In the history of the Grand Ole Opry, June has been one of the more active months. Here is a look back at the historical and important events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or with Opry members, during the month of June.
June 17, 1910: Clyde Julian Foley, better known as Red Foley, was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky. Red joined the Grand Ole Opry in April 1946, replacing Roy Acuff as the host of "The Prince Albert Show." He stayed with the Opry until 1954, when he left Nashville and went to Springfield, Missouri as the host of the Ozark Jubilee. Red was on the early inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 19, 1914: Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tennessee. Lester would become famous as part of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and then later, teaming up with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After a successful fun, Earl and Lester split as they had differences over the direction of their music. Earl favored a more progressive sound while Lester wanted to continue to perform traditional bluegrass music. When Lester and Earl separated, most of the Foggy Mountain Boys stayed loyal to Lester and formed the nucleus of his new group, The Nashville Grass. He remained an Opry member until his death in 1979. While at the Opry, he traditionally hosted the Martha White portion.
June 17, 1916: David Akeman, better known as Stringbean, was born in Anniville, Kentucky. Stringbean had been a steady performer and musician in country music and at the Opry, but it was his role on Hee Haw that made Stringbean famous to a nationwide audience. Stringbean died in November 1973 when he, along with his wife Estelle, were murdered at his home after returning from an Opry appearance. In an interesting note, when he first started playing the Opry as a solo act, he was known as "String Bean", which over time was shortened to "Stringbean."
June 28, 1924: George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. George spent several years in Ohio and for a period of time he called Barberton, Ohio home. He was a star on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree and came to Nashville and the Opry in 1948 as the replacement for Eddy Arnold. In an interesting story, when George first came to Nashville, he wasn't sure where the Ryman Auditorium was located. He approached a man standing on the curb on Fifth Avenue and asked him, "Can you tell me where the Grand Ole Opry House is?" The man laughed and said, "It's right behind you." That man was Eddy Arnold! George would remain an Opry member until his death in 1975. On a historical note, George hosted the final Friday night segment at the Ryman Auditorium in March 1974, prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House. After his death, George was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 19, 1926: DeFord Bailey made is debut on the WSM Barn Dance. DeFord would become a regular performer on the show until he was fired by George D. Hay in 1941. His song, "Pan American Blues" would often be the opening number on the Opry's early broadcasts. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord remained bitter toward WSM and the Opry and he rejected many invitations to return. Finally on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry for their annual "Old-Timer's Night." Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl introduced him and he received a great ovation. He would return several times to the Opry after that and he made his final appearance in April 1982, several months before his death on July 2, 1982. DeFord is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 2, 1927: Former Opry member Carl Butler was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with his wife Pearl, he had one of the biggest hits in country music history with "Don't Let Me Cross Over." Carl and Pearl were members of the Opry for several years and were instrumental in Dolly Parton's career. Dolly never forgot the kindness that Carl and Pearl showed her and in their later years when they had some financial difficulties, she reportedly helped them out, allowing them to keep their home and ranch. Carl passed away in September 1992.
June 23, 1929: Valerie June Carter was born in Maces Spring, Virginia. She came to the Grand Ole Opry with her mother Maybelle and sisters Helen and Anita, appearing with them and as a solo comedian. After coming to the Opry, she married fellow Opry member Carl Smith and they are the parents of Carlene Carter. While June was not much of a singer, she did have talent as a comedian. She often teamed with Rod Brasfield and Jimmy Dickens.
June 12, 1936: Dr. Humphrey Bate of the Possom Hunters died at the age of 61. After Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Dr. Bate is considered the 2nd original member of what is now the Grand Ole Opry. In fact, many historians feel that he may actually have been the first rural performer featured on WSM. He was an important part of the early history of the Opry and his contributions are often overlooked today.
June 13, 1936: Because of the size of the crowds, the Opry moves to the Dixie Tabernacle, located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. The Tabernacle, while sounding impressive, was actually a very primitive facility with wooden benches, sawdust floors, and no dressing rooms. It was basically an old barn that you had to open the sides in the summer to keep the air flowing through. But it did seat 3,500 and contributed to the growth of the Opry.
June 5, 1937: Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys join the Opry. Pee Wee was one of the first professional entertainers to join the show and he helped to bring a more professional and polished look to the show. Pee Wee had numerous disagreements with Opry founder George D. Hay, who felt that Pee Wee's group was not country enough and playing instruments that had no business being played on the Opry. Pee Wee would stay for a number of years before leaving the Opry and moving to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television, something that he tried to get WSM interested in. He would become famous for the "Tennessee Waltz" and would be one of the early inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. After leaving the Opry, Pee Wee would continue to make guest appearances, most often on the annual reunion shows. His autobiography, "Hell-Bent for Music" is an excellent book that I highly recommend.
June 25, 1940: Republic Pictures releases the movie "Grand Ole Opry" which featured George D. Hay, Roy Acuff and his group, along with Uncle Dave Macon. It was a basic movie for the times, as the Opry stars helped a group of Ozark residents try to take back state government from a group of crooks. While the movie was not academy award material, it offers a great look at an early Roy Acuff.
June 5, 1943: The Opry moves to the Ryman Auditorium where it would stay until March 1974. Over time, the Ryman would acquire the nickname "Mother Church of Country Music" and even today, many consider it the true home of the Opry and it is where the Opry enjoyed its greatest growth. Since 1999, the Opry has returned to the Ryman each winter.
June 6, 1944: Grant Turner started work at WSM as an announcer. Of course, this was "D-Day." Over time, Grant would become known as the voice of the Opry and is probably the most famous announcer that the Opry has ever had. He would remain at the Opry until his death in October 1991. In 1981 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 17, 1944: The Poe Sisters, Ruth and Nelle, joined the Grand Ole Opry. Their idols were the Delmore Brothers and in fact, George D. Hay would often refer to these sisters as the "female Delmore Brothers." The Poe Sisters performed regionally in the Northeast before coming to Nashville. Their time at the Opry was very short as after Ruth married in 1945, Nelle left the Opry and moved back to the Northeast. After being gone for a couple of months, Nelle returned to Nashville and they were back on the Opry. However, in August 1946, they left the Opry for good and soon after, they were out of the music business. An interesting fact is that during the time they were on the Opry, Ruth played a mandolin that she borrowed from Bill Monroe. Upon leaving the Opry, she returned the instrument to Bill.
June 17, 1944: On the same night that the Poe Sisters become Opry members, Rod Brasfield makes his Opry debut.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. The performance that night is still talked about today, mostly by Jimmy Dickens who is one of the few still alive that witnessed that night. Hank sang "Lovesick Blues" and was called back for 6 encores. Jimmy has said many times that Hank's performance that night was the greatest Opry appearance he has ever seen.
June 12, 1954: Ferlin Husky becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ferlin would remain an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for failing to meet the required number of annual appearances. He would return to guest on the show.
June 1, 1957: The Everly Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. It was part of an effort by Opry management to attract a younger audience as the Opry attendance was dropping like a rock with the start of rock and roll music. In fact, there were many who wondered if the Opry would survive or not. The Everly Brothers were destined for bigger and better things and their stay at the Opry was very short. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 13, 1959: Roy Drusky joined the Opry. Roy came to the Opry from Atlanta and would remain at the Opry until his death in September 2004. In my opinion, Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music and he did an outstanding job each and every time he did a ballad number.
June 27, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn Morgan, known professionally as Lorrie Morgan, was born.
June 14, 1961: Patsy Cline was seriously injured in an automobile accident in Nashville. It would take her 8 months to recover from the accident, which left a scar on her forehead. Because of that scar, Patsy would wear a wig just about every time she would perform.
June 8, 1964: Altone Delmore died at the age of 55 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Delmore Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1933 and their influence is still felt today. The Delmore's left the Opry after a dispute with George D. Hay. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 12, 1965: Tex Ritter became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Tex joined, he was at the tail end of his great western movie career and many questioned why he would want to join the Opry and why the Opry would have him. But Tex surprised everyone by becoming one of the Opry's most loyal and popular members. He also co-hosted a late night radio program on WSM with Ralph Emery. Tex, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964, was also one of the early leaders and founding members of the Country Music Association. Tex passed away on January 2, 1974.
