Grand Ole Opry 7/2 & 7/3

With the calendar turning to the month of July and the July 4th weekend upon us, a couple of notes to share prior to looking at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend. 

First, Circle TV will not be televising the Opry live this weekend, instead offering up a replay of a previous show. I would assume that Bobby Bones and the entire crew are taking the holiday weekend off. In looking back, and if my memory serves me, this will be the first Saturday night without a live telecast since the Circle shows began in March 2020. That is an amazing run when you think about it. I know there were weeks where TNN did not show a live Opry show and I seem to remember the same from CMT and GAC. So I would say that after 15 months, the crew deserves a weekend off. 

The second item involves the return of the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree. 

Here is the official word: 

This Saturday marks the return of Ernest Tubb's Midnite Jamboree to its home, right here, at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. We are thrilled to have Darin & Brooke Aldridge as the hosts for this special night. Longtime Opry and Midnite Jamboree announcer, Keith Bilbrey, will be guest announcing. It will be LIVE and free to attend. The show starts at 10pm. Let's kick off this new chapter of the Midnite Jamboree in style. Thanks a lot.

It is going to be a busy weekend for Darin & Brooke Aldridge, as in addition to hosting the Midnite Jamboree, they are also going to be appearing on both Opry shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Guesting with them both nights will be John Berry and John Crist. 

There are just two Opry members scheduled each night, with Riders In The Sky and Pam Tillis scheduled to appear on Friday night and Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press listed for Saturday night. While Jeannie and the Riders have been making regular appearances in 2021, this will be the first appearance for Pam and just the second appearance for Bobby. 

Besides Darin & Brooke, and the two Johns, non-members appearing on Friday include T. Graham Brown, Emily Ann Roberts and Sister Hazel, while on Saturday night the Swon Brothers, Janelle Arthur and former "Nashville" star Charles Esten are listed. 

Friday July 2:
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Emily Ann Roberts; Darin & Brooke Aldridge; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Sister Hazel; T. Graham Brown; John Crist; Pam Tillis

Saturday July 3
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Swon Brothers; Darin & Brooke Aldridge; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Janelle Arthur; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; John Crist; Charles Esten

Overall, a very average show at best. 
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And now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 3, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Harold Weakley
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Del Wood; Johnny Russell
7:00: Justin Tubb (host); Bill Carlisle; Wilma Burgess; Stan Hitchcock
7:30: Charlie Walker (host); Grandpa Jones; Ernie Ashworth; Crook Brothers
8:00: Bobby Bare (host); Connie Smith; Joe & Rose Lee Maphis; Brooks Brothers
8:30: Tom T. Hall (host); Charlie Louvin; Diane McCall; The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Claude Gray

2nd show
9:30: Charlie Walker (host); Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee Cooper; Stan Hitchcock
10:00: Ray Pillow (host); Bill Carlisle; Johnny Russell
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host); Justin Tubb; Del Wood; Diane McCall
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Wilma Burgess; Claude Gray
10:45: Bobby Bare (host); Joe & Rose Lee Maphis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tom T. Hall (host); Connie Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); LaWanda Lindsey; The 4 Guys; Marion Worth
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There is another Grand Ole Opry anniversary to celebrate this weekend as Alison Krauss will be celebrating her 28th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Alison joined the Opry's cast on July 3, 1993 and here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Del Reeves: Bad News

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down the Country
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Grandpa Jones: Little Old Home Down in New Orleans

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): I'll Be There
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Charlie Walker: There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool

7:30: Standard Candy
The 4 Guys (host): If It's from the Country, It's Coming from the Heart
George Hamilton IV: Has Anyone Here Seen Hank
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand off My Knee & Load the Cannon
Alison Krauss: Atlanta, I Hear You Calling/Big Mon
The 4 Guys: The Star Spangled Banner

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jean Shepard: Bouquet of Roses
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Porter Wagoner: Happy Birthday Ben Smathers
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Address Unknown
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Roy Drusky: Son, Go Bring My Children Home
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That Was Good in My Life

2nd show: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Alison Krauss: (?)/Molly & Tenbrooks
Porter Wagoner: Wabash Cannonball/The Precious Jewel/Fireball Mail Night Train to Memphis/The Great Speckled Bird/On a Highway Headed South

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Bald Headed End of the Broom
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Gloryland March
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Grandpa Jones: Gone Home

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
The 4 Guys (host): We're Only Here for a Little While
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot

10:30: Piccadilly
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down to the River/I Saw the Light/Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Charlie Walker: There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

10:45: Opry Book
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sail Away Ladies
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ancient History
Roy Drusky: Mississippi
Justin Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Jack Greene: Walking on New Grass/Statue of a Fool
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song/Are You Lonesome Tonight

11:30: General Jackson
George Hamilton IV (host): This Land is Your Land
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Jan Howard: Wayfaring Stranger
Mike Snider: Bells of St. Mary's
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
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Several of the readers have asked for more of the older line-ups, so I am happy to post this one from 67 years ago, Saturday July 3, 1954: 

7:30: Prince Albert
George Morgan (host): Walking Shoes
Rod Brasfield: Gags
Carter Sisters: My Destiny
Dance: Old Joe Clark
George Morgan: The Great Judgement Morning
Moon Mullican: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Minnie Pearl: Gags
Carter Sisters: Well I Guess I Told You Off
George Morgan: I Think I'm Gonna Cry
Dance: Grey Eagle

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): I Know My Baby Loves Me
Webb Pierce: Even Tho
Marty Robbins: Pretty Words
Johnny and Jack: You Are Just What the Doctor Ordered
Ernest Tubb: Jealous Lovin' Heart
Kitty Wells: He's Married To Me
Possum Hunters: Billy in the Low Ground
Webb Pierce: Sparkling Brown Eyes
Marty Robbins: Don't Make Me Ashamed
Dale Potter: Mocking Bird

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jug Band: Bill Bailey
Martha Carson: I'll Bow Down
Lonzo and Oscar: Crazy About You Baby
Roy Acuff: Thank God
Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Jimmy Riddle: Silver Bells
Howdy Forrester: Bill Cheatham

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Carl Smith (host): Go Boy Go
Jimmy Dickens: It May Be Silly
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Ray Price: Much Too Young To Die
Anita Carter: Heartless Romance
Jordanaires: Tattler's Wagon
Carl Smith: If You Tried As Hard To Love Me
Jimmy Dickens: You Better Not Do That
Chet Atkins: Alabama Jubilee
Carl Smith: Darling Am I The One

9:30: Warren Paint
Square Dance: Arkansas Traveler
Lew Childre: Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet
Cowboy Copas: Stranger in my Home
Roy Acuff (host): Wreck on the Highway

9:45: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): Not A Word From Home
Carlisles: The Salesman Song
Oswald: Foggy Mountain 
Goldie Hill: Call Off the Wedding
Roy Acuff: Radio Station S-A-V-E-D
Jimmy Riddle: Milk Cow Blues

