Let's start off this weekend with a little quiz. Who can tell me which non-Opry member has appeared on the show the most in 2021? I will give you a clue. This weekend, he is on both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. If your guess was Gary Mule Deer, you have my congratulations. This weekend will mark Gary's 28th and 29th appearances on the Opry for this year. I know that many of us have heard Gary with the same jokes over and over, but to the new listeners or those attending the Opry for the first time, he is funny and of all the comedians that the Opry offers, he seems to get the most response from the audience.
Comedy seems to have become a part of each Opry show. Of the current cast members, the only one that I could classify as a comedian, along with his musical skills, is Mike Snider. But with only one Opry appearance in 2021, Mike seems to have disappeared from the Opry. So that leaves management booking guest comedians. The most prominent, in addition to Gary Mule Deer, seem to be Henry Cho, John Crist, Chonda Pearce, Aaron Weber, Killer Beaz, along with a few others who have made one or two shows. I have nothing against comedy but I do miss country comedy. Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Duke of Paducah, Jerry Clower, Archie Campbell and Mike Snider (all of whom Opry members), were country comedians. That is the part of comedy that is missing from the Opry today.
Now to the shows for this weekend.
Looking at the line-ups for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee is on the schedule for both nights. He will be joined on Friday night by Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky, while on Saturday night, Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne, Bill Anderson and Ricky Skaggs are listed on the schedule.
As previously noted, comedian Gary Mule Deer will be appearing both nights this weekend. While I have nothing against those appearing on Saturday night, the line-up of guest artists for Friday night is strong, beginning with Kathy Mattea. Earlier this fall, Kathy signed on as the new host of Mountain Stage, which is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Mountain Stage has been taking place for 38 years and has aired just over 900 shows. As a West Virginia native who has appeared on the show many times, she is definitely the perfect host.
Also appearing on Friday night is Jason Crabb, along with Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. In 2019, Joe Mullins and his group were named the IBMA's Entertainers of the Year. They have appeared on the Opry since 2013, and for those who don't know, Joe is from Southwest Ohio and owns several radio stations in the Dayton/Springfield area that play classic country music.
Taking a look at Saturday night, in addition to Gary Mule Deer, Lauren Alaina will be making another Opry appearance. Lauren has made no secret in various interviews of her desire to become an Opry member some day. Also scheduled for Saturday is Ingrid Andress.
Friday December 17
7:00: John Conlee; Restless Road; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky; Gary Mule Deer; Jason Crabb; Kathy Mattea
Saturday December 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancer; Jeannie Seely; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Ingrid Andress; John Conlee
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Gary Mule Deer; Ricky Skaggs; Lauren Alaina
No live TV on Circle this week as Opry Live will be USO Holiday Special featuring Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Carrie Underwood, Jesse James Decker, Luke Combs and The War & Treaty. These were all previously taped at the Grand Ole Opry.
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From the week before Christmas 50 years ago, Saturday December 18, 1971 ( I highlighted the Christmas songs performed that night)
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks Christmas
Jan Howard: Love is Like a Spinning Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Ernie Ashworth: Wanted Man
Bill Anderson and Jan Howard: Dis-Satisfied
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Bill Anderson: Quits
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Billy Walker: When a Man Loves a Woman
Jack Greene: She's All I Got
Jeannie Seely: I'm Sorry If My Love Got In Your Way
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
Jean Shepard: Safe in These Loving Arms of Mine
Billy Walker: Circumstances
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Will You Be Loving Another Man
Grandpa Jones: The Ball-Headed End of a Broom
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: The Banks of the Ohio
Lester Flatt: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Satisfied
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Be a Little Quieter
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Osborne Brothers: Take Me Home Country Roads
George Morgan: Easy Loving
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: The Right Combination/The Pain of Loving You/Burning the Midnight Oil
Lonzo and Oscar: Moving On #2
Osborne Brothers: Sometimes You Just Can't Win
Dolly Parton: Joshua
9:00: Luzianne
Tex Ritter (host): There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Ray Pillow: Since Then
Tex Ritter: Here Was a Man
Jeannie C Riley: Houston Blues
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): There's a Fool Such as I
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Stu Phillips: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
Marion Worth: Put Your Hand in the Hand
Hank Snow: No One Will Ever Know
10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): I Saw the Light
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have a License
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Billy Walker: A Million and One
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Ray Pillow: The Waitress
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Burning the Midnight Oil
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God
George Morgan: Gentle Rains of Home
Willis Brothers: For the Good Times
Lester Flatt: Turkey in the Straw
10:45: Beechnut
Bill Monroe (host): Christmas Time's 'A Coming
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Loving Him Was Easier Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Brenda Carrollton: Snowbird
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Phil Campbell: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Jeannie C Riley: Roses & Thorns
Lonzo & Oscar: Easy Loving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Gray Eagle
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: The Sea Shores of Old Mexico
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Marion Worth: I Really Don't Want to Know
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/El Paso
Surprising that for the week before Christmas that there were so few Christmas songs sang that night. You would have expected more.
