Grand Ole Opry 8/12 & 8/13

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry and there are two shows each night. The big event on Friday night will be Carrie Underwood appearing once again on the Opry, and scheduled for both shows. Adding it all up, this will make 10 Opry appearances so far in 2016 for Carrie, who is also doing a nationwide tour. As I have said in the past, I have always admired Carrie's commitment to the Opry. Joining Carrie on Friday will be another Opry member, one who we don't see very often on the Opry any more, and that is Marty Stuart. For Marty, this will be just his 2nd solo appearance this year. He will be hosting the closing segment on each show. Other Opry members scheduled are Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith, both of whom will be hosting segments, along with Bobby Osborne on the first show and Jesse McReynolds on the second. 

As far as non-Opry members on Friday, they are all names who have appeared on the Opry previously. Daryle Singletary, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Lauren Alaina, Lee Greenwood and Charles Esten are all scheduled to appear. 

As far as Saturday night, it will be all Vince Gill, as Vince will be celebrating 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince will be hosting both shows and I imagine that he will be on stage pretty much the entire night. Joining Vince will be Opry members Bill Anderson and Patty Loveless. It is interesting to see Bill in a non-hosting role and it is always a pleasure to see Patty on the Opry. 

Guest artists on Saturday night all have a connection to Vince. First, there is his family as wife Amy Grant and daughters Jenny and Corrina Gill will be on. Next will be The Time Jumpers, Vince's Monday group who have been touring and performing together for years. Finally there is Vince's old friend Rodney Crowell, along with Ashley Monroe and Andrea Zonn. Andrea is a name that may not be familiar to everyone, but she is a singer and fiddle player who has toured with Vince in the past. In addition to Vince, she has toured with Carol King, Lyle Lovett, James Taylor and Trace Adkins. Some of her most recent work has been with James. 

Friday August 12
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Daryle Singletary; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Lauren Alaina
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Lee Greenwood; Charles Esten; Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Daryle Singletary; Jesse McReynolds; Carrie Underwood
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Lauren Alaina
11:00: Marty Stuart (host); Lee Greenwood; Charles Esten

Saturday August 12
1st show
7:00: Vince Gill (host); Ashley Monroe; Bill Anderson
7:30: Andrea Zonn; Rodney Crowell; Patty Loveless
8:00: Amy Grant; Jenny Gill; Corrina Gill
8:30: The Time Jumpers; Opry Square Dancers

2nd show
9:30; Vince Gill (host); Ashley Monroe; Bill Anderson
10:00: Andrea Zonn; Rodney Crowell; Patty Loveless
10:30: Amy Grant; Jenny Gill; Corrina Gill
11:00: The Time Jumpers; Opry Square Dancers

A couple of observations: first, for the Friday Night Opry, 10 acts for each show, with 5 of those being Opry members. On Saturday night, it will again be 10 acts for each show, with only 3 Opry members. And it looks like Vince Gill will be the only host for both shows, which I kind of expected. I am pretty sure that Vince pretty much picked those who are appearing on Saturday night, and all have a link to Vince. But I am somewhat surprised that there are not a few more scheduled, especially some of his contemporary Opry members, with Emmylou Harris coming to mind. She did participate on the night of Vince's 20th Opry anniversary, so I thought maybe we would see her this weekend. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of August 12 & 13, 2011. On that Saturday night, the show was dedicated to Billy Grammer, who had passed away earlier in the week, and it was also the 20th anniversary of Vince Gill as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, who came out and started the show with Billy Grammer's "Gotta Travel On."

