February Opry Highlights

Welcome to February, or as we say here in Ohio, the dead of winter!! But on the positive side, pitchers and catchers report to spring training in few weeks which means spring is right around the corner, so we have that to look forward to. Now, as usual, here are the important or historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or with Opry members, during the month of February:

February 9, 1914: Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s and immediately became of the Opry's most important and influential members. He was known for helping new artists and that list includes Hank Snow, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene and Cal Smith, among many others. In 1947 he opened the first Ernest Tubb Record Shop and shortly after started the Midnight Jamboree. Ernest was one of the first members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and he was a proud supporter of country music and those who came from the state of Texas. Ernest remained an Opry member until his death in 1984, after a period of declining health.

February 18, 1914: Early Grand Ole Opry member Frank Kuczynski was born. Perhaps that name does not ring a bell, but his stage name does: Pee Wee King. Pee Wee, along with his Golden West Cowboys, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1937 and was one of the first professional entertainers to join the cast. Many people forget that Pee Wee came before Roy Acuff. He left the Opry after World War II and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to work in television and eventually his show was broadcast in Chicago, Cincinnati and Cleveland, in addition to Louisville. He always said he would have stayed in Nashville and at the Opry if WSM had branched into television, which they would do later. While leaving the Opry as a member, Pee Wee was a frequent guest. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974, Pee Wee passed away in 2000 at the age of 86. Pee Wee also wrote an autobiography that is an excellent read and a book that I highly recommend.

February 1, 1917: Mary Jane Dezurik was born in Royalton, Minnesota. Along with her sister Carolyn, these former Opry members were known as the Cackle Sisters. They came to the Opry in the 1940s, staying for only a short period of time, eventually moving to Cincinnati. Mary Jane passed away in 1981.

February 7, 1921: Wilma Lee Leary, better known as Wilma Lee Cooper, was born in Valley Head, West Virginia. Along with her husband Stoney, Wilma Lee came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree in 1957. After Stoney passed away, Wilma Lee continued as a member of the Opry until her death in 2011.

February 25, 1927: Ralph Stanley was born in the Clinch Mountains of Virginia. This bluegrass legend joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 2000. Ralph passed away in 2016. Some believe that Ralph should receive consideration in regard to the Country Music Hall of Fame, of which I would not disagree.

February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM and become responsible for the Opry. While in that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the show. While Judge Hay wanted to keep the rural flavor of the show, Harry saw the value of the show to the National Life & Insurance Company, the owners of WSM, and felt that the show should move into a more professional direction. It was during Harry's time that the Opry moved away from local, amateur talent and began bringing in professional and paid entertainers. Harry remained with WSM until 1950, when he left to pursue new opportunities. Overtime it has seemed that Harry Stone's influence at WSM and in the direction that the Opry eventually took has been overlooked, but he was an important part of the history of the radio station and the Opry. 

February 17, 1931: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first artist to perform on what is now called the Grand Ole Opry passed away. Uncle Jimmy was a part of the Barn Dance until 1927.

February 25, 1932: Faron Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1951 Faron joined the Louisiana Hayride, where he stayed until 1954. He then moved to Nashville, becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Faron remained an Opry member until he was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of annual appearances. While he never rejoined the show, Faron would come back and make occasional guest appearances.

February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers, led by Jack Shook, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook, as a "sort of Sons of Pioneers group." They stayed with the Opry until 1939. After the group left the Opry, Jack Shook would go on to make recordings with Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow, among others. 

February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans made their second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His first appearance had taken place several months earlier and was not considered a success. This time around, Roy performed "The Great Speckled Bird" and WSM was overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail. As a result, Roy was asked to become an Opry regular, or member, and it became official on February 19. Along with Pee Wee King, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and Eddy Arnold, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry's focus to professional singers rather than the instrumental groups that had been the main focus of the show. Shortly after he joined, Harry Stone suggested to Roy that the name of his group be changed and since Roy was from the Knoxville area, he went with Smoky Mountain Boys, which was effective beginning February 26. Except for a brief year in the 1940s, Roy would remain with the Opry until his death in November 1992.

February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the Opry specifically to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. While I have never heard The Andrew Brothers, I have heard that they were fine harmony singers.

February 13, 1943: While several dates have been listed, it would appear that Ernest Tubb became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry on this particular date. As has been discovered with others, in its earliest years, the Opry didn't keep very accurate records. 

February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair." Several months later, Jimmy would become a member of the Opry.

February 2, 1949: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow met current Opry member Ernest Tubb for the first time. The meeting led to the efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.

February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Rose and the group would later become Opry members, however their stay at the Opry was very short. There are several different versions as to why they left but the consensus seems to be that they were a little too progressive for the Opry. 

February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's early competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show, which started on November 16, 1940, was a very popular regional show.

February 23, 1952: Del Wood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry after "Down Yonder" her famous instrumental single, sold over a million copies the previous year. When Del accepted the invitation to perform on the Opry, she turned down a two-week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del became an Opry member the following year and would remain an Opry member until her death in October 1989. 

February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed two numbers, "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." Marty's debut was a success, and he would shortly after become an Opry member.

February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider them the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965 from injuries in an automobile accident that also took the life of his wife and another couple. Charlie would remain a member of the Opry, and have a successful solo career, until his death in January 2011. (As a note, some publications list February 10 as the date the Louvin Brothers joined the Opry).

February 19, 1957: Webb Pierce resigned as a member of the Opry. Webb's time at the Opry was fairly short as he quickly realized the amount of money he was losing by having to be in Nashville every Saturday night. While that was the main issue, there were other instances where Webb felt that he wasn't being fairly treated by the Opry's management. However, after Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would come back for an occasional appearance. 

February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is safe to say that Porter was one of the Opry's most popular and colorful members and in his later years, was considered the face of the Opry. Porter had made his first guest appearance in 1956 and would later say, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here,'" The night of his first appearance, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later became close friends with Porter. Porter remained an Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.

February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Famous for "Gotta Travel On" Billy was also a fine guitar player and maker. Billy was a member for 52 years, passing away in August 2011. Billy also gave the innovation at the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974.

February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. George, who passed away in September 2014, was an Opry member for 54 years. From my own personal experience, George was one of the nicest guys in country music and it was always a joy and pleasure to sit and talk to him. I would also add that I believe George's contributions to country and folk music have been largely overlooked over the years. 

February 4, 1962: Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black was born. Yes, he will be 60 this year. 

February 7, 1962: Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Garth Brooks was born. Much like Clint Black, isn't it hard to believe that Garth will be 60 this year?  Where has the time gone? 

February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes. While Patsy's time at the Opry was short, she had a tremendous influence. 

February 12, 1966: After taking a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry in December 1964, Minnie Pearl returned to the Opry. Minnie saw that she was probably going to be caught up in the Purge of 64 with the members who were fired from the show, thus she took the initiative and asked for a leave knowing that she would be back someday. 

February 19, 1966: Folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary made a special guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As the story has been told many times, they were brought back for several encores. Even though the group never had a hit record, they were such a success with their stage presence that they were asked to become Opry members, were they remained until fired in April 2000.

February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their final appearance together on the Opry. The duo had joined the Opry in 1955, however creative differences caused the two to go their separate ways. While they broke up several months later, each remained as individual members of the Opry.

February 6, 1971: The Grand Ole Opry began performing two Saturday night Opry shows on a regular basis. Prior to that date, the Saturday show ran 7:30 to midnight, although on special occasions the Opry would break it up into two shows, depending on artist and audience demand.

February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by the Reverend Jimmie Snow, made its debut after the Friday Night Opry. The show would continue for the next 23 years and feature many of the Opry's members, along with other guests including Johnny and June Carter Cash and Dennis Weaver. While the hour-long show took place after the Friday Night Opry, it was not aired on WSM until Sunday morning.

February 19, 1974: Grand Ole Opry members Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton announced the break-up of their act. 

February 23, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey performed on the Opry as part of the first of what would turn into, an annual reunion show featuring former Opry members. DeFord appeared at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, who for years had been trying to convince DeFord to return to the Opry. Before passing away, DeFord would make several more appearances, most often on the Opry's annual reunion shows.

February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast as a member of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed at the Opry and how good it was to have him back. As you might expect, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion." Unlike the first time he joined in 1948, this time Jimmy stayed, until passing away in January 2015.

February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ronnie's 46th year as an Opry member. It has been a tough year for Ronnie as his wife Joyce passed away in 2021. 

February 7, 1981: John Conlee became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be John's 41st year as an Opry member. As an Opry member, John has been very popular and well received. After he first appeared on the Opry, he was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring."

February 21, 1981: Just two weeks after John Conlee joined the cast, Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a country music star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late-night television commercials promoting his train album. Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose, who brought Boxcar to the attention of Roy Acuff. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999. Also, that night, former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made an Opry appearance, her first since October 1975.

February 28, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Archie, who was also known as a star of Hee Haw, passed away in August 1987. For those who haven't, I would recommend a visit to the Archie Campbell Museum in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. It is free and wonderful. 

February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour-long segment to Roy that featured Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. On an additional note, on the same night that Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited at the Opry for the first time in 14 years.

February 24, 1990: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn performed on the Opry for the first time with her sisters Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue. 

February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and quickly made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the cast in 1953 he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. In the 1950s, Webb was one of the biggest acts in country music and because of his heavy touring, he only stayed at the Opry for a couple of years. Webb was also a very successful businessman and was involved with one of the first publishing companies in Nashville. In 2001, a decade after his death, Webb was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 30th year as an Opry member. Travis is the only member in the history of the Opry who joined the cast on February 29, leap year. Sadly, over the past decade, Travis has not been to the Opry very often. Also taking place that night was the Opry debut of Trisha Yearwood. She would join the Opry's cast a decade later. 

February 18, 1995: WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Charlie retired from WSM after coming to the station in 1984.

February 19, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones passed away from the effects of a stroke he had suffered earlier in the year. Grandpa had been a 50+ year member of the Opry and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

February 21, 1998: The Grand Ole Opry honored long-time member Grandpa Jones, who passed away earlier in the week from complications of a stroke suffered after an Opry performance. At the show that night, Bill Carlisle, Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children led the cast in singing "Fallen Leaves," one of the great songs that Grandpa wrote.

February 19, 1999: Brother Oswald made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Oswald had been a part of the Opry for decades, originally coming to the show as part of Roy Acuff's group, then later becoming an Opry member after Roy passed away. 

