Thursday, March 30, 2023

Grand Ole Opry 3/31 & 4/1 (Updated)

Coming off the big weekend in which Ronnie Milsap was honored and recognized, things get a little bit quieter this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the Opry closes out the month of March with the Friday Night Opry and moves in April with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Looking at the Friday night show, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne are on the schedule. Among the non-members are a couple of Opry favorites, Suzy Bogguss and The Bellamy Brothers. I have mentioned it before, but we are seeing more of the brothers from Florida over the past year than we have seen previously. Also on the schedule is Sierra Ferrell, Priscilla Block and making her Opry debut, Lauren Weintraub. 

Looking at the lineup for Saturday night, Opry member Steve Wariner leads the list, along with Mandy Barnett and Jeannie Seely. Comedian Brian Bates is on the schedule as is The Swon Brothers, Wylie & The Wild West and Thompson Square. Those last two groups used to be on the Opry but neither has appeared in recent time. Finally, the Cleverlys are back for another appearance. Folks, for those who haven't seen this group live, they are something else.  As The New York Times wrote, “If Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, and Spinal Tap spawned a litter of puppies, it would be the Cleverlys.” 

In addition to their appearance on the Opry, the Cleverlys will also be hosting the Midnite Jamboree on Saturday night. 

Friday March 31
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Lauren Weintraub, John Conlee, Suzy Bogguss
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Priscilla Block, Sierra Ferrell, The Bellamy Brothers

Saturday April 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, The Swon Brothers, Mandy Barnett, The Cleverlys
Intermission
8:15: Wylie & The Wild West, Brian Bates, Opry Square Dancers, Thompson Square, Steve Wariner

As mentioned, Lauren Weintraub will be making her Opry debut on Friday night. Named among American Songwriter’s all-genre shortlist of “Artists to Watch” in 2023, she is one of Nashville’s buzziest newcomers. Coming to Nashville from Boston, she recently released her debut EP, ’This Is Your Brain On Love' (11.4 via Virgin Music), which already has amassing 20.6M+ streams. With nearly half a million average monthly listeners on Spotify, alone, Lauren was named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” for 2022 and earned a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards, igniting a loyal fanbase of more than 800k+ followers across social media.


Now going back 45 years ago to Saturday April 1, 1978. This was also the night of the Grand Ole Opry's annual reunion show, often referred to as "Old-Timer's Night." 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk with Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Crawdad Song
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Zeke Clements: Live & Learn/Somebody's Been Beating My Time/Why Should I Cry Over You/Just A Little Lovin'/Smoke On The Water
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Sid Harkreader: Mockingbird Breakdown
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): You Love Takes Care of Me
Jeannie Seely: Since I Met 'Cha, Boy
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Sing For The Good Times

7:00: Shoney's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards/Tennessee Waltz
Billy Grammer: Bonaparte's Retreat

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central No.9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Carless Love
Alcyone Beasley: My Wild Irish Rose
Jack Shook: Along The Santa Fe Trail
Alcyone Beasley and Jack Shook: When The Desert Sun Goes Down

Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind's A' Comin'
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into A Devil
Guy Willis and C.W. Mitchell: Boots & Saddle
Annie Lou and Danny Dill: Slippin Around
The 4 Guys: You've Got Me Runnin
Porter Wagoner: Katy Did/Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot

8:30: Stephen's
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Billy Walker: San Antonio Rose/You Gave Me A Mountain
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In The Juke Box/A Dime At A Time
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bucket To The South
Lonzo and Oscar: No Relief In Sight
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose In December
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into A Devil

10:00: Fender
Jack Greene (host): You Love Takes Good Care Of Me
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz/Beer Barrel Polka
Roy Acuff: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Billy Grammer: I Still Love You As I Did In Yesterday
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/On A Highway Headed South

10:45: Beechnut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Crook Brothers (with Sid Harkreader) and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gary Eagle

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: When Will I Be Loved/The Wurlitzer Prize
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Guy Willis: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

11:30: Elm Hill
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song To Baby
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again/Crystal Chandeliers
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine/The Light House
Billy Walker: A Legend In My Time

(Jim and Jesse, along with Marion Worth cancelled that night. Minnie Pearl appeared only on the first show, while Ernie Ashworth, Del Wood and Stu Phillips only did the late show). 

Obviously, from looking at the lineups for both shows that the early show was the one to be at. The vast majority of the former Opry members appeared on that show. 

The reunion shows began in February 1974, with the idea of bringing back the old-timer's one more time before the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium. It went over so well that it was brought back each year, before ending in the mid 1990s, as many of those former Opry members passed away, and very few of those living came back. 

1978 was certainly one of the better ones. 


Finally, some have asked if I would post the lineup from Saturday April 30, 1966, the night Ray Pillow became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is that lineup from 57 years ago: 

7:30: Luzianne
Billy Walker (host): How Do You Ask Someone To Love You
George Hamilton IV: Big Steel Railroad
The Homesteaders: Flowers On The Wall
Cousin Jody: Steel Guitar Rag
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Curly Fox: Won't 'Cha Come Home Bill Bailey
George Hamilton IV: Write Me A Picture
The Homesteaders: Going Down The Mountain
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Grandpa Jones: Cabin Just Over The Hill
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs: I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Grandpa Jones: Old Rattler
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

8:30: Stephen's
Roy Acuff (host): Tennessee Central No. 9
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Marion Worth: One Has My Name, The Other My Heart
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back In Town
Brother Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On

9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Jealous Lovin' Heart
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
Ray Pillow: Common Colds & Broken Hearts
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Teardrops 'Til Dawn
Ray Pillow: Even The Bad Times Are Good
Leon Rhodes: Leon's Guitar Boogie

9:30: Kellogg's
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
The Carter Family: It Ain't Me Babe
Waylon Jennings: Time To Bum Again
June Carter: Tall Loverman
Willis Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Harold Weakley: To Mommy, In Care of God
The Carter Family: Wildwood Flower
Skeeter Willis: A Maiden's Prayer

10:00: Schick
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Cousin Jody: Wabash Blues
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Del Wood: Night Train To Memphis
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me
Don Helms: The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise

10:30: Harvey's
Bobby Bare (host): A Man of Constant Sorrow
Grandpa Jones: I Don't Love Nobody
Bobby Bare: 500 Miles Away From Home
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles To Louisville
Bobby Bare: It Ain't Me, Babe/The Answer Is Blowing In The Wind/Worried Man Blues

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): 'Til My Getup Has Got Up & Gone
Jack Greene: Born To Lose
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Ernest Tubb: Half A Mind

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Same Old Memories
Margie Bowes: Big City
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Sam McGee: Wheels
Ray Pillow: Thank You, Ma'am
Onie Wheeler: Too Hot To Handle

11:30: Lava
Willis Brothers (host): Gonna Swing 'Til My Rope Breaks
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Waylon Jennings: Anita, You're Dreaming
Archie Campbell: The Men In My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: A 6 Ft 2 By 4
Marion Worth: Cryin' Time
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Willis Brothers: God Walks These Hills with Me

It was certainly a great lineup at the Grand Ole Opry the night Ray Pillow became a member. 

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. 









Monday, March 27, 2023

Tuesday Night Opry 3/28 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/29

Before getting into the lineups for the mid-week Opry shows, there is news and observations to share. 

Sadly, Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow passed away on Sunday morning. Here is his obituary that was published earlier today: 

Herbert Raymond "Ray" Pillow, 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Ray Pillow was born on July 4, 1937, in Lynchburg, Virginia where he began his life with his wife of 66 years, Joanne Pillow, and their three children and eventually their six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ray was a Veteran of the United States Navy and went on to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry as a country singer and songwriter. Ray celebrated 50 years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry in April 2016. He represented many musicians in Nashville and charted 18 times himself on the Billboard Country Single Chart. His last charted single was in 1981 with Jean Shepherd. He started Sycamore Records and later worked in the Arts and Repertoire department of Capitol Records while still playing on Friday and Saturday nights at the Opry until retiring in 2018.

Ray enjoyed being surrounded by his family, traveling, and catching up with his buddies when he could.

Ray is predeceased by his eldest son Ronnie "Dale" Pillow who passed last month on February 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Pillow, his daughter, Selena (Joe) Malone, his son, Daryl Ray (Barbara) Pillow, and his daughter-in-law, Julie (Dale) Ewers. Grandchildren: Cory Pillow, Zachary Ray (Telia) Balthrop, Brody Pillow, Ali Ray (Cody) Gaertner, Darby Pillow, Landis Pillow, and great-grandson, Bowden Ray Balthrop.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date by the family.

I know many of us had the opportunity to have seen Ray Pillow perform, either in concert or at the Grand Ole Opry. While Ray never had a "major" hit, he was influential behind the scenes. Many country music stars owe some measure of their success to Ray. What I always liked about Ray was that he featured the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band each time he was at the Opry, mentioning the members by name and giving them the opportunity to share the spotlight. 

My favorite memory of Ray was Grandpa Jones always introducing him as "Ray Piller." Not in disrespect, just that Grandpa seemed to have trouble with the "ow" at the end of Ray's name. 

