Here are the important and historical events that have taken place in the month of February regarding the Grand Ole Opry, or Opry members:
February 9, 1914: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s and immediately became one of the Opry's most popular and influential members. He was known for helping many new artists including Hank Snow, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene and Cal Smith, just to name a few. In 1947 he opened the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and along the way started the Midnight Jamboree. He was one of the first members elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Ernest remained an Opry member until his death in 1984 after a period of declining health.
February 1, 1917: Mary Jane Dezurik was born in Royalton, Minnesota. Along with her sister Carolyn, they were known as the "Cackle Sisters." They came to the Opry in the 1940s, and only stayed for a short amount of time, eventually moving to Cincinnati. Mary Jane passed away in 1981.
February 25, 1927: Opry member Ralph Stanley was born. Ralph, who has been a member of the Opry since 2000 has spent the last year touring in what has been called a farewell tour. At the age of 88, I do believe that would make Ralph the oldest current Opry member.
February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio, and the Grand Ole Opry, as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become WSM's general manager. In that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the Opry. Judge Hay wanted the show to keep it's rural flavor, featuring non-professional acts, or in his words "keeping it close to the ground." Harry Stone saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM, and wanted to bring in professional and paid entertainers to WSM and the Opry. We know who won that argument and once the Opry started down that road, it never looked back. Harry remained with WSM until 1950.
February 25, 1932: Faron Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1951 he joined the Louisiana Hayride, staying until 1954 when he came to Nashville and became a member of the Opry. Faron remained an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for note making the required number of Opry appearances. While he would never rejoin the cast of the Opry, he would make guest appearances on the show. Faron passed away in 1996 and after his death he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers make their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate Beasley described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook as a "sort of Sons of the Pioneers group." They stayed at the Opry until 1939 and appeared almost every week during that time.
February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff made his second Grand Ole Opry appearance, along with his band the Crazy Tennesseans. His first appearance had taken place several months prior and was not considered very good. He worked hard to get another chance and on the return date he sang "The Great Speckled Bird." The listeners responded with an avalanche of mail. Two weeks later, on February 19, 1938, he became an official member of the Opry. Along with the prior addition of Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry to an emphasis on professional singers rather than the local instrumental groups. In fact, when Roy auditioned for the Opry, it was based on his instrumental work and not his vocal skills. On a final note, Harry Stone did not like the name Crazy Tennesseans. He felt that it was a slur on the state so he recommended to Roy that since he was from Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee, that he adopt that name. So beginning on February 26, 1938 it was Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys and it would remain that way until his death in November 1992.
February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became regular members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the show to replace the Delmore Brothers. The two brothers, who were from Mobile, Alabama, were known for their harmony work.
February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed Of An Old Love Affair." Jimmy joined the Opry later that year.
February 2, 1949: Opry member Ernest Tubb, and future Opry member Hank Snow, met for the first time. The meeting led to efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.
February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their Grand Ole Opry debut. Rose would later join the Opry, but her stay would be very short.
February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, which was based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show had started on November 16, 1940 and was a very popular regional show.
February 23, 1952: Del Wood makes her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. The previous year, she had a million selling instrumental record with "Down Yonder." The song featured her famous ragime piano playing. When Del accepted the invitation to play the Opry, she turned down a two week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del joined the Opry the following year and remained an Opry member until her death on October 3, 1989. I always found it interesting that in the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Books that they would always right in her biography that she was famous for her canning and jams!
February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." His debut was a success and he would soon become a member.
February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider the Louvin Brothers the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965 in a car accident that also killed his wife. Charlie would remain an Opry member until his death in January 2011. In his later years, Charlie would become bitter toward the Opry management and how he felt he was treated. (On a side note, some publications list the Louvin's induction date as February 10, however this was not a Saturday night and as many of us know, the Opry is famous for not keeping accurate records).
February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, Porter would become one of the Opry's most famous and colorful members. Porter had made his first Opry appearance in 1956 and he would late say about that night, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the little dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here.'" It was ironic that when Roy died in 1992 Porter would replace him as the face of the Opry. That first night at the Opry he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later become one of Porter's good friends. During his time at the Opry, he helped to bring along Norma Jean and Dolly Parton as members, and he first brought Mel Tillis to the Opry. And let's not forget James Brown. Porter died in October 2007, shortly after celebrating his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.
February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member for 52 years, before passing away in April 2011. Billy was famous for his Grammer Guitars, and for "Gotta Travel On."
February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Opry. George was an Opry member for 55 years before passing away in September 2014. George traveled all over the world promoting country music. I can also say from personal experience that George was one of the nicest men that I had ever met. He was always willing to talk and share stories. Even when he was not scheduled to perform on the show, he would be backstage greeting visitors.
February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes. Patsy was in inspiration to a generation of female country singers including Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Jeannie Seely.
February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their Grand Ole Opry debut. As they have told the story many times, they were brought back for an encore and even though they never had a hit record, they would eventually become members of the Opry.
February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs made their final appearance as a duo on the Grand Ole Opry. They had joined the Opry in 1955. While their act broke up, Lester and Earl would remain as individual Opry members.
February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by Jimmie Snow, the son of Opry member Hank Snow, debuts after the Friday Night Opry. Johnny Cash and June Carter were among the guests on the first show. This Friday night show would follow the Friday Night Opry for the next 23 years.
February 23, 1974: Former Opry member DeFord Bailey returns to the Opry for the first time since being fired by George D. Hay in 1941. This was also the first of what became an annual Old-Timer's night at the Opry. DeFord appears at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, who had been trying to convince DeFord to return to the Opry for the past several years. Before he passed away in 1982, DeFord would return to the Opry several more times.
February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed and how good it was that he was back. Unlike the first time Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948, this time he stayed around until he passed away in January 2015.
February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 39th year as an Opry member. Ronnie is currently on a farewell tour so it will be interesting to see if he will be making many Opry appearances. In 2014, Ronnie was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
February 7, 1981: John Conlee joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 34th year as an Opry member. John has one of the most distinctive voices in country music and he remains very popular at the Opry. After first appearing on the Opry, John was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring." When John first joined the Opry, like many others of his generation, he made very few Opry appearances. However, over the past several years as his touring has slowed down, John has become one of the Opry's more dependable members and he always does a fine job hosting segments. My favorite John Conlee story comes from a couple of years ago when I was walking from my car to the Opry's stage door and not paying much attention, I almost got hit by a tour bus. I looked up and it was John Conlee driving. I got a honk and a wave.
February 21, 1981: Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and late night television commercials promoting his album of train songs. Boxcar had made his first Opry appearance in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999.
February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour long segment to Roy that featured Minnie Pearl and Loretta Lynn. The previous evening, Johnny Cash and June Carter were also scheduled to appear in tribute to Roy but had to cancel due to illness. They would make it up to Roy by appearing several weeks later. On an additional note, during the Opry segment that followed Roy's that evening, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited on the Opry stage for the first time in 14 years.