June 13, 1965: Connie Smith and Bob Luman became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Connie's 49th year as an Opry member, although she did leave the show for a short period of time in the late 1960s, rejoining the show in 1971. Connie, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is considered one of the top female voices in the history of country music. As far as the night she joined, "I joined the same night as Bob Luman. And I had totally no control over my voice at all. I was scared to death; it just meant too much to me. I had heard about people's knees knocking and I thought it was a fake. But mine actually did and while I was out there singing. I was that shook. And when I came off the stage, I busted out crying. It was just my dreams come true." Bob Luman was someone who was as close to a rock and roll performer as anyone else at the Opry. He was a rockabilly singer who came to the Opry from the Louisiana Hayride. His big hit that got his career going was "Let's Think About Living." Bob would remain an Opry member until he passed away in December 1978. What is interesting about Connie's rememberance of that night she and Bob joined the Opry together, is that June 13, 1965 was actually a Sunday. In fact, on another list that I have, Connie's first Opry performance was on September 18, 1965. Again, as with much of the history of the Grand Ole Opry, facts are sometimes hard to come by, but as far as the Opry is concerned, June 13 is the date.
June 20, 1965: Ira Louvin, the older brother of Charlie Louvin, was killed in a car accident. One of the greatest duets in the history of country music, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, many years after they should have been elected. Ira and Charlie had broken up prior to the accident, so while Charlie was a solo member of the Opry at the time of Ira's death, Ira was no longer an Opry member.
June 1, 1967: Stu Phillips becomes a member of the Opry. Stu, who is celebrating his 47th year as an Opry member, is from Canada, joining Hank Snow and Terri Clark as the only Opry members from north of the border. While Stu never had that career hit record, he would always remain a loyal member of the Opry and when his health permits, still performs on the show.
June 30, 1970: Ground was broken for Opryland. Roy Acuff and Brother Oswald handled the ground breaking and it would take several years for the park to be completed. At the time, Roy lived across the Cumberland River from the construction site, and was able to watch the park and the Opry House be built.
June 28, 1974: Paul McCartney is introduced on the stage of the Opry by Roy Acuff. The former Beatle did not perform and was in Nashville as part of an extended vacation.
June 28, 1975: Opry member George Morgan makes his final appearance at the Opry, which was also his 51st birthday. Also on the Opry that night as a guest was his daughter Lorrie and they did a duet, "Smile For Me."
June 17, 1978: Marty Robbins drove his new custom-made Panther Deville automobile onto the stage of the Opry. In a moment of good humor, Roy Acuff found a security guard who gave Marty a parking ticket.
June 19, 1980: Boxcar Willie makes his debut on the Opry.
June 19, 1982: Riders In The Sky joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 32nd year as Opry members and they remain the only cast members to specialize in western music. Besides being a member of the Riders, Doug Green is also a member of The Time Jumpers.
June 9, 1984: Lorrie Morgan joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 30th year as an Opry member and I am sure the Opry will have a special night for her. Lorrie first appeared on the Opry at the age of 13, when her father, George Morgan, introduced her and she sang, "Paper Roses."
June 18, 1984: Former Grand Ole Opry member Paul Howard passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 75. He joined the Opry in 1942 and performed on the Opry with his group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. Grady Martin and Hank Garland were members of his band, which specialized in Western music. Paul stayed with the Opry through the 1940s and would return for the annual reunion shows.
June 20, 1986: Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, died at the age of 85. Whitey joined the Opry in 1942 and would remain an Opry member until 1959. Like others, he would return to the Opry and make numerous guest appearances. While at the Opry he, along with Minnie Pearl, were the featured comedians on the "Prince Albert Show" portion. However, he had a contract dispute with the sponsor and was taken off that portion of the Opry and replaced by Rod Brasfield. In October 1986, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 10, 1988: Herman Crook died in a Nashville hospital at the age of 89. Herman was a harmonica player and a part of the Crook Brothers, the last true string band to be featured on the Opry. Herman was also the last living link to the start of the Opry, coming to the show in 1926. Over the years, as the various string bands were merged, the Crook Brothers would have various members, but Herman was always there. For the majority of their final years on the Opry, the Crook Brothers would back up the square dancers, generally appearing on Roy Acuff's segment during the first show and the 10:45 segment during the 2nd show. After Herman's death, the Crook Brothers name was no longer used and the string band, led by Earl White, was just referred to as the Opry Square Dance Band. Earl is still on the Opry, the last one left from Herman's group.
June 10, 1988: Ricky Van Shelton joins the Grand Ole Opry. Now retired, this will be his 26th year as an Opry member.
June 11, 1988: The day after Ricky joined the Opry, Patty Loveless became a member of the cast. At one time, Patty was part of the Wilburn Brother's television show and part of Porter Wagoner's outfit. Many times she would talk about how much Porter influenced her career and on the night she joined, it was Porter who inducted her. I honestly feel that Patty has one of the sweetest voices in country music and I wished she would do the Opry more often.
June 24, 1989: Garth Brooks makes his first appearance at the Opry. Garth would guest several more times before becoming a member the following year.
June 2, 1990: Mike Snider becomes a member of the Opry. For Mike, this will be his 24th year as an Opry member, and up until this year, was a very popular comedian and string band leader on the show. But as I write this, he has not appeared on the Opry at all in 2014.
June 7, 1991: Alan Jackson joins the Opry. This will be his 23rd year as an Opry member. To say that Alan has been a disappointment as a member would be an understatement. He was a part of the group that joined the Opry when nothing was asked from these artists in return, and in Alan's case, we get 1 or 2 Opry appearances a year. It's too bad as he always receives a great reaction each time he does the Opry.
June 15, 1991: Minnie Pearl makes her last appearance associated with the Opry. She performed at an Opry sponsored show in Joliet, Illinois. 2 days later, she suffered a serious stroke that would end her performing days.
June 3, 1994: The Ryman Auditorium reopens for the first time since the building was renovated as Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion radio show was broadcast live from the auditorium. After the Opry left in 1974, the building was left empty until Gaylord Entertainment made the decision to put life back in the facility. It is now considered one of Nashville's treasures.
June 3, 1994: Former Opry member Wally Fowler passed away at the age of 77. Wally came to Nashville in 1948 with his Oak Ridge Quartet. He was a part of the Opry until 1950. The Oak Ridge Quartet was a regular part of the "Prince Albert Show." Over time, the Oak Ridge Quartet would become the Oak Ridge Boys, and the focus of the music would shift from gospel to country.
June 4, 1994: Former Opry member Zeke Clements died at the age of 82. Zeke first came to the Opry in the 1930s with the Bronco Busters, led by Texas Ruby.
June 17, 1994: Sarah Wilson, of Sarie and Sallie, died at the age of 97. Sarie and Sallie were Opry members from 1934-1939. Edna Wilson and her sister Margaret Waters were their real names.
June 10, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry introduced a new Opry backdrop. The new state of the art lighting replaced the old red barn that in various forms, had been the backdrop since the Opry House opened in 1974. It was reported at the time that the old backdrop was donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, but as of this date, is not on display at the Hall.
June 17, 2000: The Opry begins streaming it shows live on the internet, giving those around the world the opportunity to listen to the Opry. For many, it was their first change to listen without static.
June 14, 2003: While Trace Adkins was performing on the Opry, Jimmy Dickens came out with a ladder and asked Trace if he would like to become the Opry's newest member. Of course, Trace said yes.
June 12, 2004: Terri Clark joins the Opry. This will be her 10th year as an Opry member.
June 9, 2007: Mel Tillis is introduced by his daughter Pam as the Opry's newest member. This will be his 7th year as an Opry member, although he had been a part of the Opry previously as a member of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters. Back during that time period, there is the belief that Mel was asked to become an Opry member, accepted, and then backed out. He even made it in one of the Opry's History Picture books.