Our thoughts and prayers go to his widow Joanne, along with his children, other family members and his friends and business associates. 



Now to my observation as this past weekend I was in Nashville and attended both Opry shows. Both shows were sold out, with standing room only, and the crowds were very enthusiastic. Friday, in particular, as the Opry House was hosting a national choir competition and many of the high school choirs, and their chaperones/parents/family members and supporters were in attendance. Among the highlights: a standing ovation to Woody Paul after his wonderful fiddle performance; Junior Brown (although I wished he had sung "Highway Patrol"; Darius Rucker and maybe the highlight of the night, Sean Dietrich. He received a standing ovation not only when he was finished, but also when he was introduced. I will admit I had never heard of him before seeing him listed on the Opry lineup, but Sean was the "real deal" as they say. 

Saturday night belonged to Ronnie Milsap. Each artist who was on the schedule did at least one Ronnie Milsap number, while Mark Wills did two. During each number, there were pictures of Ronnie on the Opry's video screens from various points of his career. Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett and Don Schlitz performed during the first hour. The second hour began with Trace Adkins, followed by Little Big Town. Trace did four songs while Little Big Town did five, finishing with "Girl Crush." Ronnie closed out the show with four songs, only two of which were his. The final number was a Rolling Stones song "Honky Tonk Women", that included Trace, Little Big Town and Mark Wills on stage with Ronnie. I know Ronnie had recorded that song, would sing it in concert, however I just never associated the song among the hits that Ronnie has had. 

I know that Ronnie has had some health issues over the past several years and has lost his wife and son. Overall, I thought Ronnie looked pretty good, better than I had expected. He did seem engaged. I thought his voice was "ok." He started strong but did faulter a little bit on the next two. Nothing bad, but just a little off. The finish was strong. Ronnie had his entire band with him, and they were very good. His band did include an additional piano player. 

I went into the show not knowing what to expect, but overall was pleased with Ronnie's performance. At the age of 80, I admire him for still being out there. I also thought that this might be the last time to see Ronnie, either in concert or at the Opry. I am glad I was able to be there to see this living legend, who has been an Opry member for 47 years. 


Finally to the Opry shows for this week. Two Opry members, Riders In The Sky, and The Whites on Tuesday night, while three: Jeannie Seely, Del McCoury Band and Don Schlitz are on the schedule for Wednesday. 

Tuesday Night Opry March 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Travis Denning, The Whites, Alana Springsteen
Intermission
8:15: Della Mae, Niko Moon, The Malpass Brothers, Maggie Rose

Wednesday Night Opry March 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Cooper Alan, Jillian Jacqueline, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Restless Road, Chonda Pierce, The French Family Band, Don Schlitz

(Both shows are subject to change)

I want to specifically mention The French Family Band, who will be making their Opry debut on Wednesday night, with a very special performance. 

Hopefully, they won't mind if I share parts of their bio from their website: 

Country music just sounds better when a family sings it. That’s where it all began: mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all huddled together, picking and singing on a porch in the twilight. That’s why when The French Family launch into the bittersweet ache of a classic or the startling tenderness of one of their self-penned original songs, the hairs on country music loving necks stand up, and we instinctively––sometimes tearfully––recognize this father, mother, and son as the real thing.

“We’ve just got to stay true to who we are and what we do,” mother Camille French says. “We’ve always done that––and we won’t change.” Camille is reflecting on a two-decade long career with her husband Stuie at the family’s new home in Nashville, oceans away from their childhood worlds where they both fell in love with country music and ultimately, mastered it. 

Touring over the last almost 20 years as Camille and Stuie, the duo became beloved in Australia. They earned three Australian Golden Guitar Awards––that country’s equivalent to the CMAs. The Golden Guitars have recognized both their singing and playing: In 2013, the couple earned their first trophy together for Best Alternative Country Album of the Year, while in 2017, Stuie received Best Instrumental Album honors for his stunning Axe to Swing. Now as the French Family Band they earned their first Golden Guitar Award for Instrumental of the Year from their album "Me and Dad". Two of the pair’s original songs––“Gone for All Money” and “Pretty Katalina” ––were also featured on the wildly popular Australian television drama A Place to Call Home and in 2022 the French Family were featured in a National Holiday Season television campaign for the JC Penney Department store chain.

Nashville noticed. Grammy-winning Western Swing maestros The Time Jumpers invited Stuie and Camille to sit in at the group’s 3rd & Lindsley residency. That night, grinning widely and dazzling both a crowd already accustomed to greatness and their fellow musicians on stage, Stuie and Camille realized dreams that had begun in grade school.

Stuie grew up in Tasmania. He felt drawn to the guitar and his father and big brother’s old Johnny Cash records. “The guitar was so prominent and dominant on those records that I just wanted to learn it,” Stuie says. “We had an old Yahama acoustic guitar. Then in the mid-70s, my brother went and bought me an electric. He was a mechanic and didn’t have much money, but he bought me a guitar.” 

Stuie became a monster player with chops that sublimely meld the virtuosity and instinct of jazz with the clear tone and restraint of American hillbilly roots music. Also a fine singer, his vocals nod to the gentle ease of Western swing greats such as Tommy Duncan. Stuie’s prodigious skill led to high-profile sideman gigs with Australia’s top touring artists, as well as recognition from his own heroes including Tommy Emmanuel, who asked Stuie to serve as a tutor at the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Australia, and Les Paul, who invited Stuie on stage to play with him in New York. Stuie also toured and jammed with his idol Merle Haggard on the latter’s Australian tour as a member of the opening band.

Camille, née Camille Te Nahu, was raised in New Zealand. A Maori whose mother was also part Samoan, Camille grew up immersed in a tight-knit familial culture that encouraged singing and dancing. Her voice, somehow both crisply expressive and immeasurably rich and smooth, can sit back to soothe in a pocket before jumping out to thrill. “I fell in love with country music,” Camille says. “From a very early age, I just knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Camille made her way to Australia, where gigs as a backup vocalist for established greats including Kasey Chambers family soon followed. She never forgot her roots––and they never forgot her. Years later, New Zealand television series Unsung Heroes of Maori Musicwould devote an entire episode to Camille.

Stuie and Camile toured as sidemen for top Australian acts and often opened those shows together for two years before deciding to go out on their own, as a pair. “Once we got together, I always thought he was too good to be in the background––and he thought I was too good to be in the background,” Camille says with a laugh. “So we joined forces just to see where it took us.” 

Now performing as The French Family, Camille, Stuie, and Sonny are acclimating to life stateside––deep roots in tow. “I love being able to share our family music with people,” says Camille. “I think people crave it. They come up and tell me how much they love seeing the love among our family and what we do––and I love being able to share that with everybody.”

Stuie agrees, adding, “We hope our music takes people back to a time when the essence of country music was twangy guitars, honest songs, and vocals that tear your heart out.” 

I am looking forward to hearing them this week on the Opry. 







Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Grand Ole Opry 3/24 & 3/25

This weekend I will be in Nashville and looking forward to attending the Grand Ole Opry where I anticipate a wonderful weekend as on Saturday night the Grand Ole Opry will be honoring Opry member Ronnie Milsap, in recognition of his recent 80th birthday. 

Ronnie Milsap was born in a poor region of North Carolina. He attended Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh, where he was given strict classical training. But late at night he listened to his favorite country, gospel, and R&B broadcasts. 

Ronnie studied pre-law at Young Harris Junior College near Atlanta, eventually earning a scholarship to Emory. Instead of continuing with law, he threw himself into music, forming his own band. During the mid-’60s, he landed a stint with J.J. Cale and session work with producer Chips Moman, notably on Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.”

In 1973, Ronnie moved from Memphis to Nashville. Before one could say “overnight success,” he was signed by RCA and released the two-sided hit, “All Together Now (Let’s Fall Apart)” and “I Hate You.” He followed with “That Girl Who Waits on Tables” and “Pure Love.”

A year later, he had three No. 1 songs. The flood of hits wouldn’t let up for 15 years: “Daydreams About Night Things,” “(I’m A) Stand by My Woman Man,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night),” “How Do I Turn You On” and “Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me” all stormed the charts.

“Before I joined the Opry in 1976, Jeanne Pruett was always getting me to come out here and guest,” Ronnie recalls. “Eventually she said, ‘I think you need to join the Grand Ole Opry.’ And I said, ‘Well, how do you do that?’

“All of a sudden, one night I was over here, and Mr. Roy Acuff came up to me in the hall and said, ‘Hey, Ronnie, you want to be a member of the Opry?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘Okay, then, you’re going to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.’” And on February 6, 1976, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Along with his multiple gold and platinum albums, Ronnie has earned six Grammys and many CMA and ACM Awards. He's a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The ebullient performer and original stylist changed the face of country music, but he has never forgotten his own difficult road to stardom and his good fortune along the way. In 1986, he established the Ronnie Milsap Foundation to aid the blind and visually impaired. “In some way it’s a blessing that I was born blind,” he once said. “If I had been born sighted in western North Carolina ... I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

Over the past several years, Ronnie has had some setbacks and health issues. His wife, Joyce, passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, and their son had died in 2019. More recently, he has had a few health issues that has caused him to miss some shows. With that in mind, it is wonderful that Ronnie will be back at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night for an evening of great music. 

