Well, we have reached the end as this weekend will be the final Opry shows for 2020. What a year it has been as there were many challenges and setbacks. Yet, against the odds, the Opry will have completed 2020 without missing a Saturday night performance of the Grand Ole Opry and with that, we should all offer our thanks and appreciation to Dan Rogers and the entire team at the Opry who did whatever was asked of them to keep the show going.
As we look ahead to Christmas and 2021, many of us have our wish list and I hope that Santa will fulfill every item asked. Many of us will be grateful for good health for ourselves, our family members and friends, along with better times for all.
So not to get to serious, with the passing of several members in 2020, the Opry will be looking to add some new members in the future. We already have Rhonda Vincent scheduled to officially join on February 6, and many believe that Carly Pearce is in line to become an Opry member soon. While not a traditional classic country artist, Carly has appeared on the Opry over 75 times, loves the Opry and I believe that she "gets it." Like Rhonda Vincent, I believe Jeannie Seely, who has become the Opry's most influential female member, is giving Carly a push.
I bring up the subject of new members for a couple of reasons. First, Kathy Mattea appeared on the Opry last Saturday night, and many feel, including myself, that she would make a great Opry member. Secondly, two more are scheduled for both shows this weekend whom I also believe would make fine Opry members: T. Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy. Those are two more of the veteran artists who have guested on the Opry for decades and are always well received by the audiences. So who else do you think would make good as future members of the Opry? I am certainly curious as to what others are thinking so I would love to see some of your wish lists.
So looking ahead to this weekend, on the Friday Night Opry Jeannie Seely is the only Opry member on the schedule, while on Saturday night Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Riders In the Sky and Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus are scheduled. As mentioned, T. Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy are scheduled for both nights, and joining them on Friday night will be Ana Christina Cash, Erin Enderlin and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Saturday night has Lindsay Ell and Jason Crabb are listed.
Friday December 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Ana Christina Cash
7:30: Erin Enderlin; Darin & Brooke Aldridge
8:00: T. Graham Brown; Charlie McCoy
Saturday December 26
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Connie Smith; Riders In The Sky; Marty Stuart
8:00: T. Graham Brown; Lindsay Ell; Jason Crabb w/Jay DeMarcus; Charlie McCoy
What a nice surprise to have T. Graham Brown and Charlie McCoy on the Circle segment this weekend.
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday December 26, 1970 (the final Saturday of the year):
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Ray Pillow; Harold Weakley
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Roy Drusky; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); George Morgan; Archie Campbell; Crook Brothers; Ernie Ashworth
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Justin Tubb; Stringbean
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Jean Shepard; Cal Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Charlie Louvin; Diane McCall; Stu Phillips;
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Ray Pillow
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Monroe; George Morgan; Justin Tubb
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Ernie Ashworth; Stringbean
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Bill Carlisle; Del Wood; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Louvin; Willis Brothers; Archie Campbell; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Diane McCall; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Jean Shepard; Ronnie Robbins; Stu Phillips
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A couple of dates to look at. First, it was on Saturday December 25, 1976 (yes, Christmas night) that Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. 44 years later, they continue to be one of the more popular acts on the Opry and in addition to their Opry appearances, Larry is the main host for Opry Country Classics, which takes place in the Spring and Fall at the Ryman Auditorium.
