Grand Ole Opry 12/27 & 12/28

It is the end of the year and the final two Opry shows of 2019. Boy, the year went fast but they seem to always do.

In looking at the line-up, it is a little surprising that a number of artists will be on both Friday and Saturday night. The list includes Grand Ole Opry members Mike Snider, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky, along with guest artists Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Gary Mule Deer and Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

Two other Opry members will be performing this weekend: Bobby Osborne on Friday night and Jesse McReynolds on Saturday. Joining Bobby on Friday night will be Drew Baldridge, T. Graham Brown, Gary Burr and Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Saturday night the list includes William Michael Morgan, Scooter Brown Band and Don Schlitz.

Friday December 27
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Drew Baldridge; T. Graham Brown
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Gary Burr; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Gary Mule Deer
8:45: Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Charlie McCoy

Saturday December 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); William Michael Morgan; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Scooter Brown Band; Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Gary Mule Deer; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Don Schlitz; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

It seems that the week between Christmas and New Years is always one of the more difficult weeks for the Opry as many of the members have shut it down for the year and are off on vacations and spending time with their families. The same holds to those who guest on the Opry. From the weekend before Christmas through the first of the year is basically a dead time in the entertainment industry unless it is Las Vegas or other resort cities.

Certainly not like years past when it seemed that almost every Grand Ole Opry member would be at the Opry around Christmas and New Years.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line up from 10 years ago, the weekend of December 25 & 26, 2009:

Friday December 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Blaine Larsen
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Elizabeth Cook
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jack Greene; Dailey & Vincent
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Louvin; T. Graham Brown

Saturday December 26
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Rebecca Lynn Howard
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Eddy Raven
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Dailey & Vincent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Restless Heart

Now from 25 years ago, the weekend of December 23 & 24, 1994:

Friday December 23
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Bill Carlisle; Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Billy Walker
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow; Charlie Walker
8:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Brother Oswald & Charlie; Del Reeves; Johnny Russell
9:00: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Charlie Louvin; Osborne Brothers
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jim and Jesse; Connie Smith; Stu Phillips
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); George Hamilton IV; Jeannie Seely; Justin Tubb; The Whites
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Riders In The Sky; Mike Snider

(for those counting at home, that is 31 artists on the Friday show that night)

Saturday December 24
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Del Reeves
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker; Vic Willis Trio
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jim and Jesse; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Roy Drusky; Ricky Skaggs; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Charlie Louvin; Connie Smith; Billy Walker

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald & Charlie; Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Jan Howard
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jim and Jesse
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jim Ed Brown; Charlie Louvin; Billy Walker
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Osborne Brothers; Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Connie Smith

And from 50 years ago, Saturday December 27, 1969:

7:30: Billy Walker (host); Charlie Louvin; George Morgan; Del Wood
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Roy Drusky; Osborne Brothers; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:30: Bill Monroe (host); George Hamilton IV; Archie Campbell; Bob Luman; Wilma Lee Cooper; Ray Pillow
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Del Reeves; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Jimmy C Newman
9:30; Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Stu Phillips; Stringbean; Charlie Walker
10:00: Charlie Louvin (host); Billy Walker; Del Wood; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:15: George Hamilton IV (host); Archie Campbell; Bob Luman; Ray Pillow
10:30: Roy Drusky (host); George Morgan; Stringbean; Jimmy C Newman
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Bill Monroe; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Earl Scruggs Revue; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb; Charlie Walker

To finish up the year 2019, here is the final line-up from 1974, December 28 as the Opry closes out its first year in the new Grand Ole Opry House:

1st show
6:00: Vietti
George Morgan (host); I Want to Go to Heaven
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
George Morgan; The Last Letter
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower
George Morgan: In the Misty Moonlight

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
The Four Guys: Top of the World
Bill Monroe: The Gold Rush

6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host); On A Highway Headed South
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Did You Think to Pray
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshine

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
Stonewall Jackson: Life to Go
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Roy Acuff: Sunshine Special
Charlie Walker: Your Cheating Heart
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): I've Got All the Heartaches I Can Handle
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Ernest Tubb: Half a Mind
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Jean Shepard: Poor Sweet Baby
Ernest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over You

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Salty Dog Blues
Charlie Louvin: Love is the Foundation
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Paul Warren: Katy Hill
Lester Flatt: Homestead on the Farm
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Marty Stuart: Rawhide