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): I'd Like to Know
Webb Pierce: There Stands the Glass
Martha Carson: Lazarus
Don Slayman: Fire in the Mountain
George Morgan: It's Been Nice

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama
Minnie Pearl and Rod Brasfield: Gags
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Cackling Hen
Hank Snow: Gonna Bid My Blues Goodbye

10:30: Hester Battery
Ernest Tubb (host): I'm Not Looking For an Angel
Jimmy Dickens; Thick and Thin
Carlisles: Moody's Goose
Duke of Paducah: Gags
Maybelle: Wild Flower
Moon Mullican: Good Deal Lucille
Ernest Tubb: I'm in the Crowd But So Alone
Jordanaires: Tattler's Wagon
Chet Atkins: Crazy Bone Rag
Jimmy Dickens: Waitress, Waitress

11:00: O-CEL-O
Roy Acuff (host): Lonesome Joe
Marty Robbins: My Isle of Golden Dreams
Bobby Hebb: Mr. Spoons
Jimmy Riddle: Pa Pa My Hoche
Roy Acuff: Eye From on High
Howdy Forrester: Billy in the Low Ground

11:15: W. E. Stephens
Carl Smith (host): Go Boy Go
Lonzo and Oscar: Wild Oats
Cowboy Copas: The Man Upstairs
Gully Jumpers: Dance All Night
Carl Smith: Back Up Buddy

11:30: 
Hank Snow (host): Rumba Boogie
Lew Childre: Snow White Horse
Johnny and Jack: I Get So Lonely
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama

11:45:
Webb Pierce (host): It's Been So Long
Sam and Kirk: I Wish I Had A Nickle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Webb Pierce: You Just Can't Be True
Fiddle Tune

The last 30 minutes did not have a sponsor listed. I took any spelling right off the program from that night. 

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. 

Happy July 4th to all!!

Tuesday Night Opry 6/29

Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, June 29: 

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Love and Theft; Stephanie Quayle; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Don Schlitz; Amythyst Kiah; Killer Beaz; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers

Nice to see three Grand Ole Opry members on the schedule and another appearance by one of the Opry's regular guest artists, Don Schlitz. 

For Amythyst Kiah, this will be her Opry debut. 

The Rounder Records debut from Amythyst Kiah, Wary + Strange marks the glorious collision of two vastly different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the roots/old-time-music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets.” Along with tapping into the vibrant musicality she honed in part through her studies in East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old Time, Country Music program, the Chattanooga-bred singer/songwriter expands on the uncompromising artistry she’s displayed as a member of Our Native Daughters—an all-women-of-color supergroup whose Kiah-penned standout “Black Myself” earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Awards.

Grand Ole Opry 6/25 & 6/26

So what does everyone think? It was really expected at some point that Carly Pearce would become the Opry's next member and last night it took place, as several speculated that it might. Really the only surprise was Dolly Parton issuing the invite several days prior instead of Reba at the Opry House. Personally, as I wrote before, I am fine with it and believe Carly will be a good member. I think she "gets it" and has had a solid relationship with several Opry members, most notably Jeannie Seely. For those who might not be aware, Bobby Bones and the Circle network did filming last night and it will be shown on July 31. Also, Tuesday August 3 will be Carly's official induction date. 

One more note about last night: some mentioned, and were surprised, that Reba only did two songs. After WSM went off the air and the Opry signed off, Reba did come back on and did two additional songs that were taped for the Macy's July 4 special. She then finished up with "Fancy." So those who attended last night really had a great experience with Reba. 

Now on to this week at the Grand Ole Opry: 

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend and when looking at what is scheduled, we should all be pleased with the Circle TV segment for Saturday night, as the hour is being advertised as a tribute to Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith. Connie's husband, Marty Stuart, has put the hour together and has picked the artists, all of whom will be on stage with Connie. Besides Connie and Marty, the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, Lee Ann Womack and Mandy Barnett will be appearing on the televised hour. 

Connie, is in the process of releasing her first new album in years, with the album being produced by Marty. Connie is also going to be the subject of a new television special being produced by Marty called "Connie: The Cry of the Heart." That program will be shown on Circle TV at 8:00, prior to the televised Opry. The show will cover the highlights of Connie's career, including who has influenced her and her love and devotion to her husband, who has helped to rejuvenate Connie's career.  

As mentioned, Lee Ann Womack will be one of the artists on stage with Connie on Saturday night. There was a time when Lee Ann made a number of Opry appearances and she was pretty popular, with a number of songs on the charts including "I Hope You Dance," which was a major cross-over hit. Four of her studio albums have received a Gold certification or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America. Additionally, she has received five Academy of Country Music Awards, six Country Music Association Awards, and a Grammy Award. She has sold over 6 million albums worldwid3. 

While Saturday night's final hour promises to be a fun hour, let's look at the rest of the Opry line-ups for this weekend, starting with the Friday Night Opry, which will feature Opry members Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely. 

Among the guest artists who will be appearing on Friday night will be Rory Feek. Rory just released his first solo album since the death of his wife Joey in 2016. The album, titled Gentle Man, features duets with Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack and Alison Krauss. I know many of us remember Joey + Rory's Opry appearances and television show. It took five years, but it is nice to see Rory back on the Opry. 

Also appearing on Friday night will be Jimmie Allen, Home Free, Brooke Eden, Charles Esten, who has made over 100 Opry appearances, and Ray Fulcher, who will be making his first appearance on the Opry. 

Joining those already mentioned on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, will be Opry members Riders In The Sky, and guest artist Tony Jackson and the designated comedian this week, Henry Cho. 

Friday June 25
7:00: Bill Anderson; Rory Feek; Jeannie Seely; Home Free
Intermission
8:00: Ray Fulcher; Charles Esten; Brooke Eden; Jimmie Allen

Saturday June 26
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Riders In The Sky; Tony Jackson; Mandy Barnett; Henry Cho
8:00: Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett; Lee Ann Womack; Tennessee Mafia Jug Band; Marty Stuart

That all adds up to just two Opry members on Friday night, both appearing during the first hour of the show, and three members on Saturday night. 

I know that there are some who might not be familiar with the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band which embodies the spirit of the classic days of country music with their influences leaning heavy on the sounds of Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean or Roy Acuff with his Smoky Mountain Boys.  They all hail from the pastoral hills and hollers of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, home of Bill Monroe, Bashful Brother Oswald, Stringbean, Grandpa Jones, Keith Whitley, Bill Carlisle, Jack Greene, Lonzo & Oscar just to name a FEW!

