Tuesday Night Opry 2/27 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/1

As the Grand Ole Opry rolls into March, there are changes taking place regarding the mid-week Opry shows. Beginning this week, in addition to the Tuesday Night Opry, the Wednesday Night Opry is back on the schedule. The following week will see no Tuesday night show, however Opry Country Classics will be back on the schedule on Thursday night, for its spring run of shows. 

Looking at the schedules for this week, there are only three Opry members appearing on Tuesday night (Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett) and just one Opry member scheduled on Wednesday night (Riders In The Sky). 

The interesting name(s) on the Tuesday night schedule is Rusty Truck w/special guest Sheryl Crow. For Rusty, this will be his Opry debut. As far as Sheryl is concerned, I went back through my records, and I do not see her previously being on the Opry. I would have thought, being based in Nashville, and the length of her career with collaborations with various country artists, that she would have been on the Opry before. 

Now for the clarification, from the announcement a couple of weeks ago, posted on the Opry's website: 

Get ready for another special “Opry Moment” as special guest Sheryl Crow joins Rusty Truck on stage to perform their new single "Find My Way" during his Opry debut.

The single is part of Rusty Truck's new album which also features Jakob Dylan, and for those wondering, Rusty Truck is an alt-country group and they have been around for quite a while. 

Tuesday February 28
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Willie Jones, The Cleverlys
Intermission
8:15: Mandy Barnett, Callista Clark, The Fairfield Four, Rusty Truck w/Sheryl Crow

Looking at the schedule for Wednesday night, T. Graham Brown is scheduled for another Opry appearance, as his list grows longer and longer. I still think it is a matter of time until T. Graham gets the invitation to join the Opry. 

Also on the schedule are The Malpass Brothers and Jason Carter, who will be making his solo Opry debut. 

For thirty years, Jason has been the fiddle player for the Del McCoury Band—the most awarded group in bluegrass history. He’s won three Grammy awards, including 2018’s “Best Bluegrass Album” with the Travelin’ McCourys, of which he is a founding member. And he’s taken home five IBMAs for “Fiddle Player of the Year,” a staggering number that isn’t quite so crazy once you realize just how many bluegrass greats have turned to him for collaboration. 

As a fiddler, Carter has been featured on albums by Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Asleep at the Wheel, and many more, all in addition to his tireless touring and recording with Del as well as the Travelin’ McCourys. On Carter’s forthcoming solo album, Lowdown Hoedown, listeners may recognize instrumental contributions from such legends as Jerry Douglas or Sam Bush alongside vocals from young trailblazers like Sarah Jarosz or Billy Strings. And of course, you will hear Jason singing solo. 

Wednesday March 1
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Restless Road, Tiera Kennedy, The Malpass Brothers
Intermission
8:15: Jason Carter, Amythyst Kiah, Easton Corbin, T. Graham Brown

Grand Ole Opry 2/24 & 2/25

I wanted to start out by sharing what Old Crow Medicine Show shared on their Facebook page today: 

Something special happened at the Grand Ole Opry last Friday, many years in the making. An old harmonica player was honored, celebrated, and apologized to for an act of racism that happened 75 years ago: DeFord Bailey finally got his Opry moment. Let’s rejoice that we once and for all held that moment of silence so well deserved for the legendary Harmonica Wizard, a founding father of country music. Let’s rejoice that we finally spent a moment during the broadcast to remember the special man whose signature musicianship helped build the most beloved institution in the genre.

Thank you to his grandson Carlos, without whom we never could have done this important work. Thanks too to my friend David Morton whose rediscovery of DeFord Bailey in a 12 South housing project in 1973 led to his biography & last recordings and whose efforts led to DeFord’s membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame. And thanks finally to the Opry which has grown in great measure, accepting its shortcomings, atoning for its mistakes, and setting a clear example of the kind of future it strives for.

Last Friday the Pan American Blues were intoned all across the soul of Nashville.

Hallelujahs are in order.

DeFord rides again.

Nicely done by the Opry. 

The lineups are posted for the two Opry shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Crystal Gayle, The Whites and Ricky Skaggs are on the schedule. While the Riders and Jeannie have already made numerous appearances in 2023, this will be just the second time performing this year for Crystal and The Whites. Speaking of The Whites, I know many of us have missed seeing them performing on the Opry and it has certainly been nice to have them back. 

Guesting on Friday will be Adam Hood, Dion Pride and making their Opry debut, The Shootouts. As most everyone knows, Dion Pride is the son of the legendary Charley Pride. Dion is no stranger to the music business, as he has been outperforming for a number of years and has previously made Opry appearances. 

Riders In The Sky return on Saturday night, joined by Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Bobby Osborne. Also, on the schedule for the second week in a row are The Isaacs and Lorrie Morgan. For those who missed it last weekend, Becky joined the rest of The Isaacs on stage, continuing her recovery from her near fatal car accident. Lorrie Morgan, in a surprise on Saturday night, brought out Darryl Worley for a wonderful duet. 

The final Opry member on the schedule this weekend is Lauren Alaina. This will be Lauren's third show, with more on her schedule. It's wonderful to see one of the Opry's newest and youngest members showing her support for the show. 

The only two non-members on the Saturday schedule are Wendy Moten, who knows her way around the Opry stage, and Channing Wilson, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Friday February 24
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Adam Hood, Crystal Gayle
Intermission
8:15: Dion Pride, The Shootouts, The Whites, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday February 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Channing Wilson, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Wendy Moten, Opry Square Dancers, The Isaacs, Lauren Alaina

Really nice to see five Opry members each night. Very good lineups but I really wish there were more than seven acts on Saturday night. This will make three weeks in a row. 