February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and made his first Opry guest appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the Opry in 1953, he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. Webb was considered one of the biggest country music acts of the 1950s, but he did not stay as an Opry member for very long. He later said, "You had to be there every Saturday night and that was too much, because, you see, most of our money, we made it on Saturday night. Of course, we'd be on tour and then we'd have to turn around at the end of the week and be back at the Opry. I don't care if you was in Podunk, Canada." Webb was also a very successful businessman who started one of the first publishing houses in Nashville. In 2001, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. And let's not forget that guitar shaped swimming pool.
February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt joined the Opry. This will be his 23rd year as an Opry member, which about equals the number of appearances he has made since joining the cast. In fact, Travis has not been at the Opry since 2007. This was also the night that Trisha Yearwood made he debut Opry performance.
February 21, 1988: The Opry honored long-time Opry member Grandpa Jones, who had passed away earlier in the week from complications after suffering a stroke at the Opry in January. Grandpa's close friend and neighbor Bill Carlisle, along with Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and their children led the cast in the singing of "Fallen Leaves" the great Grandpa song.
February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 14th year as a member. On the night that Brad was inducted, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens, one of his idols, wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carneige Hall" album.
February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr., performed on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had passed away earlier in the week. Porter Wagoner, who hosted the segment, would call it "the most exciting night I can ever remember on the Opry." I wouldn't go that far, but all four entertainers spent an hour on stage singing Waylon's hits.
February 18, 2003: Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. After a career as an "outlaw" Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997. However, within a few years, his health prevented him from appearing on the Opry. At the time of his death, Johnny was near poverty and George Jones paid for this cemetary plot. Johnny had such great hits in the 1970s, but he hit hard times a decade later that included time in prison. It was nice to see Johnny get his life turned around and making music again.
February 26, 2005: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both shows that night and later hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 1/30 & 1/31
It is going to be a great weekend at the Opry, if everything goes according to schedule, as Jim Ed Brown is scheduled for both the Friday Night Opry, and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. These will be Jim Ed's first Opry appearances since his cancer announcement in early fall 2014. Like many of you, I am surprised he has made it back. According to various reports, his cancer is in remission and he is doing much better.
One of Jim Ed's first public appearances was at the funeral service for Jimmy Dickens, where is was one of the pallbearers. After that, his new CD "In Style Again" came out and Jim Ed was being interviewed and featured in a lot of country music publications, USA Today and on various radio stations including WSM. His voice sounded a little weak and hoarse, but you could tell it was getting stronger as time went by. Earlier in the week, he had hinted that he was going to try to do the Opry this weekend, and those reports have come true. It will be great to have Jim Ed back on the Opry and it is sure a bonus to have him scheduled for both nights. In addition, on Saturday night he is still being advertised as signing copies of his new CD after the show in the Ryman lobby.
Joining Jim Ed on both nights will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Del McCoury Band and Riders In The Sky, along with guest artist Jamey Johnson, who I am personally happy to see back on the Opry.
Friday night they will be joined by Opry member Joe Diffie, who gets a hosting assignment. I know the question has come up if Joe has hosted a segment before, and I had thought he might have a few years ago, but I would have to check my records to make sure. If not, this would be his first time and I am sure he will do a fine job. Guest artists on Friday include Scotty McCreery and Love and Theft, who are set for a string of appearances over the next couple of months. While I don't see them becoming Opry members, you may remember this is the same pattern they used last year prior to Little Big Town being asked to join.
Saturday's show, in addition to those listed, will include guest artists Sara Haze, who fails to impress me, Mary Gauthier and the ever popular Willis Clan.
Friday January 30
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: Joe Diffie (host); Del McCoury Band; Jamey Johnson
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Scotty McCreery
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jim Ed Brown; Old Crow Medicine Show
Saturday January 31
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Mary Gauthier
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sara Haze; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jamey Johnson
Jean Shepard was on the original schedule when it was released on Tuesday, but has since been taken off. And as a reminder, at the Opry House on Saturday night will be a special TV taping for the "Nashville" show, featuring the cast members along with Opry member Reba McEntire. If nothing else, this again confirms two things: first, that Reba really does know where the Opry House is located and second, the Opry can still fill out a line-up without anyone from the "Nashville" television series. And as a reminder, the Opry goes back to the Opry House next weekend for a couple of big shows featuring Opry members Loretta Lynn and Diamond Rio, along with guest artists Lee Greenwood, Love and Theft and Clare Bowen and The Willis Clan.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 29 & 30, 2010:
Friday January 29
7:00: John Conlee (host); Billy Yates; Buddy Jewell
7:30: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; Ricky Skaggs
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Teea Goans; Jack Greene
8:30: Diamond Rio (host); Elizabeth Cook
Saturday January 30
7:00: The Whites (host); Cherryholmes
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
8:00: John Conlee (host); Gail Davies; Colt Ford; Opry Square Dancers; Jack Greene; Kathy Mattea
Yikes!! Before anyone complains about these shows, if my records are right and if not I know I will be corrected, there was a big snow storm in Nashville that Friday night which left the Opry scrambling to fill out the show. A lot of cancellations. If I remember right, the only reason Ricky Skaggs was on was because he drove The Whites to the Opry in his truck and came out to sing because of a few artists not being able to get in. I think that was also why Teea Goans was on. She was not originally scheduled.
Now from 10 years ago this weekend, January 28 & 29, 2005:
Friday January 28
7:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Brad Paisley
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark Wills
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Josh Turner; Restless Heart
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jack Greene; Jan Howard; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 29
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Christy Sutherland
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; George Hamilton IV; Trent Willmon
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Marty Stuart
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Christy Sutherland
10:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Billy Walker; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Osborne Brothers; Trent Willmon
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Mark Wills
Finally, let's go back 15 years, to Saturday January 29, 2000:
1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Billy Walker: Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Osborne Brothers: Take Me Home Country Roads
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Mark Chesnutt: Too Cold at Home/A Little Too Late
Ricky Van Shelton: Statue of A Fool/Matchbox/I Got A Hole In My Pocket
Stu Phillips: Colorado
Gene Watson: Pick the Wildwood Flower/Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Is Anybody Going to San Antone/Kiss An Angel Good Morning/I Can't Help It
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Liars 1; Believers 0
The Whites: Swing Down Sweet Chariot
Ricky Skaggs: Salty Dog Blues
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Tips of My Fingers
8:30: Physician's Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: By the Mark
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
Lorrie Morgan: To Get to You/Angel
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Lorrie Morgan: Don't Stop in My World/Crazy
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Ricky Van Shelton: Jack to A King
Porter Wagoner: When the Silver Eagle Meets the Great Speckled Bird/Sugarfoot Rag
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Charlie Pride: Heartaches by the Numbers/My Woman; My Woman; My Wife/Crystal Chandeliers
10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Osborne Brothers: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep in Peace then Know You're Gone
10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Jeff Allen: (?)
10:45: Joggin In A Jug
Ricky Skaggs (host): Pig in A Pen
Gene Watson: Fourteen Caret Mind/Farewell Party
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Quits
Holly Dunn: There Goes My Heart Again
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Runnin' Money
Mark Chesnutt: Too Cold At Home/A Little Too Late/Get A Wife
Bill Anderson: Still
11:30: Ryman Videos
Johnny Russell (host): Mountain Dew
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: The Long Black Veil
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
One of Jim Ed's first public appearances was at the funeral service for Jimmy Dickens, where is was one of the pallbearers. After that, his new CD "In Style Again" came out and Jim Ed was being interviewed and featured in a lot of country music publications, USA Today and on various radio stations including WSM. His voice sounded a little weak and hoarse, but you could tell it was getting stronger as time went by. Earlier in the week, he had hinted that he was going to try to do the Opry this weekend, and those reports have come true. It will be great to have Jim Ed back on the Opry and it is sure a bonus to have him scheduled for both nights. In addition, on Saturday night he is still being advertised as signing copies of his new CD after the show in the Ryman lobby.