Leroy Troy, the Tennessee Slicker, the most popular man in country music, the sultan of Goodlettsville, sings lead and some harmony vocals with the band. He plays banjo, washboard, harmonica and ukulele. Leroy carries on the tradition of Stringbean and Uncle Dave Macon with his antics on the banjo as well as pounding on the washboard like Roy Acuff’s Jug Band. Leroy was a regular member of Marty's TV show. Other members of the group include Mike Armistead, who plays guitar, sings lead and harmony vocals; Shad Cobb who plays fiddle; Sir Cecil Ernie Sykes, who blows the jug while crooning in the best hillbilly style; Andy Todd who handles the bass; and finally Mike Webb who is the “peoples choice” of the group. He’s the best dobro player on the stage or in the band period, some have even said that there’s no beginning to his talent and we couldn’t agree more with the people! He brings a whole new element to the Jug band in the ways of comedy, dancing, singing, guitar picking and playing the sweet sounds of hillbilly music on his dobro in the styling of Bashful Brother Oswald.

If you have never seen this group before, you are in for a treat and it is wonderful that they will be featured on the Circle TV segment this weekend. 
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday June 26, 1971:

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host); Carl and Pearl Butler
6:45: Bill Carlisle (host); Del Wood; Pat Daisey
7:00: The 4 Guys (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Jimmy Dickens; Compton Brothers
7:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Skeeter Davis; Crook Brothers
8:00: Justin Tubb (host); Stringbean; Marion Worth; Stu Phillips; Louie Roberts
8:30: Charlie Walker (host); Connie Smith; Stan Hitchcock; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Willis Brothers (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Skeeter Davis; Compton Brothers; Curtis McPeak
10:00: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Del Wood; Jimmy Dickens
10:15: Bill Carlisle (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Pat Daisey
10:30: Stu Phillips (host); Stringbean; Carl and Pearl Butler
10:45: The 4 Guys (host); Leona Williams; Crook Brothers
11:00: Justin Tubb (host); Connie Smith; Louie Roberts; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Charlie Walker (host); Marion Worth; Stan Hitchcock

Another thin night for Opry members. 
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Well, it all had to come to an end sometime and for Willie Nelson, his Opry membership ended on Saturday June 25, 1966 as after less than two years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Willie made his last appearance as a member. In Willie's case, he was in the process of leaving Nashville and heading back to Texas where, in many ways, he reinvented himself and became the Willie we know and love today. 

Here is the line-up from that night 55 years ago: 

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms 
Ernie Ashworth (host): (?)
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Ernie Ashworth: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host) Po' Folks
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jimmy Gately: Old Faithful
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

7:00: National Life and Insurance Company
Osborne Brothers (host): Up This Hill & Down
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: If I Talk to Him
Roy Drusky: Rainbows & Roses
Osborne Brothers: (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
Connie Smith: Even Tho
Billy Walker: Down to My Last Cigarette
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be Alright Tomorrow
Jerry Byrd: The Married Man

7:30: Luzianne
George Morgan (host): No Man Should Hurt as Bad as I Do
Dottie West: Would You Hold It Against ME
Del Wood: Rainbow
Chuck Wagon Gang: I'm Getting Ready
George Morgan: Almost
Stu Phillips: Mansion on the Hill
Dottie West: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
George Morgan: Why at My Door, He's Standing

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Osborne Brothers: Up This Hill & Down
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers:  Sally Goodin
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Porter Wagoner: I Dreamed I Saw America on Her Knees
George McCormick: Where the Old Red River Flows
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Mac McGaha: Katy Hill

8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Glasses Joe
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Willie Nelson: I Love You Because
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Wilburn Brothers and Loretta Lynn: Put it Off Until Tomorrow
Willie Nelson: I'm Still Not Over You
Ernest Tubb: Give Me a Little Old Fashioned Love

9:00: Pet Milk
Hank Locklin (host): Cryin' Time
Jean Shepard: Ain't You Ashamed
Ray Pillow: Common Cold & A Broken Heart
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Duane Dee: Danny Boy
Jean Shepard and Ray Pillow: I'll Take the Dog
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Hank Locklin: Y'All Come

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
George Morgan: No Man Should Hurt as Bad as I Do
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Hank Snow: I've Cried a Mile
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Grandpa Jones: Nobody Knows But Me
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): You Don't Want My Love
Dottie West: Would You Hold it Against Me
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights & Country Music

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
George McCormick: There's a Woman
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Swinging/I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can/Misery Loves Company/Sorrow on the Rock
Mac McGaha and Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw

10:30: Harvey's
Ray Pillow (host): Thank You Ma'am
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Del Wood: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Ernest Tubb: Mr. Juke Box

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Loretta Lynn: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On

11:30: Lava
Bobby Lord (host): That's All Right
Duane Dee: Take Good Care of Her
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Diamonds on Your Hands
Chuck Wagon Gang: Cabin on the Hill
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Cousin Jody: Mocking Bird
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

Since leaving the Opry, Willie has made just a handful of appearances on the Opry. 

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To finish it up for this week, on Saturday June 26, 1982, B.J. Thomas appeared on the Saturday night Grand Ole Opry for the final time as a member. As with a couple of others from that era, B.J.'s time as an Opry member was fairly short as he, like Don Williams who had joined the cast during the same time period, found that Opry membership just wasn't what he thought it would be and he moved on. There were no hard feelings as B.J. would come back and appear on the Opry as a guest a number of times. While this was his final Saturday night, his last appearance as a member would take place on the Friday Night Opry in August. 

Here is the running order from Saturday June 26, 1982:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeannie Seely: I'm Almost Ready
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Connie Smith: "Til I Kissed You
Ray Pillow: My Love Belongs to You
Charlie Walker: T for Texas

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Try a Little Kindness
Skeeter Davis: He Will be There
Justin Tubb: As Long as There's a Sunday
Lonzo and Oscar: Boogie Grass Band
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Jack Greene: Step Up and Meet Mr. Sunshine/She's the Rock I'm Leaning On

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Nashville on My Mind
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Jim and Jesse: Northwind
Billy Walker: Welcome Back to My Heart
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Grandpa Jones: The Deep Dark Corners of My Mind/Night Train to Memphis

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Cornbread, Beans, & Sweet Potato Pie
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Barbara Mandrell: 'Til Your Gone/Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot/(?)
Roy Acuff and Barbara Mandrell: I'll Fly Away

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
The 4 Guys: I Think About Your Lovin' all the Time
Roy Drusky: Remember Me, I'm the One Who Loves You
B.J. Thomas: Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sugar Tree Stomp
Hank Snow: The Call of the Wild

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jack Greene (host): Wanting You, But Never Having You
The 4 Guys: Stealing the Feeling
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs about Texas
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind
Vic Willis Trio: You Were Always on My Mind
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie
Jeannie Seely: It Turns Me Inside Out
B.J. Thomas: Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
Grandpa Jones: Neighbors

10:15: Sunbeam
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Ray Pillow: Days When You Were Still in Love with Me
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Waters

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Barbara Mandrell: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/You Got to Reach a Little Bit Higher
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Walker (host): Detour
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Soldier's Joy
Billy Walker: Welcome Back to My Heart

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): From a Jack to A King
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Lonzo and Oscar: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Kirk McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: So Goes My Heart

11:30: Bama
Jimmy C Newman (host): Thibodeaux & His Cajun Band
Roy Drusky: Always/Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind/Forever Young
Cajun Country: Tex-Cajun
Jimmy C Newman; Jambalaya

Sadly, B.J. passed away this past spring.

