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.
Nice to see some folks who generally view Opry membership as something to brag about and never DO anything about, like show up.
ReplyDeleteDarius Has improved this year with his appearances. Hoping he keeps it up.
ReplyDeleteShould we all get down on our knees because Reba will grace us with her presence this weekend. How many actual Opry shows has she done in 40 years. 10/15? If we depended on people like her instead of people like Jeannie Seely, the Opry would have closed a long time ago. (oldtimeopry)
ReplyDeleteOldtimeopry, don't get me started on that. Reba joined in 85, or was it 86? Bryon probably knows without looking, it was kind of mixed up because I think it was announced on the TV celebration of the Opry's 60th in Fall of 85, which by the way Hank Snow did not appear because he would only get one verse of I'm Movin' On, but she didn't officially appear as a member until sometime in 86. Regardless, in 31 years I'm thinking it is about dozen times, right in there where you said.
ReplyDeleteIt has frustrated me for years, since Pete Fisher came along, that the veterans were cast aside for all these debut artist each week. Some here contend that the Opry became stale with the same artist each week with the same staff band backing many of them. That can be debated but what I feel can't is that if those same artist had said the heck with it and had not continued to perform, we probably would't be having this conversation today. They propped it up though the 80's and 90's and kept it alive. Then Fisher tried to sweep then aside, off the stage or under the rug. Thank goodness for people like Jean Shepard, Jim Ed Brown, Porter Wagoner, Charlie Louvin and others, oh and Stonewall, who stood their ground! Okay, Fisher did grow the show and probably brought it the new popularity but the veterans could have appeared more and received better respect!
I'll stop because I have had this rant before and I'm preaching to the choir.
Looking forward to seeing Jeannie in Terre Haute in November along with Tim Atwood, another Opry orphan!
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Hey everyone, check out new artist, Tony Jackson - what an incredible voice. Vince is on his debut CD. Hope this guy makes it.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Very Good...Bob https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsPUrSJpR7U
DeleteWhile looking at the Opry's Twitter feed tonight, it appears that Josh Turner is being recognized for 10 years as an Opry member. While I realize that it is Josh's 10th year, his actually induction date isn't until the end of October. As in the case of Darius Rucker, I guess this is as close to the actual date that they could get with Josh.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, congratulations are in order.
A post from Facebook this morning: Jesse McReynolds was rushed to the hospital this morning, Sept. 20, with stomach pains and is now in surgery at Sumner Hospital to repair a ruptured aneurysm. His condition is serious. Friends and fans, please pray. Jesse regrets that he will be unable to perform at Bean Blossom today. (message from Joy McReynolds, via Nancy Cardwell)
ReplyDelete