The big news from the Grand Ole Opry this weekend will be that Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps will be recognized upon his 60th anniversary of performing on the Grand Ole Opry. In conjunction with this recognition, Jimmy will be signing copies of his new book "The Man in Back" following the Friday Night Opry.
Jimmy Capps was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and raised in Benson, North Carolina, where he began listening to the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 8. He was inspired by his uncle, a champion fiddle player, and he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. By 1956, Jimmy was playing in a band and also appearing on radio and television, including at WCKB in Dunn, North Carolina and at stations in Florence, South Carolina. In 1958 he began working with The Louvin Brothers and that same year he made his first appearance performing on the Opry with Charlie and Ira. In 1967 he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band.
Jimmy remembered his audition for the Louvin Brothers. "When I auditioned for my job with the Louvin Brothers, their guitar player, Paul Yandell, (who had been drafted into the Army) had heard me working with a duet in North Carolina who sang all the Louvin Brother's songs, so I knew all the intros and turnarounds to their songs. He'd heard me play and recommended me to the Louvins. So I went to Burlington, North Carolina and after their show, we went back to the hotel and I auditioned. I did all their intros and turnarounds to the songs they auditioned me with and they seem to like me ok. But their guitar player noticed that I didn't use a thumbpick. He then asked me if I could play 'Malaguena'?. I told him, No, I couldn't. Charlie spoke up and said that Ira and him rarely played that song anymore so we're gonna hire him anyway. Thanks to Charlie, I guess I owe my whole career to him."
Jimmy has won numerous awards during his career and has been recognized for playing on the most number one recordings, including Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," "Conway Twitty's "The Rose," "George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and Kenny Roger's "The Gambler." He has also recorded with Barbara Mandrell, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, John Conlee, Johnny Paycheck, Ronnie Milsap, Alan Jackson, Ernest Tubb, John Denver and Tom Jones among many others. In fact, it might be easier to make a list of those Jimmy did not record with.
In 2001, Jimmy was named the R.O.P.E. Musician of the Year. While not a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Jimmy has been honored as a "Nashville Cat" by the museum.
Since Jimmy became a member of the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band, there have been many changes to the group. Some retired, while others were let go. But through it all, Jimmy has been the one constant member.
Congratulations once again to Jimmy Capps, who joins a select group of artists that have performed on the Opry for over 60 years.
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As to the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, there are two pretty nice shows scheduled for the weekend before Christmas, highlighted by a couple of Opry members who have not appeared lately on the show: Vince Gill and Marty Stuart. While Marty is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, Vince is lined up for both shows. For Marty, this will be just his fourth Opry show this year, while for Vince, these will be shows seven and eight. In defense of both, it has been a very busy year. Marty has been doing his own touring, touring in support of the 50th anniversary of the Sweetheart of the Rodeo album with Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn, and has been doing some work on his new museum that he is planning to open. As to Vince, he has been touring extensively with The Eagles, and that tour will be continuing into 2019 with an overseas tour planned.
As to additional Grand Ole Opry members this weekend, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers are scheduled for both nights, along with Bill Anderson. Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne and Jeannie Seely are listed for Friday night, with Mike Snider, Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites set for Saturday evening. That comes out to seven Opry members each night.
There is a nice collection of guest artists this weekend. Very frequent Opry guest Mark Wills is scheduled for both nights. For Mark, 2018 will be another year of making more Opry appearances then most of the Opry's members. He is one who you would think has earned the right to be an Opry member. Joining him on Friday night will be Paul Williams, Dillon Carmichael and The Malpass Brothers. Saturday, in addition to Mark, with will be Kathy Mattea, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Charlie Worsham and Rodney Crowell.