Joining Ronnie on Saturday night will be Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town, Mandy Barnett, Trace Adkins, Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills. For Trace, who Ronnie inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and Little Big Town, it will be their first Opry appearances of 2023. 

Saturday March 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Ronnie Milsap

Yes, you are reading that correctly. A Saturday night with only Grand Ole Opry members. While Circle TV will not be live on Saturday, they are taping the final hour for a future broadcast. 

While all of the attention will be focused on Saturday night, there is also a pretty good Friday Night Opry this weekend, highlighted by an appearance by Grand Ole Opry member Darius Rucker. Joining Darius will be Opry members Riders In The Sky, Mark Wills, John Conlee. 

Heading the list of non-members will be Junior Brown. Junior is a legend based out of Texas, who has appeared on the Opry several times and is known for his singing, songwriting and his fine instrumentation skills. Also scheduled is Ashley Cooke and making his Opry debut, Sean Dietrich. 

Friday March 24
7:00: Mark Wills, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Junior Brown
Intermission
8:15: Sean Dietrich, Ashley Cooke, Darius Rucker

Nice to see five Opry members on Friday night and for those who might be wondering, this will be the first Opry show of the year for Darius. 

Sean Dietrich, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is considered a master storyteller in the tradition of Will Rogers, Mark Twain, and Lewis Grizzard. His one-man shows have earned him a cult-like following in the southeastern United States and among closeted accordion players worldwide. Formally from Florida, and now based in Alabama, he is known for his podcast "Sean of the South" and his work has appeared in Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, and he has authored fifteen books. 


And now, from 45 years ago, Saturday March 25, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Guy Willis
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Charlie Louvin
7:00: Bob Luman (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Stonewall Jackson; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Guy Willis
10:00: Bob Luman (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Grammer
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Woody Paul; Howdy Forrester; Oswald
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Jan Howard; Justin Tubb
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Ernie Ashworth; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bill Carlisle; Kirk McGee
11:30: Stu Phillips (host); Marion Worth; Louie Robers

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled. Del Reeves, along with Lonzo and Oscar also cancelled. Lester Flatt was on both shows but did not sing and Vic Willis was ill, thus Guy Willis performed as a solo act). 


In the mid 1950's, Hank Thompson was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Some dates are harder to come by than others, but the best estimate is that he joined in 1955. 

Hank Thompson, who came out of the Southwest, was noted for his "honky-tonk/Western Swing" music, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills. His backup band, The Brazos Valley Boys, were just as famous as Hank, as it was one of the top bands around. 

1952 brought his first number-one single, "The Wild Side of Life", which contained the memorable line, "I didn't know God made honky-tonk angels". (This line inspired songwriter J. D. "Jay" Miller to write the 1952 answer song "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", which became the first hit single for pioneer female country vocalist Kitty Wells.) Other hits followed. 

From 1947 to 1964, he recorded for Capitol Records, then joined Warner Bros. Records, where he remained from 1966 through 1967. From 1968 through 1980, he recorded for Dot Records and its successors, ABC Dot and MCA Records. In 1997, Thompson released Hank Thompson and Friends, a collection of solo tracks and duets with some of country music's most popular performers. In 2000, he released a new album, Seven Decades, on the Hightone label. The title reflected his recording history from the 1940s to 2000s.

While his time as an Opry member was fairly short, he did return on occasion to make guest appearances. One of those took place on Saturday March 25, 1989. 

Here is the running order from that night 34 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Hank Thompson: Wild Side of Life/Humpty Dumpty Heart
Jim Ed Brown: I Heard the Bluebird Sing

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Uncle Eph's Got the Coon
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Jeannie Seely: The Divorce Song
Grandpa and Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door
Billy Grammer: When It's Darkness On the Delta
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Jan Howard: Heartaches By the Numbers
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand

7:30: Standard Candy
John Conlee (host): Fellow Travelers
Vic Willis Trio: Sioux City Sue
George Hamilton IV: The Old Rugged Cross
Charlie Louvin: Every Time You Leave/The Precious Jewel
John Conlee: The Old School

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): The Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chuck of Coal
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Jole Blon
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lady of the Lake
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): Bummin' Around
The Whites: Doing It By The Book
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Dottie West: We've Got Tonight
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: Easter Parade

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Ray Pillow: I Guess He Knows Something I Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: That May Be All I Need To Know
Roy Drusky: Too Old To Die Young
Billy Grammer: I Was Born In Renfro Valley/Gotta Travel On/Detroit City
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Act Right

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host)
George McCormick: Y'all Come
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Ray Kirkland: The Old Man On The Mountain's Coming Home

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Jan Howard: You Belong To Me/Where No One Stands Alone
Connie Smith and The Carolee Singers: Sing, Sing, Sing

10:30: Pet Milk
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
George Hamilton IV: The Old Rugged Cross
Jim Ed Brown: A Child Is Born

10:45: B.C. Powder
John Conlee (host): Fellow Travelers
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
John Conlee: Common Man

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Between Fire & Water
Jean Shepard: A Tear Dropped By
Justin Tubb: Coronation Day
The Whites: It's Not What You Know; It's Who You Know
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Hank Snow: On The Old Hawaiian Shore with You

11:30: Creamette
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Dottie West: Every Time Fools Collide
Charlie Walker: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Johnny Russell: Me & Bobby McGee
Wade B. Landry: Orange Blossom Special

Hank Thompson was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. He continued touring until early 2007. In October of that year, he was diagnosed with lung cancer on November 6, 2007, at the age of 82. 

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 sounds like Saturday will be a special night. 




Monday, March 20, 2023

Tuesday Night Opry 3/21 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/22

Once again, we get a change in the mid-week schedule at the Grand Ole Opry as the coming week has just the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows on the schedule. The spring run of Opry Country Classics is interrupted for one week as there is no classics show scheduled. 

The Tuesday Night Opry offers a solid lineup with Opry members Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Henry Cho, Carly Pearce and Chris Janson on the schedule. After the lack of Opry members on the mid-week shows the previous week, it is nice to see a solid group of Opry members back on the schedule. 

Rhonda Vincent makes it a two-show week as she returns the next night for the Wednesday Night Opry, joined by The Whites and Don Schlitz. Really nice to see The Whites seemingly back in the rotation. 

As far as non-members this week, Steven Curtis Chapman returns on Tuesday, while Jelly Roll stands out on Wednesday, along with the award-winning bluegrass legend Larry Sparks. 

In my mind, it has been a while since Larry has been on the Opry. As to the awards he has won, Larry has won the Male Vocalist of the Year Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association, along with past Album of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year. He is also an inductee in the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame. 

Also scheduled this week is comedian, and frequent Opry guest, Killer Beaz and Drew Parker. Carter Faith is also scheduled, making up for the appearance she had been scheduled for on the Wednesday Night Opry from a few weeks back that was cancelled. 

Tuesday Night Opry March 21
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Boy Named Banjo, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson

Wednesday Night Opry March 22
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Drew Parker, The Whites, Brit Taylor, Jelly Roll
Intermission
8:15: Larry Sparks, Carter Faith, Killer Beaz, Don Schlitz

As what seems to have become a normal occurrence, two acts, Boy Named Banjo and Brit Taylor will be making their Opry debuts. 

Boy Named Banjo is actually from Nashville, and they play a variety of contemporary country, Americana, Folk-Rock, with a touch of bluegrass. The band, which has been together in some iteration since members were in high school, is comprised of Barton Davies (banjo), Ford Garrard (bass/upright bass), Sam McCullough (drums) Willard Logan (mandolin, acoustic/electric guitar) and William Reames (acoustic guitar/harmonica). During the pandemic, when there careers were on hold, they were signed by Universal Music Group Nashville. In 2021 they released their debut CD, Circles. Boy Named Banjo spent 2022 on the road playing some of country music’s largest festivals including Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks and Country Jam, Kip Moore’s Fire on Wheels Tour, they made their CMA Fest debut playing at the Ascend Amphitheatre Nighttime Concert, and played a sold-out hometown show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl. The band is now embarking on an 11-city headlining tour. Last year, Boy Named Banjo released the tracks “Heart In Motion” and “Heart Attack.”  The first release of 2023 will be “Whiskey Dreams.”

Britt Taylor, who is from Eastern Kentucky, is a singer/songwriter, who late last year released her debut album, Real Me. She started young, debuting on the Kentucky Opry at the age of seven. After graduating from high school, she moved to Tennessee. Her four early-release singles from the album have earned positive reviews from numerous outlets including Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter, Music Row and others. All songs have found their places on playlists from Spotify, Apple and Amazon, including Spotify's Pulse of Americana, Emerging Americana, Indigo and New Nashville. She has been voted No. 2 on the CMT 12-Pack Countdown and the No. 2 most added album on AMA/CDX Radio Chart, tying with Waylon Payne.

