It's another summer weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the lineups have been posted for all three shows this weekend as in addition to the Friday and Saturday night shows, the Opry once again has a Sunday show on the schedule.
Looking specifically at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Dailey & Vincent are listed on the schedule. It is especially nice to see Connie listed as she has been missing for the past several weeks, and in fact, canceled her last scheduled appearance.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent and Craig Morgan, who will be closing out the show.
Guesting on Friday will be Jessica Willis Fisher, the legendary Dale Watson, Bobby Bones, and making his Opry debut, Corey Asbury. Debuting on the Opry Saturday night is Riley Clemmons, who will be appearing along with Texas Hill, and Billy Dean. There was a time when Billy was on the Opry quite a few times and it is nice to see him back on the Opry again.
Friday July 22
7:00: Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Jessica Willis Fisher, Dale Watson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Bobby Bones, Cory Asbury, Dailey & Vincent
Saturday July 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Texas Hill, Mike Snider, Billy Dean
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Riley Clemmons, Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Craig Morgan
Cory Asbury began singing in church at the age of 14 and was a full-time performer by the time he turned 21. His 2009 independent release, Let Me See Your Eyes, officially launched his recording career, leading to a contract with Bethel Music Collective in 2015. That alliance produced Asbury’s seminal album Reckless Love, a 2018 project that landed on the top of the Billboard Christian Albums chart, leading Asbury to two Dove Awards and a 2019 Grammy nomination. The title track spent 18 weeks at #1, earning Asbury Billboard, ASCAP, and BMI Christian Song of the Year honors. Currently, the title track has been certified Double Platinum with over 2.8 million equivalent units. Later in 2019, Asbury released his follow-up LP, To Love A Fool, featuring the single “The Father’s House,” which has now been certified Gold with more than 676,000 equivalent units. To date, Asbury has generated 871.76 million domestic U.S. streams, 37.6 million video views, 2.1 million monthly Spotify listeners, and 1.6 billion audience impressions.
Riley Clemmons has accumulated over 210 million global streams and 50 million YouTube video views since the beginning of her almost decade long career. After spending years honing her craft in writers’ rooms, Riley sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 Capitol CMG debut single “Broken Prayers,” which has generating over 30 million global streams since its release. Her 2018 self-titled debut quickly entered the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart, debuting at No. 13. Her latest single, “Keep On Hoping,” has become Riley’s fastest growing single, garnering over 5 million streams across digital platforms in its first 8 weeks and climbing the radio airplay and Billboard charts.
In 2021, she was nominated as Female Artist of the Year at the 9th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, marking a first in her career in addition to becoming the youngest nominee in the show’s history.
As mentioned, the Opry has scheduled a couple of Sunday night shows. The show this week will feature Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Connie Smith, while Sara Evans and LOCASH are also on the schedule, as is guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and comedian Henry Cho.