Joining Jim Ed on both nights will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Del McCoury Band and Riders In The Sky, along with guest artist Jamey Johnson, who I am personally happy to see back on the Opry.
Friday night they will be joined by Opry member Joe Diffie, who gets a hosting assignment. I know the question has come up if Joe has hosted a segment before, and I had thought he might have a few years ago, but I would have to check my records to make sure. If not, this would be his first time and I am sure he will do a fine job. Guest artists on Friday include Scotty McCreery and Love and Theft, who are set for a string of appearances over the next couple of months. While I don't see them becoming Opry members, you may remember this is the same pattern they used last year prior to Little Big Town being asked to join.
Saturday's show, in addition to those listed, will include guest artists Sara Haze, who fails to impress me, Mary Gauthier and the ever popular Willis Clan.
Friday January 30
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: Joe Diffie (host); Del McCoury Band; Jamey Johnson
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Scotty McCreery
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jim Ed Brown; Old Crow Medicine Show
Saturday January 31
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Mary Gauthier
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sara Haze; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jamey Johnson
Jean Shepard was on the original schedule when it was released on Tuesday, but has since been taken off. And as a reminder, at the Opry House on Saturday night will be a special TV taping for the "Nashville" show, featuring the cast members along with Opry member Reba McEntire. If nothing else, this again confirms two things: first, that Reba really does know where the Opry House is located and second, the Opry can still fill out a line-up without anyone from the "Nashville" television series. And as a reminder, the Opry goes back to the Opry House next weekend for a couple of big shows featuring Opry members Loretta Lynn and Diamond Rio, along with guest artists Lee Greenwood, Love and Theft and Clare Bowen and The Willis Clan.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 29 & 30, 2010:
Friday January 29
7:00: John Conlee (host); Billy Yates; Buddy Jewell
7:30: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; Ricky Skaggs
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Teea Goans; Jack Greene
8:30: Diamond Rio (host); Elizabeth Cook
Saturday January 30
7:00: The Whites (host); Cherryholmes
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Radney Foster
8:00: John Conlee (host); Gail Davies; Colt Ford; Opry Square Dancers; Jack Greene; Kathy Mattea
Yikes!! Before anyone complains about these shows, if my records are right and if not I know I will be corrected, there was a big snow storm in Nashville that Friday night which left the Opry scrambling to fill out the show. A lot of cancellations. If I remember right, the only reason Ricky Skaggs was on was because he drove The Whites to the Opry in his truck and came out to sing because of a few artists not being able to get in. I think that was also why Teea Goans was on. She was not originally scheduled.
Now from 10 years ago this weekend, January 28 & 29, 2005:
Friday January 28
7:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Brad Paisley
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Osborne Brothers; Mandy Barnett
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark Wills
9:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Josh Turner; Restless Heart
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jack Greene; Jan Howard; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 29
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Christy Sutherland
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; George Hamilton IV; Trent Willmon
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Walker; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Marty Stuart
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Christy Sutherland
10:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Billy Walker; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Osborne Brothers; Trent Willmon
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Mark Wills
Finally, let's go back 15 years, to Saturday January 29, 2000:
1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Billy Walker: Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Osborne Brothers: Take Me Home Country Roads
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South
7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Mark Chesnutt: Too Cold at Home/A Little Too Late
Ricky Van Shelton: Statue of A Fool/Matchbox/I Got A Hole In My Pocket
Stu Phillips: Colorado
Gene Watson: Pick the Wildwood Flower/Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Is Anybody Going to San Antone/Kiss An Angel Good Morning/I Can't Help It
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Liars 1; Believers 0
The Whites: Swing Down Sweet Chariot
Ricky Skaggs: Salty Dog Blues
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Tips of My Fingers
8:30: Physician's Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: By the Mark
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat
Lorrie Morgan: To Get to You/Angel
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Lorrie Morgan: Don't Stop in My World/Crazy
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Ricky Van Shelton: Jack to A King
Porter Wagoner: When the Silver Eagle Meets the Great Speckled Bird/Sugarfoot Rag
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Charlie Pride: Heartaches by the Numbers/My Woman; My Woman; My Wife/Crystal Chandeliers
10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Osborne Brothers: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep in Peace then Know You're Gone
10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Jeff Allen: (?)
10:45: Joggin In A Jug
Ricky Skaggs (host): Pig in A Pen
Gene Watson: Fourteen Caret Mind/Farewell Party
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Quits
Holly Dunn: There Goes My Heart Again
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Runnin' Money
Mark Chesnutt: Too Cold At Home/A Little Too Late/Get A Wife
Bill Anderson: Still
11:30: Ryman Videos
Johnny Russell (host): Mountain Dew
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: The Long Black Veil
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Justin Tubb
It was on this date, January 24, 1998 that Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away at the age of 62. Justin was the son of Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb. Not only a great singer but also an excellent songwriter who wrote not only "Lonesome 7-7203" but also "As Long As There's A Sunday." "Take A Letter Miss Gray", "Keeping Up With The Joneses" and "What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now?."
When Justin joined the Opry on September 10, 1955, he was the Opry's youngest member. He was a popular member who supported the show and enjoyed his Opry membership. In his final years, he usually performed on the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's 2nd show, mostly in the segment hosted by Hank Snow at 11:00.
After Ernest died in 1984, Justin took over as the host of the Midnight Jamboree and it was through his efforts that the show kept going following Ernest's death.
This video is taken from one of the Country Family Reunion shows and shows Justin performing his most popular song, "Lonesome 7-7203.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 1/23 &1/24
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Overall, the shows look pretty solid.
Among the Opry members scheduled this weekend, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are set for both nights. This weekend will mark the Opry's 7th and 8th shows of the year and Vince will have appeared at 4 of them. A very nice way to start out the year. Joining these 3 on Friday night will be Opry members Bill Anderson, Jesse McReynolds and The Whites. As far as guest artists, we have a host of Opry regulars, along with one who used to be on the Opry quite often but not so much lately. The regulars include J.T. Hodges, Sarah Darling, Jimmy Wayne and The Henningsens, while the other artist is one of my personal favorites, T. Graham Brown.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to those already listed, will include Opry members Montgomery Gentry, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and Stu Phillips. For both Montgomery Gentry and Stu, it will be their first appearances of the year, and for Stu it will be his first time back at the Opry since the birthday weekend in October. What is interesting is that Stu is listed as the only artist besides Connie Smith on the 3rd segment and I have to believe that someone else will be added. Guest artists on Saturday include Greg Bates and Katie Armiger.
