Grand Ole Opry 10/14 & 10/15

Last week I was in Nashville for the Grand Ole Opry's 97th birthday weekend, which actually turned into a full week of shows. Obviously, the big news of the week was the death on Tuesday morning of Loretta Lynn, a 60-year member of the Grand Ole Opry. Two days later, Garth Brooks surprised Ashley McBryde during an appearance on the CBS Morning Show with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

I heard the news regarding Loretta Lynn as I was driving into Nashville on Tuesday morning. Loretta, along with Jean Shepard, are the only female Opry members for 60 years. Loretta's last appearance on the Opry took place Friday January 21, 2017, as she helped to induct her sister, Crystal Gayle, as a new member of the Opry. After that appearance, Loretta's health began a period of decline as she suffered a stroke that ended her performing career. 

Many of us wondered how the Opry would handle Loretta's death, especially since it was also a time of celebration at the Opry with their birthday shows. In the end, I think it was all handled perfectly. On each of the shows that week, Loretta was mentioned and honored, with several of the artists performing Loretta's music. On Saturday night, the shows were dedicated to Loretta and the Circle portion of the show was a tribute to Loretta, with Vince Gill and his fellow performers from that night ending the show with "Go Rest High." 

The other big news was the surprise that Ashley McBryde was going to become the Opry's newest member. As we have seen over the past several years, the pattern has been once a new member has been inducted, another would be announced shortly thereafter. Many of us thought that a younger, contemporary artist might be the next pick, as the previous two new members were veterans Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz. I know we all have our favorites, and many were happy with the news, while others had a different opinion. Ashley has said in the past that she loves the Opry and hoped that someday she would become an Opry member. Knowing where she is at in her career, I think it happened sooner than she expected. 

Overall, I think it is a good choice. If the past is any clue, she will be a proud supporter of the Opry and we can count on her to follow the trend set recently, of appearing on the show. She brings a different element and sound to the show, one I think those attending will appreciate. Again, I offer my congratulation to Ashley McBryde, and look forward to her induction date. 

As to the rest of the week, I thought all of the shows were great, with a lot of variety both in the artists and the music. The Tuesday Night Opry was close to a sellout as Carly Pearce and Chris Young were the big names. Wednesday's show was not as well attended, and for those who missed it, Jamey Johnson was once again amazing. Opry Country Classics featured Chris Janson as the Spotlight Artist and he did not disappoint. The Friday Night Opry was a sell-out, as was the first show on Saturday. Saturday's late show and the Sunday Night Opry were each just over half full. 

While Saturday night was the highlight of the week, I really enjoyed the Sunday show featuring The Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent and Ricky Skaggs, all of whom shared gospel music with us. 

Listing the Grand Ole Opry members from last week, I saw Jeannie Seely, John Conlee, Charlie McCoy, Carly Pearce, Chris Young, Connie Smith, Jamey Johnson, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Chris Janson, Terri Clark, Bobby Osborne, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, The Isaacs and Don Schlitz. That is almost a third of the Opry's members and probably the most we have seen on a birthday week in recent years. 

Finally, I want to mention Doug Green, (Ranger Doug) of Riders In The Sky. Doug and the group appeared on both shows Saturday night. While that would be expected, we were informed on the 2nd show that Doug had had triple bypass heart surgery just 12 days before!!! Amazing. While he looked a little pale, he sang and played the guitar. After the show, Too Slim did post that Ranger Doug was just a little short of breath. As I said, it is utterly amazing that he was back performing just 12 days after major surgery. 

For those who followed my adventures on Facebook, my thanks. I hoped you enjoyed the pictures and in sharing in some of the moments that I experienced. And for those I met, my thanks as usual.


Now, looking ahead to this week, each year in October, the Opry Goes Pink, and this year that show will take place on Friday night, with Opry member Trisha Yearwood scheduled to throw the switch. 

As the Opry posted on their website: 

Join us for a night of Opry Goes Pink, featuring Grammy Award winning Opry member Trisha Yearwood. Together with Susan G. Komen®, we will once again join in the fight against breast cancer with a night of country music and turn the Opry pink. Performances also include Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys and Mandy Barnett as well as Easton Corbin, and making her Opry debut, Miko Marks. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Susan G. Komen® for the fight against breast cancer. Get tickets now and join as Trisha Yearwood flips the switch and turns the Opry pink.

As the website posted, Grand Ole Opry members Trisha Yearwood, Oak Ridge Boys and Mandy Barnett are scheduled to appear, along with members Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett and Connie Smith. The only two non-Opry members on the schedule are Easton Corbin, and making her Opry debut, Miko Marks. 

Being that it is October, Saturday will once again have two shows with Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz listed on both lineups, while Jeannie Seely will appear on the early show and Riders In The Sky on the late show. Jason Crabb, Drew Parker, Sister Hazel and Brandon Jenner are also on the schedule, with Brandon making his Opry debut. 

