May Opry Highlights

 Welcome to the month of May, the month where many of us see spring at the beginning of the month and summer by the end. As usual, May is a busy month at the Grand Ole Opry and here are the important and historical events that have taken place during the month involving the Opry or its members:

May 1, 1894: One of the Opry's original members, Sam McGee was born. Sam first appeared on the WSM Barn Dance in 1926. Over the years, Sam would appear with his brother Kirk, and as part of the Dixieliners and Fruit Jar Drinkers. Sam passed away in August 1975, following a tractor accident on his farm near Nashville.

May 12, 1901: The Duke of Paducah, Benjamin Francis Ford, was born in DeSoto, Missouri. This fine comedian joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1942 and remained a member of the Opry until 1959. Even though he gave up his Opry membership to move on to other opportunities, the Duke would continue to return for guest appearances, especially during the Opry's annual reunion shows. Benjamin Ford passed away in 1986, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 30, 1909: Lewis Crook, a member of the Crook Brothers, was born. While not an original member of the group, he performed with Herman Crook and the others, primarily backing up the square dancers. After Herman passed away, Lewis continued on at the Opry as part of the newly named Opry Square Dance Band. Lewis, who was a part of the Opry for over 60 years, passed away in 1997.

May 17, 1912: Grand Ole Opry and WSM announcer Grant Turner was born. Grant joined the staff of WSM on D-Day, June 6, 1944. While the Opry has had many legendary announcers over the years, Grant is considered the Opry's best, so much so that he was called "The Dean of the Opry's Announcers." Grant remained an Opry announcer until his death on October 19, 1991, just hours after finishing his work on the Friday Night Opry. Grant, who is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, was with WSM for 47 years.

May 30, 1912: Alcyone Bate Beasley was born. Alcyone was there when it all started in November 1925, performing with her father's group, Dr. Humphrey Bate and His Possum Hunters. After his death in 1936, Alcyone worked to keep the Possum Hunters together, but it was a struggle as the Opry moved to a more professional and modern sound. By the 1960s, the Possum Hunters had been merged with the Crook Brothers. In the 1970s, after over 45 years on the Opry, Alcyone went into semi-retirement, after which she became a fixture at the Opry's annual reunion shows. She passed away in October 1982.

May 9, 1914: The legendary Singing Ranger, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. Hank joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1950 and would remain one of the Opry's biggest stars until his death in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1979, Hank was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hank last appeared on the Opry in 1996 and passed away in December 1999 after a period of declining health. 

May 1, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon joined the cast of the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered the first professional musician to join the cast of the Barn Dance, and he would remain with the show until his death in March 1952. Uncle Dave was a popular Opry member, who always considered himself just a plain old country boy. In 1966, he was one of the early members to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 8, 1926: Obed Pickard, the first singing star of the Grand Ole Opry, made his debut on the WSM radio show. Certainly, one of the forgotten names in the history of the Opry. 

May 7, 1927: Fiddler Paul Warmack made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, months before he introduced his group The Gully Jumpers to the show. The Gully Jumpers would spend the next several decades as the Opry as part of the rotation of the string bands. 

May 1, 1928: Former Grand Ole Opry member, James Hugh Loden was born. Better known as Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, he was an Opry member for a few years in the 1960s. A true country legend, Sonny is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 26, 1934: Fiddler Theron Hale made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, where he had performed regularly for eight years. As with so many of the Opry's early members, he didn't stay too long. 

May 25, 1936: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T Hall was born. Much like Abe Lincoln. Tom T was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tom T originally joined the Opry on January 1, 1971. He left the Opry in 1974, after the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland. In 1980, he returned as an Opry member and until the early 1990s, appeared on the Opry often. Sadly, Tom T Hall passed in 2021 shortly after passing the 50-year mark as an Opry member. 

May 30, 1936: The blackface comedy duo Lasses & Honey marked their final Grand Ole Opry appearance The duo had been a part of the Opry for a couple of years. 

May 31, 1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, Ohio. Early in his career, he decided upon the name Johnny Paycheck and spent the early part of his career as a band member for Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, George Jones and Faron Young. Once he became a star in his own right, Johnny became one of the first to be considered a country "outlaw." He experienced some pretty serious issues in his life and spent some time in prison. However, in 1997, thanks to some help from his friend Johnny Russell, he was asked to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, just a few years after becoming an Opry member, his health declined, and his performing career ended. Johnny passed away in February 2003. There are some who believe that Johnny deserves a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 6, 1939: Obed Pickard and The Pickard Family performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time at Nashville's Dixie Tabernacle. 

May 2, 1948: Grand Ole Opry member Larry Gatlin was born. Along with his brothers Steve and Rudy, Larry joined the cast of the Opry on Christmas Day 1976. In recent years, Larry has been performing pretty regularly at the Opry and has become the primary host of Opry Country Classics, which takes place at the Ryman Auditorium during the Spring and Fall months. Who else finds it hard to believe that Larry will be 75 this year? 

May 29, 1950: Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, which consisted of Anita, Helen and June, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. When the Carters joined the cast, they also brought along Chet Atkins as their guitar player. For Chet, it was a return to the show as he had originally appeared on the show in the 1940s with Red Foley. While the Carter Sisters would come and go, Mother Maybelle remained with the Opry until the late 1960s. Later in her career, and similar to the experience of other veteran Opry members such as Sam and Kirk McGee, she would complain to the Opry's management about her poorly timed spots and a general lack of respect. When she finally did decide to leave the Opry, it was to become a permanent member of Johnny Cash's Road show.

