May Opry Highlights

Here are the historical and important events that have taken place in Grand Ole Opry history, or regarding Opry members, in the month of May.

May 1, 1894: Sam McGee was born. He would team with his brother Kirk and together would appear on the Opry. Sam passed away in 1975 while Kirk would remain with the Opry until he died in 1983. They made their first Opry appearance in 1926. Sam would appear individually, as a duet and as part of the Fruit Jar Drinkers and Dixieliners.

May 12, 1901: Benjamin Francis Ford was born in DeSoto, Missouri. Professionally known as Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, this comedian joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942. He was brought to the Opry specifically to appear on the Prince Albert Show. He remained an Opry member until leaving the Opry in 1959. Although he left as a member, he would continue to appear on the show, especially during the annual Old-Timer's Night. He passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook of the famed Crook Brothers was born. In addition to performing as part of the Crook Brothers, in his later years Lewis played back-up for the square dancers. He passed away in 1997.

May 1, 1910: Ott Devine, who at one time was the Opry's manager, was born.

May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry announcer and WSM staff member Grant Turner was born. He joined the staff at WSM on June 6, 1944, D-Day. In addition to his staff duties at WSM, Grant became an announcer on the Opry. He would remain the Opry's primary announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after announcing the Friday Night Opry. He was with the Opry for 47 years and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition to his announcing of the Opry, he hosted the Opry warm-up show for a number of years.

May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. She was there at the start of the Opry in 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. They remained a part of the Opry until Dr. Bate's death in 1936. After his death, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together but it was a struggle as the Opry went to a more modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, she went into semi-retirement after over 40 years of performing on the Opry. After that, she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.

May 9, 1914: The legendary Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain an Opry member until his death in December 1999, just short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. At his birthplace, they are planning a big bash to honor Hank Snow on what would have been his 100th birthday.

May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joins the cast of the WSM Barn Dance, later called the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain a part of the Opry for the next quarter century, making his final Opry appearance on March 1, 1952. When he joined the Opry, he was considered the first professional performer to join that had a national reputation. He always considered himself as an old country boy. In 1966 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall was born in Kentucky. Much like Abe Lincoln, also born in Kentucky, Tom T. was born in a log cabin. The Country Music Hall of Fame member joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in March 1974, refusing to go with the show to the new Opry House. However, after a parking lot discussion with Ernest Tubb, Tom T. rejoined the Opry in 1980. As many of you know, even though he is still considered a member of the Opry and still active in the music business, he has not been to the Opry in decades and gives no indication of ever returning to the Opry's stage.

May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. While that name may not be familiar to everyone, his stage name of Johnny Paycheck is. As he was working his way up in the music business, Johnny would perform as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. In 1997, with the endorsement of his friend Johnny Russell, he became a member of the Opry. However, just a few years after joining, his health began to decline and his performing days ended. He passed away in February 2003.

May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Larry, along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, joined the Opry on Christmas day 1976. In recent years, Larry has returned to the Opry on a more frequent basis, always doing a fine job hosting a segment. In addition, he hosts many of the Opry Country Classic shows on Thursday night.

May 13, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. The sisters, of course, were Helen, Anita and June. When the Carters joined the Opry, they brought along their guitar player, Chet Atkins, who would continue on with a Hall of Fame career as a musician and a record company executive. Over the years, while Helen, Anita and June would come and go, Mother Maybelle would remain with the Opry. Later in her Opry careeer, much like some of the other veterans such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed Opry spots and the limited appearances that she was scheduled. In fact, the McGees were very vocal about always having to appear after 11:00, which was after the farmers went to bed. (Sounds like some things haven't changed much over the years). Mother Maybelle would remain as an Opry member until later in the 1960s, when she left the show to travel as part of Johnny Cash's road show.

May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean makes his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He was introduced by Opry member Carl Smith. Although Jimmy never joined the Opry, he would make a few Opry appearances throughout his career.

May 23, 1953: Future Opry member Jim Reeves appears on the Opry for the first time, singing "Mexican Joe."

May 21, 1955: Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just about three years but realized that he could make a lot more money being out on the road on Saturday nights instead of being in Nashville.

May 11, 1957: The Everly Brothers, Phil and Don, make their first appearance on the Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as members in an attempt to capture the younger crowd that was turning to rock n' roll. They were only part of the Opry for about a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 18, 1957: The Kershaw Brothers, Rusty and Doug, make their first appearance on the Opry.

May 20, 1958: Don Gibson joined the Grand Ole Opry. This Country Music Hall of Fame member was part of a large group of Opry members who were fired from the show in 1964 for failing to make the required number of yearly appearances. He would eventually rejoin the cast, however his Opry appearances remained very limited.

