Grand Ole Opry 10/18 & 10/19

Coming off the Grand Ole Opry's 94th Birthday Bash and Dolly Week, it appears that it will be a pretty quiet weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as things get back to normal. For this weekend, there will be one show on Friday night and two shows on Saturday.

There are several Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing on all three shows this weekend: Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee and Old Crow Medicine Show, who by the way, will be signing copies of their new album "Love at the Ryman" on both nights.

Joining that group on the Friday Night Opry will be members Mark Wills, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Joining the trio for both shows on Saturday will be Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Connie Smith, along with Mike Snider and The Whites. Jeannie Seely is set for the first show while Riders in The Sky are scheduled for the late show.

Ingrid Andress will be making her Opry debut on Friday night, while Fred Eaglesmith will be making his debut on Saturday night. Other guest artists on Friday night include Dee White, Sawyer Brown and Bobby Bones. Saturday night the list includes Caylee Hammack and John Crist.

Friday October 18
7:00: Mark Wills (host); Dee White; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ingrid Andress; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Bones; Sawyer Brown
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky

Saturday October 19
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show

2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
10:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show
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As mentioned Ingrid Andress and Fred Eaglesmith are set to make their Opry debuts this weekend.

“A country pop rookie who can write a chorus like Sia,” (PAPER), Ingrid Andress is chipping away at expectations of herself and her sound with debut single “More Hearts Than Mine.” Praised by HITS magazine for its “honesty and vulnerability virtually absent on Country radio,” the recently named iHeartCountry On The Verge artist performed her “elegantly written song” (NY Times) on NBC’s TODAY a week after it became the most-added new single at country radio.

The Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist made her first national TV appearance earlier this year on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing her major-label debut, “Lady Like,” only two months after its release.

With several co-writer credits to her name, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and Fletcher’s “About You,” the Colorado-native first honed her skills writing with heavy hitters in the music community such as Sam Hunt and Alicia Keys and has received additional critical acclaim from People, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vulture, and many more.

With the release of her latest tracks “Both” and “We’re Not Friends,” Andress’ new music continues to prove her as one of the most unique and moving vocalists in the country space and beyond; one that is thrillingly honest, raw, and refreshing in a way rarely seen emanating from Music City.

Fred Eaglesmith can talk to you about almost anything. Chances are, he’s had that car, tractor, job, relationship, idea, and hat. But throughout his life and experiences there is always one thing that has remained the same: his undeniable gift for writing a song. Aspiring songwriters and performers of all ages call and write Fred with questions on how to have a career like his. And what can he say? Start writing songs when you’re 10 years old. Grow up with poverty, agriculture, religion, and eight siblings. Run away from home. Hop freight trains. Start a business. Lose a business. Struggle to get any gig. Drive to Nashville with no money and pockets full of songs. Get a record deal. Lose a record deal. Win a Juno Award. Break down on the side of the road everyday for days on end. Become a cult hero and amass a following of self-proclaimed “Fred Heads.” Tour relentlessly. Become everyone’s favorite. Becomes nobody’s favorite. Follow your gut. Smarten up. Don’t care what anybody thinks. Be fair. Be loyal no matter what. Keep going. Soften up. Give people a break. Expect nothing. Give everything. Keep going. Allow yourself to be happy. Find out who you are and deal with that. Don’t stay in fancy hotels. Write good songs.

After all these years touring the United States, Canada, and Europe, having his songs covered by some of the biggest names in music, and appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman – the enigmatic, countrified, Rock ’n’ Roll troubadour, Fred Eaglesmith, is carrying on with musical wife Tif Ginn.

Eaglesmith is a veteran of the music industry and at the same time is about as far away from actually participating in today’s music industry as one could be. Never operating within anyone’s boundaries, he continues to set the standard for independent artists everywhere.

