Grand Ole Opry 4/2 & 4/3

As the Grand Ole Opry moves into April, overall things have been pretty quiet around the Grand Ole Opry House. While things have been opening up across the country, and in Nashville, the Opry is continuing to cap the attendance at 1100 per show as they continually access the current environment. We shall see where things head as we move through spring and into summer. 

In looking at the shows for Easter weekend, there are two very nice shows coming up with a couple of interesting names on the schedule. First, once again showing her commitment to being an Opry member, Rhonda Vincent is again on the schedule. She is listed for the Saturday night show, along with another Opry member who will be making his first appearance of 2021, Ricky Skaggs. Ricky has been off the Opry for a number of months and it will be nice to see him back. 

As far as other Opry members, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky are listed for both nights, with Dailey & Vincent joining them on Friday. Yes, it seems that those are the members that seem to be supporting the show right now. 

Guesting on Friday night will be Tyler Rich, Mo Pitney, Smithfield and comedians Williams & Ree. Saturday night I see Steven Curtis Chapman along with Natalie Grant & Bernie Herms joining Ricky on the televised portion, which looks like will have an Easter theme, while the designated comedian on Saturday will be Henry Cho. 

Both shows this weekend are sold out. 

Friday April 2

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Mo Pitney; Riders In The Sky; Smithfield
8:00: Tyler Rich; Williams & Ree; Dailey & Vincent

Saturday April 3
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Rhonda Vincent; Henry Cho
8:00: Ricky Skaggs; Natalie Grant & Bernie Herms; Steven Curtis Chapman

For those who might not be aware, Natalie Grant and Bernie Herms have been married since 1999. Bernie is not only a successful Christian recording artist, but he is also an accomplished songwriter and record producer. He has worked a number of artists including He has gone on to a successful music production and songwriting career and worked with artists such as Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson, Barbra Streisand, Selena Gomez, Casting Crowns, and his wife, Natalie Grant. 

He co-wrote the GMA Dove Award Song of the Year, "East to West", with Casting Crowns vocalist, Mark Hall, at the 39th GMA Dove Awards, in 2008. The song was nominated for the Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, and the following year at the 51st Annual in the same category.

He won a Grammy Award for best contemporary Christian music performance or song for "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott and the Scott Family in 2017. The award was shared with fellow songwriters Hillary Scott & Emily Weisband.

Natalie Grant has also had a very successful career in contemporary Christian music. She received the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year four consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009), and again in 2012. She has also been nominated for eight Grammy Awards (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020).

She first started in contemporary Christian music when she auditioned for the traveling music group Truth. Later she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her solo career. There she signed with Benson Records in 1997 and began working on her self-titled debut which was released in 1999. She left Benson for Pamplin Music soon after and released the album Stronger in 2001. She then ended up at Curb Records after Pamplin folded, where she has made five solo albums as of 2012, starting with Deeper Life in 2003. Awaken was her breakthrough success, in 2005. It was RIAA certified gold. It was followed by Love Revolution on August 24, 2010 and Hurricane on October 15, 2013.

More recently, she released her tenth studio album No Stranger on September 25, 2020. It was preceded by the lead single "My Weapon" which was released on February 21, 2020.
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And now, from 50 years ago, Saturday April 3, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Carl and Pearl Butler; Johnny Carver
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Lonzo and Oscar; Jerry Smith
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Peggy Little; Crook Brothers
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Willis Brothers; Stringbean; Doug Kershaw
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Hank Locklin; Louie Roberts; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Skeeter Davis; Carl and Pearl Butler
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Johnny Carver
10:15: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Jerry Smith
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:45: Mel Tillis (host); Lorene Mann; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Stringbean; Peggy Little; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin (host); Doug Kershaw; Louie Roberts
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Let's take a look back to Saturday April 3, 1982. It was another of the Grand Ole Opry's reunion shows, and this one was extra special and bittersweet for it was the final time that two of the Opry's originals, DeFord Bailey and Alcyone Bate Beasley appeared on the Opry. 

Alcyone Bate Beasley was the daughter of Dr. Humphrey Bate and was a member of Dr. Bate's Possum Hunters. They first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in December 1925 and were the 2nd act to appear on the show, following Uncle Jimmy Thompson. Following the death of her father in 1936, Alcyone continued on with the Possum Hunters, eventually retiring in the 1950s. The Possum Hunters themselves would continue into the 1960s, during which time the four string band (Possum Hunters, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Crook Brothers and Gully Jumpers) were consolidated into two groups. Even though Mrs. Beasley retired from performing, she still was a regular visitor backstage at the Opry, and Once the reunion shows started in 1974, Mrs. Beasley would be a regular part of those shows. 

DeFord Bailey wasn't far behind The Possum Hunters as he first appeared on the Opry on June 19, 1926. DeFord was a regular part of the WSM Barn Dance, later the Grand Ole Opry, until he was fired by Opry founder George D. Hay in 1941. Despite invitations to appear as a guest on the Opry, DeFord stayed away until February 1974 when he was featured on the 1st reunion show. He would appear several more times at the Opry. 

