Normally when I post the line-up for the upcoming Grand Ole Opry shows I begin with the names of the Opry members that will be appearing. However, and for the second time since these no-audience shows have started, there will be no Grand Ole Opry members appearing this week. That brings up the question, "How can it be called the Grand Ole Opry with no Opry members performing?"
I thought this would be a good time to go back and check my records. This Saturday will be the 20th show since the virus forced the Opry to cancel live performances. During the previous 19 shows, 27 different Grand Ole Opry members have appeared, with four of those appearing more than once. Those same 19 shows have featured 25 non-Opry members, with no repeat performances.
The list of Opry members who have appeared has been impressive and has included some of the Opry's long-lost members and bigger names. As to the list of non-retired, still active members who have not appeared, those names include: Dierks Bentley, John Conlee, Diamond Rio, Crystal Gayle, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, Jesse McReynolds, Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Osborne, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, Riders In The Sky, Mike Snider, Pam Tillis, Travis Tritt, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, The Whites and Gene Watson.
So at this point, just under half of the "active" roster of members have appeared. While there are a few on the list that you would not expect to make an appearance based on their age and past health issues, there are some who you would expect to be able to make an appearance or two, especially those who live in the Nashville area.
Hopefully over the next several weeks, we will see some of those members back. It will be interesting to see how quickly some of the veteran members, such as The Whites, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne, along with Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith, return to the Opry once live audience shows return. I would have to believe that one of the reasons we haven't seen a few of these artists so far is based on the desire to promote the Opry on Circle TV with the bigger names that will draw in more viewers, thus more attention to the Opry. As a long time Opry fan, it would be nice to see some of these names back on the show and I think I speak for many others who hope that they are all staying healthy and will be back on the Opry as soon as possible.
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Now, looking at this week's scheduled artists, there is only one that I could call a true country music performer: Tracy Lawrence. He will be joined by CeCe Winans, who has previously appeared on the Opry, and Chrissy Metz, who will be making her Opry debut.
So, who is Chrissy Metz?
She is an Emmy and two-time Golden Globe nominee and stars on the award-winning NBC series “This Is Us,” winner of the 2018 and 2019 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and People’s Choice Award for “Favorite New TV Drama.”
Chrissy recently starred as Joyce Smith in the hit 20th Century Fox faith-based film, “Breakthrough.” She also performs “I’m Standing With You” on the Breakthrough soundtrack, written by 10-time Academy Award nominee Diane Warren. Chrissy performed this song at the 2019 ACM Awards. Chrissy is currently working on her debut country album.
Chrissy recently guest-starred on the hit comedy series The Last OG with Tracy Morgan, and the NBC hit series “Superstore.” Chrissy is best known for her roles in “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” “Sierra Burgess is a Loser,” “My Name is Earl,” and “Entourage,” to name a few.
Chrissy recently released her memoir, “This Is Me,” which debuted at #1 on the NY Times Bestseller List. People magazine named her to the “Ones to Watch” and “50 Most Beautiful.”
There you have it.
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From 25 years ago, Saturday July 22, 1995:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Del Reeves; Stonewall Jackson; Johnny Paycheck
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ronna Reeves; Stu Phillips; Davis Daniel; Skeeter Davis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Billy Walker (host); Roy Drusky; Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Walker
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow; Charlie Louvin; Brother Oswald
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Johnny Paycheck
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Del Reeves
10:45: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jan Howard; Stu Phillips
11:30: Mike Snider (host); Darrell McCall; Billy Walker; Jack Greene
50 years ago, Saturday July 25, 1970:
1st show
6:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Hugh X Lewis; Jerry Smith; Dianne McCall
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Norro Wilson; LaWanda Lindsay
7:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Stringbean; Tom T. Hall
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Skeeter Davis; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Hank Locklin (host); Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host); Willis Brothers; Jimmy C Newman; Hugh X Lewis; Jerry Smith
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Norro Wilson
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host); Stringbean; LaWanda Lindsay
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Tom T Hall
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Locklin (host); Skeeter Davis; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Jean Shepard; Bob Luman
Looking back, it was Saturday July 24, 1976 that Bobby Lord made his last appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Bobby Lord was born January 6, 1934. His musical career began as teenager in Tampa, FL. There, he had his own television show in Tampa while still in high school—The Bobby Lord Homefolks Show. He got this show when he was asked to be a guest on a local show, so he did this for two weeks. Then he got a call from the program director and was asked to take over the show - he was told at the time that the star of the show had suddenly 'taken ill' and wouldn't be able to host the show anymore.