Finally, one more. This one from 78 years ago, Saturday December 18, 1943. At the time, the Opry had just marked its 18th year.
8:00: Purina
Bill Monroe: Doghouse Blues
Zeke Clements: Smoke on the Water
Bill Monroe and Clyde Moody: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy
Danielle Quartette: Every Time I Feel the Spirit
Jamup and Honey: Jokes
Golden West Cowboys: Riding Up to Glory
Sam and Kirk McGee: Who Broke the Lock
Chubby Wise: Cacklin Hen
Bill Monroe: Lil Liza Jane
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Lonesome Road Blues
8:30: Crazy Water Crystals
Paul Howard: Be Honest with Me
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: Cowards Over Pearl Harbor
Eddy Arnold: Mommy Please Stay Home with Me
Crook Brothers: Shortnin' Bread
Robert Lunn: I'm in the Army Now
Lenny and Tommy Thompson: Raise the Window Mother Darling
Possum Hunters: Billy in the Low Ground
Smith Sisters: No Letter Today
Uncle Rufus: Great Grand Dad
Gully Jumpers: Arrington Breakdown
Paul Howard: Dear Old Sunny South by the Sea
9:00: Royal Crown
Golden West Cowboys: Goodbye Liza Jane
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Eighth of January
Ernest Tubb: Answer in Walking the Floor Over You
Curly Williams: I'll Be Around Somewhere
Bill Monroe: California Blues
Spike and Spud: Midnight Flyer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Big Joe
Ernest Tubb: I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair
Curly Williams: There'll Be Some Changes Made
Becky Barfield: I Want Someone
Hal Smith: Cotton Eyed Joe
9:30: Prince Albert
Roy Acuff: Whoa Mule Whoa
Roy Acuff: Put My Rubber Doll Away
Minnie Pearl: Columbus Stockade
Mack McGarr: Rock and Rye Polka
Ford Rush: Put on Your Old Gray Bonnet
Old Hickory Quartette: Molly Darling
Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah: Jokes
Jimmy Riddle: 12th Street Rag
Roy Acuff: When the Saints Go Marching In
Hoe Down: Fishers Hornpipe
10:00: Wall Rite
Bill and Clyde: I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky
Clyde Moody: If I Had My Life to Live Over
Blue Grass Quartette: Old Country Church
Sally Ann: Put Me in Your Pocket
Chubby Wise: Wagoner
10:15: Weatherman
Daniel Quartette: Heaven's Radio Station Is on the Air
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: You Are Getting More Like Your Dad Every Day
Eddy Arnold: I Walk Alone
Marie and Clyde Dillaha: I'm Sending You Red Roses
Possum Hunters: Billy Wilson
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: From Jerusalem to Jericho
Daniel Quartette: Jesus Hold My Hand
Possum Hunters: Possum Hunter's Dream
10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: The Heart That Was Broken for Me
Roy Acuff: Radio Station S-A-V-E-D
Rachel and Oswald: Jessie James
Jimmy Riddle: Put Your Arms Around Me
Jug Band: Blackeyed Susan
10:45: Lazyu
Crook Brothers: Golden Slippers
Uncle Rufus: My Mother's Prayer
Sam, Kirk, Floyd and Goldie: Chittlin' Cooking Time in Georgia
Robert Lunn: Tooth Picking Time in False Teeth Valley
Lenny and Tommy Thompson: Open Range Ahead
Gully Jumpers: Breakdown in T
11:00: Roy Acuff Song Book
Roy Acuff: Write Me Sweetheart
Roy Acuff: What Good Will It Do
Rachel and Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Roy Acuff: Tear Stained Letter
Jimmy Riddle: 12th Street Rag
11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Ernest Tubb: I'll Get Along Somehow
Ernest Tubb: When the World Has Turned You Down
Ernest Tubb: Drop Your Net
Ernest Tubb: I'm Wondering Now
11:30: Sal-Kill
Golden West Cowboys: Pretty Little Widow
Little Becky Barfield: Keep a Light in Your Window Tonight
Trio: There's a Blue Sky Way Out Yonder
Pete Pyle: I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair
Spike and Spud: Song of the Blind
Golden West Cowboys: Little Girl Go Ask Your Mama
11:45
Paul Howard: With Tears in My Eyes
Smith Sisters: We'll Keep 'Em Flying
Curly Williams: When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold
Zeke Clements: I Dreamed I Spent Christmas in Heaven
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Jackie Boy
Paul Howard: Home in San Antone
Curly Williams: Where We Never Grow Old
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dixie-Home Sweet Home
That goes way back with some interesting and in some cases, long forgotten names.
