Grand Ole Opry August 29

In case anyone missed this news out of Nashville last week, courtesy of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop:

"8/18/2020... A date that will be in the country music history books. The question often comes up, like the old song, “Who’s gonna fill their shoes?”... Well today, after 52 years, at the helm of The Ernest Tubb Record Shop, The Midnight Jamboree, and The Texas Troubadour Theater, David McCormick has officially decided he’s ready to sit back and enjoy what he’s worked so hard for all of these years. David is proud and honored to pass the torch to his friend and brother for over 25 years, JesseLee Jones -Brazilbilly , and his wife, Emily Ann Cavalcanti . Most of you know JesseLee as “Brazilbilly”, and the proprietor of Robert's Western World , one of the last true Honky Tonks in town. JesseLee and Emily believe in tradition. They stand for and defend the music that made our beloved “Music City”, and will fight to protect and preserve everything the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and The Midnight Jamboree stand for. David simply asks you all to welcome them with open and loving arms as they forge ahead to keep this 73+ years of Ernest Tubb alive and well! David also wants to send a special note of thanks and love to all of his friends and music family that have made the years so very special for him. As soon as we can, we will be putting together a special celebration and will keep everyone posted on details when we have them. David wanted us to be sure we signed this post off with “Thanks A Lot”, and he loves you all."

I believe this is a good move for the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. We all know that recent years have not been kind to either of these Nashville institutions. Hopefully, the Midnight Jamboree will be up and running again as soon as it is safe to do so and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop will continue to be the place to go for country music of all kinds.
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Last week was another nice show for the Grand Ole Opry as the circle remains unbroken. It was nice to see Opry member Pam Tillis making an appearance in recognition of her 20th anniversary as an Opry member. Joining Pam was Jon Pardi, who I thought did a nice job, along with Runaway June.

This week, Opry member Steve Wariner will be heading up the broadcast, making his second appearance since the Opry began this series of Saturday night shows. Joining Steve will be Ingrid Andress and Jordan Davis. So a little something for everyone this week.
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Now, from 50 years ago, Saturday August 28, 1970

1st show
6:30: Jim and Jesse (host); Jay Lee Webb; Carol Johnson
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Johnny Seay; Lorene Mann
7:00: Roy Drusky (host); Gary and Randy Scruggs; Del Wood; Louie Roberts
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stan Hitchcock; Karen Wheeler; Crook Brothers
8:00: Del Reeves (host); Tom T Hall; Norro Wilson; Cousin Jody
8:30: Hank Locklin (host); The Four Guys; Carl and Pearl Butler; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips (host); Johnny Seay; Karen Wheeler; Jay Lee Webb
10:00: The Four Guys (host); Lorene Mann; Louie Roberts
10:15: Jim and Jesse (host); Del Wood; Carol Johnson
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Gary and Randy Scruggs; Carl and Pearl Butler
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Cousin Jody: Crook Brothers
11:00: Del Reeves (host); Stan Hitchcock; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin (host); Tom T Hall

A very thin night of Opry members. In fact, on the late show, Roy Acuff hosted two segments due to a lack of members (remember that Tom T was not an Opry member at the time). On a happy note, it was nice to see an appearance by former members Carl and Pearl Butler.
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August 28, 1976 was a special night for Jimmy C Newman as he was recognized upon his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Here is the running order from that night 44 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Melba Montgomery: No Charge
Billy Grammer: Amazing Grace

6:45: Rudy's
Wilburn Brothers (host): Country Honey
Cledus Maggard: The White Knight
Mike Lunsford: Honey Hungry
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl

7:00: Shoney's
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Don Gibson: Doin' My Time
Lonzo and Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Stoney Cooper: (?)
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Don Gibson: A Legend in My Time

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Jean Shepard: Ain't Love Good
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
The Four Guys: In the Morning Sun
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady/The Bitter They Are
Marion Worth: Okie from Muskogee
The Four Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Roy Drusky: One Day at a Time

8:30: Stephens
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Stu Phillips: There Must be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Micki Fuhrman: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Kenny Roberts: I Miss My Swiss; My Swiss Miss Misses Me
Fruit Jr Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Billy Grammer: (?)
Cledus Haggard: The Torn Flag
Mike Lunsford: Honey Hungry
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Jean Shepard: Ain't Love Good
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Curly Headed Baby
Wilburn Brothers: Country Kind of Feelings
Melba Montgomery: Lonely Street
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: When My Time Comes to Go

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me/I Can't Stop Loving You
Roy Drusky: Deep in the Heart of Dixie

10:45: Beechnut
The Four Guys (host): In the Morning Rain
Marion Worth: You Win Again
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Rachel
The Four Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of a Dove

11:00: Coca Cola
Jimmy C Newman (host): When the Saints Go Marching In
Larry Gatlin: Broken Lady/The Heart
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Jimmy C Newman: Cry, Cry Darling
Kirk McGee: Wheels
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Micki Fuhrman: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry/One Day at a Time
Kenny Roberts: She Taught Me to Yodel/Stolen Hours
Stu Phillips: It Is No Secret

I saw the name Cledus Maggard on this line-up and smiled thinking about his song "The White Knight." Who else remembers that one?

Micki Fuhrman was a name that I had not seen previously on the Opry and I name that I did not recognize. The following is from her website:

"Louisiana-bred Micki Fuhrman comes by her chops honestly. She grew up in a home
with a perpetual soundtrack of classic country including Ray Charles, Jim Reeves and
Tammy Wynette. By the age of seven she was singing in her grandmother's rural
church...at thirteen she joined a contemporary Christian band and by fifteen was
headlining Shreveport's venerable "Louisiana Hayride." She recorded for MCA and
Word Records, becoming one of the earliest artists to span both secular and Christian
markets. Micki garnered guest spots on "The Grand Ole Opry" and toured with several
major artists."