Here is the running order from 44 years ago, December 25, 1976:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Monroe (host): Love, Come Home
Ray Pillow: Slowly Coming Over Me
Marion Worth: Just A Little Lovin'
David "Lonzo" Hooten: If We Make it Through December
Bill Monroe: Milenburg Joy
Ernie Ashworth: The Shamrock Motel
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner Blues/Ashland Breakdown
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Forgive; Forget Us
Charlie Louvin: Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast to Mama/Love Has to Die, All By Itself/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow/I Want A Happy Life
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
6:45: Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): The Women Make a Fool Out of Me
Skeeter Davis: Desperado
Billy Grammer: My Life's Been a Pleasure
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place
7:00: Shoney's
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Minnie Pearl: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Jimmy C Newman: Blue Lonely Winter
Stu Phillips: Have a Nice Day
7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Justin Tubb: You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers: Broken Lady/Statues Without Hearts
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Shuckin' the Corn
Jack Greene: You Don't Need a Cowboy
Jeannie Seely: Mama Never Told Me About Cowboys
Vic Willis Trio: Christmas Carols by the Old Corral
Lester Flatt: Hot Corn, Cold Corn
Bob Luman: Satisfied Mind
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Lester Flatt and Charlie Nixon: Dobro Instrumental
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Jim and Jesse: Then I'll Stop Going for You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): I'll Get Along Somehow
Charlie Louvin: Sweet Texas
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Wayne Hammond: Welcome to My World
David "Lonzo" Hooten: Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa
Billy Grammer: I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): A Beautiful Life
Ray Pillow: Gone at Last
Ernie Ashworth: My Love Will Never Change
Del Wood: My Country
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Marion Worth: Just a Little Lovin'
Charlie Walker: Who'll Buy the Wine
Onie Wheeler: Old Roy
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Why Do You Wander
Jack Greene: Birmingham
Jeannie Seely: American Trilogy
Jimmy C Newman: The Potato Song
Lester Flatt and Marty Stuart: Rawhide
10:45: Beechnut
Porter Wagoner (host): Highway Headed South
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater Texas
Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers: Statues Without Hearts/Hallelujah
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: 8th of January
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Jesus
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Lester, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey
Bob Luman: Blue Christmas
Vic Willis Trio: Cool Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Kirk McGee: Always Be Kind to Daddy
Hank Snow: Silent Night
11:30: Baltz Bros.
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Marty Robbins: El Paso City/Love Me/Among My Souvenirs/Way Out There/El Paso
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Finally, I think everyone might remember Hank Snow's short term duet partner Kelly Foxton. It was on Saturday December 26, 1981 that Hank and Kelly appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time.
(The following is from Kelly Foxton's website):
Kelly Foxton is an entertainer who came up through the ranks of country music as a recording artist, to international stardom, performing around the world. Kelly recorded numerous single hits and duets on RCA Records with one of country music's pioneers, the late Hank Snow. She performed for years on the Grand Ole Opry and also traveled all over Europe with England's Entertainer of the Year, the late Box Car Willie. Later, Kelly put together her own Las Vegas act for cruise ships and conventions.
She has awards too numerous to mention but one, of which she is most proud, is 'The Great American Citation for Patriotism and World Peace'. She was given this award for her work as 'The Military Pin-Up Queen' where she traveled to military installations, boosting the morale of our service members, around the globe.
Now, after settling down in sunny, south Florida, Kelly has decided to continue her mission to boost the morale of our troops by photographing her pet squirrel in cute military shots. That way the guys and girls, keeping our great country free and helping to bring democracy to the rest of the world, will have a little 'Military Mascot' to carry around with them in their pockets to remind them that we, back here in America, are with them all the way. Sugar Bush Squirrel is a cute, cuddly little American squirrel who bends over backwards to do these shots but she's always happy to do it!!! She looks forward to getting new outfits and props. She loves to pose with guns and all of the airplanes, tanks and helicopters. "If she ever disappears while I'm resetting the camera, you can bet she's inside one of her jeeps or helicopters playing around and 'figuring out' new poses!"
There you have it. Interesting to say the least. Hank and Kelly's duet work lasted several years and produced several albums. At the very least, it was a strange partnership.