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.
Looking at those lineups, I was reminded of Grant Turner saying that the best time to see the Opry was at a time when there was the lowest attendance: This time of year, when so many acts were off the road and making their appearance quotas.
ReplyDeleteThere was a discussion on Facebook about some of the old sponsors, and on YouTube, I found Ira Louvin singing a Tennessee Pride ad and George Morgan singing about Elm Hill Bill!
There were so many of the old sponsors and their jingles. Let's see: Martha White, Standard Candy, W.E. Stephens, Trailblazer, Elm Hill, Kellogg's, Royal Crown, American Ace Coffee, Bama, Coca-Cola, Mrs. Grissom's.... and I know I am missing many more. They were actually all part of the show with many of the Opry's members singing the jingles.
DeleteI remember that Eddie Stubbs did a piece for a WSM newsletter about the jingles, and mentioned that because Coke's was a jazzy version of "it's the real thing, Coke is," the staff band LOVED playing it because it was different for them.
DeleteOne more, which you can hear ... here, with the bonus of hearing the Willis Brothers, Hal Durham, and Grant Turner, and then, if you stay with it, The King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nltA2NAv7hs&t=83s
One of my favorite jingles was Faron Young and Melba Montgomery for Fender guitars. Haven't heard it in years, though. Also, isn't "Shake Me I Rattle " a Christmas song?
DeleteShake Me I Rattle debuted on the billboard charts February 2, 1963 and reached number 14. So I guess it wasn't released with intentions of being a Christmas song but I think it later became popular and accepted as one and was played on country radio in later years during the season. Wouldn't it be great if you could hear it today?
DeleteI know when my brother was doing his show on Sunday evening he would always include it at Christmas. He played it periodically thought the rest of the year but would play many other Marion Worth songs including those that did not make the charts. He played cuts from the LP she and George Morgan did as well.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Some songwriters have different intentions. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Do You Hear What I Hear?" But it isn't a Christmas song. The writers did it in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis ("Pray for peace, people everywhere"). But it became a Christmas song.
DeleteI am proud of Chris Jansen, Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Carrie Underwood, and others who take their 'Opry membership seriously. 'Opry needs to keep that kind of attitude in mind when they offer memberships.
ReplyDeleteDon Schlitz, Charlie McCoy anybody?
So that is why they had Lauren on last. Congratulations Lauren. Bob
ReplyDeleteLauren is either the world's greatest actress, or she really does treasure her 'Opry membership. I believe she is sincere.
ReplyDeleteTime will tell! :)
Four different artists appeared this weekend who would all make excellent and clearly dedicated Opry members... Lauren Alaina, Jason Crabb, Kathy Mattea, and Gary Mule Deer. Therefore, congrats to Lauren Alaina!
ReplyDeleteThere was no debate that Lauren Alaina was in line to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The only question was when would it happen? Last night it did as Trisha Yearwood surprised Lauren with the invitation to become the Opry's newest member.
ReplyDeleteLauren has appeared on the Opry over 50 times and has expressed her love of the Opry on numerous occasions and made no secret of the fact that she would love to be a member. While I am not a huge fan, I am excited for her, and like Carly Pearce, I believe she will support the show and continue to appear.
I like what Dan Rogers and his team is doing at the Opry. Looking at 2021, Lady A, Rhonda Vincent, Carly Pearce, The Isaacs and Mandy Barnett have joined the cast. A good mix of contemporary and veteran acts with variety. The only disappointment in that group is Lady A, as they have made only one Opry appearance. The rest have been solid picks.
In the recent past, the Opry has had only a couple of female members who have been appearing on a regular basis (Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith). Rhonda, Mandy, Carly and now Lauren should help to fill that void.
