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.
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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.
Great as usual. I've often thought they could do more of that sort of reunion show on Opry Country Classics. I don't know if they'd be inclined, but Melba Montgomery and June Webb were "Smoky Mountain Girls" and Mary Lou Turner worked with Ol' Whisper, and some of the sidemen are still around like Bessyl Duhon from Cajun Country and Larry McNeely, the last living Smoky Mountain Boy.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of "Give It Away" I love when Lee Ann Womack and Jamey Johnson do that song. Bob
ReplyDeleteJamey Johnson the next member of the Grand Ole Opry
ReplyDeleteBob Bien who posted on here regularly passed away last night. He was a good friend through the years. Please keep his sister & family in your thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI never met Bob, but I considered him a friend. Bob posted on this blog since the beginning, and he loved the Opry and classic country music. As I said, we never met, but he would message me almost daily, and sometimes several times a day, asking questions or just wanted to state an opinion. In fact, his last message from him was on Thursday, asking about Opry Country Classics and the Ryman. He will be missed. Bob and I had some mutual friends, several of whom also post on this blog. I knew he had some health issues, but I was very surprised when I heard the news this morning. And yes, we will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.
DeleteI saw the news on Facebook. We often messaged each other, and I'll miss him there, and here.
DeleteJamey Johnson was invited by Bill Anderson last night to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. I know for many of us, this was an invite that should have happened years ago as Jamey has stated numerous times that he would love to be an Opry member someday.
ReplyDeleteJamey first appeared on the Opry 17 years ago, and it was Bill Anderson who introduced him that night. Since that night, Jamey has continued to make guest appearances. Not only is he a great traditional country singer, but he is also a fine songwriter. I know many of us will remember a few years back, when during an Opry appearance, Jamey said that he had signed his paperwork to become an Opry member and was just waiting on management to sign their end of the deal. We know he was probably kidding that night, but then again, maybe not.
This continues the trend that we have seen from Dan Rogers of rewarding acts who have appeared numerous times as guest artists and have supported the show. When you look at who has been added over the past several years, you have to be pleased: Lauren Alaina, Mandy Barnett, The Isaacs, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills. Each of these artists have supported the show since joining and I expect Jamey Johnson to do the same. The only miss has been Lady A and we shall see what the future lies. And while Lauren has just joined, she has already booked a number of Opry dates for the rest of the year.
I am looking forward to Jamey's induction night, with the date to be announced, and I hopefully will be there.
Excellent choice
DeleteI suspect Deana Carter might be on a future Opry member list
DeleteShe only had one hit. Literally only one and while it was one of the biggest songs of the 90s and early 2000s, I don't know if that's enough for membership?
DeleteI would suspect that Deana is on the short list, as are a few others, such as T. Graham Brown and Daren & Brooke Aldridge. Looking at more "modern" names, perhaps we could see someone such as Jimmie Allen or Michael Ray (and that one could be an interesting choice for obvious reasons).
DeleteRegarding Lady A (new era), is there no longer a contract commitment for members' attendance/performances?
ReplyDeleteWhen Pete Fisher was the General Manager of the Opry, he was asking those who he offered Opry membership, to commit to 10 Opry appearances each year. He, at least, attempted to correct the policy that developed under Hal Durham and Bob Whittaker that offered Opry membership with no commitment. Overall, most of the artists that joined the Opry under Pete did a pretty decent job of appearing. He missed on a few (Keith Urban is one), but at least he tried to correct the policy.
DeleteAs to currently, and understand that the situation has changed, my understanding from talking to a few people who would know, there is no specific commitment asked of the new members other than to support the show and appear when they can. Considering those that are being asked have been guest artists on the Opry for years, I think that management knows what they are going to get from each new member.
I personally think the idea of asking folks who actually want to be an 'Opry member as shown by their willingness to appear makes a lot more sense than asking some new hotshot to become a member and hope they care enough to show up now and then.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled for folks like Chris Jansen, Mandy Barnett, Lauren Alaina, Rhonda Vincent and other recent inductees who have PROVED their love of the 'Opry for many years. Hope that trend continues. WAY PAST DUE.
I was so happy when Bill Anderson invited Jamey Johnson to be the next Grand Ole Opry member. In my opinion, Opry management made a very good decision to extend the invitation. Hope it's not too long before Induction night & I would think Bill will induct him. I am starting to see a bit of a pattern - Connie Smith invited Mandy Barnett, Marty & Connie inducted her. Trisha Yearwood invited Lauren Alaina, Trisha Yearwood inducted her with Garth as a walk-on but I could very well be wrong.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see T. Graham Brown and Scotty McCreery be invited as well. I think Michael Ray would be a good choice at some point. He & Carly Pearce never have to be at the Opry House at the same time, I am sure management would be sensitive to the fact they are newly divorced plus their touring schedules are so different. I feel the same way about Miranda Lambert, I don't know if she is interested in being an Opry member, heck, she could show up any day of the week & never bump into her ex-husband.
I, too, was sorry to learn of Bob Bien's passing ~ we private messaged each other. He & I lived fairly close to each other, though we never met. He was always asking me questions & my opinions about country music & the many artists out there. My condolences to his family and may he Rest in Peace.
(Jeanene)
I'm sure glad to see them invite Jamey Johnson to be a Opry member hopefully they continue the trend of inviting acts that truely want to be members and will support the Opry I think T Graham Brown would be a great invitee but one I think that is long overdue is Elizabeth Cook she has certainly paid her dues in guest appearances and certainly would be a great member.
ReplyDelete