand Ole Opry dates worth noting: 

May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.

May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born. While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. While not an Opry member, Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 60 years, passed away in 1997.

May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.

May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters at the age of 13. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.

May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hank last appeared on the Opry in 1996 and passed away in December 1999 after a period of declining health. Hopefully, the Opry will honor Hank with one of their Opry Honors shows this coming year. 

May 8, 1926: Obed Pickard, the first singing star of the Grand Ole Opry, made his debut on the WSM radio show. Certainly, one of the forgotten names in the history of the Opry. 

May 7, 1927: Fiddler Paul Warmack made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, months before he introduced his group The Gully Jumpers to the show. The Gully Jumpers would spend the next several decades as the Opry as part of the rotation of the string bands. 

May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 26, 1934: Fiddler Theron Hale made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, where he had performed regularly for eight years. As with so many of the Opry's early members, he didn't stay too long. 

May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in 1974, after the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member and until the early 1990s, appeared on the Opry often. Sadly, Tom T Hall passed in 2021 shortly after passing the 50-year mark as an Opry member. 

May 30, 1936: The blackface comedy duo Lasses & Honey marked their final Grand Ole Opry appearance The duo had been a part of the Opry for a couple of years. 

May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However, in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined, and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003. There are some who believe that Johnny deserves a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 6, 1939: Obed Pickard and The Pickard Family performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time at Nashville's Dixie Tabernacle. 

May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place during the Spring and Fall months. This coming December will mark 50 years as a member of the Opry. Who else finds it hard to believe that Larry will be 78 this year? 

May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's Road show.

May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.

May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.

May 1, 1954: Comedian Andy Griffith made his Grand Ole Opry debut. While he was not a regular on the Opry, he would make a few appearances over the years and was always well received. 

May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business. Even though Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make guest appearances on the show up until he passed away.

May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut. While the Everly Brothers left fairly soon after joining, the Kershaw boys would stay around for a few years.

May 28, 1957: The Louvin Brothers formally resign from the Grand Ole Opry to join The Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia. When they discover they won't receive as much pay as they expected at The Jamboree, they decide several weeks later to return to the Opry. They really didn't miss anytime as the decision to return was pretty quick. 

May 4, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina. Randy joined the cast of the Opry in December 1986. Due to some serious health issues, including a stroke, Randy is no longer able to perform, however he does come around and visits the Opry on occasion.

May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.

May 27, 1961: Future Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth made her first guest appearance on the Opry. Marion would join the Opry cast a year later. Marion, who passed away in 1999, was really underrated as a singer and after leaving the Opry, she spent some time performing in Las Vegas. Also on this night, Ernie Ashworth made his Opry debut. Much like Marion, Ernie would join the Opry several years later. 

May 9, 1964: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jeanne Pruett made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne would join the Opry in 1973, the last singing member of the cast to join the show while the Opry was still at the Ryman Auditorium. 

May 13, 1966: Colonel Sanders made a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, where he promised a free chicken dinner to the first 1,000 people who would write to him in care of WSM Radio. There was no further report as to how many took him up on his offer. 

May 28, 1966: Jeannie Seely made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Jeannie would make several more appearances over the next year and in September 1967, would become a member of the Opry. Over the course of her career, Jeannie has appeared on the Opry over 5,000 times, more than any other artist in the history of the show and a record that will never be broken. Sadly, Jeannie passed away last August.

May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show in what turned out to be one of his final performances. 

May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the  first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."

May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956. His last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary from when he first joined the Opry. In his later years, Stonewall battled a series of health issues, passing away in December 2021 at the age of 89. 

May 17, 1969: Tammy Wynette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, her time as an Opry member would be short and within a few years, she would leave the Opry's cast. To put it simply, she came to the Opry with George Jones and left with George Jones. 

May 16, 1970: In one of those special Opry moments, baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean made a guest appearance on the Opry. Dizzy was a great fan of country music and was known to belt out his version of the Wabash Cannonball while broadcasting a game. Dizzy and Roy Acuff were friends, and it was Dizzy who gave Roy the nickname of "The King of Country Music." 

May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remembered, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. Most remember Cousin Jody for his comedy, but he was a very good musician. 

May 13, 1972: Eight years after an impromptu debut as a guest of The Wilburn Brothers, Gene Watson performed "Danny Boy" and "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love with You)" during his first scheduled appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It would take while, but Gene would eventually become a member of the Opry, joining the cast in February 2020.

