Grand Ole Opry 5/31 & 6/1

The weekend before the CMA Music Fest, and all is quite in Nashville. Well, not quite as the Grand Ole Opry has two shows scheduled this weekend, but first some sad news to share.

Eunita Kirby, the widow of Beecher Ray Kirby, better known as Brother Oswald, has passed away. Oswald, who passed away in 2002, and Eunita were married for 19 years. Brother Oswald, who officially joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1995, had been a part of the Opry since coming to Nashville with Roy Acuff.

Now, as far as the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, it looks like there will be two pretty nice shows this weekend as there is a nice group of Grand Ole Opry members in town. Opry members scheduled for both nights include John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent and Mark Wills. Joining that trio on Friday Night will be members Mike Snider, Jesse McReynolds and Connie Smith. Saturday night has Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne, Bill Anderson, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites scheduled.

Looking at the guest list, Friday night has Doug Seegers making a return appearance, along with Kathy Mattea, who in my opinion should have been an Opry member a long time ago, and who I feel would make a great Opry member, and a group who will be making their Opry debut, Fairground Saints. Also scheduled is another frequent guest, Steven Curtis Chapman.

Appearing on Saturday night will be King Calaway, making a return appearance to the Opry, along with comedian Chonda Pierce and John Paul White, formally one half of The Civil Wars.

Friday May 31
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider
7:30: Mark Wills (host); Jesse McReynolds; Fairground Saints
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Doug Seegers; Steven Curtis Chapman
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Kathy Mattea

Saturday June 1
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); John Conlee; Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Mark Wills (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); John Paul White; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; King Calaway

Mark Willis is going to be a pretty busy guy this weekend as he will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree
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A distance of approximately 2,042 miles separates the California Coast from Nashville, Tennessee. Hop on the I-10 East from the Pacific Coast Highway, drive straight through, and you'll be a stone's throw from the Grand Ole Opry and strolling down Music Row no more than 32 hours later. Fairground Saints literally and creatively made such a trek. Like a montage out of a movie, the California-bred-trio of Elijah Edwards, Meg McAllister, and Mason Van Valin, met by way of various social networks and Craiglist postings. The trio locked into a once-in-a-lifetime groove, sold everything, packed up, and headed to Nashville. Within two weeks of relocating, they landed a deal with Sony Music Nashville. They had already earned acclaim from NPR, Huffington Post, and more as early recordings "Can't Control The Weather," and "Turn This Car Around" amassed millions of streams. They have toured with Brothers Osborne, Sara Evans, Scotty McCreery and Kip Moore.

Their first release on Sony/Nashville "Somewhere Down The Line" illustrates the band's identity. Introducing a new chapter and more music, the track hinges on a literal knee-slapping groove and pedal steel twang courtesy of Elijah and male-female harmonies shared by Meg and Mason before an upbeat and undeniable chant.

"Before we moved out to Nashville, we were doing some stuff in California, but things weren't going exactly the way we hoped, "said Meg. "We needed to go to Nashville. We didn't know exactly why. We didn't have an apartment lined up. We just sold everything we had, drove across the country, and made it work."

While Fairground Saints will be making their Opry debut on the Friday Night Opry, John Paul White, who is scheduled for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, has been on the Opry stage before as a member of the outstanding duo, The Civil Wars.

With "The Hurting Kind," John Paul White has crafted a stunning album that draws on the lush, orchestrated music made in Nashville in the early 1960s. Yet these songs retain a modern feel, whether he's writing about overwhelming love, unraveling relationships, or the fading memory of a loved one.

John Paul grew up in tiny Loretto, Tennessee, and now lives in Florence, Alabama, not far from Muscle Shoals. He has cultivated his career in Nashville for two decades, first as a songwriter for a major publisher, then as half of The Civil Wars, a groundbreaking duo that won four Grammy Awards before disbanding in 2012. Because The Civil Wars was so hard to categorize, he has earned a fan base among indie rock listeners, folk audiences, Americana outlets, and AAA radio. So, what will happen if people hear The Hurting Kind and call it country? "Well, that doesn't scare me in the least," he says. "As a matter of fact, it kind of thrills me."
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of May 29 & 30, 2009:

Friday May 29
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Rebecca Lynn Howard
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; The Quebe Sisters Band
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Nagatani; Riders In The Sky

Saturday May 30
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin; Brad Paisley

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mel McDaniel; George Hamilton IV; The Whites
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jack Greene; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Joe Diffie; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Amy Grant; John McEuen; Tim O'Brien; Steve Martin

Saturday May 30, 1970 was an interesting night at the Grand Ole Opry as Jim Nabors performed that night.

Jim Nabors is known to most of us as Gomer Pyle, starring on the CBS television series. However, he was also an accomplished singer who appeared on numerous variety shows beginning in the 1960s.

Jim was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, but moved to California due to his asthma. He was discovered by Andy Griffith while working in a Santa Monica nightclub and he later joined the cast of The Andy Griffith Show. From there, his character was given his own spin-off show as Gomer Pyle. After Gomer Pyle left the air, he starred in his own variety show, however that show did not last long. After the show was cancelled, Jim continued to appear in concerts and on television, and was a frequent visitor to Nashville, known to attend the CMA Awards show.