There you have it for this week. 


Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Grand Ole Opry 3/17 & 3/18

St. Patrick's Day is on Friday and in celebration of the day, the Friday Night Opry will be led off by the Nashville Irish Stepdancers, in what has traditionally been an annual appearance. 

Appearing at events all across Music City, the Nashville Irish Step Dancers have performed at the Nashville Predators' half-time show, Fan Fair, Fest De Ville, Summer Lights, AM Nashville, Talk of the Town, Crook and Chase and Primetime Country. They also have had the esteemed privilege of dancing alongside Celtic country music legends such as The Chieftains, Ric Blair and the Celts, and Grand Ole Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris.

Besides this wonderful group of dancers, the Friday Night Opry will also include Opry members Crystal Gayle, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs and Mandy Barnett. 

Jeannie Seely returns on Saturday night, where she will be joined by members John Conlee and Lauren Alaina. Lauren continues to show why she was a good choice to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There are four acts that will be making their Opry debuts this weekend. Rory Makem and Eileen Ivers are on the schedule for Friday night, while Clare Cunningham and JigJam are on the Saturday schedule. 

Also on the Friday Night Opry will be Charles Esten, who has guested on the Opry close to 150 times and was one of those on the schedule for the recently canceled Wednesday night show. Rounding out the list for Saturday night is Morgan Evans, Opry Next Stage artist Jameson Rodgers and Steve Earle. 

Friday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Stepdancers, Mandy Barnett, Rory Makem, Jeannie Seely, Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Crystal Gayle, Eileen Ivers, Charles Esten, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday March 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Morgan Evans, John Conlee, Clare Cunningham, Steve Earle
Intermission
8:15: Jameson Rodgers, JigJam, Lauren Alaina

As mentioned, there are four acts who will be making their Opry debut this weekend: Rory Makem, Eileen Ivers, Clare Cunningham and JigJam. 

Rory Makem is not a newcomer to the music business as he spent several decades touring and performing with The Makem Brothers, Makem and Spain Brothers and with his father, Tommy Makem. He has played sold-out venues, festivals, and theaters throughout the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and Ireland. He has also recorded with some luminaries of modern folk music; Tom Paxton, Noel Paul Stookey, Bill Staines, Eric Weissberg, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mallett, Gordon Bok, Jonathan Edwards, Rick and Ron Shaw, and Schooner Fare. Through more than 34 years of plying his craft, Rory has established himself as one of the leading forces in the song tradition of Irish music.

Eileen Evers is a 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion. She is a Grammy Award winner and has performed with Sting, ‘Fiddlers 3’ with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Regina Carter, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola and The Chieftains. During her 30+ year career, she has covered many roles: performer, composer, songwriter, band leader, educator, and multi-instrumentalist. Her recent CD, Beyond the Bog Road, reached #1 on the Alt-Country Roots Music Chart. 

Clare Cunningham, who is also from Ireland, is an independent award-winning singer/songwriter who was named Artist of the Year at the 2022 Josie Music Awards. She is a previous winner of the Folk/Americana Artist of the Year. Her latest EP called ‘Mercy’ was released in 2022 and has been helping her listeners with suicide prevention, addiction awareness and all things encompassing mental health. She plans to release a memoir in early 2023 which will give her listeners an insight as to why her songs are so real, raw and fueled with the need to help others. She wants to be a voice of inspiration and hope. Previous to that release she put out a collection of songs in an EP called "Dear Ireland’ in 2021 which pays a beautiful ode to her culture and heritage.

JigJam is also from Ireland and have been making a career playing bluegrass, Americana and American Folk music. Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ the group has been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival.’ The group is made up of founding members from Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro). They were joined by Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016, and this year by Calum Morrison (Double Bass) and Danny Hunter (Fiddle).

Safe to say that both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a heavy variety of Irish music in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 


And from 45 years ago, Saturday March 18, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Stonewall Jackson, Charlie Louvin
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Wilburn Brothers; David Houston; Stu Phillips; Philomena Begley and Bryan Coll
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The 4 Guys; Billy Grammer; Del Wood; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Roy Drusky; Hank Locklin; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Del Reeves; Charlie Louvin; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Wilburn Brothers
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Stu Phillips; Brother Oswald
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Justin Tubb; Willis Brothers
10:45: David Houston (host); The 4 Guys; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Billy Grammer; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Del Wood; Kirk McGee
11:30: Roy Drusky (host); Hank Locklin; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle

A pair of Irish singers, Philomena Begley and Bryan Coll made guest appearances on the first show. 

Philomena Begley, who is from Northern Ireland, appeared on the Opry at the personal invitation of Porter Wagoner. She began her career as a singer with the Old Cross Céilí Band. The group soon became known as the Old Cross Bandshow and released three records in Ireland in 1968 and 1969, but none made an impression in the chart. In September 1970, the band changed its name to The Country Flavour. Her first record following this became her first chart hit when "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" reached number seven in the Irish chart. In 1974, she formed the Ramblin' Men. 

She regularly toured with Ray Lynam from 1975 and they recorded many duets together, probably their most popular being "My Elusive Dreams." In 1975, she had a hit with her version of Billie Jo Spears' hit song "Blanket on the Ground" which took her to number five in the Irish chart. Spears also released the song in the United Kingdom and in Ireland at the same time, but in Ireland, Begley's version received the highest sales, as Spears' version only went to number 11. Begley occasionally performed with Spears and later recorded a tribute song to her after the American star's death in 2011.

By 1977, she was undertaking a major tour of the United States, and in 1978, she was invited to sing at the Grand Ole Opry by Porter Wagoner. Since then, she has returned annually to Nashville, been a guest of honor at the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City and has sung at both the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. 

At the age of 80, Philamena resides in Northern Ireland. 

Byran Coll had singing career Brian Coll had a singing career that spanned more than half a century and played with bands such as The Polka Dots and The Plattermen. He formed The Buckaroos in 1968, and they toured both at home and abroad, In 1969 they played New York's Carnegie Hall on a bill that included American country superstars Johnny Cash and Buck Owens.

Coll’s singing style was often compared to American country star Slim Whitman, and in 1970 he shared a stage with Whitman when he played the National Stadium in Dublin.

Bryan Coll passed away in 2020 after suffering a fatal heart attack. 


In 2005, Carrie Underwood was the winner of American Idol. Shortly after, Carrie made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance on June 10, 2005, introduced by Bill Anderson. After that initial appearance, Carrie would continue to guest on the Opry before eventually becoming on May 10, 2008. 

One of those guest appearances took place on March 18, 2006, and here is the running order from that date 17 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jeannie Seely (host): Here Comes My Baby
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/A Fallen Star
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Walking After Midnight
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels

7:00: Tootsie's/Opry.com
Carrie Underwood: Jesus, Take The Wheel
Lorrie Morgan: It's A Woman Thing/I Didn't Know My Own Strength
Danielle Peck: Why Haven't I Heard From You/Finding A Good Man
Lee Ann Womack: I'm Not Lisa/20 Years & 2 Husbands Ago
Carrie Underwood: Stand By Your Man/Don't Forget Your Memory/Right Now
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
John Conlee: They Also Served
Jesse McReynolds: Everybody's Reaching Out For Someone
Rebecca Lynn Howard: Coal Miner's Daughter/Everybody's Got To Love Somebody
Hoot Hester and Charlie Collins: Sally Goodin
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Ricky Skaggs (host): Black Eyed Susie
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Roundup/Jesse, The Yodeling Cowgirl/You've Got A Friend In Me/Teardrops In My Heart
The Whites: Come Walk with Me/If It Ain't Love
Ricky Skaggs: Keep On The Sunny Side

2nd show
9:30: Crackel Barrel
Lorrie Morgan (host): It's A Woman Thing
Mel McDaniel: Help Me Make It Through The Night/Stand Up
Connie Smith: Back In Baby's Arms/Love's Not Everything
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy

10:00: Opry Visa
Porter Wagoner (host): My Long Journey Home
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Danielle Peck: Why I Haven't Heard From You/Finding A Good Man
Porter Wagoner: House of Gold

10:30: Johnnie Walker Tours
Jeannie Seely (host): Here Comes My Baby
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Vince Gill: If You Ever Have Forever On Your Mind/Look At Us
Hoot Hester and Charlie Collins: Bill Cheatham
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

11:00: Gaylord Attractions
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Come Walk with Me/If It Ain't Love
Carrie Underwood: Stand By Your Man/Don't Forget Your Memory/Jesus, Take The Wheel
Ricky Skaggs: Keep On The Sunny Side

11:30: Night At The Opry
Riders In The Sky (host): How The Yodel Was Born
Jesse McReynolds: Drifting & Dreaming of You/Sitting On Top of The World
Rebecca Lynn Howard: Coal Miner's Daughter/Everybody's Gotta Love Somebody
Riders In The Sky: The Arms of My Love/Happy Trails To You

Finishing up, once again congratulations go to the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Gary Mule Deer. It was a wonderful presentation last Friday evening as Vince Gill did his usual fine job inducting Gary. I think we all look forward to more appearances by Gary, along with Henry Cho, at the Opry. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and, as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 






Monday, March 13, 2023

Tuesday Night Opry 3/14; Wednesday Night Opry 3/15; Opry Country Classics 3/16

Last week, there was no Tuesday Night Opry and the Wednesday night Opry was cancelled. Opry Country Classics did take place and it was a wonderful show. This week, in addition to Opry Country Classics, the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows are back on the schedule. 

