The Grand Ole Opry is closing out the month of August in fine style as the Opry will be playing host this weekend to Opry member Vince Gill, who will be appearing on all three shows in support of his new album "Okie." Not only will Vince be performing on all three shows, but he is the only artist scheduled on the closing segment each night. Additionally, after the Friday Night Opry, Vince will be giving an exclusive performance of his new album to a few select fans.
Besides Vince, the only other Grand Ole Opry member scheduled for both nights is Jeannie Seely. On the Friday Night Opry, those two will be joined by members Bill Anderson, The Whites, and Riders In The Sky, while on Saturday night Connie Smith, Bobby Osborne, Oak Ridge Boys, and the ever popular, Martina McBride round out the list.
Gary Mule Deer, who seems to be appearing on a lot of Opry shows lately, is scheduled to guest on all three shows this weekend. Joining him on Friday night will be Adam Doleac, Mark and Maggie O'Connor and Wendy Moten. And, as the Opry does every year, the Grand Master Fiddle Champions will be featured on the show.
On Saturday night, the only other guest besides Gary Mule Deer, will be Abby Anderson.
Friday August 30
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Adam Doleac; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Gary Mule Deer; Mark and Maggie O'Connor
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Grand Master Fiddle Champions; Wendy Moten
8:45: Vince Gill
Saturday August 31
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Abby Anderson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Connie Smith (host); Martina McBride
8:00: Oak Ridge Boys (host); Gary Mule Deer; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Abby Anderson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
10:00: Connie Smith (host); Martina McBride
10:30: Oak Ridge Boys (host); Gary Mule Deer; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill
While there are only eight artists scheduled for Saturday night, there certainly is a lot of star power with Martina, Vince, and the Oaks.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of August 28 & 29, 2009:
Friday August 28
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Cherryholmes
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jamie O'Neal
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; The Whites
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Ralph Stanley
Saturday August 29
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Jean Shepard; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Clay Walker; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); John Conlee; Connie Smith
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday August 27, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Brother Oswald
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Ronnie Milsap; Alison Krauss
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Connie Smith; Johnny Russell: Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Jeannie Seely; Charley Walker
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Alison Krauss
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Skeeter Davis
10:15: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rhonda Vincent; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow; Ronnie Milsap
11:30: The Four Guys (host); Connie Smith; Jeannie Seely; Johnny Russell
Finally, looking back to 50 years ago, it was Saturday August 30, 1969 that an unknown 18 year old by the name of Crystal Gayle, made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Crystal Gayle was born Brenda Gail Webb in Paintsville, KY, on January 9. Her older sister was future superstar and Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn, though Loretta had already left home by the time Brenda was born. To escape constant comparison to her sister, Crystal wisely developed her own vocal and musical style. She had 20 No. 1 country singles, beginning with "I'll Get Over You" and including her signature song, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." That song earned Crystal a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and also made her album We Must Believe In Magic the first by a female country artist to go platinum.
The Grand Ole Opry holds a special place in Crystal's heart. "My first time to perform on the Opry, Loretta was sick and she talked them into letting me perform in her spot," Crystal told Country Stars Central. "I remember singing 'Ribbon of Darkness Over Me' in my little shiny dress my mother made me."
Pretty soon, Crystal was topping the charts and getting her own invitations to play the Opry. Crystal was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year in 1977 and 1978 by the Country Music Association Awards. The Academy of Country Music gave her the same award in 1976, 1977 and 1979.
Chart success continued for Crystal throughout the 1980s with hits including "Cry," "Talking In Your Sleep," "Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For," "Half The Way" and her duet with Eddie Rabbitt, "You And I."
In 2008 Crystal was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. In 2009 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Crystal continues to perform around the world.
While Crystal would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry, it wasn't until January 21, 2017 that she became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday August 30, 1969, the night Crystal Gayle made her Opry debut:
1st show
6:30:
Jim and Jesse (host): (?)
6:45:
Hank Locklin (host): (?)
Lonzo and Oscar: (?)
