Grand Ole Opry 4/1 & 4/2

Before reviewing the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, I just wanted to offer a couple of comments regarding the two shows I saw last week on my visit to Nashville. 

Overall, I thought the Opry shows were very good, with Friday night the better of the two. I wondered how Saturday night would turn out as the line-up was not as strong, but I was pleasantly surprised as each of the acts did a fine job of entertaining the audience. Speaking of the audience, the Friday Night Opry was about 2/3 filled and the Saturday show was probably 85-90% filled. What helped this past weekend was that there was some type of choir/band competition taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Opry House and it appeared that many of those who were in the competition, and their family members, had tickets to the Opry on either of those two nights. 

Personally, to me the highlight each night was The Isaacs. Sonya, Becky, Ben and Lilly were awesome each night, with Joe joining the children for one song on Saturday. It was also nice to see that the Opry let them sing four songs each night. Another highlight was Shenandoah on Saturday, who also were given the opportunity to sing four, which pretty much covered their hits. They really engaged the audience who had them singing along. I guess back in their hit making days, they could have been considered for Opry membership as they were pretty big, but it never happened for them. Nice to see them making a few appearances lately on the Opry. 

Sadly, Connie Smith cancelled both nights and replaced by Mandy Barnett. Mandy was great, but I did miss Connie. I see that she is listed on the schedule for this weekend so hopefully she is better. Jeannie Seely opened both nights and was very good and engaging, while Gene Watson was fine. Bluegrass was represented by Russell Moore and III Tyme Out on Friday and Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press on Saturday. Bobby might have a hard time remembering the names of his children and band members, but he didn't forget the words to either of his songs, including Rocky Top. 

There were a couple making their Opry debuts, Andrew Jannakos on Friday and comedian William Lee Martin on Saturday. Andrew, from The Voice, was ok, nothing special. Same with William Lee. He was funny in spots and will probably be back. Just wasn't great.

Drew Parker, Tiera Kennedy and Kat & Alex are all newcomers to the business, and each has made less than a handful of Opry appearances. Each of those acts were good and I can see a future in country music for each. Finally, The War & Treaty. This duo is not really a country act, and I was wondering where they were going with the story about the white commander. Somehow, it just didn't fit in with the rest of the show. Don't get me wrong, the couple are very good and talented, just not an Opry act. 

As always, everyone I encountered at the Opry over the weekend were very nice and I enjoyed talking to the folks. Some great shows coming up over the next few months including the induction of Jamey Johnson as the Opry's newest member. I am already looking forward to my next trip down, whenever that will be. 

Now looking ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. With a few of the Opry's members out at sea on the country cruise, and a few other activities taking place in town, the number of Opry members on the shows this weekend is less than what we have recently seen. In fact, there are just three members, Connie Smith, Mandy Barnett and Bobby Osborne, on the schedule for Friday night, while it is just Connie and Bill Anderson listed for Saturday. But there are a number of quality names filling out the schedule. 

Comedian Gary Mule Deer is listed for both nights. We can hold out hope that he will change up his act a bit, but with over 100 Opry appearances, it will probably be more of the same. Also appearing will be Kristian Bush and Jason Crabb. Hannah Ellis will be making her second appearance on the Opry, following up from her Opry debut last September. Hannah was fine, but she seems to be having some difficulty getting her career moving forward. Finally, Sawyer Brown will be closing out the show. Mark Miller continues to bring his level of energy to the act and always has a lot of fun with the audience. 

Tony Jackson is on the schedule for Saturday night, as is Richard Marx. Richard has been on the Opry before, and while not a country act, he has been fine. Morgan Wade will be making her Opry debut, as the Opry continues the trend of having new acts on basically every show. Guitarist Tommy Emmanual is back, along with Country Music Hall of Fame member, songwriter Don Schlitz. 

As I said, a solid lineup both nights, just lacking in Opry members. 

Friday April 1
7:00: Connie Smith, Kristian Bush, Mandy Barnett, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Hannah Ellis, Gary Mule Deer, Sawyer Brown

Saturday April 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Tony Jackson, Bill Anderson, Richard Marx
Intermission
8:15: Gary Mule Deer, Morgan Wade, Tommy Emmanuel, Don Schlitz

No live "Opry Live" on Circle TV this week. 

As mentioned, this will be the Opry debut for Morgan Wade. Morgan Wade came to national attention in 2021 with Reckless, her Thirty Tigers/now Sony Music Nashville debut, and lead single “Wilder Days” topping critical lists from Rolling Stone, TIME, Stereogum, New York Times, Boston Globe, FADER, Tennessean, Whiskey Riff, Billboard, and The Boot and Taste of Country who both proclaimed, “a once-in-a-decade debut.” 

With “Wilder Days” becoming a SiriusXM Highway Find, then hitting No. 1 on their fast-tracking country station, Wade’s song – one of TIME’s 10 Best of 2021 in any genre – opened a portal for Americana, alternative and rock fans to an artist straddling the craggy terrain across genres, but also life. Signed to Sony Music Nashville by a label head who’d grown up in bands with Kim Richey, Byron House and Bill Lloyd, the power of defying genres in the name of harder truths inspired Randy Goodman to want to bring Morgan Wade to the biggest audience possible without compromising what made her so special.
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Now from 50 years ago, Saturday April 1, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, Charlie Louvin and Diane McCall, Justin Tubb
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers, Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard, Bill Carlisle, Harold Weakley
7:30: Tex Ritter (host); Skeeter Davis, Bob Luman, Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Charlie Walker, Archie Campbell, Stringbean
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Lonzo and Oscar, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, The 4 Guys, Cates Sisters

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host); Willis Brothers, Bob Luman, Del Wood
10:00: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Stonewall Jackson, Stringbean
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host) and Diane McCall; Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Skeeter Davis, Charlie Walker
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); Jim Ed Brown, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Lonzo and Oscar, Stu Phillips

(Billy Walker, Jimmy C Newman, Grandpa Jones and Connie Smith were all scheduled but cancelled, while Archie Campbell was only scheduled for the first show). 

I know I have posted lineups from the reunion shows (old-timer's night) that the Grand Ole Opry began putting on in 1974, prior to the Opry moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House. This week, I am posting two shows, one that took place on April 1, 1978 and the second one from 10 years later, April 2, 1988. I think it is interesting to see the difference in the two shows, just 10 years apart. 

Saturday April 1, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk with Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Crawdad Song
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Zeke Clements: Live & Learn/Somebody's Been Beating My Time/Why Should I Cry Over You/Just A Little Lovin'/Hope on the Water
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:39: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Sid Harkreader: Mockingbird Breakdown
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Your Love Takes Care of Me
Jeannie Seely: Since I Meet 'Cha, Boy
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Sing for the Good Times

7:00: Shoney's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way That We're Doing it Now
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards/Tennessee Waltz
Billy Grammer: Bonaparte's Retreat

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central #9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Alcyone Beasley: My Wild Irish Rose
Jack Shook: Along the Santa Fe Trail
Alcyone Beasley and Jack Shook: When the Desert Sun Goes Down
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into a Devil
Guy Willis and C.W. Mitchell (Boots & Saddle
Annie Lou and Danny (Dill): Slippin' Around
The 4 Guys: You've Got Me Runnin'
Porter Wagoner: Katy Did/Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot

8:30: Stephen's
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Billy Walker: San Antonio Rose/You Gave Me a Mountain
Paul Howard: Stay a Little Longer
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back in Town
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bucket to the South
Lonzo and Oscar: No Relief in Sight
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick a Rose in December
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into a Devil

10:00: Fender
Jack Greene (host): Your Love Takes Good Care of Me
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Del Wood: There's a Big Wheel
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz/Beer Barrel Polka
Roy Acuff: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Billy Grammer: I Still Love You As I Did Yesterday
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/On a Highway Headed South

10:45: Beechnut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way That We're Doing it Now
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers (w/Sid Harkreader): Gray Eagle

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: When Will I Be Loved/The Wurlitzer Prize
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Guy Willis: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

11:30: Elm Hill
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me a Love Song to Baby
Stu Phillips: Leet Me Love You All Over Again/Crystal Chandeliers
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine/The Light House
Billy Walker: A Legend in My Mind

(Overall, this was one of the better reunion shows. As you would expect with the old-timers, most appeared during the first show and it was nice to see the veterans spread out throughout the show, with Roy Acuff's segment being the focal point. And as you would expect, Pee Wee King did double duty that night. 