Tuesday March 14
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Chase Matthews, Riders In The Sky, Chapel Hart
Intermission
8:15: Joshua Ray Walker, Crystal Gayle, The Mavericks

Always a treat to see that The Mavericks are on the Opry schedule. Also, a return appearance by Chapel Hart. As far as Opry members are concerned, nice to see Crystal Gayle back on the schedule, along with an additional appearance this Friday night. 

Chase Matthews will be making his Opry debut. His debut album, Born For This was released earlier this year. His current single is "She Loves Jesus."

Wednesday March 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Randall King, Julia Coke, Sister Sadie
Intermission
8:15: Blanco Brown, Kassi Aston, Brandley Gilbert

Overall, I don't think Wednesday is the strongest show this week. Jeannie Seely is the only Opry member on the schedule, while Kassi Aston will be making her Opry debut. She records for UMG Nashville and her current release is "California, Missouri," which is also where she is from. She is a favorite of our friend Bobby Bones. 

Opry Country Classics Thursday March 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Oak Ridge Boys
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Elizabeth Cook, Dailey & Vincent, Shane Hennessy

It has been said, and I do believe it, that Elizabeth Cook has guested on the Opry more than any other non-member. I enjoy her and it is nice to see her back at the Opry, even if it is for the classics show. Shane Hennessey, who will be making his Opry debut, is an Irish guitarist/songwriter who has been highly praised by Tommy Emmanuel. 

A little light on Opry members this week. 





Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Grand Ole Opry 3/10 & 3/11

It will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as Gary Mule Deer officially becomes an Opry member. 

Gary Mule Deer was born and raised in Deadwood and Spearfish, SD.  Starting his career at the Buffalo Bar in Deadwood with some Johnny Cash songs, then locally with his band The Vaqueros, he headed to Los Angeles in 1964 and joined the folk music group The Back Porch Majority (also the Tennessee Ernie Ford Singers), performing nationwide, then the rock groups The New Society on RCA Victor and Bandanna on Paramount Records.

Adding more comedy with his music, he formed the popular comedy and music duo Muledeer and Moondogg with Dennis Flannigan, performing across the U.S. and on Network TV shows like The John Byner Comedy Hour on CBS, and NBC’s In Concert and The Midnight Special, and David Frost’s Madhouse 90.

In 1975 Gary Mule Deer went out on his own.  He was one of six comedians, along with Jay Leno, to star on the very first HBO Comedy Special, began appearing on The Tonight Show, was comedy host of Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert for four years on NBC and a series regular on Make Me Laugh.  He became a regular performer on TNN for over ten years, appearing often on Nashville Now, and was a Hee Haw cast member in its last two years.

In a nearly 60-year career, he has shared stages with more than a hundred country, pop and rock music icons, including everyone from Merle Haggard, Dolly, Reba, the Everly Brothers and Tammy Wynette, to Roger Miller, Ray Charles, Glen Campbell, The Doobie Brothers, John Denver, and most recently, Vince Gill, Brooks and Dunn, and The Zac Brown Band.  He has also toured as Special Guest with Johnny Mathis and the orchestra since 1994 in major venues across the U.S., Canada and England. Gary is featured on the DVDs Jeff Foxworthy’s Comedy Classics and The World’s Greatest Stand-up Comedy Collection and is one of the most played comedians on Sirius XM’s Laugh USA Pandora and Sound Scan.

Gary Mule Deer’s storied career is currently the subject of a documentary by VIA Productions of Memphis., that will include interviews with David Letterman, Steve Martin, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Johnny Mathis, and rock’s Alice Cooper.  He was also featured on the recent five-part Showtime series The History of The Comedy Store.

In addition to his well-known comedy, Gary is a talented singer and musician, always performing classic country and rockabilly, and especially the music of Johnny Cash since the ‘60s. Great instrumental tracks of his Duck and Cover Band are a big part of his show, featuring some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including Randy Hart, Eddie Bayers, Larry Paxton and Danny Parks of the Opry band, plus Steve Wariner, Willie Weeks, David Hungate and Dan Tyminski.  The popularity of Gary Mule Deer’s clean comedy and music cuts across all ages and demographics.

Gary Mule Deer, along with Henry Cho, were invited by Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart back in January, to become members of the Opry. Henry, who was inducted last month, was the first comedian to join the Opry since Jerry Clower in 1973. This weekend, it is Gary Mule Deer's turn to be inducted, and he will celebrate by appearing on both Opry shows this weekend. 

Gary Mule Deers induction will take place during the Friday Night Opry, where he will be joined by Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, John Conlee, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett. Looking at the schedule, it would appear that Vince will be handling the welcoming duties. 

Guesting on Friday will be Erin Enderlin and The Bellamy Brothers. Both have guested on the Opry numerous times, with the Bellamy Brothers appearing more often in recent years. In fact, they have another Opry appearance already listed on the upcoming schedule. 

Vince Gill, John Conlee and Gary Mule Deer will be back on Saturday night, joined by Opry members Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan and Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press. While Ashley appeared with Dierks Bentley last Friday night, this will be her first scheduled appearance of the year. 

Guesting on Saturday will be Jessie James Decker & Billy Currington. Both have appeared on the Opry before, but this will be their first appearance as a collaboration. They recently recorded a new duet, "I Still Love You," that apparently has received good reviews. 

This is a return engagement for these two as the last time they were in the studio together, it was to record the track “Good Night” for Currington’s 2015 album, Summer Forever. This project features several fan favorites including “Don’t It,” “Do I Make You Wanna,” “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” and “Drinkin’ Town with a Football Problem.”

Friday March 10
7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, The Bellamy Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Erin Enderlin, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

Saturday March 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Craig Morgan, John Conlee, Jessie James Decker and Billy Currington, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Ashley McBryde, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

Some really good lineups this weekend with a nice group of Opry members on stage. Five members on Friday night and six on Saturday, where Gary Mule Deer will do his first show as an official member. 

Continuing with the look back at the Opry from 45 years ago, here is the running order from Saturday March 11, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Bayou
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
Lonzo and Oscar: When The Fields In The Valley Turn Green
Ray Pillow: Texas
Billy Grammer: Maiden's Prayer/Faded Love
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:45: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host) On & On
Willis Brothers: Cimarron
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back In Town
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Phil Campbell: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

7:00: Shoney's
David Houston (host): No Tell Motel
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday/What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Jim and Jesse: The Voice of My Darling
David Houston: Almost Persuaded

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain/I Don't See How I Can Make It with You Gone
Stonewall Jackson: Life To Go
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Katy Hill
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): The Life of A Rodeo Cowboy
Jeannie Seely: Since I Met 'Cha, Boy
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): With This Ring I Thee Wed
Billy Walker: San Antonio Rose/You Gave Me A Mountain
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Marion Worth: We'll Sing In The Sunshine
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Archie and Phil Campell: That's Good; No, That's Bad
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of The Dogwood Tree
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Willis Brothers: Home On The Rang
Bessyl Duhon: Instrumental Bayou

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Wicked Path of Sin
Lonzo and Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Skeeter Davis: Give All Into Love
Ray Pillow: Texas

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Jean Shepard: I Love You Because
Wilburn Brothers: Country Kind of Feelings
Roy Acuff: Farther Along

10:30: Trailblazer
Jack Greene (host): My Home In San Antone
Jeannie Seely: Make The World Go Away
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight

10:45: Beech-nut
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
David Houston: No Tell Motel
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Liberty
Jerry Clower: Neugene Lied About The Dog

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Merry Go Round of Love
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo/Angry Words
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Stu Phillips: Learning To Lean
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: Storms Never Last

11:30: Elm Hill
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Marion Worth: Just A Little Lovin'
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Boys From Indiana: Harley's Dream
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled). 

On the last segment that night, The Boys From Indiana performed. 

The Boys From Indiana were a traditional bluegrass group, originating from Milan, Indiana. They formed in 1973 by brothers Aubrey and Jerry Holt, their Uncle Harley Gabbard, and Middletown, Ohio radio host and fiddle player Paul “Moon” Mullins, along with banjo player Noah Crase. The Boys recorded an all-Gospel album, as their first project, but success came a few years later, in 1975, after they recorded “Atlanta is Burning”. The song gained them national attention and they began touring heavily throughout the United States and Canada.

Paul Mullins played with the Burns Brothers, who issued a few 45’s in the early 1960’s. Aubrey Holt and Harley Gabbard played with the Logan Valley Boys on two singles released in the late 1950’s.

The group, which released several albums, was active through the mid 1990s. 

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. 
















Monday, March 6, 2023

Opry Country Classics 3/9

Interesting week at the Grand Ole Opry. There was no Tuesday Night Opry on the schedule and the Wednesday Night Opry was cancelled. I am sure we can all speculate as to why the cancellation. 