February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Brad's 21st year as an Opry member. On the night that Brad joined the cast, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carnegie Hall" album.

February 24, 2001: While performing on the first show that evening, Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee did return to the Opry several times after the stroke, once to be honored for 50 years as a member of the Opry, and then when the Grand Ole Opry House reopened after the flood in September 2010.

February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. performed together on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had recently passed away. Porter Wagoner was the host of the segment and the four performers spent an hour on stage singing various Waylon songs and telling Waylon stories.

February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997, at the urging of Johnny Russell. However, within a few years, declining health forced Johnny into retirement. At the time of his death. Johnny was in such poor financial shape that George Jones paid for a cemetery plot in which Johnny was buried.

February 4, 2005: Bluegrass group The Grascals made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, the group has continued to make appearances on the Opry. 

February 26, 2005: Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both Opry shows that night in addition to hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Sadly, Charlie was not featured on the televised segment of the Opry that evening. 

February 8, 2007: In response to the recently filed lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry officials file papers in a Nashville court to request a dismissal of Stonewall Jackson's age-discrimination suit. They note Jackson has turned down some opportunities to perform and call the suit an effort "to boost his own career"

February 16, 2008: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away in Florida at the age of 74. Bobby was a popular Opry member who joined the cast in the mid 1960s, leaving in the mid-1970s. At the time, he left Nashville and moved to Florida and got involved in real estate.

February 27, 2009: Opry member Billy Grammer was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. On the same night that Billy was recognized, Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after an absence of six weeks following brain surgery.

February 14, 2015: Future Grand Ole Opry member Kelsea Ballerini made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Kelsea joined the Opry cast in 2019.

February 26, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

February 24, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Roy joined the Opry's cast in August 1987. Roy passed away on November 15, 2018.

February 28, 2017: Travis Tritt returned to the Opry stage for the first time since 2007, upon the occasion of his 25th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

February 8, 2018: Steve Buchanan, President of the Grand Ole Opry, announced his retirement. Steve was instrumental in bringing in Pete Fisher as the Opry's general manager, and in expanding the Opry brand in Nashville and beyond. Steve was also the executive producer of "Nashville," which included the Opry and several of its members in many of their shows. An argument can be made that Steve would be a solid candidate for the Country Music Hall of Fame in the contributors' category.

February 15, 2019: William Shatner made his Grand Ole Opry debut, appearing with Jeff Cook from the group Alabama. 

February 7, 2020: Gene Watson was formally inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. It was a well-deserved honor for Gene and well received. Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner handled the official induction. 

February 28, 2020: Rhonda Vincent was surprised by Opry member Jeannie Seely with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rhonda had been a guest on the Opry for several decades prior to the invitation. Due to Covid, her induction was delayed until 2021. 

February 6, 2021: After a yearlong wait due to Covid, Rhonda Vincent was finally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. with Dierks Bentley doing the honors. Since joining the cast, Rhonda has embraced her membership and has appeared on the Opry numerous times over the past year. 

February 14, 2021: NBC-TV televised the Opry's 95th anniversary special. The show featured over a dozen of the Opry's more popular members and included the invitation by Darius Rucker to Lady A to become the Opry's newest member. 

There you have it for the month of February.

Happy Birthday Norma Jean

There is only one former female Grand Ole Opry member alive today, known to all as "Pretty Miss Norma Jean" and today she celebrates her 84th birthday. 

"Pretty Miss Norma Jean" may be best remembered as Porter Wagoner's stage partner before he was paired with Dolly Parton, but she was also well known for an often-hard-edged group of songs that spoke of poverty, hard work, and the instability of romantic relationships. Although she didn't have the songwriting creativity of Loretta Lynn or Dolly Parton, she was comparable to those stars in her general outlook. 

Norma Jean Beasler was born in Wellston, Oklahoma and grew up admiring country singer Kitty Wells, whom she considered her biggest influence. She got her start performing on radio stations in the Oklahoma City area; and by age 12, she had her own radio show on KLPR-AM. She toured Oklahoma with various bands, starting with Merl Lindsay and His Oklahoma Night Riders at age 16, followed by the Bill Gray Band at 18. Norma Jean was the Bill Gray Band's full-time vocalist and made guest appearances with major country stars. Early on, she befriended soon-to-be country star Wanda Jackson.

In 1955, she got a regular spot on the ABC-TV show Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri, where she stayed for two years and first received national exposure. Host Red Foley suggested calling her simply Norma Jean, and she made it official in 1958; she also became known on the program as Pretty Miss Norma Jean. She met Porter Wagoner on the show, and in 1959, signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. A string of unsuccessful singles followed, and she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Wagoner invited her to audition for his syndicated weekly TV program, The Porter Wagoner Show. She became a regular on the show in 1961 and stayed for six years. Norma Jean toured and performed across the country with Porter, and RCA Victor producer Chet Atkins signed her to a recording contract with RCA Victor.

Norma Jean had her first chart single, "Let's Go All the Way," in 1964; the song made the Top 15 and was followed by the Top 25 hit "I'm a Walkin' Advertisement (For the Blues)." That year she had her first Top Ten single, "Go Cat Go," which stayed on the country charts for four months and became a minor pop hit as well. Her chart success continued through the mid-'60s with songs such as "I Wouldn't Buy a Used Car from Him" and the innovative love-triangle trio "The Game of Triangles" (1965), which also featured Bobby Bare and Liz Anderson.

On television, Norma Jean presented a wholesome image at odds with her hurtin' and cheatin' songs, yet in her personal life both those themes were relevant. Around the mid-'60s, she became romantically involved with her mentor Wagoner, who was separated from his wife at the time. The affair led her to leave Wagoner's organization, but she continued to appear on the Grand Ole Opry (between 1965 and 1969) and recorded more singles for RCA. In 1967 she had two Top 30 hits, "Don't Let That Doorknob Hit You" and "Heaven Help the Working Girl," an early feminist song. 

Norma Jean left Wagoner's show in 1967 after marrying Jody Taylor (whom she later divorced), and was replaced by newcomer Dolly Parton, who went on to become one of country music's leading female stars. Parton said later she had a hard time replacing Norma Jean, because she was so loved by country fans.

After that, her presence on the country charts and radio stations was minimal. Nevertheless, she continued to release albums regularly through the early ‘70s. She began to release new albums again in the 2000s, including Loneliest Star in Texas (2005), Norma Jean’s Cowboy Church Gospel (2012), and Aged to Perfection (2014).

During her career, Norma Jean had 13 country singles in Billboard's Country Top 40 between 1963 and 1968, recorded twenty albums for RCA Victor between 1964 and 1973, received two Grammy nominations, and was a Grand Ole Opry member. 

Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 9, 1965 and made her final appearance as a member on August 9, 1969. 

Here is the line-up from Saturday January 9, 1965, the night Norma Jean became an Opry member: 

7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Bill Carlisle; Bobby Lord; Loretta Lynn; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth

8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Dottie West; Willie Nelson; Osborne Brothers; Norma Jean; Crook Brothers

8:30: Roy Acuff (host); Wilburn Brothers; Bill Andeson; Archie Campbell; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Margie Bowes

9:00: Leroy Van Dyke (host); Skeeter Davis; Sonny James; Curly Fox; Tompall and The Glaser Brothers

9:30: Hank Snow (host); Bill Monroe; Roy Drusky; Willis Brothers; Marion Worth; The Browns

10:00: Bobby Lord (host); Loretta Lynn; Osborne Brothers; Del Wood

10:15: Jimmy C Newman (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Bill Anderson; Bill Carlisle

10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Norma Jean; Sonny James

10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Margie Bowes; Wilburn Brothers; Crook Brothers

11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Monroe; Leroy Van Dyke; Tompall and The Glaser Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Dottie West; Sam and Kirk McGee

11:30: Roy Drusky (host); Charlie Louvin; Marion Worth; Willis Brothers; The Browns; Willie Nelson; Curly Fox

And the running order from Norma Jean's final night as an Opry member, August 9, 1969: 

1st show

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host)

Del Wood

6:45: Rudy's

Wilburn Brothers (host)

Bob Luman

7:00: Luzianne

Hank Locklin (host): Country Hall of Fame

Stringbean: Mountain Dew

Carol Northcutt: (?)

Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Hank Locklin: Cuban Girl

Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn

Jimmy C Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special

Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words

The 4 Guys: The Games People Play

Crook Brothers: Cacklin' Hen

Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

Stonewall Jackson: Never More Quote the Raven

The 4 Guys: Over on the Other Side

8:00: Martha White

George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain

Norma Jean: Lonesome Number One

Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle

The Homesteaders: Love of the Common People

George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind

Norma Jean: Jackson Ain't a Very Big Town

Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo

The Homesteaders: Johnny B Goode

8:30: Stephens

Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places

Skeeter Davis: Both Sides Now

Ernie Ashworth: Love; I Finally Found It

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy

Billy Walker: Better Homes & Gardens

Skeeter Davis: Lonesome Road Blues

Ernie Ashworth: Heartbreak Avenue

Billy Walker: Cattle Call

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Wilburn Brothers (host): We Need a Lot More Happiness

Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

Del Wood: (?)

Lorene Mann: Tell It All

Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me

Del Wood: Are You from Dixie

Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres

Wilburn Brothers: Orange Blossom Special/Metals for Mothers

10:00: Fender

Bob Luman (host): Johnny B. Goode
The 4 Guys: My Special Angel

Carol Northcutt: San Antonio Rose

Bob Luman: Guitar Man

10:15: Pure

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard

Roy Acuff: You Win Again

Brother Oswald: Tennessee Waltz

10:30: Buckley's

Billy Walker (host): From the Bottle to the Bottom

Norma Jean: Dusty Road

Stringbean: Ruby

Billy Walker: Better Homes & Gardens

10:45: Kent

Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

Merle Kilgore: Honky-Tonk Man

Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin

Hank Locklin: Release Me/You've Still Got a Place in My Heart

11:00: Coca Cola
George Hamilton IV (host): Canadian Pacific

Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles

Jimmy C Newman: Boo Dan
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep

George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man

Skeeter Davis: Teach Me to Love You

Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday Night

Sam McGee: Under the Double Eagle

George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain

11:30: Lava

Ernie Ashworth (host): Love; I've Finally Found It

The Homesteaders: The Race is On

Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons

Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go

The Homesteaders: Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line

Charlie Louvin: The Kind of Man I Am

Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

Happy Birthday Norma Jean!!!

