Before reviewing the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, I did want to post this press release from last week, as printed in Music Row Magazine:
Jeannie Seely has made history as the artist with the most appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in the 97-year history of the beloved show. Thanks to the research of independent Opry historian Byron Fay, Seely will celebrate the historic achievement during her 55th Opry anniversary on Sept. 17.
Since her debut in 1966, Seely has become an Opry mainstay with more than 5,000 performances to her name. While Opry membership performance requirements have changed over the course of Seely’s 55 years with the show, her commitment has not–building continuity, a sense of family, and an unmatched performance record.
“Jeannie Seely’s commitment to the Grand Ole Opry is truly remarkable,” shares Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “I’ve been affiliated with the Opry less than half of her time as an official member, and even in those two decades I’ve witnessed so many examples of her dedication to this show we love: performing in borrowed clothes on the first Opry show after the 2010 flood inundated both the Opry House and her own home, making her way to the show in staff members’ vehicles after a major snowstorm, and simply being here night after night to lend her voice to this one-of-a-kind show.”
He adds, “I believe I speak for staff members past and present, for her fellow Opry members, and for Opry fans around the globe when I say thank you to her for her incredibly impressive dedication to the show and that we look forward to commemorating both her unmatched commitment and 55 years of Opry membership on Sept. 17.”
“The Opry is a way of life, my way of life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! This is where my heart is,” Seely explains. “In September, I will have been here 55 years, but it’s not long enough!”
When I was asked by those associated with Jeannie Seely if I would undertake this research, I had no idea where it would lead. As Jeannie was approaching her 55th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, we all knew that Jeannie had been on the Opry a lot, we just didn't know how many times. And it is safe to say that nobody thought that the number would be over 5,000. Congratulations to Jeannie Seely and I am definitely looking forward to many more appearances by Jeannie on the Opry.
And speaking of Jeannie Seely, she will be kicking off both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry this weekend, as she adds to her appearance total. Joining Jeannie both nights will be 61-year Opry member Bill Anderson. Dustin Lynch is on the schedule to close out the show on Friday night, while Mike Snider and Rhonda Vincent are listed for Saturday.
There will be a couple of Opry debuts this weekend. For KING & COUNTRY is scheduled for Friday night, while Madeline Edwards is set for Saturday. The designated comedian this weekend is Gary Mule Deer, scheduled for both nights. Additional non-members listed are Rissi Palmer and Anne Wilson on Friday, with Wade Bowen and Darin & Brooke Aldridge down for Saturday.
Friday August 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Rissi Palmer, Bill Anderson, Anne Wilson
Intermission
8:15: For KING & COUNTRY, Gary Mule Deer, Dustin Lynch
Saturday August 13
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Wade Bowen, Mike Snider, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Madeline Edwards, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Rhonda Vincent
50 years ago, Saturday August 12, 1972 was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as David Houston became the newest member:
1st show
6:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Diane Jordan
7:00: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean; Del Wood
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle; Karen Wheeler; Crook Brothers
8:00: Tex Ritter (host); Davis Houston; Shoji Tabuchi
8:30: Billy Grammer (host); Ray Pillow; The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood; Diane Jordan
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean
10:15: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Karen Wheeler
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); David Houston; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Ronnie Robbins
(Connie Smith was scheduled for both shows but canceled).
As mentioned before, David Houston came to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry from the Louisiana Hayride, where he was a very popular performer. His big hit came in 1966 as "Almost Persuaded" went to the top of the country charts, as would five additional singles, "With One Exception," "You Mean the World to Me," "Have a Little Faith," Already It's Heaven," and "Baby, Baby (I Know You're a Lady)." He also had a number of additional Top 10 hits. David had one of those smooth voices that stood out and I always enjoyed seeing and hearing him on the Opry. Sadly, David passed away in November 1993.
To finish it up, on Saturday August 12, 2006, Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman was recognized and honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy came to the Opry in 1956 as Jimmy Newman, without the "C." However, over time, and as more and more of the Cajun sound was featured in Jimmy's appearances, he became known as Jimmy C Newman. Jimmy passed away in June 2014 and sadly, Cajun music has largely been gone from the Opry since his death.