Here is the running order from Saturday May 30, 1970:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Bible on the Table (and a Flag upon the Wall)
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nashville Skyline Rag
Ernie Ashworth: That Look of Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Lift Ring, Pull Over
Earl Scruggs Revue: My Home is Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
Stu Phillips: Wild Side of Life/You Win Again
Jim Ed Brown: Baby, I've Tried

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): Rawhide
Webb Pierce: The Man You Want Me to Be
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Leroy Van Dyke: She Called Me Baby
Bill Monroe: There's an Old, Old House
Webb Pierce: There Stands the Glass
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk on By/Auctioneer
Bill Monroe: Panhandle Country

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: It's Just the Way I Am
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes/Thinking 'Bout You Babe
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Run That By Me One More Time
Dolly Parton: How Great Thou Art
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves A Woman
Porter Wagoner: You Gotta Have a License

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Billy Grammer: (?)
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Lester Flatt: I've Been Walking
Dottie West: Long Black Limousine
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Lester Flatt: Cumberland Gap

8:30: Stephens
Hank Locklin (host): Flying South
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Bobby Bare: Miller's Cave
Jim and Jesse: I've Got a Freight Train in My Mind
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Marion Worth: Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed
Bobby Bare: Margie's at the Lincoln Park Inn

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
Willis Brothers: Gypsy, Rose and Me
Dolly Parton: Daddy Come and Get Me
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind

10:00: Fender
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Webb Pierce: More & More/The Man You Want Me to Be
Jim Ed Brown: Baby, I've Tried

10:15: Union 76
Bill Monroe (host): I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nine Pound Hammer
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) and Paul Warren: Orange Blossom Special
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
Leroy Van Dyke: An Old Love Affair Now Showing
Lester Flatt: A Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine

10:45: Beech-Nut
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Minnie Pearl
Jim Nabors: Your Cheatin' Heart/Rock -A-Bye

11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Dottie West: Country Girl
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Sam McGee: Folsom Prison Blues
Billy Grammer: God Will Take Care of You/The Old Rugged Cross

11:30: Lava
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Marion Worth: Okie from Muskogee
Jim and Jesse: Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Marion Worth: How Great Thou Art
Jim and Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Bobby Bare: Detroit City

A Couple of interesting notes from that night: Jim Nabors was introduced by his friend Minnie Pearl. He appeared only on the late show. Also, two former Grand Ole Opry members, Webb Pierce and Leroy Van Dyke performed on both shows that night. As to cancellations, Bill Carlisle, Stringbean, Ray Pillow and Loretta Lynn were all scheduled, but cancelled. Finally, a few of the Opry's heavy hitters were missing that night: Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and Marty Robbins. Still, it was a very good night at the Opry.

There you have it for this week as we close out the month of May and head into June and the CMA Music Fest. Looking at the Opry's schedule for next week, it looks like a pretty full week of shows, with several of the Opry's bigger names, including Carrie Underwood and Travis Tritt, scheduled to appear.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.

Tuesday Night Opry 5/28 & Opry Country Classics 5/30

Here is the line-up that was given to me for the Tuesday Night Opry, May 28

7:00: Bill Anderson; Town Mountain
7:30: Striking Matches; Dustin Lynch
Intermission
8:15: Kelsey Waldon; John Prine
8:45: Sturgill Simpson

Here is the line-up for Opry Country Classics, Thursday May 30, which will be the final classics show for the spring run:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Maggie Rose, The Swon Brothers, Exile

Grand Ole Opry 5/24 & 5/25

Memorial Day weekend is the first big summer holiday and a lot of folks are out on the road. That also includes many of the country entertainers, but even with a lot of personal bookings, the Opry has come up with a pretty good line-up for both Friday and Saturday night.

Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Mike Snider, John Conlee and Jeannie Seely. Joining that trio on Friday night will be Connie Smith and Bobby Osborne, while on Saturday The Whites, Jesse McReynolds and Bill Anderson are listed. That makes five members of Friday and six on Saturday.

Guesting on the Friday Night Opry will be Adam Doleac, Kalie Shorr, Sister Hazel, comedian Dick Hardwick, Darryl Worley, Tony Jackson (who impressed a lot of folks when he was on for his Opry debut) and Charles Esten. On Saturday night, the list includes David Ball, Elizabeth Cook, Gary Morris, comedian John Crist and Lauren Alaina.

For those wondering, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for John Crist, who is a noted comedian. He is also Lauren Alaina's current boyfriend.

Friday May 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Adam Doleac
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Kalie Shorr; Sister Hazel
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Dick Hardwick; Darryl Worley
8:45: Connie Smith (host); Tony Jackson; Charles Esten

Saturday May 25
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; David Ball
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Elizabeth Cook; Gary Morris
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Lauren Alaina

The Malpass Brothers will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this Saturday night. They should have been scheduled for the Opry this weekend as they are a fantastic duo.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the 4th weekend in May 2009:

Friday May 22
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Caitlin & Will
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Rhonda Vincent
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; The Whites

Saturday May 23
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Dale Watson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Emily West
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Hal Ketchum

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday May 28, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Hank Locklin; Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker; Connie Smith
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Four Guys; Stonewall Jackson; Charlie Daniels Band
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates; Billy Walker; The Carol Lee Singers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): JD Sumner and The Stamps; Charlie Daniels Band
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Roy Drusky
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Jack Greene (host); The Four Guys; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker; The Carol Lee Singers
11:30: Mike Snider (host): Hank Locklin; Connie Smith

And from 50 years ago, Saturday May 24, 1969:

1st show
6:30/6:45: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean; The Four Guys; Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann; Margie Bowes
7:00: Roy Acuff; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Porter Wagoner; Mel Tillis; Dolly Parton; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb; Glaser Brothers; Willis Brothers; Lonzo and Oscar
8:30: Hank Snow; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Glaser Brothers; Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean; The Four Guys
10:00: Jim Ed Brown; Archie Campbell and Lorene Mann; Virgil Gifford
10:15: Roy Acuff; Bill Carlisle
10:30: Porter Wagoner; Dolly Parton; Del Wood
10:45: Ernest Tubb; Mel Tillis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Lonzo and Oscar; Jeanne Pruett; Don Winters

Finally, let's take a look at an Opry line-up from a few years ago, Saturday May 24, 1986. Nothing particularly special took place that night, but I thought it would be interesting to look back at an Opry show from the middle 1980s.