Sunday July 24
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jordan Davis, Connie Smith, Tommy Emmanuel
Intermission
Sara Evans, Henry Cho, LOCAH
Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 22, 1972:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle/Peace in the Valley
6:45: Rudy's
George Morgan (host): Too Young
Peggy Sue: Bread Upon the Water
George Morgan: Easy Loving
Joe Edwards and Leon Rhodes: Freight Train
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Got the Fever
Jan Howard: Let Him Have It
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Bill Anderson and Jan Howard: I Thank God for You
Jimmy Gately: Sweet, Sweet Loving
The 4 Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Bill Anderson: All the Lonely Women in the World
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Connie Smith: Just For What I Am
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's a Higher Power
Connie Smith: Farther Along
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): What Ain't to Be Just Might Happen
Dolly Parton: Touch Your Woman
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Lost Forever in Your Kisses
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob
Wagonmasters: Mockingbird
Mac Magaha: Orange Blossom Special
8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): There's a Big Wheel
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Brush Arbors: Proud Mary
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Wilma Burgess: Help Me Make It Through the Night
Billy Grammer: Guitar Polka/He Touched Me
Wilma Burgess: Make the World Go Away
Harold Weakley: Where No One Stands Alone
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
10:00: Fender
George Morgan (host): Easy Loving
Connie Smith: Too Much to Gain to Lose
George Morgan: Too Young
10:15: Union 76
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Jan Howard: Love is Like a Spinning Wheel
Jimmy Gately: Sweet, Sweet Loving
Bill Anderson: Quits
10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): What Ain't to Be Just Might Happen
Dolly Parton: Mule Skinner Blues
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man
Speck Rhodes: Long Handle Time in Tennessee
10:45: Beechnut
The 4 Guys (host): Cotton Fields/Mariah
Peggy Sue: Bread Upon the Water
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
The 4 Guys: On the Other Side
11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Governor Winfield Dunn: Lovesick Blues
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love
Brush Arbors: Oklahoma Hearts
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee/That's A Chance I'll Have to Take
(As with the week before, Hank Snow canceled. He was scheduled to host the 8:30 and 11:00 segments that. Speaking of the 11:00 segment, that turned into something special with Roy Acuff hosting, and Minnie Pearl making an appearance, along with the Governor of Tennesse and a couple of the Opry's old-timers. Definitely something special).
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
I think its neat to look at the current songs artist were performing on these old shows.
ReplyDeleteAll the Lonely Women In The World is one of my favorite Bill Anderson songs of the early 70's. It spent 15 weeks on the charts in '72 and peaked at #5. Jan Howard's Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel was the title of her last LP for Decca in '72 and reached #36. Let Him Have It was a release from that LP that reached #43.
Porter's What Ain't To Be, Just Might Happen was the title of one of his '72 LP's and reached #8. Wake Up Jacob was on his '73 LP The Farmer and reached #37 in mid '73. Porter and Dolly took Lost Forever In Your Kiss to #9 in early '72 and it was the title to one of there LP's of the same year.
Love Me made #34 for Jeanne Pruett in '72 and Connie made it to #5 with Just For What I Am that year as well and it was the title to an LP.
George Morgan did not have anything in the charts in '72 but would team up with Little Roy Wiggins in '73 for three nice chart songs with Little Roy having a big part including Mr. Tin-A-Ling(Steel Guitar Man) with the biggest being Red Rose From The Blue Side Of Town that reached #21, the last time George would chart that high.
I'm surprised to learn that Roy Drusky did not have a hit with the Joe South hit of '69 Don't It Make You Wanna Go Home that the Four Guys did. I sure remember hearing his record on the radio when I was in early grade school. He recorded it in '70!
Interesting to me!
Jim
This isn't really related to a post here, just a report on our trip to Nashville last weekend. We went for two reasons, the Heart of Texas Road Show and to see the Bill Anderson exhibit at the Hall of Fame.
ReplyDeleteThe Road Show is just good country music. Darrell and Mona McCall were supposed to be on the show, kind of the headliners. They were not there and it was not mentioned why. Tony Booth, Tayla Lynn (Loretta's granddaughter), Diane McCall, Allison Crowson, Lonnie Spiker, Joe Rucker, Zac Clifton (maybe 20)Bobby Marquez, Lulu Roman, Margie Singleton, Julie Keech-Harris and Bobby G. Rice all performed and Tracy Pitcox hosted. The band was Mike Sweeny on steel, Ben Hall on guitar, Drew Covington on fiddle, Dina Johnson on drums and Rick Boyer on bass.....a great sounding band and the music was pure country.
The show was at The Troubadour, the former Texas Troubadour Theater which has been remodeled. The stage is the same but the wood benches are gone and there is dance floor in the center with tables surrounding it. There is also a bar/concession stand on the left side. Beer, I assume but didn't pay any attention. The price of the show was $20 and we saw over 2 hours of good country music. The folks that came up on the bus set in chairs on the dance floor leaving tables for the rest of us. I felt sorry for them going over to the Opry that evening. I wonder if they knew what they were in for?
