I can't believe that we are entering the final month of summer. Where did it go? I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and as I do each month, here are the important and historical events that have taken place in the month of August, regarding the Grand Ole Opry or Opry members, past and present.
August 22, 1910: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry star, Rod Brasfield was born in Smithville, Mississippi. Rod joined the Opry in the late 1940's and was famous for his comedy routines with Minnie Pearl and June Carter, among others. Rod was a member of the Opry until he passed away in September 1958.
August 30, 1919: Muriel Ellen Deason, known professionally as Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. Kitty and her husband, Johnny Wright, were Opry members from the early 1950's until they left the show in December 1964 over a dispute regarding booking fees. Although she left the Opry cast, Kitty would come back and make guest appearances on the show, and some reports say that in her later years she asked to rejoin the Opry, however that request was denied. Kitty passed away in July 2012.
August 8, 1921: Webb Pierce was born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Webb first appeared on the Opry in 1952, and joined the cast for a brief period of time. However, he said that he quickly figured out how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights and decided to leave. In 2001, Webb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
August 28, 1925: Billy Grammer was born in Benton, Illinois. Billy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 and would remain an Opry member until his death in August 2011.
August 12, 1927: The Wagonmaster himself, Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Missouri. Porter came to the Opry from the Ozark Jubilee in 1957 and would remain a very popular Opry member until his death in October 2007, just after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member. During his Hall of Fame career, Porter had over 80 singles on the country music charts and was instrumental in helping a number of country music stars with their careers including Dolly Parton, Norma Jean, Mel Tillis, Buck Trent and Patty Loveless, among others.
August 29, 1927: Jimmy C Newman was born in High Point, Louisiana. Jimmy joined the Opry in August 1956 and Jimmy with his Cajun band were popular members of the cast. Jimmy remained an Opry member until passing away in June 2014.
August 4, 1931: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. After the Opry moved to Opryland and the new Grand Ole Opry House, Hal was asked by newly promoted Opry general manager Bud Wendell to come and help him out and soon Hal was in charge of the Opry. In 1978, he received the official title as general manager of the Opry and held that position for the next 15 years. It was under Hal's direction that many of the appearance requirements were relaxed and as a result, he offered membership to a number of artists including Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. Hal passed away in March 2009.
August 20, 1935: Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. Justin would follow in the footsteps of his famous father, Ernest, and become a very successful country music singer and writer. He joined the Opry in 1955 at the age of 20, which at the time made his the Opry's youngest member. Justin remained with the Opry until his sudden death in January 1998.
August 14, 1941: Constance June Meador, known to all of us as Connie Smith, was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Connie joined the Opry in 1965, left for a few years, and then returned for good. Last year, she celebrated 50 years as a member of the Opry. And who besides me cannot believe that Connie will be turning 75? And she sounds as good as ever.
August 11, 1946: John Conlee was born in Versallies, Kentucky. John has been a member of the Opry since 1981, and he remains a very active member of the cast.
August 11, 1952: Hank Williams was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry manager Jim Denny. Hank had always hoped to return as a member of the Opry, however Hank's behavior was detrimental to the show and he was not allowed to return. Even though Hank has been dead for over 60 years, there are those who still feel he should be reinstated.
August 16, 1952: Grandpa Jones rejoined the cast of the Opry. Grandpa first joined the Opry in the 1940's, however he left Nashville for a number of years.
August 29, 1953: Cousin Jody officially joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry as a solo member. Jody first came to the Opry in 1938 as part of Roy Acuff's group, and he also performed with Pee Wee King and Eddy Arnold. While he appeared many times as a solo artist on the Opry, he also appeared many times with Lonzo & Oscar. While noted as a comedian, he was equally famous as a dobro player and it was actually Jody who first brought the dobro to the Opry stage and helped to create the famous Acuff sound. Cousin Jody stayed as a member of the Opry until the early 1970's, when health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in August 1975.
August 14, 1954: Ernest Tubb took a leave of absence from the Opry. He was gone for a couple of months, returning to the Opry in November. What was strange about the leave of absence from the Opry was the fact that he still hosted the Midnight Jamboree each week. It was at the time that health issues was the reason behind his leave.
August 28, 1954: Stringbean, or "String Beans" as he was referred to during this period of time, left the cast of the Opry to join the Ramblin' Tommy Scott Show. After a short period of time, Stringbean returned to the cast and remained an Opry member until his death in November 1973.
August 4, 1956: Jimmy C Newman became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Except for a very brief period when he was absent from the show, Jimmy remained an Opry member until he passed away in 2014. On a side note, when he joined the cast, he was known as Jimmy Newman, with the "C" missing as he had not at that point dedicated himself to the Cajun sound that he would later become famous for.
August 11, 1956: This is the date that George Jones first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The dates have changed over the years as George left the cast several times. Among those other dates, as listed in the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book, are August 4, 1956, January 4, 1969 (he did rejoin on that date after previously leaving the cast), and in the 1979 edition of the book, a 1973 date is listed. Not that it mattered, as George always received a great ovation when he appeared, which sorry to say was not that often.
August 22, 1957: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio, Texas. Holly was an Opry member for a number of years before retiring and leaving Nashville in 2003. After she moved and left the music business, the Opry dropped her as a member.
August 4, 1959: Skeeter Davis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With the exception of a short period of time in the mid 1970's when Skeeter was suspended from the Opry, she would remain an Opry member until her death in September 2004. Her last Opry appearance was in 2002, after which declining health forced her into retirement.
August 26, 1961: Ray Pillow made his debut on the Opry. Ray made a great impression and was invited back, eventually joining the cast in April 1966. Earlier this year, Ray celebrated 50 years as a member of the Opry.
August 10, 1963: The Browns, Jim Ed, Bonnie and Maxine, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Maxine and Bonnie retired in 1967 due to family obligations, Jim Ed continued as a solo member, with Bonnie and Maxine making occasional guest visits. Jim Ed was an Opry member for over 50 years before passing away last year, while Bonnie passed away last month. Last year, The Browns were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
August 23, 1963: Former Opry member Milton Estes died at the age of 49. Milton was originally part of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, serving as the group's announcer.
August 27, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny died from cancer at the age of 52. When he became the Opry's manager, he was the first WSM employee to specifically be given that role. During his time as the Opry's manager, he brought dozen of acts to the show including Webb Pierce, who he would later be his partner in Cedarwood Music Publishing. It was the success of this company that led to Denny leaving the Opry due to a conflict of interest. In 1966, Jim Denny was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
August 8, 1964: The Osborne Brothers, Bobby and Sonny, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While both are still considered Opry members, Sonny retired in 2005 and Bobby continued with his own group, The Rocky Top X-Press. This is also the date that the late Dottie West became a member of the Opry. Dottie passed away in September 1991.
August 14, 1965: Bobby Bare became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby stayed as an Opry member until March 1974, when he quit the cast as the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House.
August 21, 1965: After changing the date several times, this is the date the Opry recognizes as when Connie Smith became a member of the Opry. It has changed a few times over the years, with June being listed for the longest time. What is interesting is that Connie did not appear on the Opry on this date, but actually a month later in September. Regardless, this will be Connie's 51st year as a member of the Opry.
August 28, 1965: After suffering serious injuries in a car accident seven weeks earlier, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage.
August 17, 1967: Charlie Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He came to the Opry after having been a DJ in Texas, turning that gig into a successful recording career. Charlie remained an active Opry member until passing away in September 2008. He was a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.