Grand Ole Opry 1/28 & 1/29

We have reached the final weekend of January and another weekend at the Grand Ole Opry House. I am sure that all of us are looking forward to next Wednesday so that we can see, with breathless excitement, whether or not our furry friend the groundhog sees his shadow or not. Will it be an early Spring or six more weeks of winter? As I look out by den window and see 15+ inches of snow on the ground, I vote for an early spring. 

But before we get to that, let's take a look at the Opry shows for this week and a few interesting names scheduled to appear. 

First, the Friday Night Opry. Neal McCoy is on the schedule, and I am sure he will bring some real excitement to the Opry. Let's just say that each time I have seen Neal, he is full of energy. Neal rarely gets up to Nashville and the Opry, thus I am looking forward to his appearance. 

Also on the Friday schedule is Michael Ray. Michael, of course, at one time was married to Opry member Carly Pearce. I only bring that up because Michael has mentioned many times that he would like to be an Opry member some day and I am sure the Opry would love to have him. Since his Opry debut in 2015, he has made dozens of appearances on the show. So, the question is, will being the former husband of Carly, and considering the situation, stop Michael from becoming an Opry member at some point in the future? I don't think so, but others might have a different opinion. 

Finally on Friday night, Brooke & Darin Aldridge are scheduled. This popular husband and wife duo have always impressed during their Opry appearances and seem to fit right in. The duo has made an impact on the Roots, SiriusXM, Bluegrass and Gospel charts. They have received multiple nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and Inspirational Country Music (ICM). Brooke is the IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she has won four straight times, while Darin was the IBMA's Momentum Mentor of the Year in 2017 has he continues to teach and mentor young musicians. They love performing on the Opry and I look forward to many more appearances. 

Now looking at Saturday night and I see Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots on the schedule, and not only that, but he is also scheduled for the Circle TV portion this week. Should we be surprised as not only is Bobby a national radio host, but he is also the executive producer of "Opry Live." Let me say this about this comedy act: Bobby and his group have performed at numerous charity events and have raised millions of dollars. They don't take themselves seriously and have a lot of fun doing whatever it is that they do. With Bobby on the Opry and TV this week, I guess that will leave Natalie Stovell to do the intros and commercial breaks. 

Also, on the televised portion of the Opry on Saturday are Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent, along with Dierks Bentley and Tiera Kennedy. 

As to who else is scheduled for this weekend, Opry member Ricky Skaggs is back again this weekend and is scheduled for both nights. On Friday night, he will be joined by members Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Connie Smith, while on Saturday night, in addition to Darrin and Jamie, Bill Anderson is listed. 

Brad Upton is the comedian scheduled for Saturday night, while James Gregory was originally on the schedule for Friday but has been taken off. 

Friday January 28
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Brent Cobb; John Conlee; Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Neal McCoy; Michael Ray; Ricky Skaggs

Saturday January 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Bill Anderson; Everette; Ricky Skaggs; Brad Upton
8:00: Dailey & Vincent; Tiera Kennedy; Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots; Dierks Bentley

As mentioned, this will be the Opry debut for Everette. The duo was originally listed for November 20; however, they canceled that appearance but appear ready for this one. 

Everette consists of Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, natives of Kentucky. The are not only singers and musicians, but also songwriters who write most of their material. 

Brent and Anthony met in their early 20s in their hometown of Bullitt County, Kentucky. The two began writing songs together, taking inspiration not only from the artists they both loved — including Tom Petty, the Eagles, and Randy Travis.

Before moving to Nashville and officially forming Everette — named after George Clooney’s philosophy-spouting, folk-singing character in O Brother, Where Art Thou? — the musicians both headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where they cut their teeth playing four shows a week while attending Western Kentucky University.

After graduation, Brent and Anthony headed to Nashville. There, they began performing together as Everette, combining years of friendship into collaborative songs that told universal stories about love, family, long days, and wild nights. They officially unveiled that sound with their 2018 debut EP, Slow Roll, but it was Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot that showcased the full range of their songwriting. Brent and Anthony co-wrote all 14 songs on Side A and Side B, teaming up with collaborators like Bryan Simpson, the Warren Brothers, Brent Cobb, Matt Jenkins, and Bobby Pinson along the way. Before recording those songs with Grammy-winning producer Luke Laird, they whittled them into shape during a monthly residency at the Springwater Supper Club & Lounge, a no-frills dive bar sporting one of Nashville’s smallest stages. 

Everette's journey continues on Saturday night as they are headed to the Opry stage for their debut. _______________________________________________________________________

And now from 50 years ago, Saturday January 29, 1972: 

7:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Stringbean; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Bob Luman; Stu Phillips
8:00: Tompall (host) & The Glaser Brothers; Hank Locklin; John Hartford; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; George Morgan; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Grandpa Jones; Stonewall Jackson; The 4 Guys
10:00: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Stu Phillips
10:15: Tompall (host); & The Glaser Brothers; Stringbean; Hank Locklin; Bob Luman
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Grandpa Jones
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
11:00: Wilburn Brothers (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; George Morgan; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Louie Roberts

(Ernie Ashworth; Jean Shepard, Bobby Bare and Charlie Louvin were also scheduled that night but cancelled. The only non-Opry members were John Hartford and Louie Roberts, who each had one spot). 
_________________________________________________________________________

Going back into the Opry archives, it was on Saturday January 28, 2006, that Standard Candy Company, makers of the Goo Goo Cluster, sponsored the 7:30 segment of the Saturday Night Opry for the final time. 

For more than three decades, announcers of the Grand Ole Opry led the Saturday night audience in a chorus of "Go get a GooGoo/It's good!" to the tune "Shave and a Haircut." That familiar ditty has been silenced, now that one of the Opry's longest-running sponsors has exited the stage of the venerable radio show broadcast.

Standard Candy Co., which makes the now world-famous GooGoo Cluster, elected not to renew the annual sponsorship deal it has had with the Opry since the late 1960s. The last GooGoo jingle aired on the Jan. 28 show. "It's not very dramatic. We have had a number of discussions with Gaylord, and we've elected not to renew our sponsorship with the Grand Ole Opry," said Joanne Barthel, director of marketing for Nashville-based Standard Candy.  "We plan to continue a close affiliation with the Opry going forward," she added. "We will be participating in various advertising opportunities tied to the Opry when the appropriate opportunity presents itself."

Standard's departure from the broadcast may signal the end of other advertisers who have traditionally paid for only half-hour sponsorships of the radio show.  In a shift from its 80-year tradition, the Opry has been moving to longer-term, more extensive sponsorship packages that integrate live-event promotion, logos, signage and mentions in the Opry's TV, radio and Web site promotions. So far, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Martha White, the latter the Opry's longest-running sponsor, have signed on to the sponsorship package, but Standard declined, said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager.

Fisher said he regrets, but understands, the company's decision and that the Opry and Standard will continue to explore other promotional partnerships. "What we're doing with Opry sponsorships is very much in line with the trends in the industry - to really respond to sponsors' desires to move beyond strictly advertising and have a greater sense of ownership of the event," Fisher said. The new sponsorship also costs more money, although Fisher would not disclose how much.

The GooGoo sponsorship, most recently for the 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. portion of the Opry, had been a cornerstone of the show since the late 1960s, said Kyle Cantrell, an Opry announcer from 1985 to 2003. "I think it's sad for both Standard Candy and the Grand Ole Opry, because the GooGoo and the Opry have become synonymous and, over the years, some of the greatest moments on the Opry happened during that segment of the show," Cantrell said.

He said during the segment in its early days, country star Roy Acuff would urge fellow announcer Hairl Hensley and Opry staff drummer Harold Weakley to sing the GooGoo commercial as a duet. "[Acuff] would call them the GooGoo twins," Cantrell said. Until just recently, Hensley and Carol Lee, who leads the Carol Lee Singers on stage, would introduce the candy bar and encourage the audience to sing the jingle with gusto. "I would credit the connection with the Grand Ole Opry for extending the life of the GooGoo and making it more famous," Cantrell said. "Prior to the Grand Ole Opry, at least my understanding is, that the GooGoo was pretty much a regional product and the Opry made it into an internationally known item."

 Despite their close association, the GooGoo name does not stand for Grand Ole Opry. According to company lore, one speculation is that GooGoo drew its name from the first words a baby makes. The candy - a cluster of peanuts, caramel and marshmallow coated with milk chocolate - was actually invented in 1912 in a copper kettle at the company's plant, located at that time at Clark Place and First Avenue.  It's now sold in a variety of stores, including places affiliated with the Opry, including Cracker Barrel, the Opry House and Ryman Auditorium.

Barthel said she doesn't expect the sponsorship's withdrawal to hurt the candy's sales. "There's a strong association between the Opry and GooGoo Clusters, and that's not going to go away," she said. " We will be participating in other advertising opportunities tied to the Opry, so it's not that we're going away completely, we're just changing our focus a little bit."

Fisher said the Friday and Saturday Opry broadcasts continue to have five 30-second sponsor slots per show, with sponsors such as Johnny Walker Tours and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. He didn't speak directly as to their fate but reiterated that the Opry is moving toward the more extensive partnerships.

(Nashville City Paper)

Here is the running order from Saturday January 28, 2006, the final night that Standard Candy sponsored an Opry segment:

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Keep on the Sunny Side
Ralph Stanley: Pretty Polly
Ralph and Nathan Stanley: Sandy Ridge
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/A Fallen Star

7:00: Tootsie's
George Hamilton IV (host): Abilene
Mel McDaniel: Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On/Stand Up
Mandy Barnett: Cryin' Over You/Believe Me
George Hamilton IV: Life's Railway to Heaven/Break My Mind

7:30: Standard Candy
Hal Ketchum (host): Pass the Point of Rescue
Connie Smith: The Key's in the Mailbox/I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Del McCoury Band: Nothing Special/She Can't Burn Me Now
Hal Ketchum: Just This Side of Heaven

8:00: Martha White
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Billy Walker: I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Raul Malo: Indian Love Call/Playing Games that Lovers Play
Opry Square Dance Band: Snow Shoes
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Jeannie Seely (host): Catfish John
Jesse McReynolds: Ashes of Love/Bill Cheatham
Buddy Jewell: That's What You'll Love About Me Loving You/Sweet Southern Comfort
Jeannie Seely and Danny Davis: What's Going on In Your World/What a Way to Live

2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel
Jeannie Seely (host): What a Way to Live
The Whites: Making Believe/Swing Down Chariot
Raul Malo: Indian Love Call/Playing Games that Lovers Play
Jeannie Seely and The Whites: Those Memories

10:00: Gaylord
Hal Ketchum (host): Pass the Point of Rescue
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Ralph Stanley: A Room at the Top of the Stairs/Oh, Death
Hal Ketchum: Just This Side of Heaven

10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Jimmy C Newman (host): Sugar Bee
Charlie Louvin: Don't Say Goodbye if You Love Me
Mandy Barnett: No One Will Ever Know/Baby
Opry Square Dance Band: Here & There
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Kenny Sears: Orange Blossom Special
Jimmy C Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

11:00: Opry Visa
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Connie Smith: If It Ain't Love/Burning a Hole in My Mind
Del McCoury Band: Count Me Out/Cotton Eyed Joe
George Hamilton IV: Just Forget About Me/A Rose & A Baby Ruth

11:30: Night at The Opry
Ray Pillow (host): Oklahoma Gal
Jesse McReynolds: There's More Pretty Girls Than One
Jesse McReynolds and Luke McKnight: El Comanchero
Buddy Jewell: That's What You'll Love About Me Loving You/Sweet Southern Comfort
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host segments on both shows but cancelled). 

