Grand Ole Opry 9/30 & 10/1

Saturday begins the month of October. Who remembers when October was called Country Music Month? I can remember all the local radio stations playing it up big, and the CMA Awards always taking place during the month. The Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's birthday and there was the Disc Jockey convention, where all the local DJs would come to town to meet the stars. Well, times have changed. The CMA Awards are now held in November (sweeps month for television), the Disc Jockey convention is no more and Country Music Month is a thing of the past. All that is left is the Opry's annual birthday bash, which takes place next weekend, and even that is almost a thing of the past as it really is no longer a special weekend. 

What October does bring is a return to two Saturday night Opry shows, which will start this weekend and continue into December. In looking at the line-ups for the Saturday night shows, they are identical with the exception of The Whites scheduled for just the first show and Bobby Osborne for only the late show. Personally, I don't understand why those Opry members are not scheduled for both. I am sure somewhere there is a reason why. The Opry members who are scheduled for both Saturday shows, and who are also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, are Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky. The only additional Opry members will be Diamond Rio, who will close out the Friday night show. 

Guesting on all three shows will be Shenandoah. It seems like since they re-emerged earlier this year, they have made the Opry a regular stop. Joining that group on Friday will be Jaida Dreyer, Jimmy Wayne, Ashley Campbell, Collin Raye and J2B2, otherwise known as the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band. Saturday's guest, besides Shenandoah, include JT Hodges, Jessie James Decker, Jonathan Jackson and The Isaacs. 

Friday September 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jaida Dreyer; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jimmy Wayne; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Ashley Campbell; Collin Raye
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); J2B2(John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band); Diamond Rio

Saturday October 1
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); JT Hodges; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Shenandoah; The Whites
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Jessie James Decker; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jonathan Jackson; The Isaacs

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); JT Hodges; Mike Snider
10:00: John Conlee (host); Shenandoah; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Jessie James Decker; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jonathan Jackson; The Isaacs

I am going to assume that Pete Fisher will read the dedication and tribute to Jean Shepard before the show on Saturday night. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of September 30 & October 1, 2011:

Friday September 30
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Lonesome River Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; The McClymonts
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Josh Kelley
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); T.G. Sheppard; Exile

Saturday October 1
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jason Jones
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Sarah Darling
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Sheppard

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Jones
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Grand Master Fiddle Champion; Sarah Darling
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Sheppard

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 29 & 30, 2011:

Friday September 29
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jennifer Hanson
8:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; The Isaacs
9:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Riders In The Sky
9:30: Trace Adkins (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Johnny Lee

Saturday September 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Ray Scott
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Grascals; Rhonda Vincent; Cherryholmes
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mandy Barnett
10:00: John Conlee (host); Ray Scott; Rhonda Vincent
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Cherryholmes
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Grascals

Finally, from 25 years ago, Saturday September 28, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Bill Carlisle; Charlie Walker; The Whites
7:30: Tom T Hall (host); Jim & Jesse; Sawyer Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Ferlin Husky; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Osborne Brothers; Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Ernie Ashworth; Ray Pillow; Sawyer Brown
10:00: Tom T Hall (host); Jeannie Seely
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites
10:45: Osborne Brothers (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb; Jim & Jesse; Bill Carlisle
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Roy Drusky; Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin

On a final note, let's go back 50 years to Saturday October 1, 1966:

7:30: Luzianne
Bobby Lord (host): Out Behind the Barn
Willis Brothers: Tumbling Tumbleweed
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Jim Nesbitt: Heck of a Fix in 66
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Margie Bowes: Overnight
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Mama, You've Been on My Mind
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Dottie West: Mommy, Can I Still Call Him Daddy
Lonzo & Oscar: Mountain Dew
Flatt & Scruggs: Call Me on Home, Too
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Earl Scruggs: Home Sweet Home

8:30: Stephens
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Jim & Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Archie Campbell: Hey, Waiter
Wilburn Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Stu Phillips: Faded Love
Loretta Lynn: Two Mules Pull this Wagon
Wilburn Brothers & Loretta Lynn: Put It Off Until Tomorrow

9:00: Pet Milk
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
The Browns: I'd Just Be Fool Enough
Connie Smith: The Hurting's All Over
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Acuff: The End of the World
The Browns: I Keep Coming Back to You
Connie Smith: Nobody But A Fool
Oswald: Roll On Buddy