On the other hand, Opry Country Classics returns for its Spring run of shows. Not only that, but it is a great lineup to start the Spring season. Larry Gatlin returns as the host, joined by his brothers, Steve and Rudy. Also on the list is Rhonda Vincent, Scotty McCreery, T. Graham Brown and Louise Mandrell.

Opry Country Classics
Thursday March 9

Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Louise Mandrell, T. Graham Brown, Scotty McCreery


Sunday, March 5, 2023

March Opry Highlights

 Welcome to March, which for us who live in the cold and snow, is the month that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully an early Spring. I hope wherever you live that winter is coming to an end and as March rolls on, the temperatures rise, and everyone is able to spend a little bit more time outside. As I always do each month, here are the important and historical dates that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or with Opry members, during the month of March:

March 9, 1925: Ralph Sloan, the leader and founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born. Ralph and his group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and continued under Ralph's leadership until his death in 1980. After Ralph passed away, his brother Melvin took over as the group's leader, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin continued on until his retirement in 2002.

March 24, 1928: Kitty Cora Cline became the first female solo artist to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. Kitty was at the Opry until March 31, 1934, when she decided to quit. The story goes that on that particular evening, she was on her way to the Opry and witnessed a serious car accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel by car again. Thus, she quit performing.

March 31, 1928: Fiddler Ed Poplin made his Grand Ole Opry debut. A few weeks later, he had organized a band and became an Opry regular. 

March 31, 1934: Robert Lunn made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry, he stayed until retiring in 1958. Robert, who was known for his sense of humor, spent some time working and touring with Roy Acuff. Robert Lunn passed away in 1966 after suffering a heart attack.

March 5, 1938: After an absence attributed to heath reasons, Opry founder George D. Hay returned to the Opry, more in a position as an announcer rather than the final authority figure at the Opry. While George D. Hay is credited with being the founder of the Grand Ole Opry, his influence and authority over the show declined as the years went by. 

March 16, 1946: Future Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his first appearance on the Opry, appearing as a member of Pee Wee King's band.

March 1, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the Opry's earliest stars, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave was one of the Opry's originals and was one of the first professional musicians to join the cast. Two weeks later, on March 22, Uncle Dave, who was one of the early members to have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 82. Those who knew Dave wrote that he was quite a character. 

March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Once Bill joined the Opry, he stayed until his death and almost made it 50 years at the Opry. 

March 27, 1954: Opera singer Helen Traubel made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. I only mention this because, even in years past, the Opry would invite non-country performers to appear on the show. 

March 1, 1958: After criticizing the management of WSM radio, Marty Robbins was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry management quickly realized their mistake and Marty was hired back before the end of the week. 

March 2, 1963: Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, the duo would pass away when the plane they were riding in crashed on the way back to Nashville. Copas, Hawkins, along with Opry member Patsy Cline and pilot Randy Hughes were returning after performing on a benefit show in Kansas City.

March 9, 1963: The Grand Ole Opry observed a moment of silence to honor Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. Also honored was Jack Anglin of Johnny & Jack, who also passed away the previous week, in his case the result of injuries from an auto accident. In the tribute read by Opry manager Ott Devine, he said, "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put our thoughts, or feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so, we ask for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."

March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens died in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After Ruby's death, Curly remained at the Opry as a solo act. It is safe to say that March 1963 was not the best of months for the Opry. Perhaps, its most tragic month. 

March 2, 1964: Jim & Jesse McReynolds were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that week, they made their first appearance as Opry members. Jim & Jesse were very popular members of the Opry and along with their group the Virginia Boys, continued as members of the Opry until the death of Jim in December 2002. After Jim's death, Jesse has continued on at the Opry as his health has permitted.  Jesse, who will turn 94 this year and is the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry. While he will be celebrating his 59th year as an Opry member, Jesse has not been on the Opry for several years. 

March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth, along with Jim & Jesse, made his first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernie, who was famous for his hit song, "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and for his colorful suit with flaming lips on it, remained an Opry member until his death on March 2, 2009. Not only was Ernie a fine country singer, but he was also a good businessman who owned several radio stations. 

March 28, 1964: Connie Smith made her first appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie appeared at the invitation of Bill Anderson. Later that evening, Connie stopped by at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. A year later, in 1965, Connie became an Opry member.

March 13, 1965: Johnny Cash made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A former member of the cast, Johnny would make infrequent appearances over the years. This was one of those nights. 

March 20, 1965: The always zany and funny Roger Miller made a guest appearance on the Opry. Over the course of his career, Roger would make a few more. 

March 9, 1968: Irene Ryan, who played the part of Granny on the very popular show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," made a guest appearance on the Opry.

March 15, 1968: The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, made an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. They sang "Sing Me Back Home" and "Hickory Wind." The Byrds always considered it an honor to perform on the Opry and this appearance ended up being their only one. It was later reported that a few of the Opry's members were not thrilled over their appearance and the audience response was much the same. While Gram would never appear again on the Opry, Chris Hillman would return several times. 

March 28, 1970: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Robbins returned to the Opry for the first time since suffering a heart attack in January. As usual, he returned as the host of the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson, who was there that evening, wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the songs that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all of my friends for their concern, and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything else to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'more, more, more.'" This was one night that Ernest Tubb did not complain about the Midnight Jamboree starting late.

March 27, 1971: Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jan had been appearing on the Opry for several years before becoming an Opry member, and in fact, Opry member Bud Wendall had thought she was already a member. A popular duet partner of Bill Anderson's, once Jan became an official member, she fully supported the Opry and appeared on a regular basis. Jan passed away in March 2020, shortly after her 49th anniversary as an Opry member. 

March 31, 1973: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. George originally joined the Opry in 1956. However, over the course of his career, he would come and go several times. Not that it mattered a whole lot as George rarely appeared on the show. This was also the night, as some have reported, that Tammy Wynette became a member of the Opry. Her stay would not last long. 

March 9, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry had its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry, which had been at the Ryman since 1943, was scheduled to move to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following weekend. It was a very emotional night as Minnie Pearl, among others, had trouble controlling their emotions at leaving the longtime home of the Opry. 

March 15, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry conducted its final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. While the previous Saturday night was the final Grand Ole Opry show, this being the final show made for a very emotional night, so much so that both Bill Anderson and Charlie Walker forgot the words to their songs. The final segment this night was hosted by George Morgan, who concluded the show with his hit "Candy Kisses." This was also the final night that Bobby Bare was a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he left the Opry's cast when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It took many years, but Bobby would rejoin the Opry in 2018. After the Opry ended, Reverend Jimmie Snow hosted the final Grand Ole Gospel from the Ryman with guests Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and the Carter Family, none of whom actually appeared on the Opry that night. The show concluded with the singing of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and as soon as they were finished, the signs were taken down and many of the items were immediately transferred to the new Opry House. After the Opry left, the Ryman stayed empty for many years, with the inside of the building looking exactly as the Opry left it when they moved in 1974. Thanks to a renovation of the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry returned in January 1999, and would continue to offer winter Opry shows for the next several decades. 

March 16, 1974: With President Richard Nixon in attendance, the Grand Ole Opry had its first performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House. When President Nixon made his appearance, he became the first President to visit and perform on the Opry. As yes, he did perform, playing several songs on the piano. There was much discussion on who would be the first Opry member to perform on the show, and with the decision made to go in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff took the honors, followed by Bill Anderson. With pretty much every Opry member in attendance, both shows that night ran well past the allotted time. The Grand Ole Opry House was the first building built specifically for the Opry, and despite damage from the flood in 2010, the building has held up well and has now been the Opry's home for 48 years.

March 30, 1974: The Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Flatt & Scruggs broke up, both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs maintained their Opry membership. While Lester enjoyed playing the Opry on a regular basis, Earl had a more progressive sound and enjoyed playing before different audiences. While he gave up his Opry membership, Earl would continue to come back and perform on the show.

March 14, 1975: One year after the Opry House opened, the Cumberland River overflowed its banks, causing a flood that forced the Opry to move the shows that weekend to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was also the weekend of the 1st anniversary of the Opry House, so the timing wasn't the best. At first, many thought the Opry would return to the Ryman for the weekend, but it was determined that the old building was in no shape to host a live show. Unlike the flood of 2010 which caused extensive damage to the Opry House, the 1975 flood just affected the parking lots and the surrounding area.

March 4, 1978: For the first time in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an entire show was televised. PBS had approached Opry officials to see if there was any interest in televising the show as part of the annual fundraising drive that PBS conducts. The Opry agreed and it was considered such a great success that PBS would continue to televise an Opry show for the next three years. The Opry did agree to a few changes, including all references to their commercial sponsors, which included covering the sponsor's signs that appeared on the Opry stage and backdrop. (However, in looking at video from those nights, Martha White's sign appears to show through rather well and Roy Acuff did get in a few Martha White plugs). What made those nights so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that the Opry did not change the show at all. The format remained the same, although several of the members dressed up a bit more than usual. These shows also gave people across the country who had never attended an Opry show, a chance to see the entire Opry as it happened.