Even better than the music was some of the folks that didn't perform. David McCormick was in the audience but we didn't talk with him. Leon Rhodes' wife was there and we visited with her briefly. She has given a some of Leon's things to the Malpass Brothers including suits and a guitar. In turn, they donated a suit the the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum. His wife had brought a belt and buckle to go with the suit.
As soon as we walked in I noticed Dennis McCall and struck up a conversation with him. Recently the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame had inducted all of the McCall siblings. Dennis, Diane, and DeeJee were presented with plaques on stage. A couple of things from our conversation with Dennis. He said Carol Lee Cooper was doing well. He also said working with Herman Harper was great, that he was the best. Dennis joined Carol Lee in 1980 and as we know retired in 2015.
Since we did not get to speak to David McCormick and I did not see anyone else to ask, I did not learn anything about the future of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. One more thing, Jennifer Herron was there and introduced her husband Bobby Marquez!
Jim
Darrell’s wife ,Mona ,threw her back out, a couple days, before they were leaving for Nashville. That’s why they weren’t there. Curry
DeleteThanks Curry!
DeleteI'm glad Dennis, and Carol Lee, are doing well. Darrell reminds me of the great story of a tour involving him, Hank Snow, and Faron Young. Snow would take photos and videos, and then make his band come over and watch highlights of their recent tour. Faron and Darrell stole his camera and took photos of, um, droppings. So Snow put on the slide show and what came up?
DeleteFaron said he was at home, and when the phone rang, he knew it. When he answered, he said, "Hello, Hank." And he heard, in that distinctive voice, "Ha ha ha ha."
The rest of the story.....the Hall of Fame!
ReplyDeleteWe had never been to the new HOF and went primarily to see Bill Anderson's exhibit. When you enter, they take you to the third floor to begin your tour. When you exit the elevator Bill's exhibit is to your left.
The exhibit is very well done. If you have read Bill's books and been a longtime fan you probably are aware of a lot of what is discussed. However, there are a lot of photo's and items that the public has probably not seen until now. One thing that I either was not aware of or had forgot is a custom made Grammer guitar with pearlescent gold finish that he used when performing his 1965 hit Golden Guitar. Another thing that pleased me was the number of photo's that included Jan Howard. Unless she got some exposure during the Bakersfield exhibit this is probably the most she will ever get at the HOF. Connie Smith was well represent too, here and at a couple other locations in the Hall. I think the exhibit is up until November and if you don't make it to see it, the $24 book does a good job covering it with great photos.
The rest of the third floor contained exhibits from the earliest days of radio and recording up through the 60's. You may know much of the history but seeing rare photo's, costumes and instruments up close will give you chills. They do a very good job with display cards explaining the history.
I was feeling pretty good about the history I was seeing until we went to the second floor. That is where I really learned something! Chris Stapleton is the real King of Country Music. I feel sure his exhibit space was equal to or larger than Bill's and he's not a member! There must have been at least 75 linear feet of exhibits! I have been told by younger fans that Chris is the savior of real country music. Based on what I saw at the HOF, they must be right! Move over Roy Acuff! There were 3 or maybe 4 places where Roy Acuff was displayed consisting of maybe 10-15 linear feet of space. Martina McBride also had a large display second or third only to Chris and Bill.
We were there a little over three hours. You could easily spend a couple of full days there. We didn't use them but they must have a phone like device you can carry around and punch up audio on displays. The placed was packed with visitors and this was Sunday. With the crowd and the short time we were there, we could have missed some things. But I was surprised not to see more than a photo of Kitty Wells, nothing on Tex Ritter, Jean Shepard, Mac Wiseman, and very little of George Jones or Loretta Lynn. I can guess that some of that may depend on what the artist or family donate or loan to the HOF. Hank Snow was better represented than I expected because of all the Nudie costumes he left to the Hall.
Little was said about his music. Thinking about, I didn't see much on Johnny Cash unless I missed him mixed in with Elvis or maybe other Memphis displays if they were there.