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy's Alabammy Bound
Pete Sayers: The Little Stream of Whiskey
Chubby Wise: Peacock Rag
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I
Bill Price: Are You Lonely Without Me
Willis Brothers: Diamonds on Your Hands
Hank Snow: Breakfast With the Blues

10:00: Schick
Flatt & Scruggs (host): The Good Things
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Del Wood: Big Daddy
Flatt & Scruggs: Cabin on the Hill

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Greenback Dollar
Archie Campbell: Scarlet Ribbons
Onie Wheeler: I'm Just A Beggar for Your Love
Roy Acuff: Glory's Coming

10:30: Harvey's
Jim & Jesse (host): I'll Wear the Banner
Dottie West: Mommy, Can I Still Call Him Daddy
Bobby Thompson: Sugarfoot Rag
Wilburn Brothers: In God's Eyes

10:45: Newport
Wilburn Brothers (host): I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Loretta Lynn: Happy Birthday
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Lonzo & Oscar: Country Music Time
Sam McGee: Wheels
The Browns: I Keep Coming Back to You
Hank Snow: I've Been Everywhere

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
Connie Smith: Invisible Tears
Pete Sayers: The Man Who Never Returned
Don Winters: Chime Bells
Marty Robbins: The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Connie Smith: I'll Be There
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Singing the Blues/Devil Woman

There are a couple of names from that night that many fans may not recognize. One is Jim Nesbitt. Jim was born on December 1, 1931 and passed away on November 29, 2007. He recorded for Dot and Chart Records with his biggest hit being "Looking for More in 64" which went to #7 on the charts. He seemed to have a thing about putting the year in his song titles, as he recorded "Still Alive in 65," "Heck of a Fix in 66," "Clean the Slate in 68," and "Having Fun in 71." As you can guess, his songs had a bit of comedy in them. His last recordings took place in 1975. 

Bobby Thompson was considered a brilliant, innovative banjo player and rhythm guitarist. While his name was not widely known, his playing was heard by millions. Bobby was born in Converse, South Carolina in 1937 and was just past 20 when he participated in the "epochal" late 1950s Starday recordings of Jim & Jesse, "epochal" in part because they included, especially on the instrumentals "Border Ride" and "Dixie Hoedown," the first recorded glimmerings of what would become an alternative to the foundational bluegrass banjo style of Earl Scruggs. Vic Jordan and Bela Fleck are two future banjo players that followed Bobby's lead. Earl Scruggs said, "I think Thompson has done a lot for the banjo. He was the first one to play that style of banjo that I ever heard. And there has never been anyone to top him." Later in life, Bobby was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While he spent many years working with Jim & Jesse, Bobby was known as a great session player and was also part of the staff band on Hee Haw. He joined fellow session players like Charlie McCoy and Weldon Myrick to create Area Code 615, which recorded two albums that meshed country, rock, bluegrass and more. The group was featured on several television shows, including "The Johnny Cash Show." Bobby passed away in 2005.

The final name of interest was that of Pete Sayers. Pete was from England, born in 1942. He was known as a singer and multi-talented musician. He was also a trained piano repairer. In 1966, he was the host of a television program, "Tyne-Tees Television." He also appeared with US singer Johnny Duncan and his Blue Grass Boys. That same year, he came to American and was employed as a warm-up artist for the Grand Ole Opry, often appearing on the show itself. He also hosted a morning show and toured with Kitty Wells and Flatt & Scruggs. In 1972 he returned to England and began promoting country music shows, later working tours with George Hamilton IV when George appeared in England. Peter passed away in 2005. 

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!

Jean Shepard

Country Music Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard passed away earlier this morning. She had been in declining health for the past several months and had recently gone into hospice care. Jean was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for just over 60 years, one of only three Opry members to have marked that milestone, and the only female. Her last Grand Ole Opry appearance was last November, when she was recognized on her 60th anniversary as an Opry member.

Jean was a trailblazer as a female artist in country music. When she began recording at Capital Records with producer Ken Nelson in 1952, there was no precedent in country music for a young woman recording and touring on her own rather than as a member of a family team, couple, or as a band's "girl singer."

She was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Visalia, California. She was one of ten children in a family that loved music and that listened to the Opry on the radio. Hank Thompson spotted her when she was just 14 years old, singing and playing bass in an all-girl band she'd formed called the Melody Ranch Girls. Hank was the one who brought her to the attention of Capital Records. Prior to coming to the Opry in 1955, she was a star on Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee.