Of the Opry's members, Jim and Jesse and Marion Worth cancelled; Minnie Pearl appeared only on the first show while Ernie Ashworth, Del Wood and Stu Phillips only appeared on the late show). 

Now jumping ahead to April 2, 1988: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Grandpa Jones (host): Cindy
Zeke Clements: Nobody Loves Me
Clyde Moody: I Know What it Means to Be Lonesome
Alisa Jones: Marmaduke's Hornpipe

6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters/Y'all Come

7:00: Shoney's
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards
Jean Shepard: Why Don't You Haul Off & Love Me/Second Fiddle
George Jones: The Race is On/Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes/I Put a Golden Band on the Right Left Hand
Roy Acuff: Somebody Touched Me

7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): I've Got a New Heartache
Kitty Wells: Thank You for the Roses
Johnny Wright: Ashes of Love
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up/Stand on It
Ricky Skaggs: Why I'm Walkin'

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Jack Greene: Walkin' on New Grass
Ferlin Husky: Country Music is Here to Stay/Gone
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Monroe: My Florida Sunshine

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): Bumin' Around
Osborne Brothers: Old Flames
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield
Billy Walker: It was Love & Not the Nails
Curly Fox: Milk Cow Blues
Hank Snow: Easter Parade

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
The 4 Guys: I'm Bound for Higher Ground
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jeannie Seely: One Bad Old Memory
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Porter Wagoner: Carroll County Accident
Glenda Faye: Bill Cheatham

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Kitty Wells: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Johnny Wright: Stop the World and Let Me Off
Alisa Jones: Golden Slippers

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
George Jones: The Corvette Song
George Jones and Shelby Lynn: Amazing Grace/I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): Love, Come Home
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Bill Monroe: It's Me Again Lord

10:45: B.C. Powder
Del Reeves (host): Be Glad
Bill Carlisle: Have a Drink on Me
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Del Reeves: The Only Girl I Can't Forget

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Fraulein
Ray Pillow: Days When You Were Still in Love With Me
Charlie Louvin: When I Stop Dreaming
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
David Houston: In the Garden
Hank Snow: A Tribute to Mother

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Right or Wrong
Jan Howard: When I Dream
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Osborne Brothers: If I Should Wander Back Tonight/Shackles & Chains
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa

(Zeke Clements, Pee Wee King and Curly Fox were the only repeats from the show 10 years prior as many of the old-timers had passed away. It was nice to see Kitty doing both shows. 

As far as Opry members, George Jones made one of his infrequent Opry appearances that night, appearing on Roy Acuff's segment on both shows. Appearing only on the first show were Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Skeeter Davis, Jack Greene and Billy Walker, while those appearing on only the second show included Roy Drusky, Jeannie Seely, Bill Carlisle, Ray Pillow, Charlie Louvin, Justin Tubb, David Houston, Charlie Walker, Jan Howard and The 4 Guys. 

Also, notice the change in sponsors in those 10 years as long-time sponsors W.E. Stephens, Trailblazer, Fender, Elm Hill, Beechnut and Kellogg's had left the show). 

Time never stands still and that is certainly true at the Opry.

And with that, thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There are a number of artists who are out on the Country Cruise this week, which includes an Opry show, "Grand Ole Opry at Sea" featuring Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Josh Turner, John Conlee, Lorrie Morgan and Riders In The Sky, among others. That show will not be on WSM, however there are three shows this week that will be. 

Taking a look first at the Tuesday Night Opry, the lineup is very solid, featuring Opry members Jeannie Seely, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Chris Janson. The non-members listed include Scotty McCreery, Zach Williams and the comedian for this week, Gary Mule Deer. 

Tuesday March 29
7:00: Scotty McCreery, Jeannie Seely, Drake White, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Rhonda Vincent, Gary Mule Deer, Zach Williams, Chris Janson

The Wednesday Night Opry has Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and one of the Opry's newest members, Carly Pearce on the schedule. Callista Clark, Rhett Akins and The SteelDrivers are listed among the non-members scheduled. 

Wednesday March 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Larry Fleet, Bill Anderson, Callista Clark
Intermission
8:15: Gary Mule Deer, Rhett Akins, The SteelDrivers, Carly Pearce

Finally, closing out the month of March will be Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. Larry Gatlin will be missing again this week as he is out to sea on the cruise. However, there are a good group of artists who will be there this week including spotlight artist, and the Opry's newest member, Lauren Alaina. Also on the schedule is Opry member Mark Wills, and non-members Linda Davis, Jim Lauderdale and Michael Ray. 

Thursday March 31
Spotlight Artist: Lauren Alaina
Also Appearing: Linda Davis, Jim Lauderdale, Michael Ray, Mark Wills 

I am not sure who else noticed this or not, but the Opry's newest member (currently), Lauren Alaina, has committed to a number of shows through the rest of the year. Altogether it comes up just short of 10. Now if each of the Opry's members would do the same, especially some of the bigger names, the Opry would be a great shape through 2022. Also, for those looking ahead, the Opry has added a second show on Tuesday June 7, which is during the CMA Music Fest, and for the Saturday night shows in October. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/25 & 3/26

Those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter know that Miss Nellie and I have been doing some traveling lately and catching shows in various cities such as Asheville, Raleigh and Columbus. Well, this weekend the journey takes me to Nashville as I will be in town this weekend with plans to attend both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

So, who will I be seeing this weekend? As far as Grand Ole Opry members are concerned, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith and The Isaacs are scheduled for both nights this weekend. They will be joined on the Friday Night Opry by the legendary Gene Watson and one of the Opry's newest members, Mandy Barnett, while on Saturday night, Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Bobby Osborne is on the schedule. 

Guesting on Friday night will be The War and Treaty, Drew Parker, and making his Opry debut, Andrew Jannakos. There are a couple of names that stand out on the schedule for Saturday night: Shenandoah and making another Opry appearance, Tiera Kennedy. Also on the schedule is Kat & Alex and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, comedian William Lee Martin. 

Friday March 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Andrew Jannakos, Mandy Barnett, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Drew Parker, Gene Watson, The War and Treaty

Saturday March 26
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Tiera Kennedy, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, William Lee Martin, Kat & Alex, The Isaacs

No live TV this week as Opry Live on Circle will be showing a previously taped show. 

