During the taping of the Grand Ole Opry's 95th anniversary special, Darius Rucker surprised Lady A with an invitation to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry "effective immediately" (whatever that means).
Lady A consists of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. This award winning group has been around since 2007 and have been guests on the Opry numerous times, including several in the past year.
Really not a surprise other than the timing. I think with the recent passing of Opry members and the fact there was just one induction in 2020, this is going to be the start of a busy year at the Opry. I expect more to follow.
The taping took place at the Grand Ole Opry House with no audience and will be shown on Sunday February 14 on NBC.
Think they might give Rhonda Vincent a nod on this show? That would be nice but who in the TV audience will know her?
ReplyDeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
Think they might give Rhonda Vincent a nod on this show? That would be nice but who in the TV audience will know her?
ReplyDeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
Sorry, I am extremely disappointed - they could have waited until Rhonda had her induction - and what the heck does "effective immediately" imply? They are in before her?? There are so many others who have certainly paid more time and effort than only since 2007. Their name change is still circumspect with the problem that they took the same name as a renowned blues singer - still not over that either. It just gets harder and harder to accept what is going on with "The Grand Ole Opry". As I said before, our trips to Nashville are done - we will go to Branson instead. Jim, I won't hold my breath that they will mention Rhonda on the Blake/Brad show - not even sure we will tune in. (I tried to post last night twice but never went through.) (from "frustrated" Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteFor those asking, Lady A's Opry membership was effective as of last night (January 21st) and they had a picture of the group screwing their nameplate onto the Opry wall. So, yes, that would put their membership date ahead of Rhonda's.
ReplyDeleteNow I am even more disappointed with that information - and Darius who???? (why oh why did they do it like that)
ReplyDeleteThis is one for Byron.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Lady A is fine. Not my first choice, but, ok.
In terms of "effective immediately" and all that, Reba became a member on the 60th and Clint on the 65th. Were theirs immediate? I think so and in Reba's case it would have mattered because the filming was in November 1985, as I recall. Mel McDaniel became a member in January 1986 BEFORE the program aired, I think, but Reba was ahead of him.
What is interesting with Reba is that as you noted, the filming took place in November and her induction date is currently listed as November 21, 1985. I say "currently" as for the longest time, the date of her induction was listed as January 17, 1986 which I believe was the night the special was on the air. You are correct regarding Mel McDaniel. His date is listed as January 11, 1986, ahead of Reba's original date listed. Now what is interesting with Reba is that on the Opry's Facebook page on January 19, they posted a message saying that Reba just celebrated her 35th anniversary as an Opry member. So apparently someone over there still feels that the January date counts.
DeleteClint's date of induction is listed as January 10, 1991. That was not a weekend date so I am assuming that was the night in which the 65th was on the air.
Finally, Martina McBride's date is listed as November 30, 1995. That invite and induction took place during the Opry's 70th anniversary network special with Loretta Lynn doing the induction.
Hope I didn't confuse anyone
Very confusing!!! Can you say that again.. LOL Bob
DeleteAt least they could have given a nod to Rhonda, maybe they did since we haven't seen the show. I won't hold my breath though.
ReplyDeleteLady A is a nice nod to current social issues for they have become woke enough to change their name! I think that is how you say it. That helps make the Opry pretty cool. Just saying the Opry has to keep up with the new trends.
Jeannie Seely is doing a two hour special on Willie's Roadhouse SXM59 tonight from 9-11 ET in place of the Opry rebroadcast.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
I’m sorry but I don’t think it’s cool to be ashamed of our Southern heritage just to appease the “woke” crowd! I was extremely disappointed that the Confederate Gallery sign was removed from the Ryman. I thought history meant something but I guess that’s too old fashioned for these insane times. I will never attend the Opry again!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to take off my country music fan hat and put on my job hat--I'm a history professor and do the 19th century! I'm not here to debate wokeness and the Confederate Gallery, but "Antebellum" is Latin for pre-war. We refer to the antebellum period for the North and the South. THEIR name change wasn't wokeness. Their intentions were good but they were actually incorrect historically.
DeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteThanks for answering that question about the Confederate Gallery. I ask a few posts back and didn't know. We could probably have a good conversation somewhere other than this blog. Unfortunately, or really fortunately, I am not on any social sites and this is the only place I read and post thank to Byron and all here.
Jim
I don’t know why my post repeated itself multiple times but I read that the Confederate Gallery sign was relocated elsewhere in the building I assume so as not to offend anybody. This really made my blood boil! I consider the Ryman a sacred place (it is a church after all) and to see its historical integrity sacrificed on the altar of political correctness is heart breaking to say the least!
