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.
It's great that DeFord Bailey is finally being recognized and honored. It is well deserved. Although limited in time at the Opry he was an important part of those early years.
ReplyDeleteI just can't give my complete and honest feelings here about the last part of Old Crow's statement. It would probably introduce political or societal issues that do not belong here. I knew this day would come when the Opry would have to repent for being a show that grew up in rural America, and especially the south, centered around rural working people much of it's history. If the Opry conducted itself so wrong from 1925 to say 2005, why would you want to join such an organization as Old Crow did. And why would you remember Roy Acuff when he was a big part of the Opry through all those years as Old Crow has done. With this thinking, he should be condemned for resisting change. If he had the influence we say he did then he was largely responsible for the Opry's programming and policies.
Making things better is very honorable. If it is really better though, you should not have to call out and criticize what went before that you feel needed improved. I'm sure Old Crow is not alone in this sentiment, they just had the courage to come out and say it.
At different times in history things were different. Some good, some bad. It's been discussed how long Opry management and some of the stars, male and female, felt the women should stay in the pleated gingham dresses. At that time when many women were still home makers and not as much in the public workplace, that was conduct or dress expected by the audience of the day. Is that to be condemned. By the time Jeannie Seely came along in the mid 60's, society had changed and she was bringing the Opry up to date. Did that mean Kitty Wells and those who thought the dresses she and others wore in an earlier time were proper be looked down on. I know that is not the same thing we are talking about with DeFord Bailey but I'm trying to keep my comments as non political as possible.
I've suggested that the Opry might change it's name at some point to better represent the times and the society it wants or exist in. I have said it to preserve the Opry name connected with what it used to be. Given this trend that Old Crow is advocating, the name needs to change to rid Nashville of the disgrace connected with the Opry's past. I'm sure it could be said that this is not what Old Crow and others intend by their comments but I wonder.
I feel like we are all long distance friends here and I value that. I'm not trying to be provocative or disrespectful. I just hate to see us try to erase or over criticize our past when it can teach us so much and give us insight for where we want to go in the future. That future may not be musically where I would like the Opry to be but I understand. I think there is more than music being promoted here and that I don't understand.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Byron,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note about Hank Snow and The Runt. I like recitations and many of Hanks but that is one of my favorites. What a message it has. Later, up into the 80's and 90's I have him on tape doing it at least a couple times.
Jim
Jim, I read what Old Crow had to say, and I didn't see any mention of how women were treated or how they dressed (I was a young man when Jeannie Seely first wore a very short skirt, and I thought it was GREAT), anything about Roy Acuff, or anything about changing the 'Opry name. I personalty agreed with every word Old Crow said. DeFord Baily WAS mistreated by the 'Opry, and I'm glad they have admitted as much. Onward and upward! :)
ReplyDeleteI will admit the videos they are making so much use of lately sort of wear me out. This is supposed to be a LIVE music show, isn't it?
Nat,
ReplyDeleteNo, they didn't say anything about Acuff, Seely, dresses or changing the Opry name. I'm trying to make the point that if you don't consider the time in history we are talking about, and just compare what is acceptable or considered right or wrong today, you could condemn a whole lot of things that happened in the past. And certainly some of it needs to be. I just don't think a big net should be thrown over the past. Maybe I'm too cynical and read into things. The Opry has said it wants to shed it's hayseed image and cynical I may be, I read more into that.
Jim
This is Michael, a fairly regular poster who just clicked on google account and was sent to a page with European Union regulations about blogging, so I suspect there's a bug in the system.
ReplyDeleteAs for the above discussion ....
The Opry changed, and it had to. It was a big change when, in 1938, as Vito put it, "that curly-haired fiddler" showed up and was the first case of a singer backed by a band, instead of having on a band that might have a singer or two. It was a big change when ET brought his electric guitar and later drums showed up. I do think at times the Opry gets too far from its past. It is now advertising that Dierks Bentley is celebrating his 90th appearance. Wowzers! Based on Byron's research, that has been an average year for Jeannie Seely.