His first big break was an appearance on Paul Whiteman's TV show in New York as the result of winning an amateur talent contest. In 1953, the legendary songwriter, Boudleaux Bryant had a tape Bobby had cut in Nashville and had it played for Don Law at Columbia records, who then signed Bobby with Columbia Records. He recorded several "Rockabilly" hits (many of which have been re-released several times), as well as several country chart records for Columbia. At the same time, he became a regular on The Ozark Jubilee (an ABC television show hosted by Red Foley based out of Springfield, Missouri), where he stayed for five and a half years.
When The Ozark Jubilee went off the air in 1960, Bobby made the move to Nashville and joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960.
In 1961 he began recording for the Hickory label. In 1967, he moved to the Decca label, where had several additional top 10 and 20 country hits.
He was perhaps best known for The Bobby Lord Show, a nationally syndicated TV show produced at WSM in Nashville. Bobby also had a late afternoon LIVE country TV show on WSM during this same time frame.
In the early '70s he grew tired of the road, and wanted to spend more time with his family. He semi-retired from music, left the Opry and returned to his home state of Florida, and developed very successful real estate and insurance businesses. However, he wasn't through with show business.
Bobby was well known as an avid outdoorsman, camper, fisherman, hunter, etc. and had a reputation as an excellent interviewer from his TV shows. With that background, TNN asked him to host one of it's original shows, Country Sportsman, which was later called Celebrity Outdoors after ABC got a little upset about the show's original name name being too similar to its show, American Sportsman.
A practicing Christian, Bobby wrote a book entitled Hit The Glory Road, published in 1969. The book focused on the grassroots gospel behind country music and included interviews with Roy Acuff, Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Jim Ed Brown, songwriters Boudleaux and Felice Bryant, Skeeter Davis, Ralph Emery, Jeanie C. Riley and Tex Ritter among others.
After Bobby left Nashville and the Opry, he occasionally returned to make guest appearances on the show.
Bobby Lord passed away on February 16, 2008.
Here is the running order from Saturday July 24, 1976, Bobby Lord's final night on the Opry as a member:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Life to Go
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water/Waterloo
6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Lorrie Morgan: Merry-Go-Round
Johnny Carver: Afternoon Delight
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal Lucille
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: (?)
Jerry Clower: (?)
Del Wood: Stars & Stripes/Caissons/Anchors Away/U.S. Marines/America the Beautiful
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Jimmy C Newman: A Fallen Star/Diggy Liggy Lo
7:30: Standard Candy
Bobby Lord (host): Live Your Life Out Loud
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Billy Grammer: Family Man
Crook Brothers and the Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cumberland Gap
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Life of Riley
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater, Texas
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Lester Flatt: Father's Table Grace
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind
Justin Tubb: Yesterday Just Passed My Way Again
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady/Take Back, It's Over
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jean Shepard: Ain't Love Good
Hank Snow: Paper Roses
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Saturday Night
Willis Brothers: Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Del Wood: Stars & Stripes/Caissons/Anchors Away/U.S. Marines/America the Beautiful
Johnny Carver: Afternoon Delight
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Bill Carlisle: Business Man
10:00: Fender
Jerry Clower (host): Marcel Stops the Train
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Curly Headed Baby
Jerry Clower: (?)
10:15: Union 76
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: Come on Over
Brother Oswald: Sailing On
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host) w/Paul Warren: Black Eyed Susie
Lorrie Morgan: Stand By Your Man
Justin Tubb: Looking Back to See
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle of Wind
Kenny Ingram: Flint Hill Special
10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Peace in the Valley
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello, Love
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Hank Snow: That's When He Dropped the World in My Hands
Jeanne Pruett: It Doesn't Hurt to ask
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
11:30: Elm Hill
Bobby Lord (host): Rainbow Girl
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away/Ain't Love Good
Rex Allen: Green, Green Grass of Home/The Streets of Laredo
Bobby Lord: Y'all Come
There you have it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this Saturday night.
Lorrie lives in Florida now. If she were to play the Opry soon, I think she would need to self quarantine first.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping one of these weeks the Opry will have Marty and Connie on together because they're both releasing new albums this year.
A.B.
It will be interesting to see what musicians they have to support these "guests" on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday. I will most likely just catch the WSM archive rather than watch on Circle (no need to listen to their interruptions).