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

Tuesday Night Opry June 22

One of the Grand Ole Opry's long lost members who makes very infrequent appearances on the show will be at the Opry House on Tuesday night as Reba McEntire will be appearing. Apparently, the Opry is commemorating Reba's 35th anniversary as a member of the Opry, as she joined the cast on November 21, 1985. Yes, that is a little late, but better late then never! Not really sure they are going to do anything special during the show, or if they are just going to mention it. 

Also appearing on Tuesday night will be frequent Opry guest Carly Pearce. I mention that because a couple of readers have sent me messages wondering if there is a chance that Reba might surprise Carly with an invitation to become an Opry member. I guess anything is possible and with the rumors and speculation regarding Carly, it could happen. Or it could not. 

7:00: Riders In The Sky; Seaforth; Maggie Rose; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Carly Pearce; Lukas Nelson & The Promise Real; Restless Road; Reba McEntire

Yes, that is correct. It is Restless Road and not Restless Heart that will be appearing. For Restless Road, this will be their Opry debut. 

Made up of three different but complementary voices, Restless Road is a powerhouse country band with one of the most auspicious breakout stories of 2020. Praised by People, Taste of Country, Billboard and more, the trio’s powerhouse harmonies and soul-baring lyrics put them on numerous 2021 “Ones to Watch” lists, as members Zach Beeken, Colton Pack, and Garrett Nichols continue to rack up millions of on-demand streams. 

Since Zach and Colton joined forces after meeting on a singing competition (where they met future collaborator Kane Brown), Restless Road has stood out as a vocal force in a genre increasingly defined more by its production than its voices. When Garrett came onboard in 2015, they knew they had something special.

In February 2020, the trio unveiled their debut self-titled EP, which includes “Take Me Home,” featuring Kane Brown. A short year later, they dropped their latest track, “Took One Look At Her Momma,” which American Songwriter praised for its “captivating melody and lyrics that those in a relationship could benefit from hearing.”

Restless Road recently earned themselves the opening slot of Kane Brown’s “Blessed & Free Tour,” which runs from October 2021 to February 2022. With all signs indicating Restless Road is a contender for best new vocal group, its members continue to write, sing, and perform together as they take the next steps down country music’s long and winding road.
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And yes, for those wondering, Lukas Nelson is Willie's son and he has appeared on the Opry before. Lukas has really been making a name for himself on the Americana charts. 

Looks like a full line-up and a lot of talent for the Tuesday Night Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/18 & 6/19

I wanted to start out by thanking everyone who contributed to the previous discussion regarding the Country Music Hall of Fame. So nice to have intelligent and well thought out view points. I think we have come to the conclusion that the voting process and categories need some change and hopefully the CMA and the CMHOF will listen and take a look at it. For those expecting a 2021 announcement of inductees, I am thinking sometime this summer, from what I have read. 

Now to the Grand Ole Opry and another week as we continue to roll through June. As with past weekends, we see a return of one of the Opry's members as Josh Turner will be making his first Opry appearance of 2021 on Saturday night. Not only is Josh returning, but in looking at the line-ups this weekend, there are some acts that will be appearing that we haven't seen in a while. 

First, checking out Opry members appearing this weekend, John Conlee and Connie Smith are scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, while Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky will be joining Josh Turner on Saturday night. By the way, Saturday will mark the 39th anniversary of membership for Riders In The Sky. 

Looking at those who will be making guest appearances on Friday night, it is nice to see Kathy Mattea on the schedule. I know there has always been interest in Kathy becoming an Opry member and there are many of us who believe she would be a perfect fit for the show. 

Joining Kathy on Friday will be comedian Gary Mule Deer, guitarist Tommy Emmanual and Chris Bandi. Also listed are two couples: Americana artists Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, along with Rachel & Terry Bradshaw. Now for those wondering, Bruce and Kelly are married while Rachel is Terry's daughter. She has been featured on the TV show "The Bradshaw Bunch," and no, I have never watched the show so someone will have to fill me in. 

Gary Mule Deer is also on the schedule for Saturday night, fulfilling the role of designated comedian before the Circle televised portion of the Opry, which in addition to Josh Turner, will feature retired NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, a return appearance by Elvie Shane, and veteran artists Sawyer Brown. Also appearing during the first hour will be Erin Enderlin, who won Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the recent Arkansas Country Music Awards. She is one on Nashville's bright young artists. 

Friday June 18
7:00: John Conlee; Chris Bandi; Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis; Gary Mule Deer
Intermission
8:00: Connie Smith; Rachel & Terry Bradshaw; Tommy Emmanual; Kathy Mattea

Saturday June 19
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Erin Enderlin; Riders In The Sky; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Sawyer Brown; Elvie Shane; Kyle Petty; Josh Turner

Just five Opry members appearing this weekend, with two on Friday and three on Saturday. 

With NASCAR returning this weekend to the Nashville Speedway, that would explain why Kyle Petty is on the televised portion of the Opry this weekend. 
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Now from 50 years ago, here is the 2nd show from Saturday June 19, 1971: 

9:30: Ray Pillow (host): Willis Brothers: Penny DeHaven; Murry Kellum
10:00: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Jerry Clower; Barbara Mandrell
10:15: The 4 Guys (host): Connie Eaton; Tommy Jones
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Peggy Little; Jerry Smith
10:45: Tom T. Hall (host): Dave Dudley; Crook Brothers
11:00: Bobby Lord (host): Connie Smith; Bobby Harden; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Bobby Sykes
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Looking back to June 19, 1982 as this was the date that Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Though they carry on a comedic tradition that harkens back to Grand Ole Opry humorists of the 1930s including the Duke of Paducah, Riders In The Sky’s four members are also masterful musicians who became the first Opry cast members to fully represent the cowboy stylings that helped to put the “Western” in “Country & Western.”

The group got their start in late 1977, when guitarist Doug “Ranger Doug” Green, a one-time member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and country music journalist and historian, invited bassist Fred “Too Slim” Labour to join him for a gig at a Nashville nightclub. With Paul “Woody Paul” Chrisman on fiddle, the trio dubbed themselves Riders In The Sky. Their recorded debut, Three on the Trail (1979), showcased impeccable vocal and instrumental work in the mold of such Western music heroes — and Country Music Hall of Fame members — as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers, while their live shows added a strong dose of broad, quick-witted humor that had them poking gentle fun at one another and at aspects of the movie cowboy image. This combination led to their induction into the Opry’s cast in 1982.

