It will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as for the first time in many years, the Opry will have 2 shows on Friday and Saturday night. The reason for it is very simple and can be said in 2 words: Carrie Underwood. Carrie will be featured on all 4 shows this weekend and I am sure all 4 shows will be sold-out or close to it. I did some checking and counting the 4 shows this weekend, that will give Carrie 7 Opry appearances so far this year. What is remarkable about this (or sad depending on how you look at it), of the Opry's 65 current members, only 19 members have made more Opry appearances this year than Carrie. I think this says something about Carrie, but it also says something about the current Opry membership. No matter how you look at it, I appreciate the fact that Carrie, despite her busy schedule, finds time to make it to the Opry.
Joining Carrie on the Friday Night Opry will be guest artists The Band Perry, comedian Henry Cho, The Isaacs and Striking Matches. In addition, Opry veteran Stu Phillips is scheduled to make his first appearance of the year. Stu is a "senior member" of the Opry, thus is on a limited appearance schedule. Stu has been battling voice and health issues over the past several years, so I will be very interested to see if he does make it this weekend and if he does, how he sounds.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will also feature Opry legend Ray Pillow, who will be hosting segments on both shows. Guesting on Saturday night will be Eric Paslay, Lennon & Maisy and Jimmy Wayne. And it is nice to see Connie Smith back at the Opry this weekend. She has been touring with Marty Stuart lately and has been missing from the weekend Opry shows for several weeks.
Friday July 5:
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Striking Matches; The Isaacs
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds; Henry Cho
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; The Band Perry
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Striking Matches; The Isaacs
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Stu Phillips; The Band Perry
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds; Henry Cho
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Carrie Underwood
Saturday July 6:
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Eric Paslay; Connie Smith
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lennon & Maisy
8:00: Ray Pillow (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Eric Paslay; Connie Smith
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lennon & Maisy; Opry Square Dancers
10:30: Ray Pillow (host); Carrie Underwood
11:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
It is nice to see Jean Shepard getting hosting assignments on all 4 shows this weekend, along with George Hamilton IV having 3. I also like the fact that they have scheduled Jesse McReynolds for both shows on Friday night and Jimmy C Newman and Bobby Osborne for both shows on Saturday night. Usually they each get 1 slot and that it is.
Overall, it is a nice mixture of talent this weekend. You have the under superstars, bluegrass, comedy and the veterans and legends. It should be a fun weekend to listen to the Opry.
On another Opry note, as I type this post on Wednesday July 3, Alison Krauss will be celebrating 20 years as an Opry member tonight on the Wednesday night Opry show. Alison joined the Opry on July 3, 1993. Like many of those who joined during that era, she rarely plays the Opry. In fact, this will be her 1st appearance of 2013. It's too bad because Alison has a great sound, is very popular and is loved by the Opry audiences. With her tonight will be Union Station. I am sure something will be said about her 20 years at the Opry. That's fine. But I just think it would mean more if she actually played the Opry on a semi-regular basis.
Now for this week's look back in Opry history, it was on July 8, 1972 that Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry. This Country Music Hall of Fame member is one of the most awarded females in the history of country music. She has won numerous CMA Awards, Music City News Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. She hosted and stared in her own television series. She has been married to her former drummer Ken Dudney since 1967. When Barbara joined the Opry, she was at the very beginning of her career that has produced almost 70 singles and over 30 albums. While many of her singles went to #1 on the charts, I find it hard to believe that non of her albums hit #1. For many of us who grew up listening and watching Barbara, we will find it hard to believe that she will be 65 this year and has been an Opry member for 41 years. Her last performing Grand Ole Opry show was in 1997 and since she retired from active performing, she has been to the Opry to host or participate in a show, but not to perform.
Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday July 8, 1972, the night Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Oak Ridge Boys: (?)
Billy Grammer: Peace in the Valley
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): I Don't Mind Going Under
Bill Calisle: I'm Moving
Pete Stamper: (?)