Friday August 12
7:00: Mike Snider (host): Jimmy C Newman; Hunter Hayes
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Carter's Chord
8:45: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds; Andy Griggs

Saturday August 13
7:00: Vince Gill: Gotta Travel On; Jimmy Dickens (host); John Anderson
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; The Time Jumpers
Intermission
8:15: Emmylou Harris (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Martina McBride; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Jenny Gill; Amy Grant

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of August 11 & 12, 2006: 

Friday August 11
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mel McDaniel; Megan Mullins
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark Wills
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; Chely Wright
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jack Greene; The Whites

Saturday August 12
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Billy Joe Shaver
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Martina McBride; Julie Roberts; Lee Roy Parnell
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jan Howard; The Whites; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lee Roy Parnell
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Julie Roberts
10:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jack Greene; Billy Joe Shaver
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); John England & The Western Swingers

There are two Opry anniversaries that I would like to highlight this week. First, it was 44 years ago this weekend, Saturday August 12, 1972, that David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

David Houston was destined to be a recording star from the time he was born. With a Godfather like Gene Austin, who sold over 88 million records himself, and David's natural born talent, he made his first major professional appearance at the age of twelve on the famous "Louisiana Hayride" out in Shreveport, Louisiana. The song "Mountain of Love" gave him his first successful hit, but that mountain just wasn't challenging enough for David. He continued to climb until he reached the point of international fame by releasing the all-time country spectacular "Almost Persuaded" in the summer of 1966. That following year, he virtually walked away with every possible award a country artist dreams of. He was one of the very first performers to receive two Grammy Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. What did such a prestigious award mean to him? "I didn't even know what a Grammy was back then," David laughed. "Almost Persuaded" headed the country charts for 16 consecutive weeks. Afterword, it was one hit after another, including "With One Exception," "You Mean the World to Me," "Have a Little Faith," "Already It's Heaven," "Baby, Baby (I Know You're A Lady)," "A Woman Always Knows," "Waltz Of The Angels," "and "Best Friends Make The Worst Enemies." David has also had hits with Tammy Wynette, ("My Elusive Dreams"), and with Barbara Mandrell, ("After Closing Time"). 

The multi-talented, tall, good looking Bossier City, Louisiana, man has appeared as an excellent representative of Country Music on all top television shows. David has also appeared in the movies "Cotton Pickin' Chicken Pickers" and "Horse Soldiers," starring John Wayne. David tours all over the United States taking his special singing talents to the masses. But now he tours with his wife, Kathy Raye, a former "Miss Louisiana," and their young son, David Louis. "I think I can teach him a few good yodel licks," says the proud pop. "And one of the best things about traveling so much is getting to meet all kinds of wonderful people."
(Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book)

Just to add, Charles David Houston was born on December 9, 1935 in Bossier City, Louisiana. As mentioned, his first hit was "Mountain of Love" which was released in 1963 and went to #2 on the country charts. And I am sure all of us remember his signature song, "Almost Persuaded" which topped the charts in 1966. His career continued through the 1960's and into the 1970's, with his last chart hit "Can't You Feel It," released in 1974. His career ended with six #1 records. David passed away on November 30, 1993 at the age of 57 after suffering a brain aneurysm. 

Here is the Grand Ole Opry running order from Saturday August 12, 1972, the night that David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Ernie Ashworth: My Love for You
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer

6:45: Rudy's
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Diane Jordan: He's All I Got
Stu Phillips: Welcome to My World

7:00: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Stringbean: Hillbilly Fever
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Billy Walker: Bouquet of Roses/Smokey Places/You Gave Me A Mountain

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Karen Wheeler: The First Time for Us
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Roy Acuff: Wreck on the Highway
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Karen Wheeler: Delta Dawn
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
Shoji Tabuchi: San Antonio Rose/Old Joe Clark/Devil's Dream/Black Mountain Rag
Tex Ritter: Lorena
David Houston: Soft, Sweet & Warm

8:30: Stephens
Billy Grammer (host): Bonaparte's Retreat
Ray Pillow: Haven't You Heard
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache)
4 Guys: Shenandoah

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Stu Phillips (host): Help Me Make It Through the Night
Ernie Ashworth: Wanted Man
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Diane Jordan: The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Stu Phillips: Welcome to My World

10:00: Fender
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Billy Walker: A Million & One/Charlie's Shoes

10:15: Union 76
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): There's A Big Wheel
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You/Coming Down from God

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): No Letter in the Mail
Karen Wheeler: The First Time for Us
Karen Wheeler & Oswald: There's A Friend In the Way
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beech-Nut
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Billy Grammer: What A Friend

11:00: Coca-Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Fall Away
David Houston: Baby, Baby
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Tex Ritter: High Noon
David Houston: Living In A House Full of Love
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah/Sweet Yesterday
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried/Love of the Common People
Marty Robbins: Begging to You/Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/To Get to You/Singing the Blues

Finally, it was on Saturday August 10. 1991 that Vince Gill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and on Saturday night, Vince will be celebrating with two big shows. 