“Zeke Clements had a cowboy routine, the Willis Brothers sang some cowboy songs, and, of course, Marty Robbins sang some cowboy songs, too, but we’re the group that deliberately set about to preserve the Western tradition on this show,” notes Ranger Doug. “It’s a piece of country music history that we think is just as exciting and interesting as modern country, classic country, or bluegrass, and we’re the guys keeping it alive.”

For the Riders, who became a quartet when they “promoted” longtime accordionist Joey “The Cowpolka King” Miskulin to full membership, the mission of keeping the cowboy style alive has led to exhaustive touring, a long-running radio show (Riders Radio Theatre), and a long string of popular recordings, including two soundtrack companion CDs (Woody’s Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky, for Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc.: Scream Factory Favorites) that earned the group Grammy awards in 2001 and 2003.

Along the way, Riders In The Sky have earned multiple awards, including six Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year trophies and membership in the organization’s Hall of Fame, the Academy of Western Artists’ Western Music Group of the Year award (five times), and a presence on both the Country Music Foundation’s Walkway of Stars and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California. On the scholarly front, Ranger Doug — who regularly sits in with the award-winning Time Jumpers Western swing band — earned renown of his own with the 2002 publication of Singing in the Saddle, the first full-length study of the Hollywood “singing cowboy” phenomenon.

Today, the Riders continue to delight audiences at the Opry House and elsewhere, more than justifying Billboard journalist Jim Bessman’s characterization of them as one of “the most historically significant acts in the history of American music.”

Here is the running order from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Break My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over you/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling/What'll I Do with the Baby-O

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo and Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You on My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
The 4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You & That's Enough for Me

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'/Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer & Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo is the Instrument for Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's a Grave in the Wave of the Ocean

10:15: Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try a Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take a Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Yours for the Taking/There Goes My Everything

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In the Center of the Grand Ole Stage/I Saw the Light

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Lonzo and Oscar w/The Eldridge Brothers: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

11:30: Bama
The 4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Sheila and Bill Carlisle, Jr: In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do is Come Back Home/Remember Me
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot

Congratulations to Riders In The Sky upon their 39th year as Grand Ole Opry members. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry June 15

The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry is posted and it looks like another solid show with seven acts, four of whom are members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

7:00: Bill Anderson; Tenille Arts
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Linda Davis
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho; Del McCoury Band
8:45: Darius Rucker

Overall, not a bad line-up. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/11 & 6/12

It seems like each week a couple more of the Grand Ole Opry members return to the stage at the Opry House and this weekend is no exception as the legendary Gene Watson and Kelsea Ballerini will be making their first Opry appearances of 2021. While Kelsea did make an Opry appearance during the Covid shutdown of the live Opry shows, this will be Gene's first appearance since Covid appeared on the scene. Glad to see both of these Opry members returning. 

Both Gene and Kelsea will be appearing on the Friday Night Opry, with Riders In The Sky the only other Opry member appearing. Riders In the Sky will be back on Saturday night, joined by Jeannie Seely. 

Guesting on Friday night will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. Also appearing are a couple of acts that have been making frequent stops at the Opry this year, The Isaacs and Carly Pearce. While it is probably a given that Carly will be an Opry member at some point in the near future (in my opinion), The Isaacs would also be a wonderful addition to the cast. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule as is veteran country music artist, Doug Stone. It has been a long, long time since Doug last appeared on the Opry and it is good to see him back. 

Saturday night will feature the father/son solo acts Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett. For those wondering and who may not know, Thomas (Rhett) Akins is the dad and (Thomas) Rhett Akins, Jr. is the son. Both will be on the Circle televised portion of the Opry. Those two will be joined in the final hour by Tracy Lawrence. A few years back, Tracy was making a lot of Opry appearances. So many in fact, that many thought Tracy might become an Opry member at some point. However in the past couple of years, we have not seen much of Tracy at the Opry and he seems to have fallen off the frequent guest list. I am happy to see Tracy back as he really has a nice country sound and a solid collection of hits. And yes, I always thought that Tracy would make a good Opry member. 

Also on the Saturday night schedule are Smithfield and Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Friday June 11

7:00: Gene Watson; Mo Pitney; Charlie McCoy; Kelsea Ballerini
Intermission
8:00: Doug Stone; Riders In The Sky; Carly Pearce; The Isaacs

Saturday June 12
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Smithfield; Steven Curtis Chapman; Riders In The Sky
8:00: Tracy Lawrence; Rhett Akins; Thomas Rhett

Just three Opry members on Friday night and only two members on Saturday night, with no Opry members on the televised portion of the show on Circle. I would have thought at this point we would have seen more artists and more members appearing. Certainly some of the legends such as Bill Anderson, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne, all of whom have been welcomed back to the show.
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday June 12, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy Dry
6:45: Ray Pillow (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; James William Monroe; Jeannie C. Riley
7:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Stringbean; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Connie Smith; Brother Oswald
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); The 4 Guys; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kenny Price; Alton Thrasher

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Willis Brothers; Jimmy Dry; Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Hamilton County Bluegrass Band
10:15: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Stringbean; Jeannie C. Riley
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Del Wood
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Kenny Price; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Grammer (host); Connie Smith; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Marion Worth
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June 11, 1949. Every Grand Ole Opry fan in the world should know the significance of that date. Just in case there are new Opry fans out there, it was on that date 72 years ago that Hank Williams made his debut on the Opry. 

Here is the short version of Hank's story: 

In the tragically short life of country legend Hank Williams, there were many broken relationships, both personal and professional, that resulted from his self-destructive behavior. One such relationship was with the most important institution in his chosen field: The Grand Ole Opry. Shortly before it cost him his life, Hank’s drinking cost him his membership in the Opry, just three years after his triumphant debut. That debut, however, remains one of the most famous in the history of the live country-music performance program broadcast weekly on WSN Nashville since 1925. Hank Williams took to the microphone for his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11, 1949, electrifying a live audience at Ryman Auditorium that called Williams out for six encores and had to be implored not to call him out for more in order to allow the rest of the show to go on.

Hank Williams was only 25 years old when he was invited to appear for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry. As a young man growing up dirt poor in southern Alabama, he began supporting his family at the age of seven by shining shoes and selling peanuts, but by 14 at least, he was already performing as a professional musician. The life of a “professional musician” playing the blood-bucket honky-tonks of the Deep South bore little resemblance to the lifestyle that would later become available to him, but it was there, in country music’s backwater proving grounds, that Hank Williams developed his heavily blues-influenced style and began writing his own music. Williams left music behind during WWII, but then he went to Nashville in 1946 hoping to sell some of his songs. Quickly signed to a publishing contract by one of Nashville’s most prominent music publishers, Fred Rose, Williams soon had a recording contract with MGM and his first hit record with “Move It On Over” (1947).

