Grand Ole Opry 11/1 & 11/2

The Grand Ole Opry moves back down to the Ryman Auditorium for the next three months, and for the next six weeks will be running two shows on both Friday and Saturday nights. Remember the days when the Opry would switch up the line-ups and the running order of the shows on those Friday and Saturday nights when there were two shows? Well, not so much anymore, as with just a couple of minor exceptions, both shows each night are very similar. Same artists. Same hosts. Same running order. In fact, the only exception on the Friday Night Opry this week is Bobby Osborne only scheduled to do the first show, while on Saturday night, the only change is Mike Snider on just the early show.

As to the rest of Opry members scheduled this weekend, John Conlee and Connie Smith are the only two members scheduled for all four shows. Mike Snider is scheduled for three of the four (both Friday shows and the early Saturday show), while Riders In The Sky are down for both Friday shows and Jesse McReynolds and The Whites set for both Saturday shows.

There is a wide variety of guest artists scheduled this weekend. On the Friday Night Opry, younger artists Adam Hambrick and Erin Enderlin are scheduled, along with Temecula Road, who will be making their Opry debut. Also scheduled are veteran artists Shenandoah and the legendary Gene Watson, along with John Schneider and Russell Moore & III Tyme Out, who will add some bluegrass to the night.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have comedians Williams & Ree, the all-female group Sister Sadie returning, The Steel Woods, Hall of Fame songwriter Don Schlitz, The Swon Brothers, and making his Opry debut, Dylan Schneider.

Friday November 1
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Temecula Road
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Gene Watson; Shenandoah

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Gene Watson; Temecula Road
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Shenandoah

Saturday November 2
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
8:00: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds; The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
10:30: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie
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As mentioned, Temecula Road and Dylan Schneider will be making their Opry debuts this weekend.

Comprised of sisters Emma (20, vocals/mandolin) and Maddie Salute (18, vocals), and long-time friend Dawson Anderson (20, vocals/guitar) — Temecula Road are known for their trademark harmonies and their covers which have earned praise from Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, and Brett Eldredge.

Named after the California town where they grew up, the trio just released their new single “Never Knew I Needed You,” a Rolling Stone “10 Best Country Song To Hear Now.” The vibey new track—written by the trio’s Dawson Anderson, along with Ben Goldsmith and Lindsay Rimes and produced by Andrew DeRoberts (Devin Dawson, Kip Moore, Eli Young Band, Jillian Jacqueline)—is their second new song of the summer, a follow-up to “Fades” which hit No. 3 on Radio Disney Country’s Top 50 Chart.
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Dylan Schneider is wise beyond his years, especially when it comes to his songwriting. But perhaps even more impressive is Schneider’s ability and willingness to connect with fans on a personal level. “I used to freak out if an artist would respond or interact with me. It’s incredibly important to me that I do the same with my fans.”

A typical, small-town kid with dreams of playing baseball in the big leagues, Schneider’s direction shifted when he began listening to and connecting with country music. His love and understanding for music was instilled by his family. After receiving a guitar as an early Christmas present, he went to a meet-and-greet for country artist Brett Eldredge, who told Schneider, “keep playing until your fingers bleed – I believe in you. Never give up and always keeps jamming.”

Though the early (and now signed) Christmas present soon took a safer place on the wall, Schneider’s parents bought him a second guitar, which he immediately took to playing relentlessly. In high school, Schneider started a band with some friends. “It was fun for a while - but it became apparent my friends weren’t as into the whole music thing as I was.” Unwilling to relent, Schneider continued to pursue music solo. “I played out locally quite a bit. Playing acoustic sets for people was always much more fun than having a real job like most kids my age.” Schneider also began shooting cover videos for his YouTube channel and building his social following. “It was a slow build at first. But eventually my videos were getting 20,000-30,000 views each.” ‍ Schneider and his fans have taken over the country music conversation digitally, with a rapidly growing 130 million total streams on Spotify and over 50 million video views. Each release finds Schneider surpassing his peers and connecting with his listeners in a meaningful way, strengthening the foundation he has been building for years.

The progress was enough to catch the attention of Interscope Records who proceeded to sign Schneider in 2017. After the release of single “No Problem,” GRAMMY Award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line joined forces with Interscope via their newly established Round Here Records to further invest in Schneider, offering him a support spot on their “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country” Tour. On August 23rd, Schneider released his latest EP Whole Town Talk. As he continues to work on new music, content and tour dates for 2020, Schneider’s focus remains the importance of the fan. ‍ “When I write, I’m thinking, ‘how is this song going to sing live, and how will the audience react and identify?’ What I do, most importantly, is for my fans. My job is to connect and show them a good time.”
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of October 30 & 31, 2009. One show each night and it was the final weekend that the Opry was at the Grand Ole Opry House as beginning in November the Opry moved to its winter home, the Ryman Auditorium

Friday October 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; David Nail
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Keith Urban

Saturday October 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Blake Shelton

From 25 years ago, Saturday October 29, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Brother Oswald
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Mike Snider; Jan Howard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bill Monroe; Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Eddie Rabbit