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
7:00: Luzianne
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow the Lilacs
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Johnny Paycheck: Love Is A Good Thing
David Houston: Danny Boy
Tex Ritter: Lorena
Bobby Bare: Me & Bobby McGee
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Ronnie Dove: Right or Wrong
Del Reeves: The Best is Yet to Come
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Justin Tubb: Lodi
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Hank Snow: Gisha Girl
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
4 Guys: Shenendoah
David Houston: Soft, Sweet and Warm
Soji Tebuchi: Rainbow in the Valley
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Pete Stamper: (?)
David Houston: Jambalaya
10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Johnny Paycheck: She's All I Got
Charlie Walker: I Don't Mind Going Under
10:15: Union 76
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go
10:45: Beechnut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Coming Down From God
Ronnie Dove: Okie From Muskogee
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Barbara Mandrell: Tonight My Baby's Coming Home
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Barbara Mandrell: Satisfied
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Once Again
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Down in the Boondocks
Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Guitar Man/Heartbreak Hotel
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Del Reeves: The Bells of Southern Bell/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield/Whole Lotta Shaking Going On
(I don't think anyone can complain about that line-up).
Finally I want to mention the late Johnny Russell, who became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 6, 1985. Johnny was one of the great songwriters of all time and a great personality. He was at home during the 11:30 segment and while not going as long as Marty Robbins used to, Johnny still was liberal with the time, telling stories and singing his songs. Sometimes he hosted and sometimes he did not. Johnny was the first to introduce Garth Brooks at the Opry and after that, Garth always requested to be on Johnny's segment. And it was Johnny that inducted Garth as an Opry member. What I found interesting with his career was that he was the first to record "He Stopped Loving Her Today", but his label would not release it. Johnny had only 1 Top #10 hit in his career but he charted dozens of hits. Johnny always remembered his hometown of Moorhead, Mississippi as each year from 1987 until 2000, when he became too ill to perform, he would go back and host a benefit show. Johnny had his share of health issues and in April 2001, both of his legs were amputated due to diabetes. In July 2001, he passed away.
For Johnny Russell, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday July 6, 1985, the night he joined the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: 4 Guys (host); Jean Shepard
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Brother Oswald
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Johnny Russell; Dottie West
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Ray Pillow; Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers; Connie Smith
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; Billy Grammer
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Bill Carlisle; Dottie West
10:00: Ray Pillow (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith
10:30: Billy Walker (host); Justin Tubb
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); George Hamilton IV; Crook Brothers/Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Brother Oswald; Billy Grammer
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; Johnny Russell
The line-up was a little thin that night with some of the bigger names missing. Roy Acuff, as evidenced by Oswald on the show, was out and Bill Anderson was scheduled but cancelled out.
I hope everyone has a very happy 4th of July and enjoy the fireworks. Be safe!!
Great stuff as always, Byron, and Happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteI remember the night Johnny was inducted, he talked about Mr. Acuff being absent. As I recall, he had a pulmonary embolism. Later, he appeared with the birthday cake on October 12 and said his doctors said he wasn't well enough to perform. Suddenly, the following Saturday, he was well enough. I have the feeling the doctors didn't want to do that.
The night Johnny was inducted, they gave him a ham and Porter said that a note was attached saying, "You made it." Johnny said later they'd say, "He ate it."
As I have said before, I am not a big fan of Carrie Underwood music but I do appreciate her dedication to the Opry and it should shame the lesser new star members who the Opry might just help a little but don't show up. Let's face it, Carrie doesn't need the Opry to boost here career!
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to be the pessimist all the time about the veterans. But.....do you think Mr. Fisher would have had a tougher time making up a lineup for four shows in two days if it weren't for the option to call on Jean, Jimmy, Ray, Jesse, Jan and the others to step in and host or do multiple songs when many are only good enough to usually get one spot a week....if that. Carrie is the reason they will be able to have killer box office weekend but it would only be four Underwood concerts with newby openers if it weren't for the veterans. Folks like Carrie Underwood would not have an Opry stage to play if the veterans listed for this weekend had neglected the Opry the way many of the newer members have. Again, hats off to them, they could have walked away long ago.