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
The Four Guys (host): Fox on the Run
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me Again
The Four Guys: Some Memories Just Won't Die

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Lasting First Impression
Wilma Lee Cooper: Honey in the Rock
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make'em Like My Daddy Anymore/America
Porter Wagoner and Becky Hinson: Good Love Died Tonight/What A Memory We'd Make

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man/Once a Day
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Stonewall Jackson (host): Muddy Water
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy
Ray Pillow; Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Shelly West: Jose Cuervo/Here Comes My Baby
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jean Shepard: Blanket on the Ground
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Roger Whitaker: (?)/The Last Farewell
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
The Four Guys (host): Tennessee
Jeannie Seely: Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me Alone
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Lorrie Morgan: One Love at a Time
Charlie Louvin: Hungry Eyes
The Four Guys: Mama Rocked Us to Sleep with Country Music

10:00: Little Debbie
Roy Drusky (host): Tennessee Border
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Loretta Lynn: Wouldn't That Be Great/You're Looking at Country/Coal Miner's Daughter/You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man

10:30: Pet Milk
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Shelly West: Jose Cuervo
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name

10:45: Heil-Quaker
Osborne Brothers (host): Georgia Mules and Country Boys
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Osborne Brothers: Hide Me, Blessed Rock of Ages
Blaine Sprouse: Katy Hill

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Justin Tubb: Walkin' the Floor Over You/Sing Blue Eyed Elaine Again
Jean Shepard: I'm All Right/Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind

11:30: Quincy's
Ray Pillow (host): Too Many Memories
Cathedral Quartet: Can He; Could He; Would He/Wonderful Grace of Jesus/I'll Have a New Body; I'll Have A New Live/Everybody Will Be Happy Over There
Johnny Russell: No Relief in Sight/Act Naturally
Ray Pillow: Congratulations; You're Absolutely Right

On the first show, Porter did a duet with Becky Hinson. Becky was a member of Porter's group, The Right Combination. At last word, she plays at the Nashville Palace and it is advertised as Becky Hinson and The Nashville Palace Band.

There you have it for this week and for the month of May. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!

Tuesday Night Opry 5/21 & Opry Country Classics 5/23

The Grand Ole Opry is scheduled to salute the U.S. Military with an annual red carpet parade and special Salute the Troops Opry performance on Tuesday May 21. Among the artists scheduled to perform are Trace Adkins. Brantley Gilbert, Lee Greenwood, Craig Morgan, The Wild Feathers and Mark Wills.

95-year-old World War II sailor Ernie Andrus is set to lead the red carpet parade of fellow military men and women into the Opry House before the evening's performance. In 2016, Andrus became the oldest person to run across America, journeying from San Diego, California to Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Last month, he began a second run across the country, beginning in Georgia with a planned finish in California after his 100th birthday. Andrus is running to raise money an awareness for the LST 325 Ship Memorial in Evansville, Indiana. While 1,051 LST's (landing ship tanks) were built during World War II, only the 325 is fully restored, operational, and open for tours.

The Opry and the United Service Organizations (USO) will invite men and women of the U.S. Military as well as spouses, children and parents of service members to follow Andrus on the red carpet into the Opry House for the evening's show, dedicated to saluting the troops and their families for their service to the nation.

The public is invited to cheer on the honored red carpet parade guests in advance of the evening's show.

Tuesday May 21:
Scheduled to Appear: Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Mark Wills, Lee Greenwood, Brantley Gilbert, The Wild Feathers and Travis Denning.


Opry Country Classics, Thursday May 23
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Craig Campbell, Erin Enderlin, Jesse McReynolds

No doubt that Crystal Gayle should be the spotlight artist, and she has been before. But how about Jesse? Maybe it is time that he should be featured on night.

Enjoy!!

Grand Ole Opry 5/17 & 5/18

So, did I miss anything while I was gone other than Keith Urban's annual Opry appearance?

Anyways, back from the mountains and it will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as there are two shows scheduled for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.

The Friday Night Opry will feature the Opry's newest member, Kelsea Ballerini, who is scheduled for both shows. Joining Kelsea will be Opry members Mike Snider, Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Jesse McReynolds and Diamond Rio.

John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, and Ricky are also scheduled for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, will they will be joined by members Old Crow Medicine Show, Bill Anderson, The Whites, Jeannie Seely, and for the late show only, Bobby Osborne.

Guesting on the Friday Night Opry will be Morgan Evans (Kelsea's beau),  and making his Opry debut, Chris Shiflett. As far as Saturday night is concerned, the guest list for both shows includes Devin Dawson, Frankie Ballard, Brett Young, and on the first show, Charlie Nagatani, who will continue his streak of annual Opry appearances.

Friday May 17
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Morgan Evans
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chris Shiflett
8:00: Dailey & Vincent (host); Diamond Rio
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Kelsea Ballerini

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Morgan Evans
10:00: Dailey & Vincent (host); Kelsea Ballerini
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chris Shiflett
11:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Diamond Rio

Saturday May 18
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); John Conlee; Devin Dawson
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Nagatani; Frankie Ballard
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Brett Young; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); John Conlee; Devin Dawson
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Frankie Ballard
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Brett Young; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky

Raised alongside the California coastline in Santa Barbara, Chris Shiflett kicked off his career in seminal pop-punk groups like No Use For a Name and the Gimme Gimmes. As the 90s gave way to the 2000s, he joined the Foo Fighters' line-up. He's since become one of the band's longest-running members, flying the flag of modern rock & roll for two decades. Along the way, he's also become the host of a bi-weekly Americana podcast, "Walking the Floor," as well as the driving force behind solo projects like Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants. "Hard Lessons" follows "West Coast Town" as the second solo record to bear his name alone, and it's perhaps the most Shi-flett-sounding album in his entire catalog, with songs that nod to the classic Bakersfield sound one minute and Keith Richards' greasy guitar style the next.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the 3rd weekend in May 2009:

