It has become somewhat of an Opry tradition that Lee Greenwood and Mandy Barnett are scheduled for shows around the July 4th holiday. No exception this year, as Lee is scheduled to close out the Tuesday Night Opry and Mandy will be appearing on the Wednesday night show.
Tuesday July 2
7:00: John Conlee; Micky Guyton
7:30: Eric Paslay; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dusty Slay
8:45: Kellie Pickler; Lee Greenwood
Wednesday July 3
7:00: Riders In The Sky; David Ball
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Intermission
8:15: Sundance Head; Jim Lauderdale
8:45: Mandy Barnett; Jason Crabb
I hope everyone is safe this July 4 and be careful of those fireworks. We don't need any burnt fingers or missing limbs.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/28 & 6/29
So several weeks ago, June 11 to be exact, an artist was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Unless I missed something, and in looking at the upcoming Opry schedule through the rest of the summer, I see no official induction date announced or listed. I hope that is not an indication as to the commitment to the Opry this newest member will be.
In other news, it was posted earlier this week that Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was hospitalized and being checked out after becoming dizzy. Hopefully it is nothing to serious and the reports that were posted made it seem as if it was a precautionary measure. Jesse, who is the Opry's oldest male member, turns 90 on July 9.
Another Opry member, Connie Smith, was originally listed on the preliminary Opry schedule for this weekend, but is not on the final schedule announced. Connie has been absent from the Opry since early June and I know all of us hope she is well and will be back on the Opry very soon.
Finally, Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall was formally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Tom T., who is now 83, has had his songs recorded by dozens and dozens of artists. Johnny Cash called him his favorite song writer. In addition to this latest honor, Tom T. Hall is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
________________________________________________________________________
Now let's look at this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows. I will start it off with this comment: if you are looking for Grand Ole Opry members, the Opry this weekend will not be the place to be looking as the Friday Night Opry has just three members listed (Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely), while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has just four on the schedule (Bobby Osborne joining Snider, Riders and Seely). As a result, there are only three segments on each show.
There are some interesting names guesting this weekend including the legendary and former Grand Ole Opry member, Leroy Van Dyke, who is scheduled for Saturday night. Leroy joined the Opry in October 1962 and was terminated from the Opry several years later, via a letter from Ott Devine and mailed to Leroy, dated November 25, 1965, which stated:
Dear Leroy:
Our records show that you have been in for the Opry eighteen Saturday's this year with only five weeks remaining.
In fairness to those who have made sacrifices to meet our requirements, I must, with the greatest personal regret, inform you that we cannot include you in our plans in 1965. We can certainly appreciate your inability to be with us for the minimum number of weeks, and sincerely trust you will be understanding with our situation.
We are losing some very fine people and good friends, and it is with much sorrow that I must write this letter.
All of us at WSM wish you and yours the best of everything and hope by 1966 we can get together again.
Sincerely,
Ott Devine
(The letter was mailed on WSM letterhead, and note the wrong year on the letter, of which I have a copy of)
There have been reports that Leroy felt that he was merely suspended from the Opry and not fired. I must say, in reading the letter, that it appeared that Ott was telling Leroy that he would not be scheduled for 1965 and maybe in 1966 he could be back. Either way, Leroy never really went back except for guest appearances. To think, if he had stayed, this would be his 57th year as an Opry member.
As to the rest of the Opry line-up this weekend, Friday night will feature someone who wants to be an Opry member, Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be John King, John Schneider, Linda Davis, Town Mountain, Runaway June, and making another Opry appearance, Steve Earle & The Dukes. Finally, and making his Opry debut, Gary Burr is on the schedule.
Saturday night will feature, in addition to Leroy, Shelly Fairchild, Sam Palladio, 7eventh Time Down, Cassadee Pope, and a return appearance by Sister Sadie.
Friday June 28
7:00: Mike Snider (host); John King; John Schneider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Linda Davis; Town Mountain
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Rhonda Vincent; Gary Burr; Runaway June; Steve Earle & The Dukes
Saturday June 29
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Shelly Fairchild; Leroy Van Dyke
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Palladio
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); 7eventh Time Down; Opry Square Dancers; Sister Sadie; Cassadee Pope
As mentioned, Friday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Gary Burr. While he has appeared on the Opry previously supporting other artists, he has never had the opportunity to appear on the show to sing his own songs as a solo artist.
Gary has been around the music business for a while. While more noted as a songwriter, he also has had a career as a musician and singer. In fact, when Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League in 1982, it was Gary that took his place, remaining a member of the group until 1985.
His songs have been recorded by dozens of country music artists, among them Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, and many more. Among those songs have been "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me," (Juice Newton), "I Try to Think About Elvis," (Patty Loveless), "I Wear Your Love," (Kathy Mattea", To Be Loved By You," (Wynonna), and "Watch Me," (Lorrie Morgan). There have been many more. I am sure on Friday night he will entertain with several of those hits.
________________________________________________________________________
7eventh Time Down will be appearing on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. The group is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky and since releasing their first album, Alive in You, in September 2011, this Christian rock band has released three additional full-length albums and two Christmas EPs. Their current single "The 99" has had over one million streams on Spotify, while previously "God Is on the Move" stayed at the No. 1 spot for five weeks.
Mariah Secrest said, "it only takes about two seconds to like the band members from 7eventh Time Down. These Kentucky boys will welcome you at once with their good-natured banter and laid-back persona. But don't let them fool you. On stage, they mean business." They are "Straight up rock n' rollers, they blend classic rock tactics to make their sound aggressive with enough melodic hooks to lodge their choruses into the mind long after the show is over. They pull from the best of timeless bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Doors, AC/DC and even Johnny Cash, infusing a raucous yet carefully-crafted musical landscape with lyrics that shoot straight-from-the-hip."
Well, at the very least, they sound interesting!!
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in June 2009:
Friday June 26
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; John Anderson
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites
Saturday June 27
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; David Nail
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; David Nail; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 25, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Tim Hadley and Austin Taylor
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Hank Locklin; Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates; Rhonda Vincent; Mike Snider
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hoyt Axton; Johnny Russell; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Wilma Lee Cooper; Hoyt Axton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Sharon Skaggs
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Tim Watson and Black Creek; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Rhonda Vincent; Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker
11:30; Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jeannie Seely and Tim Atwood; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 28, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff; Stu Phillips; Johnny Darrell; Red Sovine
7:30: Billy Walker; Jim and Jesse; Martha Carson; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Billy Parker; Stringbean
8:30: Hank Snow; Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Jim and Jesse
10:00: Stu Phillips; Stringbean; Johnny Darrell
10:15: Roy Acuff; Nat Stuckey
10:30: Billy Walker; Del Wood; Red Sovine
10:45: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Billy Parker
11:00: Hank Snow; Martha Carson; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Louie Roberts
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, it appears that it was on Saturday June 27, 1981 that The Whites made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
The Whites have been a part of the Grand Ole Opry family for more than 30 years and have been showcasing their own family harmony as a professional stage act even longer. Buck's skills on the piano landed him early gigs with the Opry's Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. He married Pat Goza in 1951, and in 1962 they moved from Texas to Arkansas, where they began performing with another couple as the Down Home Folks. Their children performed as the Down Home Kids.
By the mid-'60s, the family was well known in bluegrass circles, and when the younger Whites decided they wanted to sing professionally, the family moved to Nashville in 1971. During their first years in Nashville, they performed as the Down Home Folks and recorded several bluegrass albums.
In 1973, mother Pat retired from the group, and in 1975, The Whites played a Washington, D.C., show with Emmylou Harris. That association led to Sharon and Cheryl providing background vocals on Harris' 1978 Blue Kentucky Girl album. "She just opened so many doors for us and put us in front of people who had never seen us before," Sharon told interviewer Paul Edward Joyce.
In 1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs, a one-time member of Emmylou's Hot Band who also co-produced The Whites' major-label debut, Old Familiar Feeling. The album yielded four Top 10 hits including "You Put the Blue in Me," and "Hangin' Around." Other albums by The Whites, which blended country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel sounds include Forever you, Ain't No Binds, and Doin' It by the Book.
In 2000, The Whites appeared in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performing the Carter Family classic, "Keep on the Sunny Side," picking up a Grammy for their efforts. The Whites were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the same year their collaboration with Ricky, Salt of the Earth, also won a Grammy award.
And now, here is the running order from 38 years ago, Saturday June 27, 1981:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Billy Walker: You Don't Know Me
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years; 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late/Red, Red Wine
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Jean Shepard: Chime Bells
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
George McCormick: Y'All Come
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Satisfied/Sing; Sing; Sing
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Buck White and The White Sisters (Sharon and Cheryl): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Things
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
The Four Guys: I'm Almost Ready
Jeannie Seely: Make the World Go Away
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick a Rose in December
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident; Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): Faded Love
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Charlie Louvin: She Is
10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klide
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Stonewall Jackson: Full Moon; Empty Pockets/Life to Go
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Roy Drusky: Remember Me (I'm the One Who Loves You)
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The First Hurt is the Worst Hurt of All
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Ray Pillow: Even the Bad Times are Good
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Buck White and The White Sisters: Follow the Leader/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
David Houston: After All
The Whites officially became Grand Ole Opry members on March 2, 1984. Hard to believe that the family has been Opry members for just over 35 years.
That covers it for this week. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
In other news, it was posted earlier this week that Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was hospitalized and being checked out after becoming dizzy. Hopefully it is nothing to serious and the reports that were posted made it seem as if it was a precautionary measure. Jesse, who is the Opry's oldest male member, turns 90 on July 9.
Another Opry member, Connie Smith, was originally listed on the preliminary Opry schedule for this weekend, but is not on the final schedule announced. Connie has been absent from the Opry since early June and I know all of us hope she is well and will be back on the Opry very soon.
Finally, Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall was formally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Tom T., who is now 83, has had his songs recorded by dozens and dozens of artists. Johnny Cash called him his favorite song writer. In addition to this latest honor, Tom T. Hall is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
________________________________________________________________________
Now let's look at this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows. I will start it off with this comment: if you are looking for Grand Ole Opry members, the Opry this weekend will not be the place to be looking as the Friday Night Opry has just three members listed (Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely), while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has just four on the schedule (Bobby Osborne joining Snider, Riders and Seely). As a result, there are only three segments on each show.
There are some interesting names guesting this weekend including the legendary and former Grand Ole Opry member, Leroy Van Dyke, who is scheduled for Saturday night. Leroy joined the Opry in October 1962 and was terminated from the Opry several years later, via a letter from Ott Devine and mailed to Leroy, dated November 25, 1965, which stated:
Dear Leroy:
Our records show that you have been in for the Opry eighteen Saturday's this year with only five weeks remaining.
In fairness to those who have made sacrifices to meet our requirements, I must, with the greatest personal regret, inform you that we cannot include you in our plans in 1965. We can certainly appreciate your inability to be with us for the minimum number of weeks, and sincerely trust you will be understanding with our situation.
We are losing some very fine people and good friends, and it is with much sorrow that I must write this letter.
All of us at WSM wish you and yours the best of everything and hope by 1966 we can get together again.
Sincerely,
Ott Devine
(The letter was mailed on WSM letterhead, and note the wrong year on the letter, of which I have a copy of)
There have been reports that Leroy felt that he was merely suspended from the Opry and not fired. I must say, in reading the letter, that it appeared that Ott was telling Leroy that he would not be scheduled for 1965 and maybe in 1966 he could be back. Either way, Leroy never really went back except for guest appearances. To think, if he had stayed, this would be his 57th year as an Opry member.
As to the rest of the Opry line-up this weekend, Friday night will feature someone who wants to be an Opry member, Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be John King, John Schneider, Linda Davis, Town Mountain, Runaway June, and making another Opry appearance, Steve Earle & The Dukes. Finally, and making his Opry debut, Gary Burr is on the schedule.
Saturday night will feature, in addition to Leroy, Shelly Fairchild, Sam Palladio, 7eventh Time Down, Cassadee Pope, and a return appearance by Sister Sadie.
Friday June 28
7:00: Mike Snider (host); John King; John Schneider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Linda Davis; Town Mountain
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Rhonda Vincent; Gary Burr; Runaway June; Steve Earle & The Dukes
Saturday June 29
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Shelly Fairchild; Leroy Van Dyke
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Palladio
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); 7eventh Time Down; Opry Square Dancers; Sister Sadie; Cassadee Pope
As mentioned, Friday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Gary Burr. While he has appeared on the Opry previously supporting other artists, he has never had the opportunity to appear on the show to sing his own songs as a solo artist.
Gary has been around the music business for a while. While more noted as a songwriter, he also has had a career as a musician and singer. In fact, when Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League in 1982, it was Gary that took his place, remaining a member of the group until 1985.