It's nice to see Stu Phillips on the list and here's wishing him the best for a fine performance. I did think he sounded better the last time he appeared. Also, I hope Jean Shepard sounds as good as she did last weekend and great to see her get to host so much. But then who else would they get!
Allow me to do a little promotion her. On Friday August 9th Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepard, Stonewall Jackson and Jan Howard are to appear at Renfro Valley in Kentucky. If you are within driving distance I would think this would be a show to see. You can find info on Renfro Valley website. I have my tickets!
Happy 4th....and...look around the world and be thankful no matter how bad you think it is!
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim, I wish I was in driving distance of that show!
ReplyDeleteYou also made a point I failed to make, and I'm glad you did. If management didn't have a policy of trying to keep away veterans as much as possible, it could fill the time pretty easily. For example, as Byron says, Carrie has made more appearances this year than a lot of members. Some of those members, including, I think, the ones at Renfro Valley, would be at the Opry much more often if they were welcome.
Considering that it is 4th of July weekend, I would assume that most of the Opry's "name" performers, who might be expected to appear, are off doing road appearances. I think that is how you end up with Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow, Mike Snider and George Hamilton IV hosting so much. But actually, that is ok with me, as I do appreciate the talents of these veterans. And yes, Carrie Underwood is the major reason why the Opry House will be full this weekend. I do appreciate the fact that she is doing 2 shows each night. I know there have been others who have not agreed to do that. Of course, I am sure that Pete and the Opry management are fairly compensating her for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteLike Jim, I am not a big fan of Carrie and probably would not go to see her in concert. But that is just my personal taste. I do however, appreciate the fact that she is upholding her end of the deal as far as the Opry is concerned. What I find sad is that, as I mentioned above, only 19 of the 65 Opry members have made more Opry appearances so far this year than she has. And most of those are Opry veterans. She is setting an example that I do hope she will continue.
The Renfro Valley show has an outstanding line-up. I am going to be at the Opry the next night, August 10, which is Jim Ed Brown's 50th anniversary as an Opry member. Wouldn't it be nice if all of the veterans who are in Kentucky on Friday night would be on the Opry schedule on Saturday night.
Byron,
ReplyDeleteI expect you are right about many of the stars having major shows on the 4th. That being said, I guess they should be excused, but the show would have very few acts if the veterans weren't waiting for the call. And I think everyone here knows I am certainly fine with those veterans hosting and getting stage time. I try to understand and accept the new music but I'd rather here those veterans do even a marginal job any day than about 75% of the newer acts. Just my taste!
Is there any buzz about Jim Ed's 50th? If I knew Maxine and Bonnie would be there I'd try to make that Opry show too! Not taking anything from Jim Ed, I just think it would be very special.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim, I have not heard or seen anything on the Opry's website or on Jim Ed's website. I do know he is hosting the Midnight Jamboree that weekend. I did see a press release from Marty Martel that mentioned Jim Ed, along with Maxine and Bonnie. So I guess the only answer I have at this point is I don't know. And I find that sad. They Opry will go out of their way to promote Charlie Daniels or Carrie Underwood being 5 year Opry members, or Patty Loveless for 25, Marty Stuart for 20, etc, etc, but nothing when a Jim Ed Brown, or a George Hamilton IV, Jimmy C Newman and the others reach 50 years. Granted that Jim Ed probably wouldn't sell as many tickets as the others, but an achievement like that should receive the highest attention possible.
ReplyDeleteBack when the Opry was on TNN, when an Opry member reached 50 years, it was an entire show dedicated to them. GAC would do it only for the "big" names. If I remember right, when Jean Shepard, Jimmy C Newman and Charlie Louvin reached 50 years, the Opry was still weekly on GAC and they did absolutely nothing. They were not even mentioned on the televised portion. Bill Anderson had a half hour for his 50th while George Hamilton IV was allowed to do an extra song.