May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago, changed formats. The Barn Dance had been on the air since April 19, 1924, which made it older then the Opry.

May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard makes his first appearance on the Opry. Former Opry manager Hal Durham would later say that the girls were crazy about Merle. While never joining the Opry, Merle would make several more Opry appearances over the years.

May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925. After he started the show, he would clash with WSM management, specifically Harry and David Stone over the direction and management of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's wanted a more professional show. We know who won that battle!! Over the years, he would suffer from various health issues and would see his influence and role at WSM and the Opry greatly reduced. By the time he retired from the Opry, his role was basically that of an announcer. On Saturday May 11, which was the next Opry show after his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn-dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay." Of course, by the time of his death, Harry and David Stone were long gone from the Opry but their direction helped to make the Opry what it has turned into today.

May 10, 1969: Opry member Stonewall Jackson rejoins the cast of the show. Stonewall had been fired from the Opry in December 1964 for not fulfilling the required number of appearances on the show. Stonewall remains an Opry member to this day, however his appearances have considerably dropped. Stonewall created news several years ago when he sued the Opry for age discrimination. He refused to appear on the Opry for several years, including missing his 50 year anniversary as an Opry member. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court and he returned to the Opry.

May 27, 1972: Opryland opens. On the first day, it drew over 10,000 visitors to the park and by the end of the first year, over 1.4 million guests would visit. Opryland would remain one of Nashville's most popular attractions until Gaylord Entertainment made the decision to close the park in 1997.

May 22, 1977: The Grand Ole Opry held a special Sunday matinee show that was dedicated to their Canadian fans. The following day was Victoria Day in Canada, a national holiday.

May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. He had been in declining health for a number of years. After he split from Earl Scruggs, Lester stayed with a more traditional bluegrass sound and formed the Nashville Grass. As Lester moved forward with his solo career, he would reach legendary status among bluegrass fans, who considered Lester the second biggest name in bluegrass music besides Bill Monore. While on the Opry, Lester would always host the Martha White segment. Toward the end of his career, Lester hired Marty Stuart as part of his band, which was Marty's first professional job.

May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 34th year as an Opry member. It was always Ricky's dream to become an Opry member and he has taken his Opry membership very seriously. As Ricky said when joining, "I don't ever-ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, where I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said, 'You'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them.' And I said, you don't know me. You just watch me and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, each time Ricky would play the Opry and Roy Acuff was there, he would always make it a point of going to Roy's dressing room and telling him he was there. Yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but Ricky has always remembered where the Opry has is at. And since the death of Bill Monroe, Ricky has worked hard to keep the sound of bluegrass music alive at the Opry.

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

May 3, 1986: Opry member Barbara Mandrell returns to the Opry for the first time since being involved in a near-fatal traffic accident.

May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt makes his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. He would eventually join the show on February 29, 1992. And I make a little joke each time I write this, which is to remind people that it is only a rumor that his induction date was his last Opry appearance. In reality, he has not appeared on the Opry since 2007, and gives no reason for his absence.

May 1, 1993: Charley Pride becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 21st year as an Opry member. Charley has appeared on the Opry since the late 1960s and he was asked many times to become a member prior to finally joining. He always said that living in Dallas and having a heavy touring schedule made it difficult for him to get to the Opry on a regular basis. In 1993, he felt the time was finally right. He normally makes around 10 Opry appearances each year, which is the number asked for by Pete Fisher.

May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 18th year as a pretty loyal member. He has done his best to be at the Opry at least a dozen times each year. On a personal note, I had the chance to meet Steve a few years ago backstage at the Opry, and he is about the nicest guy around.

May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack makes her first appearance at the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann has continued to make a few Opry
appearances over the years.

May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn makes his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. They would return and work as a duo before Doyle passed away in 1982. After that, Teddy continued as a solo act, although his Opry appearances were greatly reduced. Teddy passed away in November 2003.

May 15, 1998: Opry member Johnny Paycheck makes his final Opry appearance as a member. Ill health forced Johnny to retire.

May 28, 1999: Brad Paisley makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. Brad would make numerous Opry appearances before finally becoming an Opry member on February 17, 2001. Sadly, he made more Opry appearances prior to becoming an actual Opry member.

May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. Blake would become an Opry member late in 2010.

May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after making an appearance in Alabama. Billy had been an Opry member since 1960 and had one of the best country voices around.

May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined on the special show by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Buck Trent and Marty Stuart, who hosted the televised segment. Sadly, Porter was in declining health and would pass away in October of that year. This was the last time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together.