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome to the Sunshine
Hank Snow: Indian Love Call/I Don't Hurt Anymore

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Wilburn Brothers: There Must Be More to Love Than This
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshine

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): John Henry
Jim and Jesse: Love Is a Fading Rose
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Ernie Ashworth: Each Moment Spent With You

10:15: Union 76
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
George Morgan: Release Me
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
The Four Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of a Dove

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Jean Shepard: Poor Sweet Baby
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Lester Flatt: Maggie Blues

10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Acuff (host): Back in the Country
Ray Pillow: Living in the Sunshine of Your Love
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): You're Easy to Love
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Charlie Louvin: I Want a Happy Life
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome to the Sunshine/Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown/Loving Arms
Ronnie Robbins: If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Marty Robbins: Love Me/Don't Worry/Singing the Blues

What a way to finish the year. And each segment that night was hosted either by a current Hall of  Fame member, or a future member.

That's a wrap for 2019. I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year. As always, my thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!

Grand Ole Opry 12/20 & 12/21

It is the final weekend before Christmas and the Grand Ole Opry has one show scheduled for Friday and Saturday night, both with pretty solid line-ups. But before getting to the shows for this week, just a few thoughts regarding the Opry shows from last weekend, which I attended while in Nashville.

All three shows were very good, with the Friday Night Opry especially standing out. The show was sold out and it was a crowd that was ready to have a good time. In fact, it might have been the most enthusiastic and boisterous audience of any Opry show I have been to in recent memory. Hopefully it sounded that way on the radio.

While it was Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini and Old Crow Medicine Show that most in the audience came to see, I thought all of the artists did an outstanding job. No complaints at all. There were a couple of highlights which included the crowd singing Happy Birthday to Buck White upon his 89th birthday, which was Friday; Old Crow Medicine Show teaming up with Riders In The Sky to sing "Wagon Wheel" to close out the show, and Luke Combs. It was my first time to see Luke and I was impressed. He was on the opening segment as he was also performing a sold-out show at the Bridgestone Arena that night. 

As most of you know, Bill Anderson cancelled out for the weekend. On Friday night he was replaced by Connie Smith, while on Saturday John Conlee hosted the entire first hour and Bill was not replaced. Finally, it was nice to see Jesse McReynolds doing better and looking good. At the age of 90, he just recovered from the flu.

As far as the two shows on Saturday night, the first show was sold-out while the second show was just over 50% full. I already mentioned Bill cancelling, but he is back on the schedule for this weekend. The crowd on Saturday was a much more typical Opry crowd and the show seemed to fit the audience. One of the personal highlights for me was getting the chance to go backstage prior to the show and meeting Kathy Mattea. Kathy is one of my personal favorites, and I continue to beat the drum that she would make a great Opry member. She loves the Opry and understands the history of country music. (For those of you who follow me on Facebook, I posted a picture of myself and Kathy, along with many other pictures from the Opry shows last weekend. For those who do not follow me on Facebook, please do. Just make sure to get the right Byron Fay!!).

Other highlights on Saturday night were Steve Wariner, Connie Smith, John Conlee and Mike Snider. The surprise from Saturday night was Williams & Ree. As with Luke Combs, this was my first time seeing this act and they were absolutely hilarious. The audience loved them. I couldn't believe it when they said they had been working together for 51 years now. While mostly associated with Las Vegas and working casinos, I thought they fit right in with the Opry. Comedy has always had a place on the show, and with Mike Snider and Williams & Ree, there was plenty of it last weekend.

Overall, a very good weekend in Nashville and a fun time at the Opry. I am looking forward to what is in the plans for 2020, the 95th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.
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And now, let's get to this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows.

Looking at the Grand Ole Opry line-up for the two shows this weekend at the Ryman Auditorium, Bill Anderson is scheduled for both nights. As I mentioned above, Bill cancelled this past weekend as he was recovering from some minor surgery that he had the week before. Joining Bill both nights will be Opry members Riders In The Sky and Mark Wills.

Looking back at this past year, I have been very impressed with Mark and his commitment to the Opry. He guested on the show hundreds of times before becoming a member, and he has continued those appearances since joining the cast. He is also a good host on his segments. The Opry needs to look at a few more country music veterans, who have guested on the Opry numerous times, and would make wonderful members and hosts.