Williams’ heavy drinking had already earned him a reputation in the industry, however—a reputation that ruled out an invitation to appear on The Grand Ole Opry. It was the Opry’s biggest competition, The Louisiana Hayride, that first exposed Williams to a wide radio audience, but when his 1949 record “Lovesick Blues” became a monumental popular hit, the powers that be in Nashville relented, and Williams made his Opry debut. His performance on this day in 1949, during which he performed six encores of “Lovesick Blues” for a wildly enthusiastic live audience, led to regular appearances over the next three years, until the Opry fired Williams in July 1952 over his heavy drinking. Six months later, Hank Williams died of alcohol-induced heart failure at the age of 29.

Here is the running order from that famous night 72 years ago: 

7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Tommy Magness: Black Mountain Rag
Dot & Smokey: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Jimmy Riddle: Dill Pickle Rag
Roy and Oswald: Eye From on High
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Take Me Back to My Old Carolina Home
Jug Band: Johnson's Old Grey Mule
Roy Acuff: Unclouded Day
Joe Zinkas: 12th Street Rag
Dot & Smokey: Are You Tired of Me Darling
Rachel & Oswald: Jesse James

8:00: Purina Show
Cowboy Copas: Dolly Dear
Uncle Dave Macon: Chewing Gum
George Morgan: Candy Kisses
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Girl I Left Behind Me
Cowboy Copas: Carless Hands
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The News
George Morgan: Rainbow in My Heart
Robert Lunn: Talking Blues
Hank Garland: Short Creek Shuffle
Cowboy Copas: One Step More

8:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Tennessee Polka
Tommy Wakeley: Try To Understand
Fowler Quartet: Old Blind Bartemus
Red Foley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Jimmy Wakeley: Someday You'll Call My Name and I Won't Answer
Old Hickory Quartet: In the Good Ole Summertime
Red Foley: I'm Throwing Rice at the Girl I Love
Square Dance: Stony Point

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Possum Hunters: Widow McGraw
Roy Acuff: Tennessee Central Number 9
Jamup & Honey: Jokes
Jimmy Riddle: Wabash Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Cold Tater
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Lonzo and Oscar: I Wish I Had A Nickle
Rachel & Oswald: Rabbit in the Log
Roy Acuff: Waiting for My Call to Glory
Bradley Kinkaid: Won't You Come Over to My House
Tommy Magness: Leather Britches

9:30: Warren Paint
Lew Childre: My Mammy
Ernest Tubb: Biting My Finger Nails and Thinking of You
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Hank Williams: Lovesick Blues
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Ernest Tubb: Daddy When Is Mommy Coming Home
String Beans: Cross Eyed Gal
Mel & Stan: I'll Gladly Take You Back Again
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Ernest Tubb: I Hung My Head and Cried

10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe: Kitty Clyde
Bradley Kinkaid: When I Was A Boy From the Mountains
Blue Grass Quartet: Goodbye Old Pal
Shenandoah Valley: Live and Let Live

10:15: Gaylark
Milton Estes: John Henry
Jimmy Dickens: Bible on the Table
Jimmy Selph: A Petal From A Faded Rose
Milton Estes: Build Me A Cabin in Glory

10:30: Royal Flour
Roy Acuff: Coming From the Ball
Uncle Dave Macon and Doris: Kissing on the Sly
Roy Acuff: Poem
Roy and Gang: Farther Along
Tommy Magness: Cackling Hen

10:45: Dr. Le Gear
Cowboy Copas: Package of Lies Tied in Blue
Mel & Stan: Two Little Rose Buds
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Cowboy Copas: Waltzing With Tears in My Eyes
Red Herron: Sally Goodin

11:00: Allen Manufacturing Company
George Morgan: Need You
Hank Williams: Mind Your Own Business
Velma: The Little Kid Sister of Mine
George Morgan: Put All Your Love In A Cookie Jar
Gully Jumpers: Going Cross the Sea

11:15: Sustaining
Ernest Tubb: Don't Rob Another Man's Castle
Lew & String Bean: Darling Nelly Grey
Butter Ball: I Can't Go for That
Ernest Tubb: Frankie & Johnny

11:30: Sustaining
Jimmy Dickens: The Rose from the Brides Bouquet
Lonzo and Oscar: Sour Wood Mountain
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Jimmy Dickens: Pennies for Papa
Zeb Turner:

11:45: Sustaining
Wally Fowler: Lead Me to that Rock
Robert Lunn: Corina
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Jubilee
Wally Fowler: May the Circle Be Unbroken
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Leather Britches
Wally Fowler: Get on Board

Most accounts of that night have Hank on "The Prince Albert Show" portion of the Opry the was hosted by Red Foley. It has also been written that Hank was called back out for six encores with Red finally settling down the crowd by promising that Hank would be heard again on the Opry.

Roy Acuff had his own memory of Hank's debut and he has claimed that he was the one who first introduced Hank at the Opry. Roy had known Hank for several years, as the two had met in the early 1940s when Roy and his Smoky Mountain Boys did a concert in Montgomery, Alabama and Hank came backstage. On future trips, Hank would show up and would share songs with Roy, leading up to the 1946 audition that Hank did for Fred Rose.

In a 1967 interview, Roy said the following, "Vito, it would really be a feather in your cap if you could get this boy on the Opry.....I was glad to take Hank under my wing. I introduced him to everyone backstage and then brought him out on the stage and introduced him to the crowd. You might hear it a lot of ways, but that's the way it happened." (The Vito Roy is referring to is Vito Pellettieri, the Opry's stage manager.)

Then there was Grant Turner's memory of Hank's debut. "Hank brought that song 'Lovesick Blues' to the Opry. They brought him in that first night and put him in the boss's office so he could relax, and when it came him time, they brought him down, and Red Foley introduced him. People loved that 'Lovesick Blues' song so much, they kicked up the dust in the auditorium. The spotlights looked like they were picking up smoke, there was so much dust kicked up."

Finally, here is how Red Foley introduced Hank on the Prince Albert Opry. "Well, sir, tonight's big name guest is making his first appearance on Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry. He's a Montgomery, Alabama, boy. Been pickin' and singin' about twelve years, but it's been about the last year he's really come into his own, and we're proud to give a rousing Prince Albert welcome to the Lovesick Blues Boy, Hank Williams." (Notice that Red said Hank was making his "first appearance on the Prince Albert Opry"!!)

The facts are that it was neither Roy or Red who introduced Hank Williams his first night at the Opry, but instead it was Ernest Tubb, a fact that is confirmed not only by Ronnie Pugh's excellent Ernest Tubb biography, but from the actual line-up from that night.

On his first night at the Opry, June 11, 1949, Hank appeared on the Warren Paint portion of the Opry, which was "hosted" by Ernest Tubb. Ernest introduced Hank and he did sing "Lovesick Blues." He was then on again during the 11:00 portion sponsored by Allen Manufacturing Company and hosted by George Morgan. During that portion he did "Mind Your Own Business." Both Red Foley and Roy Acuff were on the Opry that night, but Hank did not appear during their segments.

