Grand Ole Opry 8/13 & 8/14 (updated)

It was a pleasant surprise on Tuesday night as Ricky Skaggs surprised The Isaacs with an invitation to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. That will make four new Opry members so far in 2021 and I don't believe they are done yet. My thought is with the Opry losing more members in 2020 than in any other recent year, and then taking in consideration the number of non-active members, it is certainly time for the Opry to "catch up" (something the Country Music Hall of Fame should be doing but that is a discussion for another time). 

What I like is the fact that, with one exception, these new members seem to be really committed to the Opry. Look at the most recent members, going back to Dailey & Vincent, who have been doing a wonderful job appearing and supporting the Opry. After Dailey & Vincent, they were followed by Chris Young, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Mark Wills, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Gene Watson, Lady A, Rhonda Vincent, Carly Pearce and now, The Isaacs. Really the only one of that group that the jury is out on is Lady A. Even before becoming members, their appearances were lacking. 

We all know the appearance record of Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent and Carly Pearce. Gene Watson, who became a member right before Covid hit, has been reappearing at the Opry, as has Chris Young. Dustin Lynch has been somewhat of a surprise and has been averaging his 10 appearances each year. And while Kelsea and Luke are entering the peak of their careers, they have been around a handful of times. 

The Isaacs are somewhat of a surprise but in thinking about it further, not really. With the exception of The Whites, there is not currently a family group as part of the Opry, nor is there a gospel focused group. Gospel music has always been a part of the Opry and is sung currently on stage by Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent and the Oak Ridge Boys, among others. Going back, if my memory serves me correctly, the last true gospel music member of the Opry was Martha Carson, and that is going back to the 50s. 

I really believe that the current management (Dan and Gina) of the Opry realize that they need to increase the membership, not just with popular or big names, but those who have shown they will support the show and I believe that The Isaacs will do just that. Their formal induction will take place on Tuesday September 14. 
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Now looking at the Grand Ole Opry line-up for this weekend and it is nice to see that another Opry member will be returning to the Opry as Crystal Gayle will be making her first appearance of 2021. 

So, if you are keeping a list at home, here are the "active" members who have not appeared so far this year: Clint Black, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Eddie Montgomery, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban. I understand the situation with Dolly, so I give her a pass. I guess the disappointing ones are Clint Black (who is around), Diamond Rio (who is touring) Alison Krauss (who seems to be active in the Nashville are) and Martina McBride. I think you could add Alan Jackson to the list, who cancelled performing last Sunday on the special Opry show after the Nashville race, due to "logistic" reasons. Alan was on tour out West and apparently someone realized that it might be too hard for him to get back to Nashville. Regardless, hopefully more of these missing Opry members will get back soon. 

In addition to Crystal, the only other Opry member scheduled for Friday night is Rhonda Vincent, while on Saturday night, the only member on the schedule (on what is a pretty weak line-up) is Bobby Osborne.  

Among the guest artists on Friday night is T. Graham Brown, who many believe would make a fine Opry member, the very talented Erin Enderlin, comedian Brad Upton and Billy Ray Cyrus, who will be appearing with FIREROSE and Bobby & Teddi Cyrus. 

Billy Ray Cyrus has been on the Opry several times before, but this will be the first Opry show for FIREROSE and Bobby & Teddi Cyrus. 

FIREROSE is an Australian singer/songwriter who has recently recorded a duet with Billy Ray, "New Day" which was released early in July. The new song is an uplifting anthem promising the dawning of a better age. After a difficult past year with the pandemic, FIREROSE felt it was time to release a song that spreads some positivity and light, promising better times. “We’ve all been through this collective experience over the past year or so that’s been challenging for everyone for different reasons. And it’s really kind of a timely song about bringing a positive new day to people around the world,” FIREROSE stated in a recent interview. Apparently she and Billy Ray are longtime friends, which is how he got involved. 

Bobby and Teddi Cyrus are a husband and wife duo. Bobby, who operated the Cyrus Family Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is Billy Ray's cousin, and has toured with Johnny Paycheck and Charlie Daniels, among others and recently has begun recording with his wife Teddi. Bobby, who is also a songwriter, spent time early in his career with Tom T. Hall and enjoys bluegrass and traditional country music. 

Looking at Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, as mentioned, Bobby Osborne is the only Opry member currently listed on the schedule. Comedian Brad Upton, who is also on the Friday schedule, is also listed for Saturday, along with Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz. Other guests include Lindsay Ell, Ryan Kinder, Kalie Shorr, Butch Walker and Sam Williams. 

Circle TV will not be televising the Opry live on Saturday night. Instead the televised show will feature the Opry induction of Carly Pearce, along with Trisha Yearwood and Jeannie Seely. 