June 6, 2008: The 4 Guys make a guest appearance on the Opry, which was their first appearance since being fired from the cast eight years earlier.
June 23, 2009: Montgomery Gentry joins the cast of the Opry. This will be their 5th year as an Opry member. They were brought to the show on the recommendation of Charlie Daniels, who had joined the Opry the previous year.
June 15, 2013: Opry member Patty Loveless is honored on her 25th anniversary as an Opry member. Vince Gill was the host and together they closed the night with "Go Rest High On That Mountain."
A very busy month at the Opry.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Grand Ole Opry 5/30 & 5/31
Before offering the line-ups for the shows this weekend, I just wanted again to comment on Stonewall Jackson's appearance on last week's Friday Night Opry. As I stated previously in the comments from last week, Stonewall sounded pretty good in his first Opry appearance of the year. He did his hit, "That's Why I'm Walkin'" and the audience gave him a very nice reception. Among the comments he made were, "I love the Grand Ole Opry", and at the conclusion of his song he thanked "Mr. Fisher" for inviting him.
It was that last comment that I thought was a little strange and it just made me wonder a bit. I know some of the veterans, particuarly Ray Pillow, Stu Phillips and Stonewall, rarely do the Opry. Some is by choice as all 3 have had a few medical issues. But it also made me wonder if Stonewall had been called previously to do the Opry over the past several months and he has declined, which resulted in Pete Fisher calling him personally to ask him to appear. I know that sounds a little out there, but that seemed to be the only logical explanation I could come up with for Stonewall to say that. Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I hope we have not seen the last of Stonewall and that he comes back soon.
As far as the Opry, the next couple of weeks will be pretty busy with the CMA Music Festival getting underway and a lot of the bigger acts in town and doing the Opry. For this weekend, it's not so much the big names, but there is some good talent at the Opry this weekend, particuarly on Friday Night.
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Marty Stuart and Ralph Stanley, along with Ricky Skaggs who is appearing both nights. Guest artists include comedian Henry Cho, Radney Foster and among my favorites, Kathy Mattea. The only name I see on Friday night that I question is Mary Gauthier. I was at the Opry years ago when she made her Opry debut and in my opinion, she was terrible. And I was not the only one to have that opinion. Hopefully she is better this time around.
In addition to Ricky Skagg's, Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a number of guest artists including frequent Opry guests Sarah Darling and Mark Wills. Deana Carter gets another guest appearance and she has impressed. As far as newcomers this weekend, we have Morgan Evans from Australia making his Opry debut on Saturday, along with Crowder, a Christian act.
Friday May 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Kathy Mattea; Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: John Conlee (host); Henry Cho; Ralph Stanley
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Radney Foster
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mary Gautheir
Saturday May 31
7:00: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Morgan Evans; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Deana Carter; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Crowder
That comes out to 14 artists on Friday night, which might be close to a modern day record!!, and 11 on Saturday night. 10 Opry members on Friday and 6 on Saturday with a slot left open for Jimmy Dickens. The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Joanne Cash.
Now looking back, here is the Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, May 29 & 30, 2009:
Friday May 29, 2009
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; The Quebe Sisters Band
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Nagatani; Riders In The Sky
Saturday May 30, 2009
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin; Brad Paisley
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; George Hamilton IV; The Whites
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jack Greene; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin
And here is the line-up from 10 years ago, May 28 & 29, 2004:
Friday May 28, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Joni Harms
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Osborne Brothers; Lane Turner
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Daryle Singletary
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Rhonda Vincent
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; John Berry
Saturday May 29, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Julie Roberts
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Joni Harms
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jimmy C Newman; Darryl Worley
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Carl Hurley; Joe Nichols; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Lane Turner; George Jones
2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; George Jones
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; Julie Roberts
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Carl Hurley; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Joni Harms; Lane Turner
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jack Greene; Joe Nichols
With the exception of George Jones, this would be one of the few weeks that I would take the 2009 show over the 2004 Opry.
For this week's look back in the archives, it was on Saturday June 2, 1990, that Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
William Michael Snider has taken the venerable country traditions of down-home humor and old-time banjo playing and carried them lovingly into contemporary times. He was one of the first stars created by "The Nashville Network" via guest spots on Ralph Emery's Nashville Now (more than a hundred appearances) and the syndicated Hee Haw series (he joined the cast in 1987). With his slow-drawling West Tennessee accent, he left an initial impression of a bashful and simple country boy, but he quickly proved to be a shrewd and effective entertainer, mixing old-time tunes with humorous stores about his wife, "Sweetie" (Sabrina). He often generated double the fan mail of famous guests.
At sixteen, Snider received his first banjo. After winning the Mid-South Banjo Championship, he became National Bluegrass Banjo Champion at twenty-three. On January 21, 1984, Snider made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A prouder moment came on June 2, 1990, when he was officially welcomed as a cast member by his comedy idol, Minnie Pearl. Snider has since added back-up musicians to his act and witty one-liners. In 1989 he hosted TNN's "Fairs & Festivals" series and is in demand for banquets and conventions. He was also a familiar face at the Opryland park. Snider's albums, "Puttin' on the Dog" and "Mike Snider Live at the Opry," are not available in music stores but instead at his personal appearances. Thanks to TV appearances, Snider says, the releases have sold respectably: "Sometimes you sell a few and sometimes you don't."
(Walt Trott-The Encyclopedia of Country Music)
Mike has always been a very loyal member of the Opry, but for some unknown reason, he has not appeared on the show at all in 2014. I have asked, as have others, and there seems to be no real explanation for Mike avoiding the Opry. There is nothing being said that he is mad at anyone, so let's just hope he is taking a break.
In honor of Mike Snider's 24th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, here is the running order of the show from Saturday June 2, 1990, the night Mike Snider became a member.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jimmy Dickens (host): (?)
Jeanne Pruett: (?)
6:45: Rudy's
4 Guys (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: (?)
7:00: Shoney's
Jim Ed Brown (host): (?)
Jan Howard: (?)
Billy Walker: (?)
Ray Pillow: (?)
Charlie Louvin: (?)
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Holly Dunn: Don't Worry/You Really Had Me Going
Minnie Pearl
Mike Snider: Alabama Jubilee/Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come This Far to Say Goodbye/Your Cheatin' Heart
George Hamilton IV: Till I Can Gain Control Again/Abilene
Opry Square Dance Band: Patti on the Turnpike
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigroe
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away From Coming Home
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Once Again
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Holly Dunn: Don't Worry
Billy Walker: Tennessee Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That the Crow Told Me
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Jim Ed Brown: A Child Is Born
10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Skeeter Davis: If I Don't Have You
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
4 Guys: Catfish John/How Married Are You Mary Ann
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host): Darby's Ram
Mike Snider: Bells of St. Mary's
Grandpa Jones: Chicken, Chicken
10:45: B.C. Powder
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar in the Goard
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Forever & 1; Forever & 2
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Roy Drusky: Always
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Hank Snow: Ninety Miles An Hour
11:30: Creamette
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Stu Phillips: I Shouldn't Have Stayed So Long
Jeannie Seely: One Bad Old Memory
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
*It appears that Dottie West might also have done the first show, but I neglected to write what segment she might have been on.
Congratulations to Mike Snider on 24 years of Opry membership.
It was that last comment that I thought was a little strange and it just made me wonder a bit. I know some of the veterans, particuarly Ray Pillow, Stu Phillips and Stonewall, rarely do the Opry. Some is by choice as all 3 have had a few medical issues. But it also made me wonder if Stonewall had been called previously to do the Opry over the past several months and he has declined, which resulted in Pete Fisher calling him personally to ask him to appear. I know that sounds a little out there, but that seemed to be the only logical explanation I could come up with for Stonewall to say that. Perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I hope we have not seen the last of Stonewall and that he comes back soon.
As far as the Opry, the next couple of weeks will be pretty busy with the CMA Music Festival getting underway and a lot of the bigger acts in town and doing the Opry. For this weekend, it's not so much the big names, but there is some good talent at the Opry this weekend, particuarly on Friday Night.