Here is the running order from Saturday August 12, 2006:
1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Geraldine
Mel McDaniel: Let It Roll/Stand Up
Billy Joe Shaver: In The Good Old USA/Georgia On A Fast Train
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: Tootsie's/Martha White
Martina McBride: This One's For The Girls
Larry Gatlin: Houston/Swing Down Chariot/Power In The Blood/When We All Get to Heaven/I'll Fly Away
Julie Roberts: The Girl Next Door/Smile
Opry Staff Band: Panhandle Rag
Martina McBride: Today I Started Loving You Again/Heartaches By The Numbers/Wrong Again
Lee Roy Parnell: On The Road/Daddy's & Daughters/My Saving Grace
Larry Gatlin: All The Gold In California
8:00: Opry House Backstage Tours
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Jean Shepard and Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Opry Staff Band: Snowflake Reel
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Wanna Have to Marry You
8:30: Tennessee Pride
Jeannie Seely (host): What A Way to Live
Alicia Nugent: God Knows What
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cry, Cry Darling/Jambalaya
Jeannie Seely: Happy Birthday Porter/Don't Touch Me
2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Bobby Osborne: Mansions for Me/Try A Little Kindness
Lee Roy Parnell: Old Soul/Hearts Desire
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way
10:00: 2007 Opry Cruise
Jean Shepard (host): Slippin' Away
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cajun Stripper
Julie Roberts: Men & Mascara/Break Down Here
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Larry Gatlin (host): Houston
Jesse McReynolds: Childish Love
The Whites: Making Believe
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Larry Gatlin: All The Gold in California
11:00: Celebration 2006
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jack Greene: Walking the Floor Over You/This One Belongs to Me
Billy Joe Shaver: Ol' Chunk of Coal/If At First You Don't Succeed, Try & Try Again
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: Lyin' In Love with You/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
11:30: World of Bluegrass
Jeannie Seely (host): Hey, Good Lookin'
John England and The Western Singers: It's Your Turn to Cry/The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Alicia Nugent: Breaking New Ground/Somewhere Else to Fall/Can't You Hear Me Calling
Jeannie Seely: Make The World Go Away
(During the first show, Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher came out and presented Jimmy C Newman with the traditional railroad gold watch).
2006 was only 16 years ago, yet, of the Opry members listed, only Martina McBride, Larry Gatlin, The Whites, Jesse McReynolds, Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne are still living, and of that group, only Martina, Larry, Jeannie and Bobby are still active.
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.
First of all, thanks for all the hard work Byron. Can't imagine how much time it took to put that data together.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, the number absolutely boggles my mind. In 56 years, there are "only" around 3,000 weeks. That means Jeannie has AVERAGED about 2 appearances per week. Do I have that right?
That is a staggering and unbelievable number. Good for Jeannie!
Again, great work Byron, and thanks so much.
First saw Jeannie at the Opry in 1969 in the old Ryman in her sexy hotpants as part of the Jack Greene portion. Boy was she something special to see on a hot August evening. And I was only a YOUNG dirty man at that point !!!!
DeleteNat, bear in mind that there used to be two shows EVERY Saturday night, and two on Fridays during the summer and prime spring and fall months. That's one reason I could never abide the people who wouldn't make 10 appearances. They could do it literally in three weekends, two if they did matinees.
DeleteI'd also like to bow to Byron's comments about Jimmy C. Newman, who was a wonderful entertainer and person--and, frankly, in my opinion, also a good candidate for the Hall.
Well thought out comment Michael. Makes it a little easier to comprehend.
DeleteStill an amazing number !
Byron,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. They should make you the official Opry Historian. Your credibility is backed up by the fact the Hall of Fame allows you the Shealy data!
Congratulation to Jeannie as well. And, I commend her on adding triple fiddles and doing more traditional and shuffle music which the Opry really needs to keep alive. Nothing against anything else she does but she has done plenty of that style of music in the past and it good to see her focus on it now.
Jim
Jim, I'll second all that you said.
DeleteKing and Country was abhorrent.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteJim