Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Hall of Fame Article-Tennessean
For those who receive the Nashville Tennessean, or who read it on line, Peter Cooper today has written an article regarding the Country Music Hall of Fame and who should be in. A great article that hits a lot of the points that we have discussed right on the head and I am sure it will create some good discussion. If you get a chance, please read it and I look forward to everyone's comments.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 8/31 & 9/1-Updated
A couple of changes in the line-ups. Jimmy Wayne has been added for Friday Night and Rebecca Lynn Howard for Saturday night.
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend. There will be 1 show on Friday night and 1 show on Saturday night, which is surprising considering that Saturday night's show will feature another Opry appearance by Carrie Underwood, along with the Oak Ridge Boys. Carrie's last Opry appearance several weeks back resulted in 2 sold out shows. Also featured on Saturday night's show will be Mandy Barnett and Jimmy Wayne, both of whom know their way around the Opry House more than most of the members. The Friday Night Opry will feature Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, along with Sunny Sweeney, both of whom have made previous Opry appearances.
Missing this weekend is Jimmy Dickens, who was on the advanced schedule. Jimmy had cancelled out on last Tuesday Night's Opry show and he did have some voice issues the previous weekend. Hope he is feeling better.
Friday August 31
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kristen Kelly; The Whites
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Saturday September 1
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy Wayne; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; George Hamilton IV; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Oak Ridge Boys; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
That comes out to 12 artists on Friday, of whom 9 are Opry members, while there are 10 artists scheduled on Saturday night, with 8 Opry members.
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Glenn Douglas Tubb, who will be doing a tribute show dedicated to Ernest Tubb. September 6 will mark the 28th anniversary of the death of this great Opry star.
In other Opry news, it has finally been confirmed that Loretta Lynn will be celebrating her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member on Tuesday September 25. Joing Loretta on this show will be Opry member Trace Adkins, along with Lee Ann Womack, Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert and her sister, Crystal Gayle. According to Pete Fisher, "There is no one at the Opry, in country music, or on Earth quite like Loretta Lynn. We look forward to celebrating 50 years of Opry membership with her next month." I have said this before, but I think this would mean a lot more if Loretta actually appeared at the Opry more than 2 or 3 times a year. And I hope that they will include many of the Opry's veterans in this tribute to Loretta.
Looking back in Opry history as I do each week, it was Saturday August 31, 1996 that Hank Snow made his final Saturday night appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hank would make one final Opry appearance the next weekend, on Friday September 6 but he cancelled out for the following night, September 7. He was also scheduled to be the next weekend, but cancelled out on those shows also, with Saturday September 14 the last time he would be scheduled to do the Opry.
To remember the great Hank Snow, here is the running order from Saturday August 31, 1996, his last Saturday night Grand Ole Opry show.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Mike Snider (host): Tennessee Rhapsody/Cotton-Eyed Joe
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Mike Snider: Shuckin' The Corn/Foggy Mountain Chimes
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Blue
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips A Beat
Grandpa Jones: Gooseberry Pie
7:00: Shoney's
Johnny Russell (host): Good-Hearted Woman
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down To The River/I Saw The Light/Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Looking Back To See
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
7:30: Standard Candy
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning That Old Memory
Cumberland Boys: Nothing But Love
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It To Me Again
Margaret Whiting: I Can't Help It
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Del Reeves: Got A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
Porter Wagoner & Kristi Lynn: Forty Miles From Poplar Bluff
8:30: Kraft
HANK SNOW (HOST): IN THE MISTY MOONLIGHT
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Stu Phillips: Colorado
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Connie Smith: Then & Only Then
HANK SNOW: IT KINDA REMINDS ME OF ME
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Tell Her Lies & Feed Her Candy
Brother Oswald: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Texa-cajun
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Freight Train Boggie
10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents Is All I Got
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
10:15: Opry Book
Jean Shepard (host): I Thought Of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Roy Drusky: Waltz Of The Angels/One Day At A Time
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
10:30: Purnell's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop-A-Top
Cumberland Boys: Today I Might Be Going Home
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love With You
10:45: Fairfield
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Mike Snider: Battle Cry Of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee & Load The Cannon
11:00: Coca-Cola
HANK SNOW (HOST): I DON'T HURT ANYMORE
Del Reeves: I Would Like To See You Again
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy The Wine
The Whites: He Took Your Place
HANK SNOW: I ALMOST LOST MY MIND
11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles In My Beer
Ray Pillow: Someone Had To Teach You
Colleen Walters: Walkin' After Midnight
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend. There will be 1 show on Friday night and 1 show on Saturday night, which is surprising considering that Saturday night's show will feature another Opry appearance by Carrie Underwood, along with the Oak Ridge Boys. Carrie's last Opry appearance several weeks back resulted in 2 sold out shows. Also featured on Saturday night's show will be Mandy Barnett and Jimmy Wayne, both of whom know their way around the Opry House more than most of the members. The Friday Night Opry will feature Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, along with Sunny Sweeney, both of whom have made previous Opry appearances.
Missing this weekend is Jimmy Dickens, who was on the advanced schedule. Jimmy had cancelled out on last Tuesday Night's Opry show and he did have some voice issues the previous weekend. Hope he is feeling better.
Friday August 31
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kristen Kelly; The Whites
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Saturday September 1
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy Wayne; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; George Hamilton IV; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Oak Ridge Boys; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
That comes out to 12 artists on Friday, of whom 9 are Opry members, while there are 10 artists scheduled on Saturday night, with 8 Opry members.
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Glenn Douglas Tubb, who will be doing a tribute show dedicated to Ernest Tubb. September 6 will mark the 28th anniversary of the death of this great Opry star.
In other Opry news, it has finally been confirmed that Loretta Lynn will be celebrating her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member on Tuesday September 25. Joing Loretta on this show will be Opry member Trace Adkins, along with Lee Ann Womack, Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert and her sister, Crystal Gayle. According to Pete Fisher, "There is no one at the Opry, in country music, or on Earth quite like Loretta Lynn. We look forward to celebrating 50 years of Opry membership with her next month." I have said this before, but I think this would mean a lot more if Loretta actually appeared at the Opry more than 2 or 3 times a year. And I hope that they will include many of the Opry's veterans in this tribute to Loretta.
Looking back in Opry history as I do each week, it was Saturday August 31, 1996 that Hank Snow made his final Saturday night appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hank would make one final Opry appearance the next weekend, on Friday September 6 but he cancelled out for the following night, September 7. He was also scheduled to be the next weekend, but cancelled out on those shows also, with Saturday September 14 the last time he would be scheduled to do the Opry.
To remember the great Hank Snow, here is the running order from Saturday August 31, 1996, his last Saturday night Grand Ole Opry show.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Mike Snider (host): Tennessee Rhapsody/Cotton-Eyed Joe
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Mike Snider: Shuckin' The Corn/Foggy Mountain Chimes
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Blue
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips A Beat
Grandpa Jones: Gooseberry Pie
7:00: Shoney's
Johnny Russell (host): Good-Hearted Woman
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down To The River/I Saw The Light/Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Looking Back To See
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
7:30: Standard Candy
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning That Old Memory
Cumberland Boys: Nothing But Love
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It To Me Again
Margaret Whiting: I Can't Help It
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Del Reeves: Got A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
Porter Wagoner & Kristi Lynn: Forty Miles From Poplar Bluff
8:30: Kraft
HANK SNOW (HOST): IN THE MISTY MOONLIGHT
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Stu Phillips: Colorado
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Connie Smith: Then & Only Then
HANK SNOW: IT KINDA REMINDS ME OF ME
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Tell Her Lies & Feed Her Candy
Brother Oswald: The Girl I Love Don't Pay Me No Mind
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Texa-cajun
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Freight Train Boggie
10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Fifteen Cents Is All I Got
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
10:15: Opry Book
Jean Shepard (host): I Thought Of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Roy Drusky: Waltz Of The Angels/One Day At A Time
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
10:30: Purnell's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop-A-Top
Cumberland Boys: Today I Might Be Going Home
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love With You
10:45: Fairfield
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Mike Snider: Battle Cry Of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee & Load The Cannon
11:00: Coca-Cola
HANK SNOW (HOST): I DON'T HURT ANYMORE
Del Reeves: I Would Like To See You Again
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy The Wine
The Whites: He Took Your Place
HANK SNOW: I ALMOST LOST MY MIND
11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles In My Beer
Ray Pillow: Someone Had To Teach You
Colleen Walters: Walkin' After Midnight
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 8/24 & 8/25-Updated
The Opry has added Andy Gibson both nights. A few changes have been made in the line-ups because of that.
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend, along with the Tuesday Night Opry, August 28. As with last weekend, there will be 1 show on Friday night and 1 show on Saturday night.
The Friday Night Opry will feature frequent Opry guests Steel Magnolia, Restless Heart and Holly Williams, while the Saturday night show will feature a number of guest artists. The major name is Lee Greenwood, who is no stranger to the Opry stage. Lee has guested on the Opry for a number of years and was once asked to become a member. Lee himself told the story in a radio interview a number of years ago, saying that he told Opry management that while he would enjoy the honor of being a member, he was too busy touring to make a commitment to the Opry. He said management's response was that they understood and left Lee with the understanding that while not a member, he would be welcomed at the Opry whenever he wished.