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Marty Stuart and Ralph Stanley, along with Ricky Skaggs who is appearing both nights. Guest artists include comedian Henry Cho, Radney Foster and among my favorites, Kathy Mattea. The only name I see on Friday night that I question is Mary Gauthier. I was at the Opry years ago when she made her Opry debut and in my opinion, she was terrible. And I was not the only one to have that opinion. Hopefully she is better this time around.
In addition to Ricky Skagg's, Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a number of guest artists including frequent Opry guests Sarah Darling and Mark Wills. Deana Carter gets another guest appearance and she has impressed. As far as newcomers this weekend, we have Morgan Evans from Australia making his Opry debut on Saturday, along with Crowder, a Christian act.
Friday May 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Kathy Mattea; Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: John Conlee (host); Henry Cho; Ralph Stanley
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Radney Foster
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Mary Gautheir
Saturday May 31
7:00: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Morgan Evans; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Deana Carter; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Crowder
That comes out to 14 artists on Friday night, which might be close to a modern day record!!, and 11 on Saturday night. 10 Opry members on Friday and 6 on Saturday with a slot left open for Jimmy Dickens. The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Joanne Cash.
Now looking back, here is the Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, May 29 & 30, 2009:
Friday May 29, 2009
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; The Quebe Sisters Band
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Nagatani; Riders In The Sky
Saturday May 30, 2009
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin; Brad Paisley
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; George Hamilton IV; The Whites
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jack Greene; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin
And here is the line-up from 10 years ago, May 28 & 29, 2004:
Friday May 28, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Joni Harms
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Osborne Brothers; Lane Turner
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Daryle Singletary
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Rhonda Vincent
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; John Berry
Saturday May 29, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Julie Roberts
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Joni Harms
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jimmy C Newman; Darryl Worley
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Carl Hurley; Joe Nichols; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Lane Turner; George Jones
2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; George Jones
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; Julie Roberts
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Carl Hurley; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Joni Harms; Lane Turner
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jack Greene; Joe Nichols
With the exception of George Jones, this would be one of the few weeks that I would take the 2009 show over the 2004 Opry.
For this week's look back in the archives, it was on Saturday June 2, 1990, that Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
William Michael Snider has taken the venerable country traditions of down-home humor and old-time banjo playing and carried them lovingly into contemporary times. He was one of the first stars created by "The Nashville Network" via guest spots on Ralph Emery's Nashville Now (more than a hundred appearances) and the syndicated Hee Haw series (he joined the cast in 1987). With his slow-drawling West Tennessee accent, he left an initial impression of a bashful and simple country boy, but he quickly proved to be a shrewd and effective entertainer, mixing old-time tunes with humorous stores about his wife, "Sweetie" (Sabrina). He often generated double the fan mail of famous guests.
At sixteen, Snider received his first banjo. After winning the Mid-South Banjo Championship, he became National Bluegrass Banjo Champion at twenty-three. On January 21, 1984, Snider made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A prouder moment came on June 2, 1990, when he was officially welcomed as a cast member by his comedy idol, Minnie Pearl. Snider has since added back-up musicians to his act and witty one-liners. In 1989 he hosted TNN's "Fairs & Festivals" series and is in demand for banquets and conventions. He was also a familiar face at the Opryland park. Snider's albums, "Puttin' on the Dog" and "Mike Snider Live at the Opry," are not available in music stores but instead at his personal appearances. Thanks to TV appearances, Snider says, the releases have sold respectably: "Sometimes you sell a few and sometimes you don't."
(Walt Trott-The Encyclopedia of Country Music)
Mike has always been a very loyal member of the Opry, but for some unknown reason, he has not appeared on the show at all in 2014. I have asked, as have others, and there seems to be no real explanation for Mike avoiding the Opry. There is nothing being said that he is mad at anyone, so let's just hope he is taking a break.
In honor of Mike Snider's 24th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, here is the running order of the show from Saturday June 2, 1990, the night Mike Snider became a member.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jimmy Dickens (host): (?)
Jeanne Pruett: (?)
6:45: Rudy's
4 Guys (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: (?)
7:00: Shoney's
Jim Ed Brown (host): (?)
Jan Howard: (?)
Billy Walker: (?)
Ray Pillow: (?)
Charlie Louvin: (?)
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Holly Dunn: Don't Worry/You Really Had Me Going
Minnie Pearl
Mike Snider: Alabama Jubilee/Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come This Far to Say Goodbye/Your Cheatin' Heart
George Hamilton IV: Till I Can Gain Control Again/Abilene
Opry Square Dance Band: Patti on the Turnpike
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Music Valley Merchants
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigroe
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away From Coming Home
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Once Again
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Holly Dunn: Don't Worry
Billy Walker: Tennessee Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That the Crow Told Me
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Jim Ed Brown: A Child Is Born
10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Skeeter Davis: If I Don't Have You
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
4 Guys: Catfish John/How Married Are You Mary Ann
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host): Darby's Ram
Mike Snider: Bells of St. Mary's
Grandpa Jones: Chicken, Chicken
10:45: B.C. Powder
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar in the Goard
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Forever & 1; Forever & 2
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Roy Drusky: Always
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Hank Snow: Ninety Miles An Hour
11:30: Creamette
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Stu Phillips: I Shouldn't Have Stayed So Long
Jeannie Seely: One Bad Old Memory
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
*It appears that Dottie West might also have done the first show, but I neglected to write what segment she might have been on.
Congratulations to Mike Snider on 24 years of Opry membership.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Grand Ole Opry 5/23 & 5/24
Grand Ole Opry and holiday weekends sometimes do not go together as many of the artists are out on the road doing dates, but for this Memorial Day weekend, the Opry has come up with a couple of shows that, while not necessarily outstanding, are pretty decent.
There are a couple of names that have caught my eye on the schedule and one of them is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. Opry member Stonewall Jackson is scheduled for his first appearance this year. (one friend of mine wrote me an email and asked if Pete Fisher was on vacation this weekend, and if that was why Stonewall was doing the Opry?). Joining Stonewall on Friday night will be the great guitarist Doyle Dykes. He has played the Opry for many years and usually gets a couple of slots a year. Also scheduled is Elizabeth Cook and from "Nashville" Charles Esten.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry features another artist who I personally love and wish that we would see more of, and that is Suzy Bogguss. She has released a new CD, "Lucky", which features songs by Merle Haggard. I own it and it is fantastic. Joining Suzy, who will also be signing copies of her CD in the Opry gift shop, will be Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, who have made several recent appearances, along with Keni Thomas and Jason Crabb, who is also scheduled on Friday night. And, as has been the case for the past several weeks, there is a slot available on Saturday night for Jimmy Dickens, which seems to the be scheduling pattern.
Friday May 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Elizabeth Cook; Doyle Dykes
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Johnny Counterfit; Jason Crabb
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Charles Esten
Saturday May 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Keni Thomas
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jimmy C Newman; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jason Crabb
That comes out to 6 Opry members on Friday night and 7 on Saturday. And still no Mike Snider, which remains a mystery. I get more questions about Mike then any other Opry member. It is like he has disappeared. This is an Opry member who averaged almost 100 appearances per year and has yet to be on the Opry in 2014. Strange.
Looking back 5 years ago this weekend, here was the Grand Ole Opry line-up for the weekend of May 22 & 23, 2009:
Friday May 22
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Caitlin & Will
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; The Whites
Saturday May 23
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dale Watson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Emily West
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Hal Ketchum
And now, here is the line-ups from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 21 & 22, 2004:
Friday May 21
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Gene Watson
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jedd Hughes
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Rebecca Lynn Howard;
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Morgane Hayes; Charlie Louvin; Pinmonkey
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
Saturday May 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Mountain Heart
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Rachel Proctor; Osborne Brothers; Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Charlie Walker (host); Jan Howard; Jedd Hughes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Taylor Ware; Billy Walker; Rebecca Lynn Howard
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Mountain Heart
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Osborne Brothers; Suzy Bogguss; Billy Walker; Rachel Proctor; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Taylor Ware; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rebecca Lynn Howard
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Jedd Hughes; Jack Greene
And finally, here is the running order from Saturday May 25, 1991, 23 years ago this weekend:
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Danny Davis: My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You
Porter Wagoner: You Gotta Have A License/Forty Miles from Poplar Bluff
6:45: Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Jim Ed Brown: Four Walls
7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Stu Phillips: (?)
