Grand Ole Opry 9/29 & 9/30

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend, which includes a special Sunday Night Opry with Brad Paisley.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for Friday and Saturday night include Mike Snider, The Whites and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group on Friday night will be Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky, while it will be the legendary Ray Pillow appearing on Saturday night. As we saw with Ray's last Opry appearance, he will not be hosting a segment and because of that, there will be only three on Saturday with Dailey & Vincent hosting the final hour.

Guest artists on Friday night include Chuck Wicks, Crowder, Mickey Guyton and Exile. The last two are Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and Tracy Lawrence, who seems to be making a boatload of Opry appearances lately. And he has many more scheduled. Saturday night it will be Lee Greenwood as the featured attraction, along with Chris Hillman, Keith Anderson, The Swon Brothers, Post Monroe and "Nashville" star Charles Esten.

Friday September 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chuck Wicks; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Crowder; Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Mickey Guyton; Exile
8:45: Dailey & Vincent (host); Tracy Lawrence

Saturday September 30
7:00: The Whites (host); Keith Anderson; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Post Monroe; Chris Hillman
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers; Ray Pillow; Lee Greenwood

It is really nice to see Chris Hillman on the Opry Saturday night, where he will be promoting his new solo album. Chris, a former member of The Byrds and the Desert Rose Band, has been on the Opry previously and has always done a fine job. I have also had the pleasure of seeing Chris in concert, as a solo artist, touring with Herb Pedersen, and with the Desert Rose Band.

Now to the Sunday Night Opry, another one of the shows that the Opry seems to be scheduling based on availability of some of the bigger named artists. As mentioned, the show this Sunday features Brad Paisley

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Chase Bryant
7:30: The Sisterhood; Mickey Guyton; Tyler Farr
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Bare; Lauren Alaina
8:45: Brad Paisley

Any show with Bobby Bare is not a bad show.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 28 & 29, 2007:

Friday September 28
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; John Anderson
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Cross Canadian Ragweed; Connie Smith
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Del McCoury Band; Lori McKenna
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Chesnutt

Saturday September 29
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
7:00: Josh Turner; Lori McKenna; Joe Diffie; Roy Clark
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ashton Shepherd; Del McCoury Band

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Joe Diffie
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Lori McKenna
10:30: Roy Clark (host); Jimmy C Newman; Josh Turner; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ashton Shepherd; Del McCoury Band

The Saturday night show was significant for two reasons. First, it was the final night that Porter Wagoner appeared on a Saturday Grand Ole Opry show. Porter, who had recently celebrated 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, was in a period of declining heath. He would make an appearance on the following week's Friday Night Opry, and then make a final Opry appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry, October 9. He would pass away one month later.

The other event that took place on Saturday night was Roy Clark asking Josh Turner during the televised segment, if he would like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Josh, who had made his Opry debut on December 21, 2001, singing "Long Black Train" to a standing ovation, immediately accepted. His actual Opry induction would take place one month later.

And now, here is the line-up from 25 years ago, the weekend of October 2 & 3, 1992:

Friday October 2
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jim Ed Brown; Skeeter Davis; Del Reeves; The Whites
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C Newman; Jim & Jess; Jean Shepard; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); The 4 Guys; Grandpa Jones
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Garth Brooks; Jack Greene
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Michelle Wright; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jeanne Pruett; Garth Brooks
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Walker
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Grandpa Jones; Jean Shepard; David Houston; The Whites
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Michelle Wright; The 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy Dickens
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Bill Carlisle; Jim Ed Brown; Johnny Russell

Saturday October 3
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jim Ed Brown
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Jimmy C Newman; Del Reeves
7:30: Garth Brooks (host); Joe Diffie; Mike Snider
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Wilma Lee Cooper; The 4 Guys; Jimmy Dickens

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); David Houston; Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C Newman; Garth Brooks
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jeannie Seely
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Skeeter Davis; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens; The Whites; Charlie Walker; Del Reeves
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin; The 4 Guys; Mike Snider

Finally, it was 61 years ago, Saturday September 29, 1956 that Rose Maddox became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Roselea Arbana Maddox was born on August 15, 1925 in Boaz, Alabama. At the age of seven, her family moved to California, due to part to the Great Depression. At the age of 11, Rose began performing with her brothers in amateur shows and while in her teens began performing on local radio. In 1947, after her brothers served in World War II, Rose first recorded with for Four Star Records. By the late 1940s, the group began to see some success and moved to Hollywood. They began touring and were appearing regularly on the Louisiana Hayride. They also made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, where Rose, who was known for her colorful performances, shocked the Opry audience by appearing with a bare midriff. After the Maddox Brothers group broke up in 1957, Rose initially performed with her brother Cal, and then started a solo career. She had 14 hits on the Billboard country singles charts between 1959 and 1964, including several duets with Buck Owens. In 1962, her biggest hit, "Sing a Little Song of Heartache," reached No. 3 on the country charts. She then switched and recorded bluegrass, recording "Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass" for Capital Records. In 1965, her recording contract ended and she began to concentrate on tours, performing with her brothers Cal, Henry, and her son Donnie, along with bluegrass musician Vern Williams. Her final album, "The Moon Is Rising" was released in 1996.

Beginning in the late 1960s, Rose suffered several heart attacks, but she continued to perform and record. She also appeared in several movies and documentaries. In her later years, she lived in Ashland, Oregon. Rose passed away on April 15, 1998 from kidney failure at the age of 72.

Rose's time at the Opry was very, very short. Some have written that Roy Acuff did not approve of Rose, based on how she presented herself on the Opry and the style of music she played. While Roy might not have approved of Rose, it is also said that Roy bought Rose's Cadillac from her while she was in Nashville (not sure if that story is 100% true or not).

