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
_____________________________________________________________________

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.

December Opry Highlights

Where did 2019 go? I ask that question because we are now entering December, the final month of the year. In just a matter of weeks, it will be Christmas and the holiday season. As the Grand Ole Opry prepares to close out another year, here are the important dates and events that have taken place regarding the Opry, or Opry members, during the month of December:

December 2, 1889: Herman Crook was born. Herman was one of the Opry's original members, joining the show when it was still called the WSM Barn Dance. Herman's first Opry appearance was on July 24, 1926, and he was with the show until his death in June 1988, just short of 62 years. When he passed away, the Crook Brothers were the last of the originals on the Opry, and they never wavered from the traditional string band sound. As Roy Acuff said, "He loved country music, but he wanted it country. He didn't go for any of this rock n' roll type stuff."

December 14, 1899: DeFord Bailey was born. DeFord was another of the Opry's original members, making his first appearance on June 19, 1926. DeFord was there the night Opry founder George D. Hay changed the name of the show from the WSM Barn Dance to the Grand Ole Opry, and he played the first song on the newly named show. DeFord was with the Opry until he was fired in 1941, in a move that left DeFord very bitter. Despite repeated efforts by Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe, among others, DeFord stayed away from the Opry until returning on February 23, 1974, when he appeared for the Opry's first reunion show. DeFord would make several more Opry appearances before passing away in 1982. In 2005 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 11, 1914: James Clell "Tex" Summey was born. Known professionally as Cousin Jody, he first came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in 1937, and he later worked with Pee Wee King and Lonzo & Oscar. He also performed as a solo act, until health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in 1975, and it should be noted that he was the first person to play the dobro and steel guitar on the Opry stage and he was the one who brought the original dobro sound with Roy Acuff.

December 19, 1920: Jimmy Dickens was born in Bolt, West Virginia. Jimmy first came to the Opry in 1948. While he left the show for a period of time, Jimmy returned to the Opry in 1975 and remained an Opry member until his death in January 2015. It is pretty safe to say that at the time of his death, Jimmy might have been the most beloved member of the Opry.

December 12, 1925: Dr. Humphrey Bate and his group soon to be known as the Possum Hunters, appeared for the first time on George D. Hay's Saturday night program.

December 26, 1925: The WSM Barn Dance was formally listed for the first time on the WSM program schedule that was printed in the Nashville Tennessean. The listing read, "Because of this recent revival in the popularity of the old familiar tunes, WSM has arranged to have an hour or two every Saturday night starting Saturday December 26. Uncle Dave Macon, the oldest banjo picker in Dixie, and who comes from Readyville, Tennessee, and Uncle Jimmy Thompson of Martha, Tennessee, will answer any requests for old-time melodies."

December 10, 1927: While there seems to be some confusion as to the exact date, it would appear that his was the date that the WSM Barn Dance became known as the Grand Ole Opry. The Barn Dance came on the air at 8:00. In the hour prior to the start of the Barn Dance program, WSM aired a classical musical show on the NBC radio network called "Music Appreciation Hour." At the conclusion of the Music Hour show that particular night, Barn Dance founder George D. Hay announced, "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera; from now on we will present the Grand Ole Opry." While this is the story that was told by George D. Hay, there seem to be no independent verification of this event. In fact, some historians who have looked back at the WSM program schedules,  believe that the date was actually December 8, 1928, a year later, as the "Music Appreciation Hour" did not begin on WSM until that year. However, to back up the 1927 claim, others have pointed out that on December 11, 1927, the Nashville Tennessean used the word "Grand Ole Opry" in their editions of the paper. Either way, the new name stuck.

December 13, 1930: Grand Ole Opry member Buck White was born, Along with his daughters Sharon and Cheryl, The Whites have been Opry members since 1984. Most weekends will find Buck and his daughters performing on the Opry, and if asked, Buck will also dance with the square dancers. At the age of 89, Buck is the Opry's 3rd oldest member and still plays the piano as good as ever.

December 7, 1931: Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, Bobby became an Opry member in 1964. At the age of 88, Bobby still appears on the Opry weekly and of course, always does "Rocky Top," sounding as good as ever.

December 7, 1940: After making several guest appearances during the month of November, this is the first date that Minnie Pearl is listed in the Opry program as a regular member of the Opry.