Also appearing on Saturday night will be a number of younger artists. Jaida Dreyer performed at the Opry a few weeks back and was well received, which resulted in a 2nd invitation to perform on the show. While not a newcomer, Matthew West is a contemporary Christian musician who is quite popular with a number of albums out. Finally, Charlie Worsham is scheduled. He has been trying to get come name recognition for a few years and has been playing the clubs in the Nashville area and touring as the opening act for a number of people. This will be his 1st Opry appearance.
Finally, Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Jimmy Dickens and Riders In The Sky are scheduled both nights.
Friday August 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Andy Gibson; Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Steel Magnolia
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Holly Williams
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday August 25
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jaida Dreyer; John Conlee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Worsham; Lee Greenwood
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Andy Gibson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Matthew West
That comes out to 13 artists on Friday night and 12 on Saturday night, with 10 Opry members on Friday and 8 on Saturday
Dave Moody and George Hamilton IV will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Saturday night/Sunday morning following the Opry. They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lamon Records, the label that George has done a lot of recording on.
The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 28 is as follows:
7:00: Jim Ed Brown; Thomas Rhett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Johnny Lee; Chris Young; Josh Turner
Now for our look back in Opry history as it was Saturday August 24, 1991 that Dottie West made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance. It was the following Friday night, August 30, that Dottie was critically injured in an automobile accident while being driven to perform on the Friday Night Opry. She would pass away on September 4 at the age of 58. Dottie had a very successful solo career and was also a highly successful duet partner with a number of artists. In fact, her first #1 record was a duet with Kenny Rogers in the late 1970s, while her first solo #1 was "A Lesson In Leavin" in 1980. She won many awards during her career and in 2002, CMT ranked her #23 on the list of greatest women in country music history. Many have made the argument that Dottie West should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and I agree totally. She earned it with her successful career and the influence she had on a number of younger female artists who followed her. I think a few things have kept her out including her early death, the various issues involving her personal life and finally, the fact that she changed her image later in her career which raised a few eyebrows.
Dottie joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964 and would remain a loyal and popular Opry member until her death. To remember Dottie West, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday August 24, 1991, her final Grand Ole Opry appearance.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Ernie Ashworth: Shamrock Motel
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Ol' Slewfoot
6:45: Hall of Fame
Jim & Jesse (host): Dream of Me
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Jim & Jesse: A Flower in the Desert
7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag
Jean Shepard: If You Can Live With It
DOTTIE WEST: I CAN'T HELP IT
David Houston: I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen
Del Reeves: Good Time Charlies
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
McCarters: No Where to Go But Up/If I Could Stop Loving You
Clinton Gregory: If It Weren't For Country Music, I'd Go Crazy/Satisfy Me & I'll Satisfy You
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/The Ring That Shines
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' The Blues/Muddy Water
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come this Far to Say Goodbye/Louisiana Man
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Roy Acuff: I Can't Help It
8:30: Opryland USA
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Johnson Mountain Boys: Maybe You'll Change Your Mind
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Again
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag/Sentimental Journey/Gotta Travel On
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging
10:00: Little Debbie
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Skeeter Davis: He Says the Same Things to Me
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Wilma Lee Cooper: Gathering Flowers from the Hillside
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Jean Shepard: Days of Wine & Roses
Jimmy C Newman: Down on the Bayou
10:45: B. C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Clinton Gregory: Satisfy Me & I'll Satisfy You/Nobody's Darling But Mine
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Giesha Girl
Jim & Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland
DOTTIE WEST: HERE COMES MY BABY
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
McCarters: Everytime You Leave
Bill Carlisle: Gone Home
Hank Snow: It Kind of Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Creamette
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Johnson Mountain Boys: Duncan & Brady/Springtime in Glory
George Hamilton IV: Life's Railway to Heaven
The interesting thing about Dottie's appearance on that night is that she wasn't even scheduled to be on the Opry. She was scheduled to do a show in Ohio that either got cancelled or changed. So because of that, Dottie was able to make one last Opry appearance.
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend, along with the Tuesday Night Opry, August 28. As with last weekend, there will be 1 show on Friday night and 1 show on Saturday night.
The Friday Night Opry will feature frequent Opry guests Steel Magnolia, Restless Heart and Holly Williams, while the Saturday night show will feature a number of guest artists. The major name is Lee Greenwood, who is no stranger to the Opry stage. Lee has guested on the Opry for a number of years and was once asked to become a member. Lee himself told the story in a radio interview a number of years ago, saying that he told Opry management that while he would enjoy the honor of being a member, he was too busy touring to make a commitment to the Opry. He said management's response was that they understood and left Lee with the understanding that while not a member, he would be welcomed at the Opry whenever he wished.
Also appearing on Saturday night will be a number of younger artists. Jaida Dreyer performed at the Opry a few weeks back and was well received, which resulted in a 2nd invitation to perform on the show. While not a newcomer, Matthew West is a contemporary Christian musician who is quite popular with a number of albums out. Finally, Charlie Worsham is scheduled. He has been trying to get come name recognition for a few years and has been playing the clubs in the Nashville area and touring as the opening act for a number of people. This will be his 1st Opry appearance.
Finally, Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Jimmy Dickens and Riders In The Sky are scheduled both nights.
Friday August 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Andy Gibson; Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Steel Magnolia
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Holly Williams
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday August 25
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jaida Dreyer; John Conlee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Worsham; Lee Greenwood
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Andy Gibson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Matthew West
That comes out to 13 artists on Friday night and 12 on Saturday night, with 10 Opry members on Friday and 8 on Saturday
Dave Moody and George Hamilton IV will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Saturday night/Sunday morning following the Opry. They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lamon Records, the label that George has done a lot of recording on.
The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 28 is as follows:
7:00: Jim Ed Brown; Thomas Rhett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Johnny Lee; Chris Young; Josh Turner
Now for our look back in Opry history as it was Saturday August 24, 1991 that Dottie West made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance. It was the following Friday night, August 30, that Dottie was critically injured in an automobile accident while being driven to perform on the Friday Night Opry. She would pass away on September 4 at the age of 58. Dottie had a very successful solo career and was also a highly successful duet partner with a number of artists. In fact, her first #1 record was a duet with Kenny Rogers in the late 1970s, while her first solo #1 was "A Lesson In Leavin" in 1980. She won many awards during her career and in 2002, CMT ranked her #23 on the list of greatest women in country music history. Many have made the argument that Dottie West should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and I agree totally. She earned it with her successful career and the influence she had on a number of younger female artists who followed her. I think a few things have kept her out including her early death, the various issues involving her personal life and finally, the fact that she changed her image later in her career which raised a few eyebrows.
Dottie joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964 and would remain a loyal and popular Opry member until her death. To remember Dottie West, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday August 24, 1991, her final Grand Ole Opry appearance.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Ernie Ashworth: Shamrock Motel
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Ol' Slewfoot
6:45: Hall of Fame
Jim & Jesse (host): Dream of Me
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Jim & Jesse: A Flower in the Desert
7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag
Jean Shepard: If You Can Live With It
DOTTIE WEST: I CAN'T HELP IT
David Houston: I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen
Del Reeves: Good Time Charlies
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
McCarters: No Where to Go But Up/If I Could Stop Loving You
Clinton Gregory: If It Weren't For Country Music, I'd Go Crazy/Satisfy Me & I'll Satisfy You
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/The Ring That Shines
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' The Blues/Muddy Water
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come this Far to Say Goodbye/Louisiana Man
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Roy Acuff: I Can't Help It
8:30: Opryland USA
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Johnson Mountain Boys: Maybe You'll Change Your Mind
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Again
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag/Sentimental Journey/Gotta Travel On
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging
10:00: Little Debbie
Del Reeves (host): Six Days on the Road/Truck Driving Man
Skeeter Davis: He Says the Same Things to Me
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Wilma Lee Cooper: Gathering Flowers from the Hillside
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Jean Shepard: Days of Wine & Roses
Jimmy C Newman: Down on the Bayou
10:45: B. C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Clinton Gregory: Satisfy Me & I'll Satisfy You/Nobody's Darling But Mine
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Giesha Girl
Jim & Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland
DOTTIE WEST: HERE COMES MY BABY
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
McCarters: Everytime You Leave
Bill Carlisle: Gone Home
Hank Snow: It Kind of Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Creamette
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Johnson Mountain Boys: Duncan & Brady/Springtime in Glory
George Hamilton IV: Life's Railway to Heaven
The interesting thing about Dottie's appearance on that night is that she wasn't even scheduled to be on the Opry. She was scheduled to do a show in Ohio that either got cancelled or changed. So because of that, Dottie was able to make one last Opry appearance.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Opry Notes
With things a little slow around the Grand Ole Opry right now, as they usually are toward the end of summer, I thought I would take the time to pass along some Opry notes involving some of the Opry's veteran members and some thoughts.
It would appear that the Opry will honor Loretta Lynn for 50 years of Opry membership on Tuesday September 25. So far announced for that show are Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins and Lee Ann Womack. But not Loretta!! It is expected that she will be part of the show and an announcement will be coming soon. Loretta officially joined the Opry on September 25, 1962. While it is great that Loretta has been an Opry member for 50 years, it would mean a lot more if she actually did the Opry more than a few times each year. Back in her earlier days, she was a regular performer at the Opry, but it seems that after Ernest Tubb died was when her appearances really went down.