DeFord Bailey passed away on July 2, 1982 while Alcyone Bate Beasley passed on October 17, 1982.

Here is the running order from 39 years ago, Saturday April 3, 1982: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Ernie Ashworth: Irene
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jimmy C Newman: Texas-Cajun

6:45: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Billy Bayou
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Closed My Heart's Door
David Houston: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Kitty Wells: Amigo's Guitar
Johnny Wright: Ashes of Love
Zeke Clements: I'm So Lonesome Since You Went Away/Just a Little Lovin'
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Wagonmasters: Rocky Top

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind
Curly Fox: Sweet Georgia Brown/The Old Gray Mule
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Bill Monroe: My Florida Sunshine

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jack Shook: Carry Me Back to the Lone Prairie
Alcyone Beasley: Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland
Alcyone Beasley and Jack Shook: Let the Rest of the World Go By
DeFord Bailey: Fox Chase/Cacklin' Hen/Pan American Blues/Lost John
Sid Harkreader: Never Alone Waltz/Red Wing
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
The 4 Guys: It's High Time to Get Back on My Feet
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mind Again

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Make Everyday Feel Like Sunday
The 4 Guys: It Turns Me Inside Out
Jeannie Seely: When Your House Is Not a Home
Wilburn Brothers: If I Can't Have All of You
Kitty Wells: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Johnny Wright: Poison Love
Wagonmasters: Old Flames
Porter Wagoner: The Man in the Little White Suit/Ol' Slewfoot

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over

10:15: Sunbeam
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill
Zeke Clements: God Made it All; It Belongs to Him/Smoke on the Water
Jimmy C Newman: (?)

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jack Shook: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold
Alcyone Beasley and Jack Shook: Someone Like You
Sid Harkreader: Amazing Grace/Sally Goodin

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): There'll Be Anyone Else But You for Me
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Lonzo and Oscar: Rocky Top
Roy Drusky: Just a Closer Walk With Thee

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

11:30: Bama
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Charlie Louvin: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight/We Could
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words/Muddy Water
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/That's All Right/Don't Let Me Touch You/Good Hearted Woman/18 Yellow Roses/I Don't Know Why/El Paso

As happened often with the reunion shows, this one went off the track once the original old-timers  appeared on Roy Acuff's segments. On the 1st show, his 30 minute slot ran just over 45 minutes, while the 15 minute slot on the 2nd show that Roy hosted ran almost 30 minutes. The 2nd show ended just before 1:00 a.m. 

It was an impressive group of returning Opry members that night: Kitty Wells, Johnny Wright, Zeke Clements, Curly Fox, Jack Shook, Alcyone Beasley, DeFord Bailey, Sid Harkreader, Duke of Paducah and Carl Butler, along with current Opry members Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Crook Brothers, Fruit Jar Drinkers and Kirk McGee. About the only two missing that you would have expected to attend was current member Minnie Pearl and former member Pee Wee King. 

That will wrap it up for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. 

 

Grand Ole Opry 3/26 & 3/27

It's another weekend of shows at the Grand Ole Opry and it looks like it is going to be another good weekend with both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry sold out. 

There is some good news regarding the schedule as Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers are scheduled for Friday night and the following Tuesday Night Opry. Larry cancelled out at the Opry a couple of weeks back as he had Covid, which he said he got after he had his second Covid vaccine. 

Other names of note include Grand Ole Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys, who will be making their first Opry appearance of 2021, and will be on the televised portion on Saturday night along with Brandy Clark and Steve Earle. 

Also on the schedule is Jeannie Seely, who missed last weekend as she was traveling, as are Opry members Terri Clark, joining Jeannie on Friday, and Riders In The Sky, who are scheduled for Saturday. 

Suzy Bogguss is on the schedule for Friday night. I personally have thought that Suzy would make a good Opry member. And finally, Brad Upton is scheduled as the designated comedian for both of the weekend nights. 

Friday March 26
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Jack Hoot; Ashley Campbell; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
8:00: Suzy Bogguss; Brad Upton; Terri Clark

Saturday March 27
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Maggie Rose; Brad Upton
8:00: Oak Ridge Boys; Brandy Clark; Steve Earle
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It was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry 50 years ago, as it was on Saturday March 27, 1971 that the late Jan Howard became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Some artists sing country songs. Some live them. Jan Howard has done a lot of living and entertained a whole lot of fans between the year in which she was born in West Plains, Missouri and the year she returned to her home state to be inducted into its Country Music Hall of Fame. After spending time in California, Jan moved to Nashville and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1959. Her first solo single the next year, “The One You Slip Around With,” was a Top 10 hit, and both Billboard and Cashbox magazines named her their Most Promising Country Vocalist of the year.

Jan lived up to the promise in subsequent years with more than 20 Top 40 singles. She also made a name for herself in live shows alongside good friends Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, among others.