Regardless, here is the running order from Saturday September 29, 1956, the night Rose Maddox became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Jim Reeves (host): According To My Heart
Del Wood: Intermission At The Opry
Justin Tubb: Lucky Lucky Someone
Jim Reeves: Oklahoma Hills
Fiddle Tune: Arkansas Traveler

7:45: American Ace
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Jean Shepard: You Are Calling Me Sweetheart
Benny Martin: Lover Of The Town
Marty Robbins: Who At My Door Is Standing
Fiddle Tune: Turkey In The Straw

8:00: Martha White
Ray Price (host): Crazy Arms
Flatt and Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Carter Sisters: Sweet Talking Man
Possum Hunters: Fire in the Mountain
Ray Price: You Done Me Wrong
Martha Carson: Let The Light Shine
George Morgan: Stay Away From Me Baby
Flatt and Scruggs: Give Mother My Crown
Ray Price: Release Me

8:30: Prince Albert
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jordanaires: When I Move
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer
Hank Snow: Farther Along
Moon Mullican: Blue Tears
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't On the News
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Hank Snow: Conscience, I'm Guilty
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Jimmy Dickens (host): Big Sandy
Ferlin Huskey: Imitations
Goldie Hill: I'm Beginning To Feel Mistreated
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Jimmy Dickens: Cornbread and Buttermilk
Rose Maddox: False Hearted
Ferlin Huskey: That Big Old Moon
Fruit Jars: Cacklin Hen
Jimmy Dickens: I Never Thought It Would Happen To Me

9:30: Stephens
Carl Smith (host): You Are The One
Jim Reeves: If You Were Mine
Lew Childre: Southern Hospitality
Anita Carter: One Heart Ache at a Time
Carl Smith: If You Do Dear
Jean Shepard: It's Hard To Tell
Justin Tubb: Lucky Lucky Someone
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jim Reeves: Highway to Nowhere
Carl Smith: Don't Tease Me

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Rainbow in My Heart
Martha Carson: Satisfied
Moon Mullican: You Don't Have To Be a Baby To Cry
George Morgan: Talk A Look At Yourself
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:15: Delited
Marty Robbins (host): Call Me Up and I'll Come Calling On You
Benny Martin: Whippoor Will
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatam

10:30: Hester Battery
Jimmy Dickens (host): Blackeyed Joe
Bill Monroe: I Believed In You Darling
Goldie Hill: Sample My Kisses
Jimmy Dickens: It Scares Me Half To Death
Fiddle Tune: 8th of January

10:45: D-Con
Hank Snow (host): Would You Mind
Rose Maddox: (?)
Crook Brothers: Tom and Jerry
Hank Snow: Why Do You Punish Me
Fiddling Fish and Stick: Back Up and Push

11:00: Coca Cola
Carl Smith (host): Doggone It Baby, I'm In Love
Jim Reeves: My Lips Are Sealed
Jean Shepard: It's Hard To Tell The Married
Flatt and Scruggs: What's Good For You Should Be Alright For Me
Carl Smith: Before I Met You
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Rattle Snake Daddy
Gully Jumpers: Durang Horn Pipe
Jim Reeves: Waiting On Top of the World
Carl Smith: Go Boy Go

11:30: Jamison
Ray Price (host): Crazy Arms
Ferlin Huskey: Waiting
Justin Tubb: Yo Nearly Lose Your Mind
Sam and Kirk: Milk'em In the Morning
Ray Price: Release Me
Lew Childre: Hang Out The Front Door Key
Ferlin Huskey: Imitations
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe Clark
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Leather Britches

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend, and get ready as next week is the Opry's 92nd birthday bash.

Tuesday Night Opry 9/26 & Wednesday Night Opry 9/27

Before getting into the mid-week shows, an update on Jesse McReynolds. As of Sunday evening, Jesse has been making slow, steady progress. He has been eating a little and sitting up, along with resting at night. The doctors have said it will be a long and slow recovery process. Considering Jesse's age, I can fully understand that. He is not completely out of the woods as of yet, so the family is still asking that everyone keep Jesse in their thoughts and prayers.

As to the Tuesday Night Opry, there will be two shows this week with Grand Ole Opry members Rascal Flatts the featured attraction. Other Opry members set for Tuesday night include Lorrie Morgan, Bill Anderson and Dailey & Vincent:

1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Carlene Carter
7:30: Marshall Tucker Band; Lorrie Morgan
8:00: Dailey & Vincent; William Michael Morgan
8:30: Rascal Flatts

2nd show
9:30: Rascal Flatts; Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Marshall Tucker Band; William Michael Morgan; Dailey & Vincent

Definitely a very strong and solid line-up.

Now for the Wednesday Night, again a solid show but certainly not with the star power of Wednesday night. Chris Janson, fresh off his Nashville concert on Saturday night, gets the entire last half hour to himself:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Exile
7:30: Bobby Bones; T Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Ashley Campbell; LOCASH
8:45: Chris Janson.

Finally, Opry Country Classics takes place Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Bobby Bare
Also Appearing: Mandy Barnett; Craig Campbell; Gatlin Brothers; Jeannie Seely

Grand Ole Opry 9/22 & 9/23

First, a word regarding Jesse McReynolds. For those who do not know, earlier today Jesse was admitted to the hospital with stomach pain. He was rushed into surgery as it was determined that he had a ruptured aneurysm. Doctors at Sumner Hospital in Gallatin reported that his condition was serious. Last word I have, as I type this Wednesday afternoon is that Jesse is out of surgery and the family is cautiously optimistic. Our thoughts are with Jesse and his family.

As far as the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, Friday will be the big night as Reba McEntire will be performing on both shows and honored as it was 40 years ago, September 17, 1977 that Reba made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

When Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1977, she almost didn't make it in the door after a guard at the Opry gate missed her name on that night's list of performers. Reba found a nearby phone and called her booking agent, who arranged for her to get past security. Her parents and older sister, Alice, drove 1,400 miles round trip from their Oklahoma home to see what turned out to be Reba's three-minute performance that night. Her act was cut from two songs to just one, "Invitation to the Blues," because of a surprise appearance from Dolly Parton. Despite those issues, that evening still turned out better than the first time Reba came to the Opry as a fan. She was seven years old and visiting the Opry as an audience member. She got sick during the show, ran outside and promptly threw up on the front steps.