Hank was back on the Opry the following Saturday night, June 18, and it was on that night that he did appear on the Prince Albert Show hosted by Red Foley and did "Lovesick Blues." Later on that portion, he did "Wedding Bells." He later appeared that night on the 11:30 segment hosted by Jimmy Dickens.

My opinion is that his June 11 debut was sort of an audition (which is how the Opry tried out new acts in those days), and the management wanted to see how Hank would go over. After the initial reception, the following week he was given a prime spot on the network show. The six encores definitely took place during the June 11 appearance as there is a recording of the June 18 Prince Albert portion and there was no encore by Hank as the PA portion was a tightly scripted 30 minute segment for network radio. For what it is worth, Jimmy Dickens was on the Opry both weeks, June 11 and 18, so he would have witnessed both events.

Time changes people's memories and I don't blame Roy or Red for having different versions of Hank's first night at the Opry. It is possible that Red was thinking of the Prince Albert Show, and not the Opry in general. And I am sure it was Roy who took Hank around backstage and introduced him to folks. Regardless, it was a great night in the Opry's history and many people today still consider it the greatest night in the history of the Opry.
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Finally, I want to post the line-up from Saturday June 11, 1988 for a couple of reasons. First, it was the night in which Patty Loveless became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It's her 33rd year as a member. It was also the night that future Opry member Holly Dunn made her Opry debut. Finally, it was the final show that the Crook Brothers were listed in the Opry program as the leader of the group, Herman Crook, an Opry original, had passed away earlier in the week. 

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); The 4 Guys; Ramona Jones
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Lorrie Morgan
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Skeeter Davis; Del Reeves; Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Ray Pillow; David Houston; Patty Loveless
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; Roy Drusky; Larry McNeely
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Billy Walker; Holly Dunn

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); The 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Wilma Lee Cooper; Bill Carlisle; Roy Acuff
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Patty Loveless
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Del Reeves; Randy Pollard
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson; Hank Locklin
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers; Charlie Walker
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Charlie Louvin; Holly Dunn
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Roy Drusky; Johnny Russell

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. 
 

Tuesday Night Opry June 8

Some nights at the Opry are better then others. The upcoming Tuesday Night Opry is one of those as the line-up is very good, led by Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood. Despite the fact that this will be Carrie's first Opry appearance of 2021, she has been a very good Opry member, generally fulfilling her commitment of 10 shows each year. She has set the standard for her fellow contemporary Opry members. 

Joining Carrie will be the Opry's newest member, Rhonda Vincent, who continues to show why she should have been an Opry member years ago. Her support of the Opry has been outstanding since becoming a member. Also appearing will be legendary Opry members Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. While Jeannie has led everyone in Opry appearances in 2021, it is nice to see John back in the Opry rotation. 

Guesting will be "Voice" winner Jake Hoot, along with Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, comedian and Opry regular Henry Cho, and Lauren Alaina. 

7:00: John Conlee; Jake Hoot
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Lauren Alaina
8:00: Henry Cho; Rhonda Vincent
8:30: Don Schlitz; Carrie Underwood

Overall, a nice Tuesday night show. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/4 & 6/5

As many already know, former Grand Ole Opry member B.J. Thomas passed away last week after a battle with lung cancer. He was 78. 

Born in rural Hugo, OK, Billy Joe Thomas moved to Houston, Texas with his family and where he grew up absorbing a variety of musical influences from the traditional country of Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Dr. to the soulful sounds of Jackie Wilson and Little Richard, whose “Miss Ann” was the first single B.J. ever bought. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.

Thomas’ career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing, “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.

Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.

Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.

B.J. Thomas became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on August 7, 1981. His time at the Opry was very short, as he made his last appearance as an Opry member on August 27, 1982. From what I was told, Opry membership wasn't what he thought it would be and he decided to move on. There were no hard feelings between B.J. and Opry management and B.J. would make guest appearances on the show after he left. 
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Now looking at this weeks Grand Ole Opry shows and there are some familiar names on the schedule this weekend as several veterans who have been missing from the Opry will be making return appearances. 

On the Friday Night Opry Hall of Fame member Connie Smith is returning. Connie has been missing from the Opry for the past several months as she has been working on a new album. Additionally, one of the Opry's legendary members, Bobby Osborne will be making his first Opry appearance of 2021 and in fact, it will be his first Opry show in over a year. On Saturday night, Bill Anderson will be returning for just his 2nd appearance of the year. Bill wrote in his newsletter that he has several more June appearances on his schedule. Joining that group of Opry members this weekend will be Mark Wills and Riders In The Sky on the Friday Night Opry, while Jeannie Seely and Gary Levox are scheduled for Saturday night. 

Lauren Mascitti, who recently performed on the Opry with Shawn Camp, will be appearing as a solo artist on both shows this weekend, as will comedian Brad Upton. Appearing with those two on the Friday Night Opry will be Jason Ringenberg, who will be making his Opry debut, along with veteran entertainer, and Johnny Cash lover, Mark Collie, and LOCASH. Joining Lauren and Brad on Saturday night will be non-members Cassadee Pope, Hailey Whitters and the duo of Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley. 

In my opinion, the Circle televised segment, that will feature Cassadee Pope, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Hailey Whitters, along with Gary Levox, is not the strongest show that has been featured on the televised part of the Opry. While I am sure it will be a good hour, it just doesn't have the star power that we have come to expect on these Circle broadcasts. 

Friday June 4

7:00: Connie Smith; Mark Collie; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jason Ringenberg, Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Lauren Mascitti; Brad Upton; Riders In The Sky; LOCASH

Saturday June 5
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Lauren Mascitti; Bill Anderson; Brad Upton
8:00: Cassadee Pope; Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley; Hailey Whitters; Gary Levox

At first glance you would think there are no Opry members on the televised segment this week, but let's remember that Gary Levox is an Opry member,  as a member of Rascal Flatts.  After 20 years as front man to one of the most influential groups in Country history, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox is embarking on a solo chapter that combines two of his biggest passions – music and faith.
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As mentioned, Jason Ringenberg will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. 

Ever since moving from his family’s hog farm in Southern Illinois to Nashville, TN in 1981, Jason Ringenberg has been an iconic Americana artist since day one. He has pioneered the genre from his high-energy roots-rock band, Jason & The Scorchers, to his Emmy Award-winning children’s music with Farmer Jason and to his solo efforts as himself carving out space all his own. Jason’s reverence of country music and rock music has always been his forte, mixing the sounds of Hank Williams, The Ramones, and a dash of Bob Dylan along with his tenor voice.