Among Jan’s biggest solo hits were “Evil on Your Mind,” (named one of country music’s 500 greatest singles by the book “Heartaches by the Number”) “Bad Seed” and “Count Your Blessings, Woman.” Even while she was on the charts as a solo artist, she was also enjoying success as a part of Bill Anderson’s syndicated TV show and tour. Together, the two Opry members topped the charts with “For Loving You,” a month-long No. 1 in 1967.

Meanwhile, Jan was also writing big hits for others in the business including Bill (“Love Is a Sometimes Thing”), Kitty Wells (“It’s All Over But the Crying”) and Connie Smith (“I Never Once Stopped Loving You”).

Jan’s single “My Son,” a song that began as a letter to her son Jimmy in Vietnam, was released just a few weeks before he was killed in action in 1968. Several years later, Jan’s efforts on behalf of the armed forces, mental health, the Veterans Administration, Vietnam veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial earned her the Tennessee Adjutant General’s Distinguished Patriot Medal, its highest civilian honor. And in 2005, the Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented her with the Medal of Merit, which is awarded for “exceptional service rendered to country, community and mankind.”

A regular guest on the Opry for years beforehand, Jan formally joined the cast in 1971. Since then, she’s performed on countless radio and television shows, including everything from The Today Show to Family Feud. In 2002, she made her acting debut in Changing Hearts, alongside Faye Dunaway and fellow Opry member Jeannie Seely.

While her recording and touring career ended, Jan continued performing on the Grand Ole Opry until retiring from performing in 2015. While she stopped performing, Jan was still around and there would be times that she would drop by the Opry for a visit with some of her friends. Personally, I always enjoyed meeting Jan and was sorry to see her retire. 

Here is the running order from 50 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Ray Pillow: Grazin' in Greener Grass
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): There's a Whole Lot About a Woman a Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Please Be My New Love
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): My Little Georgia Rose
Earl Scruggs Revue: Loraderojosp III Breakdown
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is a Soul Man
James William Monroe: Come With Me Up Happiness Hill
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Top
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Jan Howard: Evil on Your Mind
George Morgan: For the Good Times
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Grandpa Jones: Fair & Tender Ladies
Bill Anderson and Jan Howard: Someday We'll Be Together

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Tex Ritter: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Lonzo and Oscar: Crawdad Song

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): The Carroll County Accident
Dolly Parton: Coming For to Carry Me Home
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Tom T. Hall: Ballad of 40 Dollars
Porter Wagoner: The Last One to Touch Me
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Better Move It on Home

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Change My World By Changing Your Mind
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
Jan Howard: Were You There
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Earl Scruggs Revue: Bugle Call Rag
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

10:15: Union 76
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa Jones: Dooley
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Billy Walker: Make the World Go Away

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Jack Greene: There's a Whole Lot About a Woman a Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stringbean: Lonesome Road Blues
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Better Move It On Home

11:00: Coca Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Instrumental
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Lonzo and Oscar: There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Ronnie Robbins: Put Your Hand in the Hand/Today I Started Loving You Again
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/Don't Worry/A Heart Full of Love/Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Marty Robbins and Ronnie Robbins: It Finally Happened

Jan Howard made her Grand Ole Opry debut in October 1959. "I was terrified that night," she recalled. "Ray Price introduced me on the Prince Albert portion of the show, and his exact words were, 'Tear 'em a new one, hon!' And I don't remember another thing that happened. That's how frightened I was." 

After her Opry debut, Jan went back to California where she worked as a secretary. At the time, she was married to songwriter Harlan Howard and in June 1960, they moved to Nashville. Jan, thanks to her one hit, "The One You Slip Around With," was offered a recording contract and began guesting on the Opry. 

"I was a guest for years," Jan said. "I started guesting there when Ott Devine was the manager and then Bill Anderson and I started working together in '65, and so I was part of the Bill Anderson show on the Opry. In the meantime, Bud Wendell became manager and I saw him at a party one Thursday night and he said, 'Well, I'll see you at the Opry tomorrow night.'" Jan went on to explain to Bud that she was not going to be at the Opry, because she was not a member and was booked elsewhere. At that point, Bud said, "Well, you are going to be there!" Two nights later,  March 27, 1971, Jan was made an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

As Jan told the story, she was made a member on Friday March 27, 1971. However, March 27 was a Saturday night, so I just think there was a little confusion as to the exact date. 

Jan Howard passed away on March 28, 2020 at the age of 91. She had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 49 years. 
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As we remember Jan Howard, let's take a moment to send positive thoughts and prayers to B.J. Thomas, who yesterday posted that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. B.J. is a former Grand Ole Opry member and even after he gave up his membership he was known to make guest appearances. I saw him several times on the Opry and he was always well received. _________________________________________________________________________

Finally to finish it up, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, March 30: 

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Drew Baldridge; Rhett Akins; Charlie McCoy
8:00: Dusty Slay; Wendy Moten; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
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That covers it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/19 & 3/20

When ever I look at the line-up for the Grand Ole Opry shows, I will look for certain names. One of the names I look for is Carly Pearce, and once again, she is scheduled for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Carly has made more recent appearances than any other non-member and she has always expressed her love of the Opry and how she would one day like to be an Opry member. Jeannie Seely, in particular, seems to have made it known that she would like to see Carly join the cast. Because of that, each time many of us see Carly listed on the schedule, we wonder, will this be the week that it happens? 