While never having the number of hit records as other female artists, such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn or Tammy Wynette, Jean set the table for each of these females, and the ones who followed. And I don't think she received the attention for that as much as she deserved. Today's young female artists owe her a great debt.

Jean loved traditional, honky-tonk country music and was often quoted on her thoughts regarding today's country music. She was not kind. She was blunt and spoke the truth. Many times she made her feelings known as to the direction that the Opry was taking. Yet pretty much every week, Jean was there, keeping traditional country music alive.

As another Opry legend, and a link to the past, has passed away, all of us who enjoyed Jean and her music will remember the times we saw and heard Jean. And we will do it with a smile on our face as we will remember Jean and what she stood for.

Prayers and thoughts go to Jean's family and friends as they prepare to honor the memory of Jean Shepard.

Grand Ole Opry 9/23 & 9/24

Before getting into the line-ups for this week, our thoughts and prayers are with Jean Shepard and her family. It was reported earlier this week that Jean is back in the hospital and surrounded by her family, as her health has taken a turn for the worse. As of today, she is in the intensive care unit. Jean made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance back in November, when she was honored for 60 years as a member of the Opry. She said that would be her final appearance as it was time to retire. Since then, she has been out and about, specifically at tapings of Larry's Country Diner, which is on RFD-TV. Many times they will show her sitting in the audience. Again, our thoughts and prayers go to Jean and her family. 

As far as the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend, it is nice to see that both nights will be back to the format of actually having a host for each segment as John Conlee, The Whites, Connie Smith and Ricky Skaggs will be performing those duties on Friday night, with Mike Snider taking the place of Ricky on Saturday. They will be joined by fellow Opry members Bobby Osborne on Friday night with Jesse McReynolds and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap on Saturday. That gives us 6 Opry members each night. 

Guest artists this weekend include Cassadee Pope, Striking Matches, T.G. Sheppard, Chris Lane, Lindsay Ell and Selah on Friday night, with Carly Pearce, Native Run, Jim Lauderdale, The Gascals and Bradley Walker set for Saturday. 

Friday September 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); Cassadee Pope; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Striking Matches; T.G. Sheppard
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chris Lane
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Lindsay Ell; Selah

Saturday September 24
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Carly Pearce; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Native Run; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Bradley Walker; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Ronnie Milsap

The group that some may not recognize is Selah, who will be making their Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday night. Selah is a contemporary Christian trio consisting of Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Amy Perry. They have won seven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and have sold more than 4 million album and single units. They have been featured on numerous religious programs. The group has been around in various forms since 1997 and are very popular, performing most weekends at Christian churches around the country. As mentioned, this will be their Grand Ole Opry debut and from the video I saw, they are very excited to have been invited. 

Native Run has appeared on the Opry previously. They are a duo consisting of Rachel Beauregard and Bryan Dawley and are out of Virginia. Certainly not headliners as of yet, they have been making the club circuit as they continue to work their way into the music business. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of September 23 & 24, 2011. Saturday night's show featured a rare Opry appearance by Opry member Dolly Parton: 

Friday September 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Katie Armiger
Intermission
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Point Of Grace
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mark Wills

Saturday September 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Bradley Gaskin
7:30: Jimmy  Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Intermission
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie McCoy; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds; Dolly Parton

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 22 & 23, 2006. Saturday's 7:00 segment was televised, and as you will notice, there was no Opry host for that hour, nor any Opry members featured. 

Friday September 22
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Taylor Ware
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Daryle Singletary
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Rockie Lynne
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; T. Graham Brown

Saturday September 23
1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:00: Pat Green; Danielle Peck; Big & Rich; Cowboy Troy; Rockie Lynne
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Alison Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Taylor Ware

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rockie Lynne
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Danielle Peck
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jan Howard; Pat Green; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Cowboy Troy; Big & Rich
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Taylor Ware; Alison Brown

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday September 21, 1991: 

1st show:
6:30: Bonanza
Jimmy C Newman (host): Lafayette
Jim & Jesse: I'm Happy Everyday I Live
Jimmy C Newman: Down on the Bayou

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark for Me to Travel
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
Bill Monroe: Crying Holy Unto the Lord/Northern White Clouds

7:00: Shoney's
4 Guys (host): Swing Down Chariot
Skeeter Davis: If I Don't Have You
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Riders In The Sky: Back on the Texas Plains
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible for a Road Map/Cabin in Gloryland
4 Guys: When You've Got A Good Woman, It Shows/May You Always