His songs have been recorded by dozens of country music artists, among them Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, and many more. Among those songs have been "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me," (Juice Newton), "I Try to Think About Elvis," (Patty Loveless), "I Wear Your Love," (Kathy Mattea", To Be Loved By You," (Wynonna), and "Watch Me," (Lorrie Morgan). There have been many more. I am sure on Friday night he will entertain with several of those hits.
________________________________________________________________________
7eventh Time Down will be appearing on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. The group is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky and since releasing their first album, Alive in You, in September 2011, this Christian rock band has released three additional full-length albums and two Christmas EPs. Their current single "The 99" has had over one million streams on Spotify, while previously "God Is on the Move" stayed at the No. 1 spot for five weeks.
Mariah Secrest said, "it only takes about two seconds to like the band members from 7eventh Time Down. These Kentucky boys will welcome you at once with their good-natured banter and laid-back persona. But don't let them fool you. On stage, they mean business." They are "Straight up rock n' rollers, they blend classic rock tactics to make their sound aggressive with enough melodic hooks to lodge their choruses into the mind long after the show is over. They pull from the best of timeless bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Doors, AC/DC and even Johnny Cash, infusing a raucous yet carefully-crafted musical landscape with lyrics that shoot straight-from-the-hip."
Well, at the very least, they sound interesting!!
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in June 2009:
Friday June 26
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; John Anderson
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites
Saturday June 27
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; David Nail
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; David Nail; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 25, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Tim Hadley and Austin Taylor
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Hank Locklin; Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates; Rhonda Vincent; Mike Snider
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hoyt Axton; Johnny Russell; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Wilma Lee Cooper; Hoyt Axton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Sharon Skaggs
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Tim Watson and Black Creek; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Rhonda Vincent; Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker
11:30; Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jeannie Seely and Tim Atwood; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 28, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff; Stu Phillips; Johnny Darrell; Red Sovine
7:30: Billy Walker; Jim and Jesse; Martha Carson; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Billy Parker; Stringbean
8:30: Hank Snow; Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Jim and Jesse
10:00: Stu Phillips; Stringbean; Johnny Darrell
10:15: Roy Acuff; Nat Stuckey
10:30: Billy Walker; Del Wood; Red Sovine
10:45: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Billy Parker
11:00: Hank Snow; Martha Carson; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Louie Roberts
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, it appears that it was on Saturday June 27, 1981 that The Whites made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
The Whites have been a part of the Grand Ole Opry family for more than 30 years and have been showcasing their own family harmony as a professional stage act even longer. Buck's skills on the piano landed him early gigs with the Opry's Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. He married Pat Goza in 1951, and in 1962 they moved from Texas to Arkansas, where they began performing with another couple as the Down Home Folks. Their children performed as the Down Home Kids.
By the mid-'60s, the family was well known in bluegrass circles, and when the younger Whites decided they wanted to sing professionally, the family moved to Nashville in 1971. During their first years in Nashville, they performed as the Down Home Folks and recorded several bluegrass albums.
In 1973, mother Pat retired from the group, and in 1975, The Whites played a Washington, D.C., show with Emmylou Harris. That association led to Sharon and Cheryl providing background vocals on Harris' 1978 Blue Kentucky Girl album. "She just opened so many doors for us and put us in front of people who had never seen us before," Sharon told interviewer Paul Edward Joyce.
In 1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs, a one-time member of Emmylou's Hot Band who also co-produced The Whites' major-label debut, Old Familiar Feeling. The album yielded four Top 10 hits including "You Put the Blue in Me," and "Hangin' Around." Other albums by The Whites, which blended country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel sounds include Forever you, Ain't No Binds, and Doin' It by the Book.
In 2000, The Whites appeared in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performing the Carter Family classic, "Keep on the Sunny Side," picking up a Grammy for their efforts. The Whites were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the same year their collaboration with Ricky, Salt of the Earth, also won a Grammy award.
And now, here is the running order from 38 years ago, Saturday June 27, 1981:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Billy Walker: You Don't Know Me
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years; 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late/Red, Red Wine
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Jean Shepard: Chime Bells
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
George McCormick: Y'All Come
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Satisfied/Sing; Sing; Sing
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Buck White and The White Sisters (Sharon and Cheryl): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Things
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
The Four Guys: I'm Almost Ready
Jeannie Seely: Make the World Go Away
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick a Rose in December
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident; Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): Faded Love
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Charlie Louvin: She Is
10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klide
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Stonewall Jackson: Full Moon; Empty Pockets/Life to Go
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Roy Drusky: Remember Me (I'm the One Who Loves You)
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The First Hurt is the Worst Hurt of All
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Ray Pillow: Even the Bad Times are Good
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Buck White and The White Sisters: Follow the Leader/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
David Houston: After All
The Whites officially became Grand Ole Opry members on March 2, 1984. Hard to believe that the family has been Opry members for just over 35 years.
That covers it for this week. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Monday, June 24, 2019
Tuesday Night Opry 6/25 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/26
It was on June 23, 2009 that Montgomery Gentry, comprised of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Eddie Montgomery, along with Montgomery Gentry, is scheduled to appear on this week's Tuesday Night Opry, will he will be recognized upon his 10th anniversary as an Opry member. Sadly, Troy Gentry passed away in 2017 in a tragic helicopter accident.
Tuesday June 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Charley Crockett
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Eddie Montgomery w/Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Kalie Shorr; Aaron Watson
8:45: Home Free; Dustin Lynch
Tuesday night will also be the Opry debut for Charley Crockett. Charley is described as an "American blues, country and Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter." He has released five albums since 2015 with his most recent, "Lil G.L.'s Blue Bonanza" peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Charley, who is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, was born in San Benito, Texas. His mother later relocated to Dallas, while Charley spent his summers with an uncle in New Orleans. After leaving high school at the age of 17, and with a guitar that his mother bought for him at a local pawn shop, he decided to travel with his guitar. His career has taken him across the United States and to foreign countries.
Only 35, in January he underwent open-heart surgery. It was discovered that he had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart condition and that his heart had only two valves. Backed by his band, the Blue Drifters, Charley continues to tour in support of his latest album, released in late 2018.
Wednesday June 26
7:00: The Gatlin Brothers; Mitchell Tenpenny
7:30: Ben Haggard; Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Carly Pearce
8:45: Kristian Bush; Randy Houser
Tuesday June 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Charley Crockett
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Eddie Montgomery w/Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Kalie Shorr; Aaron Watson
8:45: Home Free; Dustin Lynch
Tuesday night will also be the Opry debut for Charley Crockett. Charley is described as an "American blues, country and Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter." He has released five albums since 2015 with his most recent, "Lil G.L.'s Blue Bonanza" peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Charley, who is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, was born in San Benito, Texas. His mother later relocated to Dallas, while Charley spent his summers with an uncle in New Orleans. After leaving high school at the age of 17, and with a guitar that his mother bought for him at a local pawn shop, he decided to travel with his guitar. His career has taken him across the United States and to foreign countries.
Only 35, in January he underwent open-heart surgery. It was discovered that he had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart condition and that his heart had only two valves. Backed by his band, the Blue Drifters, Charley continues to tour in support of his latest album, released in late 2018.
Wednesday June 26
7:00: The Gatlin Brothers; Mitchell Tenpenny
7:30: Ben Haggard; Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Carly Pearce
8:45: Kristian Bush; Randy Houser
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/21 & 6/22
I want to start out by mentioning, for those who are interested, that this week's Opry encore show on RFD-TV is from July 6, 1985, which was the night that Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The segment was hosted by Porter Wagoner and also features Dottie West. This will be one of the older shows they have shown and I remember it as a very good one.
As far as the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, the line-up for this weekend has been posted, Looking at Grand Ole Opry members, there are four scheduled for both nights: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. On Friday night, that quartet will be joined by members Diamond Rio, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. On Saturday night it will be Jesse McReynolds and Steve Wariner appearing.
Guesting on Friday night will be comedian Chonda Pierce, who seems to be making regular appearances on the Opry. She will be joined by Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, along with Levon.
Saturday night looks very interesting. One artist, Anna Vaus, will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule. But the rest of the names are established artists. John Berry, one of the fine ballad singers, will be appearing. Rockabilly artist Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys are also scheduled, along with bluegrass artists The SteelDrivers. Finally, Junior Brown is scheduled to appear. Many consider Junior a Texas country music legend and every time I have seen Junior on the Opry, he has been outstanding.
Friday June 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Levon; Mike Snider
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie McCoy; Charles Esten
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
Saturday June 22
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Mo Pitney; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Anna Vaus; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Junior Brown; The SteelDrivers
Charlie McCoy will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis will be visiting the Opry on Friday night, signing copies of his new autobiography. Additionally on Saturday night, Chuck Mead will be signing copies of his new album.
As mentioned, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Anna Vaus. Anna, who is from California, released her debut EP last fall and as a newcomer, she has already made a name for herself. In 2016, she was chosen by Miranda Lambert as the first recipient of the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund, which awards a female singer/songwriter a scholarship to attend Belmont University. Later that year, she was featured in Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase. In 2017, Anna signed a publishing deal with Black River Entertainment. Anna has also been named of one of CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2019. She has toured and opened for numerous country artists including Lee Ann Womack, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion and Hunter Hayes, as well as playing various Nashville venues including The Bluebird Cafe. On Saturday night, she can add the Grand Ole Opry to her list.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 18, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeanne Pruett; Brother Oswald; Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: The Whites (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Vince Gill; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Hank Locklin; The Four Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Vince Gill
10:15: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard
10:45: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow; Del Reeves
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); The Whites; Hank Locklin; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips: Norma Jean; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth; Jack Greene
7:00: Hank Locklin; Grandpa Jones; Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
7:30: Bobby Lord; Bob Luman; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith
8:30: Bill Anderson; Osborne Brothers; Jan Howard; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bobby Lord; Stu Phillips; Norma Jean; Del Wood
10:00: Bob Luman; Grandpa Jones; Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Jack Greene; Loretta Lynn
10:30: Bill Anderson; Jan Howard; Stringbean
10:45: Lester Flatt; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
11:00: Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Osborne Brothers; Margie Bowes; Ronnie Robbins
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was Saturday June 21, 2003 that Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final Opry appearance.
Roy Drusky was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 1930. As a child, Roy was more focused on sports, especially baseball, than music. His mother, who was a church organist, kept pushing Roy to try music. After serving in the Navy, where Roy first began singing, he attended Emory University, during which time he also played country music with a group he founded, the Southern Ranch Boys. Besides his performing with his band, Roy also worked as a disc jockey.
In 1953 he signed with Starday Records. His first single was "Such a Fool." He later recorded for Columbia Records, however as with Starday, he had limited success. In 1960, after signing with Decca Records, where he worked with producer Owen Bradley, the single "Another" was released. The song, which was co-written by Roy, reached No. 2 on the country charts. That song was followed by "Anymore" which peaked at No. 3.
Roy's only No. 1 hit was a duet recorded with Priscilla Mitchell, "Yes Mr. Peters," which was released in 1965. However, he had a number of Top 10 hits including "Three Hearts in a Tangle," "I Went Out of My Way (To Make You Happy)," "Second Hand Rose," "Peel Me a Nanner," "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," "Such a Fool," "Long Long Texas Road," and "All My Hard Times," which was his final Top 10 record and was released in 1970.
Roy was also a very successful songwriter, having written a number of songs that became hits for others including "Alone With You," and "Country Girl," both recorded by Faron Young. He also appeared in movies and television.
Roy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 and continued as a member until he passed away on September 23, 2004 from lung cancer.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 21, 2003, the final appearance by Roy Drusky on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Connie Smith: Where Is My Castle
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Billy Yates: I'm Country/Choices
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: WSM online.com/Standard Candy
BR5-49: Nuts/I'll Be Yours & You'll Be Mine
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Mandy Barnett: Believe Me
Chuck Mead and Mandy Barnett: Jackson
Steve Azar: I'm the Under Dog/(?)
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors/Elvira
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Opry Square Dance Band: Snowflake Reel
8:30: Tootsie's
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: As Long As I Live
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever
Brad Paisley: Is It Raining at Your House
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Hal Ketchum (host): The Point of Rescue
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/I'm Looking for a Reason Not to Love You
BR5-49: She Ain't Talking to Me
Shotgun Boogie
Hal Ketchum: Dreams of Martina
10:00: Shotgun Red.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Steve Azar: The End of Indianola: Hey, Baby
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: WSM online.com
Jean Shepard (host): Head Over Heels In Love with You
The Whites: Move it On Over
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jean Shepard: Satin Sheets
11:00: Singular Wireless
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: Fiddle Patch
Billy Yates: Country
Mandy Barnett: Faded Love
Brad Paisley and Billy Yates: Farther Along
11:30: Opry.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart/I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
I always thought that Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music.