Here is the running order from 39 years ago, Saturday December 26, 1981:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jan Howard: It's Good to See You
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Billy Walker: Soap & Water
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Jean Shepard: What Would I Do
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Crippled Boy
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
Osborne Brothers: Old Flames
Ernest Tubb: Half A Mind
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): A Used to Be
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Billy Grammer: Kansas City Railroad Blues
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Bill Monroe: Lonesome Road Blues
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Minnie Pearl: Fool Hearted Me
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: I Don't Want Your Love Forever
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Before the Next Teardrop Falls
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
The 4 Guys: Loving Up a Storm
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Billy Walker: Soap & Water
Wilma Lee Cooper: Singing Waterfall
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Skeeter Davis: Rock-A-Bye Boogie
David "Lonzo" Hooten: Rambling Fever
Bill Monroe: My Last Days on Earth
10:15: Sunbeam
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Osborne Brothers: Rank Stranger
Charlie Walker: Close All the Honky Tonks
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chuck of Coal
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way That We're Doing it Now
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All
10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Never Be Anyone Else But You for Me
Billy Grammer: What A Friend We Have in Jesus
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Connie Smith: The Deepening Snow
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Kelly Foxton: Crazy
11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Vic Willis Trio: A Woman Like You
Ray Pillow: Wasted Again
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Return to Me/Beyond the Reef/That's All Right/Cool Water/I Don't Know Why/Don't Worry/El Paso City/Devil Woman/Muddy Water/Love Me/A White Sport Coat/Teardrops in My Heart/All Around Cowboy/El Paso
I have it in the notes that after Marty sang "El Paso City" at 12:45am. WSM ended the airing of the Opry and went to the Midnight Jamboree. I would say that Ernest Tubb was tired of waiting!! But on a serious note, the Ernest Tubb Record Shop paid WSM for the airtime beginning at midnight. There was also a period of time that Marty Robbins ran so far over the traditional midnight ending of the Opry, that WSM had to pay back some money to the Record Shop as the value of the airtime decreased later in the night (basically the midnight to 1:00 a.m. hour was more valuable then the 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. hour). So as a compromise, WSM would break away from Marty and the Opry, and play a pre-recorded version of "El Paso" if they felt Marty was going on way too long, and then go to the Midnight Jamboree. That was the case this particular evening.
Well, there you have it as we wrap up another year. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!!
Enjoy the Opry this weekend.
Byron and fellow Fayfarers, thank you all, and happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess, I would put Marty and Connie on the Circle program instead of the guests.
I have another confession: I'm hard-pressed to come up with a member wish list. I don't follow a lot of the newer artists, and I think most of the bigger young names who want to be aboard are (and could be there a bit more often, though I wonder how much the virus is affecting that this year).
I was thinking the same thing. A televised hour of Marty, Connie & Riders In The Sky would have been my choice, but I won't complain about the others getting a chance to shine on TV. At least we can listen to the first hour online or on the radio.
DeleteA.B.
Mandy Barnett would be a great asset to the Opry, for her talent. Unfortunately I believe she is left out because her stage presence and personality are not as outgoing as many others. We have yet to access a "Circle" program and probably will not, even if we find out how to do it. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year to Byron and all the "Fayfarers". (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteAnother way to say it is that she is not full of herself like some of the others. And, she talks about old people in the business she idolizes and sings there songs. Suits me just fine but like you say, not exiting to the social media crowd!
DeleteJim
Knighsville, In
I would echo Kathy Mattea and T. Graham Brown as well as Charlie McCoy. I would also had Henry Cho or Chonda Pierce (we need comedy back) and the gospel family group The Isaacs (they are well loved in Nashville circles). But I realize artists like Carly Pearce need to be added to extend the Opry into the future with new freshness.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Grascals may become future Opry members (I enjoy them) but it seems they have fallen off the radair. Their appearances surpass one hundred but have not appeared as often as they did in the past.
Merry Christmas to Byron and everyone who contributes to this blog. Let's pray they Opry sees better days in 2021 and we say goodbye to Covid.
David, you bring up a good example when you mention the Grascals, as an act that in the past has made dozens of appearances on the Opry. Another one you could add to that list is Jimmy Wayne. For a number of years, he was appearing on the Opry more times than a majority of the Opry's members. I asked a person once about Jimmy becoming an Opry member (this was back when he was appearing somewhat on a regular basis), and I was told by that individual that it would never happen, that as much as they enjoyed having Jimmy on the Opry, membership was a different story.
DeleteWhen I look at the older Opry line-ups, I see many that were on the Opry dozens of times, yet never made a member. In the early 70s, for example, Norro Wilson and Jay Lee Webb were almost regulars. In more recent times, Elizabeth Cook and Mandy Barnett have appeared more than 100 times on the Opry.
And a good point is made about comedy. For years the Opry had a few comedians as part of the cast: Archie Campbell, Jerry Clower, Minnie Pearl, Duke of Paducah, Rod Brasfield just to name a few. I would say that the closest we have currently is Mike Snider, and he seems more inclined to feature his group then to do comedy.