DeleteI’m sorry but I don’t think it’s cool to be ashamed of our Southern heritage just to appease the “woke” crowd! I was extremely disappointed that the Confederate Gallery sign was removed from the Ryman. I thought history meant something but I guess that’s too old fashioned for these insane times. I will never attend the Opry again!
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry but I don’t think it’s cool to be ashamed of our Southern heritage just to appease the “woke” crowd! I was extremely disappointed that the Confederate Gallery sign was removed from the Ryman. I thought history meant something but I guess that’s too old fashioned for these insane times. I will never attend the Opry again!
ReplyDeleteSo, in 2020 we lost 5 Opry Members..... Have 2 coming in to essentially take their spots. I have noticed that ever since the 60s and 70s, teh cast is somewhere between 65-70 performers. I would imagine we will see 3 more added at least.... I think its time for someone like Mandy Barnett to get her recognition. I would even support Don Flemmons as an addition.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think we will definitely see more members in 2021.
ReplyDeleteI would really love to see Kathy Mattea and T. Graham Brown.
DeleteThe thing to remember here is it's all about keeping the opry alive! No one under 40 will know most of the veterans who have been around the show for decades let alone Miss Vincent. Lady A is popular, people know their stuff. And you can't say Hillary is not a great singer. If the new and current are not spotlighted when the opry has a chance to reach millions of people, many many more than listen weekly, it will not stay with us for another 95 years. Tickets have to be sold, and that means bringing in folks the majority of fans know. It would be a silly idea to spend network tv time on Ronda when most people have never heard of her. Just a thought. E. Z.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletePart One:
I respect all opinions posted here and I am thankful for the participation. However, I have to make a few points about who should be appearing on the Opry and who gets the prime spot that is now Circle TV.
The Opry has to reach a decision about who and what the Opry is in 2021 and beyond. If not it will loose it's identity and become just another concert venue. Some days I think that is exactly what should happen or that is what is gradually happening.
If the only people to appear on the Opry are those well known acts of top 40 radio (is that still a thing?) or those who have the most downloads or views on social media then there probably is not a place for Bluegrass of any kind left on the Opry let alone Western or Cajun music. And no I don't think Old Crow falls in the Bluegrass category. I don't want to contradict my own views of criticizing the use of folks that are not known and then promote someone like Rhonda Vincent that "most people have never heard of". But Rhonda Vincent is very hell known and awarded in Bluegrass. If the audience the Opry is after is only todays mainstream Country then they do not need Rhonda Vincent to be a member. If you are a member you should have the same opportunity to at least occasionally be heard by the masses.
Going back as far as the Network portions in the 40's and 50's, the people outside of Country often appeared on the Network. Back then I figure that was a way to show the world the Opry fan base could appreciate higher culture and draw a non Country audience to the Network. Then came TNN and we all know that a high percentage of appearances by the top artist at the time was on the Televised portion. But at least even the most unknow acts of standing at the Opry got a shot at it a few times a year. This idea of only the most recognizable acts appearing on TV is a lie unless they eliminate the lesser known acts from the Opry roster so you don't show up with your $125 ticket in hand and find that only half the show is what you really thought you paid for. Word of mouth is the best sells tool and when folks return home and tell their friends half the show was not as promoted, how many new tickets will that sell?
Jim
Knightsville, IN
ReplyDeletePart Two:
This brings up again what and who the Opry wants to be. If they want to maintain their special place in preserving and promoting American music the Opry's unique place in our cultural history, they have to reserve a little time and place for music that is popular but not in the mainstream. If they choose not to do that then stop taking advantage of the folks who some may feel don't add to the bottom line and turn the Opry into a once a week concert without commercials or any gab other that introductions. Call it Opry Concerts and let the Grand Old Opry name keep it's dignity and historical place in our culture if that is even acceptable in 2021. And, to many of our dismay, maybe it is time to stop thinking of it as a live radio show and admit it is becoming a live broadcast of a concert. Maybe Circle TV is the answer to all of that and that makes it easy for WSM to finally go to talk radio as they have tried to do for years. It will come in time as less and less people even know there is an AM radio.
I'm being very honest about my thoughts and not trying to controversial. I know it has to be a huge burden on the management to make money and preserve history at the same time. I can see that they are trying to preserve the history by having new folks do the songs of older artist and play some videos.
I'll beat my drum again about history in America today. I am a founding member and on the board of a railroad museum. It is tough to get younger folks interested in history. It seems like someone who posts here teaches history so maybe they can correct me but it feels like American history is not emphasized as much in school today. We are all looking ahead which is great. But it breaks my heart that we don't want to remember both the good and the bad in our history. As I've said before, Rock and Roll was tough on the bottom line of Country record sales and show dates 1955 to 1965 but during that period some of the best Country Music ever was put on wax.