What I find interesting is that all of the sponsors that Pete Fisher mentioned (Cracker Barrel, Martha White, Johnny Walker Tours and Tootsie's) are no longer sponsors of the Opry, and in fact, none of the sponsors from that 2006 show sponsor the Opry today. 

Raise your hand if you miss the dedicated segments and commercials.

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

Grand Ole Opry 1/21 & 1/22

The lineups have been posted for the two Grand Ole Opry shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Both nights are pretty solid, but if I had a choice, I would take the Friday night show. 

Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs is scheduled for both nights. He will be joined on Friday night by members Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Bobby Osborne. Just a real solid group of Opry members. While we see Dailey & Vincent, Connie and Bobby often on the Opry, we don't see much of Crystal. It is a real treat to see her on the list for this weekend and hopefully we will see more of her. 

In addition to Ricky on Saturday night, Jeannie Seely and John Conlee are on the schedule. The other Opry member for Saturday is Kelsea Ballerini. Kelsea is one of the Opry's newer and younger members and another of the ones we don't see much at the Opry. You always hope the younger members will support the show and hopefully we will see more of Kelsea in the future. But as of this point, her appearances have been few. 

Comedian Gary Mule Deer is scheduled for both nights, following the 2021 trend where he was one of the most frequent acts at the Opry. In fact, of the guest artists, he had more appearances in 2021 than any other. Also scheduled Friday night is Maggie Rose and making his Opry debut, Jordan Fletcher. 

Ricky and Kelsea will be featured on the Circle televised portion of the Opry this week, and yes, the Opry is back live on Saturday, and they will be joined by Deana Carter. Only three scheduled for that last hour. Texas Hill is also on the Saturday schedule, and while it is a debut for the group, the group members have all appeared on the Opry before. 

Friday January 21
7:00: Dailey & Vincent; Jordan Fletcher; Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Maggie Rose; Gary Mule Deer; Crystal Gayle; Ricky Skaggs

Saturday January 22
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Texas Hill; John Conlee; Gary Mule Deer
8:00: Ricky Skaggs; Deana Carter; Kelsea Ballerini

9 acts on Friday night and 6 on Saturday

As mentioned, there are a couple of acts making their Opry debuts this weekend, as Jordan Fletcher is scheduled on Friday night, while Texas Hill is on the list for Saturday. 

Jordan Fletcher is from Jacksonville, Florida. His early influencers were acts such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He landed his first publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music and gained traction with early releases such as 2019’s “Miles To The Moon” and the 2020 favorite “Me On.” Simultaneously, he established himself as a sought-after writer behind-the-scenes, penning Riley Green’s “Better Than Me” [feat. Randy Owen] and Chris Bandi’s “Leave It To A Song.” Recently finds him in a management agreement with Triple 8 and a record deal with Triple Tigers at the top of 2021. 

Texas Hill consists of Craig Wayne Boyd, Adam Wakefield and Casey James, each of whom has appeared on the Opry previously, but not together. Each of the individual Texas Hill members earned a national presence as contestants on TV music competitions – Boyd and Wakefield were both members of Blake Shelton’s team during different seasons of NBC’s The Voice, and James developed a following during the Simon Cowell era of FOX’s American Idol. The similarities in their TV-tested journeys provided an instant bonding. They still work their individual shows, but the trio format brought Texas Hill a comradeship and a level of support that none of them had experienced on their own. The three members of Texas Hill are spokes on a wheel, and the music finds its balance one song at a time through a natural friendship. Texas Hill’s highly anticipated debut album Heaven Down Hereis set for release January 21, 2022. 
_____________________________________________________________________

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday January 22, 1972: 

7:00: Del Reeves (host); Billy Walker; Lonzo and Oscar; Billy Grammer
7:30: Charlie Louvin (host) w/Diane McCall; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean; Bob Luman; Dottie West
8:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Connie Smith; Grandpa Jones; Crook Brothers; Del Wood
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Bill Carlisle: George Morgan
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Skeeter Davis; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Justin Tubb; The 4 Guys
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Dottie West; Charlie Louvin; Lonzo and Oscar
10:15: Del Reeves (host); George Hamilton IV; Bob Luman; Stringbean
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Grandpa Jones: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Willis Brothers; Connie Smith; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; George Morgan; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bill Carlisle; Stu Phillips; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Justin Tubb; The 4 Guys; Marty Mitchell

(Marion Worth was scheduled but cancelled). 

An interesting note about Marty Mitchell, who appeared on Marty Robbin's segment of the Opry that night. At the time, Marty was just 14 and had been discovered by Marty Robbins. In 1974, he signed with Atlantic Records and released two singles, with limited success. He then signed with Motown Hitsville, releasing a single of "My Eyes Adored You" that reached No. 87 on the country chart. His debut album You Are The Sunshine of My Life was released in 1977, with the title track reaching No. 34. That was his last chart success after which he returned to the Phoenix where he performs with local bands. 
___________________________________________________________________________

It was 38 years ago, Saturday January 21, 1984 that future Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider made his Grand Ole Opry debut. 

Mike Snider began playing old-time banjo at age 16 after hearing a Flatt & Scruggs album. In short order he became the Tennessee State Bluegrass Banjo Champion, then won the Mid-South Banjo Playing Contest. At age 23 he found himself the National Bluegrass Banjo Champion. 

Mike’s popularity grew with appearances on The Nashville Network’s Nashville Now alongside Ralph Emery, and as a cast member of the syndicated comedy variety show Hee Haw, which he joined in 1987. In 1990, six years after his Opry debut, the legendary Minnie Pearl inducted Mike as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mike finds himself heir apparent of the country comedy mantle once worn by Minnie and her partners Rod Brasfield, Jerry Clower and others.

A showman to the core, Mike’s pronounced (and genuine) Tennessee drawl incites laughter the moment he opens his mouth. He regales the audience with tales featuring his wife Sweetie and an endless supply of jokes about country life.

In addition to his comedy, Mike and company play serious music. The band consists of topnotch musicians: fiddlers Matt Combs and Shad Cobb, bass fiddler Todd Cook and guitarist and banjo player Tony Wray. Together, these men play the kind of tight, seamless and timeless old-time mountain music that lays the groundwork for today’s bluegrass.

Mike and Sweetie — whose name is actually Sabrina — live in Mike’s hometown of Gleason, Tennessee, with their children Katie Lynn and Blake.

Here is the running order from Saturday January 21, 1984: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissom's
Jim Ed Brown (host); Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): Try a Little Kindness
Jean Shepard: City Lights
Roy Drusky: Wings of a Dove
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Wilma Lee Cooper: On the Evening Train
Jack Greene: I'd Do as Much for You/Midnight Tennessee Woman

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Footprints in the Snow
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself to Sleep/Have I Told You Lately that I Love You
Billy Walker: He Sang the Songs About El Paso
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sail Away Ladies
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim and Jesse: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Mike Snider: Shuckin' the Corn/Bells of St. Mary
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Forever +1; Forever +2
The 4 Guys: Sweet Ruby Red
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Lonzo and Oscar: Midnight Flyer
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Jack Greene: I'm Going Through Hell for an Angel

10:00: Little Debbie
Roy Drusky (host): Peel Me a Nanner
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love

10:15: Sunbeam
Bill Monroe (host): Molly & Tenbrooks
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Bill Monroe: Cryin' Holy Unto the Lord

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Teddy Wilburn: Way Down Deep in My Heart
Roy Acuff: Farther Along

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Walker (host): When a Man Loves a Woman
Jeanne Pruett: I Ought to Feel Guilty
Crook Brothers and Melvin Sloan Dancers: Chicken Reel
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where is America Going
Jim and Jesse: Are You Tired of Me, My Darling
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Charlie Louvin: Love at Home
Hank Snow: Little Buddy

11:30: Hardee's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train of Love/Hand Me Down My Walking Cane/Wreck of the Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train to Memphis
Boxcar Willie: Cold, Cold Heart/Half as Much/I Can't Help It/Your Cheatin' Heart/They'll Never Take Her Love from Me/Lovesick Blues
Lonzo and Oscar: No One to Hear If He Cries/Lady down on Love
Cajun Country: Texa-Cajun

Mike Snider has had an interesting history with the Opry. While he has been a very loyal member, there have been a couple of times where he has disappeared from the show, then returned with no explanation. Since Covid, Mike has only appeared on the Opry once and has given no indication as to when he will be back. His music and comedy are missed as he is the only member who brings part of the Opry's original sound to the show. 

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

2021 Opry Year in Review

It's that time for a look back at 2021 at the Grand Ole Opry.  If nothing else, it was a very eventful year at the Opry with the biggest event being the 5,000th Saturday night performance of the Grand Ole Opry. The celebration took place with two sold out shows on October 30, which included appearances by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, Chris Young, Chris Janson and a number of other Opry members. It was certainly a memorable night. Earlier in the month, the Opry celebrated its 96th birthday as the countdown to the 100th anniversary continues. 

In addition to those two milestones, NBC televised a 95th Opry special in January, that included a number of Opry members. The Opry also was part of the Music City Grand Prix, with a show headlined by the Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Anderson celebrated his 60th year as a member of the Opry, Randy Travis was honored upon his 35th year as an Opry member, and if that wasn't enough, the Grand Ole Opry was the opening act for Garth Brook's Nissan Stadium concert, a show that included Jeannie Seely, the Gatlins, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris and Chris Young, before heavy rains and storms shut down the show. 