December 30, 1944: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the Prince Albert portion of the show that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Minnie Pearl, who was there that night, remembered that a lady in the balcony was so excited that she fell out of the balcony onto the Ryman stage. And after Roy Acuff heard the electrified fiddles that Bob brought, he made the statement that the Opry would be ruined forever. What is interesting, that while Bob brought electrified fiddles with him, both Pee Wee King and Ernest Tubb had been playing electric instruments on the Opry previous to that night. There is another story from that night, regarding the use of drums and Bob being told to keep his drummer behind the curtain. Much like the electric fiddles, Bob's drummer was not the first to drum on the Opry, as Harold "Sticks" McDonald, a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, had brought drums to the Opry several years prior. He supposedly used them for a couple of weeks until George D. Hay told Pee Wee to take the drums home and leave them there. While that may be true, within a few years, many of the Opry's acts included drums.

December 8, 1945: Earl Scruggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He was the final member to join what many consider the greatest of Bill's many renditions of the Blue Grass Boys, and what many feel was the greatest bluegrass band ever. That group included Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Harold Watts. This group would only stay together until 1948. After leaving Bill's group, Earl would team up with Lester Flatt, before moving on to play a more progressive sound with his sons.

December 21, 1957: Elvis Presley made a backstage visit to the Grand Ole Opry where he was seen visiting with several Opry members including Hank Snow, Ray Price and Faron Young. While he didn't perform that night, he did go out on stage and wave to the audience.

December 28, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was born.

December 12, 1959: While performing on the Opry, Bill Monroe was served with divorce papers from his wife, Carolyn Brown. She charged that Bill was having an affair with his bass player, Bessie Lee Mauldin. The story goes that Carolyn was waiting for Bill outside the Opry that night and when he came out the Ryman's back door, she really laid into him.

December 24, 1960: The final Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast on the NBC network. The decline of radio and the rise of television led to the decision to end the Opry's broadcasts. Hank Snow was the host for that final broadcast, and I am happy to say that I have a recording of that show.

December 3, 1961: "Doctor" Lew Childre passed away. Lew, who was born in 1901, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. He remained with the Opry through most of the 1950's.

December 6, 1964: The Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. The Nashville Tennessean wrote, "Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said. Those who were dismissed from the Opry were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry's management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists.

December 23, 1967: Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jack started as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours before going on to a very successful solo career. Jack would remain an Opry member until his death in 2013.

December 14, 1973: Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie was brought on stage by her father, Opry member George Morgan. She sang "Paper Roses." A decade later, Lorrie would become an Opry member.

December 15, 1973: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis was suspended by the Opry's management for comments she had made the previous Saturday night while performing on the Opry. As Skeeter said, "Hank Williams got kicked off the Opry for drinkin' too much old wine. Me? I got kicked off for singing about the new wine." What actually happened was that Skeeter was on her way to the Ryman Auditorium for an Opry appearance when she witnessed the arrest of what were known as "Jesus Freaks," which was another name for the young people who were protesting not only in Nashville, but around the country. The arrests enraged Skeeter and on the Opry, she expressed her rage by talking about it, singing about it, and weeping about it. When she came off the stage after performing, she faced an angry Opry management. She was told that she was no longer considered an Opry member. Happily for all, and especially for Skeeter, she was invited back to the Opry 18 months later.

December 29, 1973: Opry member Tex Ritter made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Tex, who had joined the Opry in 1965, would pass away after suffering a heart attack, the following week.

December 25, 1976: Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 43rd year as Opry members, and according to my records, the only members to join the cast on Christmas day. In addition to their Opry appearances, Larry Gatlin serves as host of the Opry Country Classics show held in the Spring and Fall at the Ryman Auditorium.

December 27, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman passed away at the age of 41. Bob joined the Opry in 1965 and was known for his rockabilly sound that was very popular with many of the Opry's younger fans. While some on the Opry felt Bob's music had too much rock in it, he was a popular member of the cast and enjoyed great support. His last Grand Ole Opry appearance was on Saturday December 2, 1978, while Friday December 15 was his final Friday Night Opry appearance.

December 8, 1982: Marty Robbins passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 57. Probably the Opry's most popular member, he was famous for hosting the 11:30 segment when he was in town, and making the last half hour of the Opry his own, often performing well past the traditional midnight sign off time. Just that previous October, Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 10, 1982: Longtime Smoky Mountain Boy Jimmy Riddle passed away. Over the years, Jimmy was an integral part of Roy Acuff's sound.