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Ray Pillow; The Four Guys
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); James Monroe; Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Eddie Rabbit
10:45: Jeanne Pruett (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 1, 1969:

1st show
6:30: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
6:45: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood; Ben Shaw
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Red Sovine
7:30: Stu Phillips (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Harden Trio; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber
8:00: Billy Walker (host); Liz Anderson; Duke of Paducah; Louis Roberts
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Billy Parker

2nd show
9:30: Justin Tubb (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); The Four Guys; Red Sovine
10:30: Stu Phillips (host); Del Wood; Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Harden Trio; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle; Duke of Paducah; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Liz Anderson; Louis Roberts
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Looking back, here are two line-ups for you. The first is from November 2, 1963, which was the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 38th Birthday Celebration:

6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy Newman (host): The Mover
Kitty Wells: Heartaches for a Keepsake
Johnny Wright: O Baby Mine
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine in them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Have My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day

7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoy as Much of This as I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me a Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad for You is Good for Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In the Shadow of the Wine

7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign the Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over the Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt and Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through the Motions
Lonzo and Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Brother Oswald: Roll on, Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks's A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Poly
June Carter and The Carters: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way You're Living

9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles an Hour Down a Dead End Street
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy to Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's a Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. the D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses

10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: T Model & A Train
Billy Walker: Heart, Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)

10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck on the Highway
Howdy Forrester and Jimmy Riddle: Apple Blossoms

10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings of a Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)

10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host): (?)
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: Eight by Ten
Faron Young: (?)

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo and Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam and Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By the Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's a Fool Such as I

11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James; The Minute You're Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry

Well, that was a full night. Wasn't It!!

The second one is from Saturday November 1, 2003, which was the night in which Holly Dunn appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time.

Holly Dunn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1989, and was best known for her hit "Daddy's Hands." Except for a brief period of time in which she moved to Detroit and worked as a morning disc jockey, Dolly was a pretty loyal member of the Opry's cast. During her career, Holly had 19 songs that made it on to the country charts (eight of which made the Top 10) and released 10 albums. She had two #1 hits, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going."

However, after a career that lasted almost 25 years, Holly made the decision to walk away from the music business and moved to New Mexico to follow her passion of art. But, after two years of being gone from Nashville, Holly received a phone call telling her that she was being fired as an Opry member.

"They like to keep the Opry roll at about 70 people who are actively performing," Dunn said at the time of the Opry's call explaining their decision. "I knew they'd been adding people since I left. But it hurt. Because I loved the Opry. And I still love the Opry. And I had really participated as a younger member. I hosted the TV show and backstage show for two years. I was Bill Anderson's substitute host when he couldn't be there. And I did commercials for them and radio for them. I loved the Opry and what it stood and stands for."

Holly  said that while she understood the need for keeping the cast fresh, she wishes the rules could be eased a bit out of respect for the older artists.

"I have some amazing memories. I wish there was a way, though -- just to make a suggestion to them -- to keep a list of folks that were members in the past. This whole total expunging you from the list is sort of a little harsh, I think," she notes. "There are people on that list that I know for a fact might make it once a year if they're lucky. It's a little subjective. That's my only gripe."

Holly, who passed away in November 2016, insisted that she has no second thoughts about retiring from music.

Here is the running order from Saturday November 1, 2003, the final night in which Holly appeared on the Opry:

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory/Rocky Top
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner and Penny DeHaven: Milwaukee, Here I Come

7:00: Rutledge Hill Press/Standard Candy
Sara Evans: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth/Out Behind the Barn
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?) Rock on the Deep/A Phone Call Away
Sara Evans: Perfect/On the Back Seat of a Greyhound Bus
Buddy Jewel: Help Pour out the Rain/Abilene on Her Mind

8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Mandy Barnett: Mansion on the Hill
Brad Paisley: Happy Birthday Bill/Celebrity
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
The Whites: Pins and Needles/Keep on the Sunny Side
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then

10:00: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Osborne Brothers: Fastest Grass Alive/Rocky Top
Sara Evans: Perfect/The Suds in the Bucket
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:30: Dreamworks
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Cross the Brazos at Waco
Buddy Jewell: Sweet Southern Comfort/Help Pour Out the Rain
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Opry Square Dance Band: (?)

11:00: Cingular Wireless
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?)/The Moundsville Pen
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Bill Anderson: Happy Birthday to Me

11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning that Old Memory
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mandy Barnett: No One Will Ever Know/Who Could It Be
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again

Without going into all the reasons and speculation, I found it sad that Holly was terminated as an Opry member. While it is true that others have retired or stopped appearing on the Opry, Holly was the only member let go. (Yes, I know that The Four Guys were fired also, but that was a different circumstance). I don't think it would have done the Opry any harm to have kept her as a member. After all, Ricky Van Shelton, among a dozen others, is still listed.

Holly always accepted her termination with class and dignity and choose to remember the good times that she had in Nashville and from being a part of the Opry's cast.

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