The Opry added five new members during 2021, the most in any one year in decades. Lady A was invited and inducted as part of the Opry's 95th special in January, followed by Rhonda Vincent (who had been invited to become a member before Covid struck), Carly Pearce, The Isaacs and Mandy Barnett. Additionally, Lauren Alaina was invited to join the cast in December, with her induction scheduled for 2022. 

Sadly, the Opry lost two of its longest tenured members as Tom T Hall, an Opry member for over 50 years, and Stonewall Jackson, a 60-year Opry member and the last remaining member to have joined the cast in the 1950s, both passed away. While neither had been on the Opry in a number of years, their passing was still felt by many. 

When you add it all up, the Opry started 2021 with 64 members and ended the year with 67.

I know there are those interested in the numbers, so here we go. When all was said and done, the Opry put on 152 shows at the Opry House in 2021. That was up from 80 shows in 2020, but down from the 231 pre-Covid shows in 2019. Those numbers include the Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night Opry shows, Opry Country Classics and Opry Christmas shows. 

Who appeared on the Opry the most in 2021? The Top 10 list is below and there are really no surprises as the veteran Opry members dominated the list. This has been the trend for years. It is nice to see a couple of the Opry's newest members on the list as it shows their commitment to the show. 

Jeannie Seely: 89
Riders In The Sky: 68
Connie Smith: 45
John Conlee: 28
Rhonda Vincent: 24
Dailey & Vincent: 23
Gatlin Brothers: 23
Bobby Osborne: 22
Bill Anderson: 20
Mark Wills: 19

As usual, the number of Opry members who did not appear in the past year was substantial: Bobby Bare, Clint Black, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Martina McBride, Jesse McReynolds, Dolly Parton, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Rascal Flatts, Ricky Van Shelton, Keith Urban and The Whites. That adds up to 18. Granted, many on the list are retired, but there are a couple that were active and doing shows in 2021 (specifically Diamond Rio and Alan Jackson), Rascal Flatts has broken up while a couple of others stayed home, working to keep safe during the Covid surge. (It should also be noted that while The Whites did not perform this past year, the were at the Opry to help induct The Isaacs as new Opry members). 

There were several who have supported the show in the past that saw a significant decrease in appearances in 2021, with that group led by veteran Opry member Mike Snider, who appeared only once. Mike was always one of the top members to appear on the show and it seems with some of the changes at the Opry and the current format, Mike is taking a break from the show. 

Others who appeared only once in 2021 include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Montgomery, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis and Travis Tritt. As one of the Opry's newest members, it is very disappointing to see Lady A on this list. 

As to the rest of the members: 

The Isaacs: 17
Mandy Barnett: 15
Carly Pierce: 12
Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ricky Skaggs: 8
Craig Morgan: 7
Dustin Lynch, Del McCoury, Steve Wariner: 6
Terri Clark, Lorrie Morgan, Oak Ridge Boys, Marty Stuart, Chris Young: 5
Gene Watson, Trisha Yearwood: 4
Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner: 3
Trace Adkins, Crystal Gayle, Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood: 2

(The appearance count for The Isaacs, Carly Pearce and Mandy Barnett includes all of their 2021 shows, including those prior to their memberships).

Normally, I am critical of those active Opry members who appear less than 10 times per year, which was the unwritten goal. However, with less Opry shows, Covid, and many artists cutting back for health and safety reasons, I give most of the members a pass. Hopefully we will see many of those members appearing more often in 2022. 

In its history, the Opry has been blessed with a number of comedians who were Opry members. Names such as Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, Archie Campell, June Carter, Duke of Paducah and Jerry Clower to name a few. That said, comedy made a big comeback as the Opry welcomed a number of those to the show this past year, led by Gary Mule Deer, who appeared 28 times, which was the most by any non-Opry member. Looking at a few of the other comedy acts who made multiple appearances, the list includes Henry Cho (21), John Crist (12), Brad Upton (10). Aaron Weber (8), Chonda Pierce (6), Dusty Slay (5), and Killer Beaz (5). Comedy seems to have become a part of every Opry show. 

Also standing out in 2021 was the number of artists and acts who made their Opry debuts during the year. If my addition is correct, there were 49 who walked onto the Opry stage for the first time, and it was a diverse group. The range included veteran country acts, comedians, bluegrass, Americana and large number of new, contemporary country acts. 

So, adding it all up, who were the non-Opry members that made the most appearances in 2021? The list of those who made 10 or more appearances: 

Gary Mule Deer: 28
Henry Cho: 21
Don Schlitz: 16
Charlie McCoy: 13
John Crist: 12
Charlie Worsham: 12
T. Graham Brown: 11
Charles Esten: 11
Brad Upton: 10

Right behind that group with 9 each were Darin & Brooke Aldridge, John Berry, Jake Hoot and Maggie Rose, while future Opry member Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell and Aaron Weber followed up with 8. 

Could any of those guest artists become future Opry members? I know some have speculated that one of the comedians could be asked, while others have mentioned T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Charles Esten, Charlie Worsham and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. And while the didn't make this list, Jimmie Allen is a name that should be watched, along with Jon Pardi. 

So, what to expect in 2022? Probably more of the same. I would expect to see a few more new members in the coming year, along with many more artists making their Opry debuts. And if the Opry can't get many of their members to return to the Opry stage on more of a semi-regular basis, I would expect many of the shows to have more non-members performing than members. Thankfully, we should appreciate all of the artists who come out to perform on the show. 

As I conclude, and I mention this every year, my thanks again to all who read and follow the blog, especially those who take the time to comment, or email and text questions and other personal thoughts and opinions to me. I always enjoy hearing from everyone. As I have mentioned before, I am on Facebook, Twitter, and you can text or email. I find it hard to believe, but since I started this blog, there have been over 1.4 million page views and just under 14,000 comments. 

Special thanks go to those who I have met not only this past year, but in other years while attending Opry shows. I have made many special friends and it is always nice to put a face to a name. Those who I have never met, either due to distance or timing, don't despair. I could still happen someday. And while I appreciate the long-time readers, I also want to thank the new readers of the blog. 

My thanks also go to all of those who work or are associated with the Grand Ole Opry and the Grand Ole Opry House. I know some of you follow the blog and every time I head down to Nashville and the Opry, I have always felt welcomed and appreciated. Even though we sometimes disagree, I still think the Grand Ole Opry is the greatest show in the world, a real piece of Americana.

Finally, thanks and appreciation to Dan Rogers and the entire team who run the Opry. I know it is not an easy job booking the show each week, but I also realize that all of you are doing your best to put a good show on each night. You are dependent on Opry members and the non-members you reach out to, to fill the line-up each night. I know some weeks are better than others, but I will never question the commitment behind the scenes. We all thank you.

Again, my thanks and appreciation to everyone. 

(As a disclaimer, the appearance counts are based on my own personal records. I strive to be 100% accurate, however if I missed one or two, my apology. Following the policy that the Opry had, if there were two shows on a particular night and an artist appeared on both shows, that counted as two appearances. Appearances were counted only for official Opry shows). 

Grand Ole Opry 1/14 & 1/15

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the lineups for the shows this weekend. Hopefully there will be no weather issues this weekend in Nashville and both shows will take place. I guess there is a first for everything and last Friday night the show was cancelled due to the heavy snow in the Nashville area. 

In my memory, there has never been a weather-related cancellation of an Opry show, and I can tell you from personal experience, there have been some Opry shows that took place on some bad weather nights. I can specifically remember one show in the late 1990's-early 2000's, when I was at the Opry on a Saturday night and there couldn't have been no more than 150 people in the Opry House for either show. But the shows went on and it was a pretty good show at that. I also remember the hostesses asking the few fans who were sitting in the balcony for the second show to please move down to the main floor. 

Looking at the schedule for this weekend, I am impressed with the lineups that they have put together as both nights look very solid. 

One of the Grand Ole Opry's newest members, Mark Wills, is scheduled for both nights. He will be joined on Friday night by members John Conlee, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and The Isaacs. On Saturday night, Mark will be joined by Riders In The Sky, Del McCoury Band, and a couple of Hall of Famers, Bill Anderson and Connie Smith. 

We have a new comedian who will be making his Opry debut on Friday night and that is Reno Collier. Reno comes from the Atlanta, Georgia area and has made a number of television appearances over the years, including on all of the major late night talk shows. He has also toured with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Ron White, along with Larry The Cable Guy. I guess we will see what he brings to the Opry. 

Also guesting on Friday night is LOCASH and Sunny Sweeney. I saw Sunny on the Opry back in October and I really enjoyed her. She had made numerous Opry appearances over the years and it was nice to see her back. 

Guesting on Saturday will be comedian Dusty Slay, along with Lindsay Ell and Charles Esten. Nice to see that even though "Nashville" has been off the air for a few years now, Charles is still performing on the Opry and making music. 

Friday January 14
7:00: John Conlee; Sunny Sweeney; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; The Isaacs; Reno Collier; LOCASH

Saturday January 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Mark Wills; Bill Anderson; Lindsay Ell; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Dusty Slay; Charles Esten; Riders In The Sky

A nice group of 5 Opry members each night. Also, no live TV this week. 
_____________________________________________________________________

And now from 50 years ago, Saturday January 15, 1972: 

7:00: George Morgan (host); Bill Carlisle; Ernie Ashworth; Johnny Carver
7:30: Billy Grammer (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jim and Jesse; Stringbean
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Grandpa Jones; Archie Campbell; Crook Brothers
8:30: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers; Skeeter Davis; Earl Scruggs Revue
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Charlie McCoy; Bob Luman; Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; Charlie Walker
10:00: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers; Jim and Jesse; Stringbean
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Billy Grammer
10:30: George Morgan (host); Grandpa Jones; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Archie Campbell; Crook Brothers; Bob Luman
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Willis Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Charlie Walker; Don Winters

(Charlie Louvin, Dottie West and Marion Worth were all scheduled but cancelled. Ernie Ashworth and Bill Carlisle, along with Marty Robbins who closed out the show, appeared only once that night)
_______________________________________________________________________

Looking back, it was 22 years ago, January 15, 2000 that the Grand Ole Opry welcomed Ralph Stanley as its newest member. 

