Grand Ole Opry 8/1 & 8/2

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend. Of course, the big news is that Saturday night, Bobby Osborne will be honored for 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Osborne Brothers, Bobby and Sonny, joined the Opry on August 8, 1964. While Sonny retired in 2005, Bobby has continued on and sounds as great as ever. It was a real treat on Monday night to listen to Eddie Stubbs on WSM, who had both Bobby and Sonny on as his guests. It will be interesting to see, and I hope it does happen, if Sonny will join Bobby at the Opry on Saturday. While I wouldn't expect Sonny to perform, it would be nice to have him there, much like last year when Jim Ed Brown had his sisters with him for his 50th Opry anniversary.

Along with Bobby Osborne on Saturday night, Crystal Gayle is scheduled for a guest appearance, along with Sturgill Simpson. And there is the usual spot saved for Jimmy Dickens.

The news for the Friday Night Opry is that it looks like they have gone back to the usual format with segment hosts. The last 2 weeks, the Friday show has looked much like the Tuesday and Wednesday night Opry. Among those scheduled for Friday are Opry member Lorrie Morgan, along with Dale Ann Bradley, Elizabeth Cook and the ever present Sarah Darling.

Friday August 1
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Sarah Darling; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Dale Ann Bradley
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); JT Hodges; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys

Saturday August 2
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Emily West
7:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Sturgill Simpson; Crystal Gayle

Still a couple of spots to fill. And, Bobby Osborne will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. That comes after last week's Midnight Jamboree was cancelled.

Before getting into the past Opry line-ups that I post, here is the line-up from Saturday August 8, 1964, the night that the Osborne Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry

7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Don Gibson; Glaser Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin
8:30: Faron Young (host); Carter Family; Billy Grammer; Archie Campbell; Del Wood
9:00: Jimmy Newman (host); Bill Monroe; George Hamilton IV
9:30: George Morgan (host); The Browns; Sonny James; Bill Carlisle; Marion Worth
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Carter Family; Del Wood
10:15: Don Gibson (host); Bill Monroe; Glaser Brothers
10:30: Faron Young (host); Charlie Louvin
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); Skeeter Davis
11:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Sonny James; Bill Carlisle; Archie Campbell
11:30: George Morgan (host); The Browns; Jimmy Newman; Marion Worth; George Hamilton IV

And now here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of July 31 & August 1, 2009:

Friday July 31
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; Buddy Jewell
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chris Young
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; Jamie O'Neal

Saturday August 1
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Trent Tomlinson
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ashton Shepherd
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Jason Crabb; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Louvin; George Hamilton IV; Live Issue; Restless Heart

And from 10 years ago this weekend, July 30 & 31, 2004:

Friday July 30
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Alecia Nugent
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); The Whites; T.G. Sheppard
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Charlie Walker; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Sherrie Austin
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers; Jimmy Wayne
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Mel McDaniel

Saturday July 31
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; The Derailers
7:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jimmy C Newman; Anita Cochran
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Osborne Brothers; Ryan Tyler
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker; Rodney Atkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alecia Nugent; Eddy Raven

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Rodney Atkins
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Anita Cochran
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Stonewall Jackson; Alecia Nugent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jean Shepard (host); Ryan Tyler; Eddy Raven
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; The Derailers

For this week's featured line-up, I go to Saturday July 31, 1976. This was the 1st Saturday night appearance by new member Don Williams. Don actually joined the Opry on April 23, 1976, which was a Friday night. As many of you know, Don was not an Opry member for very long. In fact, his last Opry appearance was on August 22, 1981. That gave him a little over 5 years as an Opry member. In those 5 years, Don only made 10 Opry appearances which would meet the 2014 requirements, but in the late 1970s, that was not what was expected from Opry members.

