Tuesday Night Opry 10/19

The line-up has been posted for this week's Tuesday Night Opry:

7:00: Jimmy C. Newman; Josh Tompson
7:30: Jean Shepard; Diamond Rio
INTERMISSION
8:15: George Hamilton IV; George Jones
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Charlie Daniels Band

Obviously, the highlight this week is the return of George Jones to the Opry stage. This will be his 2nd Opry appearance in 2010. Believe it or not, his 2 appearances so far this year (counting this Tuesday) will actually be double the number of appearances that he had in 2009, when he appeared at the Opry only once.

Over the last decade, George's Opry appearances have been shaky at best. 2006 was his highpoint as he appeared on 6 times at the Opry, followed by 7 times in 2007, 3 times in 2002 and once each year in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008. In 2000, he did not appear at all.

In contrast to George, Charlie Daniels, who is one of the Opry's newest members, has been very supportive of the show. He joined the Opry in 2008, and appeared at the Opry 15 times that year. In 2009, he was on 13 times, and so far this year, 9 times. And, that was with Charlie having some health issues earlier this year.

We get into the habit of complaining about the number of appearances by many of the Opry's younger members. But, it is also some of the Opry's older veterans that fall into that same category. Among those veterans who are still active, yet have appeared at the Opry very little over the years are Tom T. Hall, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap and Dolly Parton. And, the thing with each of these artists is that they all live in the general Nashville area.

Yes, they are in the twilight of their careers, but their support of the Opry is still needed. They all are still popular and draw fans. And, they could be setting an example for the Opry's younger members.