August 5, 1968: Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark was born in Montreal, Canada. As a Canadian, she would join Hank Snow and Stu Phillips as Opry members from the country up north.
August 12, 1972: David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. David came to Nashville via the Louisiana Hayride and thanks to his signature song, and huge #1 "Almost Persuaded," along with his other hit recordings in the late 1960's, the Opry offered David membership. He remained with the Opry until passing away in November 1993.
August 21, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member Sam McGee died in a tractor accident on his farm in Tennessee. He was 81. Along with his brother Kirk, he first performed on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. During his time on the Opry, he would appear with several different groups including the Dixieliners. Sam was the first Opry member to use an electric guitar on the show, after which George D. Hay told him to put it back in he case, take it home, and not bring it back.
August 11, 1976: Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage after suffering a heart attack in April.
August 11, 1979: Guy Willis of the Willis Brothers made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with brothers Skeeter and Vic, the Willis Brothers joined the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957.
August 7, 1981: B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, he did not remain with the Opry very long, just a couple of years. Opry membership just didn't turn out the way he though it would be.
August 22, 1981: Don Williams made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Don joined the cast in 1976 and much like B.J. Thomas, it just wasn't what Don expected.
August 14, 1982: Opry legend Ernest Tubb made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Suffering from emphysema, Ernest had a difficult time breathing, which made singing very difficult. Not only was this his final Opry appearance, but it was also the final night of Ernest hosting his Midnight Jamboree. After his final Opry appearance, he made one more short final tour in November before retiring and spending his remaining years at home.
August 28, 1982: Just two weeks after the final appearance by Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins performed on the Opry for the final time. Marty had been a fixture as the host of the 11:30 segment of the show. Marty, who suffered from heart issues, would pass away the following December.
August 24, 1984: Rock artist Neil Young made his debut on the Opry stage. While he is best known for his rock performances, Neil has actually written a number of country music songs.
August 22, 1987: Roy Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 29th year as an Opry member. While he is getting up there in age, Roy still sounds great whenever he appears on the Opry.
August 29, 1987: Opry member Archie Campbell passed away in a Knoxville hospital. He had been in declining health, having been dealing with heart issues. Archie joined the Opry in 1958 and achieved some of his greatest success from being a part of the Hee Haw cast. Archie was known for his comedy and story telling, often using one of the Opry's announcers as his straight man. In his later years, Archie would make most of his Opry appearances in the winter months, spending the prime tourist season performing at his theater in Gatlinburg.
August 10, 1991: Vince Gill joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 25th year as an Opry member and on August 13 he will be honored. The night he joined, he was introduced by Roy Acuff. Over the years, Vince has made known his love of the Opry and has encouraged many of his contemporaries to support the show.
August 30, 1991: On her way to the Friday Night Opry, Dottie West was involved in a serious car accident at the entrance to Opryland that would ultimately lead to her passing.
August 31, 1995: Former Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer David Stone passed away at the age of 93. Along with his brother Harry, David help change the focus of the Opry from a regional show into a nationally recognized professional one. He helped to bring such artists as Pee Wee King, Roy Acuff and Eddy Arnold to the show.
August 9, 1996: Hank Snow returned to the Opry for the first time that year. He had been suffering from respiratory issues. He performed three songs that night including the hit, "I Don't Hurt Anymore." Hank would make just several more Opry appearances before retiring the following month.
August 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower died in a Jackson, Mississippi hospital after undergoing open heart surgery. He was 71. Jerry joined the Opry in November 1973 and was the last member to join the cast prior to the Opry's move to the new Grand Ole Opry House.
August 26, 2000: Pam Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Pam's 16th year as an Opry member.
August 18, 2001: The Grand Ole Opry moved their televised portion of the show from TNN to CMT. The first show on CMT was highlighted by Vince Gill, who celebrated 10 years as an Opry member. He was joined on the show that night by Steve Wariner, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy C Newman, Brad Paisley, Elizabeth Cook and Loretta Lynn.
August 10, 2002: During the televised portion of the Opry on CMT, the Dixie Chicks announced that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Personally, I always have thought that the Hall of Fame did an injustice to Porter and Bill by having the Dixie Chicks do the announcement. Nothing against the Dixie Chicks, but I just thought the Hall of Fame should have made a bigger deal out of the announcement than having it done during an Opry show. In Porter's case, the induction was along overdue.
August 23, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves made his final appearance on the Opry. Del entered a period of declining health that led to his retirement from the Opry.
August 31, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 4,000 Saturday night broadcast. The Opry did a tribute to Minnie Pearl that featured Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Steve Wariner.
August 23, 2003: Trace Adkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. On the night of his induction, Ronnie Milsap and Lorrie Morgan did the honors. This will be his 13th year as an Opry member.
August 25, 2010: In a special ceremony, Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens sang, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" as the historic center piece of wood was returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House after being damaged and repaired from the historic flood in May.
August 6, 2011: The Oak Ridge Boys became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry had wanted to Oaks as members for years, but they always turned down the offer due to the heavy touring schedule they always had. Finally, things changed 5 years ago and they accepted. On the night they joined, they performed "Bobbi Sue," "Amazing Grace" and of course, "Elvira.
August 13, 2011: Vince Gill celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, in a show dedicated to Opry member Billy Grammer, who had passed away earlier in the week. Joining Vince that night were Amy Grant, Martina McBride and Emmylou Harris, among others.
August 7, 2014: Earl White, the last living member of the Crook Brothers square dance band passed away. After the passing of Herman Crook, and then Lewis Crook, Earl continued as the fiddle player for the square dancers.
August 8, 2015: Connie Smith is honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Marty Stuart hosted a one-hour segment in her honor that also included Connie singing her signature hit, "One A Day."
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Grand Ole Opry 7/29 & 7/30
As the Grand Ole Opry rolls through summer, the line-ups have been announced for the shows this weekend. The highlight will be on the Friday Night Opry as Opry member Oak Ridge Boys make a return appearance to the Opry stage. They will be joined by Opry members Diamond Rio, Mike Snider and Bobby Osborne, along with segment hosts Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson and Connie Smith. Jeannie, Riders and Connie will also be hosting segments on Saturday night, where they will be joined by Larry Gatlin, without the brothers. Mike Snider also will be back on Saturday, joined by fellow Opry members Jesse McReynolds and The Whites.
Guest artists this weekend have all appeared on the Opry before. Friday night, it will be Keith Anderson, Josh Thompson, William Michael Morgan, and the great Moe Bandy, while on Saturday Smithfield, who have become virtual Opry regulars over the past several weeks, is scheduled, along with Amanda Shires, Craig Wayne Boyd, and two more who have seen the Opry stage many, many, times, Jackie Lee and The Grascals.
That comes out to 12 acts each night, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 7 on Saturday.