Many of may remember Andrew Jannakos from his appearance on season 16 of NBC’s The Voice. However, it wasn't until July 2020, that his then-girlfriend (now wife) posted a video of him cooking dinner while singing along to “Gone Too Soon” to his TikTok and took his social stardom to new heights. The video racked up 250K likes by the next morning, earning him over 740K followers on the platform to date. When Jannakos finally released “Gone Too Soon” (which he co-wrote with Jason Afable and Josh Bricker) in September, the song garnered over 15 million streams in just over a month. 

Growing up in Flowery Branch, Andrew had a diverse taste in music – he listened to Eminem, NSYNC, and Brad Paisley, whom he cites as his greatest vocal influence. Outside of music, when he wasn’t playing backyard sports with his neighborhood friends, he spent his time engrossed in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. After graduating from high school, he worked as a sauté chef and then waiter for several years. All the while, his love for singing and performing. By the time he was 24, he was driven to pursue a career in music. His first opportunity came when a recruiter from The Voice invited Jannakos to a private audition in Atlanta. From there, after passing the first round with flying colors, he went on to build a global fanbase during his tenure on the competition show. 
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Spurred on by his ailing grandmother to find a career that makes him happy, the fifth generation Texan, husband and father of five William Lee Martin started his comedy career at the age of 30 in 1996 under his nickname, “Cowboy Bill” Martin. He went from open-mic night to headliner in just 3 short years. By 2005 he had opened for country stars like Loretta Lynn, George Strait, George Jones and Brad Paisley, performed with all four of the Blue Collar Comedy stars, and even gone overseas to entertain the troops. 

The next 10 years after that were much more lean but in 2015, Martin and wife, Michele rolled the dice and self-financed a one-hour special “Let the Laughter Roll” which was picked up by CMT. It received rave reviews and put Martin back on the proverbial map. In the last 2 years his popularity has continued to skyrocket on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. In 2021 he added serious songwriter to his resume by signing a publishing deal with Myriad Publishing of Nashville. 

William Lee Martin proudly serves as founder and CEO of the non-profit organization: The Cowboys Who Care Foundation, which provides support, smiles and free cowboy hats to kids living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  The foundation is generously sponsored in part by Resistol hats. 
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From 50 years ago, Saturday March 25, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Willis Brothers
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Jimmy C Newman; Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Stu Phillips (host); Jean Shepard; Tom T. Hall; Lonzo and Oscar; Stringbean
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bobby Bare; Charlie Walker; Crook Brothers
8:00: Tex Ritter (host); Grandpa Jones; Skeeter Davis; Archie Campbell
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Willis Brothers; Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Cates Sisters
10:00: Bobby Bare (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); Jean Shepard; Lonzo and Oscar
10:30: Archie Campbell (host); Grandpa Jones; Tom T. Hall
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Minnie Pearl; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Tex Ritter (host); Louie Roberts; The 4 Guys

(Roy Drusky and Dottie West were scheduled for both shows but canceled, while Ernie Ashworth and Stu Phillips were only one the first show and Minnie Pearl on the late show. Also, Tex Ritter left the final segment early as he was the host of the Midnight Jamboree that night). 

Now, let's go back 22 years to Saturday March 25, 2000, as former Grand Ole Opry member B.J. Thomas made a guest appearance on the Opry that night. 

B.J. Thomas hit the top ten on the charts 26 times and sold 70 million albums worldwide. He had a winning formula combining country with pop music, including his version of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David (1921–2012) song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song as part of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” His other popular hits included “Hooked on a Feeling,” later made famous by Blue Swede, and “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” Thomas also performed the theme song titled “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other” for the hit sitcom “Growing Pains.” At the time of this latest Opry appearance by B.J., it was reported that he was making "another comeback." He had just released "The Best of B.J. Thomas" which included a duet with the late Dusty Springfield, "As Long as We Got Each Other," the theme from the TV sitcom Growing Pains. 

Here is the running order: 

1st show
6:30: Fluffo
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons ah Lafayette
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Stay a Little Longer
Mandy Barnett: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me/Who
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait/Cajun Stripper

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): My Long Journey Home
The Whites: Steal Away & Pray
Skeeter Davis: My Last Date 
Del McCoury Band: Rein in the Lights/Pike County Breakdown/Nashville Cats
Porter Wagoner: Brewster's Farm

7:30: Standard Candy
Johnny Russell (host): Act Naturally
Earl Scruggs: Lonesome Rubin
Holly Dunn: That's What Your Love Does to Me
B.J. Thomas: What's Forever For/You Call That a Mountain
Johnny Russell: Ain't 'Che Gonna Cry

8:00: Martha White
Ricky Skaggs (host): On a Lonesome Night
Jean Shepard: Only a Phone Call Away
Mike Snider: John Henry
Roy Drusky: Always
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Ricky Skaggs: Boston Boy

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Wilma Lee Cooper: Thirty Pieces of Silver
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Chalee Tennison: Leave It at That/Just Because She Lives There
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You

2nd show
9:30: Ryman
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary Hill
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
Mandy Barnett: Hurt/Ever True; Every More
Porter Wagoner: I'd Like to Make That Same Mistake Again/They Burned the Roadside Tavern Down

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
The Whites (host): Hangin' Around
Del McCoury Band: Train Wreck of Emotion/I'll Be There
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side

10:15: Opryland Hotel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Jimmy Dickens: I' Rather Sleep in Peace Then Know You're Gone

10:30: Opry Cruise
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
B.J. Thomas: What's Forever For/You Call That a Mountain
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Johnny Russell (host): Act Naturally
Earl Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Jean Shepard: Dear Hearts & Gentle People
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cotton Eyed Joe

11:00: Coca Cola
Ricky Skaggs (host): Little Maggie
Del Reeves: The Girl I Can't Forget
Mike Snider: Sally Goodin/The Fur Coat
Chalee Tennison: Let's Leave it at That/Just Because She Lives There
Ricky Skaggs: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

11:30: Ryman Videos
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Bother to Knock
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
Charlie Walker: Cherokee Maiden
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Jim Ed Brown: It's That Time of the Night/The 3 Bells

(Notice that they threw a lot of the Opry's veterans into that final 30 minutes)

B.J. joined the Grand Ole Opry on August 7, 1981 and made his final appearance as on Opry member on August 27, 1982, just over a year later. B.J. was one of those artists who realized that Opry membership just wasn't for him, making very few appearances during his year as a member. However, he would continue to make an occasional guest appearance and was always well received. 

B.J. Thomas passed away on May 29, 2021, from lung cancer. 

Besides B.J., another former Grand Ole Opry member was on that night, Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs. After the breakup of Flatt & Scruggs in 1969, Earl remained an Opry member, performing with his sons as the Earl Scruggs Revue. He left the Opry shortly after the new Grand Ole Opry House opened, as he wanted to explore other opportunities and take his music to a different audience. And much like B.J. Thomas, Earl would find his way back to the Opry House now and then. 

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. I know I will as I will be at the Opry both nights. 

Tuesday Night Opry 3/22 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/23

Sometimes you have to look closely and watch the dates on the Grand Ole Opry's schedule. While the Tuesday Night Opry continues, this week that show will be joined by the Wednesday Night Opry. While Wednesday night is added to the schedule, Opry Country Classics on Thursday night is taking the week off, returning next week. 

Looking at the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry, the Opry's newest member (currently), Lauren Alaina is on the schedule. As I wrote previously, I have high hopes for her as a member and in looking at the upcoming dates, she has included a number of future appearances at the Opry on her schedule. 

Joining Lauren will be Opry members Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky and The Isaacs. Guest artists include Carlene Carter and the legendary Western swing group, Asleep At The Wheel. 