As mentioned, The Shootouts will be making their Opry debut on Friday night. I am keeping an open mind regarding this group, as I am familiar with their background, particularly of the leader of the group, Ryan Humbert. Besides Ryan, the group consists of Emily Bates, lead guitarist Brian Poston and bassist Kevin McManus. Joining them onstage will be drummer Mark Butto and steel guitarist Mike Daly. Ryan has been around for a while, however, not as a country singer. Prior to his discovery of country music, he appeared around Northeast Ohio as a solo artist, with pop, blues and big band orchestras. 

Their new album, 'Stampede" will be released on the same day as their Opry debut. It follows "Bullseye," which drew critical acclaim from Rolling Stone magazine and other publications and media outlets. The 2021 release also enjoyed chart success, reaching the top 10 of the Americana Music Association Radio Albums Chart. Artists who appear on their new album include Marty Stuart, Ray Benson, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale. How all this came together, I do not know. 

Right now, the group is getting a lot of great publicity, but has confined any touring to small clubs and most of the group's members are still maintaining full time jobs. 

When it was originally announced in the local Canton, Ohio media, it was stated that the group was going to be doing a concert at the Grand Ole Opry, with Adam Hood. Obviously, the Opry is a radio show, not a concert. And, as we all know with groups making their Opry debut, they will perform two, maybe three songs, then receive the, what is now traditional, standing ovation that those making their Opry debuts receive. 

Right now, the group is getting a lot of great publicity and reviews, but somehow, in the back of my mind, I don't know how long it will last. This latest album, and their Opry appearance, could be their peak. Time will tell. Either way, I will be listening on Friday night, to what I am sure will be a great reception and wish them the best. 

Saturday night will be Channing Wilson's turn. This singer/songwriter is from Georgia, and has written songs for Luke Combs, as well as touring for Steve Earle, Billy Joe Shaver, and Robert Earl Keen. 

He recently released his debut album Dead Man, which was produced by eight-time Grammy-winner Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton. He is currently signed to an artist/publishing agreement with Warner Chappell and Low Country Sound, part of Elektra Records.

Looking back, here is the running order from 45 years ago, Saturday February 25, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
George Hamilton IV (host): Only The Best
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me on Sundays/Warm, Warm Woman
Moe Bandy: Bandy, The Rodeo Clown/Soft Lights & Hard Country Music
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In The Sky
George Hamilton IV: Break Me Mind

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): You're Gonna Need a Cowboy For Awhile
Jeannie Seely: Mama Never Told Me About Cowboys
Osborne Brothers: Fireball Mail
Jack Greene: I Need Somebody Bad Tonight

6:45: Rudy's
Del Reeves (host): Margaritaville
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back in Town
Del Reeves: I Would Like to See You Again

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down/T For Texas
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way That We're Doing it Now
Bessyl Duhon: Opryland Special

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walking/Life to Go
Billy Grammer: Georgiana Moon
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go but To The Lord

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Footprints in the Snow
Grandpa and Ramona Jones: The Valley of The Never Do No Good
Doyle Dykes: Heaven Bound Train
Ray Pillow: What Did I Promise Her Last Night/Bubbles in My Beer
Lonzo and Oscar: Charming Betsy
Bill Monroe: Jenny Lynn

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): The Rhumba Boogie
The 4 Guys: Freedom Lives in A Country Song/Turn Your Radio On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Jack of All Trades
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Hula Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
George Hamilton IV: Only The Best
Charlie Walker; T For Texas
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Moe Bandy: Hank Williams, You Broke My Heart
Willis Brothers: Home on The Range
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives

10:00: Fender
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeannie Seely: It's My Fault
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with the Way That We're Doing It Now
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Wilma Lee Cooper: Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Paul Chrisman: Arkansas Traveler
Charlie Louvin: Turn Around
Roy Acuff: That's The Man I'm Looking For

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Jimmy C Newman: Big Bayou
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville

10:45: Beech-nut
Bill Monroe (host): She's Young& Growing Old
The 4 Guys: Mariah
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Rachel

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care/Learning to Lean
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Lonzo and Oscar: Mama's Sugar
Kirk McGee: Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Hank Snow: The Runt

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Jeanne Pruett: I'm Living a Lie/Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move a Mountain/A Poor Man's Woman/Satin Sheets
Bill Carlise: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Ray Pillow: Gone at Last
Marty Robbins: El Paso City/A White Sports Coat/Don't Let Me Touch You/To Get to You/Ribbon of Darkness/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife/El Paso

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled, while Del Reeves was scheduled for both shows but only appeared on the first). 

In all of my listing of lineups and running orders, I do believe this is the first time that I saw Hank Snow sing "The Runt." The song appeared on his album Gospel Train. 

And for those who might be wondering, Paul Chrisman, who appeared on Roy Acuff's segment on the late show, is indeed, Woody Paul of Riders In The Sky. Before joining Riders In The Sky in 1978, Woody was an accomplished fiddle player who performed often at the Opry with Sam McGee, among others. 

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. 

Tuesday Night Opry February 21

Looking at the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry, Steve Wariner will join the list of Opry members making their 2023 Opry debut. While Steve was on stage last Saturday night to help welcome Henry Cho as the Opry's newest member, he did not perform. 

Opry members Jeannie Seely, Del McCoury and Carly Pearce are also on the schedule, as is frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose, and making his Opry debut, Ben Burgess. 