The Opry's 87th birthday celebration will take place on Saturday October 6, with 2 shows. If that seems earlier than normal, it is. Traditionally, the Opry's birthday weekend, which grew out of the old DJ convention, took place the 3rd weekend of October. A few years ago, it moved up to the 2nd weekend, and now it is the 1st weekend. So far the only announced artist is Rodney Atkins for Friday night and Ray Stevens for Saturday. Usually by now there is a pretty good idea on who the "big" names will be, but with only 6 weeks to go until the big weekend, nothing has been announced. The birthday concert is scheduled for 1:00 on that Saturday, but as with the Opry, nothing has been announced. Usually it is one of the Opry's older members from the 80s. And for those who like me make a weekend out of it, Opry Country Classics will take place on Thursday night, but like the Opry's weekend shows, nothing has been announced. But, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree has Wanda Jackson scheduled to host that night. If you are thinking ahead to 2013 and the 88th Opry birthday weekend, the dates are again the 1st weekend, October 4 & 5.
October 25, 2012 will mark the 100th birthday of Minnie Pearl and on the October 23 Tuesday Night
Opry, a special show is planned to mark the date. While no artists have been announced as of yet, it is expected to be a star filled night. I hope that they add some of the Opry's veteran artists who actually worked with and remember Minnie.
Marty Stuart will be celebrating his 20th anniversary as an Opry member on Saturday December 1 with 2 shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Much like Vince Gill's 20th last August, I would expect a big show with some good guest artists. I have already purchased my tickets for that night as I plan on being there. While nothing has been announced, I would not be surprised if the Ernest Tubb Record Shop made an effort to have Marty host the Midnight Jamboree that night. Marty has hosted in the past and that would round out the evening.
The Country Music Hall of Fame has recently added an exhibit honoring Jack Greene. The display includes his CMA Awards, his drum set and a few other items. In 1967, Jack had one of the biggest years an artist has ever had in country music. Over the past several years there has been a growing underground movement to push forward Jack's name for consideration for the Hall of Fame and some feel that this exhibit will help in that effort. That I don't know as there are so many veteran artists up for consideration who honestly, have had better overall careers than Jack. Jack last appeared on the Opry in December 2011.
Fresh off sell-out Opry appearances, both Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban have scheduled additional Opry appearances in September. For Carrie it will be September 1st and for Keith it will be September 4th. I am glad to see both of them taking their Opry membership more seriously than some of the other younger members and continuing to support the show.
George Jones announced that he will be ending his touring career with one last tour in 2013. While as fans we hate to see George retire, it is time. Honestly it should probably have happened sooner. The great voice is just not there anymore and I have spoke to people who have gone to his more recent shows and said they were just sad at how George sounded. You always wish that the great ones would go out while still on top instead of hanging around too long. George does have a new CD coming out.
On August 14, Opry member Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Ricky.
Finally, while this past weekend's Opry shows were not as strong as many this summer, it was still a good night. And I will say that overall, the Opry has presented some great shows this summer. Several weeks ago, Ray Price was outstanding and received standing ovations at both shows. As mentioned above, both Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, along with Rascal Flatts and Randy Travis have all made Opry appearances. The crowds have been good with 2nd Saturday shows added on a couple of the weekends. Upcoming shows also look strong with Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride and Roy Clark scheduled for appearances along with many others. It would appear that with the Marriott deal being completed and the ownership/management situation at Gaylord Entertainment becoming more clearer, the Opry will come out of this ok as management seems committed to the show.
It would appear that the Opry will honor Loretta Lynn for 50 years of Opry membership on Tuesday September 25. So far announced for that show are Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins and Lee Ann Womack. But not Loretta!! It is expected that she will be part of the show and an announcement will be coming soon. Loretta officially joined the Opry on September 25, 1962. While it is great that Loretta has been an Opry member for 50 years, it would mean a lot more if she actually did the Opry more than a few times each year. Back in her earlier days, she was a regular performer at the Opry, but it seems that after Ernest Tubb died was when her appearances really went down.
The Opry's 87th birthday celebration will take place on Saturday October 6, with 2 shows. If that seems earlier than normal, it is. Traditionally, the Opry's birthday weekend, which grew out of the old DJ convention, took place the 3rd weekend of October. A few years ago, it moved up to the 2nd weekend, and now it is the 1st weekend. So far the only announced artist is Rodney Atkins for Friday night and Ray Stevens for Saturday. Usually by now there is a pretty good idea on who the "big" names will be, but with only 6 weeks to go until the big weekend, nothing has been announced. The birthday concert is scheduled for 1:00 on that Saturday, but as with the Opry, nothing has been announced. Usually it is one of the Opry's older members from the 80s. And for those who like me make a weekend out of it, Opry Country Classics will take place on Thursday night, but like the Opry's weekend shows, nothing has been announced. But, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree has Wanda Jackson scheduled to host that night. If you are thinking ahead to 2013 and the 88th Opry birthday weekend, the dates are again the 1st weekend, October 4 & 5.
October 25, 2012 will mark the 100th birthday of Minnie Pearl and on the October 23 Tuesday Night
Opry, a special show is planned to mark the date. While no artists have been announced as of yet, it is expected to be a star filled night. I hope that they add some of the Opry's veteran artists who actually worked with and remember Minnie.
Marty Stuart will be celebrating his 20th anniversary as an Opry member on Saturday December 1 with 2 shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Much like Vince Gill's 20th last August, I would expect a big show with some good guest artists. I have already purchased my tickets for that night as I plan on being there. While nothing has been announced, I would not be surprised if the Ernest Tubb Record Shop made an effort to have Marty host the Midnight Jamboree that night. Marty has hosted in the past and that would round out the evening.
The Country Music Hall of Fame has recently added an exhibit honoring Jack Greene. The display includes his CMA Awards, his drum set and a few other items. In 1967, Jack had one of the biggest years an artist has ever had in country music. Over the past several years there has been a growing underground movement to push forward Jack's name for consideration for the Hall of Fame and some feel that this exhibit will help in that effort. That I don't know as there are so many veteran artists up for consideration who honestly, have had better overall careers than Jack. Jack last appeared on the Opry in December 2011.
Fresh off sell-out Opry appearances, both Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban have scheduled additional Opry appearances in September. For Carrie it will be September 1st and for Keith it will be September 4th. I am glad to see both of them taking their Opry membership more seriously than some of the other younger members and continuing to support the show.
George Jones announced that he will be ending his touring career with one last tour in 2013. While as fans we hate to see George retire, it is time. Honestly it should probably have happened sooner. The great voice is just not there anymore and I have spoke to people who have gone to his more recent shows and said they were just sad at how George sounded. You always wish that the great ones would go out while still on top instead of hanging around too long. George does have a new CD coming out.
On August 14, Opry member Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Ricky.
Finally, while this past weekend's Opry shows were not as strong as many this summer, it was still a good night. And I will say that overall, the Opry has presented some great shows this summer. Several weeks ago, Ray Price was outstanding and received standing ovations at both shows. As mentioned above, both Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, along with Rascal Flatts and Randy Travis have all made Opry appearances. The crowds have been good with 2nd Saturday shows added on a couple of the weekends. Upcoming shows also look strong with Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride and Roy Clark scheduled for appearances along with many others. It would appear that with the Marriott deal being completed and the ownership/management situation at Gaylord Entertainment becoming more clearer, the Opry will come out of this ok as management seems committed to the show.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 8/17 & 8/18
After 2 blockbuster weekends at the Grand Ole Opry that featured Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, the Opry shows this weekend are a little short on "star-power." And without the help of a "big" named artist, the Grand Ole Opry is back to just 1 show on Saturday night. The Saturday night show will feature a return Opry appearance by Katie Armiger, along with Opry guests Mountain Heart. Jimmy Wayne will also continue his string of Opry appearances on Saturday night.
The Friday Night Opry, which looks like the stronger of the 2 shows this weekend will feature Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Joe Diffie and John Conlee. Guest artists include Florida Georgia Line, who will be making their first Opry appearances. Florida Georgia Line is a duo featuring Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, who are from Florida and Georgia. If you are looking for traditional country, this is not your group.
Jimmy Dickens has been taken off the schedule for Friday night. I know his voice sounded weak on Saturday night. Perhaps all the Opry shows he has been doing is catching up to him. He is still set for Saturday night. Also, we get the treat of Ray Pillow hosting segments on both Friday and Saturday night.
Friday August 17
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Joe Diffie; Connie Smith
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Sarah Darling; Jimmy C Newman
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Florida Georgia Line
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; John Conlee
Saturday August 18
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Tyler Farr
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Katie Armiger; Mountain Heart
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sarah Darling; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: The Whites (host); Connie Smith: Jimmy Wayne
It is nice to see Jean Shepard hosting a segment on Saturday night. And it is interesting that Bill Anderson is leading off the show on Friday Night. He is scheduled on the road with Jan Howard on Saturday night, so the guess is that he wanted the early slot to head out. Regarding Jimmy Dickens, my guess is that if he cannot make it on Saturday night, Jimmy C Newman would slide up and host and they would fill Jimmy C's shot with someone else.
That comes out to 12 artists on each night, with 10 Opry members on Friday and 7 Opry members on Saturday night. And interesting to see the Square Dancers back to their traditional spot on the show.
The Tuesday Night Opry on August 21 looks very strong and will feature Lisa Marie Presley making a guest appearance. (I wonder if Pete Fisher will tell her to take up truck driving after she is finished?). Along with Lisa Marie, the show will feature Rascal Flatts, Steve Wariner and Larry Gatlin. The way the booking is set up, I would assume the last hour will be filmed for the Opry show on GAC, which in my opinion is a horrible show (for what little I have seen of it).
