I am sure everyone has heard by now that The Beach Boys will be at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. The following is the press release:
The Beach Boys and LOCASH have announced they will kick off summer for the legendary venue, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, on Friday, May 27. The two bands are set to share the historic stage after uniting on LOCASH’s current single, “Beach Boys,” which features Mike Love and Bruce Johnston. LOCASH’s latest release is less California-pop and more Southern-infused ode to the legendary ’60s act. “Beach Boys” pulls elements from the 1963 track “I Get Around” off Little Deuce Coupe with overdubbed lyrics from the original Beach Boys tune placed over the new country tribute.
The forthcoming performance will serve as The Beach Boys’ inaugural appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. The band also shared that video clips from the show will be featured in Opry Live later this summer. The event is a part of the Grand Ole Opry’s summer kick-off, which will commence earlier in the day on May 27, with a performance by Walker Country. The gig is a part of “Opry Loves the 90s” Plaza Party, sponsored by Truist, Mid-South Ford Dealers and Dollar General, and will include additional performances by Hannah Ellis (June 7), Ray Fulcher (June 11) and more, later this summer. Tickets for The Beach Boys and LOCASH at the Grand Ole Opry are on sale now.
I know that non-country acts have performed on the Opry many times in the past. It seems to be happening more these days. There have been comments that when the Opry had 20-25 acts a night on the show, putting on a non-country act wasn't that big of a deal. But when there are only 7 acts on the show, as there is on Friday night, it takes a slot or two away from a country performer, or an Opry member. I know it is all about selling tickets. That I understand as the Opry is a business. But it seems that it continues to move away from being a country music show to a show that represents American music in general. I wish The Beach Boys success on their Opry debut, and I know that those attending will be excited to share the moment with this historic group.
Joining The Beach Boys and LOCASH on the Friday Night Opry this Memorial Day weekend will be Opry members Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Lorrie Morgan. Lorrie is part of that final hour that will be taped for a future Opry Live broadcast.
The only other artists on the schedule are Darryl Worley, who was one of those that at one time was a very frequent Opry guest, and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Friday May 27
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Darryl Worley, John Conlee, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Lorrie Morgan, LOCASH, The Beach Boys
Looking at the Saturday lineup, it appears to be a more traditional show that will feature Grand Ole Opry members Bill Anderson, Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely. It will be a special night for Jeannie as she will be celebrating her 56th year on the Opry, as she made her Opry debut on Saturday May 28, 1966.
Don Schlitz will be making another Opry appearance as he has basically become a semi-regular on the show. Also appearing on Saturday will be Conner Smith, who will be making his Opry debut, Matthew West, Tiera Kennedy and Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz.
Saturday May 28
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Conner Smith, Bill Anderson, Matthew West
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider, Tiera Kennedy, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz
——————————————————————————————-
From 50 years ago, Saturday May 27, 1972:
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Penny DeHaven; Charlie Moore
7:00: George Morgan (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Stringbean; Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Hank Locklin (host); Grandpa Jones; Connie Smith; Del Wood
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Stu Phillips; The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Justin Tubb (host); Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee Cooper; Stringbean
10:00: George Morgan (host); Charlie Moore; Del Wood
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); Earl Scruggs Revue
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Stu Phillips (host); Penny DeHaven; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin (host); Connie Smith; The 4 Guys
(Charlie Walker was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Ernie Ashworth only worked the early show).
_____________________________________________________________________
Saturday May 28, 1966 was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as future Opry member Jeannie Seely made her first guest appearance on the show.
Jeannie Seely’s mother said that Jeannie was just 4 years old when she learned to stretch up, tune the knob on her family’s big console radio to 650 WSM and keep it there. Jeannie, who was raised near Townville, Pennsylvania, remembers sitting in the family’s Ford, eating popcorn and drinking soda pop, listening to the Opry on Saturday nights while her parents played cards at friends’ houses By age 11, she was performing on a weekly radio show in nearby Meadville and a few years later turned up on TV in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Years of playing auditoriums, small clubs, and country music parks followed. She moved to California and worked as a secretary with Liberty and Imperial Records in Hollywood before coming to Nashville in 1965 at the urging of Opry member Dottie West.
A recording contract with Monument Records gave Jeannie her first hit in 1966 with the bluesy Hank Cochran tune “Don’t Touch Me,” which went to the top of the charts and earned her a Grammy Award. One year later, the singer who became famous as “Miss Country Soul” fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a member of the Opry cast.
Other hits followed, including “I’ll Love You More (Than You Need),” “Can I Sleep in Your Arms,” and “Lucky Ladies.” Jeannie briefly worked as duet partner of Porter Wagoner and had a successful touring and recording partnership with fellow Opry member Jack Greene, with such hits as the Top 10 single “Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You.” Jeannie is also a successful songwriter, having written Faron Young’s 1973 Top 10 hit, “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye.” She also has had songs cut by Dottie West, Connie Smith, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price.