It would appear that she is still active today.
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I know I post this pretty much every year, but August 28, 1982 was the final night that Marty Robbins performed on the Opry. As usual, he closed out the show. Since Marty only appeared n the 2nd show that night, here is the running order from that show 38 years ago:

9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
The Four Guys: Marie, The Dawn is Breaking
Jean Shepard: I Thought of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Skeeter Davis: Satisfied
Mac Magaha: Rocky Top
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand

10:00: Little Debbie
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm M Own Grandpa
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper

10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Back in the Country
Wilma Lee Cooper: When My Time Comes to Go
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Roy Acuff: Lord, Don't Give Up on Me

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): Fraulein
Connie Smith: 'Til I Kissed Ya
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Roy Drusky: Slowly

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Jan Howard: When I Dream
Jim and Jesse: The Magic Little Garden
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow: My Happiness

11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Ribbon of Darkness
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Know Me, But You Will/I'm All Through Crying Over You
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Love You Anymore/Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep/See the Big Man Cry
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/This is the Moment/Some Memories Just Won't Die/Return to Me/Beyond the Reef/That's All Right/To Get to You/Tonight Carmen/Don't Let Me Touch You/Cool Water/18 Yellow Roses/Love Me/El Paso

Marty's final Opry segment lasted just over one hour.

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

Grand Ole Opry August 22

Well, what did every one think of the show this past Saturday night? Certainly a change of pace from the week before and I thought it was another good one. Darius Rucker and Luke Bryan got along like old friends and the music was good. Neat to hear "Wagon Wheel" two weeks in a row from two different acts. Personally, I have always preferred Old Crow's version of the song.

So with that out of the way, here we go with another Saturday night Circle show from the Grand Ole Opry. I know it has been mentioned before, but we should all be grateful to the Grand Ole Opry and Circle TV for continuing these Saturday night shows. They are very much appreciated.

The show this week will feature three more artists who will be making their Opry debut on the Circle shows. Grand Ole Opry member Pam Tillis will head the line-up, where she will be joined by Runaway June and Jon Pardi. This will be the first appearance for Runaway June on the Opry since Natalie Stovall joined the group.

Now, looking back 50 years, Saturday August 22, 1970:

1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host); Peggy Sue; David Rodgers
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Jack Barlow; Karen Wheeler
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); Stu Phillips; Jan Howard; Louie Roberts; Jimmy Gately
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Norro Wilson; Crook Brothers; Howdy Forrester
8:00: Bobby Lord (host); Grandpa Jones; Hugh X Lewis; Sammi Smith; Jerry Smith
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stonewall Jackson; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Peggy Sue; David Rodgers
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Barlow; Karen Wheeler
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); Norro Wilson
10:30: Stu Phillips (host); Grandpa Jones; The Shilos
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Louie Roberts; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Bobby Lord (host); Hugh X Lewis; Jay Lee Webb; Sammi Smith
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A couple of weeks back, I shared the line-up from July 31, 1976, which was the first Saturday night in which Don Williams performed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This week, I go back to August 22, 1981, which was the final Grand Ole Opry appearance by Don Williams as a member. While he gave up his Opry membership, this future Country Music Hall of Fame member, would come back on rare occasions and appear on the Opry.

Here is the running order from 39 years ago, Saturday August 22, 1981:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): T For Texas
Jan Howard: Six Weeks Every Summer; Christmas Every Other Year
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me/Waltz Across Texas

7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Louvin (host): What Are Those Things
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair has Turned to Silver
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Joe Edwards: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years' 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late

7:30: Standard Candy
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/I'll Fly Away
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Archie and Phil Campbell: Hey, Waiter

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
David Houston: Bandera Waltz
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/Shake My Mother's Hand for Me

8:30: Acme
The Four Guys (host): Loving Up a Storm
Jeannie Seely: When Your House is Not a Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hollow Poplar
Don Williams: Living on Tulsa Time/I Believe in You/Amanda
The Four Guys: Swing Down Chariot

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
The Four Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us to Sleep with Country Music
Ray Pillow: She Never Likes Nothing for Long
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Don Williams: Living on Tulsa Time/I Believe in You/Amanda
The Four Guys: Turn Your Radio On

10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): The Way I Am
John Conlee: Could You Love Me One More Time/Miss Emily's Picture
Charlie Louvin: Is This How It Is When Its Over

10:15: Sunbeam
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
David Houston: Bandera Waltz

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe it Was True
Charlie Walker: The One Rose That's Left in My Heart
Howdy Forrester: Cotton Eyed Joe
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All

10:45: Beechnut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming/I'll Fly Away
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Old Joe Clark
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo

11:00: Coca Cola
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
The Pilgrims: When They Call My Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Archie and Phil Campbell: The Interview

11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: There'll Never Be Anyone Else but You for Me/Just a Closer Walk With Thee

Sadly, Don Williams, who was a member of the Opry for just a little over five years, never was really missed at the Opry as he appeared such few times. There seemed to be no hard feelings between Don and the Opry. At the end of the day, Don just felt that Opry membership wasn't what he thought it would be and wasn't for him.
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August 22 is another anniversary date for an Opry member, as it was on that date in 1987 in which Roy Clark joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.

Roy had been invited a few times to become an Opry member, but turned down the invitation each time as he really wasn't based in Nashville and felt that he could not commit to the show. In fact, the only time he really spent in Nashville was for the twice a year taping of Hee Haw. However, the Opry wanted Roy as a member and felt he would be a great fit for the show. As it turned out, they were fine with Roy as a member with limited appearances and yes, he was a good fit for the Opry.

Here is the running order from that night 33 years ago, Saturday August 22, 1987:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
The Four Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us to Sleep with Country Music
Lorrie Morgan: Lone Star State of Mind
The Four Guys: God Bless the U.S.A.