Combining unequaled musicianship and creativity with a strong sense of tradition, and a personality that has won him a reputation as one of the nicest people in country music, Vince Gill is one of the most honored artists in the music's history. A talented guitar and dobro picker by the time he was in his teens, Vince began his career playing with bluegrass bands, first in his native Oklahoma, then in Kentucky with the Bluegrass Alliance and, briefly, Ricky Skaggs' Boone Creek. Moving to Los Angeles, he signed on with fiddler Byron Berline's Sundance before joining the pop-country-rock Pure Prairie League. He followed that with a stint in the Cherry Bombs with Rodney Crowell and work backing Rosanne Cash In 1984, he moved to Nashville and signed his first recording contract as a solo artist, occupying himself with work as a sideman in studios. 

Vince's real breakthrough came in 1990, with the release of the now-classic "When I Call Your Name," In the years that followed, he was a steady presence in the Top 10, racking up several dozen hits that ranged from country ballads ("I Still Believe in You," "Tryin' To Get Over You") to feel-good country-rockers like "Liza Jane" and "What the Cowgirls Do" to gems such as "Go Rest High On That Mountain." Rewarded by his peers with a long list of Country Music Association awards and Grammy trophies (the most for a male country artist), Vince was a critical and commercial success, too, selling more than 25 million albums while being hailed as a soulful singer, innovative instrumentalist, and award-winning songwriter with a strong grasp of country traditions from bluegrass to honky tonk. 

In more recent years, Vince has settled into a unique role as one of country music's youngest "elder statesmen." An eloquent spokesman for the Opry and for the Country Music Foundation, he has headed all-star casts at prestigious venues around the country, hosted the CMA Awards show multiple years, made guest appearances on stage and recordings with artists ranging from the world-famous to the obscure, and toured extensively. In 2007 Vince was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 
(Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book)

As Vince prepares to celebrate 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, here is a look back at the night he joined, Saturday August 10, 1991, with Roy Acuff doing the honors. 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Del Reeves: A Dozen Pair of Boots

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Bill Carlisle: Leave that Liar Alone
Charlie Walker: Drinking Champagne/Take Me Back to Tulsa

7:00: Shoney's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Wilma Lee Cooper: Wildwood Flower
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlet Ribbons

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top/Kentucky
Vince Gill: Look At Us/When I Call Your Name

8:00: Martha White
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys & Horses; Hobos & Trains
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Gourd
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): A Vanishing Breed
Jean Shepard: Home In San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Roly Poly
4 Guys: Tennessee
Mike Snider: Shuckin the Corn
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Del Reeves (host): Bells of Southern Bell
Skeeter Davis: O Happy Day
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Teddy Wilburn; Somebody's Back in Town
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
Del Reeves: Luckenbach Texas

10:00: Little Debbie
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Vince Gill: Pocket Full of Gold/When I Call Your Name

10:30: Pet Milk
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jan Howard: Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Between Fire & Water
Jean Shepard: Slippin Away
Justin Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Osborne Brothers: Bluegrass Melodies/Midnight Flyer
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least 1 Good Thing in My Life

11:30: Creamette
Boxcar Willie (host): Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hank Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
4 Guys: Elvira/Elizabeth/Old Flames/Church on the Cumberland Road/Dumas Walker
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys & Horses; Hobos & Trains

Congratulations again to Vince Gill on his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and as an Opry member who gets what the Opry is all about. For those interested, I will be in Nashville for both nights of the Opry and as things look right now, it should be a great weekend. 

I hope everyone has a nice weekend and enjoy the Opry!!!