Western singer Red Steagall discovered Reba at the National Finals Rodeo in 1974 singing the national anthem. She signed her first record deal the following year and charted her first single in 1976. Four years passed before Reba landed her first Top 10 hit with "(You Life Me) Up to Heaven." It took two years for Reba to get her first No. 1, "Can't Even Get the Blues." Since then, the hits have consistently kept coming for four decades. She is the only female artist to have scored No. 1 singles in each decade from the 1980s through the current one.

Reba, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, has sold more than 55 million albums and earned two Grammy Awards. She is the most nominated female artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards, which named her its Entertainer of the Year in 1986. She also has found success in film, television, books, fashion, and even on the Broadway stage. She is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Now, I think most of you know how I feel about Reba. She is a great singer, and a Hall of Fame member. She has had an outstanding career in country music and continues to be an inspiration to many female artists. But as an Opry member, her support of the show has been somewhat lacking.

The Opry lists her "official" induction date as November 21, 1985 and even at that point, the Opry appearances were few and far. Just going back to 2001, Reba has made only 3 Opry appearances in the past 16 years and one of those was the surprise appearance that she made to ask Little Big Town to become the Opry's newest members.

As to the rest of Friday night's line-up, there are only 7 acts scheduled on the 1st show and just 6 on the 2nd (The Whites only appearing on the early show). What is nice is that each one is an Opry member, or in the case of Bobby Bare, a former Opry member. As to Reba McEntire & "Friends," I am not sure who the friends are. I am thinking she might have a couple of special folks with her.

Friday September 22
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Mike Snider; Connie Smith; Bobby Bare
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Reba McEntire & Friends

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Bare; Mike Snider
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Reba McEntire

Interesting that they have only 2 segments. This is certainly not a case of not having anyone who could host, as The Whites, Mike Snider and Connie Smith are all on the schedule. They certainly could have filled it out if they so desired. But the line-up is solid. And yes, not matter the reason or what it took, it is good to have Reba McEntire back on the Opry. The show is better with her.

Now, as far as Saturday night is concerned, it is a more traditional show with 11 acts listed, 5 of which are Opry members. Opry members scheduled include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites, Connie Smith and Bobby Osborne. (Jesse was on the original schedule last night). Guest artists include Adam Craig, Tegan Marie, The Steel Woods, Chonda Pierce, Charlie Worsham, and Alex Williams, who I believe is making his Grand Ole Opry debut.

Saturday September 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Adam Craig; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Tegan Marie; The Steel Woods
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Alex Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Chonda Pierce; Charlie Worsham

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 21 & 22, 2007:

Friday September 21
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Blaine Larsen
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sarah Johns
9:00: Charley Pride (host); Jimmy C Newman; Doyle Dykes
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jimmy Wayne

Saturday September 22
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Blaine Larsen
7:00: Mike Snider (host); David Ball; Sherrie Austin
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Mountain Heart
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sawyer Brown

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider; Blaine Larsen
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; David Ball; Sawyer Brown
10:30: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; Sherrie Austin; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mountain Heart; Doyle Dykes

Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of September 25 & 26, 1992:

Friday September 25
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Hank Locklin; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; The Whites; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Charlie Walker
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy Dickens; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Alan Jackson; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; The Whites; Carlisles; Alan Jackson
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Mel McDaniel; Skeeter Davis; Mike Snider
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Justin Tubb; Jim Ed Brown
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow

Saturday September 26
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Skeeter Davis; The Whites; The 4 Guys; Billy  Walker
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett; Hank Locklin; Jim & Jesse; Jann Browne
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Carlisles; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Laurie Lewis

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; The Whites; Jean Shepard
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Billy Walker
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim & Jesse
10:30: The 4 Guys (host); Ray Pillow
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Laurie Lewis; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Hank Locklin; Johnny Russell

Note: Justin Tubb cancelled.

Finally, here is the running order from 28 years ago, Saturday September 23, 1989:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
George Hamilton IV: Life's Railway to Heaven

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Roly Poly
Jim & Jesse: Thanks for the Trip to Paradise
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Jean Shepard: Slowly
Billy Grammer: I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair/Gotta Travel On
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
Porter Wagoner: Tennessee Saturday Night

7:30: Standard Candy
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away too Long
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Everytime You Leave
Del Reeves: Bad News

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You/Once A Day
The 4 Guys: When You Got A Good Woman, It Shows/How Married Are You Mary Ann
Opry Square Dance Band/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Gray Eagle

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lyin' In Love With You
Vic Willis Trio: Beer Barrel Polka
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Ray Pillow: I'll Break Out Again Tonight
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Ray Pillow: Days When You Were Still In Love With Me
Jim & Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland/The Night Runner
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/You've Gotta Have A License

10:00: Little Debbie
Osborne Brothers (host): My Cabin in Caroline
Jean Shepard: I Just Had You On My Mind
Osborne Brothers: Beneath Still Waters

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Roy Acuff & Billy Grammer: Happy Birthday Donna
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley/The Waltz You Saved for Me
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
George Hamilton IV (host): Abilene
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

10:45: B.C. Powder
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Around When It's Over
Opry Square Dance Band/ The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

11:00: Coca-Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Connie Smith: Walkin' After Midnight
Bill Carlisle: Oh, What A Party
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

11:30: Creamette
The 4 Guys (host): I'm All Tied Up
Roy Drusky: More & More
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Numbers
Vic Willis Trio: Sioux City Sue
The 4 Guys: Wings of a Dove/My Special Angel/I've Had the Time of My Life

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend as we welcome back Reba McEntire.

Tuesday Night Opry 9/19 & Wednesday Night Opry 9/20

The line-up for the two mid-week shows have been posted, with Darius Rucker being recognized on Wednesday night upon his 5th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

But before we get to that, there is the Tuesday Night Opry. 5 of the 7 acts are members of the Opry, and it is nice to see both Josh Turner and Craig Morgan among the members slated to appear.