Tuesday March 22
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, American Aquarium, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Carlene Carter, Asleep At The Wheel, Lauren Alaina

Taking a look at the lineup for the Wednesday Night Opry, Opry members Lady A are scheduled to make another Opry appearance, joined by members Rhonda Vincent and Riders In The Sky. 

Lee Greenwood, one of those who it has been reported was offered Opry membership earlier in his career and declined, is also on the schedule, as is Opry Live host Bobby Bones. 

Wednesday March 23
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Ray Fulcher, Riders In The Sky, Restless Road
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Bones, Lee Greenwood, Lady A

Grand Ole Opry 3/18 & 3/19

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the lineups for the two shows this weekend and there are a couple of artists that are booked on the Opry this weekend that should excite a lot of us, especially on Saturday night. 

I specifically mention Saturday because closing at the show that night will be Opry member Bill Anderson, who will be sharing the stage with Jamey Johnson and the legendary Buddy Cannon. 

Buddy Cannon is best known as a songwriter and record producer, who just released his own solo album. Active since the late 1970s, he is known primarily for his work with Willie Nelson and as Kenny Chesney's record producer, for which he won the Academy of Country Music's Producer of the Year award in 2006.  Along with Bill Anderson and Jamey Johnson, Cannon co-wrote George Strait's 2006 single "Give It Away", which won the Country Music Association's Song of the Year award. Other artists who have recorded Cannon's songs include Vern Gosdin, George Strait, Billy Ray Cyrus and Mel Tillis; artists whose albums he has produced also include Chely Wright, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Louise Mandrell and Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. 

His new album, "The Writer Side of Me," includes songs that he has written including 'Give It Away," I Believe in You," "I'm Still Crazy," and the ultimate classic "Set 'Em up Joe." While I would have to check, I have to believe that Buddy might have been on the Opry before, but I would have to do some checking. 

Also appearing on the Opry this weekend is another artist who hasn't appeared in a while, Doug Stone. Doug is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. Doug first hit the charts in 1990 with the single, “I’d Be Better Off (In a Pine Box),” the first release from his 1990 self-titled debuted album “Doug Stone” for Epic records. This album produced a handful of chart-topping singles. Following these songs was his first number one, “In a Different Light”. In addition, the single was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Both this album and its successor, 1991’s I Thought It Was You, earned a platinum certification from The Recording Industry Association of America for U.S. shipments of one million copies. Two more albums for Epic, 1992’s From The Heart and 1994’s More Love, were each certified gold. Stone has charted –twenty-two singles on Hot Country Songs, with his greatest chart success coming between 1990 and 1995. In this time span, he charted eight Number Ones including: “In a Different Light”, “A Jukebox and a Country Song”, “Too Busy Being in Love”, “Addicted to a Dollar, and “Why Didn’t I think of That” to name a few, plus fifteen more Top Five singles.

Doug has had his series of health issues over the years, including quadruple bypass surgery in 1992 and non-cancerous lump in his nostril in 1994. In 2000, in a plane crash, he suffered a cracked rib and a fractured ankle. Despite the setbacks, his career has continued to move forward. 

So, looking at the rest of the Opry lineup for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky and John Conlee are scheduled for both nights. They will be joined on Friday night by member Mark Wills, while on Saturday night, in addition to Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent and Mandy Barnett are scheduled. 

In addition to Doug Stone guesting on Friday night, Hailey Whitters is listed, along with a return appearance by Texas Hill, singer/songwriter Charlie Worsham, and making his Opry debut, comedian Jon Reep. Saturday night, Deana Carter is back on the Opry, along with Breland and Michael Ray. 

Interesting to see a couple of artists (Charlie Worsham, Michael Ray and Jamey Johnson) appearing this weekend, each of whom has expressed in the past to be an Opry member. While not members, it is nice to see those artists continuing to appear and support the show. 

Friday March 18
7:00: Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Hailey Whitters
Intermission
8:15: Texas Hill, Doug Stone, Jon Reep, Charlie Worsham

Saturday March 19
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Mandy Barnett, Michael Ray
Intermission
8:15: Breland, Riders In The Sky, Deana Carter, Bill Anderson w/Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon

No live Opry show on Circle TV this week, although I would say that the last hour on Saturday is certainly worthy of being televised. 
______________________________________________________________________

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday March 18, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Stu Phillips (host); Ernie Ashworth; Tommy Jones
6:45: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Dickey Lee
7:00: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean; Murry Kellum
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; The 4 Guys; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Grandpa Jones; Skeeter Davis; Archie Campbell and Junior Samples
8:30: Hank Locklin (host); Marion Worth; Justin Tubb; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bobby Lewis

2nd show
9:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); The 4 Guys; Dickie Lee
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Murry Kellum; Tommy Jones
10:15: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Grandpa Jones
10;45: Archie Campbell (host); Skeeter Davis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Grammer (host); Justin Tubb; Bobby Lewis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin (host); Marion Worth; Jack Barlow

(Ernie Ashworth was only scheduled for the first show, while Billy Grammer appeared on just the late show. Additionally, Charlie Louvin and Jean Shepard were both scheduled and canceled).

Starting in 1974, and for a number of years following, the Grand Ole Opry held an annual reunion show, often called Old-Timer's Night, when past Opry members who had retired or moved on were invited to come back and perform. March 19, 1977 was one of those nights and on this particular night, those returning included Zeke Clements, Whitey Ford, Paul Howard, Honey Wilds, Sarie, Pee Wee King, Curly Fox and Alcyone Beasley, who was the first woman to sing a song on the Opry. known then as the WSM Barn Dance. The highlight was usually Roy Acuff's segment on the first show, which was when many of the old-timers would appear. 

Here is the running order from that night 45 years: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(As you can see, most of the returning old-timers were featured on the first show. Thus, Ernie Ashworth, Stu Phillips and Marion Worth only worked the late show). 

Those reunion shows were something special, however as time went on and more of the former Opry members passed away, the shows lost their luster and eventually in the early 90s were discontinued. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 3/15 & Opry Country Classics 3/17

Here is the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry March 15:

7:00: Bill Anderson, Randall King, Karen Mills, Dailey & Vincent
8:00: Dustin Lynch, Mackenzie Porter, Chris Young

It looks like the 8:00 is being taped for a future Opry Live broadcast on Circle TV. 

In looking at those booked, it will be the Opry debut for Randall King, while the comedian on the show is Karen Mills, who was less than impressive on her previous Opry appearance. 

Looking at what is posted thus far for Opry Country Classics, it would appear that Larry Gatlin will not be hosting the show. Not sure who will be, but if I was a betting man, I would say it will be one of the announcers from WSM. 

As to who will be appearing, Craig Morgan will be the Spotlight Artist, joined by Craig Campbell, Wendy Moten and Charlie's son, Dion Pride. 

As I post this, I assume that another act will be added to the classics show. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/11 & 3/12

For those interested, the Opry posted this today: 

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate one of country music’s most influential artists, Merle Haggard, on the anniversary of both his birth and his death, Wednesday, April 6. 

The special Wednesday Night Opry will feature performances by just a few of the countless artists who have been influenced by the legend including Suzy Bogguss Music, his son Marty Haggard, Cody Johnson, Joe Nichols, Eli Paperboy Reed, and ACM New Female Artist winner Lainey Wilson, among others. Artists will perform Haggard classics as well as their own hits influenced by the Country Music Hall of Famer. 