Set to appear on the Friday Night Opry are Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and Steve Wariner, while on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Bobby Osborne are on the schedule. And I am sure all of you join me in congratulating Jeannie Seely as she was awarded an honorary doctorate last Saturday from Lincoln Memorial University.

Guesting on Friday night will be Matt Stell, The Isaacs, comedian Henry Cho and Steve Earle. Also listed is Jimmy Wayne, who a couple of years ago was on the Opry a lot, however the past couple of years he has just made a handful of appearances.

Saturday night has non-members JT Hodges, Tony Trischka, Radney Foster, and frequent guest Mandy Barnett.

Also of note, Opry member Jeannie Seely will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree after the Saturday Opry show.

Friday December 20
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Matt Stell; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy Wayne; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Mark Wills (host); Connie Smith; Henry Cho
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Steve Earle

Saturday December 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); JT Hodges; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Mark Wills (host); Tony Trischka; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Radney Foster

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-ups from 10 years ago, the weekend of December 18 & 19, 2009. One show each night.

Friday December 18
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Mandy Barnett; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jim Lauderdale
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Saturday December 19
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Emily West
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Ralph Stanley
8:00: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
8:30: Ronnie Milsap (host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Amber Digby

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday December 17, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Brother Oswald
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Emmylou Harris; Rodney Crowell
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bill Carlisle; Osborne Brothers; Jean Shepard
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Travis Tritt; Joe Diffie; Vince Gill
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Ricky Van Shelton; Ray Pillow; Billy Dean
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Four Guys; Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Vince Gill; Bill Monroe; Jean Shepard; Jan Howard; Ricky Van Shelton; Grandpa and Ramona Jones; Porter Wagoner; Emmylou Harris; Joe Diffie; Jeannie Seely
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Billy Walker
10:45: The Whites (host); Del Reeves
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; The Four Guys; Doug Stone
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Stonewall Jackson; Johnny Russell

And from 50 years ago, Saturday December 20, 1969:

7:30: Roy Drusky (host); Bill Carlisle; Charlie Louvin; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Jim Ed Brown; Loretta Lynn; Charlie Walker; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Earl Scruggs Revue; Ernie Ashworth
9:00: Bill Monroe (host); Dottie West; Archie Campbell; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Stu Phillips; Stringbean
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Tex Ritter; Osborne Brothers; Skeeter Willis; The Four Guys
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
10:15: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Earl Scruggs Revue; Charlie Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Loretta Lynn; Stu Phillips; Stringbean
10:45: Tex Ritter (host); Archie Campbell; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Monroe; Dottie West; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Willis Brothers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Osborne Brothers; The Four Guys
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To finish it up for this week, it was 33 years ago, Saturday December 20, 1986 that Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Long before he saved country music from drifting too far from the shore, country music had saved Randy from a troubled youth and potentially bleak future. Drugs, alcohol and fast cars led to a few scrapes with the law during his teen years, but the North Carolina native found his calling when he won a talent contest and earned a regular gig performing at the popular Charlotte night club, Country City USA.

Randy moved to Nashville with his manager Elizabeth Hatcher to pursue a career as a country singer and wound up paying dues cooking catfish, washing dishes, and performing at the Nashville Palace. Young Randy Traywick (as he was known then) changed his name and independently released his debut album, Randy Ray — Live at the Nashville Palace.

The early years were challenging and nearly every record label in Nashville turned down Randy before he finally signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1985. The label changed his name again, this time to Randy Travis, and his 1986 debut, Storms of Life, became one of the landmark albums in country music history, selling more than 4 million copies, winning the Academy of Country Music’s Album of the Year award, and spawning such classic hits as “On the Other Hand” and “1982.”

After a dozen years on Warner Bros., Randy signed with the now defunct Dreamworks label and served up hits including “Out of My Bones” and “Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man.” In addition to his successful singing career, Randy also branched out into acting, appearing on TV shows including Touched by an Angel and in several films.  In recent years, he also has found success in the gospel music field, recording four highly acclaimed inspirational albums on Word Records. Randy has earned seven Dove Awards, including Country Recorded Song of the Year for “Three Wooden Crosses,” which also won the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 2003.