Tuesday September 19
7:00: Connie Smith; Craig Morgan
7:30: Josh Turner
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Brooke Eden
8:45: Kristian Bush; Del McCoury Band

Wednesday September 20
7:00: John Conlee; Jacob Davis
7:30: Henry Cho; Brothers Osborne
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce; Vince Gill
8:45: Darius Rucker

As mentioned, Darius Rucker will be recognized upon his 5th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, joining the cast on October 16, 2012 (guess he couldn't make it closer to the actual date).

"Welcome him home, everybody! This is his new home right here," said Darius Rucker's good friend Brad Paisley to a Grand Ole Opry audience on October 2, 2012, just after Brad invited Darius to become an official member of the Opry. The invitation cemented a place in both country music and the genre's undisputed home for the soulful, rich baritone singer whose diverse career first landed him in pop music as the lead singer/co-writer for the wildly successful Hootie & the Blowfish.

Success as a solo country artist came quickly for Darius, whose first single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" and the album on which it was included, "Learn To Live," became No. 1 smashes. As "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" was on its way up the charts in 2008, Darius played the Opry for the first time. "When I was asked if I wanted to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, I yelled, 'Are you kidding me?'" recalls Darius. "I've been waiting for that my whole life. To be invited where so many of the greatest country artists have performed is an honor, and I still can't believe it has been bestowed on me. Just to stand in the circle where so many greats have stood, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells. I just couldn't believe it."

In addition to his smash debut single, Darius has enjoyed other radio favorites, including "Alright," "It Won't Be Like This For Long," "This," and the Grammy-winning "Wagon Wheel." among others.

Presenting him with the Opry members Award during his October 16, 2012 induction, Vince Gill said to Darius, "I don't think there's a more beloved guy in our music than you. Before you even open your mouth and sing a song you've written, everybody is really crazy about you. You will find this place right here to be one of the greatest homes you'll ever have. Thanks for wanting to be a country music singer."

I hope everyone enjoys the mid-week Opry shows and are ready for Friday night when Reba McEntire returns to the Opry stage to celebrate her 40th anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Grand Ole Opry 9/15 & 9/16

It will be a special weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as on Saturday night Jeannie Seely will be celebrating 50 years as a member of the Opry. Jeannie will be just the 6th female member to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Wilma Lee Cooper, Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith.

Jeannie Seely's mother said that Jeannie was just four years old when she learned to stretch up, tune 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 don'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 a duet partner of Porter Wagoner and had a successful touring and recording partnership with follow 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 has 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.

Jeannie continues to record and make new music, along with traveling and doing tour dates, many times with Tim Atwood. Yet even with her busy schedule, most weekends will find Jeannie at the Opry and hosting segments. In fact, Jeannie was one of the first female members to host a segment.

"It never made any sense to me that a woman couldn't host a segment of the show. The first Opry manager to want to change that was Bob Whittaker. He said, 'We're wasting fifty percent of our artist pool.' I used to go up to Bob's predecessor, Hal Durham, and I'd say, 'I know you've told me before why women can't host, but won't you tell me one more time.' He'd rock from side to side and jingle his change and say, 'It's tradition, Jeannie.' I'd say, 'Oh, it's tradition. It just feels like discrimination.'

It took some time, but eventually Jeannie and the other female artists got their way.

Joining Jeannie this weekend on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be Opry members Bill Anderson (who will be hosting the 1st segment honoring Jeannie), The Whites, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Crystal Gayle and Patty Loveless. Also appearing will be Elizabeth Cook, Brandy Clark and Wynonna. I think it is safe to say that the night will be dominated by the females.

Jeannie, Mike, The Whites and The Riders are also scheduled for Friday night, where they will be joined by Opry members Joe Diffie, Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and Old Crow Medicine Show, who will be in the Opry Shop after the show. Guesting will be Mark Wills, Gwen Sebastian and The Last Bandoleros.

Friday September 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Joe Diffie
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Gwen Sebastian; The Last Bandoleros
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show

Saturday September 16
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Elizabeth Cook; The Whites; Brandy Clark
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider (host); Wynonna; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Crystal Gayle; Patty Loveless

That comes out to 11 acts on Friday night, of which 8 are Opry members, and 10 acts on Saturday night, of whom 7 are members of the Opry.

In addition to be honored at the Opry on Saturday night, Jeannie Seely will also be the host and featured attraction at the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 14 & 15, 2007:

Friday September 14
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mel McDaniel; Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Danielle Peck
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jim Ed Brown; Chris Young
9:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doug Stone

Saturday September 15
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mel McDaniel; Radney Foster
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rockie Lynne; Mandy Barnett
7:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rissi Palmer
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Marty Stuart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Chris Young

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Radney Foster
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Rockie Lynne; Connie Smith; Marty Stuart
10:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Rissi Palmer; Chris Young

Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of September 18 & 19, 1992:

Friday September 18
1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Johnny Russell
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Billy Grammer;
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys; Carlisles
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jack Greene; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Billy Walker; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Stonewall Jackson; Ray Pillow; Oak Ridge Boys
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); The 4 Guys; Jim Ed Brown; Lorrie Morgan
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Jack Greene; Justin Tubb; Carlisles
11:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow

Saturday September 19
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Billy Walker; The Whites
7:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Ray Pillow; Billy Grammer; Jann Brown
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); The 4 Guys; Jimmy Dickens; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; Roy Drusky; Carlisles

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Billy Walker; Lorrie Morgan
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy C Newman
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Jack Greene (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Justin Tubb; Roy Drusky; Jim Ed Brown
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Ray Pillow; Carlisles; Jan Howard; Charlie Louvin

(Justin Tubb cancelled)

The Saturday night show in 1992 also recognized Jeannie Seely for being an Opry member 25 years, joining the cast on September 16, 1967. The Nashville Tennessean, when printing the Opry line-up in the Friday paper, would also highlight an Opry member, and the September 18, 1992 edition highlighted Jeannie Seely. Here is what was written:

This year, Jeannie Seely and the Grand Ole Opry are celebrating their silver anniversary. Wednesday marked the 25th year of Opry membership for "Miss Country Soul," who joined in 1967. This weekend, she celebrates the anniversary by singing in shows at 9:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 and 11 p.m. Saturday. "I'm so excited, almost like I was the first time," Seely said. "I went through my wardrobe, and nothing was good enough. I went out and splurged today and bought a new dress." Seely has always been known for her fashion sense; credited with breaking the "calico curtain," she changed the image of sweet down-home female country music singers by wearing mini-skirts and low-cut dresses.