Tuesday February 21:

7:00: Jeannie Seely, Ben Burgess, Del McCoury Band, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner, The McCrary Sisters, Carly Pearce

Ben Burgess is from East Dallas. After landing his first career cut with Jonas Brothers' “Chillin' In the Summertime,” he moved to Los Angeles but quickly relocated to Nashville. 

He started writing with Warner Chappell Music Publishing in 2015, where he stockpiled cuts including the BMI 2020 Country Song of the Year, 7X platinum “Whiskey Glasses,” Tyler Rich's gold “The Difference,” Pat Green's Texas radio #1 “Drinkin' Days,” Lil Wayne's “Dreams,” Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan's platinum “There for You,” Dierks Bentley's “My Religion,” HARDY's “SIGNED, SOBER YOU,” and more.  

Breaking out as an artist in his own right, Burgess signed to Big Loud Records in 2020, and in the same year, was featured on Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley's buzzy Chapter 1: Snake Oil album on “Heartbreak.” He was also part of HIXTAPE: Vol. 2's “Red Dirt Clouds” alongside David Lee Murphy and labelmate ERNEST. In 2022, Burgess released his debut album Tears the Size of Texas and opened tours for Koe Wetzel, Warren Zeiders, and Jelly Roll. 

Grand Ole Opry 2/17 & 2/18

It's been a couple of busy weeks at the Grand Ole Opry House. Two weeks ago, there was the unveiling of the new Grand Ole Opry stage and backdrop, while last Saturday night saw the induction of Henry Cho as the Opry's newest member. 

This week, things look a little quieter at the Opry. The "big" news this for this weekend is the return of Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show. The group is on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry, and it will be the group's first Opry appearance since 2021. 

Joining Old Crow Medicine Show on Friday night are Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs and Jamey Johnson. Only four, but a good group. Just to note: Connie Smith was on the original schedule but was taken off. 

Opry Next Stage Artist Nate Smith is among the non-members scheduled, along with The Gibson Brothers, Ella Langley, who will be making her Opry debut, and a return appearance Carlos DeFord Bailey, who is the grandson of one of the Opry's earliest members, DeFord Bailey. 

Looking at the lineup for Saturday night, Grand Ole Opry members John Conlee, Lorrie Morgan and Del McCoury. For Del, this will be his first Opry appearance for 2023. Also listed is Bill Anderson. I wanted to mention that this will be Bill's last Opry appearance for a while. He wrote in his monthly newsletter that he will be having minor surgery which will keep him from performing for the next month. 

Among the non-members for Saturday is Country Music Hall of Fame member Dean Dillon. I find it very hard to believe, but this will be the first Opry appearance for this legendary writer. As much as he was in Nashville during the early part of his career, I can't believe the Opry missed having him on. 

Also on the schedule is Brittney Spencer, Zach Williams, and another artist making his Opry debut, William Prince.

Friday February 17
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, The Gibson Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carlos DeFord Bailey
Intermission
8:15: Nate Smith, The Isaacs, Ella Langley, Jamey Johnson

Saturday February 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Del McCoury Band, William Prince, John Conlee, Brittney Spencer
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Dean Dillon, Opry Square Dancers, Zach Williams, Lorrie Morgan

As mentioned, Ella Langley will be making her Opry debut on Friday night, while Dean Dillon is debuting on Saturday. 

Ella Langley was raised in Alabama. She started to make a name for herself in Nashville in 2021, when she signed her first publishing deal with Sony Music. In addition, she has hit the road with Randy Houser, Koe Wetzel, Cody Johnson, and Jamey Johnson and has also supported rising stars Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum. Her breakup anthem “If You Have To” (over 15.5 million streams to date) has quickly grown her following. 

Ella’s most recent track “Country Boy’s Dream Girl” began a new chapter as her first release since officially becoming part of Columbia Records. While paving the road for her touring career, Ella has hit her stride in songwriting. Elle King's latest single, "Out Yonder," co-written with Matt McKinney and Bobby Hamrick, has earned Ella her first label cut. Announced earlier in November, Ella also has five (5) cuts on Elle King’s upcoming project, “Come Get Your Wife,” expected January 2023. 

Dean Dillon is a name everyone should be familiar with. Arriving in Nashville in the early 70s, he was signed initially with Sun Records, where he had limited success.  In 1976 he landed the role of Hank Williams in Opryland’s Country Music Show, USA., after which he signed his first publishing deal with Nashville producer, publisher Tom Collins.  Among his early songwriting successes were Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius's #1 hit “Lying Here In Love with You” a song he co-wrote with Gary Harrison, and the George Jones hit, "Tennessee Whiskey," which also peaked at #1. 

While he had some success as a singer, and made several well received albums, Dean made the decision to devote himself to songwriting.  His association with George Strait over the years has brought him to an ICON STATUS in country music. It’s the relationship with Strait that has, to a large extent, defined both of their careers. And in a genre built on great songwriters writing for great singers, there has never been another team like it. Dillon has composed or co-written 55 songs for Strait, including 19 singles, 11 which went to number 1. Even in a career like Strait’s, the Dillon titles stand out: “Marina del Rey”, “The Chair”, “I’ve Come to Expect it From You”, “Easy Come, Easy Go”, “She Let Herself Go”, and “The Best Day.” 

The awards he has won are too numerous to mention. In 2002 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame, and more recently, into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

William Prince is the final Opry debut this weekend. He is from Canada released his solo debut album, Earthly Days, on December 11, 2015. The song "Breathless" reached #22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts in 2018. His next album, Reliever, was released on February 7, 2020. In October 2020 William released his third studio album, an album of country gospel songs called Gospel First Nation. His fourth album, Stand in the Joy, is slated for release April 14, 2023, on Six Shooter Records.