7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Martha Carson: I'm Gonna Walk & Talk With My Lord
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Billy Grammer: Guitar Polka
Martha Carson: Shout, Shout, Shout & Shine
Jack Barlow: Pauline
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Wilma Burgess: Let Me Be the Woman in Your Life
Bobby Lewis: Love Me & Make It All Better
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackle
Charlie Walker: Moffett, Oklahoma
Wilma Burgess: Break My Mind
Bobby Lewis: It's Such a Pretty World Today
Charlie Walker: Truck Driving Man
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8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): John Henry
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Jerry Smith: Truck Stop
Louie Roberts: The Wreck of the Old 97
Lester Flatt: Cabin on the Hill
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Louie Roberts: Peace in the Valley/ Hey Good Lookin'
Uncle Josh: Just Joshin'
8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Answer the Phone
Crystal Gayle: Ribbon of Darkness
Jay Lee Webb: She's Looking Better by the Minute
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Billy Parker: I've Still Got a Long Way to Go
Jay Lee Webb: Wonderful World of Women
Ernest Tubb: Just a Drink Away
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim and Jesse (host): I'm Hoping that Your Hoping
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Bobby Lewis: From Heaven to Heartache
Jerry Smith: Truck Stop
Jim and Jesse: Knoxville Girl
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Bobby Lewis: 'Til Something Better Comes Along
Jim and Jesse: Johnny B. Goode
10:00: Fender
Martha Carson: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
Harold Weakley: You've Still Got a Place in My Heart
Martha Carson: Satisfied
Joe Edwards: Alabama Jubilee
10:15: Pure
Lonzo and Oscar (host): Hertz Rent-A-Chick
Wes Buchanan: Undo the Right
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Lonzo and Oscar: Making Plans
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Wilma Burgess: Let Me Be the Woman In Your Life
John Sullivan: Greyhound Blues
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Crystal Gayle: Johnny One Time
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Grammer (host): Jesus Is a Soul Man
Peggy Little: Sweet Baby Girl
Jay Lee Webb: Big Job
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is a Soul Man
Peggy Little: Son of a Preacher Man
Sam and Kirk McGee: San Antonio Rose
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On/Whispering Hope
11:30: Lava
Charlie Walker (host): Honky Tonk Season
Rita Faye: The Last Thing on My Mind
Louie Roberts: Love's on My Mind
Charlie Walker: Moffett, Oklahoma
Louie Roberts: Peace in the Valley/Hey Good Lookin'
Charlie Walker: San Antonio Rose/Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Wow. Talk about a thin line-up for 1969. Obviously being the end of summer, most of the Opry's big names were out on the road doing fair dates and playing the various country music parks, with only Lester Flatt and Ernest Tubb being the only two Opry legends on the shows that night.
Including the Crook Brothers and Fruit Jar Drinkers, there were 10 Opry members on the first show, while on the second show there were 11 members, counting the McGees.
The 10:00 segment had no Opry members with Martha Carson, a former Opry member who was not welcomed back after taking a leave of absence many years before, opening and closing the segment. Why? Because Hank Locklin was supposed to have hosted and he wasn't there. Apparently between the first and second shows he skipped out and was late getting back.
Finally, when looking at those who guested that night, the biggest name would have been Martha Carson and probably followed by Bobby Lewis, with a drop off after that.
As always, thanks for reading and commenting on the blog and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
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ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to what Jim and Nat and our friends who love the older opry stuff far more than the new think of Vince? I mean mr Acuff loved him, and I submit he's the biggest name and most talented member today over all, but I'm just curious what you all think?
ReplyDeleteE.Z.: I have a lot of respect for Vince. As with many people that I like, he performs some things that are not of my taste but that doesn't make it bad. Being the all around artist and musician he is, he is interested in artist of other genre's that do not appeal to me but at the same time I believe he truly loves the Opry and all of the elder members and he is sincere about keeping the tradition and their memories alive. Further, Brad Paisley should have said Vince and a few others will take it from here and left the we, which included him, out of his comment. Vince hasn't got the most country voice but he is a great singer and does a great job on hard country tunes. That's my take on Vince. Would like to see and maybe meet him someday. He is supposed to be the first artist that plays the venue that replaced the burned Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, IN.
ReplyDeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
I'll second Jim--I don't like everything he does, but, then again, everybody has recorded an odd one here and there. I think of when Dwight Yoakam was big, and my mother was not a big fan, especially of the tight jeans and whatever that dance was that he did. And I said, "Yes, but Dwight stands for what's right." So does Vince.
DeleteE.Z., great story. They were doing what must have been the 65th anniversary special, and Vince has a talent for being able to sleep anywhere. He took a nap on the floor of the stage. Mr. Acuff's vision was bad and he couldn't tell who it was, but he was beside himself that someone was sleeping on the floor, and they hid the fact that it was Vince. But if I had to pick a favorite Opry moment, one that would be in the running was the night that Vince was on his segment and of course had to do "When I Call Your Name." As he did the chorus, Mr. Acuff was standing close by and softly singing the words, and TNN got the shot, where you could see Mr. Acuff basically between Vince and the microphone (Vince pretty well towered over him). It was just a beautiful moment.