ReplyDeleteFor all Eddie Stubbs fans and WSM listeners Eddie Stubbs just announced that Wednesday July 29th will be his last day with WSM. He's retiring. Bob
ReplyDeleteDoesn't seem possible Eddie has been on WSM 25 years, but what a wonderful run for the most interesting and informed DJ I have ever heard --- his radio time plus all his research time that shows thru every night has enriched all of us die - hard country fans ---- I hope Jeff Hogue gets Eddie's spot permanently ---- and to Eddie, I want a great retirement for you ---- you have knocked yourself out for us traditionalists for 25 years ---- THANKS, THANKS, THANKS ----- Dashmann, Flushing , Michigan ---
ReplyDeleteRetired at 59?
ReplyDeleteThat seems awfully early to hang it up for somebody in radio.
Country music has lost a legend.
I also hope Jeff Hogue gets the gig, he's one of the few left in Nashville who "gets it."
I have to wonder if Eddie won't land somewhere with his voice and knowledge of country music. Can't see him doing nothing.
Wow, interesting news about Eddie Stubbs; wish him the best. We remember seeing him play with the Johnson Mountain Boys so if he is retiring from WSM at 25-years, how long ago was that !! (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteHOnestly, I am very disappointed at the lack of Bluegrass being performed. It is not right. Circle is callin teh shots and itsucks. Like all Opry telecasts in the past they continue to go down teh same road and ruin it...... THis will fail too.
ReplyDeletewhen the Opry comes back who will be the announcers, Bill Cody and Mike Terry - with Eddie Stubbs leaving who else can set up ?
ReplyDeleteI assume that Charlie Mattos will be added to the rotation. He has filled in before and in my opinion, has done an excellent job.
DeleteBy my recollection, Eddie is only 58, he won't be 59 until November 25th. He has been the consummate professional in his run with WSM and The Grand Ole Opry. Traditional Country Music and Country Radio has not had a better pitch man in this century than Eddie Stubbs. I hope he is retiring on his own desire and not being forced out or due to health reasons. He still has so much to give in spite of all he has given.
ReplyDeleteI hope Jeff Hoag does get the seat, he seems willing and able to handle those shoes (and the are literally big shoes to fill).
I agree, Charlie has done an excellent job when he has filled in as the Opry Announcer, but would expect whoever does get Eddie's seat to also be serving as one of the Opry Announcers.
I could not agree with you more Dashmann ... when I saw the headline from WSM last night, I just stared at the words that Eddie was retiring from the station & Grand Ole Opry. He's 58 years old, not old enough to retire, but the radio business has always been a brutal business. I really do hope he is going out on his terms with a week left to work. There was a husband & wife duo that used to work at WGN radio here in Chicago. After almost 30 years word got out they were leaving WGN & they also got to work that entire following week, going out their way. A few years later, the cat was let out of the bag that they, in fact, had been let go from the radio station. I hope Eddie is leaving because he really wants to blaze a new trail with his wife as he said last night & not because the radio station wants to do something else with that five hours ... time will tell.
ReplyDeleteI started listening to Eddie soon after he arrived at WSM & I never stopped & I am going to miss him & his themed nights. He gave the opportunity for everyone to be played on his show one way or another. His interviews whether in-studio or by phone are what legends make of themselves. He was honest when describing an artist who had passed or was still alive which I always found his total honesty refreshing. When others on radio would shy away from it, Eddie would meet it head-on.
Starting next Thursday, Jeff Hoag is going to sit interim until new plans are announced for this air shift. Actually, Jeff Hoag has proven he is more than capable to sit in Eddie's chair. I love listening to Jeff & I sure hope he is named Eddie's successor as well. Not sure how Jeff is all I know is this guy knows his stuff. So time will tell.
Eddie's wife will be in-studio this Friday night answering the phone's while Eddie plays the request on his last Friday Live by Request show.
Congratulations on your retirement Eddie, you have given WSM, the Grand Ole Opry & ALL of your fans everything you had & more for 25 years. All the best to you & your wife as you start to blaze that new trail & thank you for teaching me as much as you have on musicians who played on whose records, back up singers, duet partners, what time of day a record was recorded, the day a record was recorded, the name of the recording studio, just everything and anything to do with a particular record. History on a subject should be taught in a fun way & you more than did just that.
With a week to go I know Eddie will continue to knock it out of the park from 7 to midnight.