Friday July 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Diamond Rio; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keith Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Josh Thompson; Moe Bandy
8:45: Connie Smith (host); William Michael Morgan; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Smithfield; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Amanda Shires; Craig Wayne Boyd
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jackie Lee; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); The Whites; The Grascals
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 29 & 30, 2011:
Friday July 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Bo Bice
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Steve Holy
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Juice Newton
8:45: Pam Tillis (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Ralph Stanley
Saturday July 30
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ralph Stanley; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Loretta Lynn
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 28 & 29, 2006:
Friday July 28
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Josh Gracin
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Chris Young
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Connie Smith; Johnny Lee
Saturday July 29
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Ray Scott
7:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Lane Turner
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Moe Bandy; Heartland
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Charlie Walker; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Lane Turner
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Heartland
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Charlie Louvin; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Moe Bandy; Jimmy Wayne
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Scott
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 27, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene (host); 4 Guys; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
7:30: Jerry Clower (host); George Hamilton IV; Jeannie Seely; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jim Ed Brown; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Jan Howard; Ray Pillow
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Del Reeves; T. Graham Brown
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Charlie Walker (host); 4 Guys
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Roy Drusky; George Hamilton IV; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Ray Pillow; Johnny Russell
To finish up, let's go back 50 years ago this weekend, Saturday July 30, 1966:
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host); Don't Drop It
Calhoun Twins: The Crawdad Song
Billy Grammer: Pennsylvania Polka; I'm Letting You Go
6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Cash on the Barrel Head
Ray Pillow: Take Your Hands Off My Heart
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Spider Wilson: Yakety Axe
7:00: NLAI Co.
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Boots Randolph: Yakety Axe
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby/No Sign of Living
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back in Town
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Grandpa Jones: Oh, Susanna
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Everyone: Gotta Travel On
7:30: Luzianne
Glaser Brothers (host): Teardrops Til Dawn
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jim & Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Stu Phillips: Faded Love
Glaser Brothers: Baby, They're Playing Our Song
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Jim & Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): This Train
Jim Ed Brown: I Found A Taste of Heaven
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: Don't Count on Tomorrow
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Eash Season Changes You
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Cousin Jody: Jody's Chimes
Jim Ed Brown: I'd Just Be Fool Enough
8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Tex Ritter: Remember Us
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Lonzo & Oscar: New River Train
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene; Ever Since My Baby Went Away
Loretta Lynn: When Lonely Hits Your Heart
Tex Ritter: High Noon
9:00: Pet Milk
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Big Man In A Big House
Bill Monroe: There's An Old, Old House
Bob Luman: Almost Persuaded
Curly Fox: T-Model & Trains
Leroy Van Dyke: You Couldn't Get My Love Back
Hank Cochran: Going In Training
Bill Monroe: Uncle Pen
Bob Luman: Memphis
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jim & Jesse: If You've Seen One, You've Seen Them All
June Carter: Tall Loverman
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Ray Pillow: I'd Fight the World
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: The Count Down
10:00: Schick
Jim Ed Brown (host): You Comb Her Hair
Del Wood: Cattle Call
Calhoun Twins: Going to the Dogs With A Bunch of Swinging Cats
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
10:15: Pure
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Skeeter Davis: Foggy Mountain Top
Cousin Jody: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
10:30: Harvey's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): The Sunny Side of the Mountain
Bob Luman :You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Wilma Lee Cooper: Leroy, the Crippled Boy
Stoney Cooper & Vic Jordan: Golden Slippers
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): The Women Make A Fool Out of Me
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Crook Brothers: Greenback Dollar
Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn: We're Not Kids Anymore
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Marion Worth: No One Will Ever Know
Lonzo & Oscar: Things Sure Look Silly Until You Understand
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
Sam McGee: These Boots Are Made for Walking
Hank Snow: Mississippi River Blues
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Tex Ritter: Remember Us
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Minnie Pearl: Columbus Stockade Blues
Don Winters: Annie Lou
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin'
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman; Bouquet of Roses; I Could Never Be Ashamed of You/You Know How Talk Gets Around/Take These Chains from My Heart/Lovesick Blues/Letters Have No Arms
The name that some might night be familiar with from that night were Jack and Jerry Calhoun, who performed as the Calhoun Twins, Yes, they were real twins originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, later moving to Kissimmee, Florida. There is not much information on them, but they began performing at a young age and made several guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. They later owned Show Coaches of America, a tour bus company that leased tour buses to entertainers. While they gave up active performing and touring, as last as 2009 they would still make an occasional appearance in Florida.
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
Guest artists this weekend have all appeared on the Opry before. Friday night, it will be Keith Anderson, Josh Thompson, William Michael Morgan, and the great Moe Bandy, while on Saturday Smithfield, who have become virtual Opry regulars over the past several weeks, is scheduled, along with Amanda Shires, Craig Wayne Boyd, and two more who have seen the Opry stage many, many, times, Jackie Lee and The Grascals.
That comes out to 12 acts each night, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 7 on Saturday.
Friday July 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Diamond Rio; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keith Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Josh Thompson; Moe Bandy
8:45: Connie Smith (host); William Michael Morgan; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Smithfield; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Amanda Shires; Craig Wayne Boyd
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jackie Lee; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); The Whites; The Grascals
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 29 & 30, 2011:
Friday July 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Bo Bice
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Steve Holy
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Juice Newton
8:45: Pam Tillis (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Ralph Stanley
Saturday July 30
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ralph Stanley; Mark Wills; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Loretta Lynn
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 28 & 29, 2006:
Friday July 28
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Josh Gracin
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Chris Young
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Julie Roberts
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Connie Smith; Johnny Lee
Saturday July 29
1st show
6:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Ray Scott
7:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Lane Turner
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Moe Bandy; Heartland
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Charlie Walker; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Lane Turner
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Heartland
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Charlie Louvin; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host); Moe Bandy; Jimmy Wayne
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ray Scott
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 27, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene (host); 4 Guys; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
7:30: Jerry Clower (host); George Hamilton IV; Jeannie Seely; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jim Ed Brown; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Jan Howard; Ray Pillow
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Del Reeves; T. Graham Brown
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Charlie Walker (host); 4 Guys
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Roy Drusky; George Hamilton IV; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Ray Pillow; Johnny Russell
To finish up, let's go back 50 years ago this weekend, Saturday July 30, 1966:
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host); Don't Drop It
Calhoun Twins: The Crawdad Song
Billy Grammer: Pennsylvania Polka; I'm Letting You Go
6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Cash on the Barrel Head
Ray Pillow: Take Your Hands Off My Heart
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Spider Wilson: Yakety Axe
7:00: NLAI Co.