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Vern Gosdin: I'm Still Crazy, But I'm Not Over You/I Come to the Garden Alone
Lionel Cartwright: Leap of Faith/What Kind of Fool
Porter Wagoner: Dooley

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Jan Howard: Why Lady Why
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham

8:30: Opryland
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
Roy Drusky: It's My Way of Loving You
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door
Hank Snow: The Third Man

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
4 Guys: Tennessee
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweet Fern
Lionel Cartwright: Leap of Faith/I Watched It All on My Radio
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Bill Monroe: The Old Tennessee River

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Jim & Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland/Coming Down From God
Dan Kelly: Katy Hill

10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Vern Gosdin: I Come to the Garden Alone
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:45: B.C. Powder
Billy Walker (host): She's Got A Heartache in High Heel Shoes
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Billy Walker: The Star

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): In the Misty Moonlight
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Riders In The Sky: The Saga of Pecos Bill/Blue Shadows on the Trail
Hank Snow: I'm Not at All Sorry for You

11:30: Creamette
Roy Drusky (host): As Long As I Live
Jan Howard: Wayfaring Stranger
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Johnny Russell: Got No Reason Now for Going Home
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Wanna Go Home

Many of you will remember the name Lionel Cartwright. Lionel came to Nashville from Glen Dale, West Virginia, and had a string of country hits in the late 1980's and early 1990's. He had 12 singles on the country charts, with his only #1 hit coming in 1991 with "Leap of Faith." After releasing no singles after 1992, he released "Free Me From Myself" in 2013 but it did not place on the charts. Currently Lionel is the Worship Pastor at HopePark Church in Nashville. 

To finish up, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from 50 years ago, Saturday September 24, 1966:

7:30: Luzianne
Jim Ed Brown (host): Yonder Comes a Sucker
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
Ernest Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Jim Ed Brown: I Found A Taste of Heaven
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Ernest Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose In December
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Billy Grammer: Unknown Soldier
Cousin Jody: Run, Please Run
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama, You've Been on My Mind
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Cousin Jake: Almost Persuaded #44

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Old Slewfoot
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Jeannie Seely: It's Only Love
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Porter Wagoner: The Green, Green Grass of Home
Paul Martin: Geisha Girl
Bill Monroe: Rawhide

9:00: Pet Milk
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Tommy Hunter: Tennessee Waltz
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm Moving On #2
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Hero's Death
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Calhoun Twins: Under Your Spell Again

9:30: Kellogg's 
Jimmy Newman (host): Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: This Heart of Mine
Connie Smith: Alone With You
Curly Fox: Bill Bailey, Won't 'Cha Please Come Home
Jimmy Newman: Bring Your Heart Home
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigrae
Osborne Brothers: Up This Hill & Down
Connie Smith: The Hurting's All Over
Jimmy Newman: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

10:00: Schick
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Archie Campbell: Scarlet Ribbons
Richard Greene: Orange Blossom Special

10:15: Pure
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Don't Get Above Your Raisin
Ernest Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Calhoun Twins: Don't Tell Me Wife
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama, You've Been on My Mind

10:30: Harvey's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Porter Wagoner: Skid Row Joe

10:45: Newport
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: It Started Again
Tommy Hunter: A Legend In My Time
Crook Brothers: Liberty

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Newman (host): Artificial Rose
Glaser Brothers: Molly Darling
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Jimmy Newman: A Fallen Star
Lonzo & Oscar: I Worship the Ground You Walk On
Paul Martin: Seed of Doubt

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Connie Smith: Paper Roses
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Don Winters: Chime Bells
Curly Fox: Twilight Waltz
Osborne Brothers: Yesterday's Gone
Marty Robbins: The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight/Bouquet of Roses/I Could Never Be Ashamed of You/Take These Chains from My Heart/Lovesick Blues/El Paso/Begging to You

It was nice to see the name Tommy Hunter on the Opry that night. Tommy was Canada's #1 country music star and was often referred to as "Canada's Country Gentleman." Tommy was born on March 20, 1937 in London, Ontario. He was most famous in the United States as the host of "The Tommy Hunter Show" which began as a radio program in 1960 and then moved to CBC Television in 1965. In 1983, TNN began airing the show in this country, running it until it ended on CBC in 1992. Many of Tommy's shows would feature a country star from the states and among those who appeared on his show were Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, The Judds, pretty much every member of the Opry and of course, Canada's own, Hank Snow. Tommy would come to Nashville several times a year, appear on the Opry and recruit stars to come up to Canada to appear on his show. After his show was cancelled, Tommy continued touring with his band, "The Travelling Men" until retiring in 2012. There is a great website, www.tommyhunter.com, that has some great information on Tommy, who is now retired.  