Friday May 15
7:00: Hal Ketchum (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ashton Shepherd
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Gary Mule Deer; Gene Watson

Saturday May 16
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Nail
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jewel
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Charlie Daniels Band

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday May 21, 1994

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me and You and A Dog Named Boo
Jean Shepard: I'm Just an Old Bridge that You Keep Burning
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Rattler
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World/Lovesick Blues
Grandpa Jones: Little Old Log Cabin by the Stream

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates: Make Him a Soldier
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Jan Howard: Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye
Porter Wagoner and Colene Walters: Please Don't Stop Loving Me
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Jack Greene (host): Looking Back is Easier
Rhonda Vincent: I'm Not Over You
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Charley Pride: Shutters & Boards/Is Anybody Going to San Antone/Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Cajun Band
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: The Unicorn

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Connie Smith: Once A Day
The Four Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Ray Pillow: One Memory to Another
Mike Snider: Lonesome Road Blues/Snuff Dipper
Hank Snow: Blueberry Hill

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host) and Colene Walters: The Last Thing on My Mind
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Rhonda Vincent: Mama Knows the Highway
Randy Howard: Sally Goodin
Charley Pride: Walk on By/Kaw-liga
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat

10:00: Doctor's Cream
Grandpa Jones (host): Oh, Suzannah
Brother Oswald: The End of the World
Grandpa Jones: Dark as the Dungeon

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Stonewall Jackson: 'Ol Chunk of Coal
Bill Anderson: Still

10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Jean Shepard (host): If Teardrops Were Pennies
The Whites: No One Has to Tell Me What Love Is
Jean Shepard and The Whites: Love's Gonna Live Here

10:45: Opry Book
Mike Snider (host): Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Tennessee Waggoner
Randy Howard: Tom & Jerry

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Call of the Wild
The Four Guys: Tennessee
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
Hank Snow: The Rainbow's End

11:30:
General Jackson
Jack Greene (host): Walking the Floor Over You
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You/Sing, Sing, Sing
Billy Walker: Word Games/Singing the Blues
Jeannie Seely: Houston
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
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Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday May 17, 1969 which was the night that Tammy Wynette became, for a short amount of time, a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30/6:45
Hank Locklin
Willis Brothers
Bill Carlisle
The Four Guys
Bobby Lord

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Charlie Walker: Honky Tonk Season
Stringbean: Ol' Man, Can You Play the Banjo
Del Wood: Ballin' the Jack
Bill Anderson: My Life
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Jimmy Gately: Cryin' Don't Pay
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Anderson: City Lights/I've Enjoyed as Much of This As I Can Stand/I Don't Love You Anymore/Once A Day/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Cincinnati, Ohio/Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Archie Campbell: Scarlet Ribbons
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Justin Tubb: The Great River Road Mystery
Roy Acuff: Filipino Baby

8:00: Martha White
George Jones (host): White Lightening
Tammy Wynette: D-I-V-O-R-C-E
George Jones and Tammy Wynette: Milwaukee, Here I Come
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Laurel
Tammy Wynette: Singing My Song
Jones Boys: Fire on the Mountain

8:30: Stephens
Bill Monroe (host): Train 45
Glaser Brothers: California Girl
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Bill Monroe: I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/Orange Blossom Special
Johnny Cash and June Carter: Jackson

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Locklin (host): Geisha Girl
Willis Brothers: Bob
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Willis Brothers: Rambling Boy
The Four Guys: Daddy Sang Base
Justin Tubb: Be Glad

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:15: Pure
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Jimmy Gately: Heavenly Sunshine
Bill Anderson: My Life

10:30; Buckley's
Stonewall Jackson (host): A Wound Time Can't Erase
Bobby Lord: Yesterday's Letters
Johnny Cash: I Still Miss Someone/Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash and June Carter: Jackson
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

10:45: True
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Crook Brothers: Sally Ann
Bill Monroe: I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home

11:00: Coca Cola
George Jones (host): The Race is On
Tammy Wynette: Stand By Your Man
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cotton Eyed Joe
George Jones: I'll Be Over When the Grass Grows Over Me
Tammy Wynette: Your Good Girl;s Gonna Go Bad
Sam McGee: Uncle Bud
George Jones: Walk Thru This World With Me

11:30: Lava
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): My Georgia Moon
Grandpa Jones: Raining on the Mountain, Now My Love
The Four Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Wilma Lee Cooper; I Don't Care if Tomorrow Never Comes
Grandpa Jones: T for Texas
The Four Guys: Love of the Common People
Earl White: I'll Love You More Today (Then He Can From Now On)

As I wrote, Tammy Wynette did not stay as an Opry member for very long. She and George were married in February 1969 and the divorce was final in 1975. But by that point, Tammy was long gone from the Opry.

Tammy's Grand Ole Opry induction came at about the same time that George Jones rejoined the Opry. While Tammy left, George more or less stayed.

That is it for this week. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and thanks for checking out this week's blog.

Tuesday Night Opry 5/14 & Opry Country Classics 5/16

This will be a big week for the Grand Ole Opry as not only are there two shows next Friday and Saturday night, but the Tuesday Night Opry will also have a pair of shows, thanks to an appearance by Grand Ole Opry member Keith Urban.

Tuesday Night Opry May 14
1st show
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Hunter Hayes
7:30: Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley; Chonda Pierce
8:00: Sawyer Brown; Chris Janson
8:30: Keith Urban

2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky; Hunter Hayes
10:00: Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley; Chonda Pierce
10:30: Sawyer Brown; Chris Janson
11:00: Keith Urban

Opry Country Classics Thursday May 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Craig Morgan
Also Appearing: Abby Anderson; Carlene Carter; Jimmy Fortune

Actually, either Carlene Carter or Jimmy Fortune could have been the spotlight artist, but a good choice with Craig Morgan.