Friday January 23
7:00: Connie Smith (host); J.T. Hodges; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sarah Darling; T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jimmy Wayne
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; The Henningsens
Saturday January 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Katie Arminger
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stu Phillips; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Montgomery Gentry
And now, here is the Grand Ole Opry posted line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 22 & 23, 2010:
Friday January 22
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Clay Walker
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Darryl Worley
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Point Of Grace
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Blake Shelton
Saturday January 23
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lorrie Morgan
7:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jack Greene; Chuck Wicks
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ronnie Milsap (host); The Whites; Mike Snider
And from 10 years ago this weekend, January 21 & 22, 2005:
Friday January 21
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers; Amy Dalley
8:00: George Hamilton IV (host); The Whites; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel; Trent Wilmon
9:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Ralph Stanley
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy Wayne
Saturday January 22
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Mel McDaniel; Ralph Stanley
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Montgomery Gentry; Jeff Bates; Julie Roberts
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Billy Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart w/Marvis Staples
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Osborne Brothers; Jeff Bates
10:00: Steve Wariner (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart w/Marvis Staples; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Billy Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol
For this week's featured line-up, it was on Saturday January 25, 1992 that Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou was born in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in North Carolina and Virginia. During the 1960s, she began following the folk movement, artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. She moved to Greenwich Village in 1967 and released her first record in 1969. She spent time touring and recording with Gram Parsons, who passed away in 1973. In 1975, she recorded her first major album, "Pieces of the Sky." Her Hot Band included James Burton, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell and Ricky Skaggs. Over her career, she would have 10 gold albums and has won 12 Grammy Awards. In 2008 she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Emmylou has always worked to preserve the history of country music and it was through her efforts that many of today's fans became familiar with the Louvin Brothers and their music. "If I Could Only Win Your Love", the great Louvin Brothers classic was one of her 27 Top 10 songs.
The night she joined the Opry, Emmylou said, "Music is like food, sustenance. You certainly don't do it for the spotlight. You do it for the amazing exhilaration of singing, the feeling of the music going through you." Emmylou is one of those artists who when they joined the Opry, I thought she "got it" and would be there much more often then she appears. I have seen her at the Opry several times and she always seems to have fun and enjoys herself. She is always well received by the audience. Living in Nashville and with her love of traditional country music, it would be nice if she would appear at the Opry more then just 2 or 3 times a year.
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday January 25, 1992, the night Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member:
1st show
6:30: Opry Tours
Boxcar Willie (host): Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Movin' On/Gotta Travel On/Night Train to Memphis
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys and Horses; Hobos and Trains
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
4 Guys: Tennessee
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have a License
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You
Osborne Brothers: Nearer My God to Thee
Lorrie Morgan: Except for Monday/Autumn's Not That Cold
Porter Wagoner: Walk Up, Jacob
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vince Gill: Take You Memory With You When You Go/When I Call Your Name/Drifting Too Far From the Shore
Emmylou Harris: Walls of Time/Blue Kentucky Girl
8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe & Tom Ewing: Body and Soul
8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows on the Trail
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
Bill Anderson: Still
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Emmylou Harris: Guitar Town
Emmylou Harris & Vince Gill: If You Needed Me
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company
Wagonmasters: (?)
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Grandpa & Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For a Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): True Life Blues
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Boxcar Willie: Hobo Heaven
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building
10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill & Patty Loveless: When I Call Your Name
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Have Her
Osborne Brothers: Low and Lonely
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Bill Anderson: Still
11:30: Creamettes
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Among the Opry members scheduled this weekend, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are set for both nights. This weekend will mark the Opry's 7th and 8th shows of the year and Vince will have appeared at 4 of them. A very nice way to start out the year. Joining these 3 on Friday night will be Opry members Bill Anderson, Jesse McReynolds and The Whites. As far as guest artists, we have a host of Opry regulars, along with one who used to be on the Opry quite often but not so much lately. The regulars include J.T. Hodges, Sarah Darling, Jimmy Wayne and The Henningsens, while the other artist is one of my personal favorites, T. Graham Brown.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to those already listed, will include Opry members Montgomery Gentry, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and Stu Phillips. For both Montgomery Gentry and Stu, it will be their first appearances of the year, and for Stu it will be his first time back at the Opry since the birthday weekend in October. What is interesting is that Stu is listed as the only artist besides Connie Smith on the 3rd segment and I have to believe that someone else will be added. Guest artists on Saturday include Greg Bates and Katie Armiger.
Friday January 23
7:00: Connie Smith (host); J.T. Hodges; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Sarah Darling; T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jimmy Wayne
8:45: Vince Gill (host); The Whites; The Henningsens
Saturday January 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Greg Bates; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Katie Arminger
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stu Phillips; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Montgomery Gentry
And now, here is the Grand Ole Opry posted line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of January 22 & 23, 2010:
Friday January 22
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Clay Walker
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Darryl Worley
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Point Of Grace
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Blake Shelton
Saturday January 23
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lorrie Morgan
7:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jack Greene; Chuck Wicks
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ronnie Milsap (host); The Whites; Mike Snider
And from 10 years ago this weekend, January 21 & 22, 2005:
Friday January 21
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers; Amy Dalley
8:00: George Hamilton IV (host); The Whites; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel; Trent Wilmon
9:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Ralph Stanley
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy Wayne
Saturday January 22
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Mel McDaniel; Ralph Stanley
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Montgomery Gentry; Jeff Bates; Julie Roberts
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Billy Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart w/Marvis Staples
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Osborne Brothers; Jeff Bates
10:00: Steve Wariner (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart w/Marvis Staples; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Billy Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol
For this week's featured line-up, it was on Saturday January 25, 1992 that Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou was born in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in North Carolina and Virginia. During the 1960s, she began following the folk movement, artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. She moved to Greenwich Village in 1967 and released her first record in 1969. She spent time touring and recording with Gram Parsons, who passed away in 1973. In 1975, she recorded her first major album, "Pieces of the Sky." Her Hot Band included James Burton, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell and Ricky Skaggs. Over her career, she would have 10 gold albums and has won 12 Grammy Awards. In 2008 she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Emmylou has always worked to preserve the history of country music and it was through her efforts that many of today's fans became familiar with the Louvin Brothers and their music. "If I Could Only Win Your Love", the great Louvin Brothers classic was one of her 27 Top 10 songs.
The night she joined the Opry, Emmylou said, "Music is like food, sustenance. You certainly don't do it for the spotlight. You do it for the amazing exhilaration of singing, the feeling of the music going through you." Emmylou is one of those artists who when they joined the Opry, I thought she "got it" and would be there much more often then she appears. I have seen her at the Opry several times and she always seems to have fun and enjoys herself. She is always well received by the audience. Living in Nashville and with her love of traditional country music, it would be nice if she would appear at the Opry more then just 2 or 3 times a year.
Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday January 25, 1992, the night Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member:
1st show
6:30: Opry Tours
Boxcar Willie (host): Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Movin' On/Gotta Travel On/Night Train to Memphis
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys and Horses; Hobos and Trains
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
4 Guys: Tennessee
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have a License
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You
Osborne Brothers: Nearer My God to Thee
Lorrie Morgan: Except for Monday/Autumn's Not That Cold
Porter Wagoner: Walk Up, Jacob
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vince Gill: Take You Memory With You When You Go/When I Call Your Name/Drifting Too Far From the Shore
Emmylou Harris: Walls of Time/Blue Kentucky Girl
8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe & Tom Ewing: Body and Soul
8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows on the Trail
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
Bill Anderson: Still
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Emmylou Harris: Guitar Town
Emmylou Harris & Vince Gill: If You Needed Me
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company
Wagonmasters: (?)