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!!

Tuesday Night Opry 9/20 & Opry Country Classics 9/22

The Tuesday Night Opry on September 20 will once again feature a guest appearance by the person who wants to be an Opry member more than anything else, and that is Chris Janson. 

7:00: Lorrie Morgan; Drew Baldridge
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Chris Janson
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; David Nail
8:45: Rascal Flatts

Interesting that when you look at the past line-ups for this year, Del McCoury seems to be concentrating on doing the Tuesday night shows, as has Rascal Flatts. 

Here is the line-up for Opry Country Classics, as the fall series of shows begins on Thursday night. 

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Marty Stuart
Also Appearing: The Booth Brothers; Daryle Singletary; Sunny Sweeney and The Whites. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/16 & 9/17

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the shows this weekend, and I want to start out out by offering my congratulations and thanks to Steve Buchanan, Pete Fisher, and the rest of the Grand Ole Opry's management. Thanks to their great effort and hard work, they were able to get three Grand Ole Opry members to perform this coming Saturday night! Yep, that is correct. Out of 62 members, only Mike Snider, The Whites and Bobby Osborne are scheduled. As you would expect with just three members appearing, the show will not have the traditional segments with hosts. Instead, the format will be much like the Tuesday and Wednesday shows with eight acts broken into 15 minute segments for each one. Hopefully, between now and Saturday night, the line-up will get filled out, but I am not holding out much hope. 

As to the rest of the Saturday night line-up, Craig Wayne Boyd, Mary Sarah, Mark Wills, T. Graham Brown and Charles Esten fill out the show. I think everyone can agree that is a pretty thin line-up and I have to question whether it is worth the ticket price that is being charged. I know some weeks are better at the Opry than others; this is one of those weeks. 

The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Jesse McReynolds, along with Mike Snider and The Whites. Guest artists include Daryle Singletary, Kelleigh Bannen, Darryl Worley, Tara Thompson, Mark Wills, Aaron Lewis and Mountain Heart. At least this guess them a full line-up for Friday night. 

Friday September 16
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Daryle Singletary; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Kelleigh Bannen; Darryl Worley
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Tara Thompson; Mark Wills
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Aaron Lewis; Mountain Faith

Saturday September 17
7:00: Mike Snider; Craig Wayne Boyd
7:30: Mary Sarah; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: The Whites; T. Graham Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Charles Esten

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of September 16 & 17, 2011:

Friday September 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); George Hamilton IV; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Pam Tillis (host); Riders In The Sky; Gene Watson
8:45: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Montgomery Gentry

Saturday September 17
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Yates; Will Hoge
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner (host); Kristin Chenoweth; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jesse McReynolds; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Boxcars

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 15 & 16, 2006: 

Friday September 15
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); John Conlee; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mandy Barnett
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Jean Shepard; Connie Smith

Saturday September 16
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jamey Johnson
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Erika Jo
7:30: Hal Ketchum (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie Walker; Heartland; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Trace Adkins (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jamey Johnson
10:00: Trace Adkins (host); Jim Ed Brown; Erika Jo
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Charlie Louvin; Suzy Bogguss; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Heartland
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett

Finally going back twenty five years ago, Saturday September 14, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Justin Tubb
6:45: Jack Greene; Charlie Louvin
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Stu Phillips; Vic Willis Trio
7:30: 4 Guys (host); Hank Locklin; Mac Wiseman
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; Wilma Lee Cooper; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; Ray Pillow
10:00: Boxcar Willie (host); Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Vic Willis Trio
10:30: Jack Greene (host); Mac Wiseman; Roger Miller
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Stu Phillips; Opry Square Dance Band; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Justin Tubb; Mike Snider
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Hank Locklin; Johnny Russell

For the featured line-up this week, it was 49 years ago this weekend, Saturday September 16, 1967 that Jeannie Seely became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Jeannie Seely's mother said that Jeannie was just four years old when she learned to stretch up, turn the knob on her family's big console radio to 650 WSM and keep it there. Jeannie is still on the dial at 650 WSM, performing regularly on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. 