Enjoy the week. I am posting this a couple of days early as we are headed off to Gatlinburg and the mountains for a few days or rest and relaxation.

Grand Ole Opry 5/10 & 5/11

Starting off with news from WSM:

Ryman Hospitality Classic Country WSM-AM/Nashville afternoon host Devon O'Day and her Nashville Today show will move to middays for a shortened 10am-12pm slot, effective July 15. Mike Terry and the WSM at Work show will move to 12-3pm. Replacing O'Day from 3-6pm will be Sports-Talk personality George Plaster's Sports Night, which has been airing on the station each Sunday evening. "We are excited to feature country music artists who are also sports enthusiasts," says WSM-AM GM Chris Kulick. "Many country music fans are also sports fans, and Sports Night will allow WSM-AM to reach an even larger country music lifestyle audience."

It will be interesting to see how all this plays out. Many of us remember a few years ago when Gaylord tired to change the format of WSM to sports talk, and thanks to an outcry by various country entertainers, including George Jones and Vince Gill, and from listeners, WSM management backed off on those plans. For those who do not follow the radio ratings, WSM's are among the lowest of any country station in the Nashville market. There is certainly a market for classic country and Americana music in Nashville, but it just might not be on the AM dial. While I don't like the move, I understand it from a business standpoint. And let's not forget, but for much of its history, WSM was not a country station, but played a variety of music. In fact, most of the country music came from either the Opry or Ralph Emery's overnight show. As I mentioned, let's see how all this plays out before pushing the panic button on WSM.
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Moving on, Sunday is Mother's Day and the Grand Ole Opry has two shows this weekend that should please country music moms everywhere. Both shows feature a nice group of Grand Ole Opry members and some nice guest artists.

Grand Ole Opry members appearing both nights include John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Dailey & Vincent, Bill Anderson and Ricky Skaggs. Friday night, they will be joined by the legendary Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and The Whites. On Saturday night, it will be Mike Snider, Bobby Osborne and Jeannie Seely joining in. That all adds up to eight Opry members each night.

Guesting on Friday night will be Tegan Marie, The Isaacs, Collin Raye and someone who I enjoy seeing on the Opry this weekend, Jesse Keith Whitley. Saturday night's guests are Point of Grace, Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune, Wendy Moten, who is fresh off her Opry debut, and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Adam Hambrick.

Friday May 10
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Tegan Marie
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse Keith Whitley; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent (host); Connie Smith; Collin Raye
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Ricky Skaggs

Saturday May 11
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Point of Grace
7:30: Dailey & Vincent (host); Riders In The Sky; Jimmy Fortune
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Wendy Moten; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Adam Hambrick; Ricky Skaggs

Capital Records Nashville's Adam Hambrick grew up between Mississippi and Arkansas, influenced by artists such as Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Mayer and The Foo Fighters. Growing up, Adam's musical roots were grounded in the church singing hymns with his family, where his dad was a Baptist pastor and his mom played piano. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, the singer-songwriter made an appearance on Good Morning Arkansas where fellow Arkansas-native and country star Justin Moore happened to be watching and was impressed by Adam's unique voice and distinctive songs. This was the first of many circumstances that changed the course of his life. Soon after, Justin's producer Jeremy Stover reached out opening the door for Adam to move to Nashville and pursue music full-time. Since then, Adam has written a multitude of songs and had numerous cuts for other artists including Miranda Lambert and Eli Young Band, as well as No. 1 hits for Dan + Shay and Justin Moore. Since moving to Nashville, he has continued to hone his songwriting and vocal skills while developing his live show. Adam is currently working on his debut album with producers Andrew DeRoberts and Paul DiGiovanni. His first single, "Rockin' All Night Long," is resonating with country music fans everywhere as it recalls the nostalgic late-night memories made throughout life.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, May 8 & 9, 2009. Saturday night they added an extra segment that featured Reba McEntire, one of her rare Opry appearances.

Friday May 8
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Kate & Kacey
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Daryle Singletary; Mountain Heart
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Aaron Tippin

Saturday May 9
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius; Jimmy C Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene
9:00: Reba McEntire

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday May 14, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Ricky Skaggs
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy Dickens; Charlie Walker; Jim and Jesse; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jeannie Seely; Connie Smith; Jan Howard; Carol Lee Cooper; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Four Guys; Roy Drusky; Jack Greene

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald and Charlie Collins; Roy Drusky; Jim and Jesse; Stonewall Jackson; Colene Walters
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bill Anderson
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jack Greene; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jeannie Seely; Connie Smith; Jan Howard; Carol Lee Cooper; Wilma Lee Cooper
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Osborne Brothers; Billy Walker; The Four Guys
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Ricky Skaggs; Charlie Walker; Johnny Russell
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Finally, going back to Saturday May 10, 1969, which was the night that Stonewall Jackson rejoined the Grand Ole Opry.

Stonewall Jackson was born on November 6, 1932 in Tabor City, North Carolina. He was named after Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Stonewall's dad died when he was a young child, after which his mother moved the family to South Georgia. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and was discharged in 1954. In 1956 he moved to Nashville.

After hearing a demo tape of Stonewall, Wesley Rose of Acuff-Rose Music arranged for Stonewall to audition for the Grand Ole Opry. The audition was successful and Stonewall joined the Opry on November 3, 1956, becoming the first artist to join the Opry's cast before obtaining a recording contract. He toured with Ernest Tubb and in 1958 he signed with Columbia Records.