Tuesday August 21
7:00: Larry Gatlin; Casey James; Jimmy Dickens; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner; Lisa Marie Presley; Rascal Flatts
For this week's look back in Opry history, I have the line-ups from the weekend of August 18 &19, 1978, 34 years ago this weekend. There was an Opry matinee on Friday, 2 shows on Friday and Saturday night, along with an Opry matinee on Saturday and Sunday. Here are the line-ups from all of the shows that weekend:
Friday August 18, 1978
Matinee
3:00: Jimmy C Newman; The Wilburn Brothers
3:30: George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar
4:00: Stonewall Jackson; The Four Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff; Bill Carlisle
1st show
6:30: Baltz: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Grammer; Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Doan's Pills: Del Reeves (host); Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Bill Jones Promenadors
7:30: Cracker Barrel: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Willis Brothers; Del Wood
8:00: Odom Sausage/Wrangler: Bill Monroe (host); The Wilburn Brothers; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Kroger/Sunbeam: Stonewall Jackson (host); The Four Guys; George Hamilton IV
2nd show
9:30: Beechnut Tobacco: Del Reeves (host): Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
10:00: Alamo: Jimmy C Newman (host): Billy Grammer; Jeanne Pruett; The Willis Brothers
10:30: Schlitz: Roy Acuff (host): The Wilburn Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Bill Jones Promenadors
11:00: Big Star: Bill Monroe (host): The Four Guys; Wilma Lee Cooper
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bill Carlisle; Marion Worth
12:05-12:30: Grand Ole Gospel
Rev. Jimmy Snow; Evangel Temple Choir
Saturday August 19, 1978
Matinee
3:00: Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper
3:30: George Hamilton IV; Bill Carlisle
4:00: Lonzo & Oscar; The Four Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff; Barbara Green
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms: Billy Grammer (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Rudys: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Willis Brothers
7:00: Shoney's: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
7:30: Standard Candy: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bashful Brother Oswald; The Crook Brothers; Bill Jones Promenadors
8:00: Martha White: Lester Flatt (host); Roy Drusky; Marion Worth; Don King; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Stephens Work Clothes: Hank Snow (host): The Four Guys; Janie Fricke; The Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
10:00: Fender Guitar: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; The Willis Brothers
10:15: Union 76: Roy Acuff (host); George Hamilton IV
10:30: Trailblazer: Lester Flatt (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Beechnut Tobacco: Roy Drusky (host); Janie Fricke; The Crook Brothers; Bill Jones Promenadors
11:00: Coca Cola: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Don King; Fruit Jar Drinkers: Kirk McGee
11:30: Acme: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Ronny Robbins
Sunday August 20, 1978
Matinee
2:00: Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
2:30: George Hamilton IV; Lester Flatt
3:00: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys
3:30: Roy Acuff; Billy Grammer
On a final note, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night/Sunday morning will be hosted by "The Survivors" which include Curtis Potter, Tony Booth and Darrell McCall. That should be a fine show.
The Friday Night Opry, which looks like the stronger of the 2 shows this weekend will feature Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Joe Diffie and John Conlee. Guest artists include Florida Georgia Line, who will be making their first Opry appearances. Florida Georgia Line is a duo featuring Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, who are from Florida and Georgia. If you are looking for traditional country, this is not your group.
Jimmy Dickens has been taken off the schedule for Friday night. I know his voice sounded weak on Saturday night. Perhaps all the Opry shows he has been doing is catching up to him. He is still set for Saturday night. Also, we get the treat of Ray Pillow hosting segments on both Friday and Saturday night.
Friday August 17
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Joe Diffie; Connie Smith
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Sarah Darling; Jimmy C Newman
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Florida Georgia Line
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; John Conlee
Saturday August 18
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Tyler Farr
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Katie Armiger; Mountain Heart
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sarah Darling; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: The Whites (host); Connie Smith: Jimmy Wayne
It is nice to see Jean Shepard hosting a segment on Saturday night. And it is interesting that Bill Anderson is leading off the show on Friday Night. He is scheduled on the road with Jan Howard on Saturday night, so the guess is that he wanted the early slot to head out. Regarding Jimmy Dickens, my guess is that if he cannot make it on Saturday night, Jimmy C Newman would slide up and host and they would fill Jimmy C's shot with someone else.
That comes out to 12 artists on each night, with 10 Opry members on Friday and 7 Opry members on Saturday night. And interesting to see the Square Dancers back to their traditional spot on the show.
The Tuesday Night Opry on August 21 looks very strong and will feature Lisa Marie Presley making a guest appearance. (I wonder if Pete Fisher will tell her to take up truck driving after she is finished?). Along with Lisa Marie, the show will feature Rascal Flatts, Steve Wariner and Larry Gatlin. The way the booking is set up, I would assume the last hour will be filmed for the Opry show on GAC, which in my opinion is a horrible show (for what little I have seen of it).
Tuesday August 21
7:00: Larry Gatlin; Casey James; Jimmy Dickens; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner; Lisa Marie Presley; Rascal Flatts
For this week's look back in Opry history, I have the line-ups from the weekend of August 18 &19, 1978, 34 years ago this weekend. There was an Opry matinee on Friday, 2 shows on Friday and Saturday night, along with an Opry matinee on Saturday and Sunday. Here are the line-ups from all of the shows that weekend:
Friday August 18, 1978
Matinee
3:00: Jimmy C Newman; The Wilburn Brothers
3:30: George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar
4:00: Stonewall Jackson; The Four Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff; Bill Carlisle
1st show
6:30: Baltz: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Grammer; Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Doan's Pills: Del Reeves (host); Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Bill Jones Promenadors
7:30: Cracker Barrel: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Willis Brothers; Del Wood
8:00: Odom Sausage/Wrangler: Bill Monroe (host); The Wilburn Brothers; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Kroger/Sunbeam: Stonewall Jackson (host); The Four Guys; George Hamilton IV
2nd show
9:30: Beechnut Tobacco: Del Reeves (host): Jean Shepard; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
10:00: Alamo: Jimmy C Newman (host): Billy Grammer; Jeanne Pruett; The Willis Brothers
10:30: Schlitz: Roy Acuff (host): The Wilburn Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Bill Jones Promenadors
11:00: Big Star: Bill Monroe (host): The Four Guys; Wilma Lee Cooper
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bill Carlisle; Marion Worth
12:05-12:30: Grand Ole Gospel
Rev. Jimmy Snow; Evangel Temple Choir
Saturday August 19, 1978
Matinee
3:00: Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper
3:30: George Hamilton IV; Bill Carlisle
4:00: Lonzo & Oscar; The Four Guys
4:30: Roy Acuff; Barbara Green
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms: Billy Grammer (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Rudys: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Willis Brothers
7:00: Shoney's: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
7:30: Standard Candy: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bashful Brother Oswald; The Crook Brothers; Bill Jones Promenadors
8:00: Martha White: Lester Flatt (host); Roy Drusky; Marion Worth; Don King; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Stephens Work Clothes: Hank Snow (host): The Four Guys; Janie Fricke; The Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Lonzo & Oscar; Del Wood
10:00: Fender Guitar: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; The Willis Brothers
10:15: Union 76: Roy Acuff (host); George Hamilton IV
10:30: Trailblazer: Lester Flatt (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Beechnut Tobacco: Roy Drusky (host); Janie Fricke; The Crook Brothers; Bill Jones Promenadors
11:00: Coca Cola: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Don King; Fruit Jar Drinkers: Kirk McGee
11:30: Acme: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Ronny Robbins
Sunday August 20, 1978
Matinee
2:00: Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
2:30: George Hamilton IV; Lester Flatt
3:00: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys
3:30: Roy Acuff; Billy Grammer
On a final note, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night/Sunday morning will be hosted by "The Survivors" which include Curtis Potter, Tony Booth and Darrell McCall. That should be a fine show.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
August 14, 1982-Ernest Tubb's Last Opry Appearance
It was 30 years ago tonight, August 14, 1982 that the great Ernest Tubb made his last Grand Ole Opry appearance and hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree for the final time. Ernest had been in declining health for a while, suffering from emphysema, which resulted from years of heavy smoking. His Opry appearances and touring had declined and the appearances that he did make were difficult for his fans to witness. He was using an oxygen mask in his bus before shows in an effort to help his voice. While this was his final Opry show, Ernest would make several more concert appearances before finally calling it a career in November. In the history of the Opry, Ernest is probably considered one of the 5 greatest stars in the history of the show, right up there with Roy Acuff, Hank Snow and Bill Monroe.
Ernest joined the Opry in January 1943 and even with his heavy touring schedule, he always made the required number of Opry appearances each year and he valued his Opry membership. The story goes that at the first of each year, Ernest would give Opry management the 26 weeks that he would be at the Opry for that year. And he would always be there for those dates.