May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood joins the Opry. This will be her 6th year as an Opry member and Carrie will be at the Opry for 2 shows on Saturday May 10. Even with her career as big as it has been, Carrie has always found time to appear on the Opry. While 10 appearances a year may not seem like a lot, it is a lot more then most of her fellow, younger Opry members make. And if each of those younger Opry members would appear 10 times per year on the Opry, each week the Opry would have a pretty dynamic show. On an additional note, on the night that Carrie joined the Opry, Garth Brooks did the honors.

May 30, 2009: Comedian and banjo player Steve Martin makes his first Opry appearance. He led an all-star band in playing, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never heard or seen Steve with the banjo, you should. He is oustanding and takes his banjo playing very seriously.

May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustains major damage as the Cumberland River overflows its banks after heavy rain hit Nashville. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed as a result of the damage. It was not until September that the Opry was able to return to the Opry House. The Acuff Theater was torn down and the Museum has not reopened. That summer, the Opry moved around town, playing at various buildings. When the Opry returned in September to the Opry House, Bill Anderson was the first artist on stage. He was also the last artist to appear at the Opry House the night of the flood.

May 3, 2011: Alabama makes a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It had been 29 years since they last performed on the show. They were joined on stage by Brad Paisley and sang, "Old Alabama", and "Tennessee River." They have been back several times since.

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

Grand Ole Opry 4/25 & 4/26

The Grand Ole Opry has announced the line-ups for the shows this weekend and the big news is that there are no artists scheduled from "Nashville" and nobody making their Opry debut this weekend!!!! What we do have are a couple of shows that feature a few of the Opry's more popular members, along with a number of artists who appear quite frequently on the Opry.

Both shows this weekend will feature Opry members Larry Gatlin, Riders In The Sky and Connie Smith. I have said previously that it has been nice seeing Larry at the Opry on what is almost a regular basis. He is popular and seems to really enjoy being there. Joining them on Friday night will be frequent Opry guests Sarah Darling, who according to her will be making her 57th Opry appearance, and The Grascals. Also appearing will be Moe Bandy, who does not play at the Opry very often but always receives a great reception.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to Larry, Connie and the Riders, will feature Opry member Vince Gill. And there are more frequent guests scheduled Saturday including Chuck Mead and his group, and Chris Janson.

Friday April 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Austin Webb; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sarah Darling; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); JT Hodges; Moe Bandy
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); The Grascals; Sturgill Simpson

Saturday April 26
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Katie Armiger; The Whites
7:30: Riders In the Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Keith Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin (host); Jan Howard; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Chris Janson; Connie Smith

Continuing what is becoming a regular feature are the Opry line-ups from 5 and 10 years ago this weekend:

The weekend of April 25 & 26, 2009 (5 years ago)

Friday April 25
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Cherryholmes
8:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith

Saturday April 26
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Jennifer Hanson
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Raul Malo

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Sunny Sweeney
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Jennifer Hanson
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Stonewall Jackson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Raul Malo

The weekend of April 23 & 23, 2004 (10 years ago)

Friday April 23
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; III Tyme Out
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); John Conlee; Bubba Bechtol; Steve Wariner
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark Wills
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Calvin Gilmore; Lorrie Morgan
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); The Moody Brothers; Jack Greene; Mike Snider; Billy Currington

Saturday April 24
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely; Ricky Skaggs
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Billy Walker; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; John Conlee
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy C Newman; Bubba Bechtol
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Alecia Nugent; Riders In The Sky; Terri Clark

2nd show
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); John Conlee; The Whites
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Hamilton IV; The Moody Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Terri Clark
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Alecia Nugent; Jack Greene; Mark Wills

Finally, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 29:

7:00: Pam Tillis; Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Bill Anderson; Phil Vassar
Intermission
8:15: Ashley Monroe; Craig Morgan
8:45: Martina McBride

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Country Music Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Ronnie Milsap, Mac Wiseman and Hank Cochran who have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I know we all had our favorites but I don't think anyone can complain about those elected this year. While the elections of Ronnie and Hank were expected, I think the surprise is Mac. He has been a finalist for many, many years and had to wait way to long. Just another reason why I believe they need to revisit the categories that the Hall of Fame currently has.

Congratulations again to all 3.

Grand Ole Opry 4/18 & 4/19

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and they are definitely an upgrade over the shows from last weekend. There are actually enough Opry members scheduled to have 4 segments on each show.