I guess it just goes to who you are or how big you are. And I will continue to make the argument that Jim Ed and The Browns should have been in the Hall of Fame long ago.
If they want to celebrate Charlie Daniels or Carrie Underwood, more power to them. Their treatment of the others reminds me that the Opry settled with Stonewall Jackson when he sued. I wish he had refused all settlement offers and kept going.
ReplyDeletefrom another "anonymous" - I too would not go buy a ticket for a Carrie Underwood concert; she was there for an anniversary one year and we managed to get through her segment; believe she did 3 songs (more than the others of course). Is there a reason that Mike Snider does not do his funny songs and stories; really miss him doing them as that is what put him on the Opry; his show at Opryland was great; he is a great musician and those who perform with him are too; is "management" keeping him in check ?
ReplyDeleteRegarding the previous poster's question about Mike Snyder, I think it may be his choice. I don't have any inside info, or anything like that. But I've noticed in reading interviews with him, and his webpage, he seems to be playing down the comedy stuff. Sort of like, "Yeah, I became known as a funny guy, but I'm also a heck of a musician and I have an awesomely talented band too. So thats what I'd rather be known for."
ReplyDeleteJust a hunch on my part. Maybe someone has a different perspective.
I'll add this about Carrie Underwood: Saturday night there will be tornado relief concert in Norman, Oklahoma. It is being head up by Toby Keith, and with her being a native Oklahoman, Carrie was invited to perform. Instead of breaking her Opry engagement, they will be broadcasting her Opry performance live at the concert venue in Norman. It probably helps that the venue is also owned by Gaylord, but I still thought that it spoke, at least a little, to Carrie's commitment to the Opry.
ReplyDeleteMusic Tomes, thanks for mentioning that. I had forgotten all about that after reading it last week. I also applaud her for not breaking her Opry commitment. How many of the others would have made the same decision?
ReplyDeleteHad Carrie broken her Opry commitment to do a relief concert in a situation like that, I wouldn't have criticized her, but I would have expected her to make it up later. SHE would have. As for some other members ....
ReplyDeleteFred, Bismarck:
ReplyDeleteJust listened to the last of Jim Ed's portion of the first half of the Friday Night Opry. Enjoyed his poignant song about being a has-been. Not bad; is that something new he has out?
Then came Carrie's four numbers. I must say I was appalled. Believe it or not, it's the first Carrie music I've ever knowingly heard. She is a terrific talent, but -- without my foaming at the mouth -- there is simply no country to it, not even remotely.
I concede the enthusiastic reaction of a great number of the ticket buyers, who doubtless would not have been there without Carrie.
Whether survival of the Opry is worth this kind of compromise I will leave to others.
Fred, that is Jim Ed's new song, produced by Bobby Bare.
ReplyDeleteFred, Bismarck:
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael; I'll get on the trail of that.
I listened to it also last night. Carrie was more "rock" than usual. On the good side, I did hear Stu Phillips on the 2nd show. He did a recitation poem dedicated to his wife. It was beautiful and well done and the crowd responded. His voice sounded "ok" and he seemed energized. I did wonder if he did the recitation instead of a ballad because it was less taxing on his voice. Either way, I enjoyed his performance and it was nice to have Stu back. And, George Hamilton IV gave him a very nice introduction.
ReplyDeleteCarrie may have rocked a little more than usual since her segment was being broadcast at that tornado relief concert. She usually keeps it pretty country at the Opry.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear Stu Phillips back and he did sound energized as Byron said. I was disappointed that Jesse did not make it since he had two spots. Worked out great though, Carrie got the last portion all to herself! I have made it clear that I can appreciate Carrie Underwood's dedication or maybe just honesty in keeping her word to do the agreed number of spots, the seats she fills and the opportunity for others. However, I'm with Fred about the compromise or dramatic change this brings to the Opry.