Mike Snider's comedy along with his music was a great act - his show years ago at Opryland was one of the best. We still like his music but have really missed his comedy.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that most of us want many of the new members we propose to be ladies? I vote Mattea, Barnett, Cook, McBryde, Townes, and perhaps one or two others! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Nat, and there aren't enough women members. I could argue for another bluegrass act, too. It also would be nice to have someone Cajun.
DeleteMerry Christmas to all who read and participate here. Special Merry Christmas to Byron who keeps this going for us. It's got to be a lot of work even if it is a labor of love.
ReplyDeleteAs I've said before, being able to read and be a part of this has kept me paying more attention to the Opry these days than I might otherwise. I bemoan the changes that I don't care for but at the same time realize for it to survive much of it is required. That doesn't mean I have to stay interested or like it but this site has kept me interested and involved and I appreciate all of you.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jeff Hoag has done a masterful job of replacing Eddie Stubbs in the WSM evening time slot ---- 5 hours of wonderful mostly traditional country playing a lot of B sides of country records -- and during the Christmas season, Jeff played a great blend of Christmas and non - Christmas stuff --- and I am growing to like his goofy laugh ---- a small price to pay for Jeff's wonderful traditional country selections !!!! Thanks for Jeff Hoag !!!! Dashmann, Flushing, Michigan
ReplyDeleteDashmann I agree. Confess that I have not had a chance to listen to Jeff like I did Eddie but he is doing a great job. For whatever reason he is getting a much bigger variety of old stuff played than Eddie did in his later years. I'll always miss Eddie but Jeff is just fine.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe there is anyone else currently at WSM that could have taken Eddie's place so well. Passion! That is what the rest are missing. Eddie had it an whether Jeff had it or Eddie instilled it in him that makes a big difference. My younger brother did an oldies show for over ten years at two different stations and his passion for the music came through when he played it and talked about the music and artist. He wasn't on radio so everyone heard him and knew who he was. He was on the radio to keep the music alive and share it with others. He was having fun. I think you can feel that with Jeff and we know how Eddie felt.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Spot on Jim and Dashmann.
ReplyDeleteJeff is the real deal, and we're all blessed WSM put him on the payroll.
I just saw T Graham Brown on one of the news networks discussing the bombing in Nashville yesterday. The anchor said "I see you have a performance scheduled tonight, is that still on?" T said that was the Grand Ole Opry that had been running for 95 years and never missed a show and that he was there last night too. He said "there's two consistent things you can count on in Nashville to hold us together, the people and their faith (something close to that) and the Grand Ole Opry .
ReplyDeleteHe's not even a member and he just gave the Opry a very nice plug and compliment!
As I've said before, when he was having hits his music was a little more contemporary than say a Haggard or Jones was putting out and I would have rather listed to them at the time. But he seems to be a genuine soul and his music has grown on me. And, I think he loves and respects the Opry. He is also recent enough to still be recognizable to the under 40 crowd.
Make him a member.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
I agree with Jim. T. Graham Brown would be a great addition to the Opry. His personality and his overt love for the Opry would be an asset for the Opry. If he were to become a member, I believe his words of love for Opry would be sincere and meaningful in contrast to some of the younger members of the Opry, who talk about their love for the Opry, and seldom make time for the Opry.
ReplyDeleteT for me!
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing about T. Graham Brown was that he made numerous Opry appearances earlier in his career, then seemed to go a decade without being asked to appear. Over the last several years, he has been asked to be back and he is a personal favorite of mine. Looking forward to seeing him on Circle tonight.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Lindsay Ell is out and Caylee Hammack is in for tonight.
Wasn't it terrific that the Opry atmosphere was so positive tonight despite the awful happening on 2nd street on Christmas ??????? I am an Opry fan for 60 + years now , and of course am still listening on WSM am radio --- the Opry and WSM , even fading in and out at times, have been a staple in my life ------ have walked through the devastated area several times in my visits to Nashville over the years ---- better things are ahead in 2021 !!!!!! Stay positive !!!
ReplyDeleteAnomymous;
ReplyDeleteI found your comments very moving and they reached me personally.
Thanks!