May 8, 1976: After an absence of several years, George Hamilton IV rejoined the Opry's cast. George originally joined the Opry in February 1960. He left the show, however, as he moved from Nashville back to North Carolina and was doing a lot of touring. After coming back, George stayed with the Opry until his death in September 2014. George is another of those artists who I believe were very underrated during their careers. 

May 21, 1976: Following in the tradition of non-country artists appearing on the Opry, Carol Lawrence and Anson Williams each made an appearance on that evening's Friday Night Opry. Yes, people forget, but non-country acts appearing on the Opry is nothing new. 

May 21, 1977: Former Grand Ole Opry member Don Everly made a guest appearance on the Opry, along with Tennessee Ernie Ford. While Ernie Ford was never an Opry member, he did make several Opry appearances over the years. 

May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North. By the way, there have been three Grand Ole Opry members that have called Canada home: Hank Snow, Stu Phillips and Terri Clark.

May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.

May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 44th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see; I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.

May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.

May 8, 1985: Amid reports the Grand Ole Opry is planning to trim its roster, Porter Wagoner rallied members in a meeting to assure them the Opry was behind them. Attendees include Roy Acuff, Jack Greene, Jan Howard, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Billy Walker. While those were not among the names being mentioned, Porter was trying to lead the cast in fighting back on the proposed cuts. 

May 18, 1985: U.S. vice president George Bush made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. spending some time visiting with Roy Acuff. 

May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident. While her appearances were fewer as her career progressed, Barbara has always expressed a great love of the Opry and its members.

May 12, 1989: Future Grand Ole Opry member Suzy Bogguss made her Opry debut. She would return numerous times before finally becoming a member in January 2026. 

May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member. Sadly, Travis is another of those who rarely appear on the Opry. 

May 23, 1992: The Grand Ole Opry Museum opened. Located next to the Grand Ole Opry House, it became a popular attraction. The best part: it was free. Sadly, it was damaged during the flood in 2010 and never reopened. Also, on the same date, Martina McBride made her Grand Ole Opry debut. \

May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right, and he joined the cast. Sadly, Charley passed away in 2020 from complications due to Covid. 

May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 30th year as a member of the Opry's cast. I have had to the opportunity to meet Steve while at the Opry and found him friendly and delightful to talk to.

May 3, 1997: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree celebrated its 50th anniversary with a show that took place on Broadway Avenue in Nashville. It was a wonderful night, and star studded as many came out that night to show their support for the Midnight Jamboree. 2022 would mark the 75th anniversary of the Midnight Jamboree. The 75th anniversary would be a highpoint in the history of the show as live midnight jamboree shows ended and they began running previously taped shows from their archives. 

May 17, 1997: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tammy had been a member of the Opry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when she was married to George Jones.

May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show. Personally, this is one miss on the part of the Opry. She would have made a good member. 

May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003. 20 years. Where does the time go? 

May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.

May 21, 1999: Little Big Town made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It was also the first public appearance for Little Big Town who would eventually become members of the Opry. 

May 29, 1999: Future Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made his Opry debut. Brad came to Nashville and the Opry via the Wheeling Jamboree. After numerous guest appearances, Brad would eventually become an Opry member, this year celebrating his 25th anniversary as a member. 

May 6, 2000: The legendary Patti Page made a guest appearance on the Opry. Patti, who was best known for the hit song "Tennessee Waltz" was described at one time by Vince Gill as his mothers' favorite singer. 

May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010. Since joining the cast, Blake's appearances have been few and far between. 

May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960. Such a tragic end to a great career. 

May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment, and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and, on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October.

May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 18th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.

May 26, 2009: Montgomery Gentry was invited by Charlie Daniels to join the Grand Ole Opry. After accepting the offer, the duo sang their hit "One In Every Crowd."

May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.

May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened, and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.

May 4, 2010: With the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House underwater, the Opry moved to War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville for the Tuesday Night Opry. The lineup included Chris Young, Marty Stuart, Suzy Bogguss and Jeannie Seely, whose home was also flooded.

May 14, 2010: In the wake of flooding at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville's Two Rivers Baptist Church hosted the Opry for the first time in history. The lineup that night included Charlie Daniels, Lorrie Morgan, Jeannie Seely and Steve Wariner. While the Opry would eventually settle in at the Ryman Auditorium before returning to the Opry House later that year, the show would move around to various venues in Nashville during that summer. As a side not, with the Opry taking place in a church building, there were no square dancers. 

May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River." While never becoming an Opry member, Alabama would return several times to perform on the show.