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Boots Randolph: Yakety Axe
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby/No Sign of Living
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back in Town
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Grandpa Jones: Oh, Susanna
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Everyone: Gotta Travel On
7:30: Luzianne
Glaser Brothers (host): Teardrops Til Dawn
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jim & Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Stu Phillips: Faded Love
Glaser Brothers: Baby, They're Playing Our Song
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Jim & Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): This Train
Jim Ed Brown: I Found A Taste of Heaven
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: Don't Count on Tomorrow
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Eash Season Changes You
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Cousin Jody: Jody's Chimes
Jim Ed Brown: I'd Just Be Fool Enough
8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Tex Ritter: Remember Us
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Lonzo & Oscar: New River Train
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene; Ever Since My Baby Went Away
Loretta Lynn: When Lonely Hits Your Heart
Tex Ritter: High Noon
9:00: Pet Milk
Leroy Van Dyke (host): Big Man In A Big House
Bill Monroe: There's An Old, Old House
Bob Luman: Almost Persuaded
Curly Fox: T-Model & Trains
Leroy Van Dyke: You Couldn't Get My Love Back
Hank Cochran: Going In Training
Bill Monroe: Uncle Pen
Bob Luman: Memphis
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jim & Jesse: If You've Seen One, You've Seen Them All
June Carter: Tall Loverman
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Ray Pillow: I'd Fight the World
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: The Count Down
10:00: Schick
Jim Ed Brown (host): You Comb Her Hair
Del Wood: Cattle Call
Calhoun Twins: Going to the Dogs With A Bunch of Swinging Cats
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
10:15: Pure
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Skeeter Davis: Foggy Mountain Top
Cousin Jody: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
10:30: Harvey's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): The Sunny Side of the Mountain
Bob Luman :You Can Take the Boy from the Country
Wilma Lee Cooper: Leroy, the Crippled Boy
Stoney Cooper & Vic Jordan: Golden Slippers
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): The Women Make A Fool Out of Me
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Crook Brothers: Greenback Dollar
Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn: We're Not Kids Anymore
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Marion Worth: No One Will Ever Know
Lonzo & Oscar: Things Sure Look Silly Until You Understand
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
Sam McGee: These Boots Are Made for Walking
Hank Snow: Mississippi River Blues
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Tex Ritter: Remember Us
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Minnie Pearl: Columbus Stockade Blues
Don Winters: Annie Lou
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin'
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman; Bouquet of Roses; I Could Never Be Ashamed of You/You Know How Talk Gets Around/Take These Chains from My Heart/Lovesick Blues/Letters Have No Arms
The name that some might night be familiar with from that night were Jack and Jerry Calhoun, who performed as the Calhoun Twins, Yes, they were real twins originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, later moving to Kissimmee, Florida. There is not much information on them, but they began performing at a young age and made several guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. They later owned Show Coaches of America, a tour bus company that leased tour buses to entertainers. While they gave up active performing and touring, as last as 2009 they would still make an occasional appearance in Florida.
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Mid-Week Opry Shows 7/26 & 7/27
Here are the line-ups for the mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows this coming week:
Tuesday Night Opry 7/26:
7:00: Bill Anderson; Pam Tillis
7:30: Ricky Skaggs; Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
Intermission
8:15: Clare Dunn; Charles Esten
8:45: Brothers Osborne; Charlie Daniels Band
Nice to see half of the artists scheduled are Opry members. This will be the first appearance by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Yes, Hillary is a member of Lady Antebellum, however this is a project she has worked on that has been produced by Ricky Skaggs. This music definitely has a Christian flavor to it.
Wednesday Night Opry 7/27:
7:00: The Whites; Maggie Rose
7:30: Darryl Worley; Kristian Bush
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Tara Thompson
8:45: Eric Paslay; Dailey & Vincent
Just my opinion, but not as strong as the Tuesday line-up and just two Opry members on the schedule.
Tuesday Night Opry 7/26:
7:00: Bill Anderson; Pam Tillis
7:30: Ricky Skaggs; Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
Intermission
8:15: Clare Dunn; Charles Esten
8:45: Brothers Osborne; Charlie Daniels Band
Nice to see half of the artists scheduled are Opry members. This will be the first appearance by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Yes, Hillary is a member of Lady Antebellum, however this is a project she has worked on that has been produced by Ricky Skaggs. This music definitely has a Christian flavor to it.
Wednesday Night Opry 7/27:
7:00: The Whites; Maggie Rose
7:30: Darryl Worley; Kristian Bush
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Tara Thompson
8:45: Eric Paslay; Dailey & Vincent
Just my opinion, but not as strong as the Tuesday line-up and just two Opry members on the schedule.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Grand Ole Opry 7/22 & 7/23
Let me start off my offering my thanks to all of the positive comments that I have received regarding my interview on "64 and more." It ended up as five parts and for those who have not seen it, they have been posted on YouTube, among other media sites. Again, my thanks and I hope everyone enjoyed it.
As to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the line-ups have been posted. While the shows don't have the strongest line-ups that we have seen in the past, they both are pretty solid shows. Grand Ole Opry members appearing on both nights will be John Conlee, Mike Snider, The Whites and Connie Smith. Joining that group on Friday night will be Jesse McReynolds, while on Saturday Pam Tillis, Ray Pillow and Bobby Osborne will be featured. The adds up to five Opry members on Friday night and seven on Saturday. As to the Opry members, it is nice to see another appearance by Pam Tillis and Ray Pillow returning.
Guests this weekend include Dylan Scott, The Swon Brothers, Ashley Campbell, Mo Pitney, Sam Bush and Charles Esten on Friday night. Sam Bush is appearing in support of his new album, "Storyman" and he will be signing copies of his new CD in the Opry Shop after the show. Saturday night will have Ray Scott, a return appearance by Post Monroe, Holly Williams and Jenn Bostic. Finally, T. Graham Brown is scheduled for both nights.
Friday July 22
7:00: John Conlee (host); Dylan Scott; T. Graham Brown
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Swon Brothers; Ashley Campbell
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mo Pitney
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Sam Bush; Charles Esten
Saturday July 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); Ray Scott; Mike Snider
7:30: Pam Tillis (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Post Monroe
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Ray Pillow; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Jenn Bostic; T. Graham Brown
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 22 & 23, 2011:
Friday July 22
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Matt Kennon
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin (host); Jeannie Seely; Monte Warden
8:45: John Conlee (host); Ray Pillow; Josh Turner
Saturday July 23
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Monte Warden
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Point Of Grace
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Holly Williams
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Johnny Rivers; Monte Warden; James Burton
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Point Of Grace
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 21 & 22, 2006:
Friday July 21
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sherrie Austin
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Raul Malo
9:00: Jean Shepard (host); Ralph Stanley; Vince Gill
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Lane Turner; The Grascals
Saturday July 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; John Conlee
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jo Dee Messina; Eric Church; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Paulette Carlson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Raul Malo
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Paulette Carlson
10:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Jo Dee Messina
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Raul Malo
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Eric Church
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 20, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
4 Guys: What'll You Do About Me
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Mike Snider: Puttin' On the Dog
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything/Statue of A Fool
7:30: Standard Candy
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map/Cabin in Gloryland
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take It With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jerry Clower: Comedy
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown: Just For Old Time Sake/The 3 Bells
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time/Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Roy Acuff: My Old Pal of Yesterday
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
8:30: Pips Rite
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Jimmy C Newman: Lafayette
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
Jan Howard: You Belong to Me
Ray Pillow: If I Didn't Have You In My World
Hank Snow: Prisoner's Song
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jack Greene: Our Time
Del Reeves: The Race is On
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take It With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy C Newman (host): Mottland
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait
10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Roy Acuff (host): Home in San Antone
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Roy Acuff: Freight Train Blues
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
10:30: Pet Milk
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
4 Guys: You Are My Reason to Live
Charlie Walker: Waltz Across Texas
10:45: B. C. Powder
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Jerry Clower: Comedy
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Skeeter Davis: He Will be There
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Hank Snow: Little Buddy
11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Bother to Knock
Jan Howard: I Wish I Could Love That Much Again
Ray Pillow: Congratulations; You're Absolutely Right
Johnny Russell: Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
For the "featured" line-up this weekend, I go back to Saturday July 24, 1971 as it was on this date that future Country Music Hall of Fame member Patsy Montana made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Ruby Rose Blevins, known to the world as Patsy Montana was as a singer, songwriter and actress and was the first female country singer to have a million selling single with her hit, "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" which was released in 1935. Her career began in the early 1930's and extended into the 1950's. The vast majority of her career was with the WLS National Barn Dance. In the 1960's, after several years of retirement, she attempted a comeback. By the time she made her first appearance on the Opry, she was 63 and at the tail end of her career. She passed away in 1996, the same year as her Hall of Fame induction.