Jean Shepard: Home in San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Deep Water/Roly Poly
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cajun Stripper
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Teddy Wilburn: I've Loved You All Over the World
Margo & Holly Smith: Just the Beginnings/Chime Bells
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord/Blue Moon of Kentucky
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
4 Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground/How Married Are You, Mary Ann
Roy Drusky: It's My Way of Loving You/One Day at a Time
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
8:30: Pops Rite
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date With You/Silver Threads and Golden Needles/The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Stu Phillips: Here She Comes Again
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Country Music Has Gone to Town
10:00: Little Debbie
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Wind Beneath My Wings
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Oswald: Willy, Don't You Ramble No More
Roy Acuff: The Things I Might Have Been
10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): The Old Tennessee River
Jimmy C Newman; Pistol Packin' Mama
Bill Monroe: Sweetheart, You Done Me Wrong
10:45: B.C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): A Way to Free Myself
The Whites: What About You
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Be and My Big Loud Mouth
Teddy Wilburn: Somebody's Back in Town
Roy Drusky: Go Bring My Children Home
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Ray Pillow: If I Didn't Have You In My World
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way
11:30: Creamette
4 Guys (host): We're Only Here For A Little While
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Something to Brag About
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World/Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart
4 Guys: If I Didn't Care/Tied Up
As an additional note, Wilma Lee Cooper was scheduled for Porter's segment during the first show but cancelled.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend and I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.
There are a couple of names that have caught my eye on the schedule and one of them is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. Opry member Stonewall Jackson is scheduled for his first appearance this year. (one friend of mine wrote me an email and asked if Pete Fisher was on vacation this weekend, and if that was why Stonewall was doing the Opry?). Joining Stonewall on Friday night will be the great guitarist Doyle Dykes. He has played the Opry for many years and usually gets a couple of slots a year. Also scheduled is Elizabeth Cook and from "Nashville" Charles Esten.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry features another artist who I personally love and wish that we would see more of, and that is Suzy Bogguss. She has released a new CD, "Lucky", which features songs by Merle Haggard. I own it and it is fantastic. Joining Suzy, who will also be signing copies of her CD in the Opry gift shop, will be Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, who have made several recent appearances, along with Keni Thomas and Jason Crabb, who is also scheduled on Friday night. And, as has been the case for the past several weeks, there is a slot available on Saturday night for Jimmy Dickens, which seems to the be scheduling pattern.
Friday May 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Elizabeth Cook; Doyle Dykes
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Johnny Counterfit; Jason Crabb
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Charles Esten
Saturday May 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Keni Thomas
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jimmy C Newman; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jason Crabb
That comes out to 6 Opry members on Friday night and 7 on Saturday. And still no Mike Snider, which remains a mystery. I get more questions about Mike then any other Opry member. It is like he has disappeared. This is an Opry member who averaged almost 100 appearances per year and has yet to be on the Opry in 2014. Strange.
Looking back 5 years ago this weekend, here was the Grand Ole Opry line-up for the weekend of May 22 & 23, 2009:
Friday May 22
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Caitlin & Will
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; The Whites
Saturday May 23
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dale Watson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Emily West
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Hal Ketchum
And now, here is the line-ups from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 21 & 22, 2004:
Friday May 21
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Gene Watson
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jedd Hughes
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Rebecca Lynn Howard;
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Morgane Hayes; Charlie Louvin; Pinmonkey
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
Saturday May 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Mountain Heart
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Rachel Proctor; Osborne Brothers; Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Charlie Walker (host); Jan Howard; Jedd Hughes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Taylor Ware; Billy Walker; Rebecca Lynn Howard
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Mountain Heart
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Osborne Brothers; Suzy Bogguss; Billy Walker; Rachel Proctor; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Taylor Ware; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rebecca Lynn Howard
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Jedd Hughes; Jack Greene
And finally, here is the running order from Saturday May 25, 1991, 23 years ago this weekend:
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Danny Davis: My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You
Porter Wagoner: You Gotta Have A License/Forty Miles from Poplar Bluff
6:45: Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Jim Ed Brown: Four Walls
7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Stu Phillips: (?)
Jean Shepard: Home in San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Deep Water/Roly Poly
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cajun Stripper
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Teddy Wilburn: I've Loved You All Over the World
Margo & Holly Smith: Just the Beginnings/Chime Bells
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord/Blue Moon of Kentucky
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
4 Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground/How Married Are You, Mary Ann
Roy Drusky: It's My Way of Loving You/One Day at a Time
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
8:30: Pops Rite
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date With You/Silver Threads and Golden Needles/The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Stu Phillips: Here She Comes Again
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Country Music Has Gone to Town
10:00: Little Debbie
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Wind Beneath My Wings
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Oswald: Willy, Don't You Ramble No More
Roy Acuff: The Things I Might Have Been
10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): The Old Tennessee River
Jimmy C Newman; Pistol Packin' Mama
Bill Monroe: Sweetheart, You Done Me Wrong
10:45: B.C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): A Way to Free Myself
The Whites: What About You
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Be and My Big Loud Mouth
Teddy Wilburn: Somebody's Back in Town
Roy Drusky: Go Bring My Children Home
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Ray Pillow: If I Didn't Have You In My World
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way
11:30: Creamette
4 Guys (host): We're Only Here For A Little While
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Something to Brag About
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World/Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart
4 Guys: If I Didn't Care/Tied Up
As an additional note, Wilma Lee Cooper was scheduled for Porter's segment during the first show but cancelled.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend and I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Grand Ole Opry 5/16 & 5/17
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend. With no superstar such as Carrie Underwood scheduled for Saturday night, it is back to just the 1 show.
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry member Marty Stuart, who hasn't been around the Opry as much as he should be. I know he is busy filming his television show and doing personal dates, but as much as he claims his love and appreciation for the Opry, you would expect him to be around more often. Joining Marty will be guest artists, and almost Opry regulars, Restless Heart, Mark Wills and Striking Matches. Also scheduled is Charlie Natatani. Charlie has been making annual appearances at the Opry for as long as I can remember and it is good to see him on the schedule.
One artist who I really enjoy, and scheduled for both nights, is Sam Bush. Sam is considered one of the originators of the "Newgrass" style of bluegrass, and he has performed reguarly at the Opry. I know some traditionalists do not care for his style, but he has always been appreciative of the bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt, and he was a favorite of Grandpa Jones.
Joining Sam on Saturday night will be guest artists Deana Carter, Lauren Alaina, regular guest Chris Janson, and the great Gene Watson. It is hard to believe that Gene is now 70 and still sounds as great as always. His career has included over 20 top 10 hits and he has had 75 singles on the charts. Amazing career.
Friday May 16
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Restless Heart; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Nagatani; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Janelle Arthur; Striking Matches
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Sam Bush
Saturday May 17
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sam Bush; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: The Whites (host); Lauren Alaina; Gene Watson
Looks like they are leaving a spot open again for Jimmy Dickens. And if you are at the Opry on Friday night, Marty Stuart will be signing in the Opry Shop after the show. A great chance to meet Marty.