In honor of Ernest Tubb, here is the line-up from Saturday August 14, 1982, his final night at the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
4 Guys: A Blaze of Glory
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Georgiana
Skeeter Davis: Just When I Needed You Most
Billy Grammer: Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party
7:00: Shoney's
ERNEST TUBB (HOST): THANK'S A LOT
Jean Shepard: Blanket on the Ground/I'll Be There
Lonzo & Oscar: Ramblin' Fever/Windy City
Jack Leonard: I Can't Help It/Take These Chains From My Heart/Half As Much/Your Cheating Heart
ERNEST TUBB: WALTZ ACROSS TEXAS/WALKING THE FLOOR OVER YOU
7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will/I'm All Through Crying Over You
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: The Key's In The Mailbox/'Till I Kissed You
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Roy Thackerson: (?)/ Orange Blossom Special
Carollee Singers: A Song the Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30 Acme
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Del Wood: The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Bill Monroe: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
ERNEST TUBB (HOST): SEAMAN'S BLUES
Skeeter Davis: Me & Bobbie McGee/The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming
Wilburn Brothers: I Know A Goodbye When I See One/Because He Lives
ERNEST TUBB: ANOTHER STORY, ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE
10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): On & On
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Bill Monroe: Come Hither to Go Yonder
10:15: Sunbeam
Billy Grammer (host): Wildwood Flower
Lonzo & Oscar: Old Songs
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Roy Thackerson: Sally Goodin/Orange Blossom Special
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
10:45: Beechnut
Billy Walker (host): A Million & One
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Crook Brothers/Soney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You For Me
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready/Healing Hands of Time
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
11:30: Bama
4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah/You Were Always On My Mind
4 Guys: Made in the USA
Ernest Tubb was a true Opry legend and his influence is still felt today.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Remembering Porter Wagoner
Today we honor Porter Wagoner, who was born 85 years ago today, August 12, 1927. Many people consider Porter one of the greatest Grand Ole Opry members of all time, certainly in the top 10. He cared about the Opry and after Roy Acuff passed away, Porter became the face of the Opry. It was a role that he was made for. He appeared on almost every Opry show and was at Opryland just about everday. He was eager to meet his fans and I believe he really enjoyed "Porter Wagoner."
Porter joined the Grand Ole Opry on February 23, 1957. He would remain an Opry member until he passed away on October 28, 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member. During his career, Porter had over 80 singles on the country charts. Besides great success as a singles artist, he had hits with duet partners Norma Jean and Dolly Parton. For over 20 years he hosted a highly successful syndicated television show, where he first introduced Dolly Parton. Besides Norma Jean and Dolly, other artists who were part of Porter's show at one time were Jeannie Seely, Linda Carol Moore and Colene Walters. Members of his band included Mel Tillis and Buck Trent. In the final year of his life, Marty Stuart produced a new Porter Wagoner album and Porter was back performing before large crowds until his health began to fail.
Porter's life was not without issues. He had a very public feud with Dolly Parton, which was later resolved, and he brought James Brown to the Opry. He also battled executives in the country music industry and many feel it was because of this that he had to wait so long for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he achieved in 2002.
I had the opportunity to meet Porter several times during his life and each time he was a gentleman. He was friendly and enjoyed talking to the fans. I can remember the time that I introduced him to my then 14 year old daughter, and how nice he was to her. She still remembers it almost 20 years later.
I do not have the Opry line-up from the night that Porter joined the Opry. The earliest Opry line-up that I have that features Porter Wagoner is from Saturday April 6, 1957, several months after he became a member. In honor of Porter Wagoner's 85th birthday, I share this line-up.
7:30: Nabisco
Roy Acuff (host): It's Hard To Love
Justin Tubb: Pepper Hot Baby
Oswald: Southern Moon
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
Howdy Forrester: Forked Deer
7:45: American Ace
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Faron Young (host): I'm Gonna Live Some Before I Die
Maybelle Carter: I Never Love But One
Benny Martin: Story Of My Life
Faron Young: Schrine Of St. Cecelia
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Shuck A Little Corn
PORTER WAGONER: I SHOULD BE WITH YOU
George Jones: Don't Stop The Music
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Is There Room For Me
Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Die Young
Carlisles: Rough Stuff
Possum Hunters: Fire In The Mountain
PORTER WAGONER: I'M DAY DREAMING TONIGHT
Flatt & Scruggs: Down The Road
8:30: Prince Albert
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Ray Price: I've Got A New Heartache
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin
Marty Robbins: Knee Deep In The Blues
Chet Atkins: Back Home In Indiana
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Hal Cook: Presentation
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb (host): TBA
Johnny & Jack: Oh Baby Mine
Stringbean: Herro Mr. Banjo
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Setting You Free
Kitty Wells: Searching
Ernest Tubb: Don't Forbid Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatam
Johnny & Jack: I Want To Be Loved
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May
9:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Calypso Sweetheart
Louvin Brothers: Don't Laugh
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Sunny Side Of The Mountain
Chet Atkins: Limehouse House
Wilma Lee & Stoney: (?)
T. Texas Tyler: Deck Of Cards
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Louvin Brothers: New Partner Waltz
Hank Snow: Put Me In My Trumble Bed
10:00: Wall-Rite
Roy Acuff (host): I Love Mountain Music
George Jones: Uh Uh No
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light
Fiddle Tune: Money Musk
10:15: Delited
Carlisles (Theme)
Ray Price (host): Wasted Words
Jean Shepard: If You Can Walk Away
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Ray Price: You Done Me
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle
10:30: Hester Battery
Marty Robbins (host): I Can't Quit
Flatt & Scruggs: What's Good For You Should Be Alright For Me
Justin Tubb: I'm A Big Boy Now
Marty Robbins: Same Two Lips
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
10:45: De Con
Faron Young (host): Sweet Dreams
Wilma Lee & Stoney: Loving You
Crook Brothers: Tennessee Wagoner
Faron Young: Until I Met You
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
11:00: Coca-Cola
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb (host): Will You Be Satisfied That Way
Johnny & Jack: A Pleasure Is Not A Habit In Mexico
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Ernest Tubb: God's Eyes
Kitty Wells: A Change Of Heart
Stonewall Jackson: Stop You Naggin Hoss
String Bean: Pretty Little Pink
Gully Jumper: New Five Cents
Johnny & Jack: All The Time
Ernest Tubb: Kansas City Kitty
11:30: Jamison Mattress
Old Hickory Singers (Theme)
Hank Snow (host): Calypos Min From Juares
Louvin Brothers: You're Running Wild
T. Texas Tyler: Remember Me
Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie
11:45: Sustaining
Fiddle Tune: Back Up And Push
PORTER WAGONER (HOST): I GUESS I'M CRAZY
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't On The Menu
Sam and Kirk: The Wagon Is New
Benny Martin: (?)
PORTER WAGONER (?)
Porter joined the Grand Ole Opry on February 23, 1957. He would remain an Opry member until he passed away on October 28, 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member. During his career, Porter had over 80 singles on the country charts. Besides great success as a singles artist, he had hits with duet partners Norma Jean and Dolly Parton. For over 20 years he hosted a highly successful syndicated television show, where he first introduced Dolly Parton. Besides Norma Jean and Dolly, other artists who were part of Porter's show at one time were Jeannie Seely, Linda Carol Moore and Colene Walters. Members of his band included Mel Tillis and Buck Trent. In the final year of his life, Marty Stuart produced a new Porter Wagoner album and Porter was back performing before large crowds until his health began to fail.
Porter's life was not without issues. He had a very public feud with Dolly Parton, which was later resolved, and he brought James Brown to the Opry. He also battled executives in the country music industry and many feel it was because of this that he had to wait so long for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he achieved in 2002.
I had the opportunity to meet Porter several times during his life and each time he was a gentleman. He was friendly and enjoyed talking to the fans. I can remember the time that I introduced him to my then 14 year old daughter, and how nice he was to her. She still remembers it almost 20 years later.
I do not have the Opry line-up from the night that Porter joined the Opry. The earliest Opry line-up that I have that features Porter Wagoner is from Saturday April 6, 1957, several months after he became a member. In honor of Porter Wagoner's 85th birthday, I share this line-up.
7:30: Nabisco
Roy Acuff (host): It's Hard To Love
Justin Tubb: Pepper Hot Baby
Oswald: Southern Moon
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
Howdy Forrester: Forked Deer
7:45: American Ace
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Faron Young (host): I'm Gonna Live Some Before I Die
Maybelle Carter: I Never Love But One
Benny Martin: Story Of My Life
Faron Young: Schrine Of St. Cecelia
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Shuck A Little Corn
PORTER WAGONER: I SHOULD BE WITH YOU
George Jones: Don't Stop The Music
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Is There Room For Me
Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Die Young
Carlisles: Rough Stuff
Possum Hunters: Fire In The Mountain
PORTER WAGONER: I'M DAY DREAMING TONIGHT
Flatt & Scruggs: Down The Road
8:30: Prince Albert
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Ray Price: I've Got A New Heartache
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin
Marty Robbins: Knee Deep In The Blues
Chet Atkins: Back Home In Indiana
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Hal Cook: Presentation
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb (host): TBA
Johnny & Jack: Oh Baby Mine
Stringbean: Herro Mr. Banjo
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Setting You Free
Kitty Wells: Searching
Ernest Tubb: Don't Forbid Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatam
Johnny & Jack: I Want To Be Loved
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May
9:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Calypso Sweetheart
Louvin Brothers: Don't Laugh
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Sunny Side Of The Mountain
Chet Atkins: Limehouse House
Wilma Lee & Stoney: (?)