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Grandpa & Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For a Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): True Life Blues
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Boxcar Willie: Hobo Heaven
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building
10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill & Patty Loveless: When I Call Your Name
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Have Her
Osborne Brothers: Low and Lonely
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Bill Anderson: Still
11:30: Creamettes
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Monday, January 19, 2015
Final Grand Ole Opry Performance for Jimmy Dickens
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the video of the final Opry performance of Jimmy Dickens. This took place on December 20, 2014, the day after his 94th birthday.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 1/16 & 1/17
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 2 very nice shows this weekend with some good artists scheduled.
Saturday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend with Opry members and Hall of Famers Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap on the schedule. After not appearing on the Opry at all last year, it is nice to see Ronnie on the schedule. Let's hope he makes it as the last several times he was scheduled, he did cancel. Joining them, and hosting a segment, will be Craig Morgan. Craig hosted on my last visit to the Opry in December and I thought he did a very nice job. He reminded me of Larry Gatlin, with his energy and the humor he had when introducing his guests. Joining those three will be veteran Opry members Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely and Jesse McReynolds. Guest artists include "Nashville" star Charles Esten, along with the ever popular Mandy Barnett and the bluegrass due Dailey & Vincent, whom I believe would make great Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry also has a good line-up with the newest Opry members Little Big Town scheduled. Joining them will be guest artists Darryl Worley, Restless Heart and Chris Young, who last appeared at the memorial service for Jimmy Dickens. Opry members Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky will be hosting segments.
What is nice as far as I am concerned this weekend is the variety in both shows. In fact, only Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are scheduled both nights. And you have a good mix with the newest Opry member, Little Big Town, along with 50+ year Opry members Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds. There is more modern country with Craig Morgan and Chris Young and classic country with Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Jan Howard. Bluegrass is well represented with Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent, there is comedy with Mike Snider, western music with Riders In The Sky and Hall of Fame members in Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap. In other words, a good weekend for the Opry.
Friday January 16
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Darryl Worley; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Young
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Little Big Town
Saturday January 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mandy Barnett; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jeannie Seely; Jesse McReynolds; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan (host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Ronnie Milsap
For those interested, there was a Ryman concert this past week with Greg Allman. Among those in attendance were Jean Shepard and Jim Ed Brown, both of whom were pictured backstage with Greg. Jean looked a little frail in the photo while Jim Ed look surprisingly good. Nice to see Jim Ed getting out and about.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 15 & 16, 2010:
Friday January 15
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; George Hamilton IV; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stonewall Jackson; Joe Diffie
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Daryle Singletary
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jack Greene; Randy Kohrs
Saturday January 16
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Dierks Bentley
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Dierks Bentley
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2 very nice nights at the Opry that weekend and can you believe that Saturday night featured all Opry members!!
And from 10 years ago this weekend, January 14 & 15, 2005:
Friday January 14
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Marty Stuart
9:30: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; The Whites; Mike Snider
Saturday January 15
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Terri Clark; Blaine Larsen; Jim Ed Brown; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Terri Clark
10:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
11:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Blaine Larsen
For this week's featured line-up, I go back 15 years ago to Saturday January 15, 2000 as it was on this particular night that Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What was interesting was that Ralph was invited the night before to join the cast and the induction was done the following night with Patty Loveless doing the honors. This particular night also featured a rare Opry appearance by Opry member Reba McEntire. No only were these Reba's only Opry appearances for this year, but they would be her last Opry appearances until 2008. Also featured on this particular night were Opry members Trisha Yearwood and Joe Diffie, along with Loretta Lynn who was not even featured on the televised portion. But Loretta was on the Opry the following week and was on the televised portion then. Finally, Bill Walker was recognized for 40 years as an Opry member.
Saturday January 15, 2000:
1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ricochet: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Wabash Cannonball
Joe Diffie: A Night to Remember/Behind Closed Doors
Ralph Stanley: A Man of Constant Sorrow/Little Maggie
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Trisha Yearwood: She's In Love With the Boys/Real Live Woman
Billy Walker: I Love You Because
Reba McEntire: I'd Rather Ride Around With You/What Do You Say/Is There Life Out There
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Osborne Brothers: Some Things We Want to Sing About
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
John Hartford Band: Gentle On My Mind
Loretta Lynn: You're Looking at Country/Coal Miner's Daughter
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough to Do Most Anything
2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
The Whites: Making Believe
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Loretta Lynn: Out of My Head and Back in My Bed/Your Squaw Is on the Warpath/Coal Miner's Daughter
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/She Burned the Little Roadside Tavern Down
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jeannie Seely (host): Sentimental Journey
Ralph Stanley: Think of What You've Done
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Reba McEntire: It's the Fear of Being Alone/What Do You Say/An Honest Heart
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman: Allons A' Lafayette
Trisha Yearwood: She's An All American Girl/Walk Away Joe/Living on the Wrong Side of Memphis
10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: He's All I Got
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Joe Diffie: I Ain't the Quittin' Kind/Ships That Don't Come In
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
11:30: Ryman Video
Charlie Walker (host): Who Will Buy the Wine
John Hartford Band: Love Grown Cold
Ray Pillow: Baby, That's Cold
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off Me Knee and Load the Cannon
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for A Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Saturday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend with Opry members and Hall of Famers Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap on the schedule. After not appearing on the Opry at all last year, it is nice to see Ronnie on the schedule. Let's hope he makes it as the last several times he was scheduled, he did cancel. Joining them, and hosting a segment, will be Craig Morgan. Craig hosted on my last visit to the Opry in December and I thought he did a very nice job. He reminded me of Larry Gatlin, with his energy and the humor he had when introducing his guests. Joining those three will be veteran Opry members Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely and Jesse McReynolds. Guest artists include "Nashville" star Charles Esten, along with the ever popular Mandy Barnett and the bluegrass due Dailey & Vincent, whom I believe would make great Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry also has a good line-up with the newest Opry members Little Big Town scheduled. Joining them will be guest artists Darryl Worley, Restless Heart and Chris Young, who last appeared at the memorial service for Jimmy Dickens. Opry members Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Riders In The Sky will be hosting segments.
What is nice as far as I am concerned this weekend is the variety in both shows. In fact, only Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are scheduled both nights. And you have a good mix with the newest Opry member, Little Big Town, along with 50+ year Opry members Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds. There is more modern country with Craig Morgan and Chris Young and classic country with Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Jan Howard. Bluegrass is well represented with Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent, there is comedy with Mike Snider, western music with Riders In The Sky and Hall of Fame members in Vince Gill and Ronnie Milsap. In other words, a good weekend for the Opry.