March 10, 1979: James Brown appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared at the invitation of Porter Wagoner, who thought it would be a great idea. It was a tough night at the Opry as several of the Opry's members did not agree with Porter and decided not to appear that night. James was on stage for almost 20 minutes and would later say that he enjoyed performing on the show.

March 23, 1979: Lester Flatt returned to the Opry for the first time since the previous November. A brain hemorrhage kept Lester away. Sadly, Lester would battle heart and health issues for the last few years of his life. 

March 12, 1980: Ralph Sloan passed away. Ralph and the Tennessee Travelers had been at the Opry since 1952. Upon his death, brother Melvin took over the square dance group.

March 22, 1980: Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1965 and while she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a fairly popular member of the show. After leaving the Opry, Marion did a few shows in Las Vegas, then eventually retired. Marion passed away in December 1999.

March 22, 1980: On the same date as the final appearance of Opry member Marion Worth, Melvin Sloan officially took over as the leader of the Tennessee Travelers following the death several weeks earlier of his brother Ralph. With the change, the group became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers.

March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Tom, who joined the Opry's cast in 1971, left the Opry shortly after the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House.  It was reported that Ernest Tubb ran into Tom T in the parking lot after a show at the Opry House and told him he needed to get back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s, was a regular performer on the show. Tom T, who was an Opry member for just over 50 years, passed away in 2021. 

March 1, 1982: Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hour special that was televised on ABC. An all-star cast of performers and entertainers honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T. Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry.

March 5, 1983: Grand Old Opry announcer and WSM personality Chuck Morgan announced on the Opry for the final time. Chuck left the Opry and Nashville to begin work for the Texas Rangers, a position he still holds today. 

March 7, 1983: TNN, The Nashville Network, made its debut. This network would later become the television home of the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised live each Saturday night.

March 3, 1984: The Whites, consisting of Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 39th year as Opry members. During the Covid period, The Whites were away from the Opry for several years. However, over the past several months, The Whites have been back to the Opry, making a handful of appearances. 

March 7, 1986: Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He was introduced by Jimmy Dickens and sang, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." That evening, Randy was asked if her would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that year, in December, Randy would become an Opry member.

March 3, 1990: Alan Jackson made his debut on the Opry. Although his appearances would be few and far between, Alan would become a member of the Opry's cast. 

March 4, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl passed away from complications after suffering a series of strokes. Minnie had been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 50 years and was perhaps the most loved member of the Opry.

March 9, 1996: Minnie Pearl was remembered at the Opry on the first Saturday night following her death. Wilma Lee Cooper, Jean Shepard, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" which was Minnie's favorite song.

March 15, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Monroe, an Opry member since 1939, made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry. The following morning, Bill was admitted to Baptist Hospital after suffering a stroke.

March 16, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Don had originally joined the Opry's cast in the late 1950s and was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. He rejoined the cast years later, yet upon his return, he rarely appeared on the show. In fact, Don rarely performed anywhere. Don, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, passed away in November 2003.

March 15, 1997: The Grand Ole Opry honored Grandpa Jones' 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry. As part of the show, the Opry unveiled a portrait of Grandpa that was to hang in the lobby at the Grand Ole Opry House. His picture joined a series of others that honored Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Jim Reeves and others. Sadly, after the 2010 flood, the pictures were removed. 

March 14, 1998: Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The accepted and officially became Opry members the following month.

March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha had been invited in January by Ricky Skaggs to join the cast. This will be her 24th year as an Opry member, and it has been nice to see Trisha making a few Opry appearances in the past year. 

March 3, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry members Montgomery Gentry made their Opry debut. 

March 17, 2000: Frequent Opry guest, and Sirius XM host, Elizabeth Cook made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Since her Opry debut, it has been reported that Elizabeth has made more guest appearances on the Opry than any other non-member, over 500 and counting. 

March 22, 2001: Opry member Johnny Russell was honored at a special benefit show at the Opry House. The show was held to raise funds for Johnny to help cover his mounting medical bills. Among those attending were Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery. Johnny was one of the best loved members of the Opry and it was sad for all that Johnny had to turn for help from others during his final years. On a personal note, and not taking anything away from any of the other Opry members, I always found George Hamilton IV and Johnny Russell among the nicest. 

March 7, 2003: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. A few days after this show, Bill suffered a stroke. Bill joined the Opry in November 1953 and 49 years later, Bill was appearing on the Opry most every weekend. The stroke ended Bill's performing career and he passed away on March 17.

March 22, 2003: Jimmy Wayne made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would be a regular guest on the Opry over the next decade. 

March 15, 2008: Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood during a guest appearance on the Opry and invited Carrie to become the Opry's newest member. Several months later in May, Carrie was officially inducted into the Opry's cast.

March 21, 2008: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker made his final appearance at the Opry. Charlie had joined the cast in 1967. Charlie would pass away later that year from cancer. In addition to being a member of the Opry's cast, Charlie was also a member of the Country Disc Jockey Hall of Fame.

March 2, 2009: Opry legend Ernie Ashworth passed away. Ernie had been an Opry member for 45 years. When every he appeared on the Opry, you could count on Ernie to wear the suit with the colorful lips on it. 

March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. Hank joined the Opry in 1960 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's oldest member. "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" was one of Hank's classic numbers, as was his rendition of "Danny Boy" which he did every St. Patrick's Day. Several years ago, Hank was the subject of a PBS show, which was very well done, and hopefully many of you had the chance to see it. 

March 26, 2009: Opry Country Classics is added to the Opry schedule of shows. The series of Thursday night shows would continue each spring and fall, often hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin. 

March 27, 2009: Former WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham passed away.  He served as manager of the Grand Ole Opry from 1978-1993, a period that saw the additions of Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson to the Opry's cast. Sadly, this was the period of time at the Opry when Hal made the decision to accept new members without getting a commitment in regard to the number of appearances that were to be made. 

March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. For Jean, it was the culmination of a long career in country music.

March 2, 2012: Future Grand Ole Opry member Dustin Lynch made his first guest appearance on at the Grand Ole Opry. Dustin would join the Opry's cast in 2018. I will say that Dustin's Opry membership was somewhat of a surprise, but he has done well in honoring his Opry commitment. 

March 6, 2012: Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Garth's election was no surprise, while for Connie, it was somewhat surprising. 

March 24, 2012: Carol Lee Cooper. the leader of the Carol Lee Singers, announced her retirement. Carol Lee originally came to the Opry with her parents, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper in 1957. Her retirement was the result of some voice and vocal issues that she had been experiencing. While she has been pretty quiet since her retirement, there are those who have seen her around town and report that she still looks much the same. 

March 5, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry honored Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took their lives, along with pilot Randy Hughes. Among those taking part in the tribute were Jean Shepard, Terri Clark, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Chuck Mead.

March 14, 2013: Opry member Jack Greene passed away after a long illness. Jack, who was formally a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, joined the Opry in December 1967. Jack always did a great job singing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool." Even in his later years, Jack never lost his great voice.

March 15, 2014: The Grand Ole Opry marked the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House with two special shows that featured Blake Shelton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens and Miranda Lambert. I was at the Opry that night and both shows were wonderful. 

March 6, 2017: It was announced that Sally Williams was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Programming & Artists Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry. She previously had been the General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium. While there was great excitement for Sally coming to the Opry, her time there did not last long. 

March 11, 2017: Dailey & Vincent became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The bluegrass duo had been extended an invitation by Marty Stuart in December, upon their 100th guest appearance on the show. This will be their 6th year as Opry members. 

March 20, 2018: Chris Janson became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris had made over 100 guest appearances on the show and had always said that his dream was to someday become a member of the Opry's cast. For Chris, this will be his 5th year as an Opry member. 

March 1, 2019: The Whites were honored upon their 35th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Ricky Skaggs and Opry general manager Sally Williams joined in the salute.

March 2, 2019: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was recognized upon his 55th anniversary as an Opry member. Jesse, along with his brother Jim, joined the Opry's cast on March 2, 1964. While his brother passed away in 2002, Jesse has continued as an Opry member. Old Crow Medicine Show joined in the salute to Jesse.

March 5, 2019: The Grand Ole Opry invited Kelsea Ballerini to become a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Little Big Town offered the invite. Her formal induction would take place the following month.

March 12, 2019: Trisha Yearwood celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and of course, Garth Brooks, joined in the celebration. 

March 13, 2020: With the Covid pandemic beginning to grip the country, and many sporting events and concerts cancelled, the Grand Ole Opry announced that the shows would continue on Saturday nights, with limited artists and no audiences. These one-hour shows would be televised on Circle TV. 

March 14, 2020: The Grand Ole Opry was performed without an audience and the show was televised on the Circle network. This lineup that night featured Opry members Connie Smith, Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely, along with Sam Williams, Mandy Barnett and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. 

March 29, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Jan Howard passed away after a short period of declining health. Jan had been an Opry member for 49 years and was considered one of the "Grand Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry." 