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Louvin (host): Let Her Go; Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Charlie Louvin and Jennifer O'Brien: Everytime You Leave

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Ray Pillow: I'll Break out Again Tonight
Jeannie Seely: It's My Fault
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory/Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Wade B. Landry: Orange Blossom Special

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: Wayfaring Stranger/Heartaches by the Number
Roy Clark: Thank God & Greyhound You're Gone/I Remember When Country was Country/Under the Double Eagle

8:00: Martha White
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Tom T Hall: Ravishing Ruby
Tom T Hall and Lamb Chop: Old McDonald Had a Farm
Tom T Hall: I Love
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down from God
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gray Eagle
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Roy Drusky: Dear Heart
Stonewall Jackson: Smoke Along the Tracks
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Jeannie Seely: It's My Fault
The Four Guys: Fox on the Run
Tom T Hall: Faster Horses/Old Dogs, Children & Watermelon Wine
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): Kiss Me Again if You're Going Away
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date with You/Silver Threads and Golden Needles/The End of the World
Charlie Louvin: (?)

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Roy Clark: Come Live with Me/Instrumental/If I Had to Do it All Over Again

10:30: Pet Milk
Ray Pillow (host): You're One Memory That I'd Like to Make Again
Lorrie Morgan: Silver Wings & Golden Rings
Ray Pillow: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget

10:45: Heil-Quaker
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jan Howard: Take Me as I Am (Or Let Me Go)
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her that Way

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Forever +1; Forever +2
Jean Shepard: The Old Rugged Cross
Ernie Ashworth: The D.J. Cried
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Hank Snow: The Rainbow's End

11:30: B.C. Powder
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Roy Drusky: As Long As I Live/It's No Secret
Johnny Russell: No One Will Every Know
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal

There you have it for this week. I will be taking most of this week off for a short vacation trip to the mountains but I will certainly be watching and reading any comments. And, as always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday night.

Grand Ole Opry August 15

What a great show last week. Reading some of the online comments, I can't believe there were actually people complaining about it. But then again, it was more Americana and Bluegrass than what most of the shows have featured and I have to believe that the casual country fan had no idea who Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings or Dom Flemons are. I am going to guess that those fans will be very happy with the show this week as Grand Ole Opry member Darius Rucker is set for another appearance, and he will be joined by Luke Bryan.

Luke Bryan made his Opry debut on April 6, 2007 and has made a few Opry appearances since then. At the time when Dustin Lynch became a member of the Opry in 2018, Luke made some comments about becoming an Opry member.

“I don’t think I was Dustin’s first call [after he was invited to join the Opry], but I congratulated Dustin,” Luke shared. “I mean, these are hardworking guys out there that are … you know, when they get these Opry nods it changes their life.”

Luke then commented indirectly about not being a member of the Grand Ole Opry yet himself. “I’ve got to put in some good word with them, maybe I can be a member one day,” he stated.

Luke is very aware of what the long-time country music organization does for the genre.

“What they do for country music is amazing,” he says. Continuing, “You know, me and my managers sit down and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get my butt out to the Opry and play more’,” Luke admits, “So, Opry, save me some dates I’m comin’.”

I guess Saturday night will be one of those dates.
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25 years ago, Saturday August 12, 1995:

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Jean Shepard
6:45: Jeanne Pruett (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
7:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeannie Seely; Victoria Shaw
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Brother Oswald; Jack Greene; Claire Lynch; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; Del Reeves; Ray Pillow

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker; Charlie Louvin; Jeanne Pruett
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Claire Lynch
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Roy Drusky
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Victoria Show; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Billy Walker; Del Reeves; Jean Shepard

50 year ago, Saturday August 15, 1970:

1st show
6:30: Billy Grammer (host); LaWanda Lindsey; Cousin Jody
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Lorene Mann; Del Wood
7:00: Charlie Louvin (host); The Four Guys; Tom T Hall; Darrell McCall
7:30: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean; Peggy Sue; Crook Brothers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Ernie Ashworth; Hugh X Lewis
8:30: Hank Locklin (host); Marion Worth; Merle Kilgore; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Jay Lee Webb

2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; LaWanda Lindsey; Cousin Jody
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Del Wood; Lorene Mann
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host); Tom T Hall; Darrell McCall
10:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Stringbean; Peggy Sue
10:45: The Four Guys (host); Hugh X Lewis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Roy Acuff (host); Ernie Ashworth; Merle Kilgore; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin (host); Marion Worth; Jay Lee Webb
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When going back and looking at the records of the Grand Ole Opry, some of the dates are a little hard to confirm, however, best that I can determine, it was August 14, 1965 that Bobby Bare originally became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Bobby, of course, gave up his Opry membership after the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. While he gave up his membership, Bobby didn't completely go away, and rejoined the Opry on April 7, 2018. One of my joys was being backstage at the Opry on the night of Jim Ed Brown's 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and meeting Bobby backstage, who was on the schedule for that night.