Friday January 16
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Darryl Worley; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Young
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Little Big Town
Saturday January 17
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mandy Barnett; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jeannie Seely; Jesse McReynolds; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan (host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Ronnie Milsap
For those interested, there was a Ryman concert this past week with Greg Allman. Among those in attendance were Jean Shepard and Jim Ed Brown, both of whom were pictured backstage with Greg. Jean looked a little frail in the photo while Jim Ed look surprisingly good. Nice to see Jim Ed getting out and about.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 15 & 16, 2010:
Friday January 15
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; George Hamilton IV; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stonewall Jackson; Joe Diffie
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Daryle Singletary
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Jack Greene; Randy Kohrs
Saturday January 16
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Dierks Bentley
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Dierks Bentley
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Emmylou Harris; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Carrie Underwood
2 very nice nights at the Opry that weekend and can you believe that Saturday night featured all Opry members!!
And from 10 years ago this weekend, January 14 & 15, 2005:
Friday January 14
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown
8:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Marty Stuart
9:30: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; The Whites; Mike Snider
Saturday January 15
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
7:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Terri Clark; Blaine Larsen; Jim Ed Brown; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Osborne Brothers; Terri Clark
10:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Patty Griffin; Buddy Miller
11:30: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Blaine Larsen
For this week's featured line-up, I go back 15 years ago to Saturday January 15, 2000 as it was on this particular night that Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What was interesting was that Ralph was invited the night before to join the cast and the induction was done the following night with Patty Loveless doing the honors. This particular night also featured a rare Opry appearance by Opry member Reba McEntire. No only were these Reba's only Opry appearances for this year, but they would be her last Opry appearances until 2008. Also featured on this particular night were Opry members Trisha Yearwood and Joe Diffie, along with Loretta Lynn who was not even featured on the televised portion. But Loretta was on the Opry the following week and was on the televised portion then. Finally, Bill Walker was recognized for 40 years as an Opry member.
Saturday January 15, 2000:
1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ricochet: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Wabash Cannonball
Joe Diffie: A Night to Remember/Behind Closed Doors
Ralph Stanley: A Man of Constant Sorrow/Little Maggie
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Trisha Yearwood: She's In Love With the Boys/Real Live Woman
Billy Walker: I Love You Because
Reba McEntire: I'd Rather Ride Around With You/What Do You Say/Is There Life Out There
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Osborne Brothers: Some Things We Want to Sing About
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
John Hartford Band: Gentle On My Mind
Loretta Lynn: You're Looking at Country/Coal Miner's Daughter
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough to Do Most Anything
2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
The Whites: Making Believe
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Loretta Lynn: Out of My Head and Back in My Bed/Your Squaw Is on the Warpath/Coal Miner's Daughter
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/She Burned the Little Roadside Tavern Down
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jeannie Seely (host): Sentimental Journey
Ralph Stanley: Think of What You've Done
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Reba McEntire: It's the Fear of Being Alone/What Do You Say/An Honest Heart
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman: Allons A' Lafayette
Trisha Yearwood: She's An All American Girl/Walk Away Joe/Living on the Wrong Side of Memphis
10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: He's All I Got
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Joe Diffie: I Ain't the Quittin' Kind/Ships That Don't Come In
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
11:30: Ryman Video
Charlie Walker (host): Who Will Buy the Wine
John Hartford Band: Love Grown Cold
Ray Pillow: Baby, That's Cold
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off Me Knee and Load the Cannon
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for A Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 1/9 & 1/10
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two Opry shows this week; the Friday Night Opry along with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, with both shows at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend and it is nice to see Hal Ketchum back on the Opry schedule. Hal made a couple of Opry appearances over the past several years after being gone from the Opry since 2010 as he has battled some health issues. I know when he made his appearances in 2014 he sounded good. Also joining Hal will be Opry members Del McCoury Band and Vince Gill. I am sure Vince will do some type of tribute to Jimmy Dickens. It is also nice to see a couple of the Opry's veterans, jean Shepard and Jesse McReynolds on the line-up. Guest artists include The Swon Brothers, Kristian Bush, the ever popular Willis Clan, along with Pure Prairie League, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Considering that Vince is hosting the segment on Friday that they are guesting on, I wouldn't be surprised if Vince, an ex-member, joined them.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature, along with Pure Prairie League, guest artists Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Brandon Heath and Deana Carter. Deana has made a number of Opry guest appearances over the past couple of years and has been impressive. Also scheduled, and making her Opry debut, is Mickey Guyton. She is another of the new female artists that has been receiving some notice lately.
As far as Opry hosts this weekend, Jeannie Seely, The Whites and John Conlee are hosting on both nights, along with Vince on Friday and Mike Snider on Saturday.
Friday January 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Swon Brothers; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Hal Ketchum; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Kristian Bush; Pure Prairie League
Saturday January 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Brandon Heath; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Mickey Guyton; Pure Prairie League
Interesting that they have left an empty spot where Jimmy Dickens is traditionally scheduled. I don't know if they have something planned or if someone else, perhaps a surprise guest, will be added.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 8 & 9, 2010:
Friday January 8
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Greg Biffle; George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Danny Gokey
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jamie McMurray; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Miss Sprint Cup; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kyle Petty
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Danny Gokey
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams; Kyle Petty
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Michael Watrip; Hank Williams, Jr.
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Chris Young
Saturday January 9
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The Whites
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Chris Young
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Rodney Crowell
As you can tell by the number of NASCAR drivers that were featured on the Friday shows, it was the annual fan fest for NASCAR that was taking place in Nashville that weekend. You can also tell by looking at the 2 Friday night line-ups that the 2nd show was the better of the two that night.
And from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 7 & 8, 2005:
Friday January 7
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Pinmonkey
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Brad Cotter
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Chely Wright
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; BR549
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Riders In The Sky; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Martina McBride
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Chely Wright
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; BR549
Finally, from 20 years ago, Saturday January 7, 1995. This was the night of Hank Snow's 45th anniversary as an Opry member. You may remember that Hank joined the Opry on January 7, 1950.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Wilma Lee Cooper: Loving You
Bill Monroe: Wheel Hoss/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jan Howard: Under Your Spell Again
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth/Another Bridge to Burn
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Highway 40 Blues
John Conlee: Let the Good Times Roll
Crossmen Quarter: I'm Gonna Take A Trip
The Isaacs: It's Just Like Him/Look Over the Beautiful Fields
Ricky Skaggs: You're Running Wild
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jack Greene: Every Since My Baby Went Away
Jolly Green Giants: Happy Birthday Jack
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
The Whites: There's A Higher Power
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jeannie Seely: Happy Anniversary to Hank/Don't Touch Me
Mike Snider: Black Jack/The Fur Coat
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Jim & Jesse: Headin' West
Oswald: I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Ricky Skaggs: Uncle Pen
Porter Wagoner & Colene Walters: The Last Thing On My Mind
Coleen Walters: Alone With You
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Bill Monroe: Foggy Mountain Breakdown/Sweet Blue Eyed Darling/The Gold Rush
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
The Isaacs: Peace Like A River
George McCormick: Satisfied
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Angeline the Baker/Old Molly Hare/Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Lord the Cannon
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Jack Greene: Forever, My Darling
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Prisoner's Song
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging/When He Leaves You
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
11:30: Cates Pickles
Billy Walker (host): Come A Little Bit Closer
John Conlee: Lady Lay Down/I'm Only In It For the Love
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
And finally, for this week's featured line-up, I have two to share. The first one is from Saturday January 11, 1969 as this was the night that George Jones rejoined the Opry. I have said before that George Jones and his history at the Opry has been most interesting. George originally joined the Opry on August 11, 1956. He stayed around for a few years and left. Then he rejoined in 1969, stayed a few years and left again. He rejoined for a third time in 1973, and this time it stuck and he stayed until he passed away last year. Not that all of this mattered very much as George was rarely at the Opry. In an interesting side note, Mel Tillis was introduced as a member of the Opry the same night. Yet, as we know from the Opry's history, when Mel was inducted as a member of the Opry in 2007, it was never acknowledged that Mel had ever actually joined the show. Mel was around long enough to make an edition of the Opry's Picture History Book. The thinking is that he was announced as a new member, and decided pretty much after the fact that he really didn't want to commit to the Opry. By 2007, and with the help of his daughter Pam, Mel was ready to get back on board.