Despite little musical influence as a child, Ralph Stanley took up banjo playing as a teen. His mother bought his first banjo and began teaching him how to play “clawhammer” style when he was around fifteen years old. 

His musical career didn’t kick into full swing until after he returned from a brief stint in the US Army in 1945. After considering a career as a veterinarian, he decided to join his guitar-playing older brother, Carter Stanley, and start a band called Clinch Mountain Boys. The band’s style was influenced by traditional mountain bluegrass music, singing styles of the Primitive Baptist Church, and Carter Family harmonies. 

The duo soon caught the eye of a Columbia Records executive who signed them on as the Stanley Brothers. In the late 1950s, the brothers made a transition to King Records and continued performing as The Stanley Brothers until 1966 when Ralph’s brother passed away.

After overwhelming encouragement from fans and close friends, Ralph Stanley made the tough decision to keep performing on his own after his brother’s passing. He eventually paired up with Larry Sparks, Roy Lee Centers, and Charlie Sizemore to bring back the Clinch Mountain Boys, and the band later welcomed Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitely, who were just teens at the time.  

Ralph Stanley’s musical life continued prosperously, and in 1976, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Lincoln Memorial University, spawning the popular title “Dr. Ralph Stanley.”  He was inducted into the International Music Hall of Honor in 1992, and the Grand Ole Opry in 2000, the same year in which his work was featured in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? - for which he won a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

After considering retirement and even scheduling a farewell tour in 2014, Ralph Stanley later announced a welcome decision to continue gracing the country with his beloved, signature style of music. 

On June 23, 2016, Dr. Ralph Stanley passed away while battling complications from skin cancer. He will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of his family and fans, and his legend lives on through his music, which will inspire generations of artists to come.

Here is the running order from Saturday January 15, 2000, the night Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Opryland Hotel/Banquet
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ricochet: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

7:00: Shoney's
Johnny Russell (host): Wabash Cannonball
Joe Diffie: A Night to Remember/Behind Closed Doors
Ralph Stanley: A Man of Constant Sorrow/Little Maggie
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly

7:30: Standard Candy
Trisha Yearwood: She's In Love With the Boys/Real Live Woman
Billy Walker: I Love You Because
Reba McEntire: I'd Rather Ride Around With You/What Do You Say/Is There Life Out There

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Osborne Brothers: Some Things We Want to Sing About
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
John Hartford: Gentle on My Mind
Loretta Lynn: You're Looking at Country/Coal Miner's Daughter
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough To Do Most Anything

2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
The Whites: Making Believe
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Loretta Lynn: Out of My Head & Back in My Bed/Your Squaw Is On the Warpath/Coal Miner's Daughter
Porter Wagoner: Green Green Grass of Home/She Burnt the Little Roadside Tavern Down

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jeannie Seely (host): Sentimental Journey
Ralph Stanley: Think of What You've Done
Ralph Stanley and Patty Loveless: Pretty Polly
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

10:15: Fluffo
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Reba McEntire: It's the Fear of Being Alone/What Do You Say/An Honest Heart
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then

10:30: Ryman Auditorium
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons A LaFayette
Trisha Yearwood: She's An American Girl/Walk Away Joe/Living on the Wrong Side of Memphis

10:45: Joggin In A Jug
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: He's All I Got
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling in Love
Osborne Brothers: Kentucky
Joe Diffie: It Ain't The Quittin' Kind/Ships That Don't Come In
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

11:30: Ryman Video
Charlie Walker (host): Who Will Buy the Wine
John Hartford: Love Grown Cold
Ray Pillow: Baby, That's Cold
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand off My Knee & Load the Cannon
George Hamilton IV & V: I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

(Holly Dunn was scheduled for both shows but cancelled)

Nobody could complain about either Opry show that night. In addition to Ralph Stanley being inducted as the Opry's newest member, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Trisha Yearwood and Joe Diffie were all on the schedule for that night, and each performed on both shows. For Reba, the show marked her 14th anniversary as an Opry member, while Billy Walker, who was on the first show, was celebrating his 40th year as a member of the Opry. Both shows that night took place at the Ryman Auditorium. 

What was interesting for Ralph Stanley was that he had been asked to become an Opry member just the night before, on the Friday Night Opry, with Ricky Skaggs doing the invite. There was no waiting for Ralph, as the induction took place the following night with Patty Loveless doing the honors. 

Here is the line-up from the Friday Night Opry, January 14: 

7:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Skeeter Davis; Bill Carlisle; The 4 Guys; BR5-49
8:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Ralph Stanley
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Billy Walker; Del Reeves; Jim Ed Brown
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jeanne Pruett; Mike Snider; Trisha Yearwood
9:30: Johnny Russell (host): Charlie Louvin; Jimmy C Newman; Stonewall Jackson; George Hamilton IV

Have to say that the Friday show was pretty good also. 

The Stanley Brothers, Carter and Ralph, have been in the discussion a few times regarding election into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, it has never happened and chances are it will not. I do think, however, that a case could be made for their inclusion into the Hall. 

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

Grand Ole Opry 1/7 & 1/8

Welcome to the first full year of 2022 and like a lot of others, I am hoping for a much better year than the one just ended. At the Grand Ole Opry, it was a pretty eventful year as the Opry added several new members and celebrated its 5,000th Saturday night show. 

Looking at the line-up for this weekend, while solid, there is really nothing that stands out. Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith  and Riders In The Sky are scheduled for both nights, with Bobby Osborne joining them on the Friday Night Opry. 

Comedian Henry Cho is scheduled for both nights, as the Opry continues the pattern of having a comedian on most of the shows. Joining Henry as a guest on Friday night will be the legendary group, Sawyer Brown. I saw the group on the Opry Classics Show in October and Mark Miller and the guys were great. Mark still has a lot of energy!! Also scheduled on Friday night is Muscadine Bloodline. Matthew West and The Frontmen of Country (Larry Stewart, Tim Rushlow and Richie McDonald) are listed for Saturday night. 

There are three artists who will be making their Opry debuts this weekend. Logan Mize is scheduled for Friday night, while Tyler Braden and ERNEST are scheduled on Saturday night. 

Friday January 7
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Muscadine Bloodline; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Logan Mize; Henry Cho; Sawyer Brown

Saturday January 8
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jeannie Seely; Tyler Braden; Riders In The Sky; Matthew West
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; ERNEST; Henry Cho; The Frontmen of Country
________________________________________________________________

From 50 years ago, Saturday January 8, 1972: 

7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Osborne Brothers; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Archie Campbell (host); Charlie Walker; Skeeter Davis; George Morgan
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); Grandpa Jones; Billy Walker; Crook Brothers; Del Wood
8:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Jimmy C Newman
9:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Stu Phillips; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinker; Ernie Ashworth
9:30: Hank Snow (host); Willis Brothers; The 4 Guys; Stringbean
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host); Billy Walker; Bill Carlisle; Charlie Walker
10:15: Wilburn Brothers (host); Skeeter Davis; Archie Campbell and Phil Campbell; George Morgan
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson; Grandpa Jones; Del Wood
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Crook Brothers; Stringbean
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Willis Brothers; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Ray Pillow; The 4 Guys; Justin Tubb; Ernie Ashworth 

(Del Reeves, Jean Shepard and Marion Worth were also scheduled but cancelled. Jimmy C Newman only did one spot on the early portion of the show, while Marty Robbins and Justin Tubb only did the late segment). 
____________________________________________________________________

Looking back 72 years ago, it was a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry as Hank Snow not only made his Grand Ole Opry debut, but he also became a member of the Opry the same night. 

For most of his career, prior to 1950, Hank Snow struggled. He made a name for himself in Canada, but had trouble establishing a career in the states. He traveled around to various locations, including Wheeling, California, and eventually Dallas, Texas, where he had his greatest success. It was along that journey that he met Ernest Tubb. Hank had been trying to connect with Ernest for some time, as both had a love for the music of Jimmie Rodgers. Prior to that first meeting in Texas, Hank and Ernest had exchanged letters. Upon that initial meeting, Ernest told Hank, "It's all happening in Nashville. Nashville is the home of country music. If you want to advance your career, you should be there. I promise you I'll do my best to get you on the Opry, but there's one problem. The Opry will not sign any new artist unless the artist has a hit record. However, I'm on my way to the West Coast, and I've taken a leave of absence from the Opry for a few months. Maybe they will accept you as a stand-in for me while I'm away."

Nothing happened at that point, but Ernest did try. He talked to Jim Denny, manager of the Opry, and to Jack Stapp, the program director at WSM, and both told Ernest that they couldn't handle a new member at that time. So, Hank continued to stay in the Dallas area, performing at clubs when the opportunity came. But he kept in contact with Ernest, hoping that his dream of going to Nashville and being on the Opry could come true. 

Finally, in late 1949, he got the call from Ernest, who told Hank, "I had a talk with Mr. Denny yesterday, and he told me to bring you in to see him. He thinks he'll be able to place you on the Opry, so come to Nashville right away if at all possible." When Hank got to Nashville, he met with Mr. Denny, who didn't say anything about a tryout and that he wanted Hank to start on the Opry on January 7, 1950. Hank also wrote that he would be paid $75 a week. In getting prepared for his debut on the Opry, Hank moved his family to Nashville. Since Hank did not have a band, Ernest allowed Hank to use his Texas Troubadours for his first appearance on the Opry. 