Friday December 21
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Dillon Carmichael; Connie Smith
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Paul Williams; The Malpass Brothers
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Mark Wills
Saturday December 22
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Kathy Mattea
7:30: Chris Janson (host); Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Keith & Kristyn Getty; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Charlie Worsham; Rodney Crowell
Two observations: first, strange to see Connie Smith not on a segment hosted by her husband Marty Stuart. Second, interesting that Chris Janson is hosting a segment over Larry Gatlin. Chris hosted for the first time last weekend and obviously, management was pleased with the job he did. Plus, it brings a younger Opry member into the hosting rotation. But it is strange to see Larry on the Opry and not hosting. He usually has done a very nice job in that role. Not a complaint, just something that stood out.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of December 19 & 20, 2008:
Friday December 19
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jim Ed Brown w/Helen Cornelius; Jimmy Wayne
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Kathy Mattea
9:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; The Whites
Saturday December 20
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jan Howard; Tommy Emmanuel; The Whites
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith; Buck Trent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Restless Heart
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Tommy Emmanuel; The Whites
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith; Buck Trent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Restless Heart
From 25 years ago, Saturday December 18, 1993:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Brother Oswald & Charlie
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Carlisle; Jim and Jesse
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); John Conlee; Jeanne Pruett; The Four Guys; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Faith Hill; Lee Greenwood
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ricky Skaggs; The Whites; Boxcar Willie; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Jeanne Pruett; The Four Guys; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Roy Drusky; Stu Phillips
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites; Charlie Walker
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Lee Greenwood; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider; Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday December 21, 1968:
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host); Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Old Towser
Margie Bowes: Jambalaya
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose in December
Roy Acuff: Branded Wherever I Go
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
The Four Guys: Delilah
Grandpa Jones: Think a Little More of Others (And A Little Less of Me)
8:00: Martha White
Tex Ritter (host): Texas
Jack Greene: Until My Dreams Come True
Wilburn Brothers: We Need Lots More Happiness
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Archie Campbell: That Little Boy of Mine
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Tex Ritter: Working Man's Prayer
Wayne Gray: Suppertime
8:30: Stephens
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Jeannie Seely: Little Things
George Morgan: Silent Night
Charlie Louvin: What are Those Things
Lonzo and Oscar: Columbus Stockade Blues
Del Reeves: If I Lived Here (I'd Be Home Now)
Jeannie Seely: Welcome Home to Nothing
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's 'A Comin'
Stu Phillips: Bring Love Back into Our World
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Jim and Jesse: Yonder Comes the Freight
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
10:00: Fender
Tex Ritter (host): Boll Weevil
Grandpa Jones: Raining on the Mountain, Now My Love
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Margie Bowes: Break My Mind
Wayne Gray: You Can Have Her
10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Know, Arkansas
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me
Osborne Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Archie Campbell: Most Richly Blessed
10:30: Buckley's
Bill Monroe (host): Molly and Tenbrooks
Del Reeves: Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Moving On #2
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Love is No Excuse
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Jim and Jesse: When the Snow Is on the Roses
Bob Luman: Memphis
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Sam McGee: How Great Thou Art
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Marion Worth: Almost Persuaded
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Bob Bishop: Roses to Reno
Marion Worth: Today I Started Loving You Again
Charlie Walker: White Christmas
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging to You/Don't Worry/El Paso
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Looking back in Grand Ole Opry history, it was 51 years ago, Saturday December 23, 1967 that Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Jack Greene was born in Maryville, Tennessee on January 7, 1930. He learned to play the guitar at an early age and by the age of 18 he was a regular on the Tennessee Barn Dance show on WNOX in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the early 1950s, he moved to Atlanta and formed his own band, The Peach Tree Boys. Jack was the lead vocalist, drummer and guitarist. In 1959, he moved to Nashville and formed another band, The Tennessee Mountain Boys. A major break came for him in 1961 when his band performed as the opening act for Ernest Tubb. Ernest was very impressed with Jack and asked him to became a part of the Texas Troubadors. Jack assumed the role of drummer, guitarist, vocalist and master of ceremonies for Ernest and was soon acting as Ernest's opening act.
In 1964 Jack released his first single, "The Last Letter." Soon after, and at the urging of Ernest Tubb, Jack left the Troubadors and began working on his solo career. His first Top 40 hit came in early 1966 with "Ever Since My Baby Went Away," reaching No. 37 on the charts. Later that year, Decca released what would become his signature song, "There Goes My Everything." The song went to No. 1 on the charts and stayed in that position for seven weeks, while also becoming a cross over hit. The album stayed at No. 1 for an entire year. His success continued the following year with another No. 1 hit, "All The Time," followed by "What Locks The Door," which reached No. 2. In 1967, Jack won Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Album of the Year from the Country Music Association. His success continued in 1968 with "You Are My Treasure" and "Love Takes Care of Me," both Top 5 hits. In 1969 he had two more No. 1 hits with "Until My Dreams Come True" and "Statue of a Fool." That was followed by "Back In The Arms of Love."
In 1970, Jack began a duet relationship with fellow Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, with "Wish I Didn't Have To Miss You" reaching No. 2 on the charts. That song was also Jack's last top-ten record. Jack charted several more singles in the early 1970s, including "Satisfaction," "I Need Somebody Bad," "and "It's Time To Cross That Bridge." Following that last single, his chart success dropped quickly and by 1976 he was dropped by MCA Records. Jack's final Top 40 single was "Yours For The Taking," which reached No. 28 in 1980.
Jack continued to be a regular performed on the Grand Ole Opry, in addition to keeping up a touring schedule. He also continued to record on independent labels, with his final album "Precious Memories, Treasured Friends" being released in 2010. By that time, Jack was beginning to decline due to complications of Alzheimer's disease, from which he passed away from on March 14, 2013.