Lorrie Morgan returns to the Opry stage this weekend and will be hosting segments on both nights. Also appearing both nights will be Opry members Ralph Stanley, who will be joined by his son, Ralph Stanley II, Bill Anderson and John Conlee. Joining them on Friday night will be guest artists The Band Perry and Brandy Clark.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will also feature guest artists Aaron Tippin and Jim Lauderdale, both frequent Opry guests. Also scheduled is this week's "Nashville" star, Chaley Rose. And making their Grand Ole Opry debut will be NEEDTOBREATHE (yes, all caps). They are described as an "American alternative rock band from Seneca, South Carolina." Sounds like something right up the Opry's ally.

Friday April 18
7:00: John Conlee (host); Sara Haze; Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Ralph Stanley & Ralph Stanley II
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Brandy Clark
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Band Perry

Saturday April 19
7:00: John Conlee (host); Frankie Ballard; Ralph Stanley & Ralph Stanley II
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Chaley Rose; Aaron Tippin
Intermission
8:15: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jim Lauderdale; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; NEEDTOBREATHE

Before posting the past Opry line-ups like I normally do, I have the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 22. There is only 1 Opry member scheduled, Del McCoury, while there are 4 stars from "Nashville" all bunched up in the first half of the show. Makes me wonder if they are going to do some filming for the television show.

7:00: The Henningsens; Chris Carmack; Jonathan Jackson; Sam Palladio; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:30: Tracy Lawrence; Del McCoury Band; Easton Corbin

Now for this week's look back at past Grand Ole Opry line-ups, I want to start off by posting the Opry line-up from 5 years ago and 10 years ago so everyone can compare where the show has gone over the past decade. When you look back a decade ago, you can really see the difference.

First, here is the Opry line-up from 5 years ago:

Friday April 17
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Dean Brody
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Darius Rucker
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Sons Of The Pioneers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites

Saturday April 18
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Steve Warnier (host); Rascal Flatts

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Steve Wariner (host); Rascal Flatts

Now here is the Opry line-up from 10 years ago:

Friday April 18
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; The Whites; Tammy Cochran
8:00: John Conlee (host); Stonewall Jackson; Osborne Brothers; Jeff Bates
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Vince Gill
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ronnie Bowman; Riders In The Sky; Brad Paisley
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; Dierks Bentley; Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown

Saturday April 19
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Jeannie Seely; John Conlee
7:00: Brad Paisley; Trick Pony; Craig Morgan; Vince Gill; George Jones; Vestal Goodman; The Whites
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Josh Turner; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Holly Dunn; Riders In The Sky; Hal Ketchum

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Jimmy C Newman; Vince Gill
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Craig Morgan
10:30: Brad Paisley (host); The Whites; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Holly Dunn; Jack Greene; Trick Pony
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Josh Turner; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Finally, for this week's special line-up, I go to Saturday April 17, 1971 as it was on that date that Connie Smith returned to the Opry. Connie had joined the Opry in 1965 but she left the show in 1967 to raise her family as she stepped away from the business. After being away from the Opry for 4 years, she returned to the show, where she has remained since.

Here is the line-up from Saturday April 17, 1971, the night Connie Smith returned to the Opry:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria/Sweet Caroline
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

6:45: Rudy's
Ray Pillow (host): She Learned to Be A Waitress(From Sitting Home Waiting On Me)
Del Wood: Psychadelic Mockingbird
Bobby Lewis: He Gives Us All His Love
Ray Pillow: You Don't Care What Happens to Me

7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Mountain Dew
Earl Scruggs Revue: Fireball Mail
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Joe & Rose Lee Maphis: If I've Gotta Have Your Lovin'
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Earl Scruggs Revue: The Girl From the North Country
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Joe & Rose Lee Maphis: Alabama Jubilee

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Skeeter Davis: Bus Fare to Kentucky
Stringbean: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Skeeter Davis: Amazing Grace
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Hank Locklin: She's As Close AS I Can Get
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man
Floyd Tillman: Slipping Around
Ernest Tubb: One Sweet Hello
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Connie Smith: Once A Day

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Vanishing Breed
Bob Luman: Mona Lisa
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Hank Snow: So Goes My Heart
Harold Weakley: Crazy Arms
Boby Luman: Sing the Blues to Daddy
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Locking Back to See
4 Guys: One Pair of Hands
Justin Tubb: Free-Born Man
Del Wood: Wesley's Tune
Jim Ed Brown: Angel's Sunday
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

10:00: Fender
Hank Locklin (host): Please Help Me I'm Falling
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Bobby Lewis: He Gives Us All His Love
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get

10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Skeeter Davis: Bus Fare to Kentucky
Joe & Rose Lee Maphis: Honey, Be My Honey Bee
Billy Grammer (host): What A Friend

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Saw the Light
Ray Pillow: The Waitress
Floyd Tillman: Daisey May
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to Be A Baby to Cry
Leon Boulanger: San Antonio Rose
Crook Brothers: Sally Ann
Ernest Tubb: Another Story