In 1966, Seely won a Grammy for "Don't Touch Me," a hit song that led to Opry membership. "I can't forget that," she said. "Usually the first criteria to join is a hit record. When 'Don't Touch Me' hit, I was so excited about having a No. 1 record, but I kept saying, 'Does this mean they'll ask me to join the Opry?'" They did. "I was so excited and so nervous the first appearance, "Seely said. "I remember thinking of the responsibility, what it meant to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry." To Seely, it means being part of a family. "There's just a kinship there," she said. "When I'm away, I'm homesick for the Grand Ole Opry." And every weekend she's in town, Seely can be found on the Opry stage. "It's kind of frightening how fast 25 years have gone by. I just can't believe it," she said. "I'm proud of being able to stick with it that long, as well as just happy that they've stuck we me."

That was from 25 years ago, and now this weekend Jeannie will join the select company of Opry members who have been with the Opry for 50 years.

Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday September 16, 1967, the night Jeannie Seely became an Opry member:

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Ernie Ashworth (host): A Week in the Country
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 Lookin'
George Hamilton IV: The Urge for Going

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): Get While the Getting's Good
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Jimmy Gatley: Sh Wants to Be Like You
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Bill Anderson: No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore
Duke of Paducah: Four-Leaf Clover
The 4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Bill Anderson: 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 Boy
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 Lightening Express
Opry Staff Band: Speeding West
Grandpa Jones: Everything I Had Going for Me Is Gone
Jeannie Seely: Don't You Ever 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): Good, 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
The 4 Guys: Shendandoah
Jeannie Seely: I Fall to Pieces
Hank Williams, Jr: Long Gone Lonesome Blues/(?)/Can't Take it No Longer/I'm In No Condition 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 to Jeannie Seely on her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.

Grand Ole Opry 9/12 & 9/13

The Grand Ole Opry is having two mid-week shows this week as the Opry is back to having a Wednesday night show for a few weeks.

Tuesday September 12
8:00: Blake Shelton
8:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Jon Pardi
Intermission
9:15: Margo Price; Henry Cho
9:45: Lukas Nelson; Trace Adkins

Wednesday September 13
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Clare Bowen
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Randy Owen
8:45: Luke Bryan

The Tuesday night segment with Blake Shelton will be part of a nation-wide hurricane relief show that is being nationally televised.

The Wednesday night show will celebrate Country Cares for St. Jude Kids. During this special show, photos and inspirational moments will be shared, and a St. Jude patient will be on stage as a special guest announcer for the night. Those attending the show will be encouraged to support St. Jude.

This is something that the Opry has done in the past and has gotten more involved with recently. When the opportunity comes that those in Nashville and at the Opry can help others, they should always take advantage of it. Our thanks to Ryman Hospitalities and the Grand Ole Opry for stepping forward.

Opry Member Troy Gentry Killed In Helicopter Crash

News came late this afternoon that Grand Ole Opry member Troy Gentry, half of the duo Montgomery Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash in New Jersey.

The following was posted on Montgomery Gentry's website this afternoon:

It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00 pm today in Medford, New Jersey.  The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old. 

Details of the crash are unknown. 

Troy Gentry's family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.

In addition to the tragic death of Troy, former Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams passed away after a short illness. He was 78. 

Our prayers and thoughts are with both families. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/8 & 9/9

With the Grand Ole Opry's 92nd birthday weekend just a month away, I have been getting emails asking for any news. Unfortunately, I have nothing to report. I called the Opry's office this past week and was told that there was nothing to announce at this time. I even asked who was going to be the entertainer at the Saturday afternoon birthday concert and they said it would be announced soon. So far there is Hunter Hays for Friday night and Steven Curtis Chapman on Saturday evening and that is it. Looking back in my records, it was the 2nd week of September last year when they started posting additional artists, so I assume it will be the same this year. There are plenty of artists listed for the weeks before and after the birthday weekend. Let's just hope it is the case that they want to make one big announcement and not a case of not being able to find any artists available.

As to the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, there are two pretty solid shows with a good collection of veteran Opry members. Both nights will feature Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson, Mike Snider and Connie Smith. That group will be joined on Friday night by Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne, while on Saturday night it will be Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Jesse McReynolds and Steve Wariner performing. That adds up to 6 Opry members on Friday and 8 on Saturday.

As to guest artists this weekend, the big name on Friday night is Tanya Tucker. Nice to see her back on the Opry stage. While she doesn't make many visits to the Opry, she is always a popular artist on the show. Additionally, "Nashville" star Charles Esten is scheduled to perform along with Jim Lauderdale, The Steeldrivers and Jackie Lee. Meanwhile on Saturday night, guest artists scheduled include Maggie Rose, Chuck Mean & His Grassy Knoll Boys, Shelly Fairchild and Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers.