Signed,
Jeanene - a huge fan from the Chicagoland area
I agree with all the comments and compliments to Eddie Stubbs and Dashmann nailed it.
ReplyDeleteEddie brought a great combination to that radio spot and as an Opry announcer. He was young, a student of the music from the crib, a first rate musician, a scholar and truly loved the music, musicians and artist. That combination coaxed Carl Smith away from the Jug Band and gave me the only thorough first hand interview I ever heard from that legend. Don Williams was another hard interview but he got it. His admiration and respect for and relationship with Ray Price gave us some precious insight and time with that great. Who else could get Merle Haggard in the studio to be guest co DJ? All because they knew he loved and respected them and they gave it right back and we set out in radio land and were the benefactors. I've got tapes full of those interviews. Van Howard, Don Warden, the Osborne Brothers, Johnny Russell and Margie Bowes (and probably Don Helms) remembering the Wilburn Brothers which I think he just refereed to on WSM, and so many more. All those tribute shows! True keepsakes.
At the Opry, there have been many great announcers and Eddie came along in time to at least work with Hearil Hensley. To me, only Grant Turner could top Eddie in knowledge and sincerity when introducing artist. Our veterans were blessed to have him around to introduce them these past 25 years. No offense to any of the others but they just have not had the depth and knowledge to give an introduction to some of the greats like Eddie has.
A couple years back, I came across a couple of photos of Tommy Jackson, Van Howard and I forget who else was in the two shots. They were fan snap shots at an outdoor venue but pretty decent. I had them copied and enlarged and sent them to Eddie with my annual Christmas card. Several months later I got a thank you card and Eddie was just devastated that he had misplaced them and taken so long to write and say thanks. As if you need proof, that should prove that the genuineness you hear over the radio whether at the Opry or every night on WSM is real.
I remember listening to John Parker on WWL in New Orleans back in the 80's and he had a guy that would call in and give tidbits and facts about an artist or record and he would say thanks to so and so over at the collage of musical knowledge. Well, we have attended the Eddie Stubbs School of Musical Knowledge over WSM for 25 years now. I just pray I can retain what I have learned for a few more years. Eddie's got just four years on me!
He just said he was leaving on good terms and had decided it was time to take a new path. That he and Debbie had things they wanted to do together while they were still in good health. Can't knock that. Just my opinion from listening to him over the years but it seems like everything might just be right and complete in Stubbs land these days.
Thanks Eddie. Bless you and your wife.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Eddie has given us so much over 25 years --- such a treasure --and maybe his battle with Covid has changed his priorities --- whatever we have had and valued his contributions, research and knowledge and we are all richer and smarter for it !!! Dashmann, Flushing, Michigan ( a wonderful place to live , by the way )
ReplyDeleteByron, can't you use your considerable influence to get some Bluegrass on the Circle Saturday night show ???? Of course I am being Fish - cesious but I am glad you are our guru --- thanks for anything you can do --- Dashmann ---
ReplyDeleteNews this morning that Dan Kelly has passed away after suffering a heart attack. Dan was Roy Acuff's last fiddle player with the Smoky Mountain Boys. Dan replaced the legendary Howdy Forrester. Most recently, Dan was a member of the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band.
ReplyDeleteOh, no. What a talent he was. Very sad news.
DeleteAnd I believe this means Larry McNeely is the last living member of the Smoky Mountain Boys (although we still have among us some Smoky Mountain "Girls").
My, he can't be much over 60 if that! He offered to take a photo of us with Mr. Acuff the one time we met him backstage. Never forget his gesture but unfortunately the photo did not turn out at all.
DeleteBoth June's are still with us along with Melba and I had suggested in the past how neat it would be to get them together at ROPE. That is probably our of the question at this point.
This whole period from March on has been rather depressing anywhere you look. I couldn't help but think today just how much Eddie Stubbs had become a part of our families in a way these last 25 years. We wish him well but we will sure miss him. Come to think of it, Melba's another interview that probably would not have happened if it wasn't for him. He talked with her on the phone and in studio. I think the last time she was with him Connie and Marty were there.
Not a huge Anne Murray fan but what was that song she had "Sure Could Use A Little Good News Today"! Ain't it the truth!
Thanks for letting us know Byron.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim: Dan was 54 years old. Much to young. :( Bob
DeleteThanks Bob. He was just a kid when he was working with Mr. Acuff. I'm 54!
DeleteJim
I'm 55, and realized, first, I'm older and, second, Dan was only 21 or 22 when he succeeded Howdy Forrester.