Here is the running order from 55 years ago, Saturday August 14, 1965:

7:30: Luzianne
Leroy Van Dyke (host): It's All Over Now
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Wayne Kemp: Love Bug
Del Wood: Snow Deer
Leroy Van Dyke: I Love You So Much it Hurts Me
Stringbean: Ida Red
Curly Fox: San Antonio Rose
Dottie West: No Sign of Living
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Leroy Van Dyke: Just a State of Mind

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): Salty Dog Blues
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep
Margie Bowes: Lost
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Flatt and Scruggs: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord
Ray Pillow: Take You Hands off My Heart
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Margie Bowes: I Don't Like Your Kind of Lovin'
Uncle Josh and Cousin Jake: Big Ball in Brooklyn
Flatt and Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Peel Me a Nanner
Jim and Jesse: Alabam'
Bobby Bare: Blowing in the Wind/Worried Man Blues
Cousin Jody: Television Set
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Sue York: Love's Gonna Love Here
Bobby Bare: Shame on Me
Jim and Jesse: I'm Lonesome
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose

9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): I'm Looking High and Low for My Baby
Billy Walker: If It Pleases You
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be Alright Tomorrow
Connie Smith: I Can't Remember
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Osborne Brothers: Ruby

9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Feed You
Bill Monroe: Jimmy Brown, The Newsboy
Norma Jean: I Wouldn't Buy a Used Car from Him
Glaser Brothers: Teardrops 'Til Dawn
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
David Houston: Livin' in a Houseful of Love
Bill Monroe: Brown County Breakdown
Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
Mack Magaha and Buck Trent: Goodbye Liza Jane
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

10:00: Schick
Charlie Louvin (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore/Less & Less
Dottie West: All the World is Lonely Now
Stringbean: The Man Who Rode Around the World
Dottie West: Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Charlie Louvin: I Just Don't Understand

10:15: Mary Carter
Bobby Bare (host): Four Strong Winds
Margie Bowes: I Can't Stand Your Kind of Lovin'
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Bobby Bare: Just to Satisfy You

10:30: Harvey's
Osborne Brothers (host): This Heart of Mine
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Del Wood: Cattle Call
Osborne Brothers: Bulge Call Rag

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Lots of Luck
Crook Brothers: Sally Ann
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Ernest Tubb: Letter's Have no Arms

11:00: Coca Cola
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Glaser Brothers: South of the Border
Norma Jean: Go Cat Go
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Porter Wagoner: Be Careful of Stones That You Throw
Jim and Jesse: When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
Sam and Kirk McGee: Columbus Stockade Blues
Mack Magaha: Orange Blossom Special
Glaser Brothers: Let Me Down Easy
Porter Wagoner: Howdy Neighbor, Howdy

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Ruby Ann
Bill Monroe: Live and Let Live
Billy Walker: If it Pleases You
Connie Smith: Once a Day
Don Winters: Change that Dial
David Houston: Livin' in a Houseful of Love
Bill Monroe: So Unlonesome
Billy Walker: I'm so Miserable Without You
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Bouquet of Roses/I Could Never Be Ashamed of You/You Know How Talk Gets Around/Take These Chains from My Heart/Lovesick Blues/(?)

Hope Bobby Bare is doing well and feeling better.
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Finally, 38 years ago, Saturday August 14, 1982 was the final Grand Ole Opry show for the legendary Ernest Tubb. Here is the running order from that night:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
The Four Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
The Four Guys: A Blaze of Glory

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Georgiana Moon
Skeeter Davis: Just When I Needed You Most
Billy Grammer: Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party

7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks a Lot
Jean Shepard: Blanket on the Ground/I'll Be There
Lonzo and Oscar: Ramblin' Fever/Windy City
Jack Leonard: I Can't Help It/Take These Chains from My Heart/Half as Much/Your Cheating Heart
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas/Walkin' the Floor Over You

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): When a Man Loves a Woman
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will/I'm All Through Crying Over You
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox/'Til I Kissed Ya
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Roy Thackerson: (?)/Orange Blossom Special
Carolee Singers: A Song the Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:30: Acme
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue Eyed Darling
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Del Wood: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Bill Monroe: Little Cabin Home on the Hill

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Seaman's Blues
Skeeter Davis: Me & Bobby McGee/The Old Rugged Cross/The King is Coming
Wilburn Brothers: I Know a Goodbye When I See One/Because He Lives
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): On & On
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Bill Monroe: Come Hither to Go Yonder

10:15: Sunbeam
Billy Grammer (host): Wildwood Flower
Lonzo and Oscar: Old Songs
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Roy Thackerson: Sally Goodin/Orange Blossom Special
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Walker (host): A Million & One
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Never be Anyone Else But You for Me
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready/Healing Hands of Time
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: Just a Closer Walk with Thee

11:30: Bama
The Four Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Del Wood: There's a Big Wheel
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me no Songs About Texas
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah/You Were Always on My Mind
The Four Guys: Made in the USA

Pity that Hank Snow wasn't on that final night. If not for Ernest Tubb, there would have been no Hank Snow on the Opry.

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys Darius and Luke on Saturday night.

Grand Ole Opry August 8

Welcome to week #22 of the Saturday night Grand Ole Opry Circle shows.

First, a word about last week which was another great show. Three old friends, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell sat down and joked with each other and sang in perfect harmony. It was a treat to hear the trio featuring songs written by Rodney. You could tell they enjoyed each others company and had no trouble sharing the spotlight. I know Rodney has battled a few health issues over the past couple of years, thus it is nice to see him out performing. Another fine Saturday night show at the Opry.

Secondly, WSM has announced that Jeff Hogue would be the new permanent replacement for Eddie Stubbs. Jeff, who seemed to be everyone's favorite to get the gig, has big shows to fill. Eddie handled the time slot for 25 years and was outstanding. And if anyone has not, please go to the WSM archives and listen to the last three shows that Eddie hosted. Hopefully over time, we will come to fell the same about Jeff as we do about Eddie. Good luck and good health to Eddie as he continues on with his next adventure.

It is shaping up to be another great week at the Opry on Saturday night as Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show will be anchoring the show. Many of us were wondering when this group would show up, and now we have them. I think we can safely say that it will not be an acoustical performance from these high energy guys.