His first big hit was in late 1958 when "Life to Go," written by George Jones, reached No. 2 on the country charts in early 1959. That was followed by "Waterloo" which reached No. 1 and stayed there for five weeks. It also made the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 4. The song sold over one million copies and was certified as a gold record. His next No. 1 hits came in 1964 with "Don't Be Angry" and "B.J. the D.J." Stonewall's other hits included "Why I'm Walkin,'" "A Wound Time Can't Erase," and "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water." His final Top 10 hit was in 1971 with "Me and You and a Dog Named Boo." From 1958 up to 1971, Stonewall had 35 Top 40 country hits.

Stonewall was fired from the Grand Ole Opry in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's performance requirements. While he continued to make occasional guest appearances, he did not rejoin the Opry until May 1969. Sadly in 2006, Stonewall sued the Grand Ole Opry, claiming age discrimination. Until the lawsuit was settled in October 2008, Stonewall did not appear on the Opry, although he had invitations to appear. After the settlement, he returned.

And now, here is the running order from Saturday May 10, 1969, the night Stonewall Jackson returned to the Grand Ole Opry's cast:

1st show
6:30/6:45
Willis Brothers; Billy Grammer; The Four Guys; Archie Campbell; Del Wood; Bill Monroe; Cousin Jody

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Leroy Van Dyke: If A Woman Answers (Hang Up the Phone)
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Jean Shepard: I Thought of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/A Dear John Letter
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer

7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Louvin (host): Let's Put Our World Back Together
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Cal Smith: Drinking Champagne
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: I Want a Happy Life
Wilma Burgess: I Started Loving You Again
Cal Smith: Atlanta, Georgia
Charlie Louvin: How Great Thou Art

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Saturday Sinner; Sunday Saint
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Charlie Walker: Honky Tonk Season
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Hank Locklin: Before the Next Teardrop Falls
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Billy Parker: I'll Drink to That

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Susan Raye: Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Chubby Wise: Orange Blossom Special
Hank Snow: Mother
Roger Miller: King of the Road
Margie Bowes: Take Me as I Am (Or Let Me Go)
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Alcohol & #2 Diesel Don't Mix
The Four Guys: Love of the Common People
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Willis Brothers: Bob
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On

10:00: Fender
Archie Campbell (host): Scarlet Ribbons
Cal Smith: I Love You a Thousand Ways
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk on By/Auctioneer
Archie Campbell: Trouble in Amen Corner

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Roy Acuff: You Win Again

10:30: Buckley's
Bill Monroe (host): When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Charlie Louvin: Let's Put Our World Back Together

10:45: True
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to Be A Baby to Cry
Susan Raye: Oh, Lonesome Me
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Ernest Tubb: Warm Red Wine

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Charlie Walker: Honky Tonk Season
Wilma Burgess: Only Mama That'll Walk the Line
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Hank Snow: Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Wilma Burgess: Don't Touch Me
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: In the Misty Moonlight

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
Margie Bowes: When It's Over
Wes Buchanan: Working My Way Through a Heartache
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Margie Bowes: Once A Day
Wes Buchanan: Windows Have Pains
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/I Walk Alone/Don't Worry/ El Paso

Stonewall's last Grand Ole Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary of joining the Grand Ole Opry. Over the past several years, Stonewall has had some health issues and earlier this year his wife Juanita passed away. He was also recently diagnosed with throat cancer.

Stonewall was one of the greatest honky-tonk singers of all time (in my opinion and that of a few others) and a valid argument can be made that he deserves election to the Country Music Hall of Fame. While not holding my breath, hopefully some day it will happen as Stonewall was certainly one of the best in his prime.
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To finish it up for this week, let's take a moment to remember Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner, upon his 23rd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Steve Wariner was born on Christmas Day in 1954. During his career, he has recorded for MCA, RCA, Arista and Capital Records. He has charted more than fifty singles on the Billboard country singles chart, including ten #1 hits: "All Roads Lead to You," "Some Fools Never Learn," "You Can Dream of Me," "Life's Highway," "Small Town Girl," "The Weekend," "Lynda," "Where Did I Go Wrong," and "I Got Dreams." Included in his No. 1 singles is his duet with Anita Cochran, "What IF I Said." In addition to his singles, three of his albums have been certified gold.

In addition to his recording success, Steve is also a successful songwriter. He has written hit songs not only for himself, but also for Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Bryan White.

In addition, Steve has won four Grammy Awards and he is one of only five guitar players in the world to have been given the "Certified Guitar Player" award by Chet Atkins. In 2008 he was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame and in 2008 he was elected to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Here is the running order from Saturday May 11, 1996, the night Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball-Headed End of the Broom
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Back Step/Mississippi Sawyer
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee and Load the Cannon

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ray Pillow: Darling Take Pity on Me
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Big Wind

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Chet Atkins: Instrumental
Steve Wariner and Chet Atkins: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Steve Wariner: Why Goodbye/Heart Trouble/Midnight Fire/What I Didn't Do/Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner: The Tips of My Fingers

8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Sweethearts of the Rodeo: One More Night/Since I Found You
Riders In The Sky: Lonely River
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Jimmy Dickens: A Death in the Family

8:30: Kraft
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
Del Reeves: Wild Blood
The Whites: Pins and Needles/Swing Down Chariot
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter/Looking Back to See

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Brother Oswald: What A Friend We Have in Jesus
Steve Wariner: (?)/A Woman Loves/(?)