Jason has been awarded an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, a TV Emmy, and an exhibit in the Country Hall of Fame, but appearing on the Grand Old Opry is a total dream come true. Mojo Magazine in the U.K. calls Jason Ringenberg; “the Godfather of Americana music.”
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And now, from 50 years ago, Saturday June 5, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Bob Luman (host); Barbara Mandrell; Jerry Smith
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Johnny Carver; Stringbean
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); June Stearns; Tommy Jones; Brother Oswald
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jay Lee Webb; Crook Brothers; Speck Rhodes
8:00: Billy Grammer (host); Skeeter Davis; Lonzo and Oscar; Tom T. Hall
8:30: The 4 Guys (host); Harold Weakley; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Louie Roberts

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Willis Brothers; Stringbean; Speck Rhodes
10:00: Lonzo and Oscar (host); Barbara Mandrell; Jerry Smith
10:15: Tom T. Hall (host); Jay Lee Webb
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Johnny Carver; Tommy Jones
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); June Stearns; Crook Brothers
11:00: The 4 Guys (host); Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Louie Roberts

Definitely a night short on Opry members. Bob Luman only did the first show, while Dolly Parton, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper were scheduled but cancelled.
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Now let's go back to June 4, 1966. This was night in which Mrs. Grissoms sponsored the opening segment of the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Luzianne which moved to another spot. Mrs. Grissoms would remain an Opry sponsor until the early 90s when they were replaced with GHS Strings. 

In 1955 a young secretary named Grace Grissom, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a business owner. Grace, along with support of her husband Herbert founded Mrs. Grissom’s Salads.

During that period of history, America was still recovering from the effects of WWII. There were no golden arches and the term “fast food” didn’t exist. Women had entered the workplace during the war and discovered life outside the home.

They also discovered the overwhelming challenge of preparing family meals from scratch after working all day in the factory.  One of Grace’s friends had a small, struggling company nearby that made prepared sandwich spreads and sold them through local grocery stores. Grace instinctively knew this was the business she had dreamed of starting.

Grace, and husband Herbert, became business partners with their friends and before long were making major improvements in the way the products were made and sold. Within a year, the Grissoms bought out their partners and Mrs. Grissom’s Salads was born.

Mrs. Grissoms is still in business today

Here is the running order from Saturday June 4, 1966: 

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Anderson (host): Truck Driving Man
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Ernie Ashworth: I Wish
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Take the Bucket to the Well
Curly Fox: Orange Blossom Special
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning

7:00: National Life & Accident Insurance Company
(Jud Collins, MC)
Flatt and Scruggs: Memphis
Roy Drusky: Reel Me a Nanner
The Blue Boys: Four Walls/Adios, Amigo/He'll Have to Go
Marion Worth: 21 Days of Darkness
Flatt and Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Roy Drusky: Anymore
DeFord Bailey: Fox Chase/Love Struck Me Down
Marion Worth: The French Song
Flatt and Scruggs: When the Saints Go Marching In

7:30: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks a Lot
Skeeter Davis: If I Had Wheels
Charlie Louvin: Something's Wrong
Stringbean: Wake Up, Little Birdie
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Billy Grammer: Bonaparte's Retreat
Del Wood: 4-Leaf Clover
Charlie Louvin: You Finally Said Something Good
Ernest Tubb: Mississippi Gal

8:00: Martha White
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): It Is Easier to Say Than Do
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express
Bob Luman: Poor Boy Blues
Marion Worth: He Called Me Baby
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Kenny Roberts: (?)
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Roy Drusky: Three Hearts in a Tangle

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Just a Friend
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishin'
Margie Bowes: Look Who's Lonely
Jim Ed Brown: Regular on My Mind
Sam Smith: (?)
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Tex Ritter: I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains

9:00: Pet Milk
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
The Carter Family: I Walk the Line
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Norma Jean: Lonesome No. 1
Jimmy Newman: A Fallen Star
Anita Carter: I've Heard the Wind Blow Before
Bobby Bare: Blowing in the Wind/Worried Man Blues
Norma Jean: Go Cat Go
Jimmy Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): You Don't Have to be a Baby to Cry
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Ernest Tubb: Half a Mind
Skeeter Davis: If I Ever Get to Heaven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Willis Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Ernest Tubb: Seaman's Blues

10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Cash on the Barrel Head
Norma Jean: I Wouldn't Buy a Used Car from Him
Bob Luman: Memphis
Bobby Lord: Losers Like Me

10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): 
Knoxville Girl
Stringbean: Wanda
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me

10:30: Harvey's
Roy Drusky (host): Rainbows & Roses
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Broadway Buglers: Black Mountain Rag
Roy Drusky: Strangers

10:45: Newport
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Crook Brothers: (?)
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Jimmy Newman: Jambalaya

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: It Started Again
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Sam Smith: Oh, Lonesome Me
Sam McGee: These Boots are Made for Walking
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You

11:30: Lava
Tex Ritter (host): The Boll Weevil
Willis Brothers: Gonna Swing 'Til My Rope Breaks
Loretta Lynn: Two Mules Pull this Wagon
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Tex Ritter: History Repeats Itself
Marion Worth: Somebody Had to Lose
Willis Brothers: Tumbling Tumbleweed
Wayne Gray: Wheels
Tex Ritter: There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder

A couple of interesting notes from that night: The 7:00 National Life and Accident Segment had Jud Collins as the MC. From what I can discover, this was filmed as part of the National Life and Accident Company sponsored Grand Ole Opry syndicated television programs. 

Jud Collins, along with Louie Buck and David Cobb, are considered as the first three announcers of the Grand Ole Opry. He was employed by WSM in 1940, and worked there for 37 years before retiring as Vice President WSM Inc. in 1977. WSM Radio duties included: news, special events and sports announcing. He announced the Grand Ole Opry programs on WSM, NBC and Mutual Networks. He also wrote announced and produced music programs for WSM and NBC, and was WSM Military Reporter for Army Maneuvers prior to World War II. In 1950, he became Nashville's first TV news anchor and for 20 years, served as principle anchor for all news programs on WSM-TV, Channel 4. He served as political commentator and anchor for WSM-TV election returns telecasts from 1950 to 1970, originated and hosted Nashville's first variety TV program "Noon", which won a radio Television Council Award for ten consecutive years. He was appointed News Director for WSM Radio and Television in 1964. In 1974, he became a member of the Board of Directors for Fidelity Federal of Tennessee (Regions Bank) and served as member of the Executive Committee and the Advertising Committee. Other business involvements include two years as news anchor for Channel 2 and from 1981-1985. 

Also included in that filmed segment was an appearance by DeFord Bailey. There has been much written over the years that after DeFord was fired by George D. Hay in 1941, he never came back to the Opry until 1974. Obviously that is not true as through the 60s, DeFord appeared a couple of times at the Opry. For those interested, there is video of his appearances on YouTube. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 6/2

 Coming off the Memorial Day weekend, the Opry begins the month of June with the Tuesday Night Opry. 

7:00: Jeannie Seely; Jamison Rodgers; Riders In The Sky; Jeff & Sheri Easter
8:00: Lindsey Ell; Chonda Pierce; Jon Pardi

Not a bad show with lots of variety.