Here is the line-up and show running order from Saturday July 31, 1976:

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Home on the Range
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine

6:45: Rudy's
George Hamilton IV (host): Country Music In My Soul
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
O.B. McClinton: Blanket on the Ground
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain

7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host) w/Pam Dickinson: Did You Ever
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
JustinTubb: Cold Brown Bottle
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Charlie Louvin: Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast to Mama/Love Has to Die/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow/I Want A Happy Life
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Justin Tubb: Keep me From Blowing Away

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Bob Luman: Neither One of Us
Don Williams: You're My Best Friend/Turn Out the Light and Love Me Tonight
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Soldier's Joy
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host) w/Nashville Grass: Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
4 Guys: Top of the World
Melba Montgomery: Lonely Street
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
4 Guys: The Morning Sun
Melba Montgomery: Don't Let the Good Times Fool You
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine

8:30: Stephen's
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: I'm A Stand By My Woman Man/Day Dreams About Night Things
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Jeanne Pruett: I Doesn't Hurt to Ask
Hank Snow: That's When He Dropped the World in My Hands

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Where is America Going
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Charlie Louvin: Poisen Red Berries
O.B. McClinton: I'm the Other One
Oswald: Dobro Chimes
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith

10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Fraulein
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Don Williams: I Recall A Gypsy Woman
Roy Drusky: Alone With You

10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Under the Double Eagle
Melba Montgomery: Don't Keep Me Lonely Too Long
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) w/Paul Warren: Black-Eyed Susie
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater Texas
Bob Luman: A Satisfied Mind
Lester Flatt: Mama Don't Allow It

10:45: Beech-Nut
4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Ronnie Milsap: What Goes on When the Sun Goes Down
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
4 Guys: The Morning Sun

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello, Love
Jim Mundy: Never Met A Girl I Didn't Like
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Jim Mundy: The River's Too Wide
Kirk McGee: The End of Forever
Hank Snow: Traveling Blues

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): El Paso City
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Break my Mind
Ronnie Robbins: Good Hearted Woman/The Bitter They Are
Marty Robbins: Cool Water/Love Me/Don't Worry/El Paso

Finally, on Friday August 1, the Opry will begin selling tickets to the 2015 shows, which will include the 90th Opry birthday celebration the weekend of October 3. Of interest will be the 50th anniversary of Connie Smith as an Opry member, the 60th for Jean Shepard, along with the one that will probably bring the most attention, the 25th anniversary of for Garth Brooks as an Opry member. The date is October 6, and don't be surprised if Garth is not at the Opry, either for the birthday bash or the following Tuesday night. Just rumors, but they seem to be out there. Oh, and when buying your tickets for next year, keep your wallet open. The prices are going up and for a tier 1 seat it will be $72 in 2015, while the next level will cost you $60. And people like many of us, keep buying those tickets.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend and congratulations again to Bobby Osborne for 50 years of Opry membership.

Grand Ole Opry 7/25 & 7/26

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 3 shows this weekend. Yes, that is right as the Opry has scheduled Carrie Underwood for the Friday Night Opry and as a result of her appearance and strong ticket sales, a 2nd show has been added. That is the good news. The bad news is that for the 2nd week in a row, we have a Friday Night Opry that looks pretty similar to a Tuesday or Wednesday night show. There are only 7 acts booked, but after only 1 Opry member last Friday, we are up to 3 this weekend. No segment hosts and the same running order for both shows.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has guest artists Casey James, Jonathan Jackson, along with T. Bubba Bechtol. We also have a return performance by Fiddlin' Carson Peters and his band. 11 acts booked of whom 6 are Opry members. And there is a slot being saved for Jimmy Dickens.

Friday July 25
1st show
7:00: John Conlee; The Gibson Brothers
7:30: Lennon & Maisy; The Whites
8:00: Henry Cho; The Band Perry
8:30: Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee; Greg Bates
10:00: Lennon & Maisy; The Whites
10:30: Henry Cho; The Band Perry
11:00: Carrie Underwood

Saturday July 26
7:00: John Conlee (host); Greg Bates
7:30: The Whites (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Jean Shepard; Jonathan Jackson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Casey James

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, July 24 & 25, 2009:

Friday July 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Point Of Grace
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; T. Graham Brown
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Mike Snider

Saturday July 25
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Cherryholmes
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Clay Walker; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Clay Walker
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Carrie Underwood

And from 10 years ago this weekend, July 23 & 24, 2004:

Friday July 23
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Mel McDaniel; Doyle Dykes
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy C Newman; Waylon Payne; Sammi Smith
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Craig Morgan
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Charley Pride
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Osborne Brothers; Bering Stait

Saturday July 24
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Darrell Scott
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); SHeDAISY; Joe Nichols; Charley Pride
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jessi Alexander; Connie Smith

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Jimmy C Newman; Jessi Alexander
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; The Whites; SHeDAISY
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; Charley Pride; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Connie Smith; Joe Nichols
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker Darrell Scott

For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, I have Saturday July 24, 1976, which was the last night that Bobby Lord performed on the Opry as a member.

