Before getting into the line-ups for the Opry shows this weekend, I jut wanted to add a few thoughts regarding George Jones and the Opry shows last weekend. Both Opry shows featured numerous George Jones songs, as they should have, as the artists honored George by giving up their own scheduled numbers. Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown and John Conlee in particular, were outstanding as segment hosts and in talking a bit about George. Mark Chesnutt on Friday night, who in many ways sounds like George Jones and who George really influenced, had a difficult time getting through his 2 songs. Rhonda Vincent was excellent on Saturday night. But the highlight of the weekend was the surprise appearance by Brad Paisley on Friday. He was stunning and moved to tears in honoring George. It is moments like that which make the Opry such a special show.
In looking at this week's line-up, it is a little on the thin side. I was wondering if any of the artists who were in Nashville for George's funeral today would stay around and do any of the Opry shows this weekend in his honor, but that does not seem the case. I don't blame them as many of the performers are touring now and many changed their plans and concert dates in order to get back to Nashville to honor George.
Looking at the Saturday night show, there are only 9 artists scheduled at the present time. The highlights include Opry member Charlie Daniels, who spoke at the funeral today, along with guest artist Kathy Mattea. The Friday Night Opry will feature Little Big Town, The Steeldrivers and Sam Palladio from the Nashville television series. Friday night has 10 scheduled.
Friday May 3:
7:00: The Whites (host); Chuck Wicks; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Steeldrivers
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Palladio
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Little Big Town
Saturday May 4:
7:00: The Whites (host); Jimmy Wayne; Jean Shepard
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Kathy Mattea
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Daniels Band
No Jimmy Dickens again this weekend. I did receive a picture of him at the viewing last night and he did look "ok", but you could tell looking at the photo, that he was emotionally spent.
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night/Sunday morning will be hosted by Glenn Douglas Tubb, and it will be the 66th anniversary of the Midnight Jamboree. I know Glenn will be honoring Ernest Tubb with his show and it should be outstanding.
I read that The Potato was at the service today. I suspect it is especially difficult for him, as it is for anyone his age, to watch contemporaries and those who came after him die.
ReplyDeleteThree really great photos of LJD and Nancy Jones that will melt your heart: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/aRkwy4F5uwL/George+Jones+Private+Visitation+Nashville/df9lGwT7fvu/Jimmy+Dickens
ReplyDeleteThey filled out the line-up for this weekend by adding James Wesley on Friday night along with Andy Griggs and Mandy Barnett for Saturday night. The final segment on each night stayed the same with just the one guest.
ReplyDeleteAnon, thanks. They are lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteI confess, I don't mind Charlie Daniels getting three songs, if only for his incredible eulogy for George Jones (yes, there are other good reasons). But Little Big Town? I'm not sure.
By the way, the Opry folks did beautiful work at the funeral. I had to give a eulogy last summer for a very close friend, so I'd like to think I have some idea of how emotional it was, especially for Vince Gill.
Jim Ed Brown, absent from the Opry this weekend, was in Missouri for a tour date at Farmington, about 50 miles from my home. He did an awesome job.
ReplyDeleteHey Guys Whats Your Predictions For The Hall Of Fame Veteran And Modern Categories For The Next 5 Years 2014-2019
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