By age 11, she was performing on a weekly radio show in nearby Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a few years later was on TV in Erie. Years of playing auditoriums, small clubs, and country music parks followed. She moved to California and worked as a secretary with Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood before coming to Nashville in 1965 at the urging of Opry member Dottie West. "I didn't know enough to go there yet," Jeannie remembers telling Dottie. The more experienced singer responded, "Jeannie, that's where you go to learn." 

A recording contract with Monument Records gave Jeannie her first hit in 1966 with "Don't Touch Me," which went to the top of the charts and earned her a Grammy Award. One year later, the singer who became famous as "Miss Country Soul" fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a member of the Opry cast. More hits followed, including "I'll Love You More (Than You Need)," "Can I Sleep in Your Arms," and "Lucky Ladies." Jeannie briefly worked as duet partner of Porter Wagoner and had a successful touring and recording partnership with fellow Opry member Jack Greene resulting in multiple award nominations and such hits as the Top 10 single "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You." Jeannie also is a successful songwriter, having written Faron Young's No. 1 hit, "Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye," a BMI award-winner. She also had songs cut by Dottie West, Connie Smith, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price.

Known for her plainspoken ways and sharp sense of humor, Jeannie published a book of witticisms, "Pieces of a Puzzled Mind," in 1989. She continues to tour, record, and work on new stage material, preferably for the Opry stage she calls home.
(Courtesy Grand Ole Opry Family Album 90th Anniversary)

And now, in honor of Jeannie Seely's 49th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, here is the running order from Saturday September 16, 1967, the night Jeannie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Ernie Ashworth (host): A Week in the County Jail
Paul Moore: Cold, Cold Heart
Spider Wilson: Wildwood Flower
Ernie Ashworth: My Love for You

6:45: Rudy's
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Jerri Lynn: Ain't Had No Lovin'
Jerry Whitehurst: Hey, Good Looking
George Hamilton IV: The Urge for Going

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): Get While the Getting's Good
4 Guys: Swing Down, Chariot
Tammy Wynette: You Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Bill Anderson: No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore
Duke of Paducah: Four-Leaf Clover
4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Grammer (host): Mabel, You Have Been A Friend to Me
Willis Brothers: A 6 Ft 2 by 4
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Margie Bowes: Man Around the House
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Billy Grammer: Pennsylvania Polka
Willis Brothers: Chattanooga Shoe Shine Box
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Dottie West: Like A Fool
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Wilburn Brothers: You're Standing in the Way
Pete Sayers: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Justin Tubb & Dottie West: Love Is No Excuse
Dottie West: Paper Mansions

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Rainbows & Roses
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Hugh X Lewis: You're So Cold I'm Turning Blue
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Drusky: White Lightning Express
Opry Staff Band: Speeding West
Grandpa Jones: Everything Had Going For Me is Gone
Jeannie Seely: Don't You Every Get Tired of Hurting Me
Roy Drusky: Anymore

9:30: Kellogg's
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy's Alabamy Bound
Dottie West: Funny, Familiar, Forgotten Feelings
Hank Williams, Jr: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight/Wedding Bells/Mansion on the Hill/Half as Much/Lovesick Blues
Tex Ritter: Working Man's Prayer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham

10:00: Schick
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Margie Bowes: Making Believe
Billy Grammer: Mabel, You Have Been A Friend to Me

10:15: Pure
Roy Drusky (host): Peel Me A Nanner
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Roy Drusky: New Lips

10:30: Buckley's
Ernie Ashworth (host): My Love For You
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Willis Brothers: Bob/God Walks These Hills With Me

10:45: Newport
Wilburn Brothers (host): Goody, Goody, Gumdrop
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl

11:00: Coca-Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow the Lilacs
4 Guys: Shenandoah
Jeannie Seely: I Fall to Pieces
Hank Williams, Jr: Long Gone Lonesome Blues/(?)/Can't Take It/I'm In No Condition to Try to Love Again/I'm Nobody's Child
Tex Ritter: Just Beyond the Moon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Gray Eagle
Jeannie Seely: Darling, Are You Ever Coming Home
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of A Hillbilly Heaven

11:30: Lava
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Osborne Brothers: Roll, Muddy River
Jerry Greene: Turn the World Around the Other Way
Tammy Wynette: I Don't Wanna Play House
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy From the Country
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Bob Luman: Memphis

Congratulations again to Jeannie Seely on her 49th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry!! And as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 9/13

Before taking a few days off to spend some vacation time in Gatlinburg, I thought I would post the Tuesday Night Opry line-up for September 13: 

7:00: John Conlee; Clare Dunn
7:30: Wade Hayes, Old Dominion
Intermission
8:15: Randy Owen; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Drake White; Montgomery Gentry

Meanwhile, the only new item regarding the Opry's birthday bash, just one month away, is that the Saturday show now includes The Secret Sisters in addition to Mo Pitney. Nothing against either act, and they are both actually pretty good, but so far no Opry members or what I would call "star" attractions. Maybe an announcement this week. With 2 shows on Saturday night, they will have to come up with something a little better than this. 