Here is the running order from 45 years ago, July 24, 1971, the night Patsy Montana made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance, a night that also featured a guest appearance by Johnny Cash, who at the time was at the high point of his great career.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stu Phillips (host): That's the Chance I'll Have to Take
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Connie Eaton: Who's Sorry Now
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee
Merle Kilgore: Honky Tonk Man
6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Murry Kellum: Joy to the World
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down From God
Murry Kellum: Long Tall Texan
7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
4 Guys: Let the Sun Keep Shining
Stan Hitchcock: Free Born Man
Barbara Mandrell: Break My Mind
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is A Soul Man
4 Guys: You Can Tell the World About This
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A Mountain
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Patsy Montana: A Cowboy's Sweetheart
Crook Brothers: 8th of January
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Willis Brothers: High Cost of Living
Patsy Montana: Little Rag Doll
8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Stony Edwards: A $2 Toy
Wilma Burgess: Snowbird
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Stringbean: Y'All Come
Stony Edwards: Po Folks Stick Together
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): In the Misty Moonlight
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Johnny Cash: A Boy Named Sue/Sunday Morning Coming Down
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: No Need to Worry/Jackson
Hank Snow: That's When the Hurting Sets In
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Stu Phillips (host): Let the Guitars Play
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Merle Kilgore: All for the Love of A Girl
Patsy Montana: Sixteen Tons
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
Murry Kellum: Joy to the World
Merle Kilgore: Tiger Woman
10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Johnny Cash: Man in Black
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: If I Were A Carpenter/Help Me Make it Through the Night/No Need to Worry
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues
10:15: Union 76
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Stan Hitchcock: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Stringbean: Ruby
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
10:45: Beech-Nut
4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Maria
Connie Eaton: Who's Sorry Now
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
4 Guys: One Pair of Hands
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Barbara Mandrell: Treat Him Right
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Barbara Mandrell: Rocky Top
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Hank Snow: So Goes My Heart
11:30: Elm Hill
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Stoney Edwards: Today I Started Loving You Again
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Wilma Burgess: Tennessee Waltz
For those keeping track at home, it was a pretty thin night for Opry members as only the following were on: Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Billy Grammer; 4 Guys; Roy Acuff; Willis Brothers; Tex Ritter; Stringbean and Hank Snow, along with the Crook Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers and Sam McGee. That comes out to 12. Today, 12 would be awesome, back then it would have been considered not a great night as most nights in those days featured between 20-25 Opry members.
On a final note, in the interview that I did the subject of Opry members not making appearances came up and one of the names that I mentioned who was really good at getting in her ten appearances per year was Carrie Underwood. Carrie is probably the biggest female country music star touring and recording right now, yet this Opry member has always found time to do the Opry. To follow that up, she has added four more Opry appearances to her schedule as she will be appearing on Wednesday August 10 for two shows and on Friday August 12 for both shows that night. That just happens to be the weekend I am going to be in Nashville as on Saturday August 13 Vince Gill is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Opry. As I have said before, my hats off to Carrie.
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
As to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the line-ups have been posted. While the shows don't have the strongest line-ups that we have seen in the past, they both are pretty solid shows. Grand Ole Opry members appearing on both nights will be John Conlee, Mike Snider, The Whites and Connie Smith. Joining that group on Friday night will be Jesse McReynolds, while on Saturday Pam Tillis, Ray Pillow and Bobby Osborne will be featured. The adds up to five Opry members on Friday night and seven on Saturday. As to the Opry members, it is nice to see another appearance by Pam Tillis and Ray Pillow returning.
Guests this weekend include Dylan Scott, The Swon Brothers, Ashley Campbell, Mo Pitney, Sam Bush and Charles Esten on Friday night. Sam Bush is appearing in support of his new album, "Storyman" and he will be signing copies of his new CD in the Opry Shop after the show. Saturday night will have Ray Scott, a return appearance by Post Monroe, Holly Williams and Jenn Bostic. Finally, T. Graham Brown is scheduled for both nights.
Friday July 22
7:00: John Conlee (host); Dylan Scott; T. Graham Brown
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Swon Brothers; Ashley Campbell
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mo Pitney
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Sam Bush; Charles Esten
Saturday July 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); Ray Scott; Mike Snider
7:30: Pam Tillis (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Post Monroe
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Ray Pillow; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Jenn Bostic; T. Graham Brown
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 22 & 23, 2011:
Friday July 22
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Matt Kennon
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin (host); Jeannie Seely; Monte Warden
8:45: John Conlee (host); Ray Pillow; Josh Turner
Saturday July 23
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Monte Warden
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Point Of Grace
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Holly Williams
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Johnny Rivers; Monte Warden; James Burton
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Point Of Grace
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 21 & 22, 2006:
Friday July 21
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sherrie Austin
8:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Raul Malo
9:00: Jean Shepard (host); Ralph Stanley; Vince Gill
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Lane Turner; The Grascals
Saturday July 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; John Conlee
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Jo Dee Messina; Eric Church; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Paulette Carlson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Raul Malo
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Paulette Carlson
10:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Jo Dee Messina
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jean Shepard; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Raul Malo
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Eric Church
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 20, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
4 Guys: What'll You Do About Me
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Mike Snider: Puttin' On the Dog
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything/Statue of A Fool
7:30: Standard Candy
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map/Cabin in Gloryland
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take It With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jerry Clower: Comedy
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown: Just For Old Time Sake/The 3 Bells
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time/Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Roy Acuff: My Old Pal of Yesterday
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin
8:30: Pips Rite
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Jimmy C Newman: Lafayette
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
Jan Howard: You Belong to Me
Ray Pillow: If I Didn't Have You In My World
Hank Snow: Prisoner's Song
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jack Greene: Our Time
Del Reeves: The Race is On
T. Graham Brown: You Can't Take It With You When It's Gone/The Rock
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy C Newman (host): Mottland
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait
10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Roy Acuff (host): Home in San Antone
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Roy Acuff: Freight Train Blues
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
10:30: Pet Milk
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
4 Guys: You Are My Reason to Live
Charlie Walker: Waltz Across Texas
10:45: B. C. Powder
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Jerry Clower: Comedy
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Skeeter Davis: He Will be There
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Hank Snow: Little Buddy
11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Bother to Knock
Jan Howard: I Wish I Could Love That Much Again
Ray Pillow: Congratulations; You're Absolutely Right
Johnny Russell: Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
For the "featured" line-up this weekend, I go back to Saturday July 24, 1971 as it was on this date that future Country Music Hall of Fame member Patsy Montana made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Ruby Rose Blevins, known to the world as Patsy Montana was as a singer, songwriter and actress and was the first female country singer to have a million selling single with her hit, "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" which was released in 1935. Her career began in the early 1930's and extended into the 1950's. The vast majority of her career was with the WLS National Barn Dance. In the 1960's, after several years of retirement, she attempted a comeback. By the time she made her first appearance on the Opry, she was 63 and at the tail end of her career. She passed away in 1996, the same year as her Hall of Fame induction.