William Prince won the Western Canadian Music Award for Aboriginal Artist of the Year in 2016. He received a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year at the 12th Canadian Folk Music Awards and won the Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2017 for his debut album Earthly Days. His song "The Spark" won the 2020 SOCAN Songwriting Prize.

His 2020 album Reliever received a nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2021. He won two Canadian Folk Music Awards at the 16th Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2021, for Contemporary Album of the Year and English Songwriter of the Year.


Now from 45 years ago, Saturday February 18, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson (host); Stu Phillips
6:45: Del Reeves (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Willis Brothers
7:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Stonewall Jackson; Jim and Jesse
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); David Houston; Ray Pillow; Billy Grammer; Ernie Ashworth; Crook Brothers
8:00: Wilburn Brothers (host); Roy Drusky; Justin Tubb; Del Wood; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Jerry Clower; Lonzo and Oscar; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin; Willis Brothers; Ernie Ashworth; Mary Lou Turner
10:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Jim and Jesse
10:30: David Houston (host); Billy Grammer; Justin Tubb
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); Ray Pillow; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Osborne Brothers; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Del Wood; Kirk McGee
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Wilburn Brothers; Lonzo and Oscar; Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 8:00 and 10:30 segments but cancelled. Del Reeves was scheduled for both shows but only appeared on the early show, while Stonewall Jackson only was scheduled for the first show). 

Looking back, it was on Saturday February 18, 1995, that Charlie Douglas announced on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. While we remember Charlie from his days (or nights) at WSM and at the Grand Ole Opry, he was more famous for hosting his overnight truckers radio program. 

Here is the article that was published by WWL in New Orleans when he passed away in 2011.

Charlie Douglas, the radio announcer whose 'Road Gang' radio show on WWL invented a genre of overnight programming for truck drivers nationwide, died on Thanksgiving Day. He was 78. Douglas' onetime co-host and eventual successor on WWL, Dave Nemo, called Douglas a pioneer of the overnight talk genre, geared toward truckers.

'Trucking radio lost the man who invented the genre. He will live on in the memories of all who rode through the night with this great friend of the truck driver,' said Nemo, who now hosts a show on Sirius/XM radio.

Douglas, whose real name was Doug China, first brought the 'Road Gang' to WWL in 1971. The station's clear channel signal meant that the program, which featured country music, weather reports and homespun humor, could be heard by truck drivers nationwide.

'Charlie went to WWL and said, 'You've got a signal that is a flame thrower out there,'' Nemo recalled. 'He said, 'You've got all these truckers with nothing directed towards them. Why don't we start a program aimed for the trucking audience exclusively?'' The program would later earn the attention of Time magazine.

'Six nights a week at 9:30, Charlie Douglas sounds two beeps on a truck horn, and thousands of truck drivers on the road all over the country cock an ear,' explained the magazine in a 1973 article. 'For the next 71/2 hours, over WWL, a clear-channel New Orleans radio station at 870 on the dial, they can hear not only country music but business information that could be vital.'

Nemo said that the show was not just about entertainment, but also public safety. 'The mandate for the program was to keep truckers awake, and therefore alive,' Nemo said.'The best compliment we could get was for someone to say, 'Man, you really helped me make it through that night.' We took that very seriously.'

Douglas himself boasted of the program's wide reach, saying that when he once asked listeners to send in shoulder patches 'just to find out who was listening,' he received patches from police and fire departments, sanitation crews, even Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and of course trucking firms. He said the country music he played fit with the trucker's lifestyle. 'It's about being lonesome,' Douglas said, 'and workin' hard.'

Nemo said that the program also served as a lifeline between truckers and their families back home. 'In those days, telephone communication with the folks back home was limited to pay phones at a truck stop,' Nemo said. 'So, the song dedications and birth announcements helped bridge that gap.'

Country music and truckers' talk may not have been the first thing listeners of WWL, the station whose studios were at one time in the Roosevelt Hotel, may have expected, but Douglas made the program into an institution.

'The whole thing seemed a bit off center at the time,' wrote Ronnie Virgets in a 1985 Times-Picayune profile of Nemo, which credited Douglas with inventing the format. 'A country format in jazzy New Orleans, no local sponsors and a floating audience of unknown size and desires. But Douglas made the whole thing work.'

His 'Road Gang' show, broadcast at various times from 9 p.m. or 11 p.m. until 5 a.m., continued on WWL for some 13 years before being picked up nationally on satellite and spawning dozens of imitators.

Douglas also worked stints as an announcer and host on WNOE in New Orleans, as well as on WSM-AM in Nashville, and stations in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Buffalo and Oklahoma City.

He began his career in 1953 at KLIC in Monroe, La.

He was inducted into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1994. He retired from radio a year later to work full-time for CDX, the country music distribution business he established with business partner Paul Lovelace in 1991.

Charlie normally announced during the late show and would exchange greetings with Roy Acuff and Hank Snow. He had a smooth style and was very personable with the audience.