Bobby Lord began his career on television and he was one of the most effective artists to use the media throughout the fifties and sixties. He was given his own television show at the age of 19 while attending the University of Tampa. In 1955, he joined the Ozark Jubilee, where he spent five years as a regular cast member and occcasional host. He came to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and stayed the the show until 1976, although he would continue to make guest appearances after leaving the show. He also hosted "The Bobby Lord Show", which was syndicated by WSM-TV. He had records on the charts from the late 1950s, into the early 1970s. After leaving the Opry, Bobby moved back to Florida where he owned an insurance agency. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 74.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry, July 24, 1976 as we remember Bobby Lord.

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Life to Go
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water/Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Lorrie Morgan: Merry-Go-Round of Love
Johnny Carver: Afternoon Delight
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal Lucille
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: (?)
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Del Wood: Stars & Stripes/Caissons/Anchors Away/U.S. Marines/America the Beautiful
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Jimmy C Newman: A Fallen Star/Diggy Liggy Lo

7:30: Standard Candy
Bobby Lord (host): Live Your Life Out Loud
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Billy Grammer: Family Man
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cumberland Gap
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Life of Riley
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater, Texas
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Lester Flatt: Father's Table Grace
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind
Justin Tubb: Yesterday Just Passed My Way Again

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady/Take Back, It's Over
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jean Shepard: Ain't Love Good
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Saturday Night
Willis Brothers: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Del Wood: Stars & Stripes/Caissons/Anchors Away/U.S. Marines/America the Beautiful
Johnny Carver: Afternoon Delight
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Bill Carlisle: Business Man

10:00: Fender
Jerry Clower (host): Marcelle Stops the Train
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Curly Headed Baby
Jerry Clower: Comedy

10:15: Union 76
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: Come on Over
Oswald: Sailing On
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host):
Paul Warren: Black-Eyed Susie
Lorrie Morgan: Stand By Your Man
Justin Tubb: Looking Back to See
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman and A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
Kenny Ingram: Flint Hill Special

10:45: Beech-Nut
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Peace in the Valley

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello, Love
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Hank Snow: That's When He Dropped the World in my Hands
Jeanne Pruett: It Doesn't Hurt to Ask
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: My Little Old Town Down in New Orleans

11:30: Elm Hill
Bobby Lord (host): Rainbow Girl
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away/Ain't Love Good
Rex Allen: Green, Green Grass of Home/The Streets of Larado
Bobby Lord: Y'all Come

What was interesting is that this night featured two future Opry members, Larry Gatlin and Lorrie Morgan. Lorrie was scheduled in place of Marion Worth who cancelled out. Also, Johnny Carver was a replacement for Charlie Louvin, who also cancelled.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Grand Ole Opry 7/18 & 7/19

One!!!! (1). Brad Paisley. That is it. He is the only Grand Ole Opry member scheduled for this week's Friday Night Opry. No one else. And on top of that, only 7 acts scheduled in a show that looks more like a Tuesday Night Opry rather then a traditional Friday or Saturday show. And to me that is just terrible and there is just no excuse.

This booking lies at the feet of two people: Steve Buchanan and Pete Fisher. You can't tell me that this is the best these two can do. Or maybe this is all they want to do. And then you look at the rest of the line-up for Friday night. Asleep At The Wheel is a quality act. No complaints. But Mark Wills is a semi-regular who has seen his better days. Sarah Darling continues to struggle to establish a career. Striking Matches? Kristian Bush? And how about Native Run? By the way, they are making their Opry debut. $60 for a prime ticket. I don't think so. It is apparent that they are expecting Brad to carry the load and he will. I am also sure this show will be a sell-out. But, it certainly won't be a Friday Night Opry that I will be listening to.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry is better, especially if you like the legends. The Whites, George Hamilton IV, Ray Pillow and Connie Smith are all hosting segments, and Jean Shepard and Jesse McReynolds are also scheduled. Charles Esten from "Nashville" will be making an appearance as will The Grascals. And what is an Opry show without either Chris Janson or The Willis Clan? Saturday, it's the Willis Clan's turn. And there is a spot saved for Jimmy Dickens.