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, March 10th at 10am. 

(I have no issue with the Opry honoring the great Merle Haggard. Just interesting that they are devoting an Opry show to someone who was not an Opry member, nor performed on the Opry very often. But then again, it is Merle Haggard).

Now on to this weekend: 

The Grand Ole Opry lineups are up and posted for the two shows this weekend. In looking at the schedules, the name that stands out this week is Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black, who is scheduled for Saturday night. 

To be honest, since Clint became an Opry member in January 1991, he has not been one of the more loyal members of the Opry, or supporters of the show. In fact, there have been years that Clint has not appeared at all on the Opry and his Opry appearances have been few and scattered over the years. Regardless, it is nice to have Clint back on the Opry this weekend and as expected, he will be on the Circle TV portion of the show, which is back live this week. 

While Clint will be appearing on Saturday night, Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne are on the schedule for Friday, while Connie Smith and Bill Anderson will be joining Clint on Saturday. That's correct, just three Opry members each night. 

One of the acts listed for Friday night is singer/songwriter/producer Mac McAnally. Mac is a member of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame; the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and he has been named the Musician of the Year by the County Music Association seven years in a row. He is a member of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band and has produced several of Jimmy's albums. He has also recorded and worked with Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith, George Strait and Amy Grant, among a host of others. Mac wrote Alabama's #1 hit "Old Flame" and has written for Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley. 

Also appearing on Friday night are Ned LeDoux, Eric Paslay and a returning to the Opry are Maddie & Tae. Maggie Font and Tae Kerr have been a part of the Nashville music scene since signing their first record deal in 2014. In January 2022, Tae gave birth to baby girl after a difficult pregnancy that caused the duo to put their career on hold. And in a late addition to the schedule, Lindsay Ell has been added. 

Guesting on Saturday night are former Nashville star Sam Palladio, along with frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose and Keb' Mo', with the latter two scheduled for the Circle TV portion of the show along with Clint. Since leaving Nashville, Sam has been continuing his film career and his appearance on Saturday night will be one of the few times he has been back in Nashville since the TV show ended. 

Not forgetting the designated comedians this weekend as Killer Beaz will be on the Friday Night Opry while Dusty Slay is scheduled for Saturday night.  

Friday March 11
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Ned LeDoux, John Conlee, Lindsay Ell
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Maddie & Tae, Killer Beaz, Mac McAnally, Eric Paslay

Saturday March 12
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Sam Palladio, Bill Anderson, Dusty Slay
8:00: Maggie Rose, Keb' Mo, Clint Black

As mentioned, the 8:00 hour will be televised live on Circle TV. I knew with Clint Black booked on the Opry that night, he would be on the televised portion, but I was thinking there would be more. Outside of Clint, not a strong hour on Circle. 
_______________________________________________________________________

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday March 11, 1972:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Tex Ritter (host): There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder
Lonzo and Oscar: Hillbilly Music's Gone Country
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Louvin (host): I Got There Just in Time
Justin Tubb: Love is No Excuse
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Charlie Louvin and Diane McCall: Something to Brag About

7:00: Luzianne
Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
George Morgan: Running Wild
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Wilma Lee Cooper: Leroy, The Crippled Boy
George Morgan: Easy Loving

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Skeeter Davis: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Willis Brothers: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Jimmy C Newman: Secret Lover
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Willis Brothers: Kaw-Liga
Jerry Whitehurst: Java
Jimmy C Newman: Happy Cajun Man

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Make Me A Pallet Down on the Floor
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Stringbean: Ruby
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains
Grandpa Jones: It Takes a Lot of Living In a House to Make a Home
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Charlie Walker: Good Deal, Lucille
Johnny Carver: I Start Thinking About You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
Charlie Walker: My Baby Used to Be That Way
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Tex Ritter (host): Wayward Wind
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Justin Tubb: Big Fool of the Year
Del Wood: Standing Room Only
George Lindsay: Cottonfields
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Lonzo and Oscar: Lonesome Road Blues
Tex Ritter: Green Grow the Lilacs

10:00: Fender
Charlie Louvin (host): I Have My Love a Cherry
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays/What About Those Things

10:15: Union 76
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches By the Number
Skeeter Davis: One Tin Soldier
Jimmy C Newman: A Fallen Star
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

10:30: Trailblazer
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Doin' My Time
Grandpa Jones: 'Ol Blue
George Morgan: Let's Live Together, Mary Ann
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's A Higher Power

10:45: Beech-nut
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Stringbean: Cripple Creek
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Archie and Phil Campbell: Release Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: On the Sea Shores of Old Mexico
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Phil Campbell: Mule Skinner Blues
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On

11:30 Elm Hill
Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Jeanne Pruett: Help Me Make It Through the Night
Johnny Carver: Joy to the World
Charlie Walker: Rancho Grande
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Johnny Carver: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

(Just a note that while Jerry Clower and Jeanne Pruett appeared that night, they were not Opry members at that time). 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 3/8 & Opry Country Classics 3/10

A very solid Tuesday Night Opry is on the schedule for this week featuring Opry members Bill Anderson, Del McCoury, Connie Smith and Steve Wariner. As to the non-members, a couple of names stand out: Don Schlitz and Steven Curtis Chapman, who will be closing out the show. 

Tuesday Night Opry March 8
7:00: Bill Anderson, Leah Turner, Don Schlitz, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Henry Cho, Steve Wariner, Steven Curtis Chapman

Some great Hall of Fame members on the Tuesday night show. 
________________________________________________________________

Opry Country Classics continues its Spring run of shows this week with another solid looking lineup, led by Larry Gatlin and featuring Jamey Johnson and Opry members Mandy Barnett and Jeannie Seely. 

Opry Country Classics March 10
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Jamey Johnson
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Jimmy Fortune, Gail Davies, Jeannie Seely

March Opry Highlights

Welcome to March, which for us who live in the cold and snow, is the month that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully an early Spring. I hope wherever you live that winter is coming to an end and as March rolls on, the temperatures rise, and everyone is able to spend a little bit more time outside. As I always do each month, here are the important and historical dates that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or with Opry members, during the month of March:

March 9, 1925: Ralph Sloan, the leader and founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born. Ralph and his group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and continued under Ralph's leadership until his death in 1980. After Ralph passed away, his brother Melvin took over as the group's leader, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin continued on until his retirement in 2002.

March 24, 1928: Kitty Cora Cline became the first female solo artist to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. Kitty was at the Opry until March 31, 1934, when she decided to quit. The story goes that on that particular evening, she was on her way to the Opry and witnessed a serious car accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel by car again. Thus, she quit performing.

March 31, 1928: Fiddler Ed Poplin made his Grand Ole Opry debut. A few weeks later, he had organized a band and became an Opry regular. 

March 31, 1934: Robert Lunn made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry, he stayed until retiring in 1958. Robert, who was known for his sense of humor, spent some time working and touring with Roy Acuff. Robert Lunn passed away in 1966 after suffering a heart attack.

March 5, 1938: After an absence attributed to heath reasons, Opry founder George D. Hay returned to the Opry, more in a position as an announcer rather than the final authority figure at the Opry. While George D. Hay is credited with being the founder of the Grand Ole Opry, his influence and authority over the show declined as the years went by. 

March 16, 1946: Future Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his first appearance on the Opry, appearing as a member of Pee Wee King's band.