December 20, 1986: Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Randy's 33rd year as an Opry member. Randy had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, and helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. Sadly, Randy has suffered a serious of health setbacks and will probably never perform on the Opry again. However, he has visited the show several times in the past couple of years, and he always receives a great audience response when introduced on stage. Randy is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 17, 1993: Herman Harper, the famous and very popular bass singer for the Carol Lee Singers, passed away. Herman had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys back in the day when they were considered one of the country's top gospel acts.

December 24, 1994: Vic Willis was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. The Willis Brothers, originally known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, came to the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957. In addition to Vic, the group included brothers Guy and Skeeter. Skeeter had passed away in 1976, while Guy retired in 1979 due to health issues. Vic continued on, forming the Vic Willis Trio, until he passed away early in 1995 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

December 30, 1994: Grand Ole Gospel Time, which followed the Friday Night Opry and hosted by Reverend Jimmie Snow, Hank's son, was broadcast for the final time. The show was taped on Friday night and broadcast on WSM Sunday mornings. Airing for 23 years, the show would feature a number of Grand Ole Opry performers including Connie Smith, Billy Walker and Roy Acuff, and feature such guests as Johnny Cash and Dennis Weaver.

December 10, 1996: Faron Young passed away in Nashville in what was a tragic end to his life. Faron was a former member of the Grand Ole Opry and was fired as part of the "Purge of 64." While he never rejoined the Opry's cast, Faron would come back and make several guest appearances.

December 19, 1999: Former Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth passed away at the age of 69. Marion joined the Opry in 1963, and while never a superstar, she was very entertaining and a fan favorite. She left the Opry cast in 1980, when she went into semi-retirement and continued to perform for a time in Las Vegas.

December 20, 1999: The legendary Hank Snow passed away at his Rainbow Ranch in Madison, Tennessee after a period of declining health. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was just weeks shy of 50 years of Opry membership. Hank last appeared on the Opry in September 1996, and is considered one of the all-time Opry greats.

December 16, 2000: Brad Paisley was surprised on stage by Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely, in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jimmy & Jeannie were dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reason for the surprise visit was the delivery of an invitation for Brad to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Brad tearfully accepted and the following February he would officially join the cast.

December 30, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter, who had been battling various illnesses, would enter a period of declining health that made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter passed away in December 2004. Additionally, after being notified the previous month that he was being terminated, this was the final night that Jerry Strobel was employed as the Opry House manager. Jerry had worked at the Opry for over 30 years.

December 21, 2001: Josh Turner made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His debut song was "Long Black Train" after which Josh received a standing ovation. Over the next several years, Josh would make dozens and dozens of guest appearances, until finally becoming a member in October 2008.

December 31, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Jim McReynolds, one half of Jim & Jesse, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee after a long illness. Jim & Jesse, along with the Virginia Boys, became Opry members in March 1964, and are considered one of the greatest acts in bluegrass music history.

December 30, 2006: The Grand Ole Opry's 2nd Saturday night show concluded at midnight for the final time. The following week, both Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows were cut to 2 hours, with the late show ending at 11:30.

December 16, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Jack Greene made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jack, who joined the cast in 1967, was in declining health which forced him into retirement. Jack passed away in 2013 from Alzheimer's. 

December 13, 2013: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was honored for 20 years of Opry membership. Joining Joe on the Opry that evening were Opry members Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

December 20, 2014: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. On Christmas Day, Jimmy was admitted to a Nashville hospital and would pass away shortly after the first of the year. Jimmy's final song? "Out Behind the Barn."

December 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member Mel Tillis made his final Opry appearance on the Friday Night Opry. Mel, who joined the Opry in 2007, entered a period of declining health after the first of the year, that would ultimately lead to his passing in November 2017.

December 30, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart, with help from John Carter Cash, surprised Dailey & Vincent with an invitation to become the Opry's newest members. This was also the 100th guest appearance for Dailey & Vincent. Their actual Opry induction would take place the following March.

December 1, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart celebrated his 25th anniversary as member of the Opry. Helping Marty celebrate were Connie Smith, Charlie Worsham, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dallas Frazier, Kenny Lovelace, Marty's mother Hilda, and the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers.