You all know I'm a big fan of Bill Anderson and as I write this I must question what his 60th anniversary is going to look like and who will get to see it. He is one of three active members left that will probably now reach that mark and it will be such a shame if we are still at limited capacity in the house and some part of his anniversary is not celebrated with the greatest public exposure possible.....including Circle TV.
I will always love the Opry and stand by it. I still wear my Opry ball cap I bought some 20 years ago. But I'm worried about how it will be remembered and celebrated even five years from now.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
My main concern is this Jim.
ReplyDeleteTraditional music is alive and well in the Americana world, but Circle and the 'Opry seem to think what people want is the vapid stuff they hear on "country" radio. They are a business, and they may be right in their thinking regarding the future artist appearing on the 'Opry.
But it's bad news for those of us who like traditional country music and the new artists of today who love it and would love to perform it on the 'Opry.
I'll join in the discussion and ideally not offend anyone or sound stupid! Again, I'll say, whatever they're doing now, I think that Dan Rogers has good intentions, and at the moment, with the pandemic, we shouldn't consider any part of the Opry "normal."
DeleteI teach history, and one thing I realized is how much and how little changes. I know, that doesn't seem very profound. But I'm going to cite an example, and I don't want it to seem political--it really isn't. When I would be asked about Donald Trump tweeting all the time, I'd say it's important to remember that FDR was a pioneer in using radio and JFK TV, and Twitter is the new thing. Maybe in 20 years presidents will be talking to us via Apple watches. The other point is that often, the current generation looks back at the previous generation as a golden age because ours is so messed up; the previous generation often feels the same about the one before that.
The point is, we change. Not always happily. I haven't been happy with the Opry's changes, but bear in mind that The Solemn Old Judge didn't like the idea of real professional musicians. When Dee Kilpatrick came in, he saw that they needed to try to attract younger audience and added the Everly Brothers as members; there's a story that Ira Louvin threw his mandolin the length of the backstage area when he heard them one night. When Earl Scruggs performed there with his group, an old-timer there said they sounded like an electric bathtub in heat, but now we'd look at The Earl Scruggs Revue as not all that out there. I don't know if that's good or bad.
What is bad is when Circle, or before them the other outlets, would televise the Opry differently than TNN did, because it was false advertising. There might be three acts in an hour, all young and plugged in, but that wasn't necessarily the rest of the show; I think Byron once told of someone near him being unhappy that the whole show wasn't that way. Of course, we're unhappy that ANY of the show is that way!
But I also remember that when TNN started televising, there were rumblings that older acts were concerned they wouldn't get the chance to be on. There WERE more guests on the TNN portion, but not at first. Then Bob Whittaker succeeded Hal Durham and started putting more guests on. Then came Pete Fisher and ....
So, I don't know that we can go BACK, but when life is calmer, maybe we will see that the Opry will continue to have that horrible hour on Circle, but the rest of us will take solace in the rest of the programming.
By the way, I have no doubt they will do a big celebration, if they can, for Bill Anderson. They can bring in a lot of contemporary acts who have done his music. (I love to tell the story of seeing the video for "Whiskey Lullaby," not having heard the song, and hearing the line, "He put the bottle to his head and pulled the trigger," and thinking, Only Bill Anderson could have come up with that. So maybe Brad and Alison could be on, along with people like Jamey Johnson. The question will be the virus, and the best thing is to respond according to what that's doing. Better to keep Bill healthy!
Michael,
DeleteThanks for the insight. I was thinking you were a teacher! You make good points. And I agree about all the changes down through the history of the Opry. I think one difference is they were more gradual and less drastic in years past. If the music reflects society then maybe that is why it is changing more rapidly. Just a sign of the times and maybe that is the way it should be. Not that my age really makes any difference because I'm pretty much the same as I was at 20, but I am 55 now and certainly set in my ways.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim and Nat, I need you to talk to my students to convince them that I make sense! Thanks. And Jim, I'm also 55, and my wife claims if they ever reissue the book Who Moved My Cheese? I should be on the cover!
DeleteI was there the night Alison came on the 'Opry to help Bill sing "Whiskey Lullaby." I think that was for his fiftieth year celebration, which was quite an affair. Great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWell thought out remarks Michael. You make good sense.
For those interested, the Opry Circle Access Stream live broadcast was No. 1 for the second consecutive week with a viewership reaching 644,850. (according to Pollstar who tracks this). This was the show that featured Dailey & Vincent, Carly Pearce and Michael W. Smith.
ReplyDeleteI might add that Carly was the only performer that night who is under the age of 40.
No. 1 on "Circle TV" ??
ReplyDelete#1 on the streaming services. I am not sure Circle TV, the broadcast channels, subscribe to any of the rating services.
Delete