A Grand Ole Opry member since 1986, Randy has earned numerous accolades, among them six CMA awards — including two male-vocalist titles — 10 American Music Awards, nine ACMs, six Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, he reunited with Warner Bros. and has released several traditional country albums that reminded country fans yet again why his name is frequently mentioned alongside such country legends as George Jones, Keith Whitley, and Lefty Frizzell.

Here is the running order from Saturday December 20, 1986, the night Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Del Reeves: Anywhere U.S.A.

6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Riders In The Sky: Christmas at the Triple X Ranch
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters

7:00: Shoney's
Ricky Skaggs (host): Love's Gonna Get You Someday
Lorrie Morgan: One Love at a Time
Jim and Jesse: When I Dream About the Southland
Randy Travis: Diggin' Up Bones/White Christmas Makes Me Blue
Ricky Skaggs: Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Kentucky
Roy Drusky: Silent Night
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Chicken Reel
Carolee Singers: A Song the Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Can't You Hear Me Calling
The Whites: It Should've Been Easy
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Archie Campbell: Make Friends
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A' Comin'

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Mel McDaniel: Tennessee Saturday Night/Stand Up
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Four Guys: God Bless the USA
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Jan Howard: Why Lady Why
Billy Walker: Coffee Brown Eyes
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name

10:00: Little Debbie
Ricky Skaggs (host): Cajun Moon
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Randy Travis: On the Other Hand
Ricky Skaggs: Country Boy

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
George Hamilton IV: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
Roy Acuff: That's the Man I'm Looking For

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): Old Ebeneezer Scrooge
Charlie Louvin: Sunshine on My Shoulders
Bill Monroe: You're Drifting Away/Christmas Time's A' Comin'

10:45: Heil-Quaker
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Jean Shepard: The Old Rugged Cross
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Mel McDaniel: Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On/Stand Up
Hank Snow: Silent Night

11:30: Quincy's
Boxcar Willis (host): Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/Orange Blossom Special/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Osborne Brothers: Me & My Old Banjo
Connie Smith: The Deepening Snow/Sing, Sing, Sing
Boxcar Willis: Cold, Cold Heart/Take These Chains from My Heart/Half as Much/I Can't Help It/Your Cheatin' Heart/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/Wedding Bells/Lovesick Blues/Move It On Over

Sadly, on July 7, 2013, Randy was admitted to a Dallas-area hospital for viral cardiomyopathy after a viral upper respiratory infection. Three days later, Randy suffered a massive stroke and had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Following his stroke, and despite therapy, Randy was unable to sing or speak and had to rely on a cane to walk for more than a year. By November 2014, he was slowly recovering, could walk short distances without assistance and was relearning how to write and play the guitar, according to his then-fiancée Mary Davis.

In 2016, it was reported he had recovered his voice after about three years of rehabilitation and therapy and could perform again. He attended his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 16, 2016, where he performed a rendition of "Amazing Grace." In 2017, it was noted that Randy had suffered permanent damage, which disabled his right hand and has limited much of his speech and singing ability; he continues to make public appearances, including at the Grand Ole Opry,  but no longer sings, mainly because of apprehension about his ability to do it as well as he used to.
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There you have it for this week, the final weekend before Christmas. As always, thanks for reading and commenting.

As we approach Christmas week, Casey and I offer our holiday greetings to everyone. If you believe in Santa, as I do, I hope he fills your stocking with everything you have asked for. Most of all, I wish good health and happiness to each of you.

Peace and blessings to all:

Byron

Grand Ole Opry 12/13 & 12/14

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the three shows this weekend. There will be one show on Friday night and two shows on Saturday. I will be in Nashville this weekend and will be going to all three Opry shows and of course, I will offer my thoughts and observations when I return next week.

Looking at the schedule, the Opry's newest member, Luke Combs is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. This will be the first Opry appearance for Luke since becoming a member. In addition to the Opry, Luke is also doing two nights of shows at the Bridgestone Arena including on Friday night which means he will be on the Opry in the first segment and then headed over to the arena.

Also scheduled for the Friday Night Opry are members Kelsea Ballerini, Old Crow Medicine Show, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, John Conlee, Bill Anderson and Mike Snider. In fact, the only non-member scheduled is Charlie Worsham, as in addition to his appearance with Old Crow Medicine Show, he is also doing a solo spot.