Here is the running order from Saturday February 18, 1995: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
Roy Drusky: The Waltz of the Angels
George Lindsay: Comedy
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Breakdown

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Mike Snider (host): Foggy Mountain Chimes
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper/Foggy Mountain Breakdown

7:00: Shoney's
The Whites (host): San Antonio Rose
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away (From Coming Home)
Jim and Jesse: Air Mail Special
Jimmy C Newman: Allons oh Lafayette
Ray Pillow: One Memory to Another
The Whites: Doing It By the Book/Keep on the Sunny Side

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): (Did Not Sing Due to Throat Trouble)
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever
Doug Stone: Faith in You; Faith in Me
Charley Pride: Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Kawliga
Jimmy Dickens Band: Steel Guitar Rag

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Charlie Louvin: Every Time You Leave
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Porter Wagoner and Coleen Walters: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
Osborne Brothers: Midnight Flyer
Jack Greene: You Are My Treasure
Connie Smith: Did We Have to Come this Far to Say Goodbye
The 4 Guys: River of Dreams/Catfish John
Hank Snow: Linda Lou

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Coming
Brother Oswald: Eunita
Stu Phillips: Wicked Greed for Gold
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
The Isaacs: I'm Gonna Move
Porter Wagoner: Y'all Come

10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Sweetheart, You've Done Me Wrong
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Bill Monroe: Bluegrass Stomp/Mule Skinner Blues

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Jeannie Seely (host): Go Down Swinging
Osborne Brothers: Flying South
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Mike Snider: Bending the Strings/Born To Ship/Look What They've Done to the Dominico Hen

10:45: Fairfield Communities
Jean Shepard (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim and Jesse: Orange Blossom Special
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Turkey in the Straw
Jean Shepard w/Jim and Jesse: The Violet & A Rose

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Weary River
Charlie Louvin: In The Cross
Jack Greene: Oh, Lonesome Me
Connie Smith: I Can't Stop Loving You
The 4 Guys: It's All Right to Have a Good Time
Hank Snow: My First Night Alone

11:30: Cates Pickles
Jimmy C Newman (host): (?)
Charlie Pride: All I Have to Offer You is Me/Mountain of Love
Hal Ketchum: Every Little Word/No Easy Run
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

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. 

Tuesday Night Opry February 14

Love will be in the air on Tuesday night as the Tuesday Night Opry will be celebrating Valentine's Day with a very good show. 

Grand Ole Opry members on the schedule include Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and Gary LeVox. Two pretty good contemporary country artists, Scotty McCreery and Lainey Wilson are also listed. 

Tuesday February 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Matt Stell, Bill Anderson, Gary LeVox
Intermission
8:15: Scotty McCreery, Chase Rise, Lainey Wilson

I'm going to guess that portions of the final hour will be filmed for a future Circle TV Opry Live show. 

Grand Ole Opry 2/10 & 2/11

It's always an exciting time at the Grand Ole Opry when a new member is inducted. Saturday night will be one of those nights as Henry Cho becomes the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. He will be the first comedian to become a member of the Opry since Jerry Clower was induced in October 1973. He will also be the first Asian-American to join the Opry. 

Henry Cho, who has been a frequent Opry guest, is from Knoxville, Tennessee. Henry, who is noted for his clean humor, has appeared on numerous television shows that include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of The Henry Cho Show on GAC.

Henry Cho made is Opry debut on April 2, 2011, and has appeared on the Opry over 100 times. Henry, along with Gary Mule Deer, were invited on January 7 by Marty Stuart to become the Opry's newest members. Gary Mule's induction will take place next month. 

Looking at the Opry schedule for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent and Vince Gill are scheduled for both nights. Speaking of Vince, it appears that he will be the one to do the formal induction of Henry Cho. 

On the Friday Night Opry, they will be joined by Opry members Connie Smith, and, making a rare Opry appearance, Lady A. Saturday night has Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz, Riders In The Sky and John Conlee on the schedule. 

Fiddle Mark O'Connor will be guesting on Friday, along with Ernest and making his Opry debut, Charles Wesley Godwin. Saturday night will feature another Opry debut as Megan Moroney is scheduled. 

Friday February 10
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Charles Wesley Godwin, Mark O'Connor, Vince Gill
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Ernest, Lady A

Saturday February 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Megan Moroney, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Henry Cho, Vince Gill


Latest news on a potential Jimmy & Mona Dickens movie: 

Pete Fisher has spent most of his career taking country music to bigger audiences. For nearly two decades, he led the Grand Ole Opry as Vice President and General Manager, showcasing younger talent alongside the legends to make the iconic show appeal to a broader audience. He left in 2017 to serve as head of the Academy of Country Music in Los Angeles (which produces the ACM Awards).

He returned to Nashville four years ago and has been hard at work on several projects centered around music. Fisher helped Worldwide Stages secure the property for its state-of-the-art production complex outside Nashville – designed to attract music, film, and TV projects on a global scale.

And now he’s making a movie on the real-life love story of Little Jimmy Dickens and Dickens’ wife, Mona.

“During my 18-year tenure at the Opry, I developed a really close relationship, almost a grandfather/grandson relationship with Little Jimmy Dickens,” Fisher says. “And to this day, my wife and I have an extra special relationship with his wife. Hollywood couldn’t script a better story than Jimmy and Mona’s.”

“I look back and am so blessed and grateful for the incredible career I’ve had whether with was with ACM or the Grand Ole Opry or even early in my career in music publishing in a joint venture at Warner Brothers Records,” he says. “And this seemed like the natural time to take inventory of what I was deeply passionate about. I love making dreams come true and I love being involved in broad aspects of the music and entertainment industry.”

During Fisher’s tenure at the Opry and Academy of Music, he focused on music as it related to the needs of each organization. Today, he enjoys channeling his experience and interests toward things that have special meaning to him. One of his current projects involves making a film about his friend, Little Jimmy Dickens.

“A lot of people know the first-class side of Jimmy and just the wonderful, big hearted human being he was inside that 4-foot-11 body. But what they don’t know is there were sides of Jimmy’s career that were a little rowdier. Mona discovered that right after she married him, but they had an amazing love story. We like to refer to it as “rowdy and romantic.”