Friday July 18
7:00: Striking Matches; Mark Wills
7:30: Native Run; Asleep At The Wheel
Intermission
8:15: Kristian Bush; Sarah Darling
8:45: Brad Paisley

Saturday July 19
7:00: The Whites (host); Austin Webb; Jean Shepard
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Charles Esten; The Willis Clan

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of July 17 & 18, 2009.

Friday July 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); Riders In The Sky; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Daryle Singletary
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Hal Ketchum
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Roy Clark

Saturday July 18
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Lovell Sisters
7:30: Roy Clark (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Hal Ketchum; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Connie Smith

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; The Lovell Sisters
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Hal Ketchum
10:30: Roy Clark (host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Connie Smith

And from 10 years ago this weekend, July 16 & 17, 2004.

Friday July 16
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Connie Smith; Shannon Lawson
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Helen Cornelius; Bellamy Brothers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Scotty Emerick
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Stevens Sisters
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chely Wright

Saturday July 17
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Gail Davies
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; John Conlee; The Whites; Scotty Emerick
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker; Eddy Raven
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jesse McReynolds; & The Virginia Boys; Jean Shepard; Craig Morgan; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Stevens Sisters; Andy Griggs

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Scotty Emerick
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; The Whites; Eddy Raven
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Helen Cornelius; Billy Walker; Andy Griggs; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Craig Morgan
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Stonewall Jackson; Stevens Sisters; Gail Davies

I noticed that Chely Wright was on the Friday Night Opry. This was during the period when there was a lot of talk about Chely becoming an Opry member, something that she really wanted. After her huge hit, "Single White Female" in 1999, her career really has tailed off. Probably a good move on the part of the Opry in not making her a member.

A quick count has 13 Opry members on Friday night, and the 1st show on Saturday, while there were 12 for the 2nd show.

And finally, we go back 23 years, to Saturday July 20, 1991. Nothing special took place on this particular evening, but I think it represents the shows that were being put on at the Opry during that time period.

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Juke Box/A Dime at A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care

6:45: Hall of Fame
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
4 Guys: What'll You Do About Me
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Mike Snider: Puttin' On the Dog
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything/Statue of A Fool

7:30: Standard Candy
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for A Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take It With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jerry Clower: Comedy

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown: Just For Old Times Sake/The 3 Bells
Roy Drusky: One Day at A Time/Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Opry Square Dance Band: Bill Cheatham
Roy Acuff: My Old Pal of yesterday
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Jimmy C Newman; Lafayette
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
Jan Howard: You Belong to Me
Ray Pillow: If I Didn't Have You in My World
Hank Snow: Prisoner's Song

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jack Greene: Our Time
Del Reeves: The Race is On
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take it With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy C Newman (host): Mottland
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon de Lait

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Roy Acuff (host): Home in San Antone
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'
Roy Acuff: Freight Train Blues
Bill Carlisle: Elvira

10:30: Pet Milk
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
4 Guys: You Are My Reason to Live
Charlie Walker: Waltz Across Texas

10:45: B. C. Powder
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Opry Square Dance Band: Blackberry Blossom
Jerry Clower: Comedy

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Skeeter Davis: He Will Be There
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Bother to Knock
Jan Howard: I Wish I Could Love That Much Again
Ray Pillow: Congratulations, You're Absolutely Right
Johnny Russell: Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter

With the exception of T. Graham Brown, this show featured all Opry members.

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!