Now, as what has become a regular feature, here is a look at the Opry line-ups from 5 and 10 years ago this weekend:
(5 years ago)
Friday May 15, 2009
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ashton Shepherd
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gary Mule Deer; Gene Watson
Saturday May 16, 2009
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Nail
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim ed Brown; Jewel
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Charlie Daniels Band
(10 years ago)
Friday May 14, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Brian McComas
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Pinmonkey
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; T. Graham Brown
9:00: John Conlee (host); Heather Davis; Eddy Raven
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Helen Cornelius; Andy Griggs
Saturday May 15, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Gretchen Wilson; Brad Botter; Lee Ann Womack; Terri Clark
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jean Shepard; Jeff Bates; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); Billy Walker; George Hamilton IV; Mountain Heart
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jeff Bates
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Osborne Brothers; Lee Ann Womack
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Terri Clark; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Billy Walker; Gretchen Wilson
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Brad Cotter; Mountain Heart
Finally, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday May 18, 1991, 23 years ago. As with the comparison of this week's line-up, and the 5 and 10 year ago shows, you can see the difference over the years.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Sugarfoot Rag
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klyde
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock/Evil on Your Mind
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Will You Be Lovin' Another Man
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Skeeter Davis: I'm Saving My Love
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget/Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Riders In The Sky: Cool Water
Bill Monroe: Just A Little Talk With Jesus
Blake Williams: Shuckin' the Corn
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Mel McDaniel: Shoe Shine Man/Mother's Bible/Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya/Texa-Cajun
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
4 Guys: We're Only Hear For A Little While/How Married Are You Mary Ann
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/I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Opry Staff Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: (?)
8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jack Greene: Midnight Tennessee Woman
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Hank Snow: It Kind of Reminds Me of Me
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Wild Blue Country: (?)/ Auctioneer
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Del Reeves: The Only Girl I Can't Forget
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Riders In The Sky: There's A Blue Sky Way Out Yonder/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
10:30:
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lying in Love With You
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
10:45: B C Powder
Bill Monroe (host): In Despair
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Bill Monroe: Take Courage UnTomorrow
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails Keep Me Free
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Jean Shepard: Above and Beyond
4 Guys: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited too Long
Hank Snow: Ol' Shep
11:30: Creamette
Jack Greene (host): Satisfaction
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away too Long
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Johnny Russell: In A Mansion Stands My Love/He'll Have to Go
Enjoy the Opry this weekend and enjoy the memories!!
The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry member Marty Stuart, who hasn't been around the Opry as much as he should be. I know he is busy filming his television show and doing personal dates, but as much as he claims his love and appreciation for the Opry, you would expect him to be around more often. Joining Marty will be guest artists, and almost Opry regulars, Restless Heart, Mark Wills and Striking Matches. Also scheduled is Charlie Natatani. Charlie has been making annual appearances at the Opry for as long as I can remember and it is good to see him on the schedule.
One artist who I really enjoy, and scheduled for both nights, is Sam Bush. Sam is considered one of the originators of the "Newgrass" style of bluegrass, and he has performed reguarly at the Opry. I know some traditionalists do not care for his style, but he has always been appreciative of the bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt, and he was a favorite of Grandpa Jones.
Joining Sam on Saturday night will be guest artists Deana Carter, Lauren Alaina, regular guest Chris Janson, and the great Gene Watson. It is hard to believe that Gene is now 70 and still sounds as great as always. His career has included over 20 top 10 hits and he has had 75 singles on the charts. Amazing career.
Friday May 16
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Restless Heart; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Nagatani; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Janelle Arthur; Striking Matches
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Sam Bush
Saturday May 17
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sam Bush; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: The Whites (host); Lauren Alaina; Gene Watson
Looks like they are leaving a spot open again for Jimmy Dickens. And if you are at the Opry on Friday night, Marty Stuart will be signing in the Opry Shop after the show. A great chance to meet Marty.
Now, as what has become a regular feature, here is a look at the Opry line-ups from 5 and 10 years ago this weekend:
(5 years ago)
Friday May 15, 2009
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ashton Shepherd
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gary Mule Deer; Gene Watson
Saturday May 16, 2009
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Nail
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim ed Brown; Jewel
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Charlie Daniels Band
(10 years ago)
Friday May 14, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Brian McComas
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Pinmonkey
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; T. Graham Brown
9:00: John Conlee (host); Heather Davis; Eddy Raven
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Helen Cornelius; Andy Griggs
Saturday May 15, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Gretchen Wilson; Brad Botter; Lee Ann Womack; Terri Clark
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jean Shepard; Jeff Bates; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); Billy Walker; George Hamilton IV; Mountain Heart
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jeff Bates
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Osborne Brothers; Lee Ann Womack
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Terri Clark; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Billy Walker; Gretchen Wilson
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Brad Cotter; Mountain Heart
Finally, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday May 18, 1991, 23 years ago. As with the comparison of this week's line-up, and the 5 and 10 year ago shows, you can see the difference over the years.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Sugarfoot Rag
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klyde
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock/Evil on Your Mind
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Will You Be Lovin' Another Man
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Skeeter Davis: I'm Saving My Love
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget/Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Riders In The Sky: Cool Water
Bill Monroe: Just A Little Talk With Jesus
Blake Williams: Shuckin' the Corn
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Mel McDaniel: Shoe Shine Man/Mother's Bible/Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya/Texa-Cajun
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
4 Guys: We're Only Hear For A Little While/How Married Are You Mary Ann
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/I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Opry Staff Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: (?)
8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jack Greene: Midnight Tennessee Woman
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Hank Snow: It Kind of Reminds Me of Me
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Wild Blue Country: (?)/ Auctioneer
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Del Reeves: The Only Girl I Can't Forget
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Riders In The Sky: There's A Blue Sky Way Out Yonder/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
10:30:
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lying in Love With You
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
10:45: B C Powder
Bill Monroe (host): In Despair
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Bill Monroe: Take Courage UnTomorrow
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails Keep Me Free
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Jean Shepard: Above and Beyond
4 Guys: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited too Long
Hank Snow: Ol' Shep
11:30: Creamette
Jack Greene (host): Satisfaction
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away too Long
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Johnny Russell: In A Mansion Stands My Love/He'll Have to Go
Enjoy the Opry this weekend and enjoy the memories!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Grand Ole Opry 5/9 & 5/10
The Grand Ole Opry gets a jump on Mother's Day weekend and has already posted the line-ups for the 3 shows this weekend. Yes, that is right as Saturday night will feature 2 shows with the main attraction being Opry member Carrie Underwood. These will be Carrie's first Opry appearances of the year and they come on the weekend of her 6th year as an Opry member as she joined the Opry on May 10, 2008.
In addition to Carrie, Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Opry member Larry Gatlin, along with a return appearance by Fiddlin' Carson Peters, who went over well during his Opry debut several weeks back. Also guesting on Saturday will be Francesca Battistelli.
Appearing both nights this weekend will be Opry member Charlie Daniels, who will be joined on Friday night by Opry member Joe Diffie. And not to forget the "Nashville" connection as Chris Carmack will be guesting, along with The Henningsens.
Friday May 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Henningsens
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Chris Carmack; Joe Diffie
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Daniels Band
Saturday May 10
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Francesca Battistelli
7:30: Larry Gatlin (host); Jim Ed Brown; Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Daniels Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Francesca Battistelli
10:00: Larry Gatlin (host); Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Daniels Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Carrie Underwood
Only 9 artists on each show on Saturday night, but I am assuming they are saving the open spot during the first show's segment for Jimmy Dickens.
Continuing with the new feature, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, May 8 & 9, 2009. This was the night that the Opry added an extra segment just for Reba McEntire, and she did 3 songs. It was also Reba's last Opry appearance as she has not appeared since. On another note, I thought that this idea that the Opry had was a good one. You still had the traditional Opry, with an extra segment that featured just one artist. To the best of my knowledge, the Opry has not done this since.