Tif Ginn is a gutsy, amazing singer and a transcendent songwriter who has spent most of her life touring and playing music. Her impressive, sultry vocals and glorious harmonies with Fred, along with her multiple instrument additions to the show will have you in awe. This girl has it all, including Fred.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the third weekend in October 2009:

Friday October 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Riders In The Sky; Whitney Duncan
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown

Saturday October 17
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Sam Bush
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Louvin; Sam Bush
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday October 15, 1994. This was also the weekend of the Grand Ole Opry's 69th Birthday celebration. What was special about this celebration was during the televised portion, the Opry's Hall of Fame members were seated on stage and honored by other members. Among those on stage were Jimmy Dickens, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow and Bill Monroe.

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle; Jimmy Dickens
7:00: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Brother Oswald; Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Jeannie Seely; The Bluegrass Boys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker; The Whites
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Billy Walker

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Justin Tubb; Jeanne Pruett; Del Reeves
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Four Guys
10:45: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Walker; Johnny Russell

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1969. This was also the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 44th Birthday celebration:

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Glaser Brothers: Wicked California
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific
The Four Guys: My Special Angel
Justin Tubb: Be Glad
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Bill Carlisle: Poke Salad Annie
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Tex Ritter (host): Growing Up
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud

6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Mel Tillis: Ruby, Don't Take You Guns to Town
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me on Sundays/What Are Those Things
Stonewall Jackson: Ship in the Bottle
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Tennessee Hound Dog/Rocky Top
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker
Loretta Lynn: To Make a Man
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Dottie West: Clinging to My Baby's Hands
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
George Morgan: Molly Darling
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Ray Pillow: Proud Mary
Lester Flatt: Folsom Prison Blues

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Del Reeves: Woman Do Funny Things to Me/Bells of Southern Bell/ Girl on the Billboard/There Wouldn't Be a Lonely Heart in Town
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Bob Luman: Memphis
Jim and Jesse: My Baby's Gone
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Right to Come What's Left
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/A Boy Named Sue
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
The Four Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Mel Tillis: These Lonely Hands of Mine
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Diane McCall: Ready Made Home
Bobby Lord: Rainbow Girl
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:15: Pure
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Jeannie C Riley: Harper Valley PTA
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Tex Ritter: High Noon
George Morgan: You Gave Me a Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Lester Flatt: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Loretta Lynn: Your Squaw is on the Warpath
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush is Over/The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride

11:30: Lava
Bill Monroe (host): Fireball Mail
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Monroe: Body & Soul
Ray Pillow: Heart Over Mind
Bill Monroe: I haven't Seen Mary in Years/Blue Moon of Kentucky

Now, that is how to have a birthday celebration. Of course, back in those days the Opry's birthday weekend was tied into the annual Disc Jockey Convention and as you can tell by the line-up, pretty much anyone associated with the Opry was on that night. In fact, the only Grand Ole Opry members missing were Ernie Ashworth, Billy Grammer, Lonzo and Oscar, Norma Jean, Marty Robbins, Stringbean, Marion Worth, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

The 2nd show finished up at 1:00 am., and that was with the closing segment lasting just 20 minutes.

Finally, in what was a very rare occurrence, the Grand Ole Opry was filmed that night and some of the performances were included  in the video "The Nashville Sound" which gave viewers a great look at the Grand Ole Opry. If you have not watch that video, I highly recommend it. It is very interesting and includes not only the Opry, but other activities that took place during the DJ Convention that year.
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To finish it up for this week, let's do one more Opry Birthday celebration, this one from 39 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1980, the night of the Opry's 55th anniversary:

1st show
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo and Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle; Bottle

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All the Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Finders
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up on Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That the Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore/When the Tingle Becomes a Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N Roll to the Rock of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Four Guys: Lovin' Up a Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
The Four Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo and Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old  Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim and Jesse: Paradise

10:00: Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love in My Heart

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton and the Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry/God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chuck of Coal

10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away

10:45: Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'em In the Morning Blues
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check

11:30: Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back to Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You
Bill Jr., and Sheila Carlisle: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want that Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down to Georgia

While not as impressive as the Opry's 44th birthday show 11 years earlier, still a very nice Opry birthday with many of the Opry's members appearing.

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.