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): That New Vitamine
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

10:15: Bio Red Foot Bath
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Sweethearts of the Rodeo: Mule Skinner Blues
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Purnell's Sausage
Mike Snider (host): Instrumental
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat

10:45: Fairfield
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acorn Hill
Bill Anderson: The Corner of My Life

11:00: Coca Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking of the Devil
Jim Ed Brown: The Family Bible
Billy Walker: When A Man Loves a Woman/Smokey Places
Riders In The Sky: Miss Molly/Always Drink Upstream from the Heard
Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
The Whites: San Antonio Rose/Keep on the Sunny Side
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

Again, congratulations to Steve Wariner upon his 23rd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

There you have it for this week. I did want to mention the show last Saturday night featuring Randy Travis and celebrating Randy's 60th birthday.  It was a great night and a great ending, with the entire group of artists on stage, with Randy, ending with "Forever and Ever, Amen." A true Opry moment.

I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend and thanks for checking in this week.

Tuesday Night Opry 5/7 & Opry Country Classics 5/9

Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, May 7:

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Jim Lauderdale; Easton Corbin
Intermission
8:15: Stephanie Urbina Jones; Henry Cho
8:45: Chris Janson

Opry Country Classics, May 9:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Steve Wariner
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers; David Ball; John Rich; Sylvia

May Opry Highlights

Welcome to the month of May, the month where many of us see spring at the beginning of the month and summer by the end. As usual, May is a busy month at the Grand Ole Opry and here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the month involving the Opry or its members.

May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.

May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born, While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 50 years, passed away in 1997.

May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.

May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.

May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in 1974, when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member. At the age of 83, Tom T is now retired.

May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003.

May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months.

May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's road show.

May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.

May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.

May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized  pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business.

May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut.

May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.

May 4, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina. Randy joined the cast of the Opry in December 1986. Due to some serious health issues, including a stroke, Randy is no longer able to perform, however he does come around and visits the Opry on occasion.

May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.

May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show.

May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the  first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."

May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956. His last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary as an Opry member. This past year has been rough on Stonewall as his wife passed away and he has had his own share of health issues, but hopefully Stonewall will get back to the Opry to perform.

May 17, 1969: Tammy Wynette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, her time as an Opry member would be short and within a few years, she would leave the Opry's cast.

May 16, 1970: In one of those special Opry moments, baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean made a guest appearance on the Opry. Dizzy was a great fan of country music and was known to belt out his version of the Wabash Cannonball while broadcasting a game.

May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remember, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group. He left the Opry due to his declining health.

May 13, 1972: Gene Watson made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Gene has actually appeared on the Opry more times than many of the Opry's members. I have been asked many times why Gene never became an Opry member, and it is a question that I have no answer for.

May 8, 1976: After an absence of several years, George Hamilton IV rejoined the Opry's cast. George originally joined the Opry in February 1960. He left the show, however, as he moved from Nashville back to North Carolina and was doing a lot of touring. After coming back, George stayed with the Opry until his death in September 2014.

May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North.

May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.

May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 37th year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see, I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.

May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.

May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident. While her appearances were fewer as her career progressed, Barbara has always expressed a great love of the Opry and its members.

May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member.

May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Charley's 26th year as an Opry member. Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right and he joined the cast.

May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 23rd year as a member of the Opry's cast. I have had to the opportunity to meet Steve while at the Opry and found him friendly and delightful to talk to.

May 3, 1997: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a show that took place on Broadway Avenue in Nashville.

May 17, 1997: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tammy had been a member of the Opry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when she was married to George Jones.

May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.

May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003.

May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.

May 29, 1999: Future Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made his Opry debut. Brad came to Nashville and the Opry via the Wheeling Jamboree. After numerous guest appearances, Brad would eventually become an Opry member.

May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010.

May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960.

May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October. And yes, 10 years after his death, Porter is still missed at the Opry.

May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 11th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.

May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.

May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.

May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River." While never becoming an Opry member, Alabama would return several times to perform on the show.

May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing, but came out on stage and waved to the audience.

May 4, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride was honored at the Opry upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

There you have it for May. Another busy month around the Opry.

Grand Ole Opry 5/3 & 5/4

The big event at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend will take place on Saturday night as Randy Travis turns 60 and the Opry is celebrating. Saturday's show will be a tribute to Randy Travis, who is scheduled to appear.

Joining Randy on Saturday night will be Grand Ole Opry members John Conlee, Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, along with Ricky Skaggs and Josh Turner. Among the guest artists will be Country Music Hall of Fame member, and songwriter, Don Schlitz. Don has written several of Randy's hits, including "Forever and Ever, Amen," (co-written with Paul Overstreet), "Points of Life," "Deeper Than The Holler," "Heroes and Friends," and "On the Other Hand." Also appearing will be "Nashville" star Charles Esten and Charlie Worsham.

Meanwhile, on the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill and Charlie Daniels are the headliners, along with Opry members Mike Snider, The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Connie Smith.

Guesting on Friday night will be Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Jimmy Wayne, Rachel Wammack, High Valley, and making his Opry debut, Sam Outlaw.

Friday May 3
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Outlaw
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Rachel Wammack; High Valley
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Charlie Daniels Band

Saturday May 4
7:00: John Conlee (host); Charlie Worsham; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Mike Snider; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Don Schlitz; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Josh Turner

While not listed on the official line-up, it has been announced that Randy Travis will be at the Opry on Saturday night. I find it interesting that even though Randy has been unable to perform since his stroke, he has visited backstage on numerous occasions; more times than several of the other members.

Sam Outlaw (real name Sam Morgan), was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, moving with his family while still young, to California. As a young adult growing up, he listened to  Asleep at the Wheel and The Beatles. However, it was the classic country sounds of George Jones and Emmylou Harris that inspired Sam to get more serious about playing the guitar and writing songs. Taking his mother's maiden name of Outlaw, Sam decided to pursue a musical career.