Let's not forget another date as it was 39 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1980 that Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston; Vic Willis Trio; Lulu Roman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; The Four Guys; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kelly Foxton
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Four Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Vic Willis Trio
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee; Kelly Foxton
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
Boxcar Willie became an immediate hit on the Grand Ole Opry, and a crowd favorite. He was also a personal favorite of Roy Acuff, which helped when it came to becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Boxcar did on February 21, 1981, at the age of 49. Boxcar would remain an Opry member until he passed away on April 12, 1999.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
As far as the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, the line-up for this weekend has been posted, Looking at Grand Ole Opry members, there are four scheduled for both nights: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. On Friday night, that quartet will be joined by members Diamond Rio, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. On Saturday night it will be Jesse McReynolds and Steve Wariner appearing.
Guesting on Friday night will be comedian Chonda Pierce, who seems to be making regular appearances on the Opry. She will be joined by Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, along with Levon.
Saturday night looks very interesting. One artist, Anna Vaus, will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule. But the rest of the names are established artists. John Berry, one of the fine ballad singers, will be appearing. Rockabilly artist Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys are also scheduled, along with bluegrass artists The SteelDrivers. Finally, Junior Brown is scheduled to appear. Many consider Junior a Texas country music legend and every time I have seen Junior on the Opry, he has been outstanding.
Friday June 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Levon; Mike Snider
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie McCoy; Charles Esten
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
Saturday June 22
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Mo Pitney; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Anna Vaus; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Junior Brown; The SteelDrivers
Charlie McCoy will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis will be visiting the Opry on Friday night, signing copies of his new autobiography. Additionally on Saturday night, Chuck Mead will be signing copies of his new album.
As mentioned, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Anna Vaus. Anna, who is from California, released her debut EP last fall and as a newcomer, she has already made a name for herself. In 2016, she was chosen by Miranda Lambert as the first recipient of the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund, which awards a female singer/songwriter a scholarship to attend Belmont University. Later that year, she was featured in Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase. In 2017, Anna signed a publishing deal with Black River Entertainment. Anna has also been named of one of CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2019. She has toured and opened for numerous country artists including Lee Ann Womack, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion and Hunter Hayes, as well as playing various Nashville venues including The Bluebird Cafe. On Saturday night, she can add the Grand Ole Opry to her list.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 18, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeanne Pruett; Brother Oswald; Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: The Whites (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Vince Gill; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Hank Locklin; The Four Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Vince Gill
10:15: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard
10:45: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow; Del Reeves
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); The Whites; Hank Locklin; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips: Norma Jean; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth; Jack Greene
7:00: Hank Locklin; Grandpa Jones; Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
7:30: Bobby Lord; Bob Luman; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith
8:30: Bill Anderson; Osborne Brothers; Jan Howard; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bobby Lord; Stu Phillips; Norma Jean; Del Wood
10:00: Bob Luman; Grandpa Jones; Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Jack Greene; Loretta Lynn
10:30: Bill Anderson; Jan Howard; Stringbean
10:45: Lester Flatt; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
11:00: Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Osborne Brothers; Margie Bowes; Ronnie Robbins
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was Saturday June 21, 2003 that Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final Opry appearance.
Roy Drusky was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 1930. As a child, Roy was more focused on sports, especially baseball, than music. His mother, who was a church organist, kept pushing Roy to try music. After serving in the Navy, where Roy first began singing, he attended Emory University, during which time he also played country music with a group he founded, the Southern Ranch Boys. Besides his performing with his band, Roy also worked as a disc jockey.
In 1953 he signed with Starday Records. His first single was "Such a Fool." He later recorded for Columbia Records, however as with Starday, he had limited success. In 1960, after signing with Decca Records, where he worked with producer Owen Bradley, the single "Another" was released. The song, which was co-written by Roy, reached No. 2 on the country charts. That song was followed by "Anymore" which peaked at No. 3.
Roy's only No. 1 hit was a duet recorded with Priscilla Mitchell, "Yes Mr. Peters," which was released in 1965. However, he had a number of Top 10 hits including "Three Hearts in a Tangle," "I Went Out of My Way (To Make You Happy)," "Second Hand Rose," "Peel Me a Nanner," "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," "Such a Fool," "Long Long Texas Road," and "All My Hard Times," which was his final Top 10 record and was released in 1970.
Roy was also a very successful songwriter, having written a number of songs that became hits for others including "Alone With You," and "Country Girl," both recorded by Faron Young. He also appeared in movies and television.
Roy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 and continued as a member until he passed away on September 23, 2004 from lung cancer.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 21, 2003, the final appearance by Roy Drusky on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Connie Smith: Where Is My Castle
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Billy Yates: I'm Country/Choices
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: WSM online.com/Standard Candy
BR5-49: Nuts/I'll Be Yours & You'll Be Mine
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Mandy Barnett: Believe Me
Chuck Mead and Mandy Barnett: Jackson
Steve Azar: I'm the Under Dog/(?)
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors/Elvira
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Opry Square Dance Band: Snowflake Reel
8:30: Tootsie's
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: As Long As I Live
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever
Brad Paisley: Is It Raining at Your House
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Hal Ketchum (host): The Point of Rescue
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/I'm Looking for a Reason Not to Love You
BR5-49: She Ain't Talking to Me
Shotgun Boogie
Hal Ketchum: Dreams of Martina
10:00: Shotgun Red.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Steve Azar: The End of Indianola: Hey, Baby
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: WSM online.com
Jean Shepard (host): Head Over Heels In Love with You
The Whites: Move it On Over
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jean Shepard: Satin Sheets
11:00: Singular Wireless
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: Fiddle Patch
Billy Yates: Country
Mandy Barnett: Faded Love
Brad Paisley and Billy Yates: Farther Along
11:30: Opry.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart/I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
I always thought that Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music.
Let's not forget another date as it was 39 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1980 that Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston; Vic Willis Trio; Lulu Roman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; The Four Guys; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kelly Foxton
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Four Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Vic Willis Trio
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee; Kelly Foxton
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
Boxcar Willie became an immediate hit on the Grand Ole Opry, and a crowd favorite. He was also a personal favorite of Roy Acuff, which helped when it came to becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Boxcar did on February 21, 1981, at the age of 49. Boxcar would remain an Opry member until he passed away on April 12, 1999.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Monday, June 17, 2019
Tuesday Night Opry 6/18 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/19
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, June 18:
7:00: John Conlee; Travis Denning
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Morgan Evans
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan; Michael Ray; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers; Charlie Daniels Band
Pretty nice line-up for the Tuesday show. Always a special treat for the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers to perform on the Opry.
As far as the Wednesday Night Opry for June 19, no official line-up has been issued as of yet, but one of the Opry's newest members, Dustin Lynch is scheduled to appear. Along with Dustin, there will be a guest appearance by Rhonda Vincent. Others on the schedule include Riders In The Sky, Sawyer Brown, Clare Dunn, Dan Tyminski and Levi Hummon.
7:00: John Conlee; Travis Denning
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Morgan Evans
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan; Michael Ray; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers; Charlie Daniels Band
Pretty nice line-up for the Tuesday show. Always a special treat for the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers to perform on the Opry.
As far as the Wednesday Night Opry for June 19, no official line-up has been issued as of yet, but one of the Opry's newest members, Dustin Lynch is scheduled to appear. Along with Dustin, there will be a guest appearance by Rhonda Vincent. Others on the schedule include Riders In The Sky, Sawyer Brown, Clare Dunn, Dan Tyminski and Levi Hummon.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/14 & 6/15
I have spent today reading the various postings, text messages and responses to the invitation extended to Luke Combs, inviting him to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. As you would expect, it is a mixed bag, with those who are fine with Luke and those who believe that there are others more deserving. From a personal standpoint, I am fine with Luke, as he has had an amazing career at this point, and of his contemporaries, he might be the most country sounding of that group.
Several comments were in regards to how committed Luke would be to the Opry, as in their opinion, he hasn't made many guest appearances. I did some checking, and in 2016, the year that Luke debuted on the Opry, he made two appearances. That increased to three in 2017 and nine in 2018. His appearance on Tuesday night was his first for 2019, and as I write this, there has been no date established for his formal induction. With the Opry asking each member to commit to ten appearances, I am hopeful that Luke will meet that standard.
The addition of Luke Combs to the Opry's cast continues the rapid growth of the Opry's cast. Since Sally Williams became the Opry's general manager, those added to the cast have included Dailey & Vincent (3/11/17); Chris Janson (3/20/18); Bobby Bare (4/7/18); Dustin Lynch (9/18/18); Mark Willis (1/11/19); and Kelsea Ballerini (4/16/19). With the addition of Luke, that will make seven new members in just over two years, a much stronger pace then we saw in the final years of Pete Fisher's reign as the Opry's manager. In many ways, it replicates the period of the late 1980s and early 1990s when a dozen new members were added, for many of the same reasons as today.
So why the rush to add new members? The answer to that question is to take a look at the Opry's current cast. Of the 66 Grand Ole Opry members, 15 are over the age of 80. (Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charlie Daniels, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Del McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Charley Pride, Jeanne Pruett and Buck White). And while a number of those are still active and contributing members, lets be honest. The life expectancy of those over the age of 80 is not that long.
To take it a step further, of the current 66 Opry members, 12 are either retired or not performing due to health issues. (Bobby Bare, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton). And let's not even get into the discussion of the Opry members who are healthy and active, but do not come out and support the show. In the business world, those members would be considered dead weight.
Adding new members who will support the show will help to keep the Opry going as it heads toward it's 100th anniversary. A question was asked if the Opry is adding too many members? I don't think so. I know in the early 1990s, the membership was just over 70. And really, does there need to be a limit on the number of members? In my opinion, there is still room for growth and I wouldn't be surprised to see that cast get back up to 70 members. If the trend continues, I would expect the next member to be a veteran artist as the mix of members continues.
Bottom line: congratulations to Luke Combs as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member and as with every new Opry member, I hope that he will support the show and continue to push the growth of the Grand Ole Opry.
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Now, let's look at the line-ups for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, with one show each on Friday and Saturday night.
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and John Conlee. Joining that quartet on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. Saturday night has Jesse McReynolds and Vince Gill on the schedule.
Guesting on Friday night will be Smithfield, Shovels and Rope, T. Graham Brown, Restless Heart, and making his Opry debut, Filmore. Saturday night has William Michael Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Striking Matches, and making his Opry debut, Austin Jenckes.
Friday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Smithfield; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Filmore; Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Shovels and Rope; T. Graham Brown
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday June 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); William Michael Morgan; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; The Swon Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Austin Jenckes
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Anita Stapleton, one of my personal favorites.
As mentioned, two artists will be making their Opry debuts this weekend, Filmore on the Friday Night Opry and Austin Jenckes on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Tyler Filmore, who goes by the stage name Filmore, has been in the music business for a few years. He started as a band then moved to a solo career before forming a duo and finally settling on being a solo artist once again. He chose to chop his first name from his branding because, "there's a lot of Tylers in country music so why not just go by my last name?" "Slower" is his most popular song to date, with over five million streams on Spotify, while "Headlights" and "You Know You Wanna" have each topped one million streams. He spent the previous week in Nashville performing at various CMA Festival events.
Austin Jenckes grew up in Duvall, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. He moved to Nashville six years ago to focus on being an artist and his songwriting. Previously named one of Rolling Stones Country's
Artist You Need To Know," he has performed with Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, The Cadillac Three and Ashley McBryde. This past December, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award in Country, in honor of his songwriting.
On May 31, Austin released his debut album, "If You Grew Up Like I Did." He wrote or co-wrote every song on the album with the exception of one. He just finished his first UK tour and returned stateside to perform a number of shows during CMA Fest, and to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2009:
Friday June 12
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Emerson Drive
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Stu Phillips; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Collin Raye
Saturday June 13
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
10:30: Mel Tillis (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 11, 1994
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Four Guys; Hank Locklin; Ricky Skaggs; Jack Greene
7:30: Roy Clark (host); Ray Pillow; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Brother Oswald; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Whitstein Brothers; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30; Porter Wagoner (host); Loretta Lynn; Roy Clark
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); The Four Guys
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Whitstein Brothers; Hank Locklin; Rhonda Vincent; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
From 50 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Bill Monroe
7:00: Billy Grammer; The Glaser Brothers; Archie Campbell; Del Wood
7:30: Billy Walker; Stringbean; Harold Weakley; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Dottie West; Johnny and Jonie Mosby; Bobby Lewis
8:30: Hank Snow; Lonzo and Oscar; Jimmy Dickens; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Wayne Kemp; Justin Tubb
10:00: Archie Campbell; Lonzo and Oscar; Pete Sayers
10:15: Billy Grammer; Stringbean; Del Wood
10:30; Bill Monroe; Dottie West
10:45: Billy Walker; Johnny and Joni Mosby; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow; Doug Kershaw; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Margie Bowes; Bobby Lewis; Bobby Bishop
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was 22 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1997 that Barbara Mandrell made her final performing appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry's cast on July 29, 1972. This summer she will celebrate her 47th year as a member. Early on, she made many Opry appearances, however, once her career took off, like others, her Opry appearances were fewer and fewer. When she did appear on the Opry during Roy Acuff's lifetime, she always insisted on appearing on the segments that he hosted.