Looking at the schedule for Saturday night, Opry member Steve Wariner is scheduled for both shows, as is Connie Smith, with Jesse McReynolds listed for the early show and Bobby Osborne for the late show. Also scheduled are John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky and Mike Snider, all of whom are also appearing on Friday night.

Guesting on Saturday night are comedians Williams & Ree, who have done a few Opry shows this year, Jameson Rodgers and Kathy Mattea. I know there are more than a few of us who believe that Kathy would make a great Opry member, and who knows, maybe the invite will come on Saturday.

Friday December 13
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mike Snider; Luke Combs
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Charlie Worsham
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Kelsea Ballerini
8:30: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky

Saturday December 14
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jameson Rodgers; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Williams & Ree
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Kathy Mattea

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Jameson Rodgers; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Williams & Ree
10:30: Steve Wariner (host); Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Kathy Mattea

As I mentioned, this is just Luke's first Opry appearance since his induction earlier this year. I know Luke is about the hottest act in country music right now and doing a lot of road dates. Hopefully as his schedule is set for 2020, he will find more time to do the Opry. Personally, I really enjoy Luke and his performances and he is a great addition to the Opry cast. It would just be nice if he was there more often.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the second weekend of December 2009:

Friday December 11
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Chuck Wicks
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Vince Gill
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Rascal Flatts

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Chuck Wicks
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Rascal Flatts
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stonewall Jackson; Vince Gill

Saturday December 12
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Trace Adkins
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jack Greene; Nanci Griffith
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Dale Jett & Hello Stranger; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys

2nd show
9:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); Jim Ed Brown; Nanci Griffith
10:00: Marty Stuart (host); Stu Phillips; Dale Jett & Hello Stranger; Connie Smith
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Vince Gill

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday December 10, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Brother Oswald
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bill Carlisle; The Whites; Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: The Four Guys (host); J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet; James Blackwood
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Johnny Russell; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Billy Walker; Riders In The Sky; Mel McDaniel

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet; James Blackwood
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Riders In The Sky
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ricky Skaggs
10:30: Billy Walker (host); Roy Drusky
10:45: The Four Guys (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Stonewall Jackson
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mel McDaniel

And from 50 years ago, Saturday December 13, 1969:

7:30: Roy Drusky (host); Dottie West; Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Billy Walker (host); Merle Kilgore; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
9:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Justin Tubb; Johnny Darrell; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Marion Worth; Louie Roberts
10:00: Roy Drusky (host); Billy Walker; Stu Phillips; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Dottie West; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Merle Kilgore; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Jimmy C Newman; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Johnny Darrell; Don Winters
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To finish it up for this week, I am going back Saturday December 14, 1974 (the first year at the new Grand Ole Opry House) as on that particular night, DeFord Bailey appeared on the Opry.

DeFord was one of the Opry's original members and was with the Opry until he was fired by George D. Hay in 1941. While he said he would never come back, he did make a couple of appearances on the Opry, the most famous being in February 1974 at the Opry's 1st Old-Timer's Night, which turned into an annual reunion show where former Grand Ole Opry members came back. After that appearance, he would return for several more of the reunion shows.

Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and Minnie Pearl were very influential in talking to DeFord and working to get him back on the Opry so it was absolutely to surprise that DeFord appeared on Roy's segment on this particular night.

Here is the running order from Saturday December 14, 1974, the night DeFord Bailey appeared on the Opry:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host); Truck Stop
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
Ernie Ashworth: Oh, Lonesome Me
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Everytime I Turn the Radio On
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Take That the Crow Told Me
The Four Guys: What About Me
Bill Anderson: Proof

7:00: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower/Under the Double Eagle
Bob Luman: Let Me Make the Bright Lights Shine for You
Barbara Lea: May You Never Be Alone
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stoney and Carolee Cooper: Shackles & Chains
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth of January
Brother Oswald: Little Darling
DeFord Bailey: Pan American Blues/Ain't Gonna Rain No More/Fox Chase
Carolee Cooper: Forgetting About You
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Grandpa and Ramona Jones: Jingle Bells
Connie Smith: I Got My Baby on My Mind
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Marty Stuart and Curly Seckler: Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Grandpa and Ramona Jones: It Takes a Lot of Loving
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Charlie Nixon: Maggie's Blues

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Mel Tillis: Heart Over Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Drusky: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Mel Tillis: Memory Maker/Sawmill