Here is the running order from 45 years ago, July 24, 1971, the night Patsy Montana made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance, a night that also featured a guest appearance by Johnny Cash, who at the time was at the high point of his great career.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stu Phillips (host): That's the Chance I'll Have to Take
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Connie Eaton: Who's Sorry Now
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee
Merle Kilgore: Honky Tonk Man
6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Murry Kellum: Joy to the World
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down From God
Murry Kellum: Long Tall Texan
7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
4 Guys: Let the Sun Keep Shining
Stan Hitchcock: Free Born Man
Barbara Mandrell: Break My Mind
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is A Soul Man
4 Guys: You Can Tell the World About This
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A Mountain
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Patsy Montana: A Cowboy's Sweetheart
Crook Brothers: 8th of January
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Willis Brothers: High Cost of Living
Patsy Montana: Little Rag Doll
8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Stony Edwards: A $2 Toy
Wilma Burgess: Snowbird
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Stringbean: Y'All Come
Stony Edwards: Po Folks Stick Together
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): In the Misty Moonlight
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Johnny Cash: A Boy Named Sue/Sunday Morning Coming Down
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: No Need to Worry/Jackson
Hank Snow: That's When the Hurting Sets In
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Stu Phillips (host): Let the Guitars Play
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Merle Kilgore: All for the Love of A Girl
Patsy Montana: Sixteen Tons
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
Murry Kellum: Joy to the World
Merle Kilgore: Tiger Woman
10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Johnny Cash: Man in Black
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: If I Were A Carpenter/Help Me Make it Through the Night/No Need to Worry
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues
10:15: Union 76
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Stan Hitchcock: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Stringbean: Ruby
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
10:45: Beech-Nut
4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Maria
Connie Eaton: Who's Sorry Now
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
4 Guys: One Pair of Hands
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Barbara Mandrell: Treat Him Right
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Barbara Mandrell: Rocky Top
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Hank Snow: So Goes My Heart
11:30: Elm Hill
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Stoney Edwards: Today I Started Loving You Again
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Wilma Burgess: Tennessee Waltz
For those keeping track at home, it was a pretty thin night for Opry members as only the following were on: Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Billy Grammer; 4 Guys; Roy Acuff; Willis Brothers; Tex Ritter; Stringbean and Hank Snow, along with the Crook Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers and Sam McGee. That comes out to 12. Today, 12 would be awesome, back then it would have been considered not a great night as most nights in those days featured between 20-25 Opry members.
On a final note, in the interview that I did the subject of Opry members not making appearances came up and one of the names that I mentioned who was really good at getting in her ten appearances per year was Carrie Underwood. Carrie is probably the biggest female country music star touring and recording right now, yet this Opry member has always found time to do the Opry. To follow that up, she has added four more Opry appearances to her schedule as she will be appearing on Wednesday August 10 for two shows and on Friday August 12 for both shows that night. That just happens to be the weekend I am going to be in Nashville as on Saturday August 13 Vince Gill is celebrating 25 years as a member of the Opry. As I have said before, my hats off to Carrie.
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Grand Ole Opry 7/15 & 7/16
I wanted to start out with a personal message. Several weeks ago I was interviewed about the Grand Ole Opry by Christina Abt. Her website is christinaabt.com. The interview that Christina did with me was part of a series called "64 and More" in which she is interviewing interesting people with varied interests across the country. She has started posting parts of the interview that I did and if anyone is interested, please check it out. And I would be curious to know what you think. It was a fun experience that i enjoyed and I hope I expressed myself well. For many of you who have never met or talked to me, it will be a chance for you to see what I really look and sound like!!! Please check it out and thanks.
As to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the big news is that this weekend will be Bill Anderson's 55th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bill joined the Opry on Saturday July 15, 1961 and I will have more to say about Bill later in the post. I know a few weeks ago there was discussion as to who the face of the Opry is these days, and Bill is certainly one of the Opry's most important members. While not the Opry's most senior member (that honor goes to Jean Shepard at 60+years), he is certainly right up there.
Joining Bill both nights will be Opry members Connie Smith, John Conlee and Mike Snider. Opry member appearing with Bill, Connie, John and Mike on Friday night will be Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Bobby Osborne and Hall of Fame member Roy Clark. It is nice to see Roy back on the Opry once again, as this will be his 3rd Opry appearance so far this year, which for Roy, is a pretty good number. As far as Saturday night, outside of John, Mike, Connie and Bill, Jesse McReynolds is the only other Opry member scheduled to appear.
Guest artists on Friday night include Merle's son, Marty Haggard, along with Jimmy Wayne, Kalisa Ewing, Keith Anderson and Craig Campbell. Saturday's guests include Jackie Lee, Jim Lauderdale, Amber Digby, singer, songwriter and comedian Mark Lowry, Smithfield, T. Graham Brown and "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson.
Friday July 15
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Jimmy Wayne; Marty Haggard
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keith Anderson
8:45: John Conlee (host); Roy Clark; Craig Campbell
Saturday July 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jackie Lee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Amber Digby; Jonathan Jackson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mark Lowry; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Smithfield; T. Graham Brown
That comes out to 12 acts each night, with 7 Opry members on Friday and just 5 on Saturday.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 15 & 16, 2011:
As to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the big news is that this weekend will be Bill Anderson's 55th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bill joined the Opry on Saturday July 15, 1961 and I will have more to say about Bill later in the post. I know a few weeks ago there was discussion as to who the face of the Opry is these days, and Bill is certainly one of the Opry's most important members. While not the Opry's most senior member (that honor goes to Jean Shepard at 60+years), he is certainly right up there.
Joining Bill both nights will be Opry members Connie Smith, John Conlee and Mike Snider. Opry member appearing with Bill, Connie, John and Mike on Friday night will be Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Bobby Osborne and Hall of Fame member Roy Clark. It is nice to see Roy back on the Opry once again, as this will be his 3rd Opry appearance so far this year, which for Roy, is a pretty good number. As far as Saturday night, outside of John, Mike, Connie and Bill, Jesse McReynolds is the only other Opry member scheduled to appear.
Guest artists on Friday night include Merle's son, Marty Haggard, along with Jimmy Wayne, Kalisa Ewing, Keith Anderson and Craig Campbell. Saturday's guests include Jackie Lee, Jim Lauderdale, Amber Digby, singer, songwriter and comedian Mark Lowry, Smithfield, T. Graham Brown and "Nashville" star Jonathan Jackson.
Friday July 15
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Jimmy Wayne; Marty Haggard
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Keith Anderson
8:45: John Conlee (host); Roy Clark; Craig Campbell
Saturday July 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jackie Lee
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Amber Digby; Jonathan Jackson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jesse McReynolds; Mark Lowry; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Smithfield; T. Graham Brown
That comes out to 12 acts each night, with 7 Opry members on Friday and just 5 on Saturday.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 15 & 16, 2011:
Friday July 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Cleverlys; Matt Kennon
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Randy Montana
Intermission
8:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Michael Grimm
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Restless Heart
Saturday July 16
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; James Wesley
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Ronnie Milsap (host); Riders In The Sky; Darrell McCall; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jon Randall; Alison Krauss
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; James Wesley
10:00: Riders In The Sky (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
10:30: Ronnie Milsap (host); Jan Howard; Darrell McCall; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jon Randell
This was also the night that Bill Anderson celebrated 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 14 & 15, 2006:
Friday July 14
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); John Conlee; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Trent Tomlinson
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; The Whites; Pam Tillis
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Blue Country; Ray Price
Saturday July 15
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Chuck Mead
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Crabb Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Gaither Vocal Band
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Steve Wariner (host); John Conlee; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Daryle Singletary
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeff & Sheri Easter
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Pam Tillis
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Gaither Vocal Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; The Crabb Family
11:30: John Conlee (host); Chuck Mead; Daryle Singletary
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 13, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Boxcar Willie
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Ray Pillow; 4 Guys; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Connie Smith
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Hank Locklin; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Wilma Lee Cooper; Roy Drusky
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Boxcar Willie (host); The Whites
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; Justin Tubb; Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Hank Locklin; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
On Saturday night, Bill Anderson will celebrate 55 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Bill Anderson started his career as a sportswriter and disc jockey in Georgia, but he moved to Nashville in 1958 when Ray Price recorded his song "City Lights" and put it at the top of Billboard magazine's country charts for 13 weeks. Bill soon signed with Decca Records and made his Grand Ole Opry debut just weeks before his 21st birthday, singing his Decca debut, "That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome." Even as Bill had huge hits of his own with songs including "Still," "Po' Folks," "I Love You Drops" and "Bright Lights and Country Music," he continued to write for other artists, too. He discovered Connie Smith at an Ohio talent contest and wrote her debut smash "Once a Day," along with many of her subsequent hits. Many other Opry stars also cut Bill's songs.
"Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Porter Wagoner-these people were so good to me back in those days," says Bill. "Each one of them recorded multiple songs of mine, and we had hits together. It was always great. They would come up and say, 'What have you got new?'" But it wasn't just Opry members recording Bill's tunes. He has written a number of songs now considered country classics, including Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw, Michigan" and Conway Twitty's "I May Never Get to Heaven.
The man the late Opry star Don Gibson called the "sweet singin' songwritin' boy from Georgia joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, but he hasn't been content to rest on his laurels. Since then he has written hits for the likes of Kenny Chesney ("A Lot of Things Different"), and George Strait ("Give It Away"), as well as fellow Opry stars Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss ("Whiskey Lullaby"), with the last two on that list earning the Country Music Association's Song of the Year Award. Bill also continues to record his own popular albums and has recently completed work on his new autobiography. At the age of 78, Bill is one of the most recognized performers on the Grand Ole Opry today.
Here is the line-up from Saturday July 15, 1961, the night Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Ray Price (host); Cowboy Copas; Bill Monroe; Stringbean; Tommy Jackson; Jan Howard
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Dick Flood; Bill Anderson; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Cousin Jake
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Bobby Lord; Archie Campbell; Jordanaires; Margie Bowes; Bob Luman
9:00: Roy Drusky (host); Glaser Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Cousin Jody
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bill Monroe; Johnny Forbes; Lonzo & Oscar; Mary Bee
10:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Jan Howard; Jordanaires
10:15: Bobby Lord (host); Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
10:30: Roy Drusky (host); Margie Bowes; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Glaser Brothers (host); Cousin Jody; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Bob Luman; George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Sam & Kirk McGee; Jordanaires; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Anderson; Skeeter Davis; Dick Flood; Johnny Forbes
There is one more line-up that I wanted to share, just to show how far the Opry has come. Here is the running order from Saturday July 15, 1944, 72 years ago.
8:00: Purina
Bill Monroe: Shady Grove
Curly Williams: Open Up Dem Pearly Gates
Bill Monroe: Party on the Turnpike
Texas Ruby: Freight Train Blues
Daniel Quartette: Keep on the Firing Line
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner's Blues
Uncle Dave Macon: I'm Gonna Leave Here Before Long
Curly Fox: Southern One Eleven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Mississippi Sawyer
Golden West Cowboys: Riding To Glory
Bill Monroe: I Don't Love Nobody
Uncle Dave Macon: Alabamy Bound
Chubby Wise: Here and There
Daniel Quartette: He Set Me Free
8:30: Crazy Water
Paul Howard: With Tears in My Eyes
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: Speak To Me Little Darling
Crook Brothers: Buff Creek Gal
Eddy Arnold: I Don't Want to Be Buried in the Bottom of the Sea
Poe Sisters: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Possum Hunters: Billy Wilson
Zeke Clements: Red Wing
Sam, Kirk, and Goldy: Too Late to Ask for Forgiveness
Gully Jumpers: Cincinnati Twostep
Tommy Thompson: Home on the Range
Uncle Rufus: When the Roses Bloom Again
Paul Howard: The Soldier's Last Letter
9:00: Royal Crown
Golden West Cowboys: John Henry
Georgia Peach Pickers: Old Rattler
Ernest Tubb: Tomorrow Never Comes
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Paty on the Turnpike
Becky Barfield: Chime Bells
Curly Fox: Whoa Mule Whoa
Peach Pickers: Dragging the Bow
Ernest Tubb: With Tears in My Eyes
Golden West Cowboys: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Golden West Cowboys: Soldier's Joy
9:30: Prince Albert
Roy Acuff: Good Old Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Minnie Pearl: Coming Round the Mountain
Jimmy Riddle: Bye Bye Blues
Old Hickory Singer: When It's Lamp Lighting Time
Eddy Arnold: I'll Be the Same
Whitey Ford, The Duke of Paducah: Jokes
Rachel and Oswald: Fire Ball Mail
Mack McGarr: Twelfth Street Rag
Roy Acuff: Hold to God's Unchanging Hand
Square Dancers: Soldier's Joy
10:00: Wallrite
Clyde Moody: I Was Wrong
Sally Ann: Sweet as the Flowers in May
Blue Grass Quartette: The Old Country Church
String Beans: Banjo Picking Gal
10:15: Weather House
Curly Williams: I Told Them All About You
Uncle Dave Macon: I Intend to Make Heaven My Home
Tommy Thompson: Song of the Bandit
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out of the Mud
Curly Williams: There's a New Blue-Eyed Angel in Heaven
Uncle Dave Macon: Come Dearest
Possum Hunters: Miss Sally
10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: House in San Antone
Roy Acuff: Life's Railway to Heaven
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: Tears on My Pillow
Rachel and Oswald: Curly Headed Baby
Jimmy Riddle: Sitting on Top of the World
10:45: Laxyu
Eddie Arnold: Each Minute Seems a Million Years
Daniel Quartette: I Read it in the Book of Revelation
Crook Brothers: Tennessee Wagoner
Eddy Arnold: you Must Walk the Line
Daniel Quartette: I've Found a Hiding Place
Gully Jumpers: Flop-Eared Mule
11:00: Roy Acuff Song Book
Roy Acuff: Easy Rocking Chair
Roy Acuff: We Planted Roses on Our Darling's Grave
Uncle Rufus: Midnight Special
Rachel and Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Jimmy Riddle: Ragging the Rails
11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Ernest Tubb: I've Lived a Lie
Ernest Tubb: Blue Bonnet Lane
Sam, Kirk, and Goldy: Fireball Mail
Ernest Tubb: That's When It's Coming Home To You
11:30: Saf-Kill
Golden West Cowboys: My Little Rooster
Texas Ruby and Curly Fox: There's Someone More Lonesome Than You
Golden West Cowboys: Mother I Thank You for the Bible You Gave Me
Curly Fox: Orange Blossom Special
Georgie Haven: My Confession
11:45: Wild Root
Paul Howard: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
Poe Sisters: Echoes From the Hills
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Rocky Mountain
Zeke Clements: I'll Take Her Back
Paul Howard: Blues on My Mind
There you have it. A lot of the early Opry members and hopefully a few memories.