Joining Old Crow will be guest artists Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle and Dom Flemons. Each of these artists will be bringing Bluegrass and Americana sounds to the Opry on Saturday night.
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Looking back from 25 years ago, Saturday August 5, 1995:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Free Little Bird
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Charlie Walker (host): Odds & Ends; Bits & Pieces
The Whites: Pins & Needles/San Antonio Rose
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Brother Oswald: The Old Rugged Cross
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

7:30: Standard Candy
Jean Shepard (host): I'm Not That Good at Goodbyes
Forrester Sisters: Sincerely/(?)
Charley Pride: Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Kaw-liga
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone/Slippin' Away

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy
Stu Phillips: Dust in My Eyes
Skeeter Davis: Rock-A-Bye Boogie
Roy Drusky: Always
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Porter Wagoner: An Old Log Cabin for Sale

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): It's You, Only You That I Love
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me About It
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Del Reeves: The Race is On
Hank Snow: That Lucky Old Sun

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Unclouded Day
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Porter Wagoner and Brother Oswald: Mansion on the Hill
Porter Wagoner and Colene Walter: My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You
Porter Wagoner: Trouble in Amen Corner

10:00: Goody's
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning

10:15: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): John Henry
Forrester Sisters: I Fell in Love Again Last Night
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Charley Pride (host): Someone Loves You, Honey
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
Charley Pride: Kaw-liga

10:45: Fairfield
Jean Shepard (host): If Teardrops Were Pennies
Crossmen Quartet: Sweet Heaven Awaits
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Conscience I'm Guilty
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me About It
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing
Del Reeves: This Must Be the Bottom
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Loreal
Jack Greene (host): Oh, Lonesome Me
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Jack Greene: If It's Love You're Playing For/There Goes My Everything
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday August 8, 1970:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Norro Wilson: Do It to Someone You Love
Connie and Mike Eaton: Bye, Bye Love
Billy Grammer: Kentucky

6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): There Goes the Farm
Johnny Carver: Hold Me Tight
The Kendalls: Leaving on a Jet Plane
Willis Brothers: A Satisfied Mind

7:00: Luzianne
Stu Phillips (host): Do What 'Cha Do Well
The Four Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Merle Kilgore: Folsom Prison Blues
Duke of Paducah: Ding, Dong Daddy from Dumas
Stu Phillips: For the Good Times
The Four Guys: Daddy Sang Bass
Merle Kilgore: More & More
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones

7:30: Standard Candy
Wilburn Brothers (host): Little Johnny from Down the Street
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Jay Lee Webb: I Come Home A' Drinkin'
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Wilburn Brothers: Somebody's Back in Town
Debbie Turner: Try a Little Kindness
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Jay Lee Webb: Blooming Fools

8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard
Charlie Walker: Let's Go Fishing, Boys
Stan Hitchcock: Free-Born Men
Penny DeHaven: Down in the Boondocks
Del Reeves: Landmark Tavern
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me a Mountain
Del Reeves: Another Bridge to Burn

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Nashville Skyline Rag
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: Life to Go
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
Marion Worth: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Grammer (host): Bonaparte's Retreat
Willis Brothers: Boots & Saddle
Earl Scruggs Revue: Alberta
Norro Wilson: Do It to Someone You Love
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Earl Scruggs Revue: Sing Me Back Home

10:00: Fender
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Jay Lee Webb: She's Looking Better By the Minute
Duke of Paducah: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Wilburn Brothers: Sing You Heart Out, Country Boy

10:15: Union 76
Stu Phillips (host): Is Anybody Going to San Antone
Johnny Carver: You Lily White Hands
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Charlie Collins: The Fighting Side of Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
The Four Guys (host): Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Connie Eaton: You Mean All the World to Me
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
The Four Guys: Love of the Common People

11:00: Coca-Cola
Del Reeves (host): A Dime At a Time
Penny DeHaven: You Have to Do an Awful Lot of Loving Sometimes
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Del Reeves: Another Bridge To Burn/Hound Dog/Chug-A-Lug/Who Lotta Shakin' Going On
Del Reeves and Penny DeHaven: Landmark Tavern
Sam McGee: Victor Rag

11:30: Lava
Charlie Walker (host): Let's Go Fishing Boys
Marion Worth: Okie From Muskogee
Stan Hitchcock: The Games People Play
The Kendalls: Leaving on a Jet Plane
Charlie Walker: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Marion Worth: Tomorrow Never Comes
Stan Hitchcock: Honey, I'm Home

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

August Opry Highlights

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!! And where has summer gone? I can't believe that August has begun and many children are returning to school. It has gone fast. I hope everyone is enjoying some great weather and warm temperatures, where ever you are. As usual, here are the important and historical events that have taken place in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, or regarding Opry members, during the month of August:

August 22, 1910: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Grand Ole Opry comedian, Rod Brasfield was born in Smithville, Mississippi. Rod joined the Opry in the late 1940s and was famous for his comedy routines with Minnie Pearl and June Carter, among others. Rod was a member of the Opry until he passed away in September 1958.

August 30, 1919: Muriel Ellen Deason, known professionally as Kitty Wells, was born in Nashville. Kitty, along with her husband Johnny Wright, were members of the Grand Ole Opry from the early 1950s until they left the show in December 1964 over a dispute regarding booking fees. Although they left the Opry cast, Kitty would come back to make a few guest appearances on the show. There are also some reports that she asked to rejoin the Opry cast in her later years, but the request was declined. Kitty passed away in July 2012.

August 8, 1921: Webb Pierce was born in West Monroe, Louisiana. Webb first appeared on the Opry in 1952, and joined the cast shortly after. He was an Opry member for a very short period of time as he figured out he was losing out on a lot of money by not appearing on the road on Saturday nights. Webb would come back and make an occasional appearance in his later years. In 2001, after his death, Webb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 28, 1925: The great guitarist Billy Grammer was born in Benton, Illinois. Billy joined the Opry in 1959 and was as well known for his guitar playing as he was for his singing. His career song was "Gotta Travel On." Billy remained a member of the Opry until his death in August 2011, after spending more than 50 years as an Opry member.