December 31, 2017: Longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM personality, Hairl Hensley passed away. Hairl was a WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer for 35 years, joining the station in 1972. He was a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

December 21, 2018: Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps was honored upon his 60th anniversary of performing on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy originally came to the Opry as part of the Louvin Brothers group and continued after they left. In honor of Jimmy, the rehearsal room backstage at the Opry House was renamed the "Jimmy Capps Music Room."

December 21, 2018: On the same night that Jimmy Capps was honored, Vince Gill surprised long-time and frequent Opry guest Mark Wills with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.  

December 23, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his final appearance on the Opry. Ray, who joined the Opry cast in 1966, apparently has made the decision to retire form performing.

There you have it for the final month of the year. As usual at the Opry, there was a lot of activity during the month.

Grand Ole Opry 11/29 & 11/30

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope each of you have the opportunity to be able to spend some time with your families and your loved ones. In my case, we are headed down to North Carolina where we will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday with our two daughters, our grandchildren and their families.

A couple of names do stand out for this weekend. First, Vince Gill is scheduled for all four shows this weekend. That is good news. I was thinking with his work with the Eagles and his solo dates that he just didn't have time for the Opry. Thankfully, he will be headlining the shows this weekend.

Secondly, one of my personal favorites, Carson Peters and Iron Mountain are scheduled for both shows on Saturday night. If you haven't seen or heard Carson and his group, you are missing out. I have their CD "Grass Stains" and it has quickly become one of my favorite albums. These guys are just great musicians and Carson is such a talented young man. Hopefully he continues with his career and continues to put out some great music.

Other guests scheduled for this weekend include Dillon Carmichael, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Darin & Brook Aldridge, and Karen Mills on Friday night. Joe Mullins is another great bluegrass artist, and in fact, they are the current IBMA Entertainers of the Year.

Guests scheduled for Saturday night include Steve Earle, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, Chonda Pierce, and Louise Mandrell. Louise, who was on Opry Country Classics during the week of the Opry's birthday bash, has a new album out, singing a host of country classics. Listening to her on the classics show, she hasn't lost anything and it is nice to see her back recording and performing.

As to Opry members, in addition to Vince Gill, Mike Snider and Jeannie Seely are set for all four shows, with Bobby Osborne and Riders In The Sky scheduled for both shows on Friday night.

Friday November 29
1st show
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Dillon Carmichael
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Karen Mills; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Keith & Kristyn Getty

2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Dillon Carmichael
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Karen Mills; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Keith & Kristyn Getty

Saturday November 30
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Chonda Pierce
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Louise Mandrell
8:00: Vince Gill (host); Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Tommy Emmanuel; Opry Square Dancers; Steve Earle

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Carson Peters & Iron Mountain; Chonda Pierce
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Louise Mandrell
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Tommy Emmanuel; Opry Square Dancers; Steve Earle
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of November 27 & 28, 2009:

Friday November 27
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown: Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jack Greene
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Matt Kennon
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Doyle Dykes

Saturday November 28
1st show
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites; Charlie Louvin
8:00: Lorrie Morgan (host); Riders In The Sky; Cherryholmes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Brad Paisley

2nd show
9:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Brad Paisley; Jim Ed Brown
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Charlie Louvin; Jimmy Wayne
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Cherryholmes

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday November 26, 1994

1st show
6:30: Mike Snider (host); Brother Oswald
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Hank Locklin; Charlie Louvin; Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Martina McBride; Charlie Daniels; Don Gibson
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard; The Four Guys; Del Reeves

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Hank Locklin; Darryl and Don Ellis
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Billy Walker
10:15: Mike Snider (host); Roy Drusky
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; The Four Guys
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jack Greene; Ronna Reeves

As noted, Don Gibson appeared on the first show. This was Don's first Grand Ole Opry appearance in several years.

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 29, 1969:

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Cal Smith
6:45: Osborne Brothers (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jack Barlow
7:00: The Four Guys (host); Charlie Walker; Jean Shepard; Stringbean
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Ray Pillow; Crook Brothers
8:00: Tex Ritter (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Lawrence Reynolds; Lonzo and Oscar
8:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stu Phillips; Wilma Burgess; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Tokyo Matsu

2nd show
9:30: Willis Brothers (host); Grandpa Jones; Wilma Lee Cooper; Stringbean
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host); Jeanne Pruett; Cal Smith
10:15: The Four Guys (host); Jack Barlow
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Lawrence Reynolds
10:45: Ray Pillow (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Burgess; Stu Phillips; Tokyo Matsu

A couple of names from that night, beginning with Lawrence Reynolds.

Lawrence Reynolds was born on July 13, 1944 in St. Stephens, Alabama. He had a hit single with "Jesus Is a Soul Man" in 1969, which hit No. 28 on the Billboard charts. "Jesus Is a Soul Man" was co-written by Jack D Cardwell. Lawrence released an album in 1970, also called Jesus Is a Soul Man, which peaked at No. 45 on the U.S. Country Albums chart in 1970. He died of coronary artery disease on August 15, 2000.

The second name from that night is Tokyo Matsu. She was from Tokyo, Japan and was a graduate of Kunitachi School of Music where she studied classical music, but her first love is country music. She had previously been nominated for Fiddle Player of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. At last reports, she is still alive at the age of 74.

To finish it up for this week, it was Saturday November 30, 2002 that Tim McGraw made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Also appearing on the same night was Brad Paisley. Loretta Lynn was also scheduled, however she cancelled and was replaced on the schedule by T. Graham Brown.

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Brad Paisley (host): Wrapped Around
Pinmonkey: Bared Wire & Roses/I Drove All Night
Brad Paisley: Jingle Bells/Silent Night/I Wish You'd Stay
Tim McGraw: Don't Take the Girl/Unwound
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used to Be/Turn the Wine Into Water/Darlene
Brad Paisley: I'm Gonna Miss Her

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Jeannie Seely: Winter Wonderland
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/O Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Porter Wagoner: Carroll County Accident

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Bill Anderson (host): Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Mountain Heart: A Road I've Not Been Down/Real Time
Bill Anderson: Christmas In Your Arms

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Jack Greene: Try a Little Kindness/Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used to Be/Turn the Wine Into Water
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Osborne Brothers: Lonesome Feeling/Rocky Top
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take the Girl/Unwound/Everywhere

10:30: WSM online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons Ah Lafayette
Jan Howard: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/O Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band: Snow Flake Reel

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Liars 1; Believers 0
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep
Vince Gill: Look at Us
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire & Roses/I Drove all Night
Bill Anderson: I Lot of Things Different

11:30: Tootsie's
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Charlie's Shoes
Mountain Heart: The Grand Tour/Lee Highway Blues
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again
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A couple of more items. First, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, November 26

7:00: John Conlee; Emily Ann Roberts
7:30: Striking Matches; Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Jim Lauderdale; Jeff Allen
8:45: Rhonda Vincent; Jason Crabb

As most of you know, Jesse McReynolds missed the Opry last weekend. He wrote on his Facebook page that he had the flu and was staying home to get better.

Finally, thanks for all the comments from the post last week. I thought it would generate some responses and I was pleased to see so many of you chime in. My thanks and I enjoyed reading them all.

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

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone. Be Safe and don't eat too much turkey!!

Grand Ole Opry 11/22 & 11/23

As we get to the end of 2019, and as I have been reviewing the Grand Ole Opry weekly line-ups, I thought it would be a good time for some of my thoughts.

It would appear, unless the unexpected happens, that the Opry will end the year with 68 members. However, that really doesn't tell the story, as of those 68 members listed, 17 of those will end the year with zero appearances, and of those 17 it can safely be said that 12 of those members will never perform on the Opry again.

To put it into perspective, here are the 12, along with the last time performing on the Opry:

Bobby Bare: August 18, 2018
Ray Pillow: December 23, 2017
Hal Ketchum: August 18, 2017
Stu Phillips: June 4, 2017
Loretta Lynn: January 21, 2017
Stonewall Jackson: November 5, 2016
Jan Howard: October 24, 2015
Randy Travis: July 13, 2012
Ricky Van Shelton: July 2, 2004
Jeanne Pruett: June 9, 2001
Barbara Mandrell: June 14, 1997
Tom T Hall: June 6, 1992

The other five who will finish 2019 with no Opry appearances: Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Blake Shelton.

Granted, a few of those such as Randy Travis, Jeanne Pruett and Jan Howard have appeared at the Opry, introduced on stage to be acknowledged by those attending the show.