It’s the story of a 9-year-old girl from Indiana who, after hearing him sing on the radio, began telling people, ‘I’m going to marry Little Jimmy Dickens.’ And less than two decades later, she did.

“Mona thought she was marrying Prince Charming,” Fisher says, “and she realized that…oh, wait, I don’t want to spoil the story. It IS an incredible story. And she’s a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart, and absolutely hilarious to talk to, as well.”

He bought the rights, the screenplay’s finished, and he is currently working with producer, Ken Carpenter, with the hopes of getting the film into production this year.

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday February 11, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Roy Drusky (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Grammer
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Willis Brothers
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Walker; Osborne Brothers; Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Stu Phillips; Ray Pillow; Del Wood
8:30: Hank Snow (host); David Houston; Bill Carlisle; Ernie Ashworth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis; Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Willis Brothers
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Charlie Walker
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Roy Drusky
10:45: Osborne Brothers (host); Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bill Carlisle; Kirk McGee
11:30: David Houston (host); Ernie Ashworth; Lonzo and Oscar

(As he did the previous week, Lester Flatt cancelled, while Charlie Louvin appeared only on the first show). 

February 11, 1967, marked the first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry by The 4 Guys. Sam Wellington was the leader of the group, and while the members would change over the years, Sam would be the one constant. Their first appearance was a huge success, and the group received a long-standing ovation after singing Shenandoah. They were invited back and were made members of the Opry just a few months later, on April 22, 1967. 

Here is the running order from Saturday February 11, 1967: 

7:30: Luzianne
Jim Ed Brown (host) and Maxine Brown: I Heard the Bluebird Sing
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Pete Drake: I'm Just a Guitar (Everybody Picks on Me)
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Bob Luman: Come On & Sing
Jim Ed and Maxine Brown: Looking Back to See

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hurt Her Once for Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Ray Pillow: I Like That Sorta Thing
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Wilburn Brothers: Just to Be Where You Are
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackle
Billy "Crash" Craddock: There Oughta Be a Law
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Wilburn Brothers: All We Have for You Mom

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Things
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal is This
Bobby Bare: Shame on Me
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Billy Walker: Anything Your Heart Desires
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco

9:00: Pet Milk
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Love You Anymore
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Margie Bowes: There Goes My Everything
Bluegrass Country Kin: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Want It
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Harold Weakley: Almost Persuaded
Ernie Ashworth: Pass Me Not
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: I Miss Him So
Jimmy Dickens: A Country Music Lover
The Carter Family: Bye; Bye
Hank Snow: A Legend in My Time
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
The Carter Family: Once Around the Briar Patch
Hank Snow: Hula Love

10:00: Schick
Jim Ed Brown (host): and Maxine Brown: Where Does the Good Times Go
Dottie West: It's My Way to Survive
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Dottie West: All the World is Lonely Now

10:15: Pure
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One on Tonight
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore

10:30: Buckley's
Bobby Bare (host): I Saw the Light
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Bobby Bare: Streets of Baltimore

10:45: Kent
Bill Carlisle (host): Shanghai Rooster
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D.

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
Billy Walker: Bear with Me a Little Longer
Margie Bowes: Enough to Make a Woman Lose Her Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Confused with the Blues
Sam McGee: Under the Double Eagle
Jimmy Dickens: You Destroyed Me
Billy Walker: A Million & One
Hank Snow: Man Behind the Gun

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Running Gun
Charlie Louvin: See the Big Man Cry
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Curly Fox: Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey
Don Winters: Annie Lou
Cousin Jody: Run, Please Run
Bluegrass Country Kin: Ol' Slewfoot
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight/Begging to You/El Paso

The 4 Guys would remain members of the Opry until the group was fired by Pete Fisher on April 5, 2000. The reason given was that there were no longer any original members of the group as Sam Wellington, the last original, retired in June 1999. Ironically, he retired the same weekend that Pete took over as the Opry's general manager. A few years later, The 4 Guys returned, with Sam, for an Opry appearance. As an FYI, Sam Wellington is still alive and has written several fine books. 

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 and congratulations to Henry Cho. 

Tuesday Night Opry February 7

With the move back to the Grand Ole Opry House, the Tuesday Night Opry resumes this week with a very solid lineup. 

Grand Ole Opry members The Whites and Chris Janson will be making their first appearances on the Opry for 2023. Also on the schedule is Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett. 

Frankie Staton will be making her Opry debut. Joining her will be Shane Profitt, comedian Killer Beaz and Brothers of the Heart. 

Some may not recognize the group Brothers of the Heart. Actually, the group, which consists of Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers and Ben Isaacs, has appeared on the Opry previously, under the name Fortune, Walker, Rogers and Isaacs. 

Tuesday February 7
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Shane Profitt, The Whites, Frankie Staton, Brothers of the Heart
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Killer Beaz, Mandy Barnett, Chris Janson

Grand Ole Opry 2/3 & 2/4

As the Grand Ole Opry returns to the newly renovated Grand Ole Opry House this weekend, here was the press article that came out last week: 

The Grand Ole Opry will unveil a new stage on Saturday, Feb. 4, marking the venue’s first major set change since its 75th Anniversary over two decades ago.

The staging is part of more than four million dollars in upgrades to the set, audio/visual technology and auditorium. The show is in residence at its famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, through the rest of January while renovation work is conducted at the Opry House.

Fans will be able to see the new stage in person and during Feb. 4’s Opry Live at 8 p.m. CT on Circle Network, and on Circle’s social channels, featuring Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys as well as Jon Pardi and The War and Treaty. The show will also be available on WSM Radio and SiriusXM, Willie’s Roadhouse.