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Hank Snow: Tangled Mind
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: Mississippi River Blues

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Bob Luman: Sing the Blues to Daddy
Diane McCall: Help Me Make it Through the Night
Charlie Louvin: Love Has to Die All by Itself
Bob Luman: I Got A Woman
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Did You Ever/Something to Brag About

As a reminder, Tuesday April 22 is the announcement for the Country Music Hall of Fame 2014 inductees. I haven't received the link as of yet, but I am sure it will be streamed on the web. Most years I have come pretty close to predicting who will be elected, but I really believe that even with some clues, it is pretty wide open this year. What we do know for sure is that Dottie West was not one of the finalists. I guess I have to make my prediction, which will really be just a guess. So, I will go with Ricky Skaggs in the modern category, Ronnie Milsap in the veterans (assuming he ends up there) and Hank Cochran in the songwriting category. But, I wouldn't be surprised if there was someone out of the blue who gets voted in. Would love to hear what others are thinking.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend and Happy Easter to all!!!!

Past Opry Line-Up Comparison

This week's Grand Ole Opry line-up has created some comments regarding the quality of the show and being worth the ticket price. Just for comparison purposes, here are the past Opry line-ups for the 2nd Saturday in April. While this is just a one Saturday night look, I think it represents where the Opry has gone over the past dozen or so years.

April 12, 2014
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jimmy C Newman; The Swon Brothers; Bobby Osborne
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jean Shepard; Mallary Hope; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Secret Sisters; Darryl Worley

April 13, 2013
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stonewall Jackson; Lennon and Maisy Stella; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne; Scotty McCreery

April 14, 2012
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lonestar
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Gary Morris; Hunter Hayes
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Craig Morgan

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lonestar
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Gary Morris; Craig Morgan
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Hunter Hayes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Suzy Bogguss

April 9, 2011
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Elizabeth Cook
7:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Joey+Rory; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mandy Barnett; Joe Diffie

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Elizabeth Cook
10:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds; Joey+Rory; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mandy Barnett; Joe Diffie

April 10, 2010
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Emerson Drive
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Jerrod Niemann
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Steve Wariner (host); John Conlee; Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Emerson Drive; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jerrod Niemann
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Connie Smith

April 11, 2009
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mike Snider; Jo Dee Messina
7:30: Mel Tillis (host); Jean Shepard; John Conlee; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Ricky Skaggs; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Martina McBride; Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider; Martina McBride
10:00: Mel Tillis (host); Kenyon Lockry; Riders In The Sky; Jo Dee Messina
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Rhonda Vincent; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ricky Skaggs; Vince Gill

April 12, 2008
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Bobby Osborne; The Wrights
7:00: Jason Aldean; Jewel; Jason Michael Carroll; John Anderson
8:00: Ray Pillow (host); Charlie Louvin; Jamey Johnson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds; Joe Nichols

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Wrights; Jason Michael Carroll
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); John Anderson; Jewel
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jason Aldean; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Jamey Johnson; Joe Nichols

April 14, 2007
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Steve Wariner; Jean Shepard
7:00: Vince Gill (host); The Wreckers; The Whites; Oak Ridge Boys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mike Snider; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Raul Malo

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Steve Wariner; The Wreckers
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Jean Shepard; Oak Ridge Boys; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Raul Malo

April 8, 2006
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Cherryholmes
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Walker; Bobby Osborne; Trent Willmon
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Buddy Jewell; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Vince Gill
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Trent Willmon
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Buddy Jewell

April 9, 2005
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites
7:00: Vince Gill (host); Joe Nichols; Rebecca Lynn Howard; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Osborne Brothers; Jean Shepard; Malibu Storm; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Jeannie Seely; Craig Morgan

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Loretta Lynn
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Jean Shepard; Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Joe Nichols
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Malibu Storm

April 10, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Jim Ed Brown; Craig Morgan
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites; Dan Seals
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Billy Walker; Sherrie Austin
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Rodney Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Riders In The Sky; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Dan Seals
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Craig Morgan
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Louvin; Sherrie Austin; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Rodney Atkins
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett

April 12, 2003
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Connie Smith
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steve Azar; Keith Urban; The Whites
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jack Greene

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Connie Smith
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Jesse McReynolds; Keith Urban
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Walker; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Steve Azar
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Elizabeth Cook; Jack Greene

April 13, 2002
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Kevin Denny; Jimmy C Newman; Chris LeDoux; Willie Nelson; Charley Pride
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Bill Carlisle; Billy Walker; Jean Shepard; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chris LeDoux
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Billy Walker; Charley Pride; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin; Jim Ed Brown; Mandy Barnett
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Kevin Denney