When Barbara announced her retirement, she asked the Opry's management to allow her to continue to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first member to make that specific request, which the Opry granted. Since Barbara retired, she has made several backstage visits to the Opry, and one night Bill Anderson introduced her on stage, which she seemed to do reluctantly.
Here is the running order from Barbara Mandrell's final night performing on the Grand Ole Opry, June 14, 1997:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Woman's Man
The Four Guys: Amazing Grace
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Speer Family: After Awhile; I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him
Barbara Mandrell: I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool/Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Speer Family: The Dearest Friend I Every Had
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Eddie Stubbs and the Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Wake Up Susan
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Clifty Farm
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Mike Snider: Born to Shop
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Speer Family: I Remember the Day/I'm Building a Bridge/Surely I Will/What a Day that Will Be/I'll Meet You in the Morning
Barbara Mandrell: Sleeping Single in a Double Bed/Night Life
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie
10:00: Massey Ferguson
Charley Pride (host): Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Heartaches by the Number/Kaw-Liga
10:15: White by MTD
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Together Again
Grandpa Jones: Some Little Bug is Gonna Find You Someday
10:30: Purnell's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
The Four Guys: How Married are You Mary Ann
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:45: Quality Certified Homes
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Eddie Stubbs and The Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Pretty Poly
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Connie Smith: Once a Day
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Anderson: That's What Made Me Love You
11:30: Opry Book/Ryman Auditorium
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Charlie Nagatani: Eddie's Song
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Johnny Paycheck: I've Loved a Lot More Than I've Hurt/The Old Violin
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
A couple of notes from that night. First, it was Roy Drusky's 38th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Secondly, the 2nd segment on the 2nd show featured only Charley Pride. I have a tape of the show from that night and when Eddie Stubbs introduced Charley, he mentioned that it was the first time that an Opry segment was scheduled to feature just one artist. Finally, Eddie played fiddle that night with the Opry Square Dance Band.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and following and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers out there!!
Several comments were in regards to how committed Luke would be to the Opry, as in their opinion, he hasn't made many guest appearances. I did some checking, and in 2016, the year that Luke debuted on the Opry, he made two appearances. That increased to three in 2017 and nine in 2018. His appearance on Tuesday night was his first for 2019, and as I write this, there has been no date established for his formal induction. With the Opry asking each member to commit to ten appearances, I am hopeful that Luke will meet that standard.
The addition of Luke Combs to the Opry's cast continues the rapid growth of the Opry's cast. Since Sally Williams became the Opry's general manager, those added to the cast have included Dailey & Vincent (3/11/17); Chris Janson (3/20/18); Bobby Bare (4/7/18); Dustin Lynch (9/18/18); Mark Willis (1/11/19); and Kelsea Ballerini (4/16/19). With the addition of Luke, that will make seven new members in just over two years, a much stronger pace then we saw in the final years of Pete Fisher's reign as the Opry's manager. In many ways, it replicates the period of the late 1980s and early 1990s when a dozen new members were added, for many of the same reasons as today.
So why the rush to add new members? The answer to that question is to take a look at the Opry's current cast. Of the 66 Grand Ole Opry members, 15 are over the age of 80. (Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charlie Daniels, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Del McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Charley Pride, Jeanne Pruett and Buck White). And while a number of those are still active and contributing members, lets be honest. The life expectancy of those over the age of 80 is not that long.
To take it a step further, of the current 66 Opry members, 12 are either retired or not performing due to health issues. (Bobby Bare, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton). And let's not even get into the discussion of the Opry members who are healthy and active, but do not come out and support the show. In the business world, those members would be considered dead weight.
Adding new members who will support the show will help to keep the Opry going as it heads toward it's 100th anniversary. A question was asked if the Opry is adding too many members? I don't think so. I know in the early 1990s, the membership was just over 70. And really, does there need to be a limit on the number of members? In my opinion, there is still room for growth and I wouldn't be surprised to see that cast get back up to 70 members. If the trend continues, I would expect the next member to be a veteran artist as the mix of members continues.
Bottom line: congratulations to Luke Combs as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member and as with every new Opry member, I hope that he will support the show and continue to push the growth of the Grand Ole Opry.
_________________________________________________________________________
Now, let's look at the line-ups for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, with one show each on Friday and Saturday night.
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and John Conlee. Joining that quartet on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. Saturday night has Jesse McReynolds and Vince Gill on the schedule.
Guesting on Friday night will be Smithfield, Shovels and Rope, T. Graham Brown, Restless Heart, and making his Opry debut, Filmore. Saturday night has William Michael Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Striking Matches, and making his Opry debut, Austin Jenckes.
Friday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Smithfield; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Filmore; Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Shovels and Rope; T. Graham Brown
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday June 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); William Michael Morgan; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; The Swon Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Austin Jenckes
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Anita Stapleton, one of my personal favorites.
As mentioned, two artists will be making their Opry debuts this weekend, Filmore on the Friday Night Opry and Austin Jenckes on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Tyler Filmore, who goes by the stage name Filmore, has been in the music business for a few years. He started as a band then moved to a solo career before forming a duo and finally settling on being a solo artist once again. He chose to chop his first name from his branding because, "there's a lot of Tylers in country music so why not just go by my last name?" "Slower" is his most popular song to date, with over five million streams on Spotify, while "Headlights" and "You Know You Wanna" have each topped one million streams. He spent the previous week in Nashville performing at various CMA Festival events.
Austin Jenckes grew up in Duvall, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. He moved to Nashville six years ago to focus on being an artist and his songwriting. Previously named one of Rolling Stones Country's
Artist You Need To Know," he has performed with Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, The Cadillac Three and Ashley McBryde. This past December, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award in Country, in honor of his songwriting.
On May 31, Austin released his debut album, "If You Grew Up Like I Did." He wrote or co-wrote every song on the album with the exception of one. He just finished his first UK tour and returned stateside to perform a number of shows during CMA Fest, and to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
_________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2009:
Friday June 12
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Emerson Drive
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Stu Phillips; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Collin Raye
Saturday June 13
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
10:30: Mel Tillis (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 11, 1994
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Four Guys; Hank Locklin; Ricky Skaggs; Jack Greene
7:30: Roy Clark (host); Ray Pillow; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Brother Oswald; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Whitstein Brothers; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30; Porter Wagoner (host); Loretta Lynn; Roy Clark
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); The Four Guys
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Whitstein Brothers; Hank Locklin; Rhonda Vincent; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
From 50 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Bill Monroe
7:00: Billy Grammer; The Glaser Brothers; Archie Campbell; Del Wood
7:30: Billy Walker; Stringbean; Harold Weakley; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Dottie West; Johnny and Jonie Mosby; Bobby Lewis
8:30: Hank Snow; Lonzo and Oscar; Jimmy Dickens; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Wayne Kemp; Justin Tubb
10:00: Archie Campbell; Lonzo and Oscar; Pete Sayers
10:15: Billy Grammer; Stringbean; Del Wood
10:30; Bill Monroe; Dottie West
10:45: Billy Walker; Johnny and Joni Mosby; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow; Doug Kershaw; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Margie Bowes; Bobby Lewis; Bobby Bishop
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was 22 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1997 that Barbara Mandrell made her final performing appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry's cast on July 29, 1972. This summer she will celebrate her 47th year as a member. Early on, she made many Opry appearances, however, once her career took off, like others, her Opry appearances were fewer and fewer. When she did appear on the Opry during Roy Acuff's lifetime, she always insisted on appearing on the segments that he hosted.
When Barbara announced her retirement, she asked the Opry's management to allow her to continue to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first member to make that specific request, which the Opry granted. Since Barbara retired, she has made several backstage visits to the Opry, and one night Bill Anderson introduced her on stage, which she seemed to do reluctantly.
Here is the running order from Barbara Mandrell's final night performing on the Grand Ole Opry, June 14, 1997:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Woman's Man
The Four Guys: Amazing Grace
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Speer Family: After Awhile; I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him
Barbara Mandrell: I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool/Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Speer Family: The Dearest Friend I Every Had
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Eddie Stubbs and the Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Wake Up Susan
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Clifty Farm
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Mike Snider: Born to Shop
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Speer Family: I Remember the Day/I'm Building a Bridge/Surely I Will/What a Day that Will Be/I'll Meet You in the Morning
Barbara Mandrell: Sleeping Single in a Double Bed/Night Life
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie
10:00: Massey Ferguson
Charley Pride (host): Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Heartaches by the Number/Kaw-Liga
10:15: White by MTD
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Together Again
Grandpa Jones: Some Little Bug is Gonna Find You Someday
10:30: Purnell's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
The Four Guys: How Married are You Mary Ann
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:45: Quality Certified Homes
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Eddie Stubbs and The Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Pretty Poly
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Connie Smith: Once a Day
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Anderson: That's What Made Me Love You
11:30: Opry Book/Ryman Auditorium
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Charlie Nagatani: Eddie's Song
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Johnny Paycheck: I've Loved a Lot More Than I've Hurt/The Old Violin
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
A couple of notes from that night. First, it was Roy Drusky's 38th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Secondly, the 2nd segment on the 2nd show featured only Charley Pride. I have a tape of the show from that night and when Eddie Stubbs introduced Charley, he mentioned that it was the first time that an Opry segment was scheduled to feature just one artist. Finally, Eddie played fiddle that night with the Opry Square Dance Band.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and following and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers out there!!
Monday, June 10, 2019
Mid-Week Opry Shows: 6/11; 6/12; 6/13
Upcoming this week, the Grand Ole Opry has three mid-week shows as in addition to the Tuesday Night Opry, the Wednesday Night Opry returns and, for the second year in a row, the Opry will be taking its show on the road, to the Bonnaroo Music Festival on Thursday night.
Tuesday June 11
7:00: John Conlee; Paul Cauthen
7:30: Henry Cho; Randy Houser
Intermission
8:15: The Isaacs w/Terry Bradshaw; Chris Janson
8:45: Craig Morgan; Luke Combs
A very solid show with good variety. Always enjoy an appearance by Terry Bradshaw along with The Isaacs. And another Opry appearance by Chris Janson. It is nice to see that after becoming an Opry member, he is still supporting the show. For Chris, this will be his 13th Opry show of 2019.
Wednesday June 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Waylon Payne
7:30: Rachel Wammack; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Shenandoah; Matt Stell
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show has undergone a line-up change this year and Charlie Worsham is now part of the group. And as Old Crow has cut back on touring in 2019, they have increased their Opry appearances. This will be their 8th Opry show in 2019, with several more on the schedule.
Thursday June 13
(At Bonnaroo)
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ricky Skaggs
Riders In The Sky
Steve Earle and The Dukes
Morgan Evans
Ashley Monroe
Molly Tuttle
Wendy Moten
Like last year, a very solid line-up featuring three of the Opry's more popular members, along with a guest list that should appeal to the Bonnaroo crowd. This show takes place under a tent, and last year's show was considered a great success. Nice to see a return appearance by Riders In The Sky, whom the crowd loved.
Tuesday June 11
7:00: John Conlee; Paul Cauthen
7:30: Henry Cho; Randy Houser
Intermission
8:15: The Isaacs w/Terry Bradshaw; Chris Janson
8:45: Craig Morgan; Luke Combs
A very solid show with good variety. Always enjoy an appearance by Terry Bradshaw along with The Isaacs. And another Opry appearance by Chris Janson. It is nice to see that after becoming an Opry member, he is still supporting the show. For Chris, this will be his 13th Opry show of 2019.
Wednesday June 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Waylon Payne
7:30: Rachel Wammack; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Shenandoah; Matt Stell
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show has undergone a line-up change this year and Charlie Worsham is now part of the group. And as Old Crow has cut back on touring in 2019, they have increased their Opry appearances. This will be their 8th Opry show in 2019, with several more on the schedule.
Thursday June 13
(At Bonnaroo)
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ricky Skaggs
Riders In The Sky
Steve Earle and The Dukes
Morgan Evans
Ashley Monroe
Molly Tuttle
Wendy Moten
Like last year, a very solid line-up featuring three of the Opry's more popular members, along with a guest list that should appeal to the Bonnaroo crowd. This show takes place under a tent, and last year's show was considered a great success. Nice to see a return appearance by Riders In The Sky, whom the crowd loved.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
June Opry Highlights
Welcome to the month of June and Summer!!! (and, no I didn't forget!) And as summer rolls around, vacation season goes into high gear which means lots of visitors to Nashville including those who come to town for the CMA Music Fest. As for the Grand Ole Opry, June has always been a busy month and here are the highlights and important events that have taken place regarding the Opry or its members, during the month of June.