Now, let's list those who are Grand Ole Opry members and don't appear more than 2 or 3 times a year:

Dierks Bentley
Clint Black
Garth Brooks
Emmylou Harris
Alison Krauss
Little Big Town
Martina McBride
Brad Paisley
Dolly Parton
Rascal Flatts
Darius Rucker
Marty Stuart
Travis Tritt
Keith Urban
Trisha Yearwood
Chris Young

Two of the names I really am disappointed to see on this list are Brad Paisley and Marty Stuart. Both know better and as much as they both say they love the Opry and it's history, their support tells otherwise. With Brad, I specifically remember how he stepped forward after the 2010 flood and then the death of Jimmy Dickens, but after the media left, so did Brad. I know Marty has been busy, but so have others. He needs to return to his roots.

While Garth Brooks is on that list, I give him a pass. My understanding is that while Garth does not appear on the Opry often, he does a lot behind the scenes to support the Opry in other ways and has always answered their requests when asked.

And finally, Dolly Parton. I give her credit for her two shows this year, but prior to those, she was another one missing in action.

So not counting Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini, giving those two new members the opportunity to show us how they will support the Opry, that leaves us with 33 members who are actually appearing and supporting the show in some capacity.

So, of those 33, who are carrying the heavy loads and can be counted on to be at the Opry more weekends than not? The list of those who have appeared more than 20 times in 2019 is rather small:

Bill Anderson
John Conlee
Dailey & Vincent
Jesse McReynolds
Bobby Osborne
Riders In The Sky
Jeannie Seely
Ricky Skaggs
Connie Smith
Mike Snider
Mark Wills
The Whites

Basically, you have 12 members who are committed to the Opry. Any one what to guess what the average age of those artists is? And with those 12 doing the heavy lifting, we have seen what happens to the line-ups when many of those are missing.

Most of the other members who are not listed appear between 10 and 20 times each year and I am personally fine with those folks. I don't doubt the commitment of artists such as Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Oak Ridge Boys and Carrie Underwood. And I really don't have an issue with those who are retired. God Bless them and we should be thankful for what they each brought to the Opry. My issue is that of the 68 Opry members there are only 33 that can be counted on to appear 10 times per year or more. In other words, only half of the Opry's cast are true participating members.

I am only pointing this out, as in the last several years we have lost a good number of veteran artists who supported the Opry: Jim Ed Brown, Jimmy Dickens, Jack Greene, George Hamilton IV, Charlie Louvin, Jimmy C Newman and Jean Shepard to name a few. And while we are lucky that most of the 12 who are making the most appearances are in good health, let's be honest. Any one of them could go at any time. And we wonder why some weeks, there are less than five or six members per show.

Hopefully under the new leadership of Dan Rogers, Opry membership is addressed and members added who will appear and support the show. If the Opry is going to continue with the host format, members need to be added that can actually host. The recently added Mark Wills is a great example. We need more members, such as Mark, who will step forward and support the show.

Just some thoughts.
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Now, to the four Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend and of course, one of those who I listed as appearing only several times per year, Darius Rucker, is scheduled to appear on both shows Friday night.

Joining Darius will be Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider, Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs and Riders In The Sky. Additionally, The Whites are scheduled for the first show and Bobby Osborne is listed on the second show. That all adds up to seven members on each show.

John Conlee, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Snider and Riders In The Sky are back for Saturday night, joined by Jeannie Seely, and on the first show, Jesse McReynolds. That gives us six members on the early show and five on the late show.

Guesting on Friday night will be Charlie Worsham, Jimmie Allen, High Valley and Cam. On Saturday night, Drew Baldridge, Restless Heart and Kalie Shorr are listed on the schedule, along with very frequent guest Charles Esten and The Milk Carton Kids, who I know one of our readers has a personal interest in.

Friday November 22
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Charlie Worsham; Mike Snider
7:30: Connie Smith (host); The Whites; Jimmie Allen
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); High Valley; Cam
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Darius Rucker

2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Worsham; Mike Snider
10:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Cam
10:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmie Allen; High Valley
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Darius Rucker

Saturday November 23
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Drew Baldridge; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Kalie Shorr; The Milk Carton Kids
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Drew Baldridge; Mike Snider
10:00: John Conlee (host); Kalie Shorr; The Milk Carton Kids
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charles Esten
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of November 20 & 21, 2009:

Friday November 20
7:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jason Michael Carroll
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Shane Yellowbird
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Ralph Stanley; Little Big Town

Saturday November 21
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: The Whites (host); Jack Greene; Ralph Stanley
8:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; The Lovell Sisters; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band

2nd show
9:30; Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
10:00: The Whites (host); Jack Greene; Ralph Stanley
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Ray Pillow; Charlie Daniels Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; The Lovell Sisters

I had to look up Shane Yellowbird as I honestly couldn't remember who he was. Shane is from Canada and had won several Canadian Country Music Awards prior to 2009, which was the year that his last album was released. While still apparently active, it seems that he really hasn't done much lately.