Friday September 8
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Lauderdale; The Steeldrivers
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jackie Lee; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Charles Esten
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Tanya Tucker

Saturday September 9
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Maggie Rose
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shelly Fairchild; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Joe Mullins & His Radio Ramblers; Steve Wariner

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of September 7 & 8, 2007:

Friday September 7
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Jack Greene; Steep Canyon Rangers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; Mark Wills
9:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jan Howard; Buddy Jewell
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

Saturday September 8
1st show
6:30: Steve Wariner (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Wade Hayes
7:00: The Whites (host); Catherine Britt; Blue Country
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Dale Ann Bradley; Jennifer Hanson
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hank Locklin; Jeff Bates; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); Mel McDaniel; Buddy Jewell

2nd show
9:30: Steve Wariner (host); The Whites; Jennifer Hanson
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Wade Hayes; Jeff Bates
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Catherine Britt; Blue Country; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Dale Ann Bradley; Buddy Jewell

Now, going back 25 years, here are the posted line-ups from September 11 & 12, 1992:

Friday September 11
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Del Reeves; Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Jeannie Seely
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis; Vince Gill
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; The Whites
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Janie Fricke; Ray Pillow
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Stonewall Jackson; The 4 Guys; Vince Gill
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Del Reeves; Connie Smith; The Whites
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Mike Snider; Janie Fricke
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Carlisles; Justin Tubb; Jeannie Seely; David Houston
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker; Johnny Russell
12:05: Reverend Jimmie Snow

Saturday September 12
1st show
6:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely
7:00: The 4 Guys (host); Skeeter Davis; David Houston; Stu Phillips; Vic Willis Trio
7:30: Del Reeves (host); Patty Loveless; Vince Gill; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow; Carlisles

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Ernie Ashworth; Vince Gill
10:00: Charlie Walker (host); Patty Loveless
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:30: Del Reeves (host); Stu Phillips
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); David Houston; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Vic Willis Trio; Jeannie Seely
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Ray Pillow; Carlisles; Stonewall Jackson

Finally, looking back into Grand Ole Opry history, it was 28 years ago, Saturday September 9, 1989 that Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

Polly Adelaide Hendricks Hazelwood was born on February 22, 1920 in Nashville, Tennessee. A lifetime resident of Nashville, she was surrounded by the influences of early country music and the remaining vestiges of ragtime, particularly though the guitar pickers. She took up piano at age five, and played ragtime, gospel and country music. Despite her parent's best efforts to encourage a direction towards classical music, the environment in Nashville, plus the early local programming on radio, convinced her that she wanted to play piano in the honky-tonk style. Her dream goal was the Grand Ole Opry, something she would realize in her early 30s.

Shortening her married name of Adelaide Hazelwood to something easier to remember, and intentionally non-gender specific, Del Wood began playing in bands and honky-tonk joints in her 20s. After a decade of building repertoire and reputation, she spent some time as a staff pianist at WLBJ in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It was there that she was heard playing "Down Yonder" among other pieces, which led to a gig with a recording group called Hugh "Baby" Jarrett and his Dixieliners. This led to the first of many recording sessions for the Tennessee Records label starting in 1951. "Down Yonder" soon became a national hit in both the country and pop categories on the Billboard record charts, sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold record. She was probably the first female country solo instrumentalist to sell a million copies of a record. This success led to guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, where in 1953 she became a member. Two years later her fame culminated with a recording contract from RCA Victor Records, where she would make some of the first country/honky-tonk stereo recordings in the late 1950s. While nothing else that she recorded matched the success of "Down Yonder" her recordings over the next decade were frequent and consistent. She was given the nickname "Queen of the Ragtime Pianists" among others. In 1984, she appeared in the movie Rhinestone, staring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone as the pianist in the Wild Possums Band. During the Vietnam War, she was part of one of the Grand Ole Opry package tours that entertained troops overseas in 1968. Her recordings after the late 1960s were very infrequent, but she remained a very loyal member of the Grand Ole Opry, performing on the show most weekends. Del passed away on October 3, 1989, at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke.

Here is the running order from Saturday September 9, 1989, Del Wood's final night on the 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
The 4 Guys (host): Baby, You Look Good to Me Tonight
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Charley Pride: Looking Through Amy's Eyes/There Goes My Everything
The 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/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Patti on the Turnpike
Roy Acuff: One 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 Stores
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: Looking Through 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/The 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 Souvinors

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

There you have it for this week. Next Saturday night will be a big one at the Opry as Jeannie Seely will be celebrating 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It looks like it will be a ladies night as in addition to Jeannie, Opry members Patty Loveless and Crystal Gayle are scheduled to appear, along with Wynonna, Brandy Clark and Elizabeth Cook. It is looking pretty good.

As always,  I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and gets a chance to listen.

Tuesday Night Opry 9/5

Here is the line-up for tonight's Tuesday Night Opry, September 5:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; A Thousand Horses
7:30: Jamie Lynn Spears; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Sundance Head; High Valley
8:45: Charlie Daniels Band

Charlie was at our county fair last Wednesday night and did an excellent job. He still can deliver it, even though he is now 80. Amazing fiddle player and singer.

September Opry Highlights

It is hard to believe that summer is just about over and it's time for football. For those of us in Ohio, that means The Ohio State Buckeyes are #1 in our eyes and will once again be contending for a national championship. It also means another year of frustration for the Cleveland Browns. For everyone else, I am sure each of you have your own local professional or college team that you will be following. While the seasons change, it is business as usual at the Grand Ole Opry and as I do each month, here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the month of September, either involving the Opry or Opry members.

September 15, 1903: The "King of Country Music" Roy Acuff was born in Maynardsville, Tennessee. Roy came to the Opry in 1938, and except for a brief period of time, would remain a part of the Opry until his death in 1992. I think it is safe to say that Roy has been the most influential member in the history of the Opry.

September 13, 1911: Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass Music" was born in Rosine, Kentucky. Bill came to the Opry in October 1939 and never left.

September 17, 1913: Hank Williams was born, Really nothing else needs to be said. While his time at the Opry was relatively short, it was very eventful and historical in many ways.

September 26, 1925: One of the most popular members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, Marty Robbins was born near Glendale, Arizona. Marty came to the Opry in 1953, and shortly after that first appearance, he became an Opry member. Marty, who made the 11:30 segment into his own personal concert, stayed with the Opry until his death in December 1982.