June 17, 1910: Clyde Julian Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky. Better known as Red, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946, replacing Roy Acuff as the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He stayed at the Opry until 1954 when he left Nashville and went to Springfield, Missouri as the host of the Ozark Jubilee. When Red came to the Opry, it was specifically to host the Prince Albert portion and as such, he did not appear on any other segments of the Opry.
June 19, 1914: Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tennessee. Lester would become famous as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, then later teaming up with Earl Scruggs in the highly successful Flatt & Scruggs duo. After a very successful run, Lester and Earl split due to creative differences, with Lester favoring a more traditional bluegrass sound. He then formed the Nashville Grass and continued with that group, and at the Opry, until his death in 1979. While on the Opry, Lester traditionally hosted the Martha White portion of the show.
June 17, 1916: David Akeman, better known as Stringbean, was born in Anniville, Kentucky. Stringbean had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for years, and was famous for his comedy and banjo playing. However, it was his role on Hee Haw that brought Stringbean his greatest fame to a national audience. Stringbean died in November 1973 when he, along with his wife Estelle, were murdered upon returning home from an Opry appearance.
June 28, 1924: George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. George spent several years in Ohio, specifically the Barberton area before becoming a star on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. In 1948 he came to Nashville and the Opry, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George would remain a popular Opry member until his death in 1975. On a historical note, it was George who hosted the final segment of the Friday Night Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. George, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is also the father of current Opry member Lorrie Morgan.
June 19, 1926: DeFord Bailey made his debut on the WSM Barn Dance. DeFord was a member of the Grand Ole Opry until he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. His song, "Pan American Blues" would often be the opening number on the Opry's early broadcasts. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord remained bitter toward WSM and the Opry for many years, and declined several invitations to come back and perform on the Opry. Finally, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry for the Old-Timer's Night. He was introduced by Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl and received a great ovation. He would return for several more Opry appearances, making his final appearance in April 1982, several months prior to his death.
June 2, 1927: Carl Butler was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with his wife Pearl, Carl had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Don't Let Me Cross Over." Carl and Pearl were members of the Grand Ole Opry for several years in the early 1960's. He passed away in 1992.
June 23, 1929: Valarie June Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She, along with sisters Anita and Helen, and their mother Maybelle, came to the Opry in 1950. While June was not much of a singer, she was a fine comedian and often teamed with Rod Brasfield and Jimmy Dickens.
June 12, 1936: Dr. Humphrey Bate, founder and leader of the Possum Hunters, died at the age of 61. Following Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Dr. Bate is considered the Opry's 2nd original member. In fact, many historians feel that he may actually have been the first rural performer to have been featured on WSM. Either way, Dr. Bate and the Possum Hunters were an important part of the Opry and his contributions are often overlooked.
June 13, 1936: Because of the size of the crowds, the Opry moved to the Dixie Tabernacle, located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. While sounding impressive, the Tabernacle was actually a very primitive facility with wooden benches, sawdust floors and no dressing rooms. It was basically an old barn that had sides which were opened during the summer to keep the air flowing thru. However, it did seat 3,500 and contributed to the growth of the Opry.
June 5, 1937: Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Pee Wee was one of the first professional entertainers to join the show and he helped to bring a more professional look to the Opry as his Golden West Cowboys were one of the sharpest looking groups around. Pee Wee and the Opry's founder, George D. Hay had many disagreements as the founder felt that Pee Wee's group was not country enough. As mentioned, Pee Wee brought a lot of professionalism to the show including being the first act to be introduced with entry and exit music. Pee Wee stayed at the Opry for a number of years before leaving and moving to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television. He had a successful show that aired live in several markets including Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago. Later becoming famous for the "Tennessee Waltz." Pee Wee would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry. His autobiography, "Hell-Bent for Music" is excellent and I highly recommend the book.
June 25, 1940: Republic Pictures released the movie "Grand Ole Opry" which starred Roy Acuff, George D. Hay and Uncle Dave Macon. It was considered a basic movie for the times and while it was no means an academy award winner, it offers a great look at an early Roy Acuff. Copies can still be found online.
June 5, 1943: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, which would become known as "The Mother Church of Country Music." The Opry would stay at the Ryman until March 1974, and since 1999 has made annual winter visits back. Many consider the Opry's years at the Ryman as the golden years of the Opry and the show had tremendous growth while at the Ryman. While many were sad to see the Opry leave in 1974, deteriorating conditions in the building and in downtown Nashville made the move a necessity.
June 6, 1944: D-Day and the day that Grant Turner began working at WSM radio. Grant, who would become known as the "Dean" of Opry announcers, would remain at WSM and the Opry until his death in October 1991. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also hosted served as an announcer for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, and did the Opry's warm-up show.
June 17, 1944: The Poe Sisters, Ruth and Nellie, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Their idols were the Delmore Brothers, and George D. Hay would often refer to them as the "female Delmore Brothers." The Poe Sisters performed regionally in the Northeast before coming to Nashville and the Opry. However, their time at the Opry was very short. They originally left the Opry in 1945 when Ruth got married. They were gone for a few months, then came back, however in August 1946 they left again, this time for good.
June 17, 1944: On the same night as the Poe Sisters, Rod Brasfield made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut. The performance was one for the ages as Hank was called back for a reported six encores, an Opry record that still stands to this day. The song that inspired the encores was "Lovesick Blues." Jimmy Dickens, who was there that night, would often say that it was the greatest Opry performance he had ever seen.
June 19, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Jean eventually joined the Opry in November 1955, and in 2015 became the only female in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to become a 60 year member of the cast.
June 12, 1954: Ferlin Husky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ferlin would stay as an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for failing to make the required number of Opry appearances. Like a few of the others who were terminated, Ferlin would not rejoin the cast but would return for guest appearances.
June 1, 1957: As part of the youth movement that was taking place at the Opry, the Everly Brothers became Opry members. The Everly Brothers did not stay long however, as they were destined for bigger and better things.
June 13, 1959: Roy Drusky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Roy came to Nashville and the Opry from Atlanta, Georgia and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 2004. In my opinion, Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music and was a terrific ballad singer.
June 27, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn Morgan, better known as Lorrie, was born. And no, she was not named after Loretta Lynn. Does anyone else find it hard to believe that Lorrie is turning 60 this year?
June 14, 1961: Opry member Patsy Cline was seriously injured in an automobile accident in Nashville. It would take Patsy almost eight months to recover from the injuries, which left a scar on her forehead. Because of that scar, Patsy would wear a wig just about ever time she performed after that accident.
June 29, 1963: Jim Reeves made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim joined the Opry in 1955, coming to Nashville from the Louisiana Hayride. At the time he left the Opry, Jim felt that he had outgrown the show and was already moving toward a more uptown, contemporary sound.
June 8, 1964: Alton Delmore died at the age of 55 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Delmore Brothers were early members of the Opry, performing on the show in the 1930's. Their influence would carry on for many years and in 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 12, 1965: Tex Ritter became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Tex joined the cast, he was at the tail end of his great western movie career and many wondered why Tex would want to come to Nashville and be a part of the Opry. Tex surprised everyone, becoming one of the Opry's more popular members and becoming very involved in the Nashville community. For a period of time, he co-hosted the overnight radio program with Ralph Emery on WSM. Tex, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964, was one of the early leaders and founding members of the Country Music Association and his wife was considered one of the Opry's ambassadors. Tex passed away from a heart attack in January 1974.
June 20, 1965: Ira Louvin, the older brother of Charlie Louvin and one half of the duo, the Louvin Brothers, was killed in an automobile accident. One of the greatest duos in country music history, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 11, 1966: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely made her Opry debut. Jeannie would become an Opry member the following year, in September 1967, and is still an active member today.
June 25, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Willie Nelson made his final appearance as a member of the Opry. Willie joined the Opry in November 1964, but things were not working out well for Willie in Nashville, so he left for his home state of Texas. While in Texas, Willie developed a new look and sound and became one of the biggest acts in the history of country music. While never coming back to the Opry as a member, Willie has made several guest appearances.
June 1, 1967: Stu Phillips became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Stu's 52nd year as an Opry member, and along with Hank Snow and Terri Clark, are the only two Opry members to join the cast from Canada. While June 1st is recognized as the date Stu joined, Stu did not make his first appearance as an Opry member until June 17. Stu's last Grand Ole Opry appearance was several years ago when he was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership.
June 28, 1974: Former Beatles member Paul McCarthy is introduced on the stage of the Opry by Roy Acuff. Paul did not perform but was visiting Nashville as part of a vacation with his family.
June 28, 1975: On that same night, Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan made his final Opry appearance. Included on the show that night was his daughter Lorrie, and they performed a duet together, "Smile for Me." Shortly afterwards, George passed away after suffering a heart attack.
June 17, 1978: Marty Robbins drove his new custom-made Panther Deville onto the stage of the Opry. In a moment of good humor, Roy Acuff found a security guard who wrote out a parking ticket to Marty.
June 20, 1980: Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Boxcar would later become a member of the Opry.
June 27, 1981: Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, better known as The Whites, made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, this popular group from Texas would become Opry members.
June 19, 1982: Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 37th year as Opry members. They remain the only members of the Opry keeping the sound of western music alive on the Opry stage.
June 9, 1984: Following in the footsteps of her father, Lorrie Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Lorrie's 35th year as a member. Lorrie made her Opry debut at the age of 13, singing "Paper Roses."
June 18, 1984: Former Grand Ole Opry member Paul Howard passed away at the age of 75 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Paul joined the Opry in 1942 with his group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. The group included Grady Martin and Hank Garland and specialized in western music. Paul stayed with the Opry though the 1940's. He did return later for several of the Opry's reunion shows.
June 20, 1986: Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, died at the age of 85. Whitey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959, when he left to pursue other career opportunities. Like others who left the cast, Whitey would return for numerous appearances. Along with Minnie Pearl, Whitey was the featured comedian on the Prince Albert shows before he was replaced by Rod Brasfield. After Rod joined, Whitey was shifted to other segments. In 1986, the year he died, Whitey was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 1988: Herman Crook, the last living link to the start of the WSM Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, performed on the Opry for the final time. Herman was a part of the Opry for 62 years, first appearing in 1926. Herman was a harmonica player and was a part of the Crook Brothers, the last true string band to appear on the Opry. Over the years, the Possum Hunters, Gully Jumpers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers would disappear, with members from those groups merged into the others, until only the Crook Brothers were left. Herman passed away the following week on June 10, after which the Crook Brothers name would disappear from the Opry line-ups.
June 10, 1988: Ricky Van Shelton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Now retired, this will be Ricky's 31st year as a member of the Opry's cast.
June 11, 1988: Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, Patty was a part of the Wilburn Brother's television show and performed as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Many times she has talked about how much Porter helped and influenced her career. And on the night she joined, it was Porter who inducted her.
June 11, 1988: On the same night that Patty Loveless became an Opry member, future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut.
June 24, 1989: Garth Brooks made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Garth would become an Opry member the following year.
June 2, 1990: Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 29th year as an Opry member. Mike is a great comedian and also a great banjo player and leads a string band that plays the type of music that the Opry was founded on. In fact, these days Mike is much more serious about the music than the comedy.
June 7, 1991: Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Alan's 28th year as an Opry member. This will be a big year for Alan as later this year he will become one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 14, 1991: Future Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black made his Opry debut.
June 15, 1991: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl made her last appearance associated with an Opry sponsored show. That night she performed in Joliet, Illinois. Several days later, she suffered a massive stroke that ended her performing days.
June 6, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Opry. Tom originally joined the cast in 1971, left in March 1974 when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House, then rejoined the cast in 1980. That decade saw Tom T. make a steady stream of Opry appearances. After he stopped appearing, he told several people that he would not be coming back. Tom T. Hall, who continues to live in the Nashville area, has been retired from performing for several years now.
June 3, 1994: The Ryman Auditorium reopened for the first time since the building was renovated as Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion was broadcast live from the auditorium. After the Opry left in 1974, the building sat basically empty, with the public being allowed in for self guided tours. After a performance and live album by Emmylou Harris, Gaylord Entertainment saw the value and importance of renovating the building. It is now one of Nashville's great treasures and one of the best decisions that Gaylord ever made.
June 3, 1994: Former Grand Ole Opry member Wally Fowler passed away at the age of 77. Wally came to Nashville in 1948 with his Oak Ridge Quartet and was a part of the Opry until 1950. During the time they were at the Opry, the Oak Ridge Quartet was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show and Wally would many times host the final Opry segment. Over time, the Oak Ridge Quartet would become the Oak Ridge Boys, and the focus of the group would go from gospel to country. By then, Wally had long left the group. Coming full circle, the Oak Ridge Boys have become Opry members.
June 4, 1994: Former Opry member Zeke Clements died at the age of 82. Zeke came to the Opry in the 1930's as a member of the Bronco Busters, which were led by Texas Ruby.
June 17, 1994: Sarah Wilson of Sarie and Sallie, who were Opry members from 1934-1939, passed away at the age of 97. And yes, they were really sisters, Edna Wilson and Margaret Waters.