Meanwhile the Opry Country Classics show for that Thursday night includes Connie Smith, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson and William Michael Morgan. Not a bad group of names at all. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/9 & 9/10

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend, an update on Loretta Lynn. If you have not heard, Loretta fell last weekend at her home and was forced to cancel an appearance at her ranch last Saturday night. She was taken to the hospital, checked out and everything was reported as ok. Today it was announced that Loretta has to cancel a number of upcoming concerts, including an appearance scheduled for next Friday night at the Opry. Apparently she needs to have some minor surgery. Her spokesperson specifically stated in the press release, that contrary to rumors, Loretta did not suffer a broken hip or other broken bones. Here is hoping for a full recovery for Loretta and our thoughts are with her as she has her upcoming surgery. While it is stated as minor surgery, there is nothing minor when you are over 80 years in age. 

As to the Opry this weekend, the line-ups are up and while there is nothing outstanding scheduled for this weekend, the two shows are both pretty solid. Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Connie Smith, Mike Snider (who will be hosting segments each night), and The Whites. On Friday night, they will be joined by members Jesse McReynolds and Riders In The Sky, while on Saturday, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and Bobby Osborne will be joining the group. That all adds up to 5 Opry members on Friday and 6 on Saturday. 

Friday night as a very solid list of guest artists scheduled, with Billy Ray Cyrus leading the way. He will be joined by Crystal Gayle, who should have been an Opry member a long time ago, Glen's daughter, Ashley Campbell, Restless Heart, Jason Crabb, Kristian Bush, and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Sean McConnell. 

Saturday night, it will be Maggie Rose, Sara Haze, Ben Caver, John Berry, JT Hodges and Jimmy Wayne scheduled. While a solid list, the edge this weekend goes to the Friday night show. 

Friday September 9
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Ashley Campbell; Restless Heart
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jason Crabb; Kristian Bush
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Billy Ray Cyrus
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Sean McConnell; Crystal Gayle

Saturday September 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Maggie Rose; The Whites
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Sara Haze & Ben Caver; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); JT Hodges; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne

As mentioned, for Sean McConnell, this will be his Grand Ole Opry debut. Sean has been around for a while and has released 10 independent albums. Currently he is touring in support of his new album that was released in July on Rounder Records. He originally is from Boston, before moving with his family to Georgia and then to Tennessee where he attended MTSU as music business student. Besides recording his own music, he also has been writing for Warner/Chappell music and has had songs recorded by Brothers Osborne, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and his music has been a part of the "Nashville" program. Rather than country, his music seems to fall into Americana. 

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of September 9 & 10, 2011:

Friday September 9
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; The Black Lillies
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Collin Raye
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; The McClymonts
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jim Ed Brown; Exile

Saturday September 10
7:00: The Whites (host); Jimmy C Newman; Randy Montana
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Stonewall Jackson; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Danny Gokey

Now from ten years ago, the weekend of September 8 & 9, 2006:

Friday September 8
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Julie Roberts
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Buddy Jewell
9:30: John Conlee (host); Larry Stephenson Band; Andy Griggs

Saturday September 9
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Elizabeth Cook
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark McGuinn
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; John Berry

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Elizabeth Cook
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Mark McGuinn; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Jack Greene; John Berry

Finally from twenty-five years ago, Saturday September 7, 1991:

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Johnny Russell
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Wilma Lee Cooper; Rob Crosby
7:30: Hank Snow (host); Linda Davis; Joe Diffie
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Charlie Walker (host); The Whites; Jeannie Seely; Larry Boone

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Teddy Wilburn; Ernie Ashworth; Rob Crosby
10:00: Del Reeves (host); Billy Walker
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Skeeter Davis
10:30: Ray Pillow (host); Joe Diffie
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Linda Davis; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Justin Tubb; Larry Boone
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Johnny Russell

For the featured line-up this week, it was on Saturday September 9, 1989 that Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

The following is the biographical information about Del that was printed in one of the later editions of the Grand Ole Opry WSM Picture History Book:

During the past ten years, Nashville has built up a reputation for itself as Music City, USA, by virtue of the steady stream of hits that pour from its studios over the airwaves and into record stores across America. Most people would therefore be surprised to hear that the first gold record cut in Nashville was recorded more than 25 years ago and that Country Song Round-up magazine still hails it as the biggest selling instrumental of all time. That record was "Down Yonder" and the artist who recorded it was pianist Del Wood. 