Delete2020 will no doubt go down in history as the year that sucked! It seems there is no end to the bad news and the news about Eddie is a real punch in the gut. I hope that he is indeed leaving on his own terms but I have this nagging feeling that there’s more to the story. If Jeff H. Doesn’t get the gig then I will be very doubtful about the future of the Opry and WSM.
ReplyDelete2020 will no doubt go down in history as the year that sucked! It seems there is no end to the bad news and the news about Eddie is a real punch in the gut. I hope that he is indeed leaving on his own terms but I have this nagging feeling that there’s more to the story. If Jeff H. Doesn’t get the gig then I will be very doubtful about the future of the Opry and WSM.
ReplyDeleteFor those interested in leaving a message to Eddie, who can't contact him otherwise, here is a link to a page on WSM's website: https://wsmonline.com/thank-you-eddie/ Scroll down to leave a message.
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. This from the WSM website, and it bothers me very much ------> "WSM will soon announce plans for the 7 p.m. – midnight shift. In the meantime, Jeff Hoag, who has worked with Eddie over the years, will serve as host."
It won't surprise me one bit if WSM replaces Eddie with replays of past 'Opry shows or some other canned stuff that doesn't require a live DJ.
Eddie used to brag that WSM was the only station in Nashville relying on live on-air talent, not voice-tracking.
Soon, if WSM is not careful, the ONLY WSM live on-air talent will be Bill and Charlie in the morning. And that's due to Circle Television. Even Coffee, Country, and Cody seems to be full of previously recorded shows.
Sad days indeed for Nashville, for WSM, and for the Grand Old 'Orpy.
Nat,
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope it would be as good as canned old Opry shows. This battle has gone on with WSM trying to change formats for a long time. When opportunity knocks, those playing the long game nudge forward. I think radio as we know it on life support as it is. The price of progress I guess. What you posted sure implies that Jeff is temporary doesn't it?
Even though they were the only one live in the evenings I think Byron has told us before that the ratings are not good.
The Circle thing is the fad of the near future and more hip than am radio. But don't look for it to last like the Opry, WSM or even TNN in my opinion.
I know, I know, my gray hairs are showing.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
My hair is pretty much snow white Jim!
ReplyDeleteNat
The great sportscaster Jack Buck went into the radio hall of fame in 1995 and in his speech said, "Turn the radio on. You'll hear a friend. You will enjoy, you will learn, you will imagine, you will improve. Turn the radio on at home, in your car, in prison, on the beach, in a nursing home. You will not be alone. You will not be lonely. Newspapers fold. Magazines come and go. Television self-destructs." That was followed by a round of applause. Then, "Radio remains the trusted common denominator in this nation." Maybe not 25 years later. But amen.
DeleteI am not sure what is going on at WSM, but I do believe there will be more changes coming.
ReplyDeleteByron,
DeleteAs the old saying goes, "You could have talked all day and not said that!" :)
Terribly afraid you're right.
Nat
I don't like what i'm hearing and reading. Bob
DeleteIf they don't give Jeff Hoag the job that will be sad. He deserves the opportunity. I will follow Jeff where ever he goes if possible. Bob
ReplyDeleteWell, I know the Ryman is the Mother Church, but CeCe Winans just held church at the Opry House. She has such a clear voice.
ReplyDeleteGood job by Tracy in the first segment and Chrissy Metz was actually pretty good. Might would have been good to hear her sing a cover of a familiar song to see how she puts her mark on a known song.
I expected a really weak show, but was VERY pleasantly surprised last night.
DeleteCeCe Winans can perform anytime she wants as far as I'm concerned. She and her husband have a Church in Nashville, and I thought she absolutely "held Church."
Great comment Patrick.
Throw in Tommy White's steel guitar, and the show was a blast for me.,
Nat, so was I. I wasn't aware that Chrissy Metz sings, she's good on NBC's "This Is Us." I enjoyed the entire show. I do wish Bobby Bones would talk a lot less, it just takes away from the music.