Nobody really knows, but I will put it out there that it could be. For what it is worth, she is scheduled for the final slot on the televised portion of the Opry, and she is also listed on the schedule for April 10, which is already sold out. She also has a new album out that is doing very well and has been nominated for three ACM awards (single record, vocal event, female vocalist), with the show taking place on Sunday April 18. 

Another name on the schedule for this week is Rissi Palmer, who is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. This will be her first Opry appearance in 13 years. 

“It’s always special to perform at the Opry,” Palmer said. “I am so excited to return with a renewed sense of what it all means to me as an artist.”

She made her Opry debut in 2007, on the heels of her debut single release “Country Girl.” The song reached No. 54 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and with it, Palmer became the first Black female country artist to land on the country music charts in two decades, since Dona Mason in 1987. Her eponymous debut album also contained songs including “Hold On To Me” and “No Air” (on the 2008 re-release). She lent her creativity to an array of projects, including the holiday single “Grown Up Christmas List,” the children’s album Best Day Ever, and the EP The Back Porch Sessions. Her most recent album, Revival, came in 2019.

In looking at the rest of the schedule for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky and Mark Wills are scheduled for both nights and they will be joined on Saturday night by Craig Morgan. And who else besides me, enjoyed seeing the Riders on the televised portion last Saturday night? They were certainly on their game and I was happy to see that they were allotted a full 15 minutes to open the broadcast. They were wonderful. 

Besides Rissi Palmer on Friday and Carly Pearce on Saturday, other non-members this week include Charlie Worsham and comedian Gary Mule Deer, who are scheduled for both nights, and that duo will be joined on Friday by Tenille Arts and Austin Jenckes, while on Saturday The Isaacs are scheduled. 

Friday March 19

7:00: Riders In The Sky; Tenille Arts; Austin Jenckes; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Rissi Palmer; Charlie Worsham; Mark Wills

Saturday March 20
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Riders In The Sky; Charlie Worsham; Mark Wills; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Craig Morgan; The Isaacs; Carly Pearce
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday March 20, 1971:

1st show
6:30: Glaser Brothers (host); Justin Tubb
6:45: Hank Locklin (host); Penny DeHaven
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Jim and Jesse; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Billy Grammer; George Morgan; Stringbean
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Charlie Walker; Chase Webster; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Glaser Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Justin Tubb; George Morgan
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Hank Locklin; James William Monroe
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim and Jesse
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Stringbean; Bill Carlisle
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Billy Grammer; Crook Brothers
11:00: Charlie Walker (host); Chase Webster; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Penny DeHaven; Ronnie Robbins; Cousin Jody

So who was Chase Webster? 
Born  Gary Daniel Bruce, he is probably most noted for writing the song "Moody River," which became a No. 1 hit for Pat Boone in May 1961. The song was also recorded by Johnny Burnette, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Rivers, and in 2009 by John Fogerty. Other than that, there is very little known about this forgotten singer. He was born near Franklin, Tennessee and was a regular on the TV show Country Carnival. He had some minor hits that he recorded for Dot records, but nothing that defined his career. 
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Looking back at the Opry's history, March was the time for a few of the Opry's annual reunion shows, often referred to as "Old Timer's Night," when former and retired Opry members would come back to appear on the show. The nickname stuck as many of the earlier shows featured performers who went back tot the Opry's earliest days. The first show took place in 1974, prior to the Opry moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House. 

I'm going back to revisit two of the reunion shows, the first taking place on March 20, 1976. Here is the running order from that show: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): My Shoes Keep Walking to You
Willis Brothers: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Charlie Walker: Marbles

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday/Cold Brown Bottle
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walking

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): If You Can Live With It
Dottie West: (?)
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Honey Wilds: Sittin' on Top of the World
Chet Atkins: (?)/Wheels/Wildwood Flower/Freight Train/(?)
Sid Harkreader: Mockingbird Breakdown/Amazing Grace/Red Wing/
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Cotton-Eyed Joe

8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Connie Smith: Til I Kissed You
Hank Locklin: These Arms You Push Away
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
Jimmy Driftwood: The Mixed Up Family

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Willis Brothers: Maiden's Prayer/Faded Love
Dottie West: Last Time I Saw Him
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water
Charlie Walker: Marbles
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes/That's What Made Me Love You