April 14, 2001
1st show
6:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Osborne Brothers; Bill Carlisle; Mel McDaniel
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim & Jesse; Billy Walker; Del McCoury Band
7:30: John Conlee (host); Chad Brock; Jack Greene; Victoria Shaw; Kent Blazy; Pat Alger
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Ricky Skaggs; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Brad Paisley; hal Bynum

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; John Conlee; Mel McDaniel
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider; Chad Brock
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim & Jesse; Del Reeves; Riders In The Sky; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Victoria Shaw; Kent Blazy; Pat Alger; Brad Paisley
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band; Hal Bynum

I could go on, but I think the point has been made. The decline did not happen overnight, but you can see it year-by-year. Even in the early 2000's, the majority of the line-ups featured Opry members and the guest artists were generally names that were recognized.

Like I said, I could go on, but for true Opry fans, it gets a little depressing.

Grand Ole Opry 4/11 & 4/12

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend and before going through the schedule, it is time for a Byron rant!!!

First, the Friday Night Opry has only 5 members on the schedule while Saturday night we get treated to 6 Opry members. This is ridiculous!!! Out of 60+ members, they could only come up with 5 & 6? And while not downgrading the members who are scheduled, as I personally enjoy the veterans, those scheduled are the veterans. None are what you would call "hot" country acts.

Second, and this has happened before, there are only 3 segment hosts for Saturday night. You mean that out of 60+ Opry members, management could not come up with 4 who could host a segment? And one of the 3 is Ray Pillow, who is one of the Opry's senior members and rarely appears. Jimmy C Newman and Jean Shepard are scheduled, but it would appear that they no longer wish to host a segment, or more likely, that management no longer feels they are capable of hosting.

Looking at the actual artists scheduled for this weekend, Elizabeth Cook is scheduled for nights. She usually does a good job, but let's face it, she is not a "big" name. Joining Elizabeth on Friday night will be Carlene Carter. She is out promoting a new CD, "Carter Girl." I will say that I personally enjoy Carlene and looking forward to her new CD, but her hit making days ended a decade ago. Former Opry member BJ Thomas is scheduled and I guess he would be the "star" attraction for Friday. I have seen BJ at the Opry several times and he does a nice job. No complaints on him. Balsam Range and Sundy Best? Previously on.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has The Swon Brothers scheduled. They are from The Voice television show and are just starting to get their career going. This will be their debut Opry performance. I love The Secret Sisters. Darryl Worley is on more than a majority of the Opry's members. But again, only 3 segments.

Friday April 11
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds
7:30: The Whites (host); Elizabeth Cook; Balsam Range
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Carlene Carter; Sundy Best
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; BJ Thomas

Saturday April 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Elizabeth Cook; Jimmy C Newman; The Swon Brothers; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jean Shepard; Mallary Hope; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Secret Sisters; Darryl Worley

I almost feel sorry for anyone who has paid $69 for a seat to these shows. Let's just say they are not the strongest this year.

Also, despite appearing 4 weeks in a row, Jimmy Dickens is not on the schedule although he very well may appear. He has sounded good the last couple of weeks and has been singing. Maybe Jimmy waits until the last minute to give the word on appearing. Seeing Jimmy back on the Opry is a good thing and we should all enjoy his appearances as any given week could be his final one.

For this week's look back at past Grand Ole Opry highlights, the first one is from the weekend of April 13 & 14, 1979. There is really nothing special about this line-up but it is an interesting look back at the announced line-ups for both nights.

Friday April 13, 1979
7:30: Lonzon & Oscar (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ernie Ashworth
8:00: Billy Walker (host); Riders In The Sky; Carlisles
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); The Four Guys; Linda Naile
9:00: David Houston (host); Skeeter Davis; Justin Tubb; The Willis Brothers
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Stu Phillips; Vern Gosdin
10:00: The Wilburn Brothers (host); Jeannie C Riley; Del Wood
10:30: Billy Grammer (host); Marion Worth; Duke of Paducah

Saturday April 14, 1979
1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host); The Willis Brothers
6:45: The Wilburn Brothers (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
7:00: Charlie Walker (host); Lonzo & Oscar; David Houston; Roy Drusky
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Billy Grammer; Marion Worth; The Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mt. Cloggers
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis; Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb; Carlisles
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Charlie Louvin; Jeanne Pruett; The Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky (host); The Wilburn Brothers; Lonzo & Oscar; Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Walker
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Ernie Ashworth; The Willis Brothers
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Marion Worth; Del Wood
10:30: David Houston (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Grammer
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Justin Tubb; The Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mt. Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Stu Phillips; Carlisles; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin (host); The Four Guys; Jeanne Pruett