March 1, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the Opry's earliest stars, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave was one of the Opry's originals and was one of the first professional musicians to join the cast. Two weeks later, on March 22, Uncle Dave, who was one of the early members to have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 82. Those who knew Dave wrote that he was quite a character. 

March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Once Bill joined the Opry, he stayed until his death and almost made it 50 years at the Opry. 

March 27, 1954: Opera singer Helen Traubel made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. I only mention this because, even in years past, the Opry would invite non-country performers to appear on the show. 

March 1, 1958: After criticizing the management of WSM radio, Marty Robbins was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry management quickly realized their mistake and Marty was hired back before end of the week. 

March 2, 1963: Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, the duo would pass away when the plane they were riding in crashed on the way back to Nashville. Copas, Hawkins, along with Opry member Patsy Cline and pilot Randy Hughes were returning after performing on a benefit show in Kansas City.

March 9, 1963: The Grand Ole Opry observed a moment of silence to honor Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. Also honored was Jack Anglin of Johnny & Jack, who also passed away the previous week, in his case the result of injuries from an auto accident. In the tribute read by Opry manager Ott Devine, he said, "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put our thoughts, or feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so, we ask for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."

March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens died in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After Ruby's death, Curly remained at the Opry as a solo act. It is safe to say that March 1963 was not the best of months for the Opry. Perhaps, its most tragic month. 

March 2, 1964: Jim & Jesse McReynolds were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that week, they made their first appearance as Opry members. Jim & Jesse were very popular members of the Opry and along with their group the Virginia Boys, continued as members of the Opry until the death of Jim in December 2002. After Jim's death, Jesse has continued on at the Opry as his health has permitted.  Jesse, who will turn 93 this year and is the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry. While he will be celebrating his 58th year as an Opry member, Jesse has not been on the Opry for several years. 

March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth, along with Jim & Jesse, made his first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernie, who was famous for his hit song, "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and for his colorful suit with flaming lips on it, remained an Opry member until his death on March 2, 2009.

March 28, 1964: Connie Smith made her first appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie appeared at the invitation of Bill Anderson. Later that evening, Connie stopped by at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. A year later, in 1965, Connie became an Opry member.

March 20, 1965: The always zany and funny Roger Miller made a guest appearance on the Opry. Over the course of his career, Roger would make a few more. 

March 9, 1968: Irene Ryan, who played the part of Granny on the very popular show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," made a guest appearance on the Opry.

March 15, 1968: The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, made an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. They sang "Sing Me Back Home" and "Hickory Wind." The Byrds always considered it an honor to perform on the Opry and this appearance ended up being their only one. It was later reported that a few of the Opry's members were not thrilled over their appearance and the audience response was much the same. While Gram would never appear again on the Opry, Chris Hillman would return several times. 

March 28, 1970: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Robbins returned to the Opry for the first time since suffering a heart attack in January. As usual, he returned as the host of the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson, who was there that evening, wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the songs that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all of my friends for their concern, and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything else to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'more, more, more.'" This was one night that Ernest Tubb did not complain about the Midnight Jamboree starting late.

March 27, 1971: Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jan had been appearing on the Opry for several years before becoming an Opry member, and in fact, Opry member Bud Wendall had thought she was already a member. A popular duet partner of Bill Anderson's, once Jan became an official member, she fully supported the Opry and appeared on a regular basis. Jan passed away in March 2020, shortly after her 49th anniversary as an Opry member. 

March 9, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry had its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry, which had been at the Ryman since 1943, was scheduled to move to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following weekend. It was a very emotional night as Minnie Pearl, among others, had trouble controlling their emotions at leaving the longtime home of the Opry. 

March 15, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry conducted its final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. While the previous Saturday night was the final Grand Ole Opry show, this being the final show made for a very emotional night, so much so that both Bill Anderson and Charlie Walker forgot the words to their songs. The final segment this night was hosted by George Morgan, who concluded the show with his hit "Candy Kisses." This was also the final night that Bobby Bare was a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he left the Opry's cast when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It took many years, but Bobby would rejoin the Opry in 2018. After the Opry ended, Reverend Jimmie Snow hosted the final Grand Ole Gospel from the Ryman with guests Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and the Carter Family, none of whom actually appeared on the Opry that night. The show concluded with the singing of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and as soon as they were finished, the signs were taken down and many of the items were immediately transferred to the new Opry House. After the Opry left, the Ryman stayed empty for many years, with the inside of the building looking exactly as the Opry left it when they moved in 1974. Thanks to a renovation of the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry returned in January 1999, and would continue to offer winter Opry shows for the next several decades. 

March 16, 1974: With President Richard Nixon in attendance, the Grand Ole Opry had its first performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House. When President Nixon made his appearance, he became the first President to visit and perform on the Opry. As yes, he did perform, playing several songs on the piano. There was much discussion on who would be the first Opry member to perform on the show, and with the decision made to go in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff took the honors, followed by Bill Anderson. With pretty much every Opry member in attendance, both shows that night ran well past the allotted time. The Grand Ole Opry House was the first building built specifically for the Opry, and despite damage from the flood in 2010, the building has held up well and has now been the Opry's home for 48 years.

March 30, 1974: The Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Flatt & Scruggs broke up, both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs maintained their Opry membership. While Lester enjoyed playing the Opry on a regular basis, Earl had a more progressive sound and enjoyed playing before different audiences. While he gave up his Opry membership, Earl would continue to come back and perform on the show.

March 14, 1975: One year after the Opry House opened, the Cumberland River overflowed its banks, causing a flood that forced the Opry to move the shows that weekend to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was also the weekend of the 1st anniversary of the Opry House, so the timing wasn't the best. At first, many thought the Opry would return to the Ryman for the weekend, but it was determined that the old building was in no shape to host a live show. Unlike the flood of 2010 which caused extensive damage to the Opry House, the 1975 flood just affected the parking lots and the surrounding area.

March 4, 1978: For the first time in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an entire show was televised. PBS had approached Opry officials to see if there was any interest in televising the show as part of the annual fundraising drive that PBS conducts. The Opry agreed and it was considered such a great success that PBS would continue to televise an Opry show for the next three years. The Opry did agree to a few changes, including all references to their commercial sponsors, which included covering the sponsor's signs that appeared on the Opry stage and backdrop. (However, in looking at video from those nights, Martha White's sign appears to show through rather well and Roy Acuff did get in a few Martha White plugs). What made those nights so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that the Opry did not change the show at all. The format remained the same, although several of the members dressed up a bit more than usual. These shows also gave people across the country who had never attended an Opry show, a chance to see the entire Opry as it happened.

March 10, 1979: James Brown appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared at the invitation of Porter Wagoner, who thought it would be a great idea. It was a tough night at the Opry as several of the Opry's members did not agree with Porter and decided not to appear that night. James was on stage for almost 20 minutes and would later say that he enjoyed performing on the show.

March 23, 1979: Lester Flatt returned to the Opry for the first time since the previous November. A brain hemorrhage kept Lester away. Sadly, Lester would battle heart and health issues for the last few years of his life. 

March 12, 1980: Ralph Sloan passed away. Ralph and the Tennessee Travelers had been at the Opry since 1952. Upon his death, brother Melvin took over the square dance group.

March 22, 1980: Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1965 and while she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a fairly popular member of the show. After leaving the Opry, Marion did a few shows in Las Vegas, then eventually retired. Marion passed away in December 1999.

March 22, 1980: On the same date as the final appearance of Opry member Marion Worth, Melvin Sloan officially took over as the leader of the Tennessee Travelers following the death several weeks earlier of his brother Ralph. With the change, the group became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers.