“We can’t wait to unveil a new look to artists and fans,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “These are giant leaps for the Opry as we plan to welcome more fans than ever before this year and look toward our milestone 100th year just two years away.”

Artists scheduled to appear on the Opry stage in the coming weeks include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Elle King, Lady A, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Wendy Moten, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Jeannie Seely, and Lainey Wilson, among others.

It will be interesting to see how it is all going to look. The last time that the Grand Ole Opry House stage and backdrop was changed was June 2003 and here is the article that appeared at that time: 

Don't worry, folks. They didn't burn the barn.

The Grand Ole Opry unveiled its new stage backdrop Saturday night (June 10) as the official opening of its event-rich 75th anniversary celebration. And to the relief of traditionalists, the set didn't resemble the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Like preceding Opry stage sets, the new one features the outline of a pristine gambrel-roofed barn. Where the loft door would be in a real barn, there is a huge screen on which to project closeups of stage activity, as well as logos of the show's sponsors.

Designed by Emmy-winning Rene Lagler, the set's other additions include a white board "fence" that separates the Opry staff band from the performers and tall pointed screens at both sides of the stage to shield the audience from the masses of performers and fans who swarm around the edges of the back curtain.

The designer retained the rows of church benches that sit behind the band and face the audience. There is no mid-point opening in the new backdrop as there was in the one it replaced. Emblazoned across the barn are the words: "650 WSM Grand Ole Opry www.opry.com." (Since its founding in 1925, the Opry has been broadcast on radio station WSM, located at 650 on the AM dial.)

"It's certain to be a historic evening," Opry manager Pete Fisher promised before presenting the new set to the crowd of reporters and ticketholders. In describing the Opry's "family" qualities, Fisher spoke of such special "moments" as when Trisha Yearwood walked onstage unexpectedly to sing a duet with Garth Brooks and of the SHeDAISY sisters talking excitedly to their grandfather on their cell phone just seconds before they went on stage for their Opry debut.

But, Fisher continued, "Tonight is also about evolution, celebration and dedication. We're evolving. More and more new talent is discovering the Opry is a place they'd like to be . . . The new Opry set honors the past and serves as a symbol to our commitment to the future of the Opry."

Reciting the anniversary activities that lie ahead, Fisher called the Opry celebration "the world's biggest birthday party" and said that "Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill and Steve Wariner have already RSVPed." He said the celebration will proceed "well into 2001."

Fisher then traced the history of the Opry's stage sets, from depictions of log-cabin interiors to various scenes of rural imagery to the "familiar red barn [which] arrived on the scene in the 1960s." An updated "big red barn" set was installed in 1978, he noted, and remained the backdrop through the May 27 performance of this year. It will go on display at the new Country Music Hall of Fame when it opens next May.

When the curtain rose on the new set, the stage was packed with Opry members and guest artists. Among them was 88-year-old Bashful Brother Oswald (Beecher "Pete" Kirby), waving from his wheelchair. The former Smoky Mountain Boy came to the Opry in 1939 and performed in Roy Acuff's band until Acuff's death in 1992. He was made an Opry member in his own right in 1995 but has been prevented by illness from performing in recent years.

The assembled cast sang "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" before turning the stage over to Steve Wariner for the first official segment of the evening's show. His guests for historic occasion were Jim Ed Brown, BR5-49 and Chely Wright.

"We are not the owners of the Grand Ole Opry," said Gaylord Entertainment chief Terry London before the curtain went up on the new set. "We are caretakers of a treasure."

While many fans complained about the new backdrop, it actually turned out pretty well. However, over the past several decades, the backdrop has changed from the mostly red barn to a barn that features a changing array of colors. Additionally, the stage lighting has been upgraded. 

With all that, let's look at who will be appearing on the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

As I had commented on last week, during the month of January 23 current, or future, Grand Ole Opry members had made appearances. This weekend, a few more are added to the list as Crystal Gayle and Dustin Lynch are on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry, while the Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Joining Crystal Gayle and Dustin Lynch on Friday night will be members Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Ricky Skaggs. Ricky will be back on Saturday night to make it a two-show weekend for him. Besides Ricky and the Oaks, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills are also scheduled. 

Non-members on the Friday schedule are Jackson Dean, Neon Union and Carter Faith, all of whom have appeared on the Opry previously, while Kat & Alex are scheduled for Saturday night. 

Circle TV will be live on Saturday night for the unveiling of the new Opry stage. The Oak Ridge Boys will be closing out the segment, and that hour will also include Jon Pardi and The War and Treaty. Yes, a couple of interesting names on the Circle segment. 

Friday February 3
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jackson Dean, John Conlee, Crystal Gayle
Intermission
8:15: Neon Union, Dustin Lynch, Carter Faith, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday February 4
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Ricky Skaggs, Kat & Alex, Don Schlitz, Mark Wills
8:00: Jon Pardi, The War and Treaty, Oak Ridge Boys

Besides the unveiling of the new Opry backdrop on Saturday, it will be interesting to see if anything else takes place on Saturday night. 