Congratulations once again to Bill Anderson for 55 years of Opry membership and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jeff & Sheri Easter
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Pam Tillis
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Gaither Vocal Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jack Greene; The Crabb Family
11:30: John Conlee (host); Chuck Mead; Daryle Singletary
Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday July 13, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Boxcar Willie
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Ray Pillow; 4 Guys; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Connie Smith
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Hank Locklin; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Wilma Lee Cooper; Roy Drusky
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle
10:30: Boxcar Willie (host); The Whites
10:45: Jack Greene (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; Justin Tubb; Connie Smith; Osborne Brothers
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Hank Locklin; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell
On Saturday night, Bill Anderson will celebrate 55 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Bill Anderson started his career as a sportswriter and disc jockey in Georgia, but he moved to Nashville in 1958 when Ray Price recorded his song "City Lights" and put it at the top of Billboard magazine's country charts for 13 weeks. Bill soon signed with Decca Records and made his Grand Ole Opry debut just weeks before his 21st birthday, singing his Decca debut, "That's What It's Like to Be Lonesome." Even as Bill had huge hits of his own with songs including "Still," "Po' Folks," "I Love You Drops" and "Bright Lights and Country Music," he continued to write for other artists, too. He discovered Connie Smith at an Ohio talent contest and wrote her debut smash "Once a Day," along with many of her subsequent hits. Many other Opry stars also cut Bill's songs.
"Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Porter Wagoner-these people were so good to me back in those days," says Bill. "Each one of them recorded multiple songs of mine, and we had hits together. It was always great. They would come up and say, 'What have you got new?'" But it wasn't just Opry members recording Bill's tunes. He has written a number of songs now considered country classics, including Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw, Michigan" and Conway Twitty's "I May Never Get to Heaven.
The man the late Opry star Don Gibson called the "sweet singin' songwritin' boy from Georgia joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, but he hasn't been content to rest on his laurels. Since then he has written hits for the likes of Kenny Chesney ("A Lot of Things Different"), and George Strait ("Give It Away"), as well as fellow Opry stars Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss ("Whiskey Lullaby"), with the last two on that list earning the Country Music Association's Song of the Year Award. Bill also continues to record his own popular albums and has recently completed work on his new autobiography. At the age of 78, Bill is one of the most recognized performers on the Grand Ole Opry today.
Here is the line-up from Saturday July 15, 1961, the night Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Ray Price (host); Cowboy Copas; Bill Monroe; Stringbean; Tommy Jackson; Jan Howard
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Dick Flood; Bill Anderson; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Cousin Jake
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Bobby Lord; Archie Campbell; Jordanaires; Margie Bowes; Bob Luman
9:00: Roy Drusky (host); Glaser Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Cousin Jody
9:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bill Monroe; Johnny Forbes; Lonzo & Oscar; Mary Bee
10:00: Flatt & Scruggs (host); Jan Howard; Jordanaires
10:15: Bobby Lord (host); Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
10:30: Roy Drusky (host); Margie Bowes; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Glaser Brothers (host); Cousin Jody; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Bob Luman; George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Sam & Kirk McGee; Jordanaires; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Anderson; Skeeter Davis; Dick Flood; Johnny Forbes
There is one more line-up that I wanted to share, just to show how far the Opry has come. Here is the running order from Saturday July 15, 1944, 72 years ago.
8:00: Purina
Bill Monroe: Shady Grove
Curly Williams: Open Up Dem Pearly Gates
Bill Monroe: Party on the Turnpike
Texas Ruby: Freight Train Blues
Daniel Quartette: Keep on the Firing Line
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner's Blues
Uncle Dave Macon: I'm Gonna Leave Here Before Long
Curly Fox: Southern One Eleven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Mississippi Sawyer
Golden West Cowboys: Riding To Glory
Bill Monroe: I Don't Love Nobody
Uncle Dave Macon: Alabamy Bound
Chubby Wise: Here and There
Daniel Quartette: He Set Me Free
8:30: Crazy Water
Paul Howard: With Tears in My Eyes
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: Speak To Me Little Darling
Crook Brothers: Buff Creek Gal
Eddy Arnold: I Don't Want to Be Buried in the Bottom of the Sea
Poe Sisters: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Possum Hunters: Billy Wilson
Zeke Clements: Red Wing
Sam, Kirk, and Goldy: Too Late to Ask for Forgiveness
Gully Jumpers: Cincinnati Twostep
Tommy Thompson: Home on the Range
Uncle Rufus: When the Roses Bloom Again
Paul Howard: The Soldier's Last Letter
9:00: Royal Crown
Golden West Cowboys: John Henry
Georgia Peach Pickers: Old Rattler
Ernest Tubb: Tomorrow Never Comes
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Paty on the Turnpike
Becky Barfield: Chime Bells
Curly Fox: Whoa Mule Whoa
Peach Pickers: Dragging the Bow
Ernest Tubb: With Tears in My Eyes
Golden West Cowboys: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Golden West Cowboys: Soldier's Joy
9:30: Prince Albert
Roy Acuff: Good Old Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Minnie Pearl: Coming Round the Mountain
Jimmy Riddle: Bye Bye Blues
Old Hickory Singer: When It's Lamp Lighting Time
Eddy Arnold: I'll Be the Same
Whitey Ford, The Duke of Paducah: Jokes
Rachel and Oswald: Fire Ball Mail
Mack McGarr: Twelfth Street Rag
Roy Acuff: Hold to God's Unchanging Hand
Square Dancers: Soldier's Joy
10:00: Wallrite
Clyde Moody: I Was Wrong
Sally Ann: Sweet as the Flowers in May
Blue Grass Quartette: The Old Country Church
String Beans: Banjo Picking Gal
10:15: Weather House
Curly Williams: I Told Them All About You
Uncle Dave Macon: I Intend to Make Heaven My Home
Tommy Thompson: Song of the Bandit
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out of the Mud
Curly Williams: There's a New Blue-Eyed Angel in Heaven
Uncle Dave Macon: Come Dearest
Possum Hunters: Miss Sally
10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: House in San Antone
Roy Acuff: Life's Railway to Heaven
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: Tears on My Pillow
Rachel and Oswald: Curly Headed Baby
Jimmy Riddle: Sitting on Top of the World
10:45: Laxyu
Eddie Arnold: Each Minute Seems a Million Years
Daniel Quartette: I Read it in the Book of Revelation
Crook Brothers: Tennessee Wagoner
Eddy Arnold: you Must Walk the Line
Daniel Quartette: I've Found a Hiding Place
Gully Jumpers: Flop-Eared Mule
11:00: Roy Acuff Song Book
Roy Acuff: Easy Rocking Chair
Roy Acuff: We Planted Roses on Our Darling's Grave
Uncle Rufus: Midnight Special
Rachel and Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Jimmy Riddle: Ragging the Rails
11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Ernest Tubb: I've Lived a Lie
Ernest Tubb: Blue Bonnet Lane
Sam, Kirk, and Goldy: Fireball Mail
Ernest Tubb: That's When It's Coming Home To You
11:30: Saf-Kill
Golden West Cowboys: My Little Rooster
Texas Ruby and Curly Fox: There's Someone More Lonesome Than You
Golden West Cowboys: Mother I Thank You for the Bible You Gave Me
Curly Fox: Orange Blossom Special
Georgie Haven: My Confession
11:45: Wild Root
Paul Howard: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
Poe Sisters: Echoes From the Hills
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Rocky Mountain
Zeke Clements: I'll Take Her Back
Paul Howard: Blues on My Mind
There you have it. A lot of the early Opry members and hopefully a few memories.
Congratulations once again to Bill Anderson for 55 years of Opry membership and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!