May 10, 2012: Loretta Lynn brought out actress Zooey Deschanel to duet on "Coal Miner's Daughter" during the Grand Ole Opry. Zooey. For those who are not familiar with Zooey, she is a fine singer and a part of the duo She & Him. 

May 15, 2012: Ricky Skaggs celebrated 30 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. He sang "Me and God" with Josh Turner and "Amen" with Edens Edge. Skaggs also performs with Alison Krauss and The Whites.

May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing but came out on stage and waved to the audience.

May 20, 2014: The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band made its Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "Wagon Wheel" with Ricky Skaggs during a four-song set. The military-themed Opry installment also featured Lee Greenwood, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Darryl Worley.

May 30, 2015: Carly Pearce made her Grand Ole Opry debut. After becoming one of the Opry's more frequent guest artists, and seeing her career take great leaps, in 2021 Carly became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has continued to make regular appearances since joining. 

May 4, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride was honored at the Opry upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

May 11, 2018: Carrie Underwood celebrated her 10th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, performing "Cry Pretty," "Jesus, Take The Wheel" and "Temporary Home" on the show, where she's greeted by Randy Travis.

May 4, 2019: Randy Travis appeared at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 60th birthday. Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Charles Esten and Josh Turner joined Randy that night. Randy joined songwriter Don Schlitz in singing "Forever and Ever, Amen" which was written by Don.

May 8, 2021: Steve Wariner was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The evening was highlighted by a surprise appearance by Garth Brooks. Steve and Garth had collaborated together in the past and did so again that night. 

May 14, 2021: For the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020, the Grand Ole Opry was held without a capacity restriction. Among the artists performing that night were Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Riders In The Sky and Charles Esten. It was also the Opry debut of Brittney Spencer. 

May 22, 2021: Leslie Jordan made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Appearing with Brothers Osborne, Leslie sang "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." His appearance was considered a smash and several more would follow. 

May 29, 2021: Former Grand Ole Opry member B.J. Thomas passed away after a short illness. B.J. was an Opry member in the early 80s. While he did give up his Opry membership shortly after joining, he did return for a few guest appearances on the show. 

May 14, 2022: Jamey Johnson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jamey had been asked by Bill Anderson during a March guest appearance to become a member, something that Jamey had talked about for years. 

May 3, 2024: T. Graham Brown became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. T. Graham had been invited several months earlier by Vince Gill, who will also be on hand for the official induction. For T. Graham, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. 

May 21, 2024: Lainey Wilson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Reba McEntire surprised Lainey with the invite during Lainey's appearance on The Voice. Her induction will take place in June. 

Grand Ole Opry 5/1 & 5/2

Starting off with this announcement that from this past week: 

The Grand Ole Opry Expands Opry Live and Circle Sessions to RFD-TV.

Opry Entertainment Group and RFD-TV announced a new partnership to bring two of the Grand Ole Opry’s signature series, Opry Live and Circle Sessions, to RFD-TV audiences nationwide. Opry Live airs beginning Saturday, May 9, and Circle Sessions launches Friday, May 8, on RFD-TV.

For more than a century, the Grand Ole Opry has defined country music by presenting unforgettable performances. The agreement expands the Opry’s television presence while reinforcing RFD-TV’s commitment to original programming rooted in rural American culture, music, and storytelling.

RFD-TV will begin airing Opry Live on Saturday, May 9, at 9/8 PM CT. The weekly series features live performances from the most famous stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry. Shows feature established superstars, including Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Jelly Roll, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, and more, as well as new artists such as 49 Winchester, Carter Faith, Hudson Westbrook, and Tucker Wetmore.

Each broadcast delivers highlight performances from the Opry stage, bringing the energy of the live show directly to viewers at home. John Deere is the presenting sponsor of the RFD-TV telecast of Opry Live.

 

CIRCLE SESSIONS: Intimate Access, Iconic Artists

Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments. Filmed in and around the Opry’s circle, the series highlights the stories behind the music, featuring artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne, Chris Young, and more.

I think a lot of people will be happy that the Opry is returning to RFD-TV next week. As a reminder, these shows will not be "live" but will feature pre-recorded highlights from past Opry performances, much like Circle TV was doing. Still, it will be nice to have the Opry back on cable television. 

Now taking a look at the shows this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, the first weekend in May gets off to another solid start with The Oak Ridge Boys back for both nights. I have mentioned it before, but it is nice to have the group making more appearances on the show as a featured act. 