Friday October 14
7:00: Trisha Yearwood, Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Miko Marks, Easton Corbin
Intermission
Mandy Barnett, Connie Smith, Oak Ridge Boys, Trisha Yearwood

Saturday October 15
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drew Parker, Brandon Jenner, Sister Hazel
8:00: Lorrie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Jason Crabb, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Drew Parker, Brandon Jenner, Sister Hazel
10:30: Lorrie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Jason Crabb, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday October 14, 1972:

1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
6:45: Roy Drusky (host); Dottie West
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Loretta Lynn; Willis Brothers; Jean Shepard; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stu Phillips; The 4 Guys
8:30: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers; Bobby Lord; Marion Worth; Bob Luman; Barbara Mandrell; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Willis Brothers; Loretta Lynn; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Dottie West and Jeannie Seely
10:00: Roy Drusky (host); Charlie Walker; Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb
10:15: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely and Dottie West
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Stu Phillips
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tompall (host); and The Glaser Brothers; Barbara Mandrell; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Del Reeves (host); Marion Worth; The 4 Guys

(Bob Luman and Bobby Lord only appeared on the early show, while Jimmy C Newman and Del Reeves only appeared on the late show. Barbara Mandrell was also on the Opry that night and it was her first Opry appearances since becoming a member in July). 

It has been mentioned before as to the number of "non-country" acts that have appeared at the Opry over the years. One of those nights was on Saturday October 14, 1967, as Perry Como, Phil Harris, Kirby Grant, Snooky Lanson and Hall of Fame pitcher Dizzy Dean all were on the Opry that evening. 

Here is the running order from that night 55 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Dusty Miller
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Cousin Jody: On Top of Old Smokey
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky

6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): (?)
Margie Bowes: (?)
Del Wood: (?)

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Ray Pillow: I Just Want to Be Alone
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
Jimmy Gately: She Wants to Be Like You
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights & Country Music

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Lonzo and Oscar: Did You Have to Bring That Up
Kirby Grant: Riding Down the Canyon
The 4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
Roy Acuff: Mansion on the Hill
Jean Shepard: I Don't See How I Can Make It

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Grandpa Jones: Ol' Rattler
Ernest Tubb: Another Story; Another Time; Another Place
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Tex Ritter: Just Beyond the Moon
Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn: Sweet Thang

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): You Can't Make a Heel Toe the Mark
Del Reeves: One Dime at a Time
Dolly Parton: Something Fishy
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Through the Eyes of Love
Porter Wagoner: Julie
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Buck Trent: Stampede
Porter Wagoner: The Cold Hard Facts of Life

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Roy Acuff (host) and Dizzy Dean: Wabash Cannonball
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
The 4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

10:00: Schick
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: Goody, Goody, Gum Drop
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Ernest Tubb: Yesterday's Winner is a Loser Today

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
Minnie Pearl: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Perry Como and Minnie Pearl: My Melancholy Baby
Snooky Lanson and Minnie Pearl: Anytime/Tennessee Waltz 
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle; Bottle
Dolly Parton: Dumb Blonde
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

10:30: Buckley's
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Phil Harris: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke/That's What I Like About the South
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Stand Beside Me

10:45: Newport
Bill Carlisle (host): No Help Wanted
Jean Shepard: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long

11:00: Coca Cola
Del Reeves (host): One Dime at a Time
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Lonzo and Oscar: Uncle Pen
Charley Pride: I Know One
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Del Reeves: Hound Dog/Chug A-Lug

11:30: Lava
Ray Pillow (host): Ride, Ride, Ride
The 4 Guys: This Land is Your Land
Carl Belew: You're Too Much to Lose
Lorene Mann: You Loved Me Too Little
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Kirby Grant and Donna Darlene: We Live In Two Different Worlds
The 4 Guys: Green, Green Grass of Home
Ray Pillow: Thank You, Ma'am

As you would expect, the Opry ran way over that night, ending just past 12:30 am. 

So, let's look at some of the names from that night: 

Dizzy Dean everyone should know. He was the All-Star pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and would eventually be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. After his playing days ended, he became a broadcaster, becoming famous as one of the announcers on the "Game of the Week," where he had the tendency to break out and sing "Wabash Cannonball" at some point during the game. More importantly, it was Dizzy who gave Roy the nickname, "King of Country Music." 

Kirby Grant was the star of "Sky King" which aired for a number of years on network television and also appeared in a number of western movies. I can remember as a child watching the show on Saturday at noon. By then, it was in re-runs. Kirby basically retired after the show ended in 1959, and he passed away in a car accident in 1985. Kirby Grant is listed as the recording artist on two Wizard Records singles, #245-A "Loving Time" and 245-B "Letter from Tina," circa 1970.