Known for her plainspoken ways and sometimes earthy humor, Jeannie published a book of witticisms, Pieces of a Puzzled Mind, in 1989.
In 2000, Jeannie, who has made frequent stage and screen appearances, hit the road for Atlantic City to portray the character of Louise opposite her friend Terri Williams in Always … Patsy Cline. She played the role of an energetic, funny woman with a heart full of love for her friends and for country music — a part she knows quite well.
In 2003, Jeannie released Life’s Highway, a country/bluegrass project with contributions from famous friends including Steve Wariner, the Osborne Brothers, and The Whites. Other albums followed, including her latest, An American Classic, which featured The Whites, Steve Wariner, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Anderson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Payne, Lorrie Morgan, Vince Gill and Ray Stevens.
“I feel very fortunate to be part of the Opry tradition,” Jeannie says, “and I truly am indebted to all the wonderful fans who have supported me over the years.”
Here is the running order from 56 years ago, Saturday May 28, 1966:
7:30: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): You Don't Want My Love
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Margie Bowes: Big City
Curly Fox: Mountain Dew
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
Del Wood: Night Train to Memphis
Jimmy Gately: Old Faithful
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Back in Each Other's Arms Again
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Bobby Lord: Losers Like Me
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Jim and Jesse: Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down
Billy Walker: A Million and One
Stringbean: Little Pink
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): It Is Easier to Say Than Do
George Hamilton IV: Write Me a Picture
Bob Luman: I'm Walkin'
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Cousin Jody: No Help Wanted
George Hamilton IV: Steel Railroad Blues
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Til My Getup Has Got Up & Gone
George Morgan: No Man Should Hurt as Bad as I Do
Osborne Brothers: Up This Hill & Down
Marion Worth: Together Again
Ernest Tubb: Waiting for a Train
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
George Morgan: Candy Kisses
Osborne Brothers: Memories
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
June Carter: Wildwood Flower
Hank Snow: (?)
Ruthie McClain: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Willis Brothers: Diamonds on Your Hands
10:00: Schick
Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers: The Wreck of the No. 9
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Jean Shepard: A Tear Dropped By
Curly Fox: A Maiden's Prayer
10:15: Pure
George Morgan (host): You're the Only Good Thing
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Del Wood: Raggin' the Keys
George Morgan: Rocking Alone in an Ol' Rocking Chair
10:30: Harvey's
Jim and Jesse (host): Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot
Bobby Lord: A Room in the Corner of the House
Marion Worth: Go on Home
Jim and Jesse: The Old Camp Meeting Days
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Jealous Lovin' Heart
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Leon Rhodes: Leon's Guitar Boogie
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): One More Ride
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: It Is Easier to Say Than Do
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: (?)
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Willis Brothers: Bible on the Table
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy From the Country
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry
Cousin Jody: Television Set
Ruthie McClain: I Really Don't Want to Know
Marty Robbins: Count Me Out/Ribbon of Darkness/Singing the Blues
(Bill Anderson, George Hamilton IV, Billy Walker and June Carter only appeared once that night, as did Jeannie Seely)
Of interest, of all the artists that were on the Opry that night, besides Jeannie the ones still living are Bill Anderson, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne and Bobby Bare.
Over the next year, Jeannie would continue to make guest appearances on the Opry, eventually becoming an Opry member on September 16, 1967.
On a personal note, I will be heading to Clintwood, Virginia and will be attending the 50th anniversary of the Hills of Home Festival which was started by Ralph Stanley. This will be my first time attending and it has been on my list for years to get down there. This year it finally worked out.
Among those performing at this four-day event are Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs, The Grascals, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Po, Ramblin Boys, Chris Jones, Larry Stephenson Band, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Larry Sparks, as well as almost two dozen other acts. It promises to be a great and fun weekend filled with bluegrass music.
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.
Lorrie and The Beach Boys collaborated on Don't Worry Baby for some Beach Boys country collaboration album in the 90s and I'll honestly be disappointed if they don't perform it together on Friday. Hopefully it won't be a missed opportunity.
ReplyDeleteA.B.
The Beach Boys just one time will be just fine. They are sorta country. My objection is Darryl Worley who, because of Memorial Day weekend, will again sing " We need this war " referring to GW Bush invading Iraq to get Saddam for knocking down the twin towers when in reality he should have been going after Bin Laden. And the idiots in the audience will still cheer him !!! Dashmann, Flushing , Michigan ---
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteThe 'Opry reversed their usual pattern. Friday generally features more traditional 'Opry members, while Saturday night often features all sorts of singers who basically have nothing to do with Country Music.
ReplyDeleteI have learned to NEVER make reservations to the 'Opry a long way out. Wait until a week or so before the show, and be willing to sit in the last row of a corner section to stay away from shows with only one or two 'opry members.
At least that works for me !