10:00: Fender
Minnie Pearl (MC): (?)
Connie Smith: Til I Kissed You
Justin Tubb: Keep Me from Blowing Away
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound Hammer
Jan Howard: Make the World Go Away
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Make Me a Pallet Down on the Floor
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae
Pee Wee King: Bonaparte's Retreat
Grandpa Jones: In My Dear Old Southern Home

10:45: Beechnut
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Mississippi Sawyer
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Hank Locklin: These Arms You Push Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Skeeter Davis: Midnight Blues
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: Address Unknown

11:30: Elm Hill
Roy Drusky (host): Truck Driving Man
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Count Me Out
Jimmy Dickens: Family Reunion/We Could
Roy Drusky: This Life of Mine

Despite all that talent, the Opry only ran over about 15 minutes. Also of note is that Minnie Pearl did host a segment, however as was the case in those days, a female host (which seldom happened and if it did it most likely was Minnie) was not called a host, but was referred to as an MC. 
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Finally, let's move it up a year to 1977, with the reunion show taking place on March 19. 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Happiness
Zeke Clements: Just a Little Lovin'/Why Should I Cry Over You
Mary Lou Turner: Love It Away
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner: Sometimes

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Wilma Lee Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Justin Tubb: Sweetwater, Texas
Willis Brothers: Anytime/Just a Little Lovin'
Billy Grammer: East Tennessee Blues

7:00: Shoney's
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
Skeeter Davis: Desperado/He Will Be There
Paul Howard: Come On In Baby; The Boogie's Fine Tonight
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Wilburn Brothers: Get All Excited

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Honey Wilds: 12th St. Rag
Sarie: Comedy
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Roy Acuff: The Heart That Was Broken For Me

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Pee Wee King: Bonaparte's Retreat/Tennessee Waltz
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule/Mockingbird
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold
Bill Monroe: Mule Skinner Blues

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
The 4 Guys: Cotton Fields/Maria/Turn Around, Look at Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Wedding Bells/I Can't Help It/You Win Again/Your Cheatin' Heart/Cold, Cold Heart
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Gone at Last
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas 
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Mary Lou Turner: It's Different With You
Bill Anderson: Liars 1; Believers 0

10:00: Fender
Jimmy C Newman (host); Jambalaya
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Wilma Lee Cooper: Gathering Flowers from the Hillside
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Just a Friend
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Zeke Clements: Anytime
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Trailblazer
Bill Monroe (host): My Blue Eyed Darling
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Justin Tubb: As Long as There's a Sunday
Bill Monroe: Monroe's Blues

10:45: Beechnut
Charlie Walker (host): The Lord Knows I'm Drinking
The 4 Guys: Top of the World
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth of January
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Merry Go Round of Love
Stu Phillips: Have a Nice Day
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Stu Phillips: It Is No Secret
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: I Keep Dreaming of You All the Time

11:30: Elm Hill
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Flyer
Marion Worth: Just a Little Lovin'/An Old Love Turned Memory
Lonzo and Oscar: Las Vegas
Osborne Brothers: Smokey Mountain Smoke
Sonny Osborne: Rubin

When looking back at not only these two line-ups, but at other reunion shows, the majority of the old timers returning would appear just during the first show. One exception was usually Pee Wee King, who among the older former Opry members, was still active and enjoyed coming back and visiting. Another one was the Duke of Paducah. Wonderful memories. 
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Finally, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry March 23

7:00: The Swon Brothers; Jerrod Niemann; Adam Hambrick; Riders In The Sky
8:00: Lindsay Ell; Henry Cho; Dailey & Vincent

Glad to see more artists coming out to support the Opry. 

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

Grand Ole Opry 3/12 & 3/13

Last week saw the addition of the Friday Night Opry to the weekly schedule and this week will see the return of the Tuesday Night Opry as things get back to a somewhat more normal situation at the Opry.  While there are additional shows, capacity is still limited to 1100. Some good news, as reported by Jeannie Seely on the Friday Night Opry: the Opry House has opened back up the bar. For some of the folks attending, it might have been the highlight of the night. 

In looking at the posted schedule for this weekend, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky are back for both nights, continuing the current pattern. As an extra treat, Riders In The Sky will be on the televised segment this week on Circle. Very happy to see that this veteran Opry act is getting some quality time on the network. The only other Opry members appearing this weekend are Dailey & Vincent, who are scheduled for both night. 

Guesting on Friday night is someone who should be an Opry member, Mandy Barnett. She will be joined by Erin Enderlin, Rodney Atkins and John Crist. 

Joining Riders In The Sky on the televised segment Saturday will be Jimmie Allen, bluegrass artist Sam Bush and the ever popular Sara Evans. The opening hour has Niko Moon and T. Graham Brown on the schedule. 

Friday March 12

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Erin Enderlin; Rodney Atkins
8:00: Mandy Barnett; John Crist; Dailey & Vincent

Saturday March 13
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; T. Graham Brown; Niko Moon; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: Riders In The Sky; Jimmie Allen; Sam Bush Sara Evans

Tuesday night March 15 starts the return of the Tuesday Night Opry and there is a pretty nice line-up with the newest Opry member Rhonda Vincent once again on the Opry schedule. 