June 23, 1995: Current WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs became an Opry announcer.
June 14, 1997: Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made her final appearance as a performer on the Opry. Barbara retired from performing and asked Opry management if she could keep her Opry management, which they agreed to. While not knowing it at the time, this started a trend where retired Opry members were allowed to continue to be Opry members.
June 29, 1999: Pete Fisher became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, the first person hired specifically for that position. Pete would remain with the Opry until January 2017 when he left to become the head of the Academy of Country Music, a position that he recently left.
June 10, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry introduced a new Opry backdrop. The new state of the art lighting replaced the old red barn that had been used in various forms since the Opry moved to the Opry House in 1974. It was reported at the time that the old backdrop was being donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, however if it has, it has never been put on display.
June 17, 2000: The Opry begins streaming shows live on the internet, giving those around the world an opportunity to listen to the show live. For many, it was the first chance to hear the show without static interference.
June 14, 2003: While Trace Adkins was making a guest appearance on the Opry, Jimmy Dickens came out with a ladder, climbed it and asked Trace if he would like to become a member of the Opry's cast. Trace, of course, said yes, and was inducted several months later.
June 21, 2003: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final appearance on the show. Roy Drusky passed away just over a year later, on September 23, 2004 as a result of lung cancer.
June 12, 2004: Terri Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 15th year as an Opry member, and was the third person from Canada to join the cast.
June 10, 2005: Carrie Underwood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She was the recent winner of that year's American Idol. Carrie became an Opry member in May 2008 and recently celebrated her 10th anniversary as an Opry member.
June 9, 2007: Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, being introduced on the Opry's stage by his daughter Pam. While officially becoming a member in 2007, Mel had actually been a part of the Opry before, as a member of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters and there is a belief that Mel was actually asked to become an individual member during that same time period, accepted but then backed out. He even made it into one edition of the Opry's History Picture Book as a member. However, it wasn't until 2007 that it became official. Mel remained a popular and loyal member of the Opry until passing away in November 2017.
June 6, 2008: The Four Guys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, in what would prove to be their final Opry appearance. They had been fired from the Opry in 2000 as all of the original members of the group had moved on or retired. They were introduced that night by Bill Anderson and received a nice response from the audience.
June 28, 2008: This was the final night that the Grand Ole Opry began its Saturday night first show at 6:30. The following week, the show was scheduled for 7:00, where it has been since. The show length was also cut 30 minutes, down to a two hours show.
June 23, 2009: Montgomery Gentry became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 10th year as Opry members. This popular duo were brought to the show upon the recommendation of fellow Opry member Charlie Daniels, who had joined the cast the previous year. Sadly, Troy Gentry passed away in a helicopter accident last year. Since then, Eddie has continued on and has carried on with the Montgomery Gentry name.
June 15, 2013: Patty Loveless was honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill was the host for the segment, which finished with "Go Rest High On That Mountain." A great moment and night at the Opry.
June 6, 2014: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman made his final Opry appearance. Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948. He passed away several weeks later.
June 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member, and newly elected Country Music Hall of Fame member, Jim Ed Brown passed away. Jim Ed had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and had one of the great voices in country music.
June 19, 2015: Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, his first Opry appearance since he inducted Carrie Underwood as an Opry member in 2008, and his first singing appearance on the Opry since 2005. He was joined by his wife Trisha Yearwood.
June 23, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Ralph Stanley passed away after a period of declining health. Ralph joined the Opry cast in 2000.
June 4, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Stu joined the Opry on June 1, 1967. As part of this appearance, Stu gave a very emotional tribute to those who had helped him during his career.
June 10, 2018: The Grand Ole Opry went on the road with a special Sunday Night Opry at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Among the acts performing were Opry members Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare, Riders In The Sky, and the Opry Square Dancers.
As I said, June has been a busy month in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
June 17, 1910: Clyde Julian Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky. Better known as Red, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946, replacing Roy Acuff as the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He stayed at the Opry until 1954 when he left Nashville and went to Springfield, Missouri as the host of the Ozark Jubilee. When Red came to the Opry, it was specifically to host the Prince Albert portion and as such, he did not appear on any other segments of the Opry.
June 19, 1914: Lester Flatt was born in Overton County, Tennessee. Lester would become famous as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, then later teaming up with Earl Scruggs in the highly successful Flatt & Scruggs duo. After a very successful run, Lester and Earl split due to creative differences, with Lester favoring a more traditional bluegrass sound. He then formed the Nashville Grass and continued with that group, and at the Opry, until his death in 1979. While on the Opry, Lester traditionally hosted the Martha White portion of the show.
June 17, 1916: David Akeman, better known as Stringbean, was born in Anniville, Kentucky. Stringbean had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for years, and was famous for his comedy and banjo playing. However, it was his role on Hee Haw that brought Stringbean his greatest fame to a national audience. Stringbean died in November 1973 when he, along with his wife Estelle, were murdered upon returning home from an Opry appearance.
June 28, 1924: George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. George spent several years in Ohio, specifically the Barberton area before becoming a star on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. In 1948 he came to Nashville and the Opry, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George would remain a popular Opry member until his death in 1975. On a historical note, it was George who hosted the final segment of the Friday Night Opry prior to the move to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. George, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is also the father of current Opry member Lorrie Morgan.
June 19, 1926: DeFord Bailey made his debut on the WSM Barn Dance. DeFord was a member of the Grand Ole Opry until he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. His song, "Pan American Blues" would often be the opening number on the Opry's early broadcasts. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord remained bitter toward WSM and the Opry for many years, and declined several invitations to come back and perform on the Opry. Finally, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry for the Old-Timer's Night. He was introduced by Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl and received a great ovation. He would return for several more Opry appearances, making his final appearance in April 1982, several months prior to his death.
June 2, 1927: Carl Butler was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with his wife Pearl, Carl had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Don't Let Me Cross Over." Carl and Pearl were members of the Grand Ole Opry for several years in the early 1960's. He passed away in 1992.
June 23, 1929: Valarie June Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She, along with sisters Anita and Helen, and their mother Maybelle, came to the Opry in 1950. While June was not much of a singer, she was a fine comedian and often teamed with Rod Brasfield and Jimmy Dickens.
June 12, 1936: Dr. Humphrey Bate, founder and leader of the Possum Hunters, died at the age of 61. Following Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Dr. Bate is considered the Opry's 2nd original member. In fact, many historians feel that he may actually have been the first rural performer to have been featured on WSM. Either way, Dr. Bate and the Possum Hunters were an important part of the Opry and his contributions are often overlooked.
June 13, 1936: Because of the size of the crowds, the Opry moved to the Dixie Tabernacle, located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. While sounding impressive, the Tabernacle was actually a very primitive facility with wooden benches, sawdust floors and no dressing rooms. It was basically an old barn that had sides which were opened during the summer to keep the air flowing thru. However, it did seat 3,500 and contributed to the growth of the Opry.
June 5, 1937: Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Pee Wee was one of the first professional entertainers to join the show and he helped to bring a more professional look to the Opry as his Golden West Cowboys were one of the sharpest looking groups around. Pee Wee and the Opry's founder, George D. Hay had many disagreements as the founder felt that Pee Wee's group was not country enough. As mentioned, Pee Wee brought a lot of professionalism to the show including being the first act to be introduced with entry and exit music. Pee Wee stayed at the Opry for a number of years before leaving and moving to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television. He had a successful show that aired live in several markets including Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago. Later becoming famous for the "Tennessee Waltz." Pee Wee would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry. His autobiography, "Hell-Bent for Music" is excellent and I highly recommend the book.
June 25, 1940: Republic Pictures released the movie "Grand Ole Opry" which starred Roy Acuff, George D. Hay and Uncle Dave Macon. It was considered a basic movie for the times and while it was no means an academy award winner, it offers a great look at an early Roy Acuff. Copies can still be found online.
June 5, 1943: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium, which would become known as "The Mother Church of Country Music." The Opry would stay at the Ryman until March 1974, and since 1999 has made annual winter visits back. Many consider the Opry's years at the Ryman as the golden years of the Opry and the show had tremendous growth while at the Ryman. While many were sad to see the Opry leave in 1974, deteriorating conditions in the building and in downtown Nashville made the move a necessity.
June 6, 1944: D-Day and the day that Grant Turner began working at WSM radio. Grant, who would become known as the "Dean" of Opry announcers, would remain at WSM and the Opry until his death in October 1991. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also hosted served as an announcer for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, and did the Opry's warm-up show.
June 17, 1944: The Poe Sisters, Ruth and Nellie, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Their idols were the Delmore Brothers, and George D. Hay would often refer to them as the "female Delmore Brothers." The Poe Sisters performed regionally in the Northeast before coming to Nashville and the Opry. However, their time at the Opry was very short. They originally left the Opry in 1945 when Ruth got married. They were gone for a few months, then came back, however in August 1946 they left again, this time for good.
June 17, 1944: On the same night as the Poe Sisters, Rod Brasfield made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
June 11, 1949: Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut. The performance was one for the ages as Hank was called back for a reported six encores, an Opry record that still stands to this day. The song that inspired the encores was "Lovesick Blues." Jimmy Dickens, who was there that night, would often say that it was the greatest Opry performance he had ever seen.
June 19, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Jean eventually joined the Opry in November 1955, and in 2015 became the only female in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to become a 60 year member of the cast.
June 12, 1954: Ferlin Husky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ferlin would stay as an Opry member until December 1964 when he was fired for failing to make the required number of Opry appearances. Like a few of the others who were terminated, Ferlin would not rejoin the cast but would return for guest appearances.
June 1, 1957: As part of the youth movement that was taking place at the Opry, the Everly Brothers became Opry members. The Everly Brothers did not stay long however, as they were destined for bigger and better things.
June 13, 1959: Roy Drusky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Roy came to Nashville and the Opry from Atlanta, Georgia and would remain an Opry member until his death in September 2004. In my opinion, Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music and was a terrific ballad singer.
June 27, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn Morgan, better known as Lorrie, was born. And no, she was not named after Loretta Lynn. Does anyone else find it hard to believe that Lorrie is turning 60 this year?
June 14, 1961: Opry member Patsy Cline was seriously injured in an automobile accident in Nashville. It would take Patsy almost eight months to recover from the injuries, which left a scar on her forehead. Because of that scar, Patsy would wear a wig just about ever time she performed after that accident.
June 29, 1963: Jim Reeves made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim joined the Opry in 1955, coming to Nashville from the Louisiana Hayride. At the time he left the Opry, Jim felt that he had outgrown the show and was already moving toward a more uptown, contemporary sound.
June 8, 1964: Alton Delmore died at the age of 55 in Huntsville, Alabama. The Delmore Brothers were early members of the Opry, performing on the show in the 1930's. Their influence would carry on for many years and in 2001 they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 12, 1965: Tex Ritter became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Tex joined the cast, he was at the tail end of his great western movie career and many wondered why Tex would want to come to Nashville and be a part of the Opry. Tex surprised everyone, becoming one of the Opry's more popular members and becoming very involved in the Nashville community. For a period of time, he co-hosted the overnight radio program with Ralph Emery on WSM. Tex, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964, was one of the early leaders and founding members of the Country Music Association and his wife was considered one of the Opry's ambassadors. Tex passed away from a heart attack in January 1974.
June 20, 1965: Ira Louvin, the older brother of Charlie Louvin and one half of the duo, the Louvin Brothers, was killed in an automobile accident. One of the greatest duos in country music history, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 11, 1966: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely made her Opry debut. Jeannie would become an Opry member the following year, in September 1967, and is still an active member today.
June 25, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Willie Nelson made his final appearance as a member of the Opry. Willie joined the Opry in November 1964, but things were not working out well for Willie in Nashville, so he left for his home state of Texas. While in Texas, Willie developed a new look and sound and became one of the biggest acts in the history of country music. While never coming back to the Opry as a member, Willie has made several guest appearances.
June 1, 1967: Stu Phillips became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Stu's 52nd year as an Opry member, and along with Hank Snow and Terri Clark, are the only two Opry members to join the cast from Canada. While June 1st is recognized as the date Stu joined, Stu did not make his first appearance as an Opry member until June 17. Stu's last Grand Ole Opry appearance was several years ago when he was recognized for 50 years of Opry membership.
June 28, 1974: Former Beatles member Paul McCarthy is introduced on the stage of the Opry by Roy Acuff. Paul did not perform but was visiting Nashville as part of a vacation with his family.
June 28, 1975: On that same night, Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan made his final Opry appearance. Included on the show that night was his daughter Lorrie, and they performed a duet together, "Smile for Me." Shortly afterwards, George passed away after suffering a heart attack.
June 17, 1978: Marty Robbins drove his new custom-made Panther Deville onto the stage of the Opry. In a moment of good humor, Roy Acuff found a security guard who wrote out a parking ticket to Marty.
June 20, 1980: Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Boxcar would later become a member of the Opry.