September 26, 1926: Jerry Clower was born near Liberty, Mississippi. This former fertilizer salesman joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1973, and was the last member to join the cast before the Opry moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. Jerry, who was a great comedian and story teller, passed away in 1998 following heart surgery.

September 1, 1931: Lecil Travis Martin, better known as "Boxcar Willie" was born in Sterratt, Texas. Boxcar made his debut on the Opry in 1980 at the age of 49. Roy Acuff loved him, and Boxcar became an Opry member the following year. One of the early performers who operated his own theater in Branson, Boxcar passed away in 1999.

September 12, 1931: The "Possum" George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas. George originally came to the Opry in 1956, and throughout his career, he would come and go. He was still an Opry member when he passed away in 2013. Although his Opry appearances were few and far between, George was always proud of his Opry membership and it is noted in one of the displays at the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville.

September 8, 1932: Probably the greatest female singer in the history of country music, Patsy Cline was born in Winchester, Virginia. Patsy joined the Opry in January 1960, simply by asking, as being an Opry member was one of her earliest dreams. Patsy, who influenced so many other females, passed away in March 1963 at the age of 30.

September 11, 1938: Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Delmore Brothers, made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. One of the early members, this duo influenced many other brother acts that followed. While popular at the Opry, they left due to a disagreement with Opry founder George D. Hay

September 5, 1945: Wally Fowler became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Wally was the founder of the Oak Ridge Quartet, who eventually became known as the Oak Ridge Boys. After Wally joined the Opry, he was frequently featured on the Prince Albert portion, where he would traditionally sing a gospel song. Later in life, Wally ran into some financial problems that led to him selling the rights to the Oak Ridge Quartet name. Wally passed away in 1994.

September 18, 1947: The Grand Ole Opry brought a country music show for the first time to Carnegie Hall in New York city. Opry members featured on that first show included the headliners, Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl. The show as scheduled for a two night run and both nights were sold out. Here is how Ernest Tubb remembered those nights, "The radio and newspaper people ignored us the first night we were there, but we turned away six thousand people and the next night, every reporter was there." Billboard magazine reported that "such screaming and wild applause after each number hasn't been heard in town since Frank Sinatra brought out the bobbysoxers at the Paramount." The shows were so successful that country music, and the Opry, would make a return visit.

September 11, 1948: It would appear that this was the last night that Eddy Arnold appeared as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time, Eddy was the Opry's biggest star and he left the Opry to headline his own CBS network radio show. Eddy would later do an interview with Ralph Emery in which he talked about leaving the Opry. "I thought I had done as much as I could do there. I had two network radio programs outside the Opry." On his final night as a member, Eddy finished his set and stood on the stage looking out over the Ryman Auditorium. He thanked Harry Stone, WSM, and the Opry fans, and then turned to walk away from the microphone. Harold Bradley, who backed Eddy on guitar that night, would say, "We went around the curtain and he and Minnie Pearl hugged and both of them cried like babies because he was leaving." Eddy also created some controversy because he was the first "star" to leave the Opry and not return. Irving Waugh of WSM said, "We hated to see Eddy leave. But, as I recall, it didn't make that much difference to the Opry. At that stage, people were lined up all the way around the block to get in. New people, including Hank Williams were coming all the time." By the way, after Eddy left the Opry, he never came back.

September 24, 1948: WSM began the Friday Night Frolics, later to be known as the Friday Night Opry. The show took place from Studio C at WSM, where it would remain until moving to the Ryman Auditorium in 1964. The show was created originally as a way to keep Eddy Arnold on WSM radio.

September 25, 1948: George Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was brought to the show specifically to replace the recently departed Eddy Arnold. George came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree.

September 13, 1952: Webb Pierce made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Webb would become an Opry member a year later to help fill the void after Hank Williams was fired. Webb was an Opry member until February 1957, when he left after a dispute with management over booking fees and commissions that were being charged for road shows.

September 26, 1953: Skeeter Davis made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter would later become an Opry member, joining in 1959.

September 10, 1955: Justin Tubb became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This popular singer and songwriter was the youngest member of the cast when he joined. The son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb, Justin would remain an Opry member until his death in 1998 at the age of 62.

September 24, 1956: WSM radio fired Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny. Jim had started with WSM and the Opry back in the early days of the show and was involved behind the scenes in various capacities including being in charge of the Opry's concession business, where he saw for the first time how much money the Opry was making and how much more potential there was. Over time, he became not only the Opry's manager, but a powerful force at WSM and the Opry. In fact, too powerful for some. He was fired from the Opry because he refused to give up his ownership of Cedarwood Publishing Company, which the Opry viewed as a conflict of interest. Shortly after his death, Jim Denny would become one of the early members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

September 25, 1956: Following the firing of Jim Denny, Dee Kilpatrick was names the Grand Ole Opry's "general director," a new title. He was also named the manager of the WSM Artists' Service Bureau, which was the Opry's in-house booking agency. Dee, a former record company executive, said at the time, "They asked me what I thought was wrong. We'll, back when I was working with Mercury Records, I was at the Opry almost every Saturday night I was in town, and I could look at the audience and see what was wrong. The Opry didn't appeal to the younger audiences that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see were older people and little teeny kids. There weren't any teenagers." Kilpatrick would begin to add younger acts to the Opry's cast, including the Everly Brothers and Porter Wagoner. If nothing else, Dee recognized one of the Opry's biggest problems, which would continue on for many, many years.

September 29, 1956: Rose Maddox joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Rose did not stay at the Opry for very long, as several of the Opry's members, including Roy Acuff, did not care for her style or stage appearance.

September 6, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Rod Brasfield made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

September 13, 1958: Ben Smathers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. For most of their years, the Stoney Mountain Cloggers would rotate every other weekend as the featured square dancers, backing up groups such as the Crook Brothers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. Ben Smathers passed away in 1990, and the Cloggers would remain a part of the Opry until 1993.

September 30, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Before beginning his solo career, Marty was a part of Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass and Johnny Cash's touring band. Marty joined the Opry in November 1992.