T. Texas Tyler: Deck Of Cards
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Louvin Brothers: New Partner Waltz
Hank Snow: Put Me In My Trumble Bed
10:00: Wall-Rite
Roy Acuff (host): I Love Mountain Music
George Jones: Uh Uh No
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light
Fiddle Tune: Money Musk
10:15: Delited
Carlisles (Theme)
Ray Price (host): Wasted Words
Jean Shepard: If You Can Walk Away
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Ray Price: You Done Me
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle
10:30: Hester Battery
Marty Robbins (host): I Can't Quit
Flatt & Scruggs: What's Good For You Should Be Alright For Me
Justin Tubb: I'm A Big Boy Now
Marty Robbins: Same Two Lips
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
10:45: De Con
Faron Young (host): Sweet Dreams
Wilma Lee & Stoney: Loving You
Crook Brothers: Tennessee Wagoner
Faron Young: Until I Met You
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
11:00: Coca-Cola
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb (host): Will You Be Satisfied That Way
Johnny & Jack: A Pleasure Is Not A Habit In Mexico
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Ernest Tubb: God's Eyes
Kitty Wells: A Change Of Heart
Stonewall Jackson: Stop You Naggin Hoss
String Bean: Pretty Little Pink
Gully Jumper: New Five Cents
Johnny & Jack: All The Time
Ernest Tubb: Kansas City Kitty
11:30: Jamison Mattress
Old Hickory Singers (Theme)
Hank Snow (host): Calypos Min From Juares
Louvin Brothers: You're Running Wild
T. Texas Tyler: Remember Me
Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie
11:45: Sustaining
Fiddle Tune: Back Up And Push
PORTER WAGONER (HOST): I GUESS I'M CRAZY
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't On The Menu
Sam and Kirk: The Wagon Is New
Benny Martin: (?)
PORTER WAGONER (?)
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Happy Birthday John Conlee
Happy 66th Birthday wishes go out to Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee, who was born on August 11, 1946. There is no question that John has one of the most unique voices in country music and he has had a long and solid career. John has his first chart success in 1978 and since then he has had 32 singles on the charts, along with 11 albums. Of those 32 singles, 7 went to #1 and 14 others were in the top 10.
John is a licensed mortician from Kentucky who came to Nashville in 1971. He signed his first record contract in 1976 and in 1978 "Rose Colored Glasses" became his first hit, coming in at #5 on the charts. "Rose Colored Glasses" is one of my wife's favorite country songs and is John's theme song. As popular as the record is, and still played today, it is surprising that it did not go to #1.
After a string of hit records, John was asked to join the Grand Ole Opry and became a member on February 7, 1981. As with many of the stars who joined the Opry in the 1980s and 90s, he did not make many Opry appearances when he first joined. But as his hits and touring dropped off, John has become one of the Opry's more loyal members and is in the rotation of members who regularly host segments. In fact, he hosted the final segment last night on the Friday Night Opry.
To honor John Conlee on his birthday, here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday February 7, 1981, the night John Conlee became an Opry member.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater
JOHN CONLEE: SHE CAN'T SAY THAT ANYMORE/WHAT I HAD WITH YOU/ROSE COLORED GLASSES
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart
Porter Wagoner: What I've Always Wanted/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wasbash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Jim & Jesse: Truck Stops and Pretty Girls
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Durang's Hornpipe
Roy Acuff: That's the Man I'm Looking For
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Lonzo & Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Bill Anderson: Mr. Peepers
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: Fire
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Stu Phillips: I Will
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Bailey
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
4 Guys: Swing Down, Chariot
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver
David Houston: My Lady
Two's Company: How Can I Help You Forgive Me
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Green (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
JOHN CONLEE; BACK SIDE OF THIRTY/ROSE COLORED GLASSES
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I Can't Believe it Was True
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale the Crow Told Me
Carol Lee Singers: A Song that the Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Limerock
10:30: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): One More Sexy Lady
Jean Shepard: You Still Have A Place in My Heart
Jim & Jesse: The Rider in the Train
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
10:45: Beechnut
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Connie Smith: Love Lifted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: She Is
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Old Shep
Skeeter Davis: Isn't It Always Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin' Ridge
Stu Phillips: Born to Be A Man
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Kelly Foxton: Make the World Go Away
11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Lonzo & Oscar: Blue Kentucky Home/Boggie Grass Band
Ray Pillow: Bubbles In My Beer/Too Many Memories
Opry Staff Band: Buckaroo
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell/One Day at A Time
John is a licensed mortician from Kentucky who came to Nashville in 1971. He signed his first record contract in 1976 and in 1978 "Rose Colored Glasses" became his first hit, coming in at #5 on the charts. "Rose Colored Glasses" is one of my wife's favorite country songs and is John's theme song. As popular as the record is, and still played today, it is surprising that it did not go to #1.
After a string of hit records, John was asked to join the Grand Ole Opry and became a member on February 7, 1981. As with many of the stars who joined the Opry in the 1980s and 90s, he did not make many Opry appearances when he first joined. But as his hits and touring dropped off, John has become one of the Opry's more loyal members and is in the rotation of members who regularly host segments. In fact, he hosted the final segment last night on the Friday Night Opry.
To honor John Conlee on his birthday, here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday February 7, 1981, the night John Conlee became an Opry member.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater
JOHN CONLEE: SHE CAN'T SAY THAT ANYMORE/WHAT I HAD WITH YOU/ROSE COLORED GLASSES
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart
Porter Wagoner: What I've Always Wanted/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wasbash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Jim & Jesse: Truck Stops and Pretty Girls
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Durang's Hornpipe
Roy Acuff: That's the Man I'm Looking For
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Lonzo & Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Bill Anderson: Mr. Peepers
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: Fire
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Stu Phillips: I Will
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Bailey
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
4 Guys: Swing Down, Chariot
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver
David Houston: My Lady
Two's Company: How Can I Help You Forgive Me
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Green (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
JOHN CONLEE; BACK SIDE OF THIRTY/ROSE COLORED GLASSES
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I Can't Believe it Was True
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale the Crow Told Me
Carol Lee Singers: A Song that the Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Limerock
10:30: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): One More Sexy Lady
Jean Shepard: You Still Have A Place in My Heart
Jim & Jesse: The Rider in the Train
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
10:45: Beechnut
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Connie Smith: Love Lifted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: She Is
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Old Shep
Skeeter Davis: Isn't It Always Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin' Ridge
Stu Phillips: Born to Be A Man
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Kelly Foxton: Make the World Go Away
11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Lonzo & Oscar: Blue Kentucky Home/Boggie Grass Band
Ray Pillow: Bubbles In My Beer/Too Many Memories
Opry Staff Band: Buckaroo
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell/One Day at A Time
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 8/10 & 8/11
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 3 shows this weekend. With new Opry member Keith Urban performing on Saturday night, a 2nd show as been added. In addition to Keith on Saturday night, both shows will also feature former Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Price. It is always a treat when Ray does the Opry and at the age of 86, he still sounds great.
Also appearing on Saturday night will be Iris DeMent. She has a great voice and is a great talent. And if that is not enough, Miss Willie Brown is scheduled. These are 2 young ladies who are starting to make their mark in music, performing a combination of country and blues.
On the Friday Night Opry this week will be Canaan Smith, who will be making another guest appearance, and Maggie Rose. She is another of the young females in the business and I believe this will be her first Opry appearance.
Friday August 10
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Maggie Rose
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Canaan Smith
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart
Saturday August 11
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Dustin Lynch; The Whites
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Iris DeMent; Miss Willie Brown
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Price; Mark Wills
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Keith Urban
2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Dustin Lynch; Connie Smith
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Miss Willie Brown; Ray Price
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Mark Wills
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Keith Urban
For Friday night, that comes out to 14 artists, with 10 Opry members, while Saturday night's 1st show has 11 artists of which 6 are Opry members, while there will be 12 acts on the 2nd show, with 8 Opry members. And interesting that it looks like the Opry Square Dancers will only be opening both shows on Saturday and not in their usual spots.
Anita Stapleton will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree after the Opry on Saturday night/Sunday morning. She has been a frequent guest doing some Saturday afternoon appearances at the main shop on Broadway.
Looking back in history and to compare line-ups, I have come up with an old one for everyone, from Saturday August 11, 1951, 61 years ago. There are some real classic Opry members that appeared on this show including a short-timer as an Opry member, Lefty Frizzell.