August 12, 1927: The man known as "The Wagonmaster," Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Missouri. Porter came to the Opry in 1957 from the Ozark Jubilee, and he would remain a very popular Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as a member of the Opry. During his long career, this Hall of Fame member had over 80 singles on the country charts and was instrumental in the career of a number of country music artists, including Norma Jean, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Buck Trent and Patty Loveless, among others. Even to this day, Porter is missed at the Opry.

August 29, 1927: Jimmy C Newman was born in High Point, Louisiana. Jimmy joined the Opry in August 1956 and along with his Cajun Band, was a very popular member of the Opry. You could always count on a bouncy, Cajun sound whenever Jimmy appeared on the Opry. Jimmy passed away in June 2014 after a short illness.

August 4, 1931: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. After the Grand Ole Opry moved to Opryland and the new Grand Ole Opry House, Hal was asked by newly promoted Opry general manager Bud Wendall to come and help him out. It worked out pretty well and soon Hal was running the Opry. He received the official title of general manager in 1978 and would hold that position for the next 15 years. It should be noted that it was under Hal's direction attendance requirements were relaxed, and a number of members were added to the cast with no commitment to the show. After a long retirement, Hal passed away in March 2009.

March 20, 1935: Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. Justin would follow in the footsteps of his famous father Ernest and became a successful country music singer, along with being a fine songwriter. Justin became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, at the age of 20. At the time he was the Opry's youngest member. Justin remained with the Opry until his sudden death in January 1998.

August 14, 1941: Constance June Meador was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Better known as Connie Smith, she joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, left for a few years, then returned for good. In 2015 she celebrated 50 years as a member of the Opry. At the age of 79, and who can even believe that, Connie sounds as good as ever and continues to appear regularly on the Opry, where she can usually be found hosting a segment.

August 11, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee was born in Versallies, Kentucky. John, who has one of the unique voices in country music, joined the Opry in 1981 and remains a very active member of the cast. At the age of 73, John continues to tour and make new music.

August 11, 1952: Hank Williams was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry manager Jim Denny. Hank was fired because it was determined that his behavior and personal habits were detrimental to the Opry, and country music in general. Hank was very upset and disappointed at being fired and had hoped that one day he could return as an Opry member. However, Hank passed away and his Opry return never took place. While there are those who believe that Hank should be reinstated as an Opry member, it should be noted that only living individuals are considered as members, however Hank is recognized on the Opry's membership wall located backstage at the Opry House.

August 16, 1952: Grandpa Jones, who had left Nashville for a short period of time, rejoined the cast of the Opry. Grandpa had first joined the show in the 1940s and when he came back, he stayed with the Opry until his death in 1998. Can it really be over 20 years since Grandpa passed away?

August 29, 1953: James Clell Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jody first came to the Opry in 1938 as a part of Roy Acuff's group. He also performed with Pee Wee King and Eddy Arnold. While he appeared on the Opry many times as a solo artist, he also appeared with Lonzo & Oscar. While he was noted for his comedy skills, Jody was also a fabulous dobro player, and in fact it was Jody who first played the dobro on the Opry and helped to define the Acuff sound. Cousin Jody stayed as a member of the Opry until the early 1970s, when health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in August 1975.

August 14, 1954: Ernest Tubb took a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry. He was gone for a couple of months, returning in November of that year. What is strange about this is that while he was gone from the Opry, Ernest still hosted the Midnight Jamboree each week. Several reasons and rumors were given as to the reason for not appearing on the Opry, with health related issues being the most common.

August 28, 1954: Stringbean, or "String Beans" as he was referred to during this period of time, left the cast of the Grand Ole Opry to join the Ramblin' Tommy Scott Show. He was gone for just a short period of time and returned to the Opry, where he would remain until his death in November 1973. Over the years, Stringbean's talents, especially his musical skills, have really become underappreciated.

August 4, 1956: As best as can be determined, Jimmy C Newman became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Except for a very brief period of time when Jimmy was absent from the show, Jimmy would remain with the Opry until his death in 2014. On a side note, when Jimmy first joined the Opry, the "C" was missing as at that point he had not dedicated himself to the cajun sound that he would later become famous for.

August 11, 1956: This is the date that George Jones first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The dates have changed numerous times over the years as George would come and go from the Opry. Among other dates listed in various editions of the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book are August 4, 1956; January 4, 1969 (he did rejoin the cast on that date after previously leaving), and in the 1979 edition of the book, a 1973 date is listed. Not that it all mattered as George wasn't on the Opry all that often, but whenever he did George received a great ovation.

August 22, 1957: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio. Texas. Holly was an Opry member for a number of years before retiring and leaving Nashville in 2003. After she left town, the Opry dropped her as a member. Holly passed away in November 2016 after a battle with cancer.

August 4, 1959: Skeeter Davis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With the exception for a period on time in the 1970s when she was suspended from the Opry's cast, Skeeter was an Opry member until her death in 2004. Skeeter, who's biggest hit was "The End of the World" make her final Opry appearance in 2002, after which declining health forced her into retirement. Skeeter was always bouncy when on the Opry and brought a smile to a lot of faces.

August 8, 1959: Jim Reeves rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Jim first joined the Opry in 1955. He had left the show a year earlier because of the demands on his career.

August 27, 1960: The Louisiana Hayride took place for the final time. Once considered a rival to the Opry, it would become more famous as being a "farm system" for new Opry members. As the recording industry became more established in Nashville, most of the Hayride's members left Shreveport and moved to music city, thus making it difficult for the Hayride to continue.

August 26, 1961: Future Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his debut on the Opry. Ray made a great impression and was invited back for more appearances, which eventually led to Ray becoming an Opry member in April 1966.

