It's Christmas Week and for the Grand Ole Opry, that means a full week of shows. On the schedule is the Tuesday Night Opry and the final two Opry Country Christmas shows, which will be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Let's start off with the Tuesday Night Opry which has Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky on the schedule. Tom Douglas, who did a series of shows from the Circle Room earlier this year, is also scheduled to perform. Rounding out the schedule are Zach Top, Andy Statman and comedian Aaron Weber.
Tuesday December 20
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Zach Top, Andy Statman
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Aaron Weber, Tom Douglas, Riders In The Sky
Moving ahead to the two Opry Country Christmas shows this week, Larry Gatlin will be hosting the final two shows, appearing with the Christmas show regulars, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, and of course, his brothers Steve and Rudy. Jason Crabb and Lorrie Morgan are the special guests on Wednesday night, while John Berry and Ricky Skaggs will help to close out the series on Thursday.
Wednesday December 21
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy
Thursday December 22
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy
I know that the Christmas shows followed the same basic format, with the core group doing the same songs on each show, but I still enjoyed them, as did those attending. This was the second year for these shows and I am sure they will be back on the schedule again next year.
I thought I would pass this news along. Many of you probably know Charlie from his years of hosting the morning show on Willie's Roadhouse on SiriusXM. He would occasionally show up backstage at the Opry, where I had the chance to meet him at one time. He seemed popular and was well liked.
ReplyDeleteCountry Radio Hall of Famer and "Mayor of Music Row" Charlie Monk passed away today (12/19). He was 84. Born Oct. 29, 1938 in Geneva, AL, Monk launched his radio career in 1956 sweeping floors at WGEA-AM/Geneva. He quickly segued to an on-air position before taking jobs in multiple markets across the state, including Troy, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. His passion for country music led Monk to Nashville in the late '60s, where he served as PD for WMTS-AM/Nashville before eventually establishing a music publishing business.
One of the original founders of Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in 1969, Monk is the only person to have attended every CRS from its formation through CRS 2022, which was his 53rd appearance. For many years, he served as emcee for the New Faces dinner and showcase, opening the night with his famous "Let Us Pray" roasts. He also served on the CRS Board from the organization's inception. Monk was active in multiple facets of the industry. He penned songs recorded by Eddy Arnold, Jerry Reed, Charley Pride, Jimmy Dean and others and, as a publisher, helped foster the careers of Randy Travis and Kenny Chesney. Monk later moved his on-air talents to host SiriusXM's CMA Broadcast Award-nominated The Mayor Of Music Row.
Honored with the CRS President's Award in 2007, Monk was quick with a joke. "They're not sure I'll be around next year," he said of the motivation behind the honor. "They think I'm starting to look a little paisley." Monk was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2019 (CAT 2/13/19); read Monk's story in his own words in Country Aircheck's coverage of his induction here. In 2021, Monk received the Joe Talbot Award from the CMA and, earlier this year, was inducted into the University of Alabama College of Communication & Information Sciences Hall of Fame.
Listening to Jeff Hoad tonight and enjoying it as he hasn't gone whole - hog Christmas music, just sprinkling in a Christmas song here and there except for this Friday, after the Opry, when he will go solid Christmas. Jeff gets it. Every year I hate to lose my country music for 2 weeks at Christmas. Thanks Jeff !! And a very Merry Christmas to everyone ! Dashmann - Flushing, Michigan
ReplyDelete( Hoag - sorry Jeff )
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