Here is the posted running order from that night 72 years ago, Saturday January 7, 1950: 

7:30: American Ace Coffee
Roy Acuff (host): It's Alright Now
Hal Smith: Wake Up Susan
Dot & Smokey: Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain
Jimmy Riddle: Steamboat Bill
Roy Acuff: The Day They Laid Mary Away
Uncle Dave Macon & Dorris: Tennessee Farmer
Jug Band: Missouri
Roy Acuff: The Can Only Fill One Grave
Joe Zinkas: Tiger Rag
Dot & Smokey: Sleepy Rio Grande
Rachel & Oswald: Curly Headed Baby

8:00: Purina
Cowboy Copas (host): Crazy Over You
Lew Childre: I Love My Little Rooster
Bill Monroe: Molly and Ten Brooks
Sam, Kirk & Arthur: Black Mountain Rag
Cowboy Copas: One Step More
Bob Eaton: Second Hand Heart
Blue Grass Quartet: He'll Set Your Fields on Fire
Crook Brothers: Billy in The Low Ground
Cowboy Copas: Filipino Baby
Square Dance: Leather Britches

8:30: Royal Flour
Ernest Tubb (host): Biting My Finger Nails
Martha White: If I Could Learn To Yodel
Jimmy Dickens: Lonesome Wind Blues
Hank Williams: Dear John
Possum Hunters: Black Berry Blossom
Ernest Tubb: I Love You Because
Jimmy Dickens: Country Boy
Jimmy Self: Picking Them Up & Putting Them Down
Hank Williams: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Breakdown: Old Joe Clark

9:00: Royal Crown
Jimmy Riddle: Limehouse Blues
Roy Acuff (host): Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain
Lonzo & Oscar: Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dusty Miller
Jamup & Honey: Jokes
Hank Snow: To Be Selected
Jug Band: Shame On You
Roy Acuff: Hold To God's Unchanging Hand
Hank Snow: To Be Selected
Rachel & Oswald: Take Me Back to Tennessee
Hal Smith: Done Gone

9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Tennessee Ernie: Anticipation Blues
Wally Fowler: You Ain't Got Faith Til You Got Religion
Red Foley: Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Old Hickory Quartet: Oh Miss Hannah
Tennessee Ernie: Cry of the Wild Goose
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Red Foley: Gotta Have My Baby Back
Square Dance: Wake Up Susan

10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe (host): Shady Grove
Bill & Mack: I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky
Uncle Dave & Dorris: Over the Mountain
Blue Grass Quartet: Just a Little Talk With Jesus
Bill Monroe: Blue Grass Special

10:15: Warren Paint & Color Co. 
Lew Childre: Riding on the Elevated
Hank Williams: Long Gone Daddy
String Beans: Hot Corn, Cold Corn
Hank Williams: Lost Highway
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

10:30: Darimix
Roy Acuff (host): Pale Horse and His Rider
Jimmy Riddle: To Be Selected
Roy Acuff: Poem
Gang: Waiting for My Call to Glory
Hal: Bill Cheatham

10:45: Dr. Le Gear
Cowboy Copas (host): Road of Broken Hearts
Lonzo & Oscar: Sheepskin Corn
Cowboy Copas: Tennessee Waltz
Lazy Jim Day: Singing the News
Cowboy Copas: Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me

11:00: To Be Selected
Ernest Tubb (host): Give Me a Hundred Reasons
Billy Byrd: Steel Guitar
Jimmy Dickens: Sleeping At the Foot of the Bed
Wally Fowler: Lead Me to That Rock
Ernest Tubb: Unfaithful One
Gully Jumpers: Forked Deer
Jimmy Dickens: My Hearts Bouquet
Wally Fowler: Lead Me Gently Home Father
Ernest Tubb: That Wild and Wicked Look in Your Eyes
Mac McGarr: Katy Hill

11:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Sam, Kirk & Arthur: Listen to the Mocking Bird
Hank Snow: To Be Selected
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Sam, Kirk & Arthur: Love Letters in the Sand
Hank Snow: To Be Selected

11:45: Coyne Electric Co.
Hank Williams (host): Mansion on the Hill
Jimmy Self: I Miss You So Much
Fruit Jar Drinkers: My Little Girl
Hank Williams: Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ravins Gap

In his autobiography, Hank wrote about that night: 

I remember that night so well. I put on my beautiful custom-made gold suit, and I did something that I have done very few times since. I wore my big white Stetson hat. Back then hats were not so important to country singers. Most artists on the Opry didn't wear them. Only a few did, like Ernest Tubb. He was known for his white Stetson. 

Believe me, I say this in all honesty: I said many prayers during the few weeks before my Opry debut that I would be a success. God has His plan worked out for all of us, even a little weakling from Nova Scotia, Canada. 

Ernest introduced me, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow!" My whole body was trembling as I went out on that stage, and I sang the song that had done so much for me in Dallas, "Brand on My Heart." When I finished, I got only mild applause, not anything near what I was getting in Dallas or back in Canada. I felt sort of embarrassed, and I couldn't leave the stage fast enough. 

Hank wrote that when he left the Opry that night with his wife Min, he told her he was never going back to the Opry and that he would go back to Canada, where he was appreciated and known. He wrote that Min set him straight, telling him, "Now you can't expect everything to happen in just one night. People will become more familiar with you as time goes on. You're lucky you've been given this chance." 

Hank wrote that he kept going back and the response was the same. He was actually in danger of being fired from the Opry, but then "I'm Moving On" came along and the rest became history. Hank would become one of the pillars of the Grand Ole Opry, continuing as a member nearly 50 years, settling into hosting the 8:30 and 11:00 segments each week. 

I find it interesting that Hank wrote that he was introduced by Ernest Tubb that night, but based on the program, he was actually on Roy Acuff's segment, nor was his second spot on Ernest's late segment. Hank was very clear about his first night at the Opry, so perhaps Ernest came out and introduced Hank, or a change in the program? Sadly, there really aren't any individuals left living from that night at the Opry who could fill in the blanks. 

One final note from that night: You might have noticed the name of Tennessee Ernie (Ford) listed on the Prince Albert nationally broadcast portion of the Opry hosted by Red Foley. Like Hank Snow, this was Tennessee Ernie's debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Unlike Hank, Ernie Ford was already an established star, thus he was featured on the national broadcast that night. While Tennessee Ernie never became an Opry member, he had an open invitation to appear on the Opry whenever he was in town. 

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. 

January Opry Highlights

Happy New Year to Grand Ole Opry fans everywhere!!! I hope everyone had a safe holiday and are looking forward to a great 2022. My hope for everyone is that 2022 will be a year of good health and times for all, including those at the Grand Ole Opry. In keeping with tradition, here are the Opry highlights for the month of January: 

January 29, 1927: George Wilkerson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that same year, he would introduce his string band, The Fruit Jar Drinkers, to the Opry audience. 

January 14, 1929: The late Billy Walker was born in Ralls, Texas. Known as the "Tall Texan," Billy joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and continued as a very active member of the Opry until his death in 2006 while returning to Nashville after performing a road date in Alabama. 

January 19, 1933: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was born. Stu, who is one of a select group of Opry members born in Canada, is now retired and at the age of 89 seems to be doing well. 

January 23, 1937: The Lakeland Sisters, Mary and Ann, made their Grand Ole Opry debut. They would only remain with the Opry for about 18 months, making their final appearance on June 4, 1938.

January 1, 1938: Texas Ruby made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed that night with her future husband, Curly Fox. 

January 7, 1939: While there is some debate on this, and it is open to discussion, one source has this date as the first appearance of Brother Oswald performing with Roy Acuff on the Opry. This is also the date that the comedy duo of Jamup & Honey made their debut on the Opry. 

January 14, 1939: The Dixieliners made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Consisting of early WSM Barn Dance stars Arthur Smith, along with Sam & Kirk McGee, they made their debut in 1932. While Th Dixieliners would disappear, those who made up the group would continue on. 

January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Ernest was so well received that he was offered membership and officially would join the Opry the following month. Over time, Ernest would become one of the legendary members of the Opry and would continue as an Opry member until his death.

January 19, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton, who has been an Opry member for 52 was born Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly at 76? Hard to believe. In my opinion, and the opinion of others, Dolly is the most beloved living country music artist. 

January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and was also made an Opry member that night. Yes, they did things a little differently in those days. Originally from Canada, Hank came to the Opry via Dallas, Texas, thanks to the help and recommendation of Ernest Tubb. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart," which had been a big hit for him up in Canada, and a regional hit in the Dallas area. Hank felt that his Opry debut did not go over very well and that he received little audience response. In fact, he told his wife Min that he was not going back. However, she convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back, and when things did not improve in the coming months, the Opry was considering letting him go. However, "I'm Moving On" was released and the rest is history. Hank remained an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in December 1999.

January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow joined the Opry, Tennessee Ernie Ford made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Unlike Hank, Tennessee Ernie was already an established star and appeared on the Prince Albert portion of the show. While he never became a member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry anytime he was in Nashville and he would often take the Opry up on their offer. In later years, he would appear on the Martha White segment, as he was friends with the ownership of the company.

January 9, 1951: Brenda Gail Webb, known professionally as Crystal Gayle, was born. Crystal joined the Opry cast in January 2017 and it has been wonderful to have her as part of the Opry's cast. 

January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. He was being driving to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens and June Webb, among others. Jimmy ended up not making the trip due to the weather, while the other artists scheduled to appear went ahead and did the show as a tribute to Hank. As a resident of Canton, I can tell you that the auditorium where the show was to take place is still standing and in use today.

January 16, 1953: Opry member Bill Monroe was seriously injured in a head-on car accident on Highway 31 in White House, Tennessee. Bill suffered 19 broken bones in the accident.

January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would join the cast shortly afterwards.

January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee premiered on the ABC television network. The show was hosted by former Opry member Red Foley, who left Nashville and moved to Springfield, Missouri to host the show. While he would be missed in Nashville, Red did well on the Ozark Jubilee. 

January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. Theron was one of the early members of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming a regular in 1926. He stayed as an Opry regular into the 1930s, after which he would make occasional appearances with Sam McGee. While he was at the Opry, he would be introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters," which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth.

January 1, 1955: Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs moved to Nashville, where they began appearing on WSM Radio and Television, along with regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. He would return and in February 1957, Porter would become an Opry member, a membership that he would hold until passing away in the fall of 2007. 

January 4, 1957: Grand Ole Opry member Patty Loveless was born in Pikeville, Kentucky. Patty hasn't been around the Opry much in recent years, but when she is it is always a treat. Patty is now basically retired but hopefully she will have time for an Opry appearance or two. 

January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Coopers, along with daughter Carol Lee, came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, where they were very popular. Stoney would remain with the Opry until his death in 1977. Wilma Lee would continue with the Opry as a solo act, and later celebrated 50 years of Opry membership.

January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear this is when Billy Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member until his death in a car accident in 2006. Billy was a very loyal member of the Opry and later in his career, he would often speak up over the reduction of his Opry appearances.

January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, Patsy was very influential to a number of female artists, including Loretta Lynn and Dottie West. In a pretty famous story as to how she became an Opry member, after one of her Opry guest performances, she approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become a member. Ott responded by saying, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."

January 28, 1961: Dottie West made her debut as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next several years, Dottie would make several guest appearances, which would eventually lead to an invitation to become an Opry member.

January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the cast as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Norma Jean left Porter's show a few years later and would remain a member of the Opry until August 1969. 