Joining the Oaks on the Friday Night Opry are members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, The Isaacs and Chris Janson, while on Saturday night Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Charlie McCoy are scheduled. 

There are two non-members on the schedule for Friday night, Austin Snell and making her Opry debut, Jamie MacDonald. Guesting on Saturday night are Frank Ray, Tyler Braden, and two of my favorites: Sunny Sweeney and Rhett Akins. 

Last weekend there was a surprise appearance by singer/songwriter, Paul Overstreet. I had mentioned that I had hopes that the Opry would reach out to him for a scheduled appearance as the Opry definitely could benefit with having a songwriter as an Opry member, considering the recent death of Don Schlitz. Rhett Akins is another of one. He has appeared on the Opry numerous times over the years, and I feel he is another one of those in the style of Don that could fit right in at the Opry. 

Friday May 1
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Austin Snell, The Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:20: Jamie MacDonald, The Isaacs, Chris Janson

Saturday May 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Frank Ray, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Sunny Sweeney, Rhett Akins, Opry Square Dancers, Tyler Braden, The Oak Ridge Boys

As mentioned, Jamie McDonald is making her Opry debut on Friday night. She released her self-titled debut album in January of 2026, which became the biggest debut album launch for a woman in the Christian genre.

Since then, she has amassed nearly 2 million monthly Spotify listeners, 200 million global streams, she sold out her first headlining tour and has had two No. 1 hits. She's duetted with powerhouses like Lauren Daigle and TobyMac, appeared on Tommee Profitt's "Resurrection of a King" project, and performed on the Kelly Clarkson Show.

In regard to her upcoming Opry debut, she said described the moment as “so grateful, so humbled and beyond excited for this beautiful moment,” adding, “I’m playing my Grand Ole Opry Debut! Someone pinch me…this doesn’t even feel real”

There was a period of time in the 1980s and 90s when each week the Nashville Tennessean would spotlight a different Opry member each week. For the weekend of May 1 & 2, 1992, that member was Ricky Skaggs. 

"Same Ol' Love" was more than just another hit record to Grand Ole Opry star Ricky Skaggs. It recently became the 20th top 10 hit in the singer's decade-long career as a country king. Only a handful of performers have staying power in the music business, and Skaggs knows it. 

"Career longevity is something I've always worked for," he says. "We've tried to keep the music fresh, but at the same time stay true to the traditions and values that are important to me. I'm real thankful the fans have stayed interested in what we're doing." 

The landmark song has a poignancy for Skaggs because it was co-written by Chris Austin. Prior to penning "Same Ol' Love" with Greg Barnhill, Austin was a member of Skaggs' band. 

They met backstage at the Opry. Impressed by Austin's multi-instrumental ability, Skaggs hired him and they toured together for three years. Austin joined Reba McEntire's band in early 1991 and died in the plane crash along with her other bandmembers last year. Ironically, Skaggs recorded "Same Ol' Love" on March 15, 1991, the day before the tragedy. He is donating all proceeds from the single's sales to Austin's family. 

The new Ricky Skaggs single appears this week. It is called "From the Word Love." Like its predecessor, it is taken from the CD My Father's Son. Skaggs' "I'm Restless" collaboration with Mark O'Connor, Steve Wariner and Vince Gill won a Grammy award earlier this year, the fourth in the Kentucky-bred star's career to date. 

Ricky Skaggs sings on the 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. portions of the Friday Night Opry. 

Friday May 1
Early Show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens, Roy Drusky, Skeeter Davis, Ray Pillow, Jan Howard
7:00: Porter Wagoner, Jack Greene, Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Walker, Charlie Louvin
7:30: Roy Acuff, The 4 Guys, Jean Shepard
8:00: Ricky Skaggs, Jim Ed Brown, Mike Snider, The Chieftans
8:30: Hank Snow, Connie Smith, Jimmy C Newman, Riders In The Sky

Late Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner, Billy Walker, Wilma Lee Cooper, Del Reeves, Teddy Wilburn
10:00: Roy Acuff, Jimmy Dickens, Stu Phillips, The Carlisles, Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, The Whites, Jeannie Seely
11:00: Hank Snow, The 4 Guys, Jean Shepard, Riders In The Sky, Justin Tubb
11:30: Jack Greene, Jim Ed Brown, Jimmy C Newman, Mike Snider
12:05: Rev. Jimmy Snow

Saturday May 2
Matinee
3:00: Porter Wagoner, Jim and Jesse
3:30: Jimmy C Newman, Jeannie Seely
4:00: Jim Ed Brown, The 4 Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff

Early Show
6:30: Porter Wagoner, Ray Pillow
6:45: Jim Ed Brown, Jeannie Seely, Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Jack Greene, Jean Shepard, Mike Snider, The Whites, Del Reeves
7:30: Billy Walker, Jan Howard, The Carlisles, Molly and the Heymakers
8:00: Roy Acuff, Connie Smith, The 4 Guys, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow, Jim and Jesse, Roy Drusky, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis

Late Show
9:30: Porter Wagoner, Wilma Lee Cooper, Mike Snider, Vic Willis Trio, Michael White
10:00: Jack Greene, The Whites
10:15: Roy Acuff, Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy C Newman, Connie Smith
10:45: Jim Ed Brown, Molly and the Heymakers, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hanks Snow, Jeanne Pruett, The Carlisles, Justin Tubb, Del Reeves
11:30: The 4 Guys, Skeeter Davis, Jim and Jesse

I dare one person to complain about the lineups on any of those shows that weekend!! You just don't see Opry shows like these any longer. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

This week there are only two shows on the mid-week schedule, the Tuesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

Taking a look at Tuesday night, members Riders In The Sky and Mandy Barnett are the only Opry members on the schedule, and they are the two opening slots. John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash are back for another appearance, as is Victoria Shaw, Clay Walker, Sister Sadie and The Frontmen.

Tuesday April 28

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Christan Hayes, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash

Intermission

8:20: Victoria Shaw, The Frontmen, Sister Sadie, Clay Walker

Opry Country Classics features Larry Gatlin as the host, with The Gatlin Brothers, Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke and Hannah Dasher scheduled. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/24 & 4/25

After a very emotional weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, with numerous tributes to Don Schlitz, the Opry closes out the month of April with a pair of shows this weekend. 

The Friday Night Opry has members Dailey & Vincent, T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Charlie McCoy and one of the Opry's newest members, Suzy Bogguss on the schedule. 

There are some Opry members that you think will be good members and appear on the Opry, while not on a regular basis, at least now and then. But then, just when you think that they join the list of semi-missing Opry members. (Which is a different list than missing Opry members.) One of those is Chris Young and on Saturday night, he is back on the Opry schedule. This will be his first appearance of 2026, and this comes after making just one appearance last year. 

Regardless the reasons, it is nice to see him coming back. Another Opry member scheduled is Bill Anderson. Bill seems to be on the every-other week list, appearing just a couple of times each month. Hopefully, at the age of 88 it is his choice to cut back. After the great career he has had, he deserves the break. 

Also on the Saturday schedule are members Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky and Kathy Mattea. 

Guesting on Friday night is the wonderful Wendy Moten, along with Kashus Culpepper and Jackie Lee, while on Saturday night John Foster is back for another appearance, along with Will Moseley, who will be making his Opry debut. For those not familiar with Will, he was Season 22 runner-up on American Idol. Since then, he has been pretty busy establishing his country music career. 

Friday April 24
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, T. Graham Brown, Kashus Culpepper, Wendy Moten
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Jackie Lee, Suzy Bogguss, Charlie McCoy

Saturday April 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Will Moseley
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, John Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Kathy Mattea, Chris Young

(line-ups subject to change)

Lately we have seen the return of comedians on the Opry. Seeing several of these on stage, it got me thinking about some of the past Grand Ole Opry comedians: Minnie Pearl, Duke of Paducah, June Carter, Bill Carlisle, Stringbean, Cousin Jody, Mike Snider, Lew Childre,  and of course, Archie Campbell, who should have been elected to the Hall of Fame decades ago. Thinking of that group always brings a smile to my face. 

And it makes me think of Jerry Clower. 

Jerry Clower was the final cast member added to the Grand Ole Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House. He joined the cast on October 27, 1973. He was also the last comedian to join the cast until Henry Cho was added in February 2023, quickly followed by Gary Mule Deer in March. 

From the Tennessean, Oct. 29, 1973: 

No one at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night whooped or hollered any more than Jerry Clower, the rotund humorist from Zazoo City, Miss., and for good reason. Decked out in a bright yellow suit and surrounded by some of country music's greatest stars, Clower, 46, reached what he called the high point of his varied career, becoming the 64th performing member of the Opry family. 

A 275-pound former Mississippi State football lineman, Clower has spent most of his mature life traveling through rural America spinning yarns for the Mississippi Chemical Corp., a manufacturer of fertilizer. A few years ago, almost by chance, some of his stores were recorded and the fallout of the success of that venture set the stage for his induction into the Opry Saturday night. 