One of the things that catches my eye when I look at these older line-ups is the variety of the hosts. Today the Opry will have the same hosts hosting the same segments each weekend. On the few times when there are two shows on a Friday or Saturday night, the shows will be identical. Back in the "older" days, just about every artist would be given an opportunity to host at some point. Even in this line-up that I posted, Lonzo & Oscar are hosting, which is rare. I even have a show where Bill Carlisle hosted. Yes, you had a few such as Roy Acuff who always hosted at 7:30 and 10:15, Hank Snow who did 8:30 and 11:00, and Porter Wagoner who would do 7:00 and 9:30, but even those artists were not on every week. Listening to the Opry on the  radio, I enjoyed not hearing two identical shows in a row.

The 2nd line-up that I have for this week is from Saturday April 13, 1991, which was the annual reunion show. This one was televised on TNN and it gave the fans at home a chance to see a couple of the "older stars." Of course by this point, a few such as DeFord Bailey and Alcoyne Beasley had passed away, but this particular night had Faron Young and Pee Wee King among the former members returning.

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball Headed End of A Broom
Bill Anderson: Still
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ricky Skaggs: Let It Be You/Honey, Open That Door
Bill Monroe: Southern Flavor

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Jim & Jesse: It's A Lonesome Feeling
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Porter Wagoner: Ol' Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Margie Bowes: When I Call Your Name
Zeke Clements: No More Smoke on the Water
Faron Young: Wine Me Up/Hello Walls
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Charlie Louvin: When You Can Only Dream That Far/When I Stop Dreaming
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted/Elvira
Opry Square Dancers/Stoney Mt. Cloggers: Bill Cheatham

8:30: Pops Right
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Skeeter Davis: Who's Gonna Tell Marie
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born
John Conlee: Common Man
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Picture on the Wall
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
The Whites: Doing it By the Book
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Better Time's A Comin'
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
Grandpa Jones: The Sweet Sunny South

10:15: Tennssee Pride
Roy Acuff (host): I'll Fly Away
Faron Young: It's 4 In the Morning/After The Loving/Hello Walls

10:30: Pet Milk
Ricky Skaggs (host): He Was On To Something
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ricky Skaggs: Lovin' Only Me

10:45: B.C. Powder
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Jim & Jesse: Dream of Me
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mt. Cloggers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling for Loving Me

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Frankie & Johnny
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
John Conlee: Common Man/Rose Colored Glasses
Hank Snow: Whispering Rain

11:30: Creamette
Bill Monroe (host): Old Dangerfield
Mike Snider: Shuckin the Corn
Charlie Louvin: In the Pines
Riders In The Sky: When the Bloom is on the Sage
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Bill Monroe: Darks as the Night; Blue As the Day

Boy, you look at these old line-ups and sometimes you wonder what has happened in the last 20 years.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Grand Ole Opry 4/4 & 4/5

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the shows this weekend. Overall, nothing special and I would give the edge to Saturday night as the strongest of the two this weekend.

Saturday will feature frequent Opry guest, and someone who should have been an Opry member long ago, Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be Restless Heart, another Opry regular and two artists who will be appearing both Friday and Saturday night, Kree Harrison and The Willis Clan.

Joining both of those on Friday night will be Ricky Skaggs, who will have MercyMe as one of his guests. And also guesting will be Holly Williams.

Friday April 4
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kree Harrison; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Willis Clan
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Holly Williams
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; MercyMe

Saturday April 5
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kree Harrison; Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Rhonda Vincent; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); George Hamilton IV; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan

Jesse will be in the Opry gift shop after the show signing copies of his new CD, which is a collection of Jim & Jesse radio shows from years gone by. And Leona Williams will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.

On an additional note, some have asked and commented about Mike Snider and his absence from the Opry. Last year, his appearances were down, particuarly toward the end of the year, while in 2014 he has yet to make an Opry appearance. I asked and I don't have an answer. Apparently the comment was that he just wasn't coming to town as much as he used to. I didn't pick up on anything going on between him and the Opry.

For this week's look back at past Grand Ole Opry line-ups. I have 2 for this week. The first is from Saturday April 5, 1975, 39 years ago this Saturday night. This was the night that Skeeter Davis returned to the Opry. She had been suspended in December 1973 for comments that she made on the Opry that evening. Skeeter wrote in her book, "Bus Fare to Kentucky" that she received the news that she would be allowed back on the Opry while on a trip to Africa. Bud Wendell was the manager of the Opry when she was suspended, but upon his promotion was replaced by Hal Durham. Skeeter mentioned the efforts of Jean Shepard, Kirk McGee, George Hamilton IV and Teddy Wilburn, who campaigned on her behalf to get her back. The night she returned was her first night for her at the new Grand Ole Opry House, as she missed the opening. And as you would expect, there was a lot of press there to see what kind of reaction she would receive, which was overly positive.