Here is the running order from Saturday December 23, 1967, the night Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30 Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening Express
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself a Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Grand Ole Opry Staff Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness In a Man
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: Branded Man
Mack Magaha and Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Dooley
8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV; Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Jangle Bells/ Frosty the Snowman
The Four Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime at a Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint a Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants
10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows on the Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stringbean: Run, Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mack Magaha and Buck Trent: Katy Hill
10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like a Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Eugene Sloan: (?)
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene: What Locks the Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal Is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola and A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging to You/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso
There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend, and you should. It looks like a good weekend.
I like the news, that larry Gatlin will not hosting the saturday show. Since I like to hear him just sing and not talk for three minutes before start singing...
ReplyDeleteOnce again Byron just amazes me. Great write up on Jimmy Capps. Thank You very much Byron. Bob
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the reasoning is behind not making Mark Wills an Opry member. Any thoughts? Bob
ReplyDeleteI would imagine Jimmy Capps will eventually (if he hasn’t already) be in the running for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame through the Touring or session musician category.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Chris Jansen will extend membership to Mark Wills Saturday night? May be some reasoning he’s hosting and not Larry Gatlin. Personally, I like Mark Wills and believe he would be a great member. Those of us that loved the 90’s and early 2000’s country can relate to his impressive song catelog. In fact his string of hits is larger than Chris Jansen, Chris Young and Old Crow... just saying.
Any thought on how the recognition of Jimmy Capp will be done? I love Mark Wills and he definitely would be a great asset to the Opry Membership; he is extremely talented and very well-spoken in any introductions/comments about his music.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard, but I wonder if it would be during that last segment on Friday night when only Vince and Mark are listed.
DeleteIs Larry Gatlin losing it? All the Gold opening on Christmas weekend? AND, he just fools around and talks too darn much!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at his opening number also.
DeleteMe too, like I always said, hel talks more than he sings...and the antique jokes are just embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteVery nice tribute segment for Jimmy Capps. Paul Williams was a surprise as was The Malpass Brothers, who sang "Knoxville Girl" with Charlie's guitar and Ira's mandolin.
ReplyDeleteAnd who else, when they saw the line-up, thought that the Paul Williams on the line-up was the composer Paul Williams?
Jimmy Capps Music Room. A great honor.
ReplyDeleteYes Byron, that was great... Bob
DeleteGreat tribute to Jimmy Capps. Love the Malpass Brothers.
ReplyDeleteThe Opry always gives Marty Stuart the best gig of the evening when there is going to be salutes and farewells; he does it so well and it's effortless for him. I absolutely loved this way longer segment with Paul Williams and Jimmy Capps, wasn't Paul Williams just fabulous? Also the salute to Jimmy Capps, and The Malpass Brothers and it just got better with the Opry naming the music room to be named after Jimmy Capps and then Paul Conteras playing the fiddle ... what an outstanding 40 minutes of pure traditional country music from start to finish, reminds me of Opry shows of the way past. I sure do wish there were two shows tonight and I wish there were more nights like tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe Saturday Grand Ole Opry is going to be another stellar show. What a great weekend of Opry shows.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone and all the best to everyone in the coming New Year.
(Jeanene)
Agree Jeanene. You wrote it better than I could have. You don't get a segment like that one on the Opry very often anymore.
DeleteYeah, Mark Wills - newest member of the Opry. (from Anonymous in PA); great way they did it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Byron ....
ReplyDeleteAnd so it goes ... Mark Wills to be the next Opry member. Congratulations!!!
(Jeanene)
Now we need Rhonda Vincent, since they should add a new female member.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great end to the Friday night show. Vince did it right for Mark. Well deserved on a holiday weekend!
ReplyDeleteMark Wills has made more Grand Ole Opry appearances over the past decade then the majority of the Opry's members. He will be a great addition to the Opry's cast.
ReplyDeleteSince Sally Williams has taken over as the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, she has been aggressive in adding members. Nice to see that change.
To quote Eddie Stubbs, "Touchdown".
ReplyDeleteFor once in a long long time, a complete Opry with all Country Music and no immature voices singing flat and giggling. Congratulations to Sally Williams and everyone who participated tonight on a great job, The only thing that could have made it more rounded would have been Mike or someone with a little good humor......but still great without it.
And Paul Williams, these youngsters, or even not so young, should be embarrassed to come out and perform, or not, the way they do after hearing a man of 83 sing like that. Great.
I know it is not scripted or rehearsed and I love it, but Eddie and Bill said almost the same thing last year surrounding "Christmas List". I just listened to it on one of my tapes the other day.
And Mark Wills deserves to be a member as many have said here before. Another good move by Sally Williams and team. By the peers gathered at the end, I wonder how much arm twisting they did, or if the members have that kind of pull today.
And let me add my Merry Christmas to the other wishes here. Appreciate all of you and truly enjoy the conversation here.