August 10, 1963: Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie, known collectively as The Browns, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Maxine and Bonnie left the act in 1967 due to family considerations, Jim Ed continued on as a solo member. Over the years, Maxine and Bonnie would return for guest appearances and it was always a special treat when they did. Jim Ed was an Opry member for over 50 years, before passing away in 2015. Bonnie passed away in 2016, while Maxine passed away this past year.

August 23, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry member Milton Estes died at the age of 49. Milton was originally a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys and served as the groups announcer.

August 27, 1963: Former Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny passed away from cancer at the age of 52. When he became the Opry's manager, Jim was the first WSM employee to specifically be given that role. During his time with the Opry, he brought dozens of new members to the show including Webb Pierce, who would later be his partner in Cedarwood Publishing, one of the first music publishing companies to locate in Nashville. It was the success of Cedarwood that led to Jim leaving the Opry as WSM management viewed it as a conflict of interest. In 1966, Jim Denny was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

August 8, 1964: The Osborne Brothers, Bobby and Sonny, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While both are still considered members of the Grand Ole Opry, Sonny retired from performing in 2005, at which time Bobby continued with his own group, The Rocky Top X-Press. On this same date, Dottie West became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Dottie, who was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame this past year, passed away in September 1991. For the Osborne Brothers, this will be their 56th anniversary as members of the Opry.

August 14, 1965: Bobby Bare became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby stayed as an Opry member until March 1974, when he quit the cast as the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. 43 years later, on April 7, 2018, Bobby had his Opry membership reinstated, a move that was well received by everyone at the Opry.

August 21, 1965: After changing the date several different times, this seems to be the date that the Opry recognizes as to when Connie Smith became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Originally the Opry listed the date as in June, then switched to the August date. What is interesting in either case is that Connie did not appear on the Opry on this date, but actually first appeared as on Opry member a month later, in September. Regardless, this will be Connie's 53rd year as an Opry member. Also, Bob Luman joined the Opry on the same date as Connie.

August 28, 1965: After suffering serious injuries seven weeks earlier in a car accident, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry stage.

August 17, 1967: Charlie Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie, who is a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, came to the Opry from Texas, where he launched his very successful recording career. Charlie was always a very active member of the Opry, and continued to perform on the show until his death in September 2008.

August 5, 1968: Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark was born in Montreal, Canada. As a Canadian, she would join Hank Snow and Stu Phillips as the only Opry members from the land up north.

August 9, 1969: Grand Ole Opry member Norma Jean performed on the Opry for the final time as a member. Norma joined the Opry's cast as a member of Porter Wagoner's group. However, after Norma Jean left Porter's show and Porter hired Dolly Parton, Norma Jean left Nashville and moved back to her native Oklahoma.

August 12, 1972: David Houston became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. David was another of the artists who came to Nashville, and the Opry, via the Louisiana Hayride. His signature song was the great classic, "Almost Persuaded" which spent weeks at No. 1 on the country charts. David remained an Opry member until he passed away in November 1993.

August 21, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member, and on of the original members, Sam McGee died in a tractor accident on his farm in Tennessee. He was 81. Along with his brother Kirk, he first performed on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. During his time at the Opry, Sam would appear with various individuals and groups including the Dixieliners. Sam was the first Opry member to use an electric guitar on the show, after which George D. Hay told him to put it back in the case, take it home, and not bring it back.

August 11, 1976: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage after suffering a heart attack earlier in the year.

August 11, 1979: Guy Willis, a member of The Willis Brothers, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with his brothers Skeeter and Guy, The Willis Brothers joined the Opry in 1946, left to tour with Eddy Arnold, and returned in 1957.

August 7, 1981: B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, he did not remain with the Opry for very long, leaving just several years later. For B.J., Opry membership just did not turn out the way he thought it would.

August 22, 1981: Don Williams made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Don joined the cast in 1976, and much like B.J. Thomas a little later, found out that Opry membership just wasn't what he expected.

August 14, 1982: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb made his final appearance on the Opry. Suffering from emphysema, Ernest had a difficult time breathing, which made singing very difficult. Not only was this his final Opry appearance, but it was also the final night that Ernest hosted the Midnight Jamboree. After his final appearances in Nashville, he made one more short, final tour in November before retiring and spending his remaining years at his home in Nashville.

August 27, 1982: B.J. Thomas made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While his final appearance was on the Friday Night Opry, his last Saturday night appearance was earlier that year, in June. Although he left as a member, B.J. has returned on occasion to guest on the show.

August 28, 1982: Just two weeks after the final Opry appearance by Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Marty had been a fixture as the host of the 11:30 segment of the show for years. Marty, who suffered from heart issues, would pass away in December.

August 6, 1983: After previously giving up her Opry membership, Norma Jean returned for a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

August 24, 1984: Rock artist Neil Young made his debut on the Opry stage. While he is best known for his rock appearances, and being a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil has written a number of country music songs.

August 22, 1987: Roy Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. When Roy joined the cast, there was some hesitation on his part, as he told Hal Durham that he could not guarantee how many shows he would appear on as he lived in Tulsa and only came to Nashville to film Hee Haw. However, that was fine with the Opry, thus when Roy was in Nashville to film or record, he would appear on the show. Roy, who was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away in November 2018.

August 29, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell passed away in a Knoxville, Tennessee hospital at the age of 73. He had been in declining health, dealing with heart issues. Archie joined the Opry in 1958 and achieved some of his greatest success as a member of the cast of Hee Haw. Archie was known for his comedy and story telling and often used one of the Opry's announcers as his straight man. In his later years, Archie would make most of his Opry appearances in the winter months, spending the prime tourist season performing at his theater in Gatlinburg.

August 6, 1988: Former Grand Ole Opry member Webb Pierce performed on the Opry for the final time. Webb was a member of the Opry for a short amount of time in the 1950s, when he was the hottest act in country music. Webb, however, found that he was missing out on too much money if he was in Nashville every Saturday night instead of out on the road. After giving up his Opry membership, Webb would still occasionally guest on the show.