Grand Ole Opry 7/11 & 7/12

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and all I can say, after the discussion posts over the past week regarding Chris Janson, is that he is not scheduled this weekend!!! Just so everyone is clear, and not to open up another "can of worms", but there are performers I like, musical wise, and some I don't. Chris just happens to be one of the ones I don't care for. Yes, I have seen him several times at the Opry, and he does bring excitement to the show. And the crowd always gives him a good reception. It's just my personal taste and nothing more.

I know Chris has been scheduled a lot on the Opry, as have The Willis Clan, and I do appreciate them supporting the Opry. And it is obvious that the Opry management, with some incentives, are trying to help in pushing their careers. There is nothing new with that as in the past you have seen the same Opry support for Sarah Darling, Mandy Barnett and Jimmy Wayne, among others. Years back, Lorrie Morgan, Brad Paisley and Josh Turner were also pushed by the Opry and it help to establish their fine careers.

But then again, the Opry wouldn't be in this position of pushing these young singers if more than 5 Opry members would be scheduled for a show. And that is all we have on Saturday night. Just 5 out of 60+. You can almost predict at some point of seeing a Friday or Saturday night show with just 1 or 2 members and the rest guests. And it continues to appear that Opry membership for the vast majority of the members, is just another award to have printed in their biography rather than an acutal commitment to appear and support the show.

As far as this weekend, the Friday Night Opry will feature Opry member Lorrie Morgan making a return Opry appearance. This will be her first appearance since last month's 30th anniversary recognition and I am glad whatever anger Lorrie felt toward the Opry seems not to be permanent. Joining Lorrie will be guest artists Gene Watson, Andy Griggs, Jimmy Wayne and Jeanne Robertson.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a guest appearance by The Willis Clan along with Jamie Lynn Spears. I admit that I have watched Jamie, who is the younger sister of Britney Spears, on Zoey 101. Jamie has moved to Nashville and is trying to make it as a country singer. All I can say, is good luck to her.

Friday July 11
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Sunny Sweeney; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy Wayne; Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Jeanne Robertson
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Andy Griggs; Connie Smith

Saturday July 12
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Sara Haze
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jeanne Robertson; Exile
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jamie Lynn Spears; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Emily West; The Willis Clan

And now, keeping with our new tradition, here is the Grand Ole Opry posted line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, July 10 & 11, 2009:

Friday July 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chris Young
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Ashton Shepherd
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Diamond Rio

Saturday July 11
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Caitlin & Will
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Jennifer Hanson
8:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Billy Dean; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Alison Krauss w/The Cox Family

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Caitlin & Will
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Alison Krauss w/The Cox Family
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Jennifer Hanson; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Billy Dean

And now, from 10 years ago this weekend, July 9 & 10, 2004:

Friday July 9
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman; Mark Wills
8:00: John Conlee (host); Old Crow Medicine Show; Jan Howard; The Whites
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Jean Shepard; Rodney Atkins
9:00: Bill Anderson (host: Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ray Scott; Gene Watson
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; T Graham Brown

Saturday July 10
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Trent Willmon
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Anita Cochran
7:30: Steve Wariner (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider; Connie Smith
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Jim Ed Brown; Andy Griggs; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); David Lee Murphy; Lee Roy Parnell

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; John Conlee; Hal Ketchum
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; David Lee Murphy; Lee Roy Parnell
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Jeannie Seely; Trent Willmon; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Anita Cochran
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Billy Walker; Andy Griggs

As always, enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!!

Grand Ole Opry 7/4 & 7/5

Before getting into the Opry line-ups for this weekend, I just wanted to say a few things about last Saturday night's show. First, I thought Pete Fisher did a very nice job with the dedication to Jimmy C Newman. It seemed a little longer then some of the ones he has had to do, and I really felt it was from the heart. I know many of us will criticize Pete and some of the decisions he has made at the Opry, but on this one, my compliments. I also thought it was nice that Cajun Country was allowed to open the show. They did "Alligator Man" and as was commented in the posts from last week, it did seem that the song was a beat or two slower then normal. A nice tribute to an Opry legend.

Secondly, again hats off to Pete Fisher, an excellent job with the "retirement" of Paul Eckhart. As has been noted, Paul has been attending Opry shows for the past 42 years and has not missed from attending at least one show each weekend. During the last segment, Pete came out to the front, along with Connie Smith, and did a special presentation that was greeted by a standing ovation from the sold-out Opry House. Well deserved!!