Now from 25 years ago, Saturday November 19, 1994:

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Alison Krauss
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Riders In The Sky
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Dan Kelly; Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Loretta Lynn; Patty Loveless
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers; Charlie Louvin; Jimmy Sturr
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown; Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Jim and Jesse; Patty Loveless
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Loretta Lynn; Johnny Russell
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); The Four Guys
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Riders In The Sky
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Nashville Bluegrass Band; Del Reeves
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Billy Walker; John Conlee

Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 22, 1969:

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Del Wood
6:45: Charlie Walker (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Urel Albert
7:00: Archie Campbell (host); Lorene Mann; The Four Guys; David Peel
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Stan Hitchcock; Margie Bowes
8:30: Tex Ritter (host); Stonewall Jackson; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Willis Brothers (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Wilma Lee Cooper; Del Wood
10:00: Archie Campbell (host); Lorene Mann; Charlie Walker
10:15: Stu Phillips (host); Jim and Jesse; The Four Guys
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Urel Albert
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); Margie Bowes; David Peel; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Marion Worth; Stan Hitchcock

One name that night who might not be familiar to everyone is David Peel.

While born and raised in Nashville, TN, David hitchhiked with his guitar in tow to Hollywood during a college Spring break in pursuit of a folk-singing career. With dreams of singing the songs he knew and loved driving him forward, he began playing venues throughout Southern California. However, upon discovery by actor Fess Parker of acclaimed Disney films such as 'Old Yeller' and 'Davy Crockett', and star of the hit television series 'Daniel Boone', David began an acting career instead, appearing in series such as 'The Virginian' as well as in 'Daniel Boone'. With the distinction of being the only true "Nashvillian" in the cast, his single film credit would be to play a major role in Robert Altman's Academy-Award-nominated movie, 'Nashville' with Lily Tomlin, Jeff Goldblum, and Henry Gibson.

Returning to his musical roots, David established his own solo recording career in Nashville. He quickly hit national country charts with a string of hit singles including 'I'm Walkin'' and 'Wax Museum' , later to add 5 additional albums; 'Move Two Mountains', 'Hit the Road Jack', 'Rise and Walk', 'I'll Sing On', and 'Glory Bound' to his decades-spanning career.

David is still active today, primarily doing smaller, private events.
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Taking a look back, it was 17 years ago, Saturday November 23, 2002 that Jim McReynolds performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time.

James Monroe McReynolds was born on February 13, 1927 in the tiny community of Carfax, Virginia. Musical instruments were always abundant in the McReynolds family, and both Jim and his younger brother Jesse started playing music at a very young age. Both sides of their family played and sang the old-time traditional mountain music. In fact, their grandfather Charles McReynolds, a fiddle player of note, recorded at the historic RCA sessions held in Bristol, Va. in 1927.

When Jim & Jesse were learning to play and sing, the brother duet acts in country music were extremely popular. They listened to the radio shows and bought 78 rpm records of such pioneers as the Delmore Brothers, the Monroe Brothers, and the Blue Sky Boys, and sought to emulate their styles. With Jesse playing mandolin and singing lead and Jim providing the tenor harmony and guitar accompaniment, the two brothers came up with a vocal blend that was uniquely their own.

Following Jim's discharge from the United States Army, he and Jesse made their professional debut a few months later in the spring of 1947 on WNVA in Norton, Va. This tenure lasted only a few months and was the beginning of a long succession of radio jobs. They appeared on stations in Charleston, W.Va., Bristol, Va., Forest City, N.C., Augusta, Ga., Waterloo, Ia., Wichita, Kansas, eventually working their way to Versailles, Kentucky, where in 1952 they joined the Kentucky Barn Dance.

By 1956, Jim & Jesse were appearing on television in Tallahassee, Fla., and subsequent shows were added in Savannah, Ga., Dothan, Ala., Pensacola, Fla., and Valdosta, Ga., where they later moved. They signed with Starday Records in 1958 and recorded several tunes which became standards, including "Hard Hearted" and "Pardon Me," along with the instrumentals "Dixie Hoedown" and "Border Ride."