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Travis Denning; Susie McEntire; Don Schlitz
8:00: Michael Ray; Gary Mule Deer; Rhonda Vincent

Yes, Susie McEntire is Reba's sister. Raised in a house with 4 children who cut their teeth on ranch work, sports, singing, and rodeo, Susie says all of these activities helped mold her values and shape her character into the woman she is today.  “My mama and daddy didn’t have a lot of money, but they had determination and a great work ethic. They instilled that in us, and gave us lots of opportunities.”

Susie started singing in front of a crowd in 2nd grade, and continued to meekly appear onstage with her brother and sister as  “The Singing McEntires” in high school and toured with Reba (in the years Reba got her first bus) 1980-1982.   She also appeared with Reba on the Opry, Johnny Carson Show, and Hee Haw. “I am very thankful to Reba for the opportunities she gave me”. 

In 1984 she said yes to God to sing for a different purpose. She was on fire to share her message, and the world opened up as she and her young family traveled literally ‘across the globe’.  In the meantime,  she recorded 17 albums.

Susie is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and an amazing seasoned performer with an amazing story, an ability to connect with the audience and make them feel like friends.

Final note: For those wondering, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers were originally scheduled for Saturday and Tuesday, however they were taken off the final posted schedule. 
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From 50 years ago, Saturday March 13, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Billy Grammer (host); Del Wood; The 4 Guys
6:45: Tex Ritter (host); Bill Carlisle; Justin Tubb
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Osborne Brothers; George Morgan; Charlie Walker
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Stringbean; Tom T. Hall; Jim and Jesse; Willis Brothers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host); Willis Brothers; Billy Grammer; Bill Carlisle
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); George Morgan; Del Wood
10:15: Osborne Brothers (host); Skeeter Davis; Hank Locklin; The 4 Guys
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Tom T. Hall
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Stringbean; Charlie Walker; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Jim and Jesse; Ray Pillow; Don Winters
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Now going back a few years to Saturday March 13, 1965 on a night that Johnny Cash appeared on the Opry. 

7:30: Luzianne
Wilburn Brothers (host); I'm Gonna Tie One on Tonight
Margie Bowes: Big City
Ernie Ashworth: Love Has Come My Way
Curly Fox: Sally Goodin
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Harold Morrison: The Bicycle Song
Margie Bowes: Once A Day
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Wilburn Brothers: I Had One Too Many

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): I Know What it Means to Be Lonesome
Bill Carlisle: Juanita
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Cattle Call
Flatt and Scruggs: Who Will Sing for Me
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Bill Carlisle: Rough Stuff
Flatt and Scruggs: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Bill Monroe: Roanoke
Grandpa Jones: Them Chickens Roost Too High
June Stearns: Faded Love
Roy Acuff: Freight Train Blues
Oswald: John Hardy
Bill Monroe: I Saw the Light
Grandpa Jones: The Champion
Roy Acuff: Shake My Mother's Hand for Me

9:00: Pet Milk
Jimmy Newman (host): Back in Circulation
Jim and Jesse: Wild Georgia Boys
Marion Worth: The Hands You're Holding Now
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Jimmy Newman: City of the Angels
The Harden Trio: Poor Boy
Jim and Jesse: Better Time's A' Comin'
Marion Worth: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jimmy Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

9:30: Kellogg's
Bobby Lord (host): Take the Bucket to the Well
Lonzo and Oscar: Fingers
June Carter: Worried Man Blues
Johnny Cash: Orange Blossom Special
Johnny Cash and June Carter: It Ain't Me Babe
Johnny Cash and The Carter Family: Were You There
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning

10:00: Schick
Bill Carlisle (host): The Great Snowman
Curly Fox: Jack of Diamonds
Margie Bowes: I'm Alone Because I Love You
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted

10:15: Mary Carter Paint
Bill Monroe (host): Panhandle Country
Dottie West: Didn't I
Del Wood: Alone With You
Bill Monroe: Careless Love

10:30: Harvey's
Flatt and Scruggs (host): The Good Things
Grandpa Jones: Oh, Suzannah
Flatt and Scruggs: Father's Table Grace
Earl Scruggs: Cannon ball Blues

10:45: Newport
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
June Stearns: Alone With You
Roy Acuff: The Things That Might Have Been

11:00: Coca Cola
Bobby Lord (host): That's All Right
Carter Family: Sail Away Ladies
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/Orange Blossom Special/Ballad of a Teenage Queen/Amen
The Harden Trio: Let It Be Me
Bobby Lord: When the Snow Falls
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Carter Family: I Want to Hear Little David Play
Sam and Kirk McGee: Gotta Travel On
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

11:30: Lava
Jimmy Newman (host): Alligator Man
Lonzo and Oscar: Rip and Snort
Marion Worth: Begging to You
Jim and Jesse: Ol' Slewfoot
Jimmy Newman: You're Still on My Mind
Alan Shelton: Mocking Banjo
Marion Worth: Go on Home
Lonzo and Oscar: There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Jimmy Newman: Back in Circulation