June 27, 1981: Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, better known as The Whites, made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, this popular group from Texas would become Opry members.
June 19, 1982: Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 37th year as Opry members. They remain the only members of the Opry keeping the sound of western music alive on the Opry stage.
June 9, 1984: Following in the footsteps of her father, Lorrie Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Lorrie's 35th year as a member. Lorrie made her Opry debut at the age of 13, singing "Paper Roses."
June 18, 1984: Former Grand Ole Opry member Paul Howard passed away at the age of 75 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Paul joined the Opry in 1942 with his group, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. The group included Grady Martin and Hank Garland and specialized in western music. Paul stayed with the Opry though the 1940's. He did return later for several of the Opry's reunion shows.
June 20, 1986: Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, died at the age of 85. Whitey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959, when he left to pursue other career opportunities. Like others who left the cast, Whitey would return for numerous appearances. Along with Minnie Pearl, Whitey was the featured comedian on the Prince Albert shows before he was replaced by Rod Brasfield. After Rod joined, Whitey was shifted to other segments. In 1986, the year he died, Whitey was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 4, 1988: Herman Crook, the last living link to the start of the WSM Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, performed on the Opry for the final time. Herman was a part of the Opry for 62 years, first appearing in 1926. Herman was a harmonica player and was a part of the Crook Brothers, the last true string band to appear on the Opry. Over the years, the Possum Hunters, Gully Jumpers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers would disappear, with members from those groups merged into the others, until only the Crook Brothers were left. Herman passed away the following week on June 10, after which the Crook Brothers name would disappear from the Opry line-ups.
June 10, 1988: Ricky Van Shelton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Now retired, this will be Ricky's 31st year as a member of the Opry's cast.
June 11, 1988: Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, Patty was a part of the Wilburn Brother's television show and performed as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Many times she has talked about how much Porter helped and influenced her career. And on the night she joined, it was Porter who inducted her.
June 11, 1988: On the same night that Patty Loveless became an Opry member, future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut.
June 24, 1989: Garth Brooks made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Garth would become an Opry member the following year.
June 2, 1990: Mike Snider became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 29th year as an Opry member. Mike is a great comedian and also a great banjo player and leads a string band that plays the type of music that the Opry was founded on. In fact, these days Mike is much more serious about the music than the comedy.
June 7, 1991: Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Alan's 28th year as an Opry member. This will be a big year for Alan as later this year he will become one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June 14, 1991: Future Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black made his Opry debut.
June 15, 1991: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl made her last appearance associated with an Opry sponsored show. That night she performed in Joliet, Illinois. Several days later, she suffered a massive stroke that ended her performing days.
June 6, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Opry. Tom originally joined the cast in 1971, left in March 1974 when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House, then rejoined the cast in 1980. That decade saw Tom T. make a steady stream of Opry appearances. After he stopped appearing, he told several people that he would not be coming back. Tom T. Hall, who continues to live in the Nashville area, has been retired from performing for several years now.
June 3, 1994: The Ryman Auditorium reopened for the first time since the building was renovated as Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion was broadcast live from the auditorium. After the Opry left in 1974, the building sat basically empty, with the public being allowed in for self guided tours. After a performance and live album by Emmylou Harris, Gaylord Entertainment saw the value and importance of renovating the building. It is now one of Nashville's great treasures and one of the best decisions that Gaylord ever made.
June 3, 1994: Former Grand Ole Opry member Wally Fowler passed away at the age of 77. Wally came to Nashville in 1948 with his Oak Ridge Quartet and was a part of the Opry until 1950. During the time they were at the Opry, the Oak Ridge Quartet was featured on the Prince Albert portion of the show and Wally would many times host the final Opry segment. Over time, the Oak Ridge Quartet would become the Oak Ridge Boys, and the focus of the group would go from gospel to country. By then, Wally had long left the group. Coming full circle, the Oak Ridge Boys have become Opry members.
June 4, 1994: Former Opry member Zeke Clements died at the age of 82. Zeke came to the Opry in the 1930's as a member of the Bronco Busters, which were led by Texas Ruby.
June 17, 1994: Sarah Wilson of Sarie and Sallie, who were Opry members from 1934-1939, passed away at the age of 97. And yes, they were really sisters, Edna Wilson and Margaret Waters.
June 23, 1995: Current WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs became an Opry announcer.
June 14, 1997: Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made her final appearance as a performer on the Opry. Barbara retired from performing and asked Opry management if she could keep her Opry management, which they agreed to. While not knowing it at the time, this started a trend where retired Opry members were allowed to continue to be Opry members.
June 29, 1999: Pete Fisher became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, the first person hired specifically for that position. Pete would remain with the Opry until January 2017 when he left to become the head of the Academy of Country Music, a position that he recently left.
June 10, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry introduced a new Opry backdrop. The new state of the art lighting replaced the old red barn that had been used in various forms since the Opry moved to the Opry House in 1974. It was reported at the time that the old backdrop was being donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, however if it has, it has never been put on display.
June 17, 2000: The Opry begins streaming shows live on the internet, giving those around the world an opportunity to listen to the show live. For many, it was the first chance to hear the show without static interference.
June 14, 2003: While Trace Adkins was making a guest appearance on the Opry, Jimmy Dickens came out with a ladder, climbed it and asked Trace if he would like to become a member of the Opry's cast. Trace, of course, said yes, and was inducted several months later.
June 21, 2003: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final appearance on the show. Roy Drusky passed away just over a year later, on September 23, 2004 as a result of lung cancer.
June 12, 2004: Terri Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 15th year as an Opry member, and was the third person from Canada to join the cast.
June 10, 2005: Carrie Underwood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She was the recent winner of that year's American Idol. Carrie became an Opry member in May 2008 and recently celebrated her 10th anniversary as an Opry member.
June 9, 2007: Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, being introduced on the Opry's stage by his daughter Pam. While officially becoming a member in 2007, Mel had actually been a part of the Opry before, as a member of Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters and there is a belief that Mel was actually asked to become an individual member during that same time period, accepted but then backed out. He even made it into one edition of the Opry's History Picture Book as a member. However, it wasn't until 2007 that it became official. Mel remained a popular and loyal member of the Opry until passing away in November 2017.
June 6, 2008: The Four Guys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, in what would prove to be their final Opry appearance. They had been fired from the Opry in 2000 as all of the original members of the group had moved on or retired. They were introduced that night by Bill Anderson and received a nice response from the audience.
June 28, 2008: This was the final night that the Grand Ole Opry began its Saturday night first show at 6:30. The following week, the show was scheduled for 7:00, where it has been since. The show length was also cut 30 minutes, down to a two hours show.
June 23, 2009: Montgomery Gentry became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 10th year as Opry members. This popular duo were brought to the show upon the recommendation of fellow Opry member Charlie Daniels, who had joined the cast the previous year. Sadly, Troy Gentry passed away in a helicopter accident last year. Since then, Eddie has continued on and has carried on with the Montgomery Gentry name.
June 15, 2013: Patty Loveless was honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill was the host for the segment, which finished with "Go Rest High On That Mountain." A great moment and night at the Opry.
June 6, 2014: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman made his final Opry appearance. Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948. He passed away several weeks later.
June 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member, and newly elected Country Music Hall of Fame member, Jim Ed Brown passed away. Jim Ed had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and had one of the great voices in country music.
June 19, 2015: Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, his first Opry appearance since he inducted Carrie Underwood as an Opry member in 2008, and his first singing appearance on the Opry since 2005. He was joined by his wife Trisha Yearwood.
June 23, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Ralph Stanley passed away after a period of declining health. Ralph joined the Opry cast in 2000.
June 4, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Stu joined the Opry on June 1, 1967. As part of this appearance, Stu gave a very emotional tribute to those who had helped him during his career.
June 10, 2018: The Grand Ole Opry went on the road with a special Sunday Night Opry at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Among the acts performing were Opry members Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare, Riders In The Sky, and the Opry Square Dancers.
As I said, June has been a busy month in the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/7 & 6/8
Sometimes on the weekend of the CMA Music Fest, the Grand Ole Opry has a little trouble putting together a solid line-up, due to the bigger names performing at the stadium shows, and with so much activity downtown. Additionally, many of the artists that have been in town during the week are headed out for shows over the weekend. I know Blake Shelton and Chris Janson are performing in Ohio on Saturday afternoon/evening. Looking at the line-ups for this weekend, I think the Opry did a credible job putting together solid shows both for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Five Grand Ole Opry members are appearing both nights and that would be Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills and the legendary Charley Pride. Joining that group on Friday night will be Mike Snider, Bobby Osborne and The Whites. The list is a little shorter on Saturday night as Jesse McReynolds and Crystal Gayle on the members performing.
As to guest artists on Friday night, Lauren Jenkins, Dillon Carmichael, Gary Mule Deer and Kiefer Sutherland are scheduled. On Saturday night, it will be Charles Esten, Dusty Slay, Aaron Watson and The Wandering Hearts. The Wandering Hearts were on the Opry last June at the invitation of Marty Stuart, and now they are back for a return appearance.
Friday June 7
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Lauren Jenkins; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dillon Carmichael
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Gary Mule Deer; Kiefer Sutherland
8:45: Mark Wills (host); The Whites; Charley Pride
Saturday June 8
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Wandering Hearts; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Crystal Gayle; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dusty Slay; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mark Wills (host); Aaron Watson; Charley Pride
In addition to the two night time Opry shows, there will also be an Opry Classics show on Saturday afternoon at the Ryman Auditorium
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Charley Pride
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Mason Ramsey, Don Schlitz, Holly Williams
And not to forget the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree which will be hosted by Mel Tillis, Jr. It was always a tradition that Mel Tillis hosted on the Saturday of CMA week and it looks like his son is carrying on the tradition.
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 5 & 6, 2009:
Friday June 5
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Hamilton IV; Little General Cloggers
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Carter Twins
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene; Kathy Mattea
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius/The Whites; Mark Chesnutt
Saturday June 6
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mark Wills
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; Crystal Gayle
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Patty Loveless
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Crystal Gayle
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Stonewall Jackson; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Patty Loveless
From 25 years ago, Saturday June 4, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Ramona Jones
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stonewall Jackson
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mark Collie; Brother Oswald; Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis
7:30: Travis Tritt (host); Mel McDaniel; Jim and Jesse; Joe Diffie
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Joe Diffie; Travis Tritt
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mark Collie
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim and Jesse
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Mel McDaniel; Jeannie Seely; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 7, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Margie Bowes; The Four Guys
7:00: Tex Ritter; Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann; Stringbean; Louie Roberts
7:30: Roy Acuff; Bill Monroe; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Willie Brothers; Louie Roberts
8:30: Porter Wagoner; Marion Worth; Del Wood; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe; Willis Brothers; Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard
10:00: Jack Greene; Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann
10:15: Roy Acuff; Margie Bowes; The Four Guys
10:30: Tex Ritter; Loretta Lynn
10:45: Lester Flatt; Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner; Del Wood; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: George Hamilton IV; Marion Worth; Louie Roberts
_________________________________________________________________________
Finally, it was 27 years ago, Saturday June 6, 1992 that Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Country music is celebrated for the strength of its stories, so it means something when one performer is singled out as "The Storyteller." That performer is Tom T. Hall. The title was natural enough. Tom T. delivered a combination of detailed observation, arresting storyline, and full-bodied characters in such songs as "The Day Clayton Delaney Died," "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine," "A Week in a County Jail," and "Homecoming."
One of ten children born to a Baptist minister, Tom T. began playing guitar at age four and wrote his first song at nine. In his teens, he formed a bluegrass band, which performed locally. After a stint in the Army, while working as a radio copywriter in Roanoke, Virginia, he wrote songs on the side that were recorded by Jimmy C Newman, Johnnie Wright, Dave Dudley and Bobby Bare.
After moving to Nashville in 1964, he had several early hit recordings of his own, including "I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew," and when Jeannie C Riley's recording of his "Harper Valley P.T.A" sold six million copies and swept away multiple awards, Tom T.'s own recording career at Mercury Records accelerated. That career continued through more than 45 albums. For two years, he hosted the syndicated TV program Pop Goes the Country and made guest appearances on several other shows.
Tom T. has authored a string of books, including an autobiography, a songwriting textbook, and several novels. His songs continue to be recorded by bluegrass bands and country and Americana acts alike.
In 2008, Tom T. Hall was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and this past year, he was elected to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Tom T. Hall originally joined the Grand Ole Opry on January 1, 1971. After the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium for the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974, he left the show. He returned as a member in 1980.