Here is the Opry running order from Saturday January 11, 1969, when George Jones rejoined the Opry for the 2nd time and Mel Tillis was introduced as an Opry member the first time:
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Take Him Fishing
Billy Grammer: Mabel
George Morgan: Little Green Apples
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Margie Bowes: I Still Miss Someone
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
4 Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Tex Ritter: A Funny Thing Happened to me on the Way to Miami
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): w/Paul Warren: Black Eyed Susie
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lot More Happiness
Loretta Lynn: Fist City
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
George Jones: I'll Be Over You (When the Grass Grows Over Me)
Flatt & Scruggs: I Be Your Baby Tonight
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: Virginia Darling
Dottie West: Reno
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: Warm and Tender Love
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): Carroll County Accident
Mel Tillis: I Wish I Felt This Way At Home
Jim & Jesse: When the Snow Is On the Roses
Dolly Parton: In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Glaser Brothers: One of These Days
Bobby Lord: Yesterday's Letters
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom of the Sea
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Miami
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me
George Morgan: Wichita Lineman
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Margie Bowes: All the World Is Lonely Now
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Folsom Prison Blues
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Loretta Lynn: Woman of the World
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy, Neighbor Howdy
Mel Tillis: Who's Julie
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
Bill Monroe: The Gold Rush
Dolly Parton: Just Because I'm A Woman
Joe Greene: Katy Hill
Bob Luman: Memphis
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Sam McGee: Wheels
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/Then I Turned and Walked Slowly Away/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Jim & Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Love Took My Heart and Smashed That Sucker Flat
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
As with many shows of that era, I don't think there were many complaints.
The final featured line-up is from Saturday January 9, 1999 as this was the night of Boxcar Willie's final Grand Ole Opry appearances. Boxcar had joined the Opry in 1981 and for the most part, was a pretty loyal member. He balanced his Opry appearances while at the same time performing at his theater in Branson, where he was one of the first country music stars to establish roots there. In 1996 he became ill with leukemia, and as a result of the illness and treatments, his personal appearances, along with those at the Opry, dropped off. In fact, the shows that Boxcar did on this particular weekend were the only shows he did in 1999, and he passed away in April in Branson.
Here is the running order for the final Boxcar Willie shows at the Opry, Saturday January 9, 1999:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Skeeter Davis: I Go to the Rock
Jimmy C Newman: Bajou Blues/Cajun Stripper
6:45: Opry Book
Ricky Skaggs (host): A Pig in A Pen
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ricky Skaggs: Boston Boy
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Jan Howard: The Unclouded Day
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Distant Drums
Porter Wagoner: One Way Ticket to the Blues/Ol' Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Lorrie Morgan (host): I'm Looking For Something In Red
Oswald: Euneta
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball/The Great Speckled Bird
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love
Lorrie Morgan & Jim Ed Brown: Near You
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Riders In The Sky: Cowboy Camp Meeting
Daryle Singletary: You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jim & Jesse: You Are the One
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Mike Snider: Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You
2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love/Achy Breaky Heart
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jack Greene (host): Highway to the Sky
Holly Dunn: We've Got the Love
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
10:15: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Daryle Singletary: Forever and Always/Yesterday's Wine
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know You're Gone
10:30: Epiphone
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Bound to Ride
10:45: Jogging In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Bell Cove Breakdown
John Conlee: The Backside of Thirty
Orpy Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Jan Howard: Too Many Teardrops Too Late
Billy Walker: I Spend A Lot of Lonely Nights These Days
Vince Gill: Don't Come Cryin' To Me/Which Bridge to Cross; Which Bridge to Burn
Bill Anderson: Before
11:30: Opry Tickets
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Riders In The Sky: Jingle; Jangle; Jingle
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All the Time
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Johnny Russell: Red Necks; White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer
Some very nice Opry shows on this list and what memories when you look back.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Friday looks like the better of the two nights this weekend and it is nice to see Hal Ketchum back on the Opry schedule. Hal made a couple of Opry appearances over the past several years after being gone from the Opry since 2010 as he has battled some health issues. I know when he made his appearances in 2014 he sounded good. Also joining Hal will be Opry members Del McCoury Band and Vince Gill. I am sure Vince will do some type of tribute to Jimmy Dickens. It is also nice to see a couple of the Opry's veterans, jean Shepard and Jesse McReynolds on the line-up. Guest artists include The Swon Brothers, Kristian Bush, the ever popular Willis Clan, along with Pure Prairie League, who is also scheduled for Saturday night. Considering that Vince is hosting the segment on Friday that they are guesting on, I wouldn't be surprised if Vince, an ex-member, joined them.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature, along with Pure Prairie League, guest artists Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Brandon Heath and Deana Carter. Deana has made a number of Opry guest appearances over the past couple of years and has been impressive. Also scheduled, and making her Opry debut, is Mickey Guyton. She is another of the new female artists that has been receiving some notice lately.
As far as Opry hosts this weekend, Jeannie Seely, The Whites and John Conlee are hosting on both nights, along with Vince on Friday and Mike Snider on Saturday.
Friday January 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Swon Brothers; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Hal Ketchum; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; The Willis Clan
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Kristian Bush; Pure Prairie League
Saturday January 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Brandon Heath; Deana Carter
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Mickey Guyton; Pure Prairie League
Interesting that they have left an empty spot where Jimmy Dickens is traditionally scheduled. I don't know if they have something planned or if someone else, perhaps a surprise guest, will be added.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago this weekend, January 8 & 9, 2010:
Friday January 8
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Greg Biffle; George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Danny Gokey
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jamie McMurray; Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Miss Sprint Cup; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Kyle Petty
2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Danny Gokey
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams; Kyle Petty
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Michael Watrip; Hank Williams, Jr.
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Chris Young
Saturday January 9
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; The Whites
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Jesse McReynolds; Chris Young
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; Rodney Crowell
As you can tell by the number of NASCAR drivers that were featured on the Friday shows, it was the annual fan fest for NASCAR that was taking place in Nashville that weekend. You can also tell by looking at the 2 Friday night line-ups that the 2nd show was the better of the two that night.