Of course, 1965 was the year that Johnny smashed the lights out on the Opry stage and was told not to come back. That incident happened a little later in the year. 
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Finally, Saturday March 13, 1999 was a big date at the Opry as Trisha Yearwood joined the cast of the show. Here is the posted line-up from both nights 22 years ago: 

Friday March 12
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Louvin; Jean Shepard; Billy Walker
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Ricky Skaggs; Ralph Stanley; The Whites
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Jeannie Seely
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Walker; Skeeter Davis; Mike Snider; Holly Dunn
9:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Janie Fricke; John Conlee

Saturday March 13
1st show
6:30; Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Bill Carlisle; Janie Fricke
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Trisha Yearwood
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Marty Stuart; John Prine; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ricky Skaggs; The Whites; Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Trisha Yearwood
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Randy Scruggs
10:15: Jimmy Dickens (host); Mike Snider
10:30: Marty Stuart (host); John Prine
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Holly Dunn; John Conlee; Jeannie Seely; Billy Walker
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); Jack Greene; Jeanne Pruett; Del Reeves; Stonewall Jackson

Here is a thought for you and remember, this was just 22 years ago. Of the 23 acts on the Friday Night Opry, only 8 are still actively performing today: Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Mike Snider, Janie Fricke and John Conlee. 

Of the 28 artists that performed on Saturday night, only 10 are still active: Janie Fricke, Trisha Yearwood, Bill Anderson, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Vince Gill, Mike Snider, John Conlee and Jeannie Seely. 

And 22 years wasn't that long ago. 

On a final note regarding a couple of upcoming dates: Bill Anderson will celebrate his 60th anniversary as an Opry member on Saturday July 17, while October 30 will be the date of the Opry's 5,000 consecutive Saturday night Grand Ole Opry. 

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/5 & 3/6

As we enter into March, the big news this weekend is the return of the Friday Night Opry. Hopefully the Friday night shows are here to stay and that they will be well supported by the public. 

Looking at what is lined up for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members listed for the Friday Night Opry include regulars Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Also listed on the schedule is the Opry's newest member Rhonda Vincent. Nice to see that Rhonda is already taking her membership seriously. 

Guest artists on Friday night include Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, along with Waylon Payne, and making his Opry debut, Willie Jones. 

Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky are back for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, where they will be joined by member Chris Young. Guesting on Saturday will be very frequent Opry guest Elizabeth Cook, along with Jameson Rodgers, Whitney Duncan, Tenille Towns and comedian Henry Cho. 

Friday March 5
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Waylon Payne; Riders In The Sky; Willie Jones
8:00: Don Schlitz; Rhonda Vincent

Saturday March 6
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Whitney Duncan; Riders In The Sky; Henry Cho
8:00: Chris Young; Elizabeth Cook; Jameson Rodgers; Tenille Townes

While it is nice to see the Friday Night Opry back, sadly it is just a 90 minute show
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As mentioned, Willie Jones will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. 

Willie Jones is a Shreveport, LA native who is a The Penthouse recording artist and Warner Chappell songwriter. He seamlessly blends hip-hop and country music, paving the way for a genre-expanding sound that’s truly signature to Jones himself. Armed with more than 1 million followers across social platforms, he recently debuted his own Apple Music show called “The Cross Roads Radio.” Willie is slated for Stagecoach 2021 and C2C London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Glasgow (health regulations pending). Jones just released his debut album ‘Right Now’ (The Penthouse / EMPIRE), amassing a cumulative stream count of 27.5M to date on Spotify, featuring the poignant patriotic single “American Dream.” The video clip of this anthem was jointly premiered on CMT and BET, a first for the networks. The rising artist has been covered by NPR All Things Considered, Forbes, Rolling Stone, E! News, PEOPLE, MTV and more. 
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday March 6, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Tex Ritter (host); Bobby Lord; Lonzo and Oscar
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers; Stu Phillips; Ray Pillow
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis; Stringbean; Jim and Jesse
7:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Billy Grammer; Charlie Louvin and Diane McCall; Crook Brothers; Ernie Ashworth; Tommy Cash
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Hank Locklin; Charlie Walker
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim Ed Brown; Bob Luman; Fruit Jar Drinkers; George Hamilton; The 4 Guys

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers; George Hamilton IV; Bobby Lord; Stringbean; Lonzo and Oscar
10:00: Tex Ritter (host); Stu Phillips
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jim and Jesse; Ray Pillow
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Louvin; Ernie Ashworth
10:45: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Billy Grammer; Charlie Walker; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Jimmy C Newman; Tommy Cash; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Jim Ed Brown; The 4 Guys; Bob Luman
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Looking back to March 5, 1983 which was the final night at the Opry for WSM radio personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Chuck Morgan. 