Donna Darlene was a member of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree and was at one time married to Doug Kershaw, and then later to "Shot" Jackson. While she had a number of recordings, she was pretty much a regional act in the WWVA listening area. In doing an internet search, I found no information as to her doing any duets with Kirby Grant during her career. 

Snooky Lanson, real name Roy Landman, was a star on the NBC show Your Hit Parade, replacing Frank Sinatra, who had left the show in 1950. Snooky started as a big-band singer and in several television series. After Your Hit Parade ended in 1957, he appeared in a number of nightclubs across the country, along with appearances on local television. He passed away in 1990. 

Phil Harris did it all. He was an actor, comedian, musician and songwriter. More importantly, he was married to the lovely and talented Alice Faye, who was Phil's co-star on a long running television series. Phil was also noted for his voice acting in animated films. As a voice actor, he played Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), Little John in Robin Hood (1973), and Patou in Rock-a-Doodle (1991). As a singer, he recorded a #1 novelty hit record, "The Thing" in 1950. Phil was also a long-time friend of Bing Crosby, who worked with Bing on his annual golf tournament. Most would remember Phil from his numerous appearances on network variety television shows and from his Las Vegas act. 

Perry Como is one of the all-time greats. "Mr. C.", as he was nicknamed, sold millions of records and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show. His weekly television shows and seasonal specials were broadcast throughout the world. In the official RCA Records Billboard magazine memorial, his life was summed up in these few words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. He received five Emmys from 1955 to 1959, and a Christopher Award in 1956. He also shared a Peabody Award with good friend Jackie Gleason in 1956. He received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987 and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1990. Posthumously, Perry received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. He recorded for RCA Records for 44 years. He recorded 32 albums and released 150 singles including such hits as "It's Impossible," Seattle," and "Catch a Falling Star." 

To finish it up for this week, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 58th birthday on Saturday October 15, 1983. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Riders In The Sky: When It's Roundup Time in Texas
Teddy Wilburn: Lovesick Blues
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Del Wood: Raggin' The Keys
Cajun Country: Instrumental

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Jim Ed Brown: Morning

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Jeannie Seely: When Will I See You Again
Bill Monroe: Put My Little Shoes Away

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Charlie Louvin and Danny Hinson: High Cost of Living
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley
Ernie Ashworth: Each Moment Spent with You
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/On A Highway Headed South/Ol' Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Jack Greene: Midnight Tennessee Woman
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell
George Hamilton IV: Til I Can Gain Control Again
Ray Pillow: Julie Loved Boston More Than Me
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Black Moutain Rag
Grandpa Jones: I Know My Mother's Mansion is Higher Than Mine

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
The 4 Guys: Made in the USA
Charlie Walker: My Window Faces the South
Lonzo and Oscar: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow: My Happiness

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
The 4 Guys: Sally Was a Good Old Girl
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Teddy Wilburn: Born to Love Me
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Jan Howard: I've Got Jesus in My Soul
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Jeannie Seely: Your Sweet Lies Just Turned Down My Sheets Again
Riders In The Sky: Ride with the Wind
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Blue
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Charlie Louvin and Danny Hinson: When I Stop Dreaming
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
Roy Acuff and The Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry

10:45: Beech-Nut
Jack Greene (host): Midnight Tennessee Woman
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Ernie Ashworth: The DJ Cried
Crook Brothers and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Soldier's Joy

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore Darling
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Run Boy, Run
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way that We're Doing it Now
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow: Born For You

11:30: Hardee's
Bill Anderson (host): Country DJ
Lonzo and Oscar: I Hear Kentucky Calling Me
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife/El Paso
Bill Anderson and Roy Acuff: I Wonder If God Likes Country Music
Bill Anderson: Southern Fried/Still

(Bill Anderson only appeared on the late show, while Minnie Pearl was scheduled for both shows on Roy Acuff's segment but canceled due to the flu). 

Not many are left from that night 39 years ago. 

Finally, this news broke on Tuesday afternoon: 

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Chairman/CEO Colin Reed will transition to Exec. Chairman after more than 21 years in his current post. Pres. Mark Fioravanti has been tapped to succeed Reed as CEO Jan. 1 under the title Pres./CEO. “It has been my honor to lead this company for [more than] two decades as we transformed our business into the hospitality and entertainment powerhouse it is today,” says Reed. “With our businesses operating at record or near-record levels of performance and another strong year on the horizon, this is an ideal time for me to transition into a new role.” Reed joined then-Gaylord Entertainment in 2001 and recruited Fioravanti to join the following year. Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) division owns Classic Country WSM-AM/Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry and Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, among others.

I know change makes some people nervous but knowing that the new CEO has been with the organization for 20 years, and the fact that Colin will still be with the company, is probably good news for the Opry Entertainment Group. Personally, I like the direction that Colin has taken the organization and I am confident that Ryman Hospitality, along with the Opry, will continue to thrive into the future. 

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.