Here is the line-up from Saturday April 5, 1975, the night Skeeter Davis returned to the Opry:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): Freight Train Boogie
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Charlie Louvin: When You Have to Fly Alone/See the Big Man Cry

6:45: Rudy's
Ray Pillow (host): Countryfied
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Del Wood: The Entertainer
Ray Pillow: The Simple Things In Life

7:00: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Skeeter Davis: I Can't Help It
Lonzo & Oscar: When I Stop Dreaming
Ernie Ashworth: The High Cost of Living
Skeeter Davis: Bus Fare to Kentucky
B. Gallion: Green Back Dollar
Billy Grammer: What A Friend

7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jimmy C Newman: Thibodeaux Cajun Band
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Jim & Jesse: Ashes of Love
Charlie Walker: The Last Supper
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Old Joe Clark
Jimmy C Newman: Before the Next Teardrop Falls
Charlie Walker: Lucille

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need Me to Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel

8:30: Stephens
Jack Green (host) & Jeannie Seely: If You're Going Down
Jeannie Seely: Catfish John
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
4 Guys: Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: He Can Be Mine

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
4 Guys (host): What About Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Marion Worth: The Hands You're Holding Now
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It to Me Again
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria

10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Stay A Little Longer
Skeeter Davis: I Believe In Music
Lonzo & Oscar: Mountain Dew
Charlie Walker: The Last Supper

10:15: Union 76
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Rosemary Clooney: Half As Much

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Back in the Country
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Billy Grammer: Peace in the Valley
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beech-Nut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jack Greene (host) & Jeannie Seely: Take Me Home Country Roads
Jeannie Seely: The First Time
Jimmy C Newman; Potato Song
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Delta Dirt
Sam McGee: Victor Rag

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Jeanne Pruett: Just Like Your Daddy/Welcome to the Sunshine
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried/If You Love Me Let Me Know
Marty Robbins: Love Me/I'm Wanting To/Devil Woman/El Paso/Ka-Lu A

Yes, that was Rosemary Clooney on the 2nd show.

The 2nd line-up is from Saturday April 3, 1982, which was the final Opry performance for DeFord Bailey. This took place on the Opry's annual Reunion Show, sometimes called Old-Timer's Night, or the Homecoming Show. Deford had returned to the Opry in 1974 after being gone for many years. After that 1974 show, he did return for several more of the Old-Timer's shows and was always a crowd favorite. DeFord would pass away in July of 1982. Here is the line-up from April 3, 1982, 32 years ago this weekend.

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jimmy C Newman: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Closed My Heart's Door
David Houston: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Kitty Wells: Amigo's Guitar
Johnny Wright: Ashes of Love
Zeke Clements: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry/Just A Little Lovin
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Mac Magaha: Rocky Top

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind
Curly Fox: Sweet Georgia Brown/The Old Gray Mule
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Bill Monroe: My Florida Sunshine

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jack Shook: Carry Me Back to the Lone Praire
Alcyone Beasley: Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: Let the Rest of the World Go By
DeFord Bailey: Fox Chase/Cacklin Hen/Pan American Blues/Lost John
Sid Harkreader: Never Alone Waltz.Red Wing Fiddlin
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
4 Guys: It's High Time to Get Back on My Feet Again
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mine Again

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Make Every Day Feel Like Sunday
4 Guys: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jeannie Seely: When Your House Is Not A Home
Wilburn Brothers: If I Can't Have All of You
Kitty Wells: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels
Johnny Wright: Poisen Love
Mac Magaha: Old Flames
Porter Wagoner: The Man in the Little White Suit/Ol' Slewfoot

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monore (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over

10:15: Sunbeam
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Zeke Clements: God Made It All; It Belongs to Him/Smoke on the Water
Jimmy C Newman: (?)

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jack Shook: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: Someone Like You
Sid Harkreader: Amazing Grace/Sally Goodin

10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Be Anone Else But You For Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Roy Drusky: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Charlie Louvin: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight/We Could
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words.Muddy Water
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/That's All Right/Don't Let Me Touch You/Good Hearted Woman/18 Yellow Roses/I Don't Know Why/El Paso

As you would expect on a night with a line-up like that, the Opry ran way over, ending just after 1:00am. The 1st Roy Acuff 30 minute segment ran 45 minutes and the 2nd Roy Acuff 15 minute segment ran 30 minutes. A great night.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!