At the age of 30, and after years of working in the advertising business, Sam began to focus on music. He self-released an EP in 2014 and led to appearances at the Stagecoach Festival and AmericanaFest. In preparation for his first LP, Sam began working with musician and record producer Ry Cooder. Sam wrote all of the songs for the album, Angeleno. In March 2015, he signed with Six Shooter Records and was featured in Rolling Stone magazine as one the top country music acts to see at SXSW in 2015. His latest album, Tenderheart, was released in April 2017.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the 1st weekend in May 2009:

Friday May 1
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Heidi Newfield
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Lee Greenwood
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Connie Smith

Saturday May 2
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Marty Stuart (host); George Hamilton IV; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Martina McBride

Now the 1st Saturday 25 years ago, May 7, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Brother Oswald and Buck White
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; The Whites; Jeanne Pruett
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Whitstein Brothers; Nashville Bluegrass Band; Osborne Brothers
8:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Charlie Walker; Skeeter Davis; Johnny Russell; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Four Guys; Connie Smith; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Whitstein Brothers; Nashville Bluegrass Band; Osborne Brothers
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:15: Jack Greene (host); Mike Snider
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Four Guys
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jeannie Seely; Ray Pillow; Jeanne Pruett
11:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Billy Walker; Clinton Gregory; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday May 3, 1969:

1st show
6:30: Bobby Lord (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers; Norma Jean; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: Hank Locklin (host); Osborne Brothers; Dottie West; Crook Brothers; Grandpa Jones
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Walker; Lonzo and Oscar; Leroy Van Dyke; Del Wood
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Bobby Lord (host); Billy Grammer; Skeeter Davis; Willis Brothers
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Norma Jean; Del Wood
10:15: Hank Locklin (host); Osborne Brothers; Grandpa Jones
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Dottie West; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Archie Campbell (host); Lorene Mann; Bobby Harden; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Lonzo and Oscar; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee; Louie Roberts
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Ray Pillow; Marion Worth; Leroy Van Dyke
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Looking back into Grand Ole Opry history, May 3, 1997 was the 50th anniversary of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville. After the Opry that night, a huge Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree took place on Broadway in downtown Nashville in from of the record shop.

The Ernest Tubb Record Shop first opened at 720 Commerce Street on May 3, 1947. Founded by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb in partnership with his tax accountant Charles Mosley, the store was primarily envisioned as a service for fans. In his travels around the country, Ernest was constantly approached by fans who had trouble finding their favorite records. Even in Nashville, few retailers carried large stocks of country records, preferring to play it safe with pop and classical selections.

Despite the fact that the store specialized in records few retailers carried, the initial reaction from record dealers and even some jukebox operators was anger. Many threatened to never carry Ernest's records again. Within a few months of the shop opening, however, dealers around the country found their business increasing through customers requesting specific records they heard advertised on the Grand Ole Opry.

From the beginning, Ernest was buying airtime on the Opry to promote the mail-order business, and this eventually evolved into the Midnight Jamboree radio program. The main shop moved in 1951 to its current location at 417 Broadway to allow more room for the live in-store broadcasts on Saturday nights.

Over the years, the record shop expanded with additional locations in Nashville. Forth Worth, Texas and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. However, in recent years, those other locations were closed, and under current owner David McCormick, who has owned and operated the company since Ernest passed away in 1984, the record shop continues to operate on Broadway and the Midnight Jamboree continues on WSM, taped at the Texas Troubadour Theater on Music Valley Drive.

Here is the running order from Saturday May 3, 1997, the night the Midnight Jamboree celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Del Reeves (host): Good Time Charlie's
Jean Shepard: I Thought of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/You Win Again/
A Dear John Letter
Del Reeves: The Only Girl I Can't Forget

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

7:00: Shoney's
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Charlie Louvin: Must You Throw Dirt in My Face
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: I Don't Care
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

7:30: Porter Wagoner (host):
Travis Tritt: Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)
Waylon Jennings: Good Old Boys
Joe Diffie: John Deere Green
Steve Wariner: Tips of My Fingers
Travis Tritt, Waylon Jennings and Joe Diffie: Where Corn Don't Grow
Steve Wariner, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie and Waylon Jennings: She Thinks I Still Care/Good Hearted Woman
Travis Tritt: I Walk the Line
Steve Wariner: Kansas City Lights
Waylon Jennings: Luckenbach, Texas
Porter Wagoner, Travis Tritt, Waylon Jennings, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner: Cindy

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Brother Oswald: Born to Lose
Connie Smith: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Clifty Farms
Jimmy Dickens (host): Geraldine
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
Justin Tubb: Sing Blue Eyed Elaine Again
Hal Ketchum: Maybe You Would Stay Forever/I Know Where Love Lives
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host)
Travis Tritt: Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)
Joe Diffie; John Deere Greene
Steve Wariner: Tips of My Fingers
Travis Tritt and Joe Diffie: Working Man Blues
Joe Diffie: I'll Just Walk Away (If You Want Me To)
Steve Wariner: Kansas City Lights
Travis Tritt: Anymore
Travis Tritt and Joe Diffie: Where Corn Don't Grow
Porter Wagoner, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner: Cindy

10:00: Massey-Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klyde/Apple Jack
Steve Wariner: I'm Already Taken

10:15: La Quinta Inn
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
The Whites: The Violet & A Rose
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Purnell's
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks
Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Die Young
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe

10:45: White By MTD
Mike Snider (host): Tennessee Rhapsody/Cotton Eyed Joe
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acorn Hill

11:00: Coca Cola
The Four Guys (host): River of Dreams
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait
Del Reeves: Lover's Question
Ray Pillow: I'll Break Out Again Tonight
The Four Guys: Amazing Grace

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
Charlie Walker: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me/Sing; Sing; Sing
David Wilkins: Butter Beans

(Loretta Lynn was on the schedule for both shows but cancelled)

There you have it for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend and congratulations to the folks at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

And Happy 60th Birthday to Randy Travis!!!