As far as the Opry this weekend, it's July 4th weekend and it will be business as usual at the Grand Ole Opry as the Opry will be presenting the usual Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.

As far as the Friday Night Opry, a couple of the Opry's more popular members will be making appearances, Mel Tillis and The Oak Ridge Boys. In addition, The Isaacs and Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers will be making guest appearances.

In addition to his Friday night performance, Mel Tillis also be appearing on Saturday night, where he will be joined by Opry members Vince Gill and, hopefully making it, Stu Phillips. This Opry legend was scheduled early in the year and cancelled out. I really hope he can make it this weekend.

Guest artists on Saturday include Jonathan Jackson, from "Nashville" and the ever popular Chris Janson. Yes, Chris again!! And for this keeping track, this will be appearance #15.

Friday July 4
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mandy Barnett; Jean Shepard
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Mel Tillis
8:45: Connie Smith (host); The Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday July 5
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Janelle Arthur; T.G. Sheppard
7:30: Connie Smith (host); George Hamilton IV; Jim Ed Brown; Danny Gokey
Intermission
8:15: Mel Tillis (host); Stu Phillips; Chris Janson; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jonathan Jackson

A couple of pretty solid shows!!

And now, the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of July 3 & 4, 2009:

Friday July 3:
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds; Holly Williams
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; The Grascals
8:00: Mike Snider (host); The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp; Jan Howard; Jack Greene
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stonewall Jackson; John Conlee; Connie Smith

Saturday July 4:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Christy Sutherland
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; The Grascals
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Chris Young; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett; Jim Ed Brown w/The Browns

And from 10 years ago, the weekend of July 2 & 3, 2004:

Friday July 2:
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ricky Van Shelton
9:00: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Dan Seals
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Kellie Coffey; T Graham Brown

Saturday July 3:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); BeauSoleil; Lane Turner
7:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Walker; Billy Walker; Emerson Drive
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Emerson Drive
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Lane Turner
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Stu Phillips; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); BeauSoleil
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

Looking back at anniversary dates for Opry members, it was on Saturday July 3, 1993 (21 years ago), that Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Alison joined the Opry, she was just 21 years old and was the first bluegrass artist to be added to the cast in 29 years. She had first appeared on the Opry in 1989 at the age of 17.

Alison is the most awarded female artist in the history of the Grammy Award and is a true legend in not only bluegrass music with Union Station, but has branched out into other areas of music and has recorded music with a host of folks. This summer she is on tour with Willie Nelson.

On the night she was inducted, Garth Brooks did the honors, although he did not perform during her segment. Here is the running order of the Opry from Saturday July 3, 1993, the night Alison Krauss became an Opry member.

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Del Reeves (host); Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Del Reeves: Bad News

6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Grandpa Jones: Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): I'll Be There
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chunk of Coal
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of A Fool

7:30: Standard Candy
4 Guys (host): If It's Coming From the Country, It's Coming From the Heart
George Hamilton IV: Has Anyone Here Seen Hank
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Load the Cannon
Alison Krauss: Atlanta, I Hear You Calling/Big Mon
4 Guys: The Star Spangled Banner

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Margaret Smathers
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Address Unknown
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Roy Drusky: Son, Go Bring My Children Home
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing that Was Good In My Life

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Alison Krauss: (?)/Molly and Tenbrooks
Porter Wagoner: Wabash Cannonball/The Precious Jewel/Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis/The Great Speckled Bird/On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball-Headed End of the Broom
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Gloryland March
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
4 Guys (host): We're Only Here For A Little While
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot

10:30: Piccadilly
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
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
Charlie Walker: There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

10:45: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Charlie Walker: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Jimmy C Newman; Cajun's Dream

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ancient History
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Justin Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene: Walking on New Grass/Statue of A Fool
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song/Are You Lonesome Tonight

11:30: General Jackson
George Hamilton IV (host): This Land is Your Land
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Jan Howard: Wayfaring Stranger
Mike Snider: Bells of St. Marys
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

Congratulations to Alison and I really wish we would see her more at the Opry.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend and be safe over the holiday weekend!!!