September 25, 1962: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and legend, Loretta Lynn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Loretta's 55th year as a member. Currently, Loretta has been recovering after suffering a stroke several months back.

September 27, 1963: The National Life and Accident Insurance Company purchased the Ryman Auditorium from the city of Nashville for a reported $200,000. WSM, which operated the building, immediately changed the name of the building to the Grand Ole Opry House, even though everyone still called it the Ryman. By becoming the owners of the building. National Life was able to make some much needed repairs to the place to bring it up to code.

September 11, 1964: The Friday Night Frolics moved from WSM Studio C to the Ryman Auditorium, and renamed the Friday Night Opry.

September 18, 1965: According to the records kept by the Grand Ole Opry, this is the date that is recognized as when Connie Smith became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Other dates listed in the past have included one in June and more recently, an August date. While the date may be in question, what I do know is that this is the date that Connie first appeared on the Opry as a member. Either way, this will be her 52nd year as a member of the cast.

September 16, 1967: Jeannie Seely became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jeannie was one of the first female artists to host a segment at the Opry on a regular basis. Later this month, she will be celebrating her 50th anniversary as an Opry member, a show that she still performs at on most weekends.

September 19, 1968: Former Grand Ole Opry member Red Foley passed away in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Red came to the Opry in 1946 and stayed for a decade before moving on to Springfield, Missouri. While at the Opry, he was the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He passed away while on a tour.

September 13, 1969: Earl Scruggs made his first appearance as a solo member of the Grand Ole Opry. Earlier in the year, he and Lester Flatt ended their partnership, with each pursuing solo careers. On the Opry that night, Earl performed "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with his sons Gary and Randy.

September 17, 1977: Reba McEntire made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, Reba would become an Opry member. Later this month, Reba will be appearing on the Friday Night Opry to mark the occasion.

September 15, 1979: Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He sang "Behind Closed Doors" in a duet with Skeeter Davis.

September 6, 1984: Ernest Tubb passed away in a Nashville hospital after a long illness. Ernest had been in declining health for a number of years and had last appeared on the Opry in August 1982. He joined the Opry in 1943 and in 1965 Ernest was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

September 9, 1989: Del Wood made her final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Del, who had joined the Opry in the early 1950s on the strength of her hit, "Down Yonder" passed away a month later at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke.

September 4, 1991: Grand Ole Opry member Dottie West passed away in a Nashville hospital as a result of injuries suffered in an earlier car accident. Dottie had been a part of the Opry's cast since 1964. She had a great career and influenced a number of female artists. Despite efforts by her friends, Dottie still has not been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

September 4, 1992: Former Grand Ole Opry member Carl Butler died in Franklin, Tennessee. Carl first appeared on the Opry in 1948 and along with his wife Pearl, joined the cast in 1962. Not only was Carl a great singer, but he was also known as a fine songwriter. Carl and Pearl did not say as Opry members for very long, and after leaving the Opry the couple continued to tour. After Pearl's death, Carl would occasionally appear on the Opry.

September 11, 1993: The Stoney Mountain Cloggers made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

September 6, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Hank Snow made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hank was in declining health and made a low key decision to retire. Hank passed away in 1999, just two weeks short of his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

September 9, 1996: Grand Ole Opry, and bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe passed away, Bill had been in declining heath since suffering a stroke earlier in the year. Bill had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1939 and he brought the sound of bluegrass to the Opry stage.

September 20, 1997: During a guest appearance on the Opry, Johnny Paycheck was asked by Opry general manager Bob Whittaker if he would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, Johnny said yes and was inducted later in the year.

September 28, 2002: After an absence of 10 years, Tanya Tucker made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. She was joined on stage by the Jordanaires.

September 13, 2003: The United States Postal Service unveiled a stamp featuring Roy Acuff. The ceremony took place at the Grand Ole Opry House.

September 20, 2004: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis passed away in Nashville at the age of 72. Skeeter had battled cancer and other health related issues for a number of years. Skeeter was always known for her bright outfits and her big smile that brought a lot of joy to those watching her perform.

September 23, 2004: Just days after the death of Skeeter Davis, another long time Grand Ole Opry member passed away as Roy Drusky died after a battle with lung cancer. Roy joined the Opry in the late 1950s and was known for his smooth voice and great ballad songs.

September 8, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

September 29, 2007: During a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Josh Turner was asked by Roy Clark if he would like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, Josh said yes and would join the cast a month later. Also, on the same night, Porter Wagoner made his final Saturday night appearance on the Opry.

September 28, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House reopened after being renovated following the flood that stuck Nashville the previous May. Since the flood, the Opry had moved around to several different venues, with the majority of time spent at the Ryman Auditorium. On the reopening night, the final hour was televised by GAC and the segment opened with the cast coming out and singing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens led the way. Also during that night's show, Blake Shelton was asked by Trace Adkins to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

September 13, 2011: Grand Ole Opry legend Wilma Lee Cooper passed away. Wilma and her husband Stoney joined the Opry in 1957, coming to Nashville from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. After Stoney's death, Wilma Lee continued on as a solo member of the Opry. In February 2001, she suffered a stroke while performing on the show, which ended her performing career. She did return to the Opry stage in 2007 upon her 50th anniversary as an Opry member, and again in September 2010 upon the reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House.

September 13, 2011: George Jones made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It was a show that celebrated George's 80th birthday and included Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie, Lee Ann Womack and the Oak Ridge Boys.

September 27, 2011: Rascal Flatts was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were officially inducted in October during the Opry's 86th birthday weekend. This will be their 6th year as Opry members.

September 27, 2011: Johnny Wright passed away in Nashville. He was the husband of Kitty Wells and a former member of the Grand Ole Opry.

September 25, 2016: Grand Ole Opry legend, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard passed away. Jean last appeared on the Opry in November 2015, when she was honored on her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the only female to have been an Opry member for that period of time.

There you have it for this month!!