Thanks Byron.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim: Merry Christmas to you, Byron, and all of the posters on here. It was one of the best nights in a long long time. I enjoyed it very much. I enjoy everybody's posts. Bob
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS MARK WILLS!!! YOU DESERVE BEING THE NEXT OPRY MEMBER!!!! Bob
ReplyDeleteI had a gut feeling this would be Mark’s weekend. It seems as if they have invited new members the last two Christmas seasons. Crystal Gayle, two years ago and one of the newer male acts last year.
ReplyDeleteA fine choice for a new member, and it's great to see Jimmy Capps properly honored, too. We can't go all the way back, but it seems to me the new manager has a much better feel for what the show is supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteDid a quick look back. For 2018, Mark will have made 28 Opry appearances (assuming he shows up tonight). Only 11 of the Opry's 66 members have made more. 2017 saw Mark make 27 appearances and in 2016 he appeared 17 times.
ReplyDeleteAs the Opry continues to lost its senior members who have showed up and supported the show over the years, it is important, I feel, that the Opry look at those veteran artists who have guested numerous times on the show and in my mind, would be no-brainers to add as members. With their concert and show dates declining, and still having the need to perform, and perform well, the Opry is a perfect place for them.
Besides Mark, I could see artists from that generation such as Kathy Mattea, Tracy Lawrence, Restless Heart, Exile, Lee Greenwood (who was asked and declined years ago), T Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy as those who have supported the show over the years and would make great Opry members.
Wills being the newest member is just amazing! He's an awesome singer, and his song choices, even and maybe especially those that were not hits are just INCREDIBLE! Every single time he's been out lately, I've asked myself why on EARTH they waited! I just feel bad that, being really sick last night, I fell asleep! I will for sure be going back and listening to this entire show as soon as it's posted. Story time real quick! Larry was the first person to put a mic in my hand when I was 2 years old, and when a dear friend introduced me to Wills, he could not have been more kind and sang with me! Really wonderful folks!
ReplyDeleteSadly though, since 2010 there have only been three female artists added to the Grand Ole Opry, Karen and Kimberly of Little Big Town and Crystal Gayle. We all know there are deserving, dedicated female artists who would make great additions to the Opry (as Byron mentioned Kathy Mattea as one) and they need some new Bluegrass and a female would be great, Rhonda Vincent !! (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteYa, makes you wonder in today's world. 50 years ago Dotty, Jeannie and others were unhappy with how they were expected to dress. At least they became members. I did not realize there had been so few since 2010, hadn't really thought about it. Rhonda is just so obvious a choice to me. Lee Ann Womack is another that is not mentioned here much. But it occurs to me that like Janie Frickie, she might live in Texas. And, Leona Williams lives in the Nashville area now and there is no excuse for her not appearing once in a while. Seems the last time I remember her being on is when Jean Shepard invited her out to help in a gospel medley.
ReplyDeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
Another great Grand Ole Opry show tonight, well 3/4 of it was good. I am sorry but Ricky Skaggs just shouldn't be a host and I didn't care for his guests. Mike Snider's poem was so funny; Kathy Mattea was wonderful, and Bill Anderson, as always the ultimate entertainer. Still getting used to Chris Janson, not sure yet, although he was a better host than Ricky. Then Larry does Houston AGAIN, UGH ! Mark Wills is still on Cloud-9 and did another great performance. He will be so good for the Opry. Vince is just so Vince - love him. Enjoyed Charlie Worsham (another new one for me). Rodney Crowell is always a treat.
ReplyDeleteAmen, 1A recap!
DeleteWhat a GREAT Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry.
ReplyDeleteMike Snider was hilarious, as always, Kathy Mattea was great, as always. Chris Janson was high octane as always & I enjoyed his hosting duties very much. He is very comfortable on stage.
Mark Wills did a wonderful job on the Alabama Christmas song. I am sure he is going to be a pretty darned good Opry member. And I don't think it was just a coincidence that Chris Janson & Mark Wills were on the same segment - Chris, the first Opry member inducted this year & Mark Wills being the last member to be invited with the official induction date not too far away; January 11th. Good for both of them; happy for both.
I really dig Charlie Worsham & I thought he, Rodney Crowell & Vince Gill did a great job of "Til I Can Take Control Again" - another great song.
In my opinion, the BEST song of the night, "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried", sung of course by Rodney Crowell, all the while the fiddle kept playing in the background. It was in your face country music at its best & it still is a great, great toe-tapping song. LOVE IT!! Took me straight back to when his album "Diamonds & Dirt" came out in the 80's. Just a great song & album; great now I have to dig out my cassette tape of this album & play it. Oh yah, there were those things back then & I still have them all. :-)
And everyone who was on stage that I did not mention were just terrific as well.
I hope it's not too long before we have more Opry shows that equal what we had this weekend.
Thank you's to Sally Williams & the Grand Ole Opry for all the wonderful country music that was on stage last night & tonight.
(Jeanene)