7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): Pins and Needles
Lew Childre: Riding on the Elevated Train
Le Croix Sisters: Precious Lord
Oswald: Take Me Back to Tennessee
Joe Zinkas: Tiger Rag
7:45: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): Fire Ball Mail
Uncle Dave Macon: Chewing Gum
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
Jug Band: Uncle Epit
Jimmy Riddle: Frankie and Johnnie
8:00: Martha White Flour
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Bill Monroe: Rotation Blues
Crook Brothers: Shortening Bread
Carl Smith: Let's Live a Little
Mamma Maybelle: Wave on the Sea
Hank Snow: Your Locket is my Broken Heart
June Carter: Bashful Rascal
Bill Monroe: Lord Protect my Soul
Rudy Lyle: Shenandoah Valley Breakdown
Hank Snow: One More Ride
8:30: Prince Albert (NBC)
Red Foley (host): Mine, All Mine
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Tommy Duncan: San Antonio Rose
Square Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Red Foley: I'll Fly Away
Old Hickory Singers: I Want a Girl
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Tommy Duncan: Mississippi River Blues
String Bean: Free a Little Bird
Red Foley: I Want to Be With You Always
Square Dancers: Flop Eared Mule
Tommy Duncan: There's Not a Cow in Texas
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Blues in My Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin Ridge
Hank Williams: Cold, Cold Heart
Jamup and Honey: Comedy
Le Croix Sisters: Columbus Stockade Blues
George Morgan: Tennessee Ghost
Lonzo and Oscar: Moving On No. 2
Roy Acuff and Gang: Don't Wait Till the Judgement Day
Jug Band: Don't Put a Tax on a Beautiful Woman
Oswald: Foggy Mountain Top
9:30: Fortune Feed
Cowboy Copas (host): You Don't Have to be a Baby to Cry
Jimmy Dickens: It May Be Silly
Possum Hunters: Sleepy Lou
Lefty Frizzell: Always Late
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Anita Carter: I Wanna Be Blue
Moon Mulligan: Mean Mamma Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Bessie the Heifer
Cowboy Copas: I Love You My Darling
Big Howdy: Sally Goodin
10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe (host): New Skinner
Old Hickory Singers: Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
George Morgan: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Old Joe Clark: Old Age Won't Kill You
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Roy Acuff (host): The Midnight Train
Uncle Dave Macon: Just Tell Them That You Saw Me
Roy Acuff: Jesus Died For Me
Robert Lunn: Talking Blues
Benny Martin: Patty on the Turn Pike
10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jimmy Dickens (host): If It Ain't One Thing It's Another
Lefty Frizzell: I Love You a Thousand Ways
Gully Jumpers: A Little Bit of Blues
June Carter: Winking and Blinking
Jamup and Honey: Comedy
Jimmy Dickens: What About You
Moon Mulligan: Cherokee Boogie
Mamma Maybelle: Wildwood Flower
Lefty Frizzell: Mom and Dad's Waltz
Jimmy Dickens: Galvanized Bath Tub
11:00:
Hank Williams (host): I Can't Help It
Sam and Kirk: I'm Sorta Wondering
Audry: Men Don't Mean a Thing
Hank Williams: Howlin' at the Moon
11:15:
Cowboy Copas (host): There Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me
Annie Lou and Danny: Hear Dem Bells
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Cowboy Copas: Down the Trail of Achin' Hearts
Big Howdy: Arkansas Traveller
11:30:
Carl Smith (host): I Won't Be At Home
Lew Childre: Sister Lucy
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain
Carl Smith: Mr. Moon
Crook Brothers: Soldier Joy
11:45:
George Morgan (host): Cry Baby Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: If Texas Told What Arkansas
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Jubilee
George Morgan: Penny For Your Thoughts
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Under The Double Eagle
What an Opry show!!!!!!! A loaded line-up on that night. Interesting that Hank Snow and Red Foley were only featured in 1 segment, which was normal for Red, while Roy Acuff had 4 segments. The 1st segment that Roy hosted was basically his road show as Lew Childre and the Le Croix Sisters were part of his touring outfit at the time. Of course I could ask how does the 2012 line-up compare with the one from 1951?
You can't bring those times back but you can look back.
Also appearing on Saturday night will be Iris DeMent. She has a great voice and is a great talent. And if that is not enough, Miss Willie Brown is scheduled. These are 2 young ladies who are starting to make their mark in music, performing a combination of country and blues.
On the Friday Night Opry this week will be Canaan Smith, who will be making another guest appearance, and Maggie Rose. She is another of the young females in the business and I believe this will be her first Opry appearance.
Friday August 10
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Maggie Rose
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Canaan Smith
8:45: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart
Saturday August 11
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Dustin Lynch; The Whites
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Iris DeMent; Miss Willie Brown
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Price; Mark Wills
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Keith Urban
2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Dustin Lynch; Connie Smith
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Miss Willie Brown; Ray Price
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Mark Wills
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Keith Urban
For Friday night, that comes out to 14 artists, with 10 Opry members, while Saturday night's 1st show has 11 artists of which 6 are Opry members, while there will be 12 acts on the 2nd show, with 8 Opry members. And interesting that it looks like the Opry Square Dancers will only be opening both shows on Saturday and not in their usual spots.
Anita Stapleton will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree after the Opry on Saturday night/Sunday morning. She has been a frequent guest doing some Saturday afternoon appearances at the main shop on Broadway.
Looking back in history and to compare line-ups, I have come up with an old one for everyone, from Saturday August 11, 1951, 61 years ago. There are some real classic Opry members that appeared on this show including a short-timer as an Opry member, Lefty Frizzell.
7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): Pins and Needles
Lew Childre: Riding on the Elevated Train
Le Croix Sisters: Precious Lord
Oswald: Take Me Back to Tennessee
Joe Zinkas: Tiger Rag
7:45: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): Fire Ball Mail
Uncle Dave Macon: Chewing Gum
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
Jug Band: Uncle Epit
Jimmy Riddle: Frankie and Johnnie
8:00: Martha White Flour
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Bill Monroe: Rotation Blues
Crook Brothers: Shortening Bread
Carl Smith: Let's Live a Little
Mamma Maybelle: Wave on the Sea
Hank Snow: Your Locket is my Broken Heart
June Carter: Bashful Rascal
Bill Monroe: Lord Protect my Soul
Rudy Lyle: Shenandoah Valley Breakdown
Hank Snow: One More Ride
8:30: Prince Albert (NBC)
Red Foley (host): Mine, All Mine
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Tommy Duncan: San Antonio Rose
Square Dancers: Ragtime Annie
Red Foley: I'll Fly Away
Old Hickory Singers: I Want a Girl
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Tommy Duncan: Mississippi River Blues
String Bean: Free a Little Bird
Red Foley: I Want to Be With You Always
Square Dancers: Flop Eared Mule
Tommy Duncan: There's Not a Cow in Texas
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Blues in My Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin Ridge
Hank Williams: Cold, Cold Heart
Jamup and Honey: Comedy
Le Croix Sisters: Columbus Stockade Blues
George Morgan: Tennessee Ghost
Lonzo and Oscar: Moving On No. 2
Roy Acuff and Gang: Don't Wait Till the Judgement Day
Jug Band: Don't Put a Tax on a Beautiful Woman
Oswald: Foggy Mountain Top
9:30: Fortune Feed
Cowboy Copas (host): You Don't Have to be a Baby to Cry
Jimmy Dickens: It May Be Silly
Possum Hunters: Sleepy Lou
Lefty Frizzell: Always Late
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Anita Carter: I Wanna Be Blue
Moon Mulligan: Mean Mamma Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Bessie the Heifer
Cowboy Copas: I Love You My Darling
Big Howdy: Sally Goodin
10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe (host): New Skinner
Old Hickory Singers: Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
George Morgan: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Old Joe Clark: Old Age Won't Kill You
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Roy Acuff (host): The Midnight Train
Uncle Dave Macon: Just Tell Them That You Saw Me
Roy Acuff: Jesus Died For Me
Robert Lunn: Talking Blues
Benny Martin: Patty on the Turn Pike
10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jimmy Dickens (host): If It Ain't One Thing It's Another
Lefty Frizzell: I Love You a Thousand Ways
Gully Jumpers: A Little Bit of Blues
June Carter: Winking and Blinking
Jamup and Honey: Comedy
Jimmy Dickens: What About You
Moon Mulligan: Cherokee Boogie
Mamma Maybelle: Wildwood Flower
Lefty Frizzell: Mom and Dad's Waltz
Jimmy Dickens: Galvanized Bath Tub
11:00:
Hank Williams (host): I Can't Help It
Sam and Kirk: I'm Sorta Wondering
Audry: Men Don't Mean a Thing
Hank Williams: Howlin' at the Moon
11:15:
Cowboy Copas (host): There Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me
Annie Lou and Danny: Hear Dem Bells
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Cowboy Copas: Down the Trail of Achin' Hearts
Big Howdy: Arkansas Traveller
11:30:
Carl Smith (host): I Won't Be At Home
Lew Childre: Sister Lucy
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain
Carl Smith: Mr. Moon
Crook Brothers: Soldier Joy
11:45:
George Morgan (host): Cry Baby Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: If Texas Told What Arkansas
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Jubilee
George Morgan: Penny For Your Thoughts
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Under The Double Eagle
What an Opry show!!!!!!! A loaded line-up on that night. Interesting that Hank Snow and Red Foley were only featured in 1 segment, which was normal for Red, while Roy Acuff had 4 segments. The 1st segment that Roy hosted was basically his road show as Lew Childre and the Le Croix Sisters were part of his touring outfit at the time. Of course I could ask how does the 2012 line-up compare with the one from 1951?
You can't bring those times back but you can look back.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Tuesday Night Opry 8/7 & Wednesday Night Opry 8/8
Here are the line-ups for the Tuesday Night Opry and Wednesday Night Opry for this coming week.
Tuesday August 7
7:00: Wynonna; Jimmy Dickens; Brett Eldredge
Intermission
8:15: Jana Kramer; Vince Gill; The Time Jumpers; The Band Perry
Wednesday August 8
7:00: John Conlee; Greg Bates
7:30: Gene Watson; Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Rodney Atkins
Again, as with the past several weeks, 2 very nice mid-week shows. The way the Tuesday show is set up, I would not be surprised if it involved a GAC taping for their Opry show. I know they have done it in the past.
Tuesday August 7
7:00: Wynonna; Jimmy Dickens; Brett Eldredge
Intermission
8:15: Jana Kramer; Vince Gill; The Time Jumpers; The Band Perry
Wednesday August 8
7:00: John Conlee; Greg Bates
7:30: Gene Watson; Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Rodney Atkins
Again, as with the past several weeks, 2 very nice mid-week shows. The way the Tuesday show is set up, I would not be surprised if it involved a GAC taping for their Opry show. I know they have done it in the past.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 8/3 & 8/4
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 3 shows this weekend. Yes, there will be 3 weekend shows as thanks to an appearance by Opry member Carrie Underwood, there will be 2 shows on Saturday night. For Carrie, if you included the 2 scheduled appearances on Saturday night, that will make 7 Opry appearances for this year. And there is still 5 months to go. I appreciate the fact that unlike other younger Opry members, Carrie has found time to make a number of appearances, even with her busy touring schedule. It is an example that so many others, such as Blake Shelton, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood could follow. Thanks Carrie for remembering where the Opry House is.