January 8, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Sonny James appeared on the Opry for the final time as an Opry member. Sonny had joined the cast in October 1962. Like others, he just felt it was time to move on and make more money on a Saturday night. 

January 1, 1967: Former Grand Ole Opry member Moon Mullican passed away from a heart attack at his Texas home. He was know as the "King of the Hillbilly Piano Players." He had been a part of the Opry during the early 1950s. 

January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced that night by Ernest Tubb. Charley sang "The Snakes Crawl At Night," and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become an Opry member, but declined due to his heavy touring schedule. Over the years, he would be asked several more times, until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join. He was the 2nd black artist to become an Opry member, following DeFord Bailey. (Just to clarify, DeFord Bailey was a noted harmonica player and not a solo singer).

January 21, 1967: Over the years, non-country acts have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and on this date, it was Eddie Albert who appeared. 

January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Dolly's 53rd year as an Opry member. Back in the early days when she was with Porter Wagoner, Dolly was a frequent visitor at the Opry. However, as her career expanded, she became like many others as someone who hardly ever appeared on the show. She even commented once that if she was in charge of the Opry, she would fire herself. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, former Opry members, who took a liking to Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville when she was just 12 years old. While it was a long time ago, Dolly remembered her first night guesting on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." While Dolly didn't know why Jimmy C did it that night, I think she came to realize that was the type of person Jimmy C Newman was. While January 4 is her induction date, the first Saturday in which Dolly appeared on the Opry as a member was actually the following Saturday, January 11. 

January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join and leave the Opry several different times.

January 1, 1971: Tom T. Hall became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry in 1971, he left in March 1975, and then rejoined in 1980. Sadly, Tom T. passed away in 2021 after a long period of inactivity. 

January 16, 1971: After moving away from Nashville for several years, and leaving the Opry, George Hamilton IV returned to the show and rejoined the Opry cast. It was his first Opry show in over a year.

January 13, 1973: Ernest Tubb celebrated his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 20, 1973: For the first time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted to perform on the show, however the Opry management was afraid to invite him, fearing what he would do onstage. For this appearance, management asked Jerry Lee not to do any rock and roll. He agreed then broke the promise. Appearing on the 11:30 segment hosted by Charlie Walker, he was on stage for almost 40 minutes and did several numbers that management had asked him not to do. In a nice gesture, he invited Del Wood to appear with him onstage, saying later that on a previous backstage visit, Del was the only Opry member that was nice to him. While Opry management was not pleased with his initial appearance, Jerry Lee did appear on the Opry at least one more time, in August 1995.

January 27, 1973: Marty Robbins celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

January 2, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tex Ritter passed away after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and as a part of the Opry. Tex was also involved in the early days of the Country Music Association and he was just the 5th person to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

January 4, 1975: Hank Snow was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers first came to the Opry in 1946 and were well known for their western style of music.

January 22, 1977: Grand Ole Opry member Stoney Cooper appeared on the Opry for the final time. Along with is wife Wilma Lee, Stoney had joined the Opry in 1957. Stoney suffered from heart problems and would pass away in March.

January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.

January 30, 1982: Wilma Lee Cooper was recognized upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 20, 1984: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider made his Opry debut. He was a member of the cast of Hee Haw and was well known for his banjo playing and comedy.

January 19, 1985: While other females had stepped in on an emergency basis to "MC" a segment of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely became the first female to actually host an Opry segment. It had been a long time coming as Jeannie was always expressing her desire to Hal Durham that females should be allowed to host segments on the show. Jeannie opened the door for many others. 

January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Always popular, Mel would remain an Opry member until his death in 2011.

January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. While this is the date the show was televised, the taping actually took place the previous November, thus the November taping date is considered Reba's actual Opry induction date. This will be Reba's 36th year as an Opry member.

January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, dates back to the early days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, Hubert performed with many different groups, including with Sam & Kirk McGee.

January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The televised segment on TNN included a reunion of the Glaser Brothers, who were very friendly with Hank. The reunion did not last as the Glaser Brothers never performed together again. Also appearing with Hank that night was future (or former) Opry member Mel Tillis.

January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Clint, this will be his 31st year as an Opry member. While Clint has never made a whole lot of Opry appearances, it was nice to see him back from a couple in the past year during the Covid outbreak. 

January 19, 1991: CBS-TV hosts "The Grand Ole Opry 65th Anniversary Celebration: The New Tradition." The special featured Grand Ole Opry members Roy Acuff,  Clint Black, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and several others.

January 25, 1992: Introduced by Roy Acuff, Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member. This will be Emmylou's 30th anniversary as a member of the Opry. Sadly, Emmylou rarely appears on the Opry but when she does it is always a treat. 

January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Once a pretty regular performer on the show, Hal was forced to retire due to his declining health. Hal Ketchum passed away last November. 

January 15, 1995: Vic Willis died in a car accident in Nashville. Vic was a along time member of the Grand Ole Opry, first with his brothers as the Oklahoma Wranglers, later named the Willis Brothers, and later headlining his own group, the Vic Willis Trio. Vic had last appeared on the Friday Night Opry, January 6. 

January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 83, I believe he was the oldest person to join the cast. Oswald came to the Opry in the 1930s with Roy and helped to define the Acuff sound. Thanks to the efforts of Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart, among others, he became a member. I was there the night of his induction and it was quite a surprise as I don't seem to remember it being announced much ahead of time. Oswald passed away in 2002.

January 13, 1996: Having  joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry back in November, during the taping of the 70th anniversary special, Martina McBride made her first appearance as an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 3, 1998: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his final appearance on the Opry. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show, Grandpa suffered the first of what would be series of strokes. He was taken directly to the hospital from the Opry House. His condition would continue to decline and he passed away the following month.

January 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away from a sudden illness. He was the son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb and had joined the Opry cast in 1955. At the time of joining, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin an excellent singer, but he was also a fine songwriter.

January 9, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Boxcar Willie made his final appearance on the show. In declining health, Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in 1981. That night, in tribute to Roy Acuff, who brought Boxcar to the Opry, Boxcar sang "Wabash Cannonball" and "The Great Speckled Bird." 

January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. There were three shows that weekend and all were sold out. During the 1st show on Saturday night, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the Opry's newest member. The weekend shows, which I attended, was such a success that the Opry made has made it a point of returning to the Ryman each year. 

January 23, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Brother Oswald made his final Saturday night Grand Ole Opry appearance. His final Opry show would be a month later on the Friday Night Opry. Due to declining health, Oswald was forced to retire from performing.

January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked just the prior evening if he would like to join. After he said yes, the Opry wasted no time and inducted Ralph the following night. Ralph Stanley was an Opry member until his death last year. Also appearing on the show that night were Opry members Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. 

January 13, 2001: Future Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show made their debut on the Opry stage. Keeping the string band music alive, Old Crow have been wonderful Opry members. 

January 8, 2002: George Jones, BR549's Chuck Mead, Billy Walker and songwriters Dennis Morgan, Shawn Camp and Jack Clement, along with at least 100 other demonstrators, protested at the offices of WSM radio as rumors surfaced that the station was going to change its format from country music to sports. Several weeks later, WSM executives announced that the station would continue the current format of country music, featuring the Grand Ole Opry. Among those at the press conference were Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Billy Walker. 

January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together on the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute that night were Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill and The Whites

January 6, 2006: The Friday Night Opry was reduced by 30 minutes making it a 2 hour show.

January 28, 2006: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor Standard Candy, the makers of Goo Goo, sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. Standard Candy became an Opry sponsor in September 1967. Over the years, a number of the Opry's announcers would sing that theme song, "Go get a Goo Goo, it's Good." 

January 11, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims, and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall refused to perform on the Opry, even though he had been asked. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court, with Stonewall privately saying that Gaylord made a settlement. In the first several years after the settlement, Stonewall did see an increase in his Opry appearances. Stonewall last appeared on the Opry in celebration of his 60th anniversary as an Opry member.

January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member was always a dream of his. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith formally inducted Charlie into the Opry. In 2015, Charlie became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, Charlie passed away in 2020. 

January 26, 2011: After a long illness, longtime Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away. Along with his brother Ira, Charlie joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist.

January 7, 2012: Charlie Collins performed for the final time on the Grand Ole Opry. While never an Opry member, Charlie spent considerable time at the Opry, first coming to the show as a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, and then after Roy's death, performing with Brother Oswald and with the Opry Square Dancers.

January 21, 2012: Emmylou Harris celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller helped Emmylou celebrate that night.

January 2, 2015: Longtime Grand Ole Opry legend Jimmy Dickens passed away in Nashville. Jimmy had been hospitalized after becoming suddenly ill on Christmas Day. Jimmy first joined the Opry in 1948 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's last link to the pre-Hank Williams of the Opry. Much loved, Jimmy was noted for his comedy songs, but let's not forget that he was also a great ballad singer.

January 21, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House is listed as a pending addition to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would become official a month later. 

January 2, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry to honor Little Jimmy Dickens on the one-year anniversary of Tater's death. Paisley turns in a medley that includes "Country Boy," "Out Behind The Barn," "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Mountain Dew."

January 9, 2017: Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher announced that he was resigning his position to move to California and head up the Academy of Country Music. Pete came to the Opry in June 1999 and had been in charge of the Opry for over 17 years. His final Opry show was on January 20.

January 21, 2017: Crystal Gayle became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal has been asked several months previously by Carrie Underwood to join the cast. On the night of her induction, her sister and fellow Opry member Loretta Lynn handed the official induction. This was also the last night in which Loretta has appeared on the Opry.

January 11, 2019: Mark Wills was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mark, who had been a guest on the Opry hundreds of times, was surprised during a December appearance by Vince Gill, who formally invited Mark to become a member.

January 1, 2020: Ryman Hospitality launches a new TV network, Circle, with 16 original shows including "Opry Live," which was advertised as featuring pre-recorded performances from the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 10, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie made his final appearance on the Opry. Joe, who joined the cast in November 1993, passed away in 2020 from Covid.

January 17, 2020: Gene Watson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill did the honors of surprising Gene with the invitation, which was long over due. 

January 24, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride made his final appearance on the Opry. He appeared that night on the Friday night show. Charley, who joined the Opry's cast in May 1993 passed away last December. 

January 21, 2021: Lady A were announced as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Darius Rucker surprised the group with the invite during the taping of the Opry's 95th anniversary television special. 

There you have it for this month. Enjoy!!