In 1960, Martha White Flour began sponsoring Jim & Jesse on television, and the following year they moved to Prattville, Ala., and also made their first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A recording contract with Columbia produced such classics as "Gosh I Miss You All The Time" and "Diesel Train" before they migrated over to Epic where they would enjoy their biggest commercial success. In the early 1960's, the Jim & Jesse sound really crystallized with Allen Shelton on banjo and Jimmy Buchanan on Fiddle, producing the classic albums "Bluegrass Special," "Bluegrass Classics," and "The Old Country Church."

After many guest appearances, on March 2, 1964, Jim & Jesse fulfilled their life's dream to become members of WSM's Grand Ole Opry. Their records continued to sell at a steady pace, but as the bluegrass and country music fields became separate industries, Jim & Jesse had to adapt to keep up with the times. They added electric instrumentation to their recordings and hired musicians who could double on both acoustic and electric instruments. They also had many BILLBOARD country chart hits including the well-known "Diesel on my Tail."

In 1993, the brothers received bluegrass music's highest honor when they were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. They later went to the White House in 1997 to receive the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship Award from then First Lady Hillary Clinton.

In 2001, Jim started experiencing voice problems. After visiting numerous doctors and specialists, he was advised not to sing. In April of 2002, he underwent thyroid surgery and cancer was found, and it had spread to the lymph nodes. Jim was off the road until June, but resumed with Jesse and continued undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. His condition worsened and he developed brain tumors.

Through it all, Jim never lost his dignity. His last appearance was at the Ryman Auditorium on WSM's Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, November 23, 2002. He had to be helped to the stage, and even though he couldn't sing, sitting on a stool, he played rhythm guitar flawlessly. His appearance, as always, was neat, clean, and pressed to the highest degree as he smiled with pride helping to make the music he loved for the last time.

Sadly, on December 19, Jim's wife Arreta, died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Jim started hospice care the next day. His death came December 31, at 7:40 p.m. at  the Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, Tenn. His daughter Janeen was by his side.

Funeral services were held at the Alexander Funeral Home in Gallatin, on January 4, with burial taking place the next day at the Robinette Cemetery, a small family cemetery on top of a mountain at the McReynolds' homeplace where Jim was born in Carfax, Va.

Here is the running order from Saturday November 23, 2002, the final night that brothers Jim and Jesse McReynolds performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time:

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Steve Forbert: My Carolina Sunshine Girl; My Rough and Rowdy Ways
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn; Mountain Dew

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Steve Azar: I Don't Have to Be Me 'Til Monday/Waiting on Joe
Jean Shepard: I'm Not that Good at Goodbye
Steve Wariner: Tips of My Fingers/This Christmas Prayer
Montgomery Gentry: This Is My Town/She Changed Her Mind/Hillbilly Shoes
Diamond Rio: What A Beautiful Mess I'm In/I Believe/Unbelievable
Jean Shepard and Steve Wariner: The Great Speckled Bird/Wabash Cannonball

8:00: Martha White
Mike Snider (host): Smith Reel; Miller's Reel
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Holly Dunn: Can't Stop Now/Daddy's Hands
Opry Square Dance Band: Blackberry Blossom

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jim Ed Brown (host): Bar Room Pals and Good Time Gals
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Cajun Stripper
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You/Satisfied
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/You Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Montgomery Gentry: This Is My Town/Hillbilly Shoes
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep in Peace then Know You're Gone

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Jean Shepard (host): Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jan Howard: I Can't Help It
Jim and Jesse: I Wish You Knew
Diamond Rio: Love a Little Stronger/One More Day
Jean Shepard: Half A Mind/Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me

10:30: WSM online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Steve Wariner (host): On Life's Highway
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Steve Forbert: My Carolina Sunshine Girl/My Rough and Rowdy Ways
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Steve Wariner: This Christmas Prayer

11:00: Coca Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Morning Comes Too Early
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo/Cajun Stripper
Steve Azar: My Heart Wants to Run/?/
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

11:30: Tootsie's
Mike Snider (host): Acorn Hill; Crazy Creek
Ray Pillow: I'm Still Not Over Losing You
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Keep on the Sunny Side
Mike Snider: Sourwood Mountain/Lost Indian

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