March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Tom, who joined the Opry's cast in 1971, left the Opry shortly after the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House.  It was reported that Ernest Tubb ran into Tom T in the parking lot after a show at the Opry House and told him he needed to get back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s, was a regular performer on the show. Tom T, who was an Opry member for just over 50 years, passed away in 2021. 

March 1, 1982: Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hours special that was televised on ABC. An all-star cast of performers and entertainers honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T. Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry.

March 5, 1983: Grand Old Opry announcer and WSM personality Chuck Morgan announced on the Opry for the final time. Chuck left the Opry and Nashville to begin work for the Texas Rangers, a position he still holds today. 

March 7, 1983: TNN, The Nashville Network, made its debut. This network would later become the television home of the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised live each Saturday night.

March 3, 1984: The Whites, consisting of Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 38th year as Opry members. The Whites have not appeared on the Opry since the Covid pandemic began and hopefully they will be back soon. They are missed. 

March 7, 1986: Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He was introduced by Jimmy Dickens and sang, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." That evening, Randy was asked if her would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that year, in December, Randy would become an Opry member.

March 3, 1990: Alan Jackson made his debut on the Opry. Although his appearances would be few and far between, Alan would become a member of the Opry's cast. 

March 4, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl passed away from complications after suffering a series of strokes. Minnie had been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 50 years and was perhaps the most loved member of the Opry.

March 9, 1996: Minnie Pearl was remembered at the Opry on the first Saturday night following her death. Wilma Lee Cooper, Jean Shepard, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" which was Minnie's favorite song.

March 15, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Monroe, an Opry member since 1939, made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry. The following morning, Bill was admitted to Baptist Hospital after suffering a stroke.

March 16, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Don had originally joined the Opry's cast in the late 1950s and was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. He rejoined the cast years later, yet upon his return, he rarely appeared on the show. In fact, Don rarely performed anywhere. Don, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, passed away in November 2003.

March 15, 1997: The Grand Ole Opry honored Grandpa Jones' 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry. As part of the show, the Opry unveiled a portrait of Grandpa that was to hang in the lobby at the Grand Ole Opry House. His picture joined a series of others that honored Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Jim Reeves and others. Sadly, after the 2010 flood, the pictures were removed. 

March 14, 1998: Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The accepted and officially became Opry members the following month.

March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha had been invited in January by Ricky Skaggs to join the cast. This will be her 23rd year as an Opry member.

March 3, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry members Montgomery Gentry made their Opry debut. 

March 17, 2000: Frequent Opry guest, and Sirius XM host, Elizabeth Cook made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Since her Opry debut, it has been reported that Elizabeth has made more guest appearances on the Opry than any other non-member, over 500 and counting. 

March 22, 2001: Opry member Johnny Russell was honored at a special benefit show at the Opry House. The show was held to raise funds for Johnny to help cover his mounting medical bills. Among those attending were Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery. Johnny was one of the best loved members of the Opry and it was sad for all that Johnny had to turn for help from others during his final years. On a personal note, and not taking anything away from any of the other Opry members, I always found George Hamilton IV and Johnny Russell among the nicest. 

March 7, 2003: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. A few days after this show, Bill suffered a stroke. Bill joined the Opry in November 1953 and 49 years later, Bill was appearing on the Opry most every weekend. The stroke ended Bill's performing career and he passed away on March 17.

March 22, 2003: Jimmy Wayne made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would be a regular guest on the Opry over the next decade. 

March 15, 2008: Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood during a guest appearance on the Opry and invited Carrie to become the Opry's newest member. Several months later in May, Carrie was officially inducted into the Opry's cast.

March 21, 2008: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker made his final appearance at the Opry. Charlie had joined the cast in 1967. Charlie would pass away later that year from cancer. In addition to being a member of the Opry's cast, Charlie was also a member of the Country Disc Jockey Hall of Fame.

March 2, 2009: Opry legend Ernie Ashworth passed away. Ernie had been an Opry member for 45 years. When every he appeared on the Opry, you could count on Ernie to wear the suit with the colorful lips on it. 

March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. Hank joined the Opry in 1960 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's oldest member. "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" was one of Hank's classic numbers, as was his rendition of "Danny Boy" which he did every St. Patrick's Day. Last year, Hank was the subject of a PBS show, which was very well done, and hopefully many of you had the chance to see it. 

March 26, 2009: Opry Country Classics is added to the Opry schedule of shows. The series of Thursday night shows would continue each spring and fall, often hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin. 

March 27, 2009: Former WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham passed away.  He served as manager of the Grand Ole Opry from 1978-1993, a period that saw the additions of Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson to the Opry's cast. Sadly, this was the period of time at the Opry when Hal made the decision to accept new members without getting a commitment in regard to the number of appearances that were to be made. 

March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. For Jean, it was the culmination of a long career in country music.

March 2, 2012: Future Grand Ole Opry member Dustin Lynch made his first guest appearance on at the Grand Ole Opry. Dustin would join the Opry's cast in 2018.

March 6, 2012: Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Garth's election was no surprise, while for Connie, it was somewhat surprising. 

March 24, 2012: Carol Lee Cooper. the leader of the Carol Lee Singers, announced her retirement. Carol Lee originally came to the Opry with her parents, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper in 1957. Her retirement was the result of some voice and vocal issues that she had been experiencing. While she has been pretty quiet since her retirement, there are those who have seen her around town and report that she still looks much the same. 

March 5, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry honored Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took their lives, along with pilot Randy Hughes. Among those taking part in the tribute were Jean Shepard, Terri Clark, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Chuck Mead.

March 14, 2013: Opry member Jack Greene passed away after a long illness. Jack, who was formally a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, joined the Opry in December 1967. Jack always did a great job singing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool." Even in his later years, Jack never lost his great voice.

March 15, 2014: The Grand Ole Opry marked the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House with two special shows that featured Blake Shelton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens and Miranda Lambert.

March 6, 2017: It was announced that Sally Williams was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Programming & Artists Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry. She previously had been the General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium. While there was great excitement for Sally coming to the Opry, her time there did not last long. 

March 11, 2017: Dailey & Vincent became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The bluegrass duo had been extended an invitation by Marty Stuart in December, upon their 100th guest appearance on the show. This will be their 5th year as Opry members. 

March 20, 2018: Chris Janson became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris had made over 100 guest appearances on the show and had always said that his dream was to someday become a member of the Opry's cast. For Chris, this will be his 4th year as an Opry member. 

March 1, 2019: The Whites were honored upon their 35th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Ricky Skaggs and Opry general manager Sally Williams joined in the salute.

March 2, 2019: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was recognized upon his 55th anniversary as an Opry member. Jesse, along with his brother Jim, joined the Opry's cast on March 2, 1964. While his brother passed away in 2002, Jesse has continued as an Opry member. Old Crow Medicine Show joined in the salute to Jesse.

March 5, 2019: The Grand Ole Opry invited Kelsea Ballerini to become a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Little Big Town offered the invite. Her formal induction would take place the following month.

March 12, 2019: Trisha Yearwood celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and of course, Garth Brooks, joined in the celebration. 

March 13, 2020: With the Covid pandemic beginning to grip the country, and many sporting events and concerts cancelled, the Grand Ole Opry announced that the shows would continue on Saturday nights, with limited artists and no audiences. These one-hour shows would be televised on Circle TV. 