Clower's moment of moments, however, was not a chic, sophisticated affair. It was, in fact, a brief pause in the pandemonium that is a night at the Opry. Sandwiched between the first and second show the installation ceremony lacked only time. Enough stars-Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Grandpa Jones, Roy Acuff-were present, the Governor of Mississippi paid tribute to his funniest constituent and the audience gave forth with its loudest yahoo of the evening. 

Describing himself as the Opry's "heaviest act" Clower had words of thanks for many individuals who he said have helped him along the way but especially for the one who "birthed" him, his mother, and for one who has stood by him for 26 years "without a complaint," his wife. Holding his 3-year-old daughter, Katy, "the one who snuck up on her momma and me," Clower reserved his most serious and solemn thank-you for "all my friends and you people who pay to come see us here." 

Jerry Clower was known as one of the country’s top comedians, but he also wrote a number of books. He is not only known for his comedy, but also for his religious influence.

He was born in Liberty, Mississippi, on September 28, 1926. He grew up in Amite County among family and friends who became the source of his funny routines. After he graduated from high school in l944, he joined the navy. Soon after he was discharged, he earned a football scholarship at Southwest Junior College.  Later, he won another scholarship to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.

Jerry majored in agriculture at Mississippi State and received a job with Mississippi Chemical Company where he became the Director of Field Services for his company. While working, he gained popularity when his coworkers heard his Coon Hunt Story and other comedy routines. One of his close friends suggested that Clower record an album with some of his routines. Jerry liked the idea and recorded an album under the Lemon label.

His first album was named Jerry Clower from Yazoo City Talkin’, and it sold over 8,000 copies without being advertised. He received a contract with MCA in l97l, which sent his album to the billboard charts. Soon after, he recorded a second album, From the Mouth of Mississippi. His third album was called Clower Power, and his fourth was Live in Picayune. As a result of these albums, he earned the title of Country Music’s funniest man.

Here is the lineup from October 27, 1973: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Bill Carlisle
6:45: Willis Brothers (host): Louie Roberts
7:00: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Jim & Jesse, Hank Wada
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton, Crook Brothers, Harold Weakley
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, Del Wood, Jerry Clower
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Bobby Bare, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Willis Brothers, Louie Roberts, Del Wood
10:00: Jim & Jesse (host): Bill Carlisle
10:15: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Grandpa Jones, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:45: Bobby Bare (host): Jerry Clower, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Ray Pillow, Hank Wada, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host): Mary Lou Turner, Marty Mitchell

That brings us to the night 28 years ago, Saturday April 4, 1998, the night that Jerry Clower made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Bill Anderson: Five Little Fingers

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: Wait a Little Longer, Please Jesus
Jimmy C Newman; Diggy Liggy Lo

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Brother Oswald: Never Grow Old
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

7:30: Standard Candy
Jerry Clower (host): No Dogs in Hotel
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel/Along the Timber Trail
Patty Loveless: To Have You Back Again/You Don't Seem to Miss Me
Jerry Clower: (?)

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money But A $2 Bill
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Vince Gill: When I Call Your Name
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless: Go Rest High on That Mountain
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Goard

8:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now for Going Home
The Four Guys: My Special Angel
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigre
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
Johnny Russell: Making Plans

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Ray Pillow: Cinderella
Patty Loveless: To Have You Back Again/If My Heart Had Windows/Timer I'm Falling in Love
Christie Lynn: Head on Over to the Twist & Shout

10:00: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jimmy Dickens: We Could/Mountain Dew

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy C Newman (host): Bayou Blues
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya/Cajun Stripper

10:30: Purnell's
Jerry Clower (host): Big Red Goat
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Jerry Clower: (?)

10:45: Ryman Cruise
Bill Anderson (host): I'm All Right
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Singers: Ida Red
Bill Anderson: 3 A.M.

11:00: Coca Cola
The Four Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Riders In The Sky: That's Amore
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless: You're My Kind of Woman; You're My Kind of Man
The Four Guys: May You Always

11:30: Turbo Nutrition
Johnny Russell (host): Someday I'll Sober Up
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Jesus Walks In/Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles in My Beer/Another Bridge to Burn
Johnny Russell: Orange Blossom Special

Jerry Clower passed away on August 24, 1998, following open heart surgery.

Comedy has always been a part of the Grand Ole Opry but for a number of years it seemed like a lost art. Jerry Clower contributed to the legacy of great Opry comedians, and he is one of those unforgettable, yet forgotten members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

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.