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): (?)
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Jim and Jesse: Love Is a Fading Rose
Bill Anderson: City Lights
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Mary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet Baby
Bill Anderson: Everytime I Turn the Radio On

10:00: Fender
Bob Luman (host): Kaw-Liga
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Bob Luman: Six Days on the Road

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Back in the Country
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Roy Acuff: Turn Your Radio On

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): A Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle of Wine
Grandpa Jones: Heading South
Connie Smith: Dallas
Lester Flatt: Homestead on the Farm/Foggy Mountain Breakdown

10:45: Beech-Nut
The Four Guys (host): Down by the Lazy River
Stoney and Carolee Cooper: To My Mansion in the Sky
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's Joy
The Four Guys: Let Me Be There

11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Mel Tillis: Life Turned Her That Way/Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town
Roy Drusky: All for the Love of a Girl/Three Hearts in a Triangle/Somewhere My Love
Sam McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Harold Weakley: Legend in My Time
Roy Drusky: Anymore

11:30: Elm Hill
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ronnie Robbins: If We Make It Through December/If You Love Me Let Me Know
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care/Let Me Love You All Over Again
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water/Don't Be Angry/Waterloo

There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.

If I hear of anything newsworthy, I will certainly pass it along when I get back.

Tuesday Night Opry 12/10

The Tuesday Night Opry on December 10 will be the final Tuesday show until the Opry returns to the Grand Ole Opry House in 2020.

7:00: John Conlee; Maggie Rose
7:30: Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
Intermission
8:15: The Whites; Aaron Weber
8:45: Sawyer Brown; Ricky Skaggs

A very nice way to close out 2019.

Grand Ole Opry 12/6 & 12/7

During the course of 94 years, the Grand Ole Opry has presented a wide variety of entertainment which has included a number of non-country performers. Some have been great while a few others have been largely forgettable.

On Friday night, the Opry will be presenting another non-country performer who will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut, and that is the legendary Dionne Warwick.

In one of the most extraordinary examples of staying power the music industry has ever known, five-time Grammy Award-winning music legend, Dionne Warwick continues to regale audiences internationally. From the early 1960’s on, her iconic sound set the bar in American pop music by earning more than 60 charted hit songs and selling over 100 million records.

She has done more than entertain the world; as a humanitarian, she has advocated for global well- being through such efforts as AIDS awareness, The Starlight Foundation, children’s hospitals, and music education. Ms. Warwick notably served as U.S. Ambassador of Health, appointed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, and in 2002 acted as a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization. In using her music to support her activism, she performed in the all-star charity single, “We Are the World,” and in 1984’s “Live Aid. She also made recording history with Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder with, “That’s What Friends Are For,” a number one hit and the first recording dedicated to raising awareness for AIDS.

Her hit records, which are familiar to most everyone, include "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "Promises, Promises," "Walk on By," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," and "Say a Little Prayer."

Dionne continues to perform throughout 2019. She earned a Lifetime Achievement Grammy from the recording academy, released a Top 3 album, “She’s Back”, and has a new holiday release, “The Voices of Christmas” – which features duets/collaborations with the Oak Ridge Boys and John Rich, among many others.

Personally, I am very excited and looking forward to hearing Dionne on the Opry. She will be singing several of her holiday songs and hopefully a melody of her hits.

Joining Dionne on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members John Conlee, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely. Guesting, in addition to Dionne, will be Dom Flemons, Ashley Monroe, Dusty Slay, Eric Paslay, Mrs. Tom Hanks, otherwise known as Rita Wilson, and making his Opry debut, Kendell Marvel.

Friday December 6
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Dom Flemons
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ashley Monroe; Kendell Marvel
8:00: Dusty Slay; Rita Wilson
8:30: Eric Paslay; Dionne Warwick

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Dom Flemons
10:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ashley Monroe; Kendell Marvel
10:30: Dusty Slay; Rita Wilson
11:00: Eric Paslay; Dionne Warwick

Looking at Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, John Conlee and Jeannie Seely are back, along with members Mike Snider and Jesse McReynolds. It is nice to see Jesse back on the Opry's schedule as he has missed the last couple of weeks with the flu. Hopefully he will be well enough to make both shows.