ReplyDeleteI am probably turning a blind eye to the truth here but from 1925 to lets say 2000 I don't think the Opry changed all that much. Sure, we added drums, electric instruments, smoke and special effects lights and other things. As time passed even the tolerance for lyrics used became more tolerable, Hank and beer for example, the dress code relaxed and there were scattered spots of tolerance to rock or whatever you might call it. However, the music stayed much the same. Instrumental music moved to the back seat but was still pretty regular. The music remained for lack of a better word "pretty" or pleasing, the majority of the performers could actually sing and you could hear and understand the words and the band members played pleasing breaks and background music, not the screaming guitars, or noise, of today. The sound level was reasonable and didn't drive you to put your head in your hands as now on many performances and the drums didn't sound like a big Pringles potato chip can being beat on in the middle of the street. And, being a no name or talent contest winner and appearing on the Opry was the exception, not the norm and really something special. I know in the primitive years most were locals and there were very few nationally known acts! Now it seems every week we have a first timer. As with the Hall of Fame, if anyone can do it then what makes it special or of value anymore? Sorry, not trying to start the HOF debate!
In the past ten years or so, lets see, that would be the Fisher years, that has all changed. I know, I know, with technology and all the social media we've jumped ahead, or behind fifty years in that ten or so depending on your perspective. I know it's business as we have talked before. It may also be a culture thing. Maybe many of us folks who like the type of music that the Opry used to mostly present are just to passive and do not show loud enough support for it to stay on the radar. I'm always perplexed that even in satellite days there are still radio stations dedicated to oldies Rock or other genre's of oldies music but few if any to old country.
I guess it comes down to this. As a business venture, what is going on at the Opry is great, at least short term. From a history and culture stand point, it is sad. For those of us who have a hard time giving into what we are told the majority likes or wants, I guess we need to make the best of what is left. Go see those folks new and old that make our kind of music. Buy it, share it, and do our part to keep it alive. And yes, go to the Opry if you can. Pick a special occasion like Byron is doing for Jim Ed's 50th. Enjoy those special moments and try to tolerate the others. I'm having a hard time with that but I do believe it.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
All of this got me thinking. We probably will never know what actually goes on or has gone on inside the Opry's management. I say that in part and in relation to my experience as a historian working on the history of a business; I was hired to do it and received cooperation, but certain subjects weren't going to be discussed. Also, we'll probably never see written source material. So, anything for now is speculation and probably always will be.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, Hal Durham said there was a waiting list for Opry sponsorships, and I don't doubt it. Sustaining or "house" segments were very rare. That began to change in the Buchanan-Fisher era. I also noticed that they moved toward the "presenting" sponsors, and that glorious experiment has ended up with three presenting sponsors and segments now being sold to some sponsors who had associations with the Opry back when (Mrs. Grissom's and Fiddler's Inn, in particular). Now, they even have reduced the number of commercials per segment. One wonders if that is due to them "watering the wine" by reducing the number of performers and performances.
Listening to the Opry and they are doing dance contests in the pews during the Dollar General commercial!! Unbelieveable!!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, Jean Shepard sounded great tonight and the crowd is "hot." Very generous in their applause and appreciation of all the acts, even the legends. Nice to hear.
Agreed, Jean Shepard sounded great and pretty feisty all four shows. Her comments about a lot of rock music and "you seem to like it so that's ok" were pretty strong. Also having Jimmy C do a third song after being allowed two seemed pretty bold.
ReplyDeleteOdd but good to see Bobby Osborne get three spots.
As for the crowd, it is nice to hear them applaud with lust for everyone including the veterans. I must say on one of the Saturday shows I kept hearing the same voice whooping and yelling at just about every word that was said and every act that appeared.