Joining Carrie on Saturday night will be guest artists Love and Theft, Bucky Covington, Jeff & Sheri Easter and Andy Gibson, who will also be appearing on the Friday Night Opry. All of these artists have played the Opry previously.
Along with Andy Gibson on the Friday night Opry will be guest artists Crystal Gayle, The Isaacs, and Amanda Shires. Crystal continues to make a number of guest appearances on the Opry and I would not be unhappy at all if she were to become an Opry member some day. As far Amanda Shires, this will be her 1st Opry appearance. She is described as a 30 year old violin player who was once part of the Texas Playboys and has recorded 3 solo albums.
Finally on Saturday night, Stu Phillips is currently scheduled for the 2nd show. He has cancelled out his last several appearances on the Opry and has been dealing with some voice issues. Also, Stonewall Jackson is hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this week, so lord only knows why he is not on the Opry. To me, there is no reason why he is not.
Friday August 3
7:00: Mike Snider (host): The Whites; Andy Gibson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jimmy C Newman; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Amanda Shires; Crystal Gayle
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Diamond Rio
Saturday August 4
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeannie Seely; Andy Gibson
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bucky Covington; Jeff & Sheri Easter
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Love and Theft; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Love and Theft
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Carrie Underwood
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Andy Gibson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bucky Covington; Jeff & Sheri Easter
My guess is that if Stu Phillips cancels out, they will not replace him and just have Carrie Underwood do another number.
Before leaving this week's line-up, I do want to recognize that on August 1, 1964 (48 years ago), the Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry. While Sonny is now retired, Bobby continues on with his Rocky Top X-Press group. Just as a look back, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday August 1, 1964, the night that the Osborne Brothers became new members. (As a note, this was during the Opry's history when they still had only 1 show per Saturday night, from 7:30-Midnight).
7:30: Luzianne
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hangin' Around
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal
Harold Morrison: Red River Train
Gordon Terry: Almost Alone
Wilburn Brothers: Impossible
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Darrell Staedtler: I'm A Honky-Tonk Man
Wilburn Brothers: Medals For Mothers
8:00: Martha White
Don Gibson (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
Jim & Jesse: Cotton Mill Man
Billy Walker: Circumstances
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ray Pillow: Left Out
Don Gibson: He Walks These Hills
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
Jim & Jesse: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You
8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Our Sweet Love Die
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Sonny James: The Minute Your Gone
Archie Campbell: Rindercella
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Wilma Lee Cooper: Row Number 2; Seat Number 3
Stonewall Jackson: BJ The DJ
Sonny James: Ask Marie
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Stringbean: Comedy
Austin Wood: The Blues Don't Mean A Thing
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ragtime Annie
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Jack Greene: Heartbreak Avenue
Leon Rhodes & Buddy Charleton: Red Top
Stringbean: Air Conditioned Cadillac Coupe Deville
Cal Smith: My Sweet Love Ain't Around
Ernest Tubb: Warm Red Wine
9:30: Kelloggs
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Your Money
OSBORNE BROTHERS: CUCKOO BIRD
Cousin Jody: Televison Set
Willis Brothers: I'm Gonna Buy Me A Jukebox
Leroy Van Dyke: Funny How Time Slips Away
Stan Hitchcock: Looking Through A Teardrop
OSBORNE BROTHERS: MULE SKINNER BLUES
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
10:00: Schick
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Del Wood: The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
George Hamilton IV: Before The Day Ends
Wilma Lee Cooper: Tramp On The Street
Stoney Cooper: Sally Ann
10:15: SSS Tonic
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town
Margie Bowes: Overnight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
10:30: Harvey's
Don Gibson (host): Blue, Blue Day
Stringbean: Cumberland Gap
Billy Walker: Forever
Don Gibson: Where No One Stands Alone
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Be Better To Your Baby
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Jack Greene: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go
Ernest Tubb: Have You Ever Been Lonely
Leon Rhodes: Under The Double Eagle
11:00: Coca-Cola
Sonny James (host): ?
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All The Time
Archie Campbell: The 12th Rose
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Sonny James: Till The Last Leaf Shall Fall
Gordon Terry: Forty Acre Farm
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Jim & Jesse: It's A Long Way To The Top Of The World
Sonny James: Ask Marie
11:30: Lava
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Walk On By
OSBORNE BROTHERS: TAKE THIS HAMMER
Don Winters: Baby, I'm Waiting On You
Willis Brothers: I'm Gonna Buy Me A Jukebox
Leroy Van Dyke: Dim Dark Corner
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Stan Hitchcock: ?
Willis Brothers: Truck Driver's Queen
Leroy Van Dyke: Black Cloud
Congratulations to the Osborne Brothers!!
Joining Carrie on Saturday night will be guest artists Love and Theft, Bucky Covington, Jeff & Sheri Easter and Andy Gibson, who will also be appearing on the Friday Night Opry. All of these artists have played the Opry previously.
Along with Andy Gibson on the Friday night Opry will be guest artists Crystal Gayle, The Isaacs, and Amanda Shires. Crystal continues to make a number of guest appearances on the Opry and I would not be unhappy at all if she were to become an Opry member some day. As far Amanda Shires, this will be her 1st Opry appearance. She is described as a 30 year old violin player who was once part of the Texas Playboys and has recorded 3 solo albums.
Finally on Saturday night, Stu Phillips is currently scheduled for the 2nd show. He has cancelled out his last several appearances on the Opry and has been dealing with some voice issues. Also, Stonewall Jackson is hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this week, so lord only knows why he is not on the Opry. To me, there is no reason why he is not.
Friday August 3
7:00: Mike Snider (host): The Whites; Andy Gibson
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jimmy C Newman; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Amanda Shires; Crystal Gayle
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Diamond Rio
Saturday August 4
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeannie Seely; Andy Gibson
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bucky Covington; Jeff & Sheri Easter
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Love and Theft; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Love and Theft
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Carrie Underwood
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Andy Gibson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bucky Covington; Jeff & Sheri Easter
My guess is that if Stu Phillips cancels out, they will not replace him and just have Carrie Underwood do another number.
Before leaving this week's line-up, I do want to recognize that on August 1, 1964 (48 years ago), the Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry. While Sonny is now retired, Bobby continues on with his Rocky Top X-Press group. Just as a look back, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday August 1, 1964, the night that the Osborne Brothers became new members. (As a note, this was during the Opry's history when they still had only 1 show per Saturday night, from 7:30-Midnight).
7:30: Luzianne
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hangin' Around
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal
Harold Morrison: Red River Train
Gordon Terry: Almost Alone
Wilburn Brothers: Impossible
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Darrell Staedtler: I'm A Honky-Tonk Man
Wilburn Brothers: Medals For Mothers
8:00: Martha White
Don Gibson (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
Jim & Jesse: Cotton Mill Man
Billy Walker: Circumstances
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Ray Pillow: Left Out
Don Gibson: He Walks These Hills
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
Jim & Jesse: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Don Gibson: I Can't Stop Loving You
8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Our Sweet Love Die
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Sonny James: The Minute Your Gone
Archie Campbell: Rindercella
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Wilma Lee Cooper: Row Number 2; Seat Number 3
Stonewall Jackson: BJ The DJ
Sonny James: Ask Marie
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Stringbean: Comedy
Austin Wood: The Blues Don't Mean A Thing
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ragtime Annie
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Jack Greene: Heartbreak Avenue
Leon Rhodes & Buddy Charleton: Red Top
Stringbean: Air Conditioned Cadillac Coupe Deville
Cal Smith: My Sweet Love Ain't Around
Ernest Tubb: Warm Red Wine
9:30: Kelloggs
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Your Money
OSBORNE BROTHERS: CUCKOO BIRD
Cousin Jody: Televison Set
Willis Brothers: I'm Gonna Buy Me A Jukebox
Leroy Van Dyke: Funny How Time Slips Away
Stan Hitchcock: Looking Through A Teardrop
OSBORNE BROTHERS: MULE SKINNER BLUES
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
10:00: Schick
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Del Wood: The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
George Hamilton IV: Before The Day Ends
Wilma Lee Cooper: Tramp On The Street
Stoney Cooper: Sally Ann
10:15: SSS Tonic
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town
Margie Bowes: Overnight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
10:30: Harvey's
Don Gibson (host): Blue, Blue Day
Stringbean: Cumberland Gap
Billy Walker: Forever
Don Gibson: Where No One Stands Alone
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Be Better To Your Baby
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Jack Greene: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go
Ernest Tubb: Have You Ever Been Lonely
Leon Rhodes: Under The Double Eagle
11:00: Coca-Cola
Sonny James (host): ?
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All The Time
Archie Campbell: The 12th Rose
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Sonny James: Till The Last Leaf Shall Fall
Gordon Terry: Forty Acre Farm
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Jim & Jesse: It's A Long Way To The Top Of The World
Sonny James: Ask Marie
11:30: Lava
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Walk On By
OSBORNE BROTHERS: TAKE THIS HAMMER
Don Winters: Baby, I'm Waiting On You
Willis Brothers: I'm Gonna Buy Me A Jukebox
Leroy Van Dyke: Dim Dark Corner
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Stan Hitchcock: ?
Willis Brothers: Truck Driver's Queen
Leroy Van Dyke: Black Cloud
Congratulations to the Osborne Brothers!!
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