Guesting on Saturday night will be Rhett Akins, Levi Hummon, comedian and radio personality Bobby Bones, Margo Price, Charles Esten and making their Opry debut, The Singing Contractors. And yes, they were really contractors who were singing on the job and decided to give a career in music a try.

The talented duo is transitioning from building houses to building the kingdom.  They have signed with Gaither Music Group and are releasing Working on a Building, Hymns & Gospel Classics–their national debut recording and companion DVD–that not only showcase the vocal skills that have earned millions of Facebook views and national TV appearances, but also the fun-loving personalities behind the music.

I can honestly say that I have never heard of this duo before but I wish them well on their Opry debut.

Saturday December 7
1st show
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Rhett Akins; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: John Conlee (host); Levi Hummon; Bobby Bones
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Singing Contractors; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Margo Price; Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Rhett Akins; Jesse McReynolds
10:00: John Conlee (host); Levi Hummon; Bobby Bones
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Singing Contractors; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Margo Price; Charles Esten

I am not really thrilled with the way the shows are structured either night. On Friday, it would appear that there is the traditional format for the first half of the show and then it goes into the mid-week format with no host. Then on Saturday, it appears there are three traditional segments and then a final segment with no host.

Makes you wonder why they just didn't do it like the week before with one host hosting the final hour, as Vince did last Saturday night. But then again, this is what happens when there are only a limited number of Opry members available, or willing, to do the Opry on any given night.
________________________________________________________________________

And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the first weekend in December 2009:

Friday December 4
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); John Conlee; The Whites
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Mark Wills
8:30: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; The Quebe Sisters

Saturday December 5
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Jamie O'Neal
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Trisha Yearwood

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Trisha Yearwood
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jamie O'Neal; Connie Smith

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday December 3, 1994, on a night when Garth Brooks appeared and Hank Snow cancelled.

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Johnny Russell (host); Chonda Pierce; Garth Brooks
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jan Howard; Hank Locklin; Osborne Brothers; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: The Four Guys (host); Stonewall Jackson; Mark Collie

2nd show
9:30: Johnny Russell (host); Brother Oswald; Garth Brooks
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Roy Drusky
10:30: Billy Walker (host); Riders In The Sky
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jan Howard; Opry Square Dancers; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: The Whites (host); Connie Smith; Hank Locklin
11:30: The Four Guys (host); Jeannie Seely; Mark Collie

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday December 6, 1969:

7:30: Tex Ritter (host); Grandpa Jones; Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Charlie Walker; Justin Tubb; Crook Brothers
8:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Ernie Ashworth
9:00: Billy Walker (host); Osborne Brothers; The Four Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30; Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Bobby Harden
10:00: Tex Ritter (host); Grandpa Jones; Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Walker; Dolly Parton; Justin Tubb
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Osborne Brothers; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The Four Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Bobby Harden; Don Winters

Yes, that is correct. Porter Wagoner hosted two segments back to back.

Lastly, for those looking ahead to 2020, long-lost Opry member Alan Jackson is scheduled to appear on the Opry on Saturday January 18. Two shows that night as in addition to Alan, Opry member Alison Krauss is listed as is the legendary Gene Watson. And for those keeping track at home, Alan's last Opry appearance was in June 2016.

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

Tuesday Opry Shows 12/3

The Grand Ole Opry starts off the month of December with three shows scheduled on Tuesday, one matinee show and two evening performances. The evening shows have been designated as "NASCAR Night" as the awards ceremony for the stock car series will be taking place in Nashville this year. Highlighting the show that evening will be Opry members Rascal Flatts, Chris Janson and Lorrie Morgan.

But first, here is the line-up for the afternoon matinee show, which the Opry has put on for the past several years on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

3:30: Riders In The Sky; Mo Pitney
4:00: Jeannie Seely; Don Schlitz
Intermission
4:45: Dallas Wayne; Ashley Campbell
5:15: T. Graham Brown; Dailey & Vincent

Now for the evening shows:

Early Show
7:00: Tyler Rich; Lorrie Morgan
7:30: Chris Janson; Clare Bowen
8:00: Henry Cho; Ashley McBryde
8:30: Rascal Flatts

Late Show
9:30: Tyler Rich; Lorrie Morgan
10:00: Chris Janson; Clare Bowen
10:30: Henry Cho; Ashley McBryde
11:00: Rascal Flatts

Three pretty nice shows on Tuesday.