Although she has been featured on the Grand Ole Opry since 1953, Del does not consider herself primarily a country-style pianist. "I'm still in the category of ragtime playing," she points out. "Critics have called my playing 'honky-tonk,' 'jazzy country,' and 'dixie pop,' but I personally do not look for new labels. It's just self-expression for me." In analyzing her keyboard style, Del observes, "I've found no one who can duplicate my exact style. I am not big on chords, except for bounce rhythm arrangement: I would much rather rely on a lot of left-hand bass runs which I counter with a great deal of fast melody playing on the high right-hand keys. I use every key on the piano in producing the fullest and most diversified sound I can possibly create."

Del, the only native of Nashville to have earned a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry, traces her musical roots back to her childhood. "My folks bought me a piano for my fifth birthday," she recalls, "and had me start attending weekly lessons with a private teacher. I studied formally from the time I was five until I was seventeen and I practiced the classics for many years, although bluegrass and mountain music were parts of my heritage since I was born and raised in Nashville. For example, the late Moon Mulligan was a performer I greatly admired; he was one of the first country keyboard performers, and he paved the way for later artists like Floyd Cramer and me. I also enjoyed listening to recordings by Joe 'Fingers' Carr, but of course, that goes back a few years. As you can see, liking classical music does not exclude you from enjoying country music as well."

Del (her real name is Adelaide Hazelwood) has been dubbed the "Queen of the Ivories" by her co-stars at the Opry, and is frequently named "Best Female Instrumentalist" by music polls. "Down Yonder" was only one of several big records for Del. With over twenty albums and sixty singles to her credit, her fame has spread internationally. She has appeared on numerous network TV shows, and spent a ten week tour of Viet Nam as the featured act in a group sent to entertain servicemen in 1968. In 1984, Del appeared in the movie "Rhinestone" with Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone. Del was cast as a piano player, naturally, with the Wild Possum Band. Del spends her spare time canning jams, jellies, and preserves for which she was won many cooking awards. She also enjoys gardening and flower arranging, and spending enjoyable moments with son Wesley. 
(From the Grand Ole Opry WSM Picture History Book)

Polly Adelaide Hendricks Hazelwood, known professionally as Del Wood, was born on February 22, 1920 in Nashville, Tennessee and spent her entire life living in the Nashville area. Her hit "Down Yonder" which was released in 1951, sold over one million copies and was certified as a gold record. The success of the recording led to her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, which took place in February 1952. By 1953, she was an Opry member. While she never again matched the commercial success of "Down Yonder" Del had a very successful recording career though the 1960s. On October 3, 1989, Del passed away at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke. 

Here is the running order from Saturday September 9, 1989, the last night that Del Wood appeared on the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Around, When It's Over
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Del Reeves: Bad News
Ray Pillow: I Guess He Knows Something I Don't Know
Dottie West: Are You Happy Baby/Together Again
Porter Wagoner: Forty Miles From Poplar Bluff

7:30: Standard Candy
4 Guys (host): Baby, You Look Good to me Tonight
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Charley Pride: Amy's Eyes/Mountain of Love/There Goes My Everything
4 Guys: My Special Angel

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind/Once A Day
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Cajun Stripper
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Patti on the Turnpike
Roy Acuff: Once More

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): Mama Tried
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): (?)
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Picking Up the Pieces
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Porter Wagoner: What Ain't To Be Just Might Happen/Y'All Come

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Bill Anderson: Still

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Charley Pride: Amy's Eyes/Mountain of Love/Kiss An Angel Good Morning

10:30: Pet Milk
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Del Reeves: There She Goes

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Connie Smith: Your Cheatin' Heart
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durham's Bull
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Honey

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way That We're Doing it Now
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs

11:30: Creamette
4 Guys (host): Tennessee
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Bill Carlisle: Happy Birthday Sheila/Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Charlie Louvin: New Dreams & Sunshine
4 Guys: I'm All Tied Up

It was nice to see that on Del's final night on the Opry that she happened to be scheduled for the televised portion of the show on TNN. 

I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!!