Friday May 8, 2009
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Kate & Kacey
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Daryle Singletary; Mountain Heart
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Aaron Tippin
Saturday May 9, 2009
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene
9:00: Reba McEntire
Now here is the line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 7 & 8, 2004:
Friday May 7, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Pam Tillis (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Scotty Emerick
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Rushlow
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Rodney Atkins; Osborne Brothers
Saturday May 8, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rushlow
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Craig Morgan
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek; Jean Shepard
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Billy Walker; Scotty Emerick; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Pam Tillis
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rushlow
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Craig Morgan
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Calvin Gilmore; Billy Walker; Pam Tillis
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Scotty Emerick
Finally, it was Saturday May 11, 1996 that Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 18th year as an Opry member. Steve had first come to the Opry many years before joining as a member of Dottie West's band. Since joining the Opry, Steve has done a fairly good job at making regular Opry appearances and he is a crowd favorite. I have had the pleasure of meeting Steve and he is about the nicest man you could ever meet. Here is the running order from Saturday May 11, 1996, the night Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host); Bald-Headed End of the Broom
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off My Knee and Load the Cannon
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Darling, Take Pity On Me
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Big Wind
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Chet Atkins: Instrumental
Chet Atkins & Steve Wariner: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Steve Wariner: Why Goodbye/Heart Trouble/Midnight Fire/What I Didn't
Do/Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Bill Anderson & Steve Wariner: The Tips of My Fingers
8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: One More Night/Since I Found You
Riders In The Sky: Lonely River
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family
8:30: Kraft
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
Del Reeves: Wild Blood
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Swing Down Chariot
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter/Looking Back to See
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Oswald: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Steve Wariner: (?)/ A Woman Loves?(?)
10:00: Massy Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): That New Vitamine
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
10:15: Bio Red Foot Bath
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: Mule Skinner Blues
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
10:30: Purnell's Sausage
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Acorn Hill
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Jim Ed Brown: The Family Bible
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman/Smokey Places
Riders In The Sky: Miss Molly/Always Drink Upstream From the Herd
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
The Whites: San Antonio Rose/Keep on the Sunny Side
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
Enjoy the Opry this weekend. I will be on vacation the rest of this week but if there is any breaking news or comments, I will report in if possible.
In addition to Carrie, Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Opry member Larry Gatlin, along with a return appearance by Fiddlin' Carson Peters, who went over well during his Opry debut several weeks back. Also guesting on Saturday will be Francesca Battistelli.
Appearing both nights this weekend will be Opry member Charlie Daniels, who will be joined on Friday night by Opry member Joe Diffie. And not to forget the "Nashville" connection as Chris Carmack will be guesting, along with The Henningsens.
Friday May 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Henningsens
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Chris Carmack; Joe Diffie
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Daniels Band
Saturday May 10
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Francesca Battistelli
7:30: Larry Gatlin (host); Jim Ed Brown; Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Daniels Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Francesca Battistelli
10:00: Larry Gatlin (host); Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Charlie Daniels Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Carrie Underwood
Only 9 artists on each show on Saturday night, but I am assuming they are saving the open spot during the first show's segment for Jimmy Dickens.
Continuing with the new feature, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, May 8 & 9, 2009. This was the night that the Opry added an extra segment just for Reba McEntire, and she did 3 songs. It was also Reba's last Opry appearance as she has not appeared since. On another note, I thought that this idea that the Opry had was a good one. You still had the traditional Opry, with an extra segment that featured just one artist. To the best of my knowledge, the Opry has not done this since.
Friday May 8, 2009
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Kate & Kacey
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Daryle Singletary; Mountain Heart
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Aaron Tippin
Saturday May 9, 2009
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene
9:00: Reba McEntire
Now here is the line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of May 7 & 8, 2004:
Friday May 7, 2004
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Pam Tillis (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Scotty Emerick
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Rushlow
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Rodney Atkins; Osborne Brothers
Saturday May 8, 2004
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rushlow
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Craig Morgan
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek; Jean Shepard
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Billy Walker; Scotty Emerick; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Pam Tillis
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rushlow
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Craig Morgan
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Calvin Gilmore; Billy Walker; Pam Tillis
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Scotty Emerick
Finally, it was Saturday May 11, 1996 that Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 18th year as an Opry member. Steve had first come to the Opry many years before joining as a member of Dottie West's band. Since joining the Opry, Steve has done a fairly good job at making regular Opry appearances and he is a crowd favorite. I have had the pleasure of meeting Steve and he is about the nicest man you could ever meet. Here is the running order from Saturday May 11, 1996, the night Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host); Bald-Headed End of the Broom
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde
6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off My Knee and Load the Cannon
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Darling, Take Pity On Me
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Big Wind
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Chet Atkins: Instrumental
Chet Atkins & Steve Wariner: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Steve Wariner: Why Goodbye/Heart Trouble/Midnight Fire/What I Didn't
Do/Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Bill Anderson & Steve Wariner: The Tips of My Fingers
8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: One More Night/Since I Found You
Riders In The Sky: Lonely River
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family
8:30: Kraft
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
Del Reeves: Wild Blood
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Swing Down Chariot
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter/Looking Back to See
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Oswald: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Steve Wariner: (?)/ A Woman Loves?(?)
10:00: Massy Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): That New Vitamine
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
10:15: Bio Red Foot Bath
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Sweethearts Of The Rodeo: Mule Skinner Blues
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
10:30: Purnell's Sausage
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Opry Square Dance Band/Opry Square Dancers: Acorn Hill
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life
11:00: Coca-Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Jim Ed Brown: The Family Bible
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman/Smokey Places
Riders In The Sky: Miss Molly/Always Drink Upstream From the Herd
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
The Whites: San Antonio Rose/Keep on the Sunny Side
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
Enjoy the Opry this weekend. I will be on vacation the rest of this week but if there is any breaking news or comments, I will report in if possible.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Grand Ole Opry 5/2 & 5/3
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend. The "star" attraction looks like the group, Little Big Town. They are scheduled to close out the show on both nights. Joining them in that final segment, and hosting, will be Vince Gill.
As far as who will be joining them on the Friday Night Opry, guest artists include Mandy Barnett, Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers, Andy Griggs and Rhett Walker Band, who are described as a "Southern rock and Christian rock band." Once again, as I said last week, just what the Opry needs. I would have to double check, but I think it is their first Opry appearance.
Saturday Night's Grand Ole Opry will feature guest artists Kree Harrison, The Willis Clan and Chuck Wicks, all of whom frequent the Opry stage. Also making a guest appearance will be James House, who has been around a long time and is seeing a career revival taking place. And yes, he is actually described as a "country singer."
Friday May 2
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Andy Griggs; Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Rhett Walker Band
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Little Big Town
Saturday May 3
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Chuck Wicks; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Kree Harrison; The Willis Clan
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); George Hamilton IV; James House; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Little Big Town
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Glenn Doublas Tubb and they will be celebrating the 67th anniversary of the Midnight Jamboree. That should be a great night of celebration.
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry line-ups, here is the line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of May 1 & May 2, 2009:
Friday May 1
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Heidi Hewfield
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Lee Greenwood
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith
Saturday May 2
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Martina McBride
Here is the Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of April 30 & May 1, 2004:
Friday April 30
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
8:00: John Conlee (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Sherri Austin
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Dan Seals
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Katrina Elam; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Hank Locklin; Jimmy C Newman; BR549
Saturday May1
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dan Seals
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Trent Willmon; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Sierra Hull; Alison Krauss
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dan Seals
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Stu Phillips; Billy Walker; Sierra Hull; Alison Krauss
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Trent Willmon; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
Finally, it was on May 1, 1993 that Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charley had first appeared on the Opry on January 7, 1967 and had made numerous Opry appearances over the years. He had been asked several times to become an Opry member but always felt that the time wasn't right as he was doing a lot of touring and living in the Dallas area. But in 1993, with his touring settling down he felt the time was right.
Charley wrote about the Grand Ole Opry and joining the cast in his autobiography "Pride", that was published in 1994. Regarding the night he became a member, he wrote, "'It's about time,' someone said to me, as though the Opry membership had been closed to me before this May evening in 1993. In truth, I've had a standing invitation to join the club since the mid-1960s and had not accepted purely out of financial and scheduling considerations. Members must commit to a certain number of appearances each year. The Opry is rich in tradition and prestige, but spare in stipend. When I was first invited to join, the commitment was to play more than twenty Saturdays a year and the pay was eight dollars a song. Now the time was right. Although I still maintained a full work schedule eight or nine months out of the year, the itinerary was such that the commitment to the Opry family created no hardship. Rather it was an opportunity to snuggle closer to the roots of country music."