Chuck Morgan recently posted this on his Facebook page and I hope he will not mind me sharing this: 

Saturday March 5, 1983 was my last night on The Grand Ole Opry.   Only a few times did I ever get called out to center stage and into the “circle”.    And the times that I got called out to the “circle”, it was always by the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff.    I was always very proud to announce Mr. Acuff’s portions of The Grand Ole Opry, usually sponsored by Martha White Flour.   And I loved reading that commercial copy on the Opry, and saying “Goodness gracious its good.”

What a tough decision it was to leave WSM, The Grand Ole Opry, Music Country Network, The Nashville Network and Nashville.

Larry Schmittou, owner of the Nashville Sounds,  called me in December of 1982 and told me that he taking a job with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club in Arlington, Texas and he said, I know it’s a shot in the dark, but how would you like to work in the big leagues?  I turned Larry down.    I had a lot of things going on, The Nashville Network was just starting up.   The Music Country Network was going strong in its first year.   It was the first ever satellite delivered radio show, my competition at the time was Larry King.  Larry talked politics, we talked country music and to the stars that came by night after night.   Announcing at The Grand Ole Opry, I loved the Opry and what it meant to country music and Nashville.

In December of 1982, I lost one of my good friends In Nashville and The Grand Ole Opry, Marty Robbins  I have hundreds of hours of me and Marty on the radio at WSM.   Sometimes, he would come by to visit with me on the radio a couple of times a week.   Sometimes he would call in from the road.   He was a great friend.   His passing had a big impact on me.    After that, I think I lost something on the air, something just didn’t feel right.   And that feeling continued after the first of the year.    I think Marty’s passing played a role in my decision to leave WSM and the Music Country Network. 

I thought more about being in big league baseball, I thought about what I would be doing when I was 50, would I still be playing records on the network or WSM?   I was Larry’s first PA guy with the Sounds, if I go to Texas, I will have to do more than just be a PA guy, he said something about selling program ads and promotions, whoa, I never had sold anything before.   More I thought about it, maybe I should go to Texas.    I didn’t know much about the Rangers other than Buddy Bell, Jim Sundberg and Charlie Hough.  And that the ballpark in Texas had a big Texas shaped scoreboard.  I had seen some Rangers games on USA Network’s Thursday Night Baseball. 

After thinking about it, I called Larry in late February and told him I was coming to join him in Texas.

After announcing Roy Acuff on the Martha White Flour portion of The Grand Ole Opry, 30 days later, almost to the day, I was announcing Buddy Bell playing 3rd base for the Texas Rangers.

Here is the running order from 36 years ago, Saturday March 5, 1983:

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
George Hamilton (host): I Love Music
Jeannie Seely: Roarin' & Runnin'
George Hamilton IV: 'Til I Can Gain Control Again

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): One Away From One Too Many Heartaches
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Billy Walker: Looking Through the Eyes of Love

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Love, Come Home
Skeeter Davis: Rock-A-Bye Boogie
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Movin' On/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Night Train to Memphis/New River Train/Gotta Travel On/The Lord Made a Hobo Out of Me
Bill Monroe (host): The Old Crossroads Is Waiting

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Teddy Wilburn: Lovesick Blues
Lonzo and Oscar: Mountain Music
Roy Drusky: Always
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Thank You, Darling

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilma Lee Cooper: He Taught Them How
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Connie Smith: The Keys in the Mailbox/When God Dips His Love in My Heart

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
The 4 Guys: I Don't Want Your Love Forever
Jan Howard: Lord, I Hope this Day is Good
Charlie Louvin and Diane Berry: Running Wild
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
The 4 Guys: Ruby Red
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
George Hamilton IV: 'Til I Can Gain Control Again
Ray Pillow: Your One Memory That I Would Like to Make Again
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Billy Walker: One Away From One Too Many Heartaches
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love
Bill Monroe: Right On

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Drusky (host): What About You
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Movin' On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis/New River Train/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/The Lord Made a Hobo Out of Me
Roy Drusky: One Day at a Time

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigre
Jimmy Dickens: Geraldine
Roy Acuff: Glorybound Train

10:45: Beechnut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
Wilma Lee Cooper: He Taught Me How
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dusty Miller
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's a Sunday
Kirk McGee: Milk'em In the Evening Blues
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island

11:30: Hardee's
Jimmy C Newman (host): (?)
Jan Howard: Gold Watch & Chain/Where No One Stands Alone
Charlie Louvin: I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Charlie Louvin, Buck Evans and Diane Berry: Red, Red Wine
Cajun Country: Little Cajun Queen

When I listen to my old Opry tapes and hear Chuck Morgan announcing a segment, I realize just how good he was. He was so smooth reading those commercials, and as he wrote, he was usually announcing Roy Acuff's segment on the 2nd show. 

For those wondering, Chuck is still alive and working with the Texas Rangers, doing the announcing in their home ballpark. He is on Facebook and posts regularly and I do believe that he reads this blog on occasion. 

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