March 30, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away after a short battle with Covid. Joe had joined the Opry in November 1993 and while he didn't make a lot of Opry appearances, you could count on Joe being at the Opry several times each year. He was always popular with the fans. 

March 19, 2022: During a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Bill Anderson surprised Jamey Johnson with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jamey had made it known for several years that he would really like to become a member. His induction would take place later in the summer. 

There you have it for this month. I hope a lot of those dates bring back some memories.



Thursday, March 2, 2023

Grand Ole Opry 3/3 & 3/4 (Updated)

The "big" news at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend is Dierk's Bentley making his 90th appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. (Actually, would this be his 91st appearance since he made a surprise appearance on the Wednesday Night Opry, performing with Jason Carter?)

The official announcement:
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate Opry member Dierks Bentley and his new album, Gravel & Gold, on Friday night’s show.

Bentley’s 10th studio album is out now, and the Opry will bring portions of it to life on Friday, March 3 with a one-hour set. The show dubbed “Dierks Bentley & Friends” will feature performances by Bentley, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde and more guests. This night will mark Bentley’s historic 90th performance on The Grand Ole Opry stage.

“Dierks Bentley & Friends” will air on March 18 as a Saturday night Opry Live show on Circle Network and Circle All Access social media platforms. Additionally, the Opry show can be heard online at opry.com and wsmonline.com, as well as on air on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and WSM Radio.

Bentley’s Gravel & Gold details perspective and self-awareness from personal to professional levels. Across 14-tracks, this project pulls from the multiple strains of country music Bentley has mastered and cultivated. Gravel & Gold is a story of persistence and devotion to making authentic and lasting music over his 20-year career.

As a point of reference, Dierks made his Opry debut on April 18, 2003, and became an Opry member on October 1, 2005. So, that comes up to 90 appearances in 20 years, an average of 4.5 per year. 

Compare that to Carly Pearce, who later in March will be making her 99th appearance at the Opry. Carly made her Opry debut on May 30, 2015, and became a member on August 3, 2021. That averages out to just over 12 appearances per year. Or perhaps our favorite, Carrie Underwood, who is approaching 125 appearances since joining in 2008. 

While I am happy that Dierks is back at the Opry, I am sorry that it seemed to have taken a special occasion to get him to appear. 

While we know Dierks is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, also on the schedule are Opry members Mark Willis, and Jamey Johnson, who hopefully is recovered from his recent throat issues. Among the non-members, Maddie & Tae, Jordan Davis and frequent Opry guest Jason Crabb are on the list, along with William Beckman, who is making his Opry debut. 

Friday March 3
7:00: Mark Wills, Maddie & Tae, Jason Crabb, William Beckmann, Jamey Johnson, Jordan Davis
Intermission
8:35: Dierks Bentley & Friends

(Yes, the first half of the show is extended, with Dierks getting an entire hour to himself and his friends).

So, who exactly are the friends that will be appearing with Dierks? The only name mentioned as been fellow Opry member Ashley McBryde, who has a duet with Dierks, "Cowboy Boots" on his new album Gravel and Gold. Also named in the announcement was Jordan Davis. As to anyone else, your guess is as good as mine. 


Now taking a look at Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry, there is a nice group of Opry members on the schedule, led by the legendary Jeannie Seely, who continues to add to her record setting number of Opry appearances. Jeannie will be joined by John Conlee, Mark Wills, The Isaacs and Riders In The Sky. 

Guesting on Saturday will be Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, along with Mae Estes, who will be making her Opry debut. 

I would also expect Saturday's show to be dedicated to Melvin Sloan, who passed away earlier this week, with a special performance by the Opry Square Dancers in tribute to Melvin. 

Saturday March 4
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Henry Cho, Opry Square Dancers, Mae Estes, The Isaacs

As mentioned, William Beckmann and Mae Estes are making their Opry debuts this weekend. 

William Beckmann is from the border town of Del Rio, TX, His new album Faded Memories released in 2022, featuring the slow-burn single “Bourbon Whiskey” as well as a mesmerizing cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” and the haunting “In The Dark.” The album has garnered praise from critics including American Songwriter, Billboard, CMT and more, and his current track “Damn This Heart of Mine” is his fourth consecutive single to hit the Top 20 at Texas Regional Radio Chart.  He has spent the last year touring with artists including Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen.

Mae Estes is from Arkansas and moved to Nashville in 2015. Taking cues from traditional artists like Lee Ann Womack and Keith Whitley, Mae merges the timelessness of classic country music with modern melodies to create her artistry, both as a songwriter and a performer. In 2020, she signed a deal with Plaid Flag Music. “The new music we are writing and recording now is not shockingly different,” Mae says, “but I’m slowly peeling off more layers. These songs offer glimpses into my life and mind, and I hope they bring me and my audience even closer,” while simultaneously making waves in the industry.


It was 45 years ago, Saturday March 4, 1978 that PBS televised the Grand Ole Opry to a nationwide audience for the first time. It was such a success that PBS would televise the Opry on an annual basis for the next three years. 

Only the first show was televised in 1978 and here is the running order from that show: 

6:00: Vietti
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at A Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
George Hamilton IV: Cornbread, Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Lonzo and Oscar: When The Fields in the Valley Turn Green
Billy Grammer: Birth of the Blues
Willis Brothers: Boots & Saddle
Del Reeves: Folsom Prison Blues/Margaritaville

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Jean Shepard: The Things That Might Have Been/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/You Win Again/A Deer John Letter
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee/Down Yonder
Bessyl Duhon: Opryland Special

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host0: Make Friends
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Archie Campbell: A.C. in N. Y. Last July

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind's 'A Comin'
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Don Williams: Some Broken Hearts Never Mend/I've Got a Winner In You
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/'Ol Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Jan Howard: Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Bill Monroe: Crying Holy Unto the Lord

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ronnie Milsap: Stand By My Woman Man/What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down/Daydreams About Night Things/A Legend In My Time
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That was Good in My Life

PBS was so pleased with the show, and the fundraising, that the following year both shows were televised. In addition, since PBS is commercial free, the commercials were not aired on television, and during those commercial breaks, backstage segments were shown. 


When Loretta Lynn first joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1962, she made numerous appearances. As her career took off, her Opry appearances became fewer and fewer. One of those appearances took place 23 years ago on Saturday March 4, 2000. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Fluffo/Banquet
Ricky Skaggs (host): Little Maggie
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Osborne Brothers: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Ricky Skaggs: A Voice From on High/Connemara

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Del Reeves: Looking At the World Through A Windshield
The Whites: Pins & Needles
Larry Cordle: Black Diamond Strings/Murder on Music Row
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light

7:30: Standard Candy
Jean Shepard (host): Tennessee Waltz
Wilma Lee Cooper: Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Paul Brandt: I'm Moving On
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free/A Half-A-Day Away From You/Coal Miner's Daughter
Jean Shepard: Dear Hearts & Gentle People

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Orange Blossom Special
Jan Howard: Take Me As I Am (or Let Me Go)
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball
The Derailers: You Come to The Right Place
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Ryan Holladay: Going Back to Harlem
Billy Walker: Sing Me A Love Song to Baby
Diamond Rio: That's How Your Love Makes Me Feel Inside/Unbelievable
Williams & Ree: Swinging

2nd show
9:30: Ryman Auditorium
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Before The Next Teardrops Fall
Osborne Brothers: Windy City/Rocky Top
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free/A Half-A-Day Away From You/Coal Miner's Daughter
Porter Wagoner: Brewster's Farm

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Diamond Rio (host): Meet In The Middle
Jimmy C Newman: Allons Ah Lafayette
Diamond Rio: Love A Little Stronger/Unbelievable

10:15: Opryland Hotel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Ricky Skaggs: Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Blue Ridge Mountain Home
Jimmy Dickens: Raggedy Ann

10:30: Opry Cruise
Jeanne Pruett (host): Temporarily Yours
Larry Cordle: I'm Lonesome Without You/Murder On Music Row
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
The Whites (host): Pins & Needles
The Derailers: You Came To The Right Place
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sail Away Ladies
The Whites: Keep On The Sunny Side

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Del Reeves: The Only Girl I Can't Forget
Ryan and Mark Holladay: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Ryan Holladay: I'm On My Way Back To The Old Home
Paul Brandt: I Will; I Can' I Have; I Do/I'm Moving On
Bill Anderson: The Touch of The Master's Hand

11:30: Ryman Video
Johnny Russell (host): Act Naturally
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Doyle Dykes: The Wabash Cannonball/Amazing Grace

(Skeeter Davis was scheduled for the first show but cancelled). 

An interesting note regarding Ryan Holladay who was on both shows that night. It has been written that Ryan, at the age of five, was the youngest performer to have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. By the time he was 11 as a multi-instrumentalist, he would have had three records already recorded and released. He made appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Nickelodeon, as well as opening for such acts as Roy Clark and Nickel Creek. That night, he appeared on the Opry with his father Mark, In 2005, on the Skaggs Family Records label, he released New Kid in Town. I am not sure what Ryan has been up to lately, but as of 2010, he was still performing. 

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.