As with the Opry, it just bothered me to see what was missing of history sacrificed by things current. Maybe the idea is that the current music displays help bring people in to see the history. I hope that is the thought. Of course there is the rotunda with all the plaques. It is interesting to see how well some artist are portrayed and how others are really hard to recognize. I don't know if we have discussed it here or not but I was thinking the Lew Dewitt was not part of the Statler Brothers membership. So, I was surprised to see all five faces on the plaque. Maybe I was just confused!
Don't get me wrong, it is well worth the visit and I'm not saying I was disappointed. There is plenty to see and be thankful for it being preserved and on display. For that matter, I can think back to all those shows Eddie Stubbs did from the Ford Theater giving us an inside look to so many artist that rarely did interviews. I was just very surprised with the emphasis on the current music scene and non members
I am interested in what others who have been or go to the HOF think.
Jim
Jim, excellent commentary. My brother and I took our families to the Museum recently. We all enjoyed it immensely. I agree 100% with your comment "As with the Opry, it just bothered me to see what was missing of history sacrificed by things current." It bothered me as well, but the overall experience was so amazing it didn't bother me too much. I think today's younger generations probably find the mix just perfect. My kids and grand-kids had an absolute blast.
ReplyDeleteAs long as they keep the following three things on display I'm GOOD ! :)
1) Webb Pierce's fantastic Pontiac car with the chrome plated rifles and pistols, bull horns on the front, and silver dollars epoxied into the dash.
2) Wanda Jackson's video singing "Hard Headed Woman."
3) Cindy Walker's tear jerking response while being put into the Hall of Fame and Hank Snow thanking "Mrs. Hank Snow" in the same video.
3) Wanda Jackson's video singing "Hard Headed Woman."
The museum is fantastic, all things considered. I like the different displays they put in for fairly long runs. Keeps me coming back.
Some of those inductions were fascinating. When Chet Atkins inducted them in 1985, he said, "Lester Flatt" and the camera cut to Earl, who got a little grin. Then Chet said, "And Earl Scruggs," and Earl just looked totally blank. My mother, who introduced me to country music, said she'd never seen someone look so completely flummoxed!
DeleteI've told this one, too. One night on the TNN portion, Hank Snow announced that "my world's biggest critic, Mrs. Hank" is in the crowd and he'd better not look at her. Then, of course, he looked right at her. The director realized it and put the crew to work. As they went to commercial, there was Minnie Blanche. If a look could kill, the whole crew would have been dead.
Thanks for the comments Nat. And for mentioning the videos of inductions. We probably have most of those on VHS somewhere but I had not seen them in a while. I got emotional watching them. I remember Marty, Little Jimmy and Hank very well. I was watching for Ray Price saying "It's about time" but it wasn't there! I really enjoyed the instruments by the sidemen and studio musicians but was surprised not to see Don Helms' steel.
ReplyDeleteJim
I'll make one more post then I'll shut up for a while.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Byron with Barry on Youtube I was looking back at some letters and emails I had exchanged with Jan Howard over about 10 years. I was looking for comments about her smoking and I finally decided my thoughts were comments by her brother Bob. Back in 2001 when Bill and Jan worked Taylorville, IL I had a long conversation with Bob and I'd imagine he said things Jan would rather he not. She later commented that he liked to talk! Anyway, I think he was the one that commented that she smoked to much and needed to quit.
More of note, while looking at those letters and emails I had made a comment to Jan about an interview I had heard with Pete Fisher shortly after he came on board. He said that he was looking to move the Opry away from a members based show and more to a venue for new and upcoming talent. Well Mr. Fisher, we are reaping the seeds you sowed and a lot of them turned out to be weeds......in my opinion.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
I remember being backstage in 1998. I was 13 years old. I remember talking with Wilma Lee Cooper in the Green Room and she said,” let’s go to the hallway there’s too much smoke in here.” I was there with Charlie Louvin and he was a smoker. I also remember seeing Jan and Little Jimmy Dickens smoke through the years.