Ya - not worth the 1000 mile round trip to see a 2 hour show anymore --- Dashmann
DeleteByron-Interesting comments about the Beach Boys and the Opry drifting toward American music and away from a country show. I fully agree but wondered what you thought. It's sad to watch the Opry name be prostituted for profit. I understand the profit but I just wish they would rebrand it and not pretend to be carrying on a tradition.
ReplyDeleteThat said, with a few veterans of the 60's left and a few bluegrass acts left they just about have to hold on to the "country" identity. I just wonder if venues of other genres accept country or what is called country acts the way the Opry is embracing every other kind of music. I doubt it.
And I agree with Nat about tickets. The only way I would go these days is if I was in town and knew the lineup. I try not to waste my money. I would be irate if I paid $100-$200 in advance to see the Beach Boys or the like.
Jim
Jim, I don't disagree. The big problem for me is that if the Opry is going to have a two-hour show with eight acts, they can't be wasting any of them, and that's what they are doing. If it was the days when they did five hours in two shows with about 25 people on each show, fine.
DeleteBut there's a story where a guy said to Hank Snow, if you had a dollar for every time someone did "I'm Movin' On," and Snow replied, "I do."
Well, if I had a dollar for every time in its history someone has claimed the Opry has lost its way ....
Bryon-Thanks for your comments about the Beach Boys and that the Opry is moving away from country music and becoming an American music show. I've felt that for some time now. I just hate to see the Opry prostitute itself to make a buck.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before but I feel it stronger tonight than ever before. Once the Opry reaches 100, it needs to cease to exist as we know it. They need to retire the name preserving what will be left of it's great country history and rebrand it to I don't care what. It's not the Beach Boys, they are fine, just not on the Opry. I'm sick and sad tonight when I think how they are walking on the graves of all the people that spent their lives keeping the Opry alive for "Country Music" and now that is all being pushed to the way side. The veterans of the 60's that are still there probably don't feel the way I do but if they do I sure feel sorry for them. Like all things forced on us slowly, just like commercials on TV, did anyone pay attention to the moments in country music history tonight. Elton John, Billy Joel and it seems like someone else, was mentioned. What in the H%$$ did that have to do with country music history? Oh they mentioned something about the song Shameless that Garth recorded.
I really wonder what Mr. Acuff, ET and Mr. Monroe would think. I think they all wanted what was good for the Opry but that was good for it within "Good Ole Country Music" as Hank Snow once called it.
Why didn't they just give the whole darn (%$#^#) show to the Beach Boys tonight and not even bill it as the Opry.
Sorry folks but I'm broken hearted to night to see where we have come. I just can't help it.
Lonesome Jim
Knightsville, IN
I should point out the repetition on the above post is because for some reason my earlier comments did not originally post until Bryon fixed an issue with it.
DeleteJim
Next Wed. is June and 6 months in its the same vets week in and week out ... Jeannie Seely, Riders in The Sky, Connie Smith, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne. That serve as the building blocks of shows. One other member that is a pretty constant is Rhonda Vincent.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the other 60+ have taken advantage to use the pandemic as an excuse to shy away from the Opry and not show commitment to their memberships. Seems to have worked out well quite a few. I for one am not seeing the 10 date commitment being enforced.
As a result this may well be the very reason that the Opry is having to morph into a celebration of the American Song Book as opposed to the many genres of country.
What I wouldnt give to be Manager or Director of the Grand Ole Opry, because I would more than likely install a purge of 1964 Part II and strip some artists of their membership while labeling them persona non grata at the Opry. Then, I would give memberships to those artists that understand the concept of Opry........
Second thing I would do is start calling people up to come out and play. Call Garth and Trisha, who management needs to bring around more, and get some other genres such as country swing, cajun country, etc.
Wanted to mention that it is nice to see that the Opry has schedules Jo El Sonnier for later this summer. Good to see another cajun music artist come on the show.......
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh one more thought, celebration of 90´s country??? new country vs. new country pop ...not a fan of neither genre .... Why??? Still talking about the same themes 30 years later in the lyrics...nothing has changed writing wise.... Furthermore, 30 years later instrumentals and voices are pretty much the same.... I will take 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s country all day and all night all year........
ReplyDeleteI was at The Opry Friday night 05/27. Not much traditional country music. The Beach Boys were ok but with LOCASH didn't sound much like The Beach Boys. Darryl Worley's portion was great. He brought the sold out house to a standing O when he sang [Have You Forgotten] Lorrie Morgan did Keith Whitley's tune [ When You Say Nothing At All ] Nice to see Steven Curtis Chapman. The Riders In The Sky stole the show! It was good to be in The Opry House but its nothing like it used to be when the entertainment was country. The announcing and the advertising during the show could use some help.
ReplyDeleteWayne
Like I previously said about Darryl Worley --- going after Saddam when Bin Laden actually knocked down the towers -- Flushing Michigan Dashmann --
ReplyDelete