On the night he was inducted, Charley appeared on the pre-show with Porter Wagoner that was televised by TNN. On the Opry itself, he was introduced by Jimmy C Newman. He sang "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and dedicated the second song, "On the Wings of a Dove" to Roy Acuff, who had passed away in November. He then read a letter that was sent to him from Henry Cannon, Minnie Pearl's husband. Due to her stroke, Minnie could not attend but the letter read, "Minnie and I are so happy and proud of you. We've always loved you. What would I give if Roy and Minnie could be there to welcome you."
As he was reading the letter, he broke down in tears. After completing the letter, he did "Kawliga." When he came off stage, he was greeted by Porter Wagoner and Stonewall Jackson. What was interesting is that early in his career, Stonewall and Charley did a show together in Shreveport and Stonewall would not let his band back up Charley. That night at the Opry, Charley wrote that Stonewall took off his guitar that was around his neck and gave him a hug.
Here is the running order from May 1, 1993, the night Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
4 Guys (host): If It's From the Country, It's Coming from the Heart
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweeter Than the Flowers
4 Guys: (?)
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Don't 'Cha Cry, Melinda
Jim Ed Brown: Lying in Love With You/The 3 Bells
Grandpa Jones: 4 Stoned Walls & A Ceiling
7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Osborne Brothers: Rock of Ages
Eddie Raven: Wjo Do You Know in California/Bayou Boys' Sleep All Day; Run All Night
Del Reeves: The Race is On
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Jan Howard: Crazy Arms
Riders In The Sky: Lonely Yukon Stars
Charley Pride: Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Wings of A Dove/Kaw-Liga
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Charlie Walker: Who Will Buy the Wine
Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday
Charlie Cushman: Sally Goodin
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Breakfast With the Blues
Billy Walker: A Million and One
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Ray Pillow: Invitation to the Blues
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin the Blues
Charley Pride: Every Heart Should Have One/Mountain of Love/Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Kaw-Liga
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
4 Guys: My Special Angel
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Old Camp Meeting Time
10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone At Last
10:30: Picadilly
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Lost & Found: Left Over Biscuits
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
10:45: Opry Book
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Flyer
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
David Crowe: Sally Goodin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Rambling Rose
Riders In The Sky: Son of the Western Soil
Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Eddy Raven: Sometimes A Lady/I've Got Mexico
Hank Snow: Old Shep
11:30: General Jackson
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Connie Smith: Then And Only Then
Roy Drusky: All For the Love Of A Girl
Mike Snider: Squirrel Hide
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Congratulations again to Charley Pride on 21 years of Opry membership, and as always, enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!!
As far as who will be joining them on the Friday Night Opry, guest artists include Mandy Barnett, Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers, Andy Griggs and Rhett Walker Band, who are described as a "Southern rock and Christian rock band." Once again, as I said last week, just what the Opry needs. I would have to double check, but I think it is their first Opry appearance.
Saturday Night's Grand Ole Opry will feature guest artists Kree Harrison, The Willis Clan and Chuck Wicks, all of whom frequent the Opry stage. Also making a guest appearance will be James House, who has been around a long time and is seeing a career revival taking place. And yes, he is actually described as a "country singer."
Friday May 2
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Andy Griggs; Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Rhett Walker Band
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mandy Barnett
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Little Big Town
Saturday May 3
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Chuck Wicks; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Kree Harrison; The Willis Clan
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); George Hamilton IV; James House; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Little Big Town
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Glenn Doublas Tubb and they will be celebrating the 67th anniversary of the Midnight Jamboree. That should be a great night of celebration.
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry line-ups, here is the line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of May 1 & May 2, 2009:
Friday May 1
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Heidi Hewfield
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Lee Greenwood
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith
Saturday May 2
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Martina McBride
Here is the Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of April 30 & May 1, 2004:
Friday April 30
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
8:00: John Conlee (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Sherri Austin
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Dan Seals
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Katrina Elam; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Hank Locklin; Jimmy C Newman; BR549
Saturday May1
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dan Seals
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Trent Willmon; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Sierra Hull; Alison Krauss
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dan Seals
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Stu Phillips; Billy Walker; Sierra Hull; Alison Krauss
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Trent Willmon; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Rebecca Lynn Howard
Finally, it was on May 1, 1993 that Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charley had first appeared on the Opry on January 7, 1967 and had made numerous Opry appearances over the years. He had been asked several times to become an Opry member but always felt that the time wasn't right as he was doing a lot of touring and living in the Dallas area. But in 1993, with his touring settling down he felt the time was right.
Charley wrote about the Grand Ole Opry and joining the cast in his autobiography "Pride", that was published in 1994. Regarding the night he became a member, he wrote, "'It's about time,' someone said to me, as though the Opry membership had been closed to me before this May evening in 1993. In truth, I've had a standing invitation to join the club since the mid-1960s and had not accepted purely out of financial and scheduling considerations. Members must commit to a certain number of appearances each year. The Opry is rich in tradition and prestige, but spare in stipend. When I was first invited to join, the commitment was to play more than twenty Saturdays a year and the pay was eight dollars a song. Now the time was right. Although I still maintained a full work schedule eight or nine months out of the year, the itinerary was such that the commitment to the Opry family created no hardship. Rather it was an opportunity to snuggle closer to the roots of country music."
On the night he was inducted, Charley appeared on the pre-show with Porter Wagoner that was televised by TNN. On the Opry itself, he was introduced by Jimmy C Newman. He sang "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and dedicated the second song, "On the Wings of a Dove" to Roy Acuff, who had passed away in November. He then read a letter that was sent to him from Henry Cannon, Minnie Pearl's husband. Due to her stroke, Minnie could not attend but the letter read, "Minnie and I are so happy and proud of you. We've always loved you. What would I give if Roy and Minnie could be there to welcome you."
As he was reading the letter, he broke down in tears. After completing the letter, he did "Kawliga." When he came off stage, he was greeted by Porter Wagoner and Stonewall Jackson. What was interesting is that early in his career, Stonewall and Charley did a show together in Shreveport and Stonewall would not let his band back up Charley. That night at the Opry, Charley wrote that Stonewall took off his guitar that was around his neck and gave him a hug.
Here is the running order from May 1, 1993, the night Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
4 Guys (host): If It's From the Country, It's Coming from the Heart
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweeter Than the Flowers
4 Guys: (?)
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Don't 'Cha Cry, Melinda
Jim Ed Brown: Lying in Love With You/The 3 Bells
Grandpa Jones: 4 Stoned Walls & A Ceiling
7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Osborne Brothers: Rock of Ages
Eddie Raven: Wjo Do You Know in California/Bayou Boys' Sleep All Day; Run All Night
Del Reeves: The Race is On
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Jan Howard: Crazy Arms
Riders In The Sky: Lonely Yukon Stars
Charley Pride: Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Wings of A Dove/Kaw-Liga
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Charlie Walker: Who Will Buy the Wine
Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday
Charlie Cushman: Sally Goodin
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Breakfast With the Blues
Billy Walker: A Million and One
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Ray Pillow: Invitation to the Blues
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin the Blues
Charley Pride: Every Heart Should Have One/Mountain of Love/Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Kaw-Liga
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
4 Guys: My Special Angel
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Old Camp Meeting Time
10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone At Last
10:30: Picadilly
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Lost & Found: Left Over Biscuits
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
10:45: Opry Book
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Flyer
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
David Crowe: Sally Goodin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Rambling Rose
Riders In The Sky: Son of the Western Soil
Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Eddy Raven: Sometimes A Lady/I've Got Mexico
Hank Snow: Old Shep
11:30: General Jackson
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Connie Smith: Then And Only Then
Roy Drusky: All For the Love Of A Girl
Mike Snider: Squirrel Hide
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Congratulations again to Charley Pride on 21 years of Opry membership, and as always, enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!!