DeleteOne that kind of shocked me was Martha Carson. I had a copy of her new biography and she was hosting the Midnite Jamboree. There was a local DJ & drummer ( who was playing for Martha) . I can’t remember his name. He said,” I’ll take you backstage and get her to autograph it and you won’t have to wait after the show.” He takes me back there and Martha had one of those long cigarettes in her mouth and a tall ashtray beside her while she was rehearsing a song. I’ll never forget that. Curry
Smoking was so much more common then. As I recall, there was a husbands and wives group that would hang out together: Jimmy C. Newman, Jim Ed Brown, Tom T. Hall, Faron Young, and Bobby Bare. To my knowledge, Newman didn't smoke but all of the men did.
DeleteET was a smoker and had to quit because of emphysema. Supposedly he saw Jack Greene light a cigarette and said he looked so beautiful that he wanted to kill him.
It's a little jarring to see Hank Snow album covers where he's holding a cigarette. It just seems odd today.
Two solid line-ups this weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long while since both Billy Dean & Dale Watson have appeared at the Opry.
Happy to see Connie Smith back at the Opry, Craig Morgan too. And I love to see how many appearances the Vincent "children" are making - Rhonda & her brother, Darren. It's great to see the newer Opry members taking their role of Opry members much more seriously than so many. I truly do get making money, I truly do, but at the total expense of rarely making an appearance at the very place many of these members said they would love to be a member of this institution ... so glad Ricky Skaggs kept his word to Roy Acuff. He has been a very good member.
Question though ... I have looked at the new Opry website, it's nice but I noticed how they do not have the Opry members in alpha order, is there a reason? I notice Hal Ketchum's name remains on the list & yet Troy Gentry's name is gone. Still think they should make a current list of cast members & then another one where all former members are listed. Just my opinion. Have a good weekend all, enjoy the Opry. Again, two very nice line-ups.
(Jeanene)
Hopefully the new website is still a work in progress. I have noticed also that they do not list Del McCoury as an Opry member. Just my personal opinion, but in using the Opry website on my laptop, it is pretty easy to navigate. On my phone and iPad, it is much more difficult.
DeleteIt's very possible that the Opry is waiting for us to "proof read" their list, mention it here & they will fix what needs fixing! LOL!!! And since Rascal Flatts have ended their musical career & while they are still Opry members, maybe the Opry should separate their names out & list separately seeing that they probably won't be performing as that act anymore? They have added Charlie McCoy but still Hal Ketchum remains & Del McCoury is listed a few names under Hal's. (See? You're welcome! haha!)
Delete(Jeanene)
We remember the first Hall of Fame, visited a number of times, and have been to the new one several times as well. We have noticed that the general exhibits are rotated, but the features like Bill Anderson are there for a good run. One year there was some items from Taylor Swift (at the time, right up our granddaughter's interest). Of course, we love the rotunda and my two favorites are the Cindy Walker video (what a lady) and Elvis' cadillac. (from Anonymous in PA). (would love to get back to Nashville to see Bill's exhibit, but doubtful). (what's the book ?)
ReplyDeleteIf you go on the HOF site and look at books you'll find one called "As Far As I Can See" which is the title of Bill's exhibit. It's a 10" x 10" 80 page soft cover book cover most of, maybe all, of what is in the exhibit. Cover price is $24.95.
ReplyDeleteJim
I will say this about Chris! He is as real as Nashville will allow country radio to get! He's an amazing talent! And yes! I'm sure an exhibit of his will bring in the kids!
ReplyDeleteLast Sunday, the Opry offered all remaining tickets for $35. Earlier today the Opry posted that all remaining tickets for tonight's show will be sold for $55. It would appear that the Opry has pre-sold more tickets for tonight than they did for last week, along with appearances tonight by Rhonda Vincent, Sara Evans and LOCASH.
ReplyDeleteRiley Clemmons got two standing ovations on her 'Opry debut Saturday night. I complain about the first-timers, but I must say I was moved by both her obvious love of the 'Opry and her music.
ReplyDeleteMike Terry didn't mention the standing ovations she received, which I think should be part of the job description for an 'Opry announcer! :)