Friday August 13
7:00: Rhonda Vincent; Erin Enderlin; Brad Upton; T. Graham Brown
Intermission
8:15: Sam Outlaw; Crystal Gayle; Billy Ray Cyrus with FIREROSE and Bobby & Teddi Cyrus

Saturday August 14
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; John Berry; Ryan Kinder; Kalie Shorr & Butch Walker; Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brad Upton; Sam Williams; Lindsay Ell
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday August 14, 1971: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Charlie Louvin (host); Bill Carlisle; Del Wood; Diane McCall
7:00: Tex Ritter (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stu Phillips; Connie Smith
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Skeeter Davis; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers; Calhoun Twins
8:00: Bobby Lord (host); The 4 Guys; Barbara Mandrell; Ernie Ashworth
8:30: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers; Marion Worth; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bob Luman

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Willis Brothers; Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Stu Phillips
10:00: Charlie Louvin (host); Diane McCall; Del Wood
10:15: Tex Ritter (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Barbara Mandrell
10:45: Bobby Lord (host); Skeeter Davis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Bobby Bare (host); Ernie Ashworth; Calhoun Twins; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers; Marion Worth; Bob Luman; Ray Pillow

(The Calhoun Twins consisted of brothers Jack and Jerry and yes, they were actual twins. The were from Ann Arbor, Michigan, later moving to Florida. During this period, they made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry). 
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Now, looking back 67 years to Saturday August 14, 1954: 

7:30: Prince Albert
Ernest Tubb (host); I'm Walking the Floor Over You
Rod Brasfield: Gags
Marty Robbins: Call Me Up and I'll Come Calling on You
Square Dancers: Fire in the Mountain
Ernest Tubb: Stand By Me
Moon Mullican: Good Deal Lucille
Minnie Pearl: Gags
Marty Robbins: Pretty Word
Chet Atkins: Guitar Polka
Ernest Tubb: Jealous Loving Heart
Square Dancers: Black Mountain Rag

8:00: Martha White
Hank Snow (host): Moving On
Bill Monroe: Kentucky Waltz
Webb Pierce: Even Tho
June Carter: Well I Guess I Told You Off
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Martha Carson: Bye and Bye
Possum Hunters: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe: I Hope You Have Learned
Webb Pierce: Sparkling Brown Eyes
Dale Potter: Devil's Dream

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin Ridge
Ferlin Husky: Home Sick
Jug Band: Jesse Polka
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Lonzo and Oscar: Got It on My Mind
Roy Acuff: Build Me a Cabin
Oswald: Jesse James
Jimmy Riddle: Clarinet Polka
Howdy Forrester: Say Old Man

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Carl Smith (host): Dog Gone It Baby, I'm In Love
Jimmy Dickens: You Better Not Do That
George Morgan: I Think I'm Gonna Cry
Crook Brothers: Pretty Polly Ann
Anita Carter: My Destiny
Grandpa Jones: Lonesome Road Blues
Carl Smith: Let's Live a Little
Jordanaires: This Old House
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Making Love to a Stranger
Chet Atkins: Country Gentleman

9:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): Branded Wherever I Go
Howdy Forrester: Indian Creek
Lew Childre: Riding on the Elevated Train
Cowboy Copas: The Man Upstairs
Roy Acuff: Lonely Mound of Clay

9:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff (host): Lonesome Old River
Goldie Hill: Make Love to Me
Oswald: Rabbit in the Log
Roy Acuff: Crying Holy
Jimmy Riddle: Brown's Ferry Blues

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan (host): Walking Shoes
Bill Monroe: I'm Travelin' On
Martha Carson: Lazarus
Blue Grass Boys: Get Up John
George Morgan: Sweet Heart

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Hank Snow (host): Panamama 
Ray Price: Much Too Young to Die
Grandpa Jones: Pretty Little Pink
Chubby and Tommy: Fire in the Mountain
Hank Snow: Act I Act II Act III

10:30: Hester Battery
Ernest Tubb (host): I Know My Baby Loves Me
Jimmy Dickens: Waitress Waitress
Ferlin Husky: Eli the Camel
Duke of Paducah: Gags
Mother Maybelle: Wildwood Flower
Moon Mullican: Pipe Liner Blues
Ernest Tubb: Honky Tonk Heart
Chet Atkins: Crazy Bone Rag
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Webb Pierce (host): It's Been So Long
Carl Smith: Go Boy Go
Cowboy Copas: Man Upstairs
Rod and Minnie: Gags
Webb Pierce: That's Me Without You
Lonzo and Oscar: Crazy 'Bout You Baby
Carl Smith: If You Saw Her Thru My Eyes
Gully Jumpers: Sally Goodin
Webb Pierce: You Just Can't Be True
Carl Smith: This Orchid Means Good-Bye

11:30: Delited
Hank Snow (host): Music Making Mama
Lew Childre: Maple on the Hill
Goldie Hill: Call Off the Wedding
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackled
Hank Snow: Fool Such as I

11:45:
Marty Robbins (host): Pretty Words
Sam and Kirk: Goodnight and So Long to You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ragtime Annie
Dot and Smokey: Afraid
Marty Robbins: Your Heart's Turn to Break
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Every year I print the Grand Ole Opry line-up from Saturday August 14, 1982 for the simple reason that it was the final Opry show that Ernest Tubb appeared on. It was also the final night that Ernest hosted the Midnight Jamboree. As his health declined, it just was too much for one of the Opry icons to continue. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
The 4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
The 4 Guys: A Blaze of Glory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:30: Bama
The Four Guys (host): Cottonfields/ Mariah
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah/You Were Always on My Mind
The 4 Guys: Made in the U.S.A. 

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.