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.