I have NOTHING but good things to say about Vince Gill. He loves the 'Opry, appears pretty darned often for somebody of his stature, and can flat sing. I like it better when he does his hard-cord traditional country stuff. "If you're gonna' play the juke box, would you kindly keep it country tonight." quite literally brings tears to my eyes. Side note ---> Where did real country music go, where DID it go???
DeleteVince understands old farts like me, and generally includes a song or two for us in his usual 'Opry performance.
Don't always like every song Carrie Underwood sings either, but you know what, she comes as often as she can.
Hard to not appreciate folks like Carrie and Vince, who obviously love the 'Opry.
A few thoughts on the 1969 show.
ReplyDeleteBobby Lewis had his first and biggest hit in 1966 with "How Long Has It Been" which reached #6. He had three other hits make the top 20 through 1970. He recorded for United artists through 1974 and several other labels after that. I believe his most recent work is on Hart of Texas from about four or five years ago. Although not a big star, his albums are full of solid work. You may recall that Bobby plays a Lute and he has it on most of his album covers.
A further note on Bobby appearing on this night. Billy Parker was also on the show and Bobby and Billy wrote the song "Just A Drink Away" which ET performed. It was on ET's current LP "Saturday Satan, Sunday Saint"
Another guest this night was Wilma Burgess who actually attained higher chart success than Bobby Lewis having a number 4 hit with "Misty Blue" at the same time Bobby had his #6 hit in 1966. She actually had 5 songs make the top 20 but did not chart as many songs as Bobby.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
I have always thought Wilma Burgess had one of the best voices country music ever hard. Sweet, sweet voice.
Deletebest voice country music ever "HAD," hate that I can't edit my posts.....
DeleteWow! I was under the impression Martha Carson wasn't even invited back for guest appearances after she was dismissed.
ReplyDeleteHere is the quote from Martha Carson: "I got a leave of absence from the Opry (after her first child was born in 1957). I didn't quit and I wasn't fired. When I came back to Nashville, Ott Devine said they had no openings. I never did go back. I never even got to be a guest."
DeleteObviously that changed when Ott left as she was back on the Opry on more than a few occasions, including this particular night.
I don't document anything, but I certainly remember Martha Carson appearing on the 'Opry YEARS after she was released.
DeleteShe always sounded really good.
About Hank Locklin missing the segment .... There was the story I read of the night that Mr. Acuff and Grant Turner got involved in a conversation in Dressing Room 1, and forgot to come out and do a segment!
ReplyDeleteVince Gill does a great concert/show. We have seen him numerous times at different types of venues as well as the Grand Ole Opry. He has great stage/audience rapport. I will keep him on my "go see again" list, as well as the Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, Malpass Brothers, Wilson Fairchild, Moe Bandy, Mark Wills. (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteI am now as sick of " Rocky Top" after hearing Bobby do it twice tonight and on I think every Opry show he has done as Rocky Top express came into existence ------- !!! Anyone else feel that way ???????Dashmann, Flushing , Michigan
ReplyDeleteIt's Bobby's signiture song.
DeleteI will NEVER get tired of hearing Rocky Top.
DeleteMust admit the drumming doesn't help it too much....
Wow, I should have proofread my last comment again -- wish I could remove it and restate it. But you get my point --- I'm sick of "Rocky Top" -----haven't even had a drink yet tonight !!!!! Dashmann --- Flushing, Michigan
ReplyDeleteAnother outstanding RFD Opry Encore last night. Grandpa Jones hosted and was in fine form, both singing and banjo playing. Skeeter was Skeeter and Mel Tillis was great. Nice to see the televised portion featuring Oswald, Charlie Collins, along with Howdy Forrester and Larry McNeely. Roy Acuff was recovering from his heart issue at the time.
ReplyDeleteAnd for those keeping track, this 1985 show had the Shoney's backdrop in the background, hidden with by the dark lighting.
The Opry Encore was very good - we commented surprise about Grandpa Jones hosting and the others being on a TV segment - that was changed after Pete Fisher. We did see the Shoney's sign. RFD is really doing a lot for those of us who like the classics !! Crystal Gayle was on Larry's Diner last night and she was excellent.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Durham looked at the TNN portion as advertising the rest of the Opry, and Whittaker and to a much greater extent Fisher thinking of it as a separate show. And I think Durham was right. Better to see the actual Opry, warts and all.
Delete