I wanted to mention one more item. As many of you are aware, Natalie Stovall is one of the hosts for the Circle portion of the Opry. What you may not know is that she has been treated for a very serious medical condition. I share this from her Facebook page last week: 

It’s been quite the ride. I went in for a myomectomy on Jan 9 to remove 3 large grapefruit-sized fibroids + any that were close by and “easy” to remove. Once they got in there, they took out 20 fibroids total. Even left a few in there because my surgeon was trying to make the fewest cuts on my uterus as possible. I lost a lot of blood during surgery but even though I’m young and healthy my body just wouldn’t bounce back. I ended up getting a blood transfusion but by that time I already had a bowel obstruction that was wreaking havoc on my insides. After days of hoping for the best, I ended up having to have an NG tube for 4-5 days. (For those that know, I’m so sorry you know…) I went 13 days without eating. And a total of 15 in the hospital at Vanderbilt where I can’t even begin to brag on my caretakers enough. And my family. Oh, my family and friends. They were all rock solid and got me through. I feel so incredibly thankful to be at home and starting to heal. It was so scary and painful but at the same time I just think about how fortunate I am that it wasn’t something more long term or serious. I’ve never been this weak before - I get out of breath just talking. And eating Ensure’s and eggs is so painful. But each time gets better. Thank you all for your prayers. I am going to be focused on recovery so I can get back to all the things and people I love. But I think it’s so important to share these stories with one another. I didn’t even know what a fibroid was until I was diagnosed with a whole bushel of em in my belly. 🤍🤍🤍

Natalie was released from the hospital earlier this week and I am sure that all of us pass along our best wishes for her and for a complete and full recovery. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday February 4, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis; Stu Phillips; Guy Willis and C.W. Mitchell
6:30: Billy Walker (host); Justin Tubb
6:45: Roy Drusky (host); Billy Grammer
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Stonewall Jackson, Ernie Ashworth; George Hamilton IV
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Del Reeves (host); Loretta Lynn; Wilburn Brothers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Jeanne Pruett; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis; Porter Wagoner; Stonewall Jackson; Guy Willis and C.W. Mitchell; Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Justin Tubb
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Loretta Lynn
10:30: Roy Drusky (host); Billy Grammer
10:45: George Hamilton IV (host); Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Del Reeves (host); Wilburn Brothers; Bill Carlisle

(Marion Worth and Lester Flatt were scheduled for both shows and cancelled. Another interesting note: Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 9:30 segment to start the second show, however, he did not show up on time (who knows where he was?), so Jimmy C Newman hosted the first part of that segment, then Porter took over when he finally appeared). 

For this week, I thought I would go back a few years, to Saturday February 4, 1961. There as one show that Saturday night, with a very solid lineup of Opry stars. Here is the running order from that night 62 years ago: 

7:30: Pet Milk
Don Gibson (host): Far, Far Away
Cowboy Copas: Alabam'
George Hamilton IV: Walk on the Wild Side of Life
Grandpa Jones: A Herd of Turtles
Don Gibson: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Margie Bowes: Day After Day
Carl Belew: (?)
Cowboy Copas: Don't Shake Hands with the Devil
Don Gibson: Sweet Dreams

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): Polka on the Banjo
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't on the Menu
Willis Brothers: Y'all Come
Jean Shepard: You Sent Me an Orchid
Flatt and Scruggs: Canaan's Land
Del Wood: Raggin the Keys
Bobby Sykes: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Hawkshaw Hawkins: My Story
Flatt and Scruggs: Ground Speed

8:30: National Life
Johnny and Jack (host): Ashes of Love
Bobby Lord: When the Snow Falls
Kitty Wells: The Other Cheek
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Johnny and Jack: Country Music's Gone to Town
The Jordanaires: (?)
Bill Phillips: Empty Hours
Bobby Lord: Without Your Love
Johnny and Jack: Stop the World

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): When the World Has Turned You Down
Ferlin Husky: Wings of a Dove
Stonewall Jackson: Greener Pastures
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Ernest Tubb: Little Old Band of Gold
Cousin Jody: (?)
Skeeter Davis: The Last Date
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Husky: Dragging' the River
Ernest Tubb: Mississippi Gal

9:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): (?)
Bill Monroe: Molly & Tenbrooks
Jan Howard: I've Got My Pride
Lonzo and Oscar: Take Them Cold Feet Out of My Back
Hank Snow: (?)
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Same Old Memories
Dick Flood: (?)
Bill Monroe: Sally Joe
Hank Snow: (?)
Chubby Wise: Back Up and Push

10:00: Black Draught
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Grandpa Jones: It Takes a Lot of Living
Margie Bowes: We Could
Marty Robbins: I Told My Heart

10:15: Frosty Morn
Flatt and Scruggs (host): Salty Dog Blues
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Cowboy Copas: Settin' Flat on Ready
Flatt and Scruggs: Great Historical Bum

10:30: Jim Walter Homes
Ernest Tubb (host): Girl From Abilene
George Hamilton IV: I've Got a Secret
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Ernest Tubb: Accidently on Purpose

10:45: De Con
Don Gibson (host): What About Me
Johnny and Jack: Move it On Over
Kitty Wells: I Can't Tell My Heart That
Crook Brothers: Billy in the Low Ground
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): (?)
Ferlin Husky: Black Sheep
Skeeter Davis: Darling, I Want to See You Too
Lonzo and Oscar: I'm My Own Grandpa
Hank Snow: (?)
Bobby Lord: My Baby's Not My Baby Anymore
Willis Brothers: Little Footprints in the Snow
Sam and Kirk McGee: Raining Teardrops
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: (?)

11:30 National Life
Hawkshaw Hawkins (host): I'll Get Even
Bill Monroe: Time Changes Everything
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Sweet Love Goodby
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Much Too Well
Jean Shepard: I Love You Because
Cousin Jody: (?)
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World

(Archie Campbell, Marty Robbins and The Jordanaires only appeared on one spot that night)

On a final note, Bobby Osborne will be hosting the Midnite Jamboree this weekend. Taping begins at 10:00 at the Troubadour Theater. 

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.