March 14, 2020: The Grand Ole Opry was performed without an audience and the show was televised on the Circle network. This lineup that night featured Opry members Connie Smith, Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely, along with Sam Williams, Mandy Barnett and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. 

March 29, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Jan Howard passed away after a short period of declining health. Jan had been an Opry member for 49 years. 

March 30, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away after a short battle with Covid. Joe had joined the Opry in November 1993 and while he didn't make a lot of Opry appearances, you could count on Joe being at the Opry several times each year. He was always popular with the fans. 

There you have it for this month. I hope a lot of those dates bring back some memories.

Grand Ole Opry 3/4 & 3/5

The lineups are posted for this weekend's Opry shows, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Overall, some good variety and solid looking shows. 

Appearing both nights will be Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs. Ricky will be closing out the 1st segment on Friday night, and the final segment on Saturday. Joining Ricky on Friday will be Opry members John Conlee, Riders In The Sky and Craig Morgan. Saturday night, in addition to Ricky, Opry members Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne, Gene Watson and Connie Smith are scheduled. It is nice to see Gene back on the Opry as over the past year he has been battling some health issues which has limited his activity. 

Looking at the non-members listed for this weekend, T. Graham Brown is scheduled for Friday night. I know there are many who feel T. Graham would make a great Opry member and I think he would like to be an Opry member someday. At the very least, glad to see him listed on the schedule. 

Also scheduled for Friday night is Everette, who will be making a return appearance, Emily Ann Roberts, who we don't see enough of, and two artists who will be making their Opry debuts, Mike Compton and Jason D. Williams. 

The very popular Sara Evans is listed on the Saturday schedule, along with Tyler Rich and Tom Daug

Friday March 4
7:00: John Conlee, Everette, T. Graham Brown, Ricky Skaggs
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Emily Ann Roberts, Mike Compton, Jason D. Williams, Craig Morgan

Saturday March 5
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Tyler Rich, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Tom Douglas, Sara Evans, Ricky Skaggs

No live show on Circle TV this week. 

So, we have three artists making Opry debuts this week, Mike Compton, Jason D. Williams and Tom Douglas.

Mike Compton is a bluegrass veteran who was a friend of and mentored by Bill Monroe. Mike is most noted as one of the instructors at the annual Monroe Mandolin Camp, where he, along with other experts, teach the basics of mandolin along with the distinctive Bill Monroe style of playing. Mike has also toured and recorded with dozens of artists including Sting, Elvis Costello, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Gregg Allman, and John Hartford, among many others. 

Jason D. Williams' career started at the age of 17, signing with RCA in 1988 and then Sun Records in 1991, Jason has maintained a constant presence in the music industry for more than 40 years. From Memphis to New York and Boston, Jason has traveled the entire country and most of the world. Jason’s talent has been admired by the greatest piano players and talent in the music business. His ability to cross genres is fascinating and allows him to entertain regardless the age or musical taste.

Tom Douglas is an Academy Award, Golden Globe and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter. After enjoying a 13-year career in commercial real estate, Douglas got his first song recorded by Collin Raye at the age of 41. That song, “Little Rock”, reached #1, earned a nomination for CMA Song of the Year and achieved the Million-Air award from BMI for receiving one million spins on country radio. Since then, Douglas has written numerous number one hits, including: “I Run to You” (Lady A), “Southern Voice” (Tim McGraw) and “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert). The Grammy Award-winning song “The House That Built Me” remained at number one on the Billboard charts for four weeks and earned ACM’s first ever Song of the Decade award. In 2014, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, subsequently receiving a Grammy Nomination for his song “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” recorded by Tim McGraw. Some of Douglas’ recent work includes “Drunk Girl” recorded by Chris Janson, which received the 2018 Music Row Award for Song of The Year. He also penned the song “Dear Hate” recorded by Maren Morris and Vince Gill, earning the Grammy nomination for the 2019 Country Song of the Year. Douglas is currently signed to Sony Music Publishing, and lives in Nashville with his wife, Katie. 
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Now 50 years ago, Saturday March 4, 1972:

1st show
6:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Bill Carlisle; Leroy Van Dyke
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Del Wood; Lonzo and Oscar
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Connie Smith; Stringbean; Ray Pillow
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jimmy C Newman; George Morgan; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Justin Tubb; Willis Brothers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim and Jesse; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; The 4 Guys

2nd show
9:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Willis Brothers; Lonzo and Oscar; Leroy Van Dyke
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Del Wood; Bill Carlisle
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stringbean
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Ray Pillow; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); George Morgan; Justin Tubb; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Jim and Jesse (host); Marion Worth; The 4 Guys; Paul Ott Carruth

(Paul Ott was a Mississippi legend, who was known as a singer/songwriter, outdoorsman and conservationist. He was also considered Mississippi's Goodwill Ambassador. He featured many of his songs on his local television show). 

March 4, 1978 was an important date in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as for the first time, an entire Grand Ole Opry show was televised on the Public Broadcasting Network. 

Here is the running order from that night 44 years ago: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
George Hamilton IV: Cornbread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Lonzo and Oscar: When the Fields in the Valley Turn Green
Billy Grammer: Birth of the Blues
Willis Brothers: Boots & Saddle
Del Reeves: Folsom Prison Blues/Margaritaville

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host); Diggy Liggy Lo
Jean Shepard: The Things That Might Have Been/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Dear John Letter
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee/Down Yonder
Bessyl Duhon: Opryland Special

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Archie Campbell: A.C. in N.Y. last July

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind's A'Comin'
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Don Williams: Some Broken Hearts Never Mend/I've Got a Winner in You
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/Ole Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Crook Brothers and Ralph Sloan and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Jan Howard: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way That We're Doing it Now
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Bill Monroe: Crying Holy Unto the Lord

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host); I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: Stand By My Woman Man/What Does on When the Sun Goes Down/Daydreams About Night Things/A Legend in My Time
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Good Thing That Was Good in My Life

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Jean Shepard: If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time
George Hamilton IV: Only the Best
Archie Campbell: The Interview
Osborne Brothers: Midnight Flyer
Willis Brothers: Bob
Porter Wagoner: Tennessee Saturday Night/On a Highway Headed South

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Mary Jane, Won't You Be Mine
Ronnie Milsap: What a Difference You've Made in My Life/Let My Love Be Your Pillow
Kenny Baker: The Lucky Lady

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Don Williams: Amanda/You're My Best Friend
Billy Grammer: Georgiana Moon
Howdy Forrester: Cotton Eyed Joe

10:30: Trailblazer
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Skeeter Davis: He Will be There
Del Wood: Just Because
Jimmy C Newman: Big Bayou

10:45: Beechnut
Wilburn Brothers (host): Country Kind of Feelings
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Jan Howard: Better Off Alone
Crook Brothers and Ralph Sloan and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Justin Tubb: You'd Never Be Happy with Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Kirk McGee: The Waltz You Saved for Me/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mine Again

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): Let's Put Our World Back Together/A Toast to Mama/Love Has to Die All By Itself/I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/A Poor Man's Woman
Bill Carlisle: Amazing Grace
The 4 Guys: When Will I Be Love
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman

(The 1st show ran about 15 minutes over, while the 2nd show ran the same. Del Reeves, Connie Smith, Lonzo and Oscar, Minnie Pearl, Stonewall Jackson and Don Gibson only appeared on the 1st show. One of the highlights from that night was a rare Opry appearance by member Don Williams). 

The PBS televised Opry shows would continue until 1981. 

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.