DeleteHearing canned Opry showsfrom the 50s 60s or 70s I enjoy on WSM. As I am 47 yrs old, I missed out on all the legends and those great shows. A few years ago they would do teh Golden Age of The Grand Old Opry and it was 2-3 hours of Opry shows from the mid 60s. Was awesome!!!!!!! Actually on archive.org I have tracked down all of the mp3 archives of The Saturday Opry Prince Albert Shows from 1939-1960. Archive.org is a base that holds texts and multimedia in public domain. If you go there, Just type in Grand Ole Opry and you will see the Prince Albert Opry logo come up then click, and choose a show. Right now, I am listening to the show Cowboy Copas hosted from July 9, 1955.. AS for live shows, next week will be very good with Vince, Emmylou and Rodney Crowell
ReplyDeleteI will miss Eddie Stubbs. Listening in from over in Spain late at night, I would put in requests and he would read my e-mails over the air. Was really cool!!!!! I recorded those on my PC. Though, I heard and saw lots of Ralph Emery when growing up, I would say Eddie Stubbs was a continuation of Ralph Emery in some way. Great Opry announcer!!!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with all the things going on at WSM.... too much format changing... between the USA and international audience they have more fans than they think... Watching those shows live on facebook and youtube a good portion of the people watching are from Europe, Australia, New Zealand.... and we are overseas listening on WSM. This is where Station Execs should poll the listeners in regards to formatting and programming.... I think they would be surprised at what people want to hear.
ReplyDeleteThis discussion also brings in the discussion of Circle.... I just dont see it lasting... Right now, the pandemic is playing into the favor, but when reading live comments during the shows some of the following are: 1. Bobby Bones doesnt cut it. 2. Change up the format of the show 3. Lets see some of the legends once the pandemic is under control. 4. Give Juliette the hosting job.
ReplyDeleteFinally, Jeff Hoag deserves a shot at Eddie´s old job!!!!! Hopefully once the pandemic gets under control there will be more Coffee, Country and Cody....
ReplyDeleteI still wish some other members would play. Like Carrie Underwood or Josh Turner. If they can't book older ones no wonder if has something to do with the Circle.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad occasion that Eddie Stubbs is leaving WSM and the Opry. I know things are different than they were in the days of Grant Turner. Eddie brought a unique skill set to the Opry. Like so many others, I agree there must be something more to what is happening than what has been revealed. Marcia's sudden departure and now Eddie, I would like to be wrong, but it seems suspicious. I try to be optimistic and not a naysayer, but in the back of my mind I am wondering that the pandemic is over, if we will see changes with the Opry; i.e., briefer shows, etc.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I will be greatly surprised if WSM and the Opry make it to the 100th year mark and that's a damn shame!
ReplyDeleteWatching last night, I was actually surprised and pleased with the show. Tracy was backed by a full band, including several female back-up singers. I didn't do a full count, but it seemed as if there were almost 10 performers on the stage at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI had no expectations on what to expect from Chrissy Metz. I really hadn't heard much from her and wasn't familiar with her style, background, etc. She did well. A very nice voice.
CeCe was outstanding. There is no other way to put it. Her rendition of "Why Me Lord" was classic.
Finally, I liked the format, which we saw the week the Gatlins were on. Tracy opened, followed by a set from Chrissy, then CeCe, with Tracy coming back and wrapping up the show.
I watched it both on TV and on the Circle website. Over the past several weeks, on the webstream they have replaced Bobby with Natalie Stovall, who has had some success as a country artist and is now a member of Runaway June. She also has a show on Circle. Not sure how to take her. She is bubbly, lots of personality, but at times, he seems in overdrive. Going back to Bobby is almost a relief.
Another good week for the Opry on Circle. Next week should be outstanding and looking forward to it.
Got word this morning of the passing of Kenny Ingram at the age of 67 from a massive stroke he suffered on Sunday night. Kenny was among the top banjo players in bluegrass music who worked with Lester Flatt for many years and was also a member of Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys and more recently worked with Rhonda Vincent. I had an opportunity to work several shows with Rhonda about 10 years ago and always enjoyed visiting with Kenny. He always had time to visit with fans and friends and was a gentle and friendly giant of a man.
ReplyDeleteI received news this morning about the heartbreaking loss of Kenny Ingram, who passed away at the age of 67 after suffering a massive stroke on Sunday night. Kenny was widely recognized as one of the finest banjo players in the realm of bluegrass music. He dedicated numerous years to collaborating with Lester Flatt, and his talents also graced Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys. More recently, Kenny had the privilege of working alongside Rhonda Vincent. Approximately a decade ago, I had the opportunity to participate in several shows with Rhonda, where I had the pleasure of interacting with Kenny. He was always a delight to be around, consistently making time for fans and friends. Kenny's presence was that of a gentle and friendly giant, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to have known him.
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