And from 10 years ago, the weekend of January 7 & 8, 2005:
Friday January 7
7:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Pinmonkey
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Brad Cotter
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Craig Morgan
Saturday January 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Chely Wright
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; BR549
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Riders In The Sky; Martina McBride
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Martina McBride
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Chely Wright
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); George Hamilton IV; Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; BR549
Finally, from 20 years ago, Saturday January 7, 1995. This was the night of Hank Snow's 45th anniversary as an Opry member. You may remember that Hank joined the Opry on January 7, 1950.
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
Wilma Lee Cooper: Loving You
Bill Monroe: Wheel Hoss/Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Jan Howard: Under Your Spell Again
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth/Another Bridge to Burn
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Highway 40 Blues
John Conlee: Let the Good Times Roll
Crossmen Quarter: I'm Gonna Take A Trip
The Isaacs: It's Just Like Him/Look Over the Beautiful Fields
Ricky Skaggs: You're Running Wild
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jack Greene: Every Since My Baby Went Away
Jolly Green Giants: Happy Birthday Jack
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
The Whites: There's A Higher Power
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Conscience, I'm Guilty
Jim Ed Brown: Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away/Gone at Last
Jeannie Seely: Happy Anniversary to Hank/Don't Touch Me
Mike Snider: Black Jack/The Fur Coat
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Jim & Jesse: Headin' West
Oswald: I'll Be All Smiles Tonight
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Ricky Skaggs: Uncle Pen
Porter Wagoner & Colene Walters: The Last Thing On My Mind
Coleen Walters: Alone With You
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind
10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Bill Monroe: Foggy Mountain Breakdown/Sweet Blue Eyed Darling/The Gold Rush
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
The Isaacs: Peace Like A River
George McCormick: Satisfied
10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Angeline the Baker/Old Molly Hare/Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Lord the Cannon
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
10:45: Fairfield Communities
Bill Anderson (host): I Get the Fever
Jack Greene: Forever, My Darling
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Golden Slippers
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Prisoner's Song
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging/When He Leaves You
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
11:30: Cates Pickles
Billy Walker (host): Come A Little Bit Closer
John Conlee: Lady Lay Down/I'm Only In It For the Love
Johnny Russell: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
And finally, for this week's featured line-up, I have two to share. The first one is from Saturday January 11, 1969 as this was the night that George Jones rejoined the Opry. I have said before that George Jones and his history at the Opry has been most interesting. George originally joined the Opry on August 11, 1956. He stayed around for a few years and left. Then he rejoined in 1969, stayed a few years and left again. He rejoined for a third time in 1973, and this time it stuck and he stayed until he passed away last year. Not that all of this mattered very much as George was rarely at the Opry. In an interesting side note, Mel Tillis was introduced as a member of the Opry the same night. Yet, as we know from the Opry's history, when Mel was inducted as a member of the Opry in 2007, it was never acknowledged that Mel had ever actually joined the show. Mel was around long enough to make an edition of the Opry's Picture History Book. The thinking is that he was announced as a new member, and decided pretty much after the fact that he really didn't want to commit to the Opry. By 2007, and with the help of his daughter Pam, Mel was ready to get back on board.
Here is the Opry running order from Saturday January 11, 1969, when George Jones rejoined the Opry for the 2nd time and Mel Tillis was introduced as an Opry member the first time:
7:30: Standard Candy
Tex Ritter (host): Take Him Fishing
Billy Grammer: Mabel
George Morgan: Little Green Apples
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Margie Bowes: I Still Miss Someone
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
4 Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Tex Ritter: A Funny Thing Happened to me on the Way to Miami
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): w/Paul Warren: Black Eyed Susie
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lot More Happiness
Loretta Lynn: Fist City
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
George Jones: I'll Be Over You (When the Grass Grows Over Me)
Flatt & Scruggs: I Be Your Baby Tonight
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: Virginia Darling
Dottie West: Reno
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: Warm and Tender Love
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
9:00: Luzianne
Porter Wagoner (host): Carroll County Accident
Mel Tillis: I Wish I Felt This Way At Home
Jim & Jesse: When the Snow Is On the Roses
Dolly Parton: In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back to Louisiana
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Glaser Brothers: One of These Days
Bobby Lord: Yesterday's Letters
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Marion Worth: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom of the Sea
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Miami
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me
George Morgan: Wichita Lineman
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Margie Bowes: All the World Is Lonely Now
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Folsom Prison Blues
George Jones & Brenda Carter: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Loretta Lynn: Woman of the World
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy, Neighbor Howdy
Mel Tillis: Who's Julie
10:45: Kent
Roy Acuff (host): Low and Lonely
Bill Monroe: The Gold Rush
Dolly Parton: Just Because I'm A Woman
Joe Greene: Katy Hill
Bob Luman: Memphis
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End of the Street
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: The Birds are Back
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: Old Doc Brown
Sam McGee: Wheels
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Glaser Brothers (host): Release Me/Then I Turned and Walked Slowly Away/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Jim & Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Love Took My Heart and Smashed That Sucker Flat
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
As with many shows of that era, I don't think there were many complaints.
The final featured line-up is from Saturday January 9, 1999 as this was the night of Boxcar Willie's final Grand Ole Opry appearances. Boxcar had joined the Opry in 1981 and for the most part, was a pretty loyal member. He balanced his Opry appearances while at the same time performing at his theater in Branson, where he was one of the first country music stars to establish roots there. In 1996 he became ill with leukemia, and as a result of the illness and treatments, his personal appearances, along with those at the Opry, dropped off. In fact, the shows that Boxcar did on this particular weekend were the only shows he did in 1999, and he passed away in April in Branson.
Here is the running order for the final Boxcar Willie shows at the Opry, Saturday January 9, 1999:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Skeeter Davis: I Go to the Rock
Jimmy C Newman: Bajou Blues/Cajun Stripper
6:45: Opry Book
Ricky Skaggs (host): A Pig in A Pen
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ricky Skaggs: Boston Boy
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Jan Howard: The Unclouded Day
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Distant Drums
Porter Wagoner: One Way Ticket to the Blues/Ol' Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Lorrie Morgan (host): I'm Looking For Something In Red
Oswald: Euneta
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball/The Great Speckled Bird
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love
Lorrie Morgan & Jim Ed Brown: Near You
8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Riders In The Sky: Cowboy Camp Meeting
Daryle Singletary: You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still
8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jim & Jesse: You Are the One
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Mike Snider: Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You
2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Boxcar Willie: Wabash Cannonball
Billy Ray Cyrus: A Busy Man/Shot Full of Love/Achy Breaky Heart
10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jack Greene (host): Highway to the Sky
Holly Dunn: We've Got the Love
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
10:15: Opry Book
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Daryle Singletary: Forever and Always/Yesterday's Wine
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know You're Gone
10:30: Epiphone
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Bound to Ride
10:45: Jogging In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Bell Cove Breakdown
John Conlee: The Backside of Thirty
Orpy Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Jan Howard: Too Many Teardrops Too Late
Billy Walker: I Spend A Lot of Lonely Nights These Days
Vince Gill: Don't Come Cryin' To Me/Which Bridge to Cross; Which Bridge to Burn
Bill Anderson: Before
11:30: Opry Tickets
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Riders In The Sky: Jingle; Jangle; Jingle
Jim & Jesse: Gosh, I Miss You All the Time
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Johnny Russell: Red Necks; White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer
Some very nice Opry shows on this list and what memories when you look back.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!