Overall, we got a lot more music than normal this weekend and I guess we have Carrie Underwood to thank for it. And, it was split pretty even between veterans and newer acts.
It took me a while to figure out on Friday why Jim Ed did not do the second show but maybe he cut out early to head for Oklahoma. I heard Justin Trevino sing happy birthday to Jeannie Seely on the Midnite Jamboree last night. Jeannie, Bill Anderson and Helen Cornelius played Durant, Oklahoma with Jim Ed. Most of you probably knew all that if you listened in this weekend.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
A group of us college students and some of our parents were at the Friday night show to see Carrie Underwood. Carrie does sing country and sings it very well along with some of the old classic country. Carrie loves and respects the older country artists and appreciates that they paved the way for her and other artists. Carrie has had a huge influence on us, her fans, about loving country music and respecting it and the older artists. She has introduced us to Randy Travis, Dolly, Kenny Rogers and many, many more. Thanks to Carrie we love going to the Opry and listening to her and also the older artists. Yes, we do applaud loudly for them because Carrie has taught us to love them also. We respect Carrie as an artist because her heart is in the right place and she has good work and personal ethics. There is no pretense or anything fake about Carrie. She lives her life with dignity, humbleness and faith. We are young and we know that she is a good role model for us (along with our parents). We all think Pete Fisher made a wise decision to invite Carrie to join the Opry. Carrie is probably busier than most of the Opry members but she always takes the time to appear when she can. Some may not like her music but they have to admire her for her dedication and her love of country music and respect for the older artists. BTW we all like the fact that she sings all kinds of music as we are tired of hearing beer drinking and truck songs. We also like the fact that she always puts a faith based song on her records. We think she is the best vocalsit in Nashville--maybe all genres right now.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I wanted you to know that I am not alone, especially here, in respecting Carrie for her commitment to country music and especially to the Opry. I think she's a great talent. Whether she's my favorite doesn't matter. Unfortunately, most of my favorites are no longer with us!
ReplyDeleteMichael--thank you for your kind words. My Grandmother is a country music fan from way back to Roy Acuff, Tex Ritter, and many more (she has educated me a lot on country). She said that way back in the day the same things (that they were not true country) were said about Conway, Faron Young, Mickey Gilley, and others but that they were accepted and made country music more popular. She also said that Carrie Underwood has contributed to country since day one by bringing many fans to the genre and most of them staying and loving it. She thinks Carrie is country music's biggest asset now and they should be more accepting and promote her more. She is a die hard old country fan but she loves Carrie. Carrie is loved and respected world wide and by all genres----even the older icons (all genres) love and respect her. Tony Bennett, The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Dolly, Loretta and many others. She had to fight with her label to sing country music and has always insisted that she is country and her heart is in country---and she has proven that is true.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments Mike made. Carrie Underwood has been a fine addition to the Opry and has brought a lot of new fans to the show. And by coming to the Opry, they get the opportunity to experience all kinds of country music. And as mentioned before, she takes her Opry membership seriously and does appear on the show and makes known her Opry membership. She sets the example that many of the newer members such as Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Darius Rucker could follow. And she also sets an example for some of the more established members such as Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins and Alan Jackson. I hope she continues to keep that commitment to the Opry.
ReplyDeletefayfare---we believe that Carrie will always keep her commitment to the Opry as she probably has the best personal and work ethics in the business. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Randy Travis and hope he gets better and turns his life around for good. We loved the duet of "I Told You So" with Carrie and Randy and so happy they won an award for it. We would love for Carrie to duet with other older artists like Dolly, Kenny Rogers, Garth, Alan Jackson, etc.. We would love it if she would do some classic country. We love her take on Loretta's "You're Lookin At Country" and Tammy's " Stand By Your Man'. We would love it if she would cover Patsy Cline. Maybe someday.....
ReplyDeleteJust got a notice that Carrie will be doing 2 shows on the Opry on August 10th. I can not be there as I will be back in school. Bummer.....
ReplyDelete