With the recent deaths of Joe Diffie, Charlie Daniels, Charley Pride, Hal Ketchum, Tom T. Hall and most recent, Stonewall Jackson, I would expect the next group of new Opry members to be male, and if the pattern holds, a mix of contemporary and veteran acts. Two names that come to mind in the former would be Jimmie Allen, Jason Crabb and Jon Pardi (who really impressed me again last week), while the latter group could include names such as T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Charlie McCoy and possibly Steven Curtis Chapman and John Berry. I know Dan seems to favor those acts that have supported the Opry over the years by the number of guest appearances they have made.
Time will tell, but for now, congratulations to Lauren Alaina and I am looking forward to her induction in 2022.
I would love to see T. Graham Brown. John Berry would also add a great catalog from the 90’s.
DeleteI'm not a fan of the music of a lot of the newer or younger members. But for me it always comes down to whether they support the show properly. Lauren Alaina certainly has. I think she'll be a loyal, dedicated member.
DeleteI am very happy that this year, was the year of inducting females into the Opry, well not all of them were; but it's been a long time coming. In saying that, I am sending out Congratulations to Lauren Alaina! Very happy for her.
DeleteI agree, of all who were inducted this year, Lady A, most likely won't cut it as members, maybe they will change my mind, not sure. Lauren Alaina appeared 50 times vs Mandy Barnett over 500 times, but the ship was righted in Mandy's case & as Marty said to her Induction night, hers was a very long audition to become a member; he sure is right.
I watched Lauren Alaina & Scotty McCreery 10/11 years ago on American Idol, they were the last two standing in that season's competition. While Scotty McCreery won that night, Lauren won Saturday night. Those two have great voices. I felt sorry for her when Trisha Yearwood was inviting her as Lauren was so overwhelmed & she was hyperventilating. Please don't sell her short, under that very bubbly personality, she is one terrific singer. I think as she starts to fit into the roll of an Opry member, she will get more used to it. It comes naturally to some; not all. She will be just fine. Looking forward to her induction.
I wouldn't mind if the Opry considered Jon Pardi at some point. He engages his audience & makes his part of the show a whole lot of fun for all! And he is one of the more traditional country singers out there in contemporary country radio today. I don't always look for those who sing traditional music, to be a good Opry guest or member. If we had that, there would be a ton of singers on that stage no one has ever heard of, Byron would be doing a lot of leg work to introduce them to us & for me, there should be a variety, not cookie cutter! However, for me, I wouldn't induct any comedy, there's not one, aside from Gary Mule Deer, that I would consider, but that's just for own taste. I sure would like it if the Opry would start looking for Cajun singers/players. Sorely lacking on that, this genre of country music did not slide off the face of the Earth when Jimmy C. Newman passed away.
I also agree with many of the suggestions for Opry membership. Don Schlitz, T. Graham Brown, Charlie McCoy; yes, yes & yes.
In saying all I have, I think the Opry management team, led by Dan Rogers, is doing a mighty fine job holding the Opry in their hands. I think another criticism is I am not too happy that they are starting to pull back on the weekly live-streams by inserting previously taped segments. Not everyone gets Circle TV.
Again, Congratulations goes out to Lauren Alaina, she sure was given a great Christmas gift.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All ~ stay safe.
(Jeanene)
We have been so removed from current "country" music that we have no idea who some of those people you mention are Byron. Other than maybe going to Nashville for the Bill Anderson tribute at the CM HoF, we may not bother with the Opry when there. It is not what we enjoyed and remember; the last being the 90th Anniversary. I haven't listened to the archives on WSM for quite a while unless it was a special person/event. We are going to the concerts/shows of the country and bluegrass artists we love and are better entertained. (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteOh and the new process of the sale of Opry tickets - would be another big reason for us to stay away. I just bought tickets for Ronnie Milsap via Ticketmaster (that theater's processor) and it wasn't smooth, first try the whole process froze, had to restart the order the next day and the fees are out of sight! It was always so great to work directly with the Opry ticket agents and even get direct emails from them. We always did the gold circle (or whatever it is called now). Can't imagine what the extra fees on top of those prices will be now. Tickets via the actual venue often have a moderate fee. (from Anonymous in PA)
ReplyDeleteI hear 'ya loud and clear on the Opry ticket situation.
ReplyDeleteHow much money is enough, anyway?
The actual Opry ticket staff was GREAT, guessing the new service will give much worse service and will jack up prices at every opportunity. I'm guessing getting somebody to answer the phone will be an interesting exercise.