Speaking of whom, in the 1950s, the Maddux Brothers and Rose came to the Opry, and Mr. Acuff objected to her clothing, and they didn't last. A decade later, Jeannie's outfit pushed it but she wasn't fired. Did times change? Yes. Did Mr. Acuff? Maybe.
The story about DeFord Bailey is that one of his problems was related to music copyrights, but if you read George D. Hay's Opry history, he and his family definitely deserve an apology. Porter Wagoner once listed as one of his proudest moments bringing James Brown to the Opry. While James Brown's music was far away from James Edward Brown's music, the objections suggest that part of the problem was not merely his music. Things are better. They still could be better.
As for hayseed, I think there's room for both. There's room for Mike Snider and whoever you want to name. It's interesting to read that, for example, Buck Owens really resented the haystacks on Hee Haw because he had been trying to push country music away from that, but he didn't resent the money he made. And so it goes.
Regarding Dierks Bentley, his 17th anniversary as a member was in October. 90 appearances in 17+ years of membership is...not good.
DeleteI like the guy, but woof.
J in OK
At the risk of agreeing with myself, and now being rid of the European Union, the idea that the Opry would think his 90th appearance is a cause for celebration, or even advertise that fact, is annoying.
DeleteAs an Opry member, aren't you supposed to have a minimum of 10 or 12 appearances per year? Perhaps another purge is in order.
DeleteWell put Michael.
ReplyDeleteJim
A nice show tonight.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if Dion Pride was still performing. He did a nice job.
It was sure nice to hear the Whites on stage again and nice that Buck was able to join them.
It was good to hear My Blueridge Mountain home again the Sonny and Bobby used to do. Ricky did a nice set and the audience approved with a standing ovation.
Just a solid show even without a superstar!
Jim
glad to hear this, our friends went to the Opry on Friday night for their first time - we are waiting on their "review" - hope they enjoyed the show
DeleteThe 90th appearance is no different than the 80th birthday celebration for Ronnie Milsap that has been announced. It is a chance to sell tickets. Ronnie was one of the biggest stars in music in the 70s and 80s and it matters not that he rarely appears. His name will sell along with Trace and Little Big Town. Add to that Mark and Mandy and you have a show I'm doing all I can to attend as it will be my first, and probably only time there. All that to say, it's about putting folks in the seats and Mr. Bently is one of the biggest hit makers in country music in the last 15 years, though I find him beyond boring! hahaha It's about tickets these days right or wrong. As for Old Crow, we should not ever hide or white wash history. As a history major I believe that firmly, but that apology was 70 years past time. So, don't lie, don't ever EVER change the name or get rid of the archives, but do what is right.
ReplyDeleteE.Z., I'm a history professor and with you all the way. Country music is a great example of some wonderful history and some horrible history. We need to tell the story of both. And before anyone asks, I tell students that I can provide facts and interpretations, but my job is to get you to ask questions, not just give answers.
DeleteI agree on the birthday celebration for Milsap. I wish he had been there more often. But in Dierks's case, I just thought it was weird to say, we're celebrating his 90th appearance when they made a big deal out of the fact that, with Byron's help, they figured out that Jeannie Seely has made more than 5,000 appearances. If I were Dierks, I'd be embarrassed. Unfortunately, I don't think that was the Opry's intent, though it should have been.
Don't get me wrong Michael! Milsap is more than deserving of this celebration. If it redeems him slightly, a lady who talks to his band has said the opry is a very very long day for them as they have to move his piano, set up, break down after only 3 songs etc. But, he's as good as there ever was and I am thankful he'll be able to be there!
DeleteApril 27, 7:30 PM, Riders in the Sky, Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INDIANA.
ReplyDeleteFabulous venue, place comfortably holds 425 seats, great sound.
Jim, are you listening?
And remember, always drink upstream from the herd! :)
Nat
Nat-Thanks for that info on Riders. I think they are playing Vincennes about that same time. I'd rather go to Brown County I think. I'll have to see what days the dates fall on.
ReplyDeleteJim
Nat-They are in Vincennes Friday May 5. We'll probably end up going there since Brown County is a Thursday. We'll see. They are playing all over the Midwest during that time. Neither of these shows are on their schedule. Thanks again for the info.
ReplyDeleteJim