August 10, 1991: Vince Gill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 29th year as an Opry member. On the night he joined, he was introduced by Roy Acuff. Over the years, Vince has made known his love of the Opry and has challenged others of his generation to support the show. Hopefully, after cutting his Opry appearances the past several years due to his commitment to the Eagles, Vince will be back more often at the Opry in the years to come.

August 30, 1991: On her way to the Friday Night Opry, Dottie West was involved in a serious car accident at the entrance to Opryland, which would ultimately prove to be fatal. While Dottie put up a struggle and went through several surgeries, she would pass away a week later.

August 31, 1995: Former Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer David Stone passed away at the age of 93. Along with his brother Harry, David helped to change to focus of the Opry from a regional show into a nationally recognized professional one. He helped to bring such artists, and professionals, as Pee Wee King, Roy Acuff, and Eddy Arnold to the Opry.

August 9, 1996: Hank Snow returned to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time that year. He had been suffering from respiratory issues. He performed three songs that night, including the hit, "I Don't Hurt Anymore." Hank would make just a few more Opry appearances before retiring the following month.

August 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower died in a Jackson, Mississippi hospital after undergoing open heart surgery. He was 71. Jerry joined the Opry in November 1973, the last member to join the cast before the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. A great comedian and storyteller, Jerry was loved by many.

August 26, 2000: Pam Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Pam, this will be her 20th year as an Opry member.

August 18, 2001: The Grand Ole Opry moved the televised portion of the Opry from TNN to CMT, as TNN changed into Spike TV and changed their focus away from country music. The first show on CMT featured Vince Gill, who celebrated 10 years as an Opry member. Also appearing that night were Steve Wariner, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy C. Newman, Brad Paisley, Elizabeth Cook and Loretta Lynn. Quite an impressive line-up for the televised portion.

August 10, 2002: During the televised portion of the Grand Ole Opry on CMT, the Dixie Chicks announced that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected as the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Personally, I have always felt that the Hall of Fame did an injustice to both Porter and Bill by having the Dixie Chicks make the announcement as part of an Opry show. Nothing against the Dixie Chicks, I just thought the Hall of Fame should have made a bigger deal out of the announcement. In Porter's case, it was long overdue. It is still fun going back an looking at the tape of that night as Porter looked like he was biting his tongue and holding back what I think he really wanted to say.

August 23, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Del Reeves made his final appearance on the Opry. Del entered a period of declining health that led to his retirement from the Opry. As with so many others of that generation, Del suffered from respiratory issues and emphysema, which would lead to his death several years later.

August 31, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 4,000 Saturday night broadcast. The Opry did a tribute to Minnie Pearl that featured Clint Black, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Steve Wariner.

August 23, 2003: Trace Adkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 17th year as an Opry member. On the night of his induction, his idol Ronnie Milsap did the honors, assisted by Lorrie Morgan.

August 12, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman was recognized upon his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

August 25, 2010: In a special ceremony, Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens sang, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" as the historic center piece of wood was returned to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House after being damaged in the historic flood of May 2010. Thanks to extensive repair and renovation, the center circle was restored to its former condition.

August 6, 2011: The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry had wanted the quartet as members for years, however they had always declined due to their heavy touring schedule. However, 9 years ago the Oak Ridge Boys felt the time was right and they accepted the offer by Jimmy Dickens to join the cast. On the night they joined, the group sang, "Bobby Sue," "Amazing Grace," and of course, "Elvira." Every time they are on the Opry, they never fail to receive a standing ovation.

August 13, 2011: Vince Gill celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, in a show dedicated to Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, who had passed away earlier in the week. Joining Vince that night, who opened the show performing Billy's great hit, "Gotta Travel On" were Amy Grant, Martina McBride, and Emmylou Harris, among others.

August 16, 2013: During a concert appearance in Cleveland, Ohio, Old Crow Medicine Show was surprised by Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart, who invited Old Crow to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, they accepted and a month later became official Opry members. Personally, this was one of the best moves the Opry had made in many years.

August 7, 2014: Earl White, the last remaining member of the Crook Brothers square dance band, passed away after a short illness. After the passing of Herman Crook, and then Lewis Crook, Earl continued as the fiddle player for the square dancers, joined by Charlie Collins before he passed away.

August 8, 2015: Connie Smith was honored for 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart hosted a one hour segment of the show, which included Connie singing her monster hit, "Once A Day."

August 13, 2016: Vince Gill was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince hosted two shows that night, both of which lasted over 3 hours. Vince as on stage the entire night, with both shows featuring Bill Anderson, Ashley Monroe, Rodney Crowell, Charlie Worsham, and of course, his wife, Amy Grant. As someone who was there, it was a spectacular night.

August 18, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hal has been dealing with some medical issues that has forced his retirement from performing.

August 29, 2017: Chris Young was invited by Vince Gill to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris was formally inducted in October.

August 18, 2018: Bobby Bare made his last appearance on the Opry. Bobby, who had just rejoined the cast, is reportedly doing well, however it has been two years since his last appearance.

August 21, 2018: Dustin Lynch was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trace Adkins handled the surprise announcement, which was a surprise to many.

August 25, 2018: Grand Ole Opry President Steve Buchanan officially retired. He had made the announcement earlier that he would be leaving to pursue other opportunities. Also, Garth Brooks returned to the Opry that night. While Garth had made surprise appearances over the past decade, this was his first announced Opry appearance since October 2005.

August 5, 2019: Dan Rogers was promoted to Vice-President/Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. Dan has been around the Opry for years and in just one year, has already left his mark on the show. He also has navigated the Opry through some difficult times.

There you have it for August. As usual, it was a busy month in Nashville and at the Grand Ole Opry.