And now, here is the running order from Saturday June 6, 1992, the final time that Tom T. Hall appeared on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love with You
Porter Wagoner: What Ain't to Be, Just Might Happen
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
Charlie Walker: Roly, Poly
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
7:00: Shoney's
Tom T Hall (host): Ravishing Ruby
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Tom T Hall: Old Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wine
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Brooks & Dunn: Another Neon Moon/Boot Scootin Boogie
Randy Travis: Better Class of Losers/He Walked on Water/Diggin' Up Bones
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
The Four Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground/We're Only Here for a Little While
Mike Snider: (?)/The Fur Coat (Putting on the Dog)
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain/How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
8:30: Opryland
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails, Keep Me Free
Charlie Louvin and Charles Whitstein: The Family Who Prayers
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Hank Locklin: My Turning Point in Life
Jack Greene: There's A Lot About a Woman A Man Don't Know
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Wilma Lee Cooper: Singing Waterfall
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Brooks & Dunn: Another Neon Moon/Boot Scootin Boogie/Brand New Man
Porter Wagoner: Carolee Cooper Accident/Green Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ain't It Hard
Stonewall Jackson: Why, I'm Walkin'
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You in the Morning
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top/The 3 Bells
10:30: Pet Milk
Tom T Hall (host): The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Tom T Hall: I Love
10:45; B.C. Powder
Bill Monroe (host): Why Did You Wander
Del Reeves: A Dozen Pair of Boots
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Monroe: Wayfaring Strangers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Charlie Louvin and Charles Whitstein: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Billy Grammer: Ain't Misbehavin'
The Four Guys: How Married Are You Mary Ann/May You Always
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That was Good in My Life
11:30: Creamette
Jack Greene (host): Satisfied
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn/Snuff Dipper
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Tom T. Hall was scheduled for the June 20th show but cancelled. What was interesting about Tom T was that up to the June show, and for several years preceding that date, he was actually making somewhat regular appearances on the Opry. Then he just stopped coming. There had been reports that Tom T had been asked why he had not been back to the Opry and his only response was that he didn't know why they kept him as a member as he was never going back. Another one of those mysteries.
Tom T Hall is now retired.
There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and as always, I hone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Five Grand Ole Opry members are appearing both nights and that would be Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills and the legendary Charley Pride. Joining that group on Friday night will be Mike Snider, Bobby Osborne and The Whites. The list is a little shorter on Saturday night as Jesse McReynolds and Crystal Gayle on the members performing.
As to guest artists on Friday night, Lauren Jenkins, Dillon Carmichael, Gary Mule Deer and Kiefer Sutherland are scheduled. On Saturday night, it will be Charles Esten, Dusty Slay, Aaron Watson and The Wandering Hearts. The Wandering Hearts were on the Opry last June at the invitation of Marty Stuart, and now they are back for a return appearance.
Friday June 7
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Lauren Jenkins; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dillon Carmichael
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Gary Mule Deer; Kiefer Sutherland
8:45: Mark Wills (host); The Whites; Charley Pride
Saturday June 8
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Wandering Hearts; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Crystal Gayle; Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Dusty Slay; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mark Wills (host); Aaron Watson; Charley Pride
In addition to the two night time Opry shows, there will also be an Opry Classics show on Saturday afternoon at the Ryman Auditorium
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Charley Pride
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Mason Ramsey, Don Schlitz, Holly Williams
And not to forget the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree which will be hosted by Mel Tillis, Jr. It was always a tradition that Mel Tillis hosted on the Saturday of CMA week and it looks like his son is carrying on the tradition.
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 5 & 6, 2009:
Friday June 5
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Hamilton IV; Little General Cloggers
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; Carter Twins
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jack Greene; Kathy Mattea
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius/The Whites; Mark Chesnutt
Saturday June 6
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mark Wills
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; George Hamilton IV; Crystal Gayle
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stonewall Jackson; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Patty Loveless
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Crystal Gayle
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Stonewall Jackson; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Patty Loveless
From 25 years ago, Saturday June 4, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Ramona Jones
6:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Stonewall Jackson
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Mark Collie; Brother Oswald; Jack Greene; Skeeter Davis
7:30: Travis Tritt (host); Mel McDaniel; Jim and Jesse; Joe Diffie
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Joe Diffie; Travis Tritt
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Whites
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mark Collie
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim and Jesse
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Jeanne Pruett
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Mel McDaniel; Jeannie Seely; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 7, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Margie Bowes; The Four Guys
7:00: Tex Ritter; Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann; Stringbean; Louie Roberts
7:30: Roy Acuff; Bill Monroe; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Willie Brothers; Louie Roberts
8:30: Porter Wagoner; Marion Worth; Del Wood; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe; Willis Brothers; Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard
10:00: Jack Greene; Archie Campbell; Lorene Mann
10:15: Roy Acuff; Margie Bowes; The Four Guys
10:30: Tex Ritter; Loretta Lynn
10:45: Lester Flatt; Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner; Del Wood; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: George Hamilton IV; Marion Worth; Louie Roberts
_________________________________________________________________________
Finally, it was 27 years ago, Saturday June 6, 1992 that Tom T. Hall made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Country music is celebrated for the strength of its stories, so it means something when one performer is singled out as "The Storyteller." That performer is Tom T. Hall. The title was natural enough. Tom T. delivered a combination of detailed observation, arresting storyline, and full-bodied characters in such songs as "The Day Clayton Delaney Died," "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine," "A Week in a County Jail," and "Homecoming."
One of ten children born to a Baptist minister, Tom T. began playing guitar at age four and wrote his first song at nine. In his teens, he formed a bluegrass band, which performed locally. After a stint in the Army, while working as a radio copywriter in Roanoke, Virginia, he wrote songs on the side that were recorded by Jimmy C Newman, Johnnie Wright, Dave Dudley and Bobby Bare.
After moving to Nashville in 1964, he had several early hit recordings of his own, including "I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew," and when Jeannie C Riley's recording of his "Harper Valley P.T.A" sold six million copies and swept away multiple awards, Tom T.'s own recording career at Mercury Records accelerated. That career continued through more than 45 albums. For two years, he hosted the syndicated TV program Pop Goes the Country and made guest appearances on several other shows.
Tom T. has authored a string of books, including an autobiography, a songwriting textbook, and several novels. His songs continue to be recorded by bluegrass bands and country and Americana acts alike.
In 2008, Tom T. Hall was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and this past year, he was elected to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Tom T. Hall originally joined the Grand Ole Opry on January 1, 1971. After the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium for the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974, he left the show. He returned as a member in 1980.
And now, here is the running order from Saturday June 6, 1992, the final time that Tom T. Hall appeared on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Jim Ed Brown: Lyin' In Love with You
Porter Wagoner: What Ain't to Be, Just Might Happen
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
Charlie Walker: Roly, Poly
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
7:00: Shoney's
Tom T Hall (host): Ravishing Ruby
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Tom T Hall: Old Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wine
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Brooks & Dunn: Another Neon Moon/Boot Scootin Boogie
Randy Travis: Better Class of Losers/He Walked on Water/Diggin' Up Bones
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
The Four Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground/We're Only Here for a Little While
Mike Snider: (?)/The Fur Coat (Putting on the Dog)
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain/How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
8:30: Opryland
Hank Snow (host): Silver Rails, Keep Me Free
Charlie Louvin and Charles Whitstein: The Family Who Prayers
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Hank Locklin: My Turning Point in Life
Jack Greene: There's A Lot About a Woman A Man Don't Know
Hank Snow: Let Me Go Lover
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Wilma Lee Cooper: Singing Waterfall
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Brooks & Dunn: Another Neon Moon/Boot Scootin Boogie/Brand New Man
Porter Wagoner: Carolee Cooper Accident/Green Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ain't It Hard
Stonewall Jackson: Why, I'm Walkin'
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You in the Morning
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top/The 3 Bells
10:30: Pet Milk
Tom T Hall (host): The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Tom T Hall: I Love
10:45; B.C. Powder
Bill Monroe (host): Why Did You Wander
Del Reeves: A Dozen Pair of Boots
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Monroe: Wayfaring Strangers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Charlie Louvin and Charles Whitstein: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Billy Grammer: Ain't Misbehavin'
The Four Guys: How Married Are You Mary Ann/May You Always
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That was Good in My Life
11:30: Creamette
Jack Greene (host): Satisfied
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn/Snuff Dipper
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Tom T. Hall was scheduled for the June 20th show but cancelled. What was interesting about Tom T was that up to the June show, and for several years preceding that date, he was actually making somewhat regular appearances on the Opry. Then he just stopped coming. There had been reports that Tom T had been asked why he had not been back to the Opry and his only response was that he didn't know why they kept him as a member as he was never going back. Another one of those mysteries.
Tom T Hall is now retired.
There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and as always, I hone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Tuesday Night Opry 6/3 & Thursday Night Opry 6/5
This week the CMA Music Festival takes place in Nashville and one of the early and traditional events that takes place is the Tuesday Night Opry featuring Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood.
Carrie's appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry has become a CMA Music Fest tradition, as since her joining the Opry in May 2008, Carrie has performed at every Tuesday show during CMA Fest, with the exception of 2013, and that year she appeared on the Friday Night Opry.
The Tuesday shows, which are usually sell-outs (and this year is no exception), always feature outstanding line-ups and this year, in addition to Carrie on both shows, one of the Opry's long-lost members, Travis Tritt, will also be performing, along with Opry members Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Chris Janson.
Tuesday June 3
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Travis Tritt
7:30: Travis Denning; Tenille Townes
8:00: Michael Ray; Josh Turner
8:30: Chris Janson; Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson; Travis Tritt
10:00: Riley Green; Carrie Underwood
10:30: Michael Ray; Josh Turner; Chris Janson
The past several years, the Opry has also scheduled a Thursday night show, and while not as strong as the Tuesday shows, still a very solid line-up featuring Grand Ole Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Oak Ridge Boys, and Chris Young.
Thursday June 5
7:00: Scotty McCreery; Tegan Marie
7:30: Home Free; Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce; Oak Ridge Boys
8:45: Chris Young
(at least that is what I have at this point)
This week is loaded as to shows in Nashville and one of the most popular and long-running shows is Marty Stuart's Annual Late Night Jam, which is celebrating its 18th anniversary this year. Among those scheduled to perform, in addition to Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives, are Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Steve Miller, Old Crow Medicine Show, Chris Scruggs and The Stone Fox Five, Connie Smith, Eddie Stubbs, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Williams and Ree, Beyond Wings Circus, and Crying Uncle Duo. A fantastic line-up for sure.
In addition, there are the stadium shows, the awards show and all of the fan-club and artists sponsored luncheons, which includes the annual ROPE luncheon that always features some great, veteran country acts.
And, let's not forget the Grand Ole Opry. They will be having their usual Friday and Saturday night Opry shows and a Saturday afternoon classic show matinee. Opry members Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Mark Wills are among those scheduled for the shows next weekend.
Personally, I pass on this week in Nashville just because of the crowds and the difficulty in getting around town. But, it is always a great week and I am sure everyone will have a great time.
Be safe.
Carrie's appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry has become a CMA Music Fest tradition, as since her joining the Opry in May 2008, Carrie has performed at every Tuesday show during CMA Fest, with the exception of 2013, and that year she appeared on the Friday Night Opry.
The Tuesday shows, which are usually sell-outs (and this year is no exception), always feature outstanding line-ups and this year, in addition to Carrie on both shows, one of the Opry's long-lost members, Travis Tritt, will also be performing, along with Opry members Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Chris Janson.
Tuesday June 3
1st show
7:00: Bill Anderson; Travis Tritt
7:30: Travis Denning; Tenille Townes
8:00: Michael Ray; Josh Turner
8:30: Chris Janson; Carrie Underwood
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson; Travis Tritt
10:00: Riley Green; Carrie Underwood
10:30: Michael Ray; Josh Turner; Chris Janson
The past several years, the Opry has also scheduled a Thursday night show, and while not as strong as the Tuesday shows, still a very solid line-up featuring Grand Ole Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Oak Ridge Boys, and Chris Young.
Thursday June 5
7:00: Scotty McCreery; Tegan Marie
7:30: Home Free; Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce; Oak Ridge Boys
8:45: Chris Young
(at least that is what I have at this point)
This week is loaded as to shows in Nashville and one of the most popular and long-running shows is Marty Stuart's Annual Late Night Jam, which is celebrating its 18th anniversary this year. Among those scheduled to perform, in addition to Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives, are Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Steve Miller, Old Crow Medicine Show, Chris Scruggs and The Stone Fox Five, Connie Smith, Eddie Stubbs, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Williams and Ree, Beyond Wings Circus, and Crying Uncle Duo. A fantastic line-up for sure.
In addition, there are the stadium shows, the awards show and all of the fan-club and artists sponsored luncheons, which includes the annual ROPE luncheon that always features some great, veteran country acts.
And, let's not forget the Grand Ole Opry. They will be having their usual Friday and Saturday night Opry shows and a Saturday afternoon classic show matinee. Opry members Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Mark Wills are among those scheduled for the shows next weekend.
Personally, I pass on this week in Nashville just because of the crowds and the difficulty in getting around town. But, it is always a great week and I am sure everyone will have a great time.
Be safe.
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