May 16, 1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced that night by Opry member Carl Smith. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would make occasional Opry appearances throughout his career, including on the night that Jimmy Dickens was honored on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member.

May 23, 1953: Singing "Mexican Joe" future Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves made his Opry debut.

May 1, 1954: Comedian Andy Griffith made his Grand Ole Opry debut. While he was not a regular on the Opry, he would make a few appearances over the years and was always well received. 

May 21, 1955: While several dates are listed, it would appear that this was the date that Opry member Webb Pierce quit the Opry. He was an Opry member for just three years, but over that time he realized pretty fast how much money he was losing by not being out on the road on Saturday nights. In addition to his Hall of Fame career, Webb was also involved in the music publishing business. Even though Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would continue to make guest appearances on the show up until he passed away.

May 11, 1957: Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. They, along with a few others, were brought in as part of a youth movement in an attempt to capture the younger crowd who were not coming to the Opry. They were with the Opry for only a year before moving on. In 2001, they were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

May 18, 1957: Just weeks after the Everly Brothers, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Opry debut. While the Everly Brothers left fairly soon after joining, the Kershaw boys would stay around for a few years.

May 28, 1957: The Louvin Brothers formally resign from the Grand Ole Opry to join The Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia. When they discover they won't receive as much pay as they expected at The Jamboree, they decide several weeks later to return to the Opry. 

May 20, 1958: Don Gibson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A fantastic songwriter, Don was an Opry member until December 1964, when he was fired from the cast for not making the required number of Opry appearances. Several years later, Don rejoined the Opry after the attendance requirements were lowered. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, Don remained an Opry member until his death in 2003 after a period of declining health.

May 4, 1959: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina. Randy joined the cast of the Opry in December 1986. Due to some serious health issues, including a stroke, Randy is no longer able to perform, however he does come around and visits the Opry on occasion.

May 1, 1960: The WLS National Barn Dance, one of the Opry's early competitors, came to an end as WLS in Chicago changed formats. The Barn Dance originally started on April 19, 1924, a year prior to the start of the Opry.

May 5, 1962: Future Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth made her first guest appearance on the Opry. Marion would join the Opry cast a year later. Marion, who passed away in 1999, was really underrated as a singer and after leaving the Opry, she spent some time performing in Las Vegas.

May 13, 1966: Colonel Sanders made a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, where he promised a free chicken dinner to the first 1,000 people who would write to him in care of WSM Radio. There was no further report as to how many took him up on his offer. 

May 28, 1966: Jeannie Seely made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Jeannie would make several more appearances over the next year and in September 1967, would become a member of the Opry. Over the course of her career, Jeannie has appeared on the Opry over 5,000 times, more than any other artist. This year will mark her 57th year as a member, and she remains one of the most loyal and popular members of the Opry's cast. 

May 13, 1967: Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Merle came to the Opry a few times, the last being in October 2015, when he made a surprise appearance on the show in what turned out to be one of his final performances. 

May 8, 1968: Grand Ole Opry founder George D. Hay passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started the WSM Barn Dance in November 1925, several months after joining WSM as the Radio Director. After he started the show, he would frequently clash with WSM management, particularly Harry and David Stone, over the direction of the show. He wanted to keep the Opry "close to the ground" while the Stone's saw the value of the Opry to National Life and WSM and wanted the show to take a more professional approach. Over the years, Hay would suffer periods of ill health and by the time he retired from WSM, he was primarily an announcer with little creative control regarding the show. On Saturday May 11, the  first Opry show following his death, Grant Turner paid tribute to him, saying, "He called himself the Solemn Old Judge. If he was solemn, it was only in the face of those who thought to change or corrupt the purity of the barn dance ballads he sought to preserve. We, the performers and friends of the Grand Ole Opry, salute the memory of one whose influence is felt on the stage of the Opry tonight-the Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay."

May 10, 1969: Stonewall Jackson rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall was another of the ones who were fired in December 1964 for failing to fulfill the Opry's attendance requirements. Stonewall originally joined the cast in November 1956. His last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary as an Opry member. In his later years, Stonewall battled a series of health issues, passing away in December 2021 at the age of 89. 

May 17, 1969: Tammy Wynette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, her time as an Opry member would be short and within a few years, she would leave the Opry's cast. To put it simply, she came to the Opry with George Jones and left with George Jones. 

May 16, 1970: In one of those special Opry moments, baseball Hall of Fame member Dizzy Dean made a guest appearance on the Opry. Dizzy was a great fan of country music and was known to belt out his version of the Wabash Cannonball while broadcasting a game. Dizzy and Roy Acuff were friends, and it was Dizzy who gave Roy the nickname of "The King of Country Music." 

May 1, 1971: Tex Summey, known professionally as Cousin Jody, made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He originally came to the Opry in 1937 with Roy Acuff and later performed with Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys. Later in his career, he appeared with Lonzo & Oscar, in addition to his solo performances. While not always remembered, Cousin Jody was Roy Acuff's original dobro player, replaced by Brother Oswald when he left Roy's group.

May 13, 1972: Eight years after an impromptu debut as a guest of The Wilburn Brothers, Gene Watson performed "Danny Boy" and "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love with You)" during his first scheduled appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It would take while, but Gene would eventually become a member of the Opry, joining the cast in February 2020.

May 8, 1976: After an absence of several years, George Hamilton IV rejoined the Opry's cast. George originally joined the Opry in February 1960. He left the show, however, as he moved from Nashville back to North Carolina and was doing a lot of touring. After coming back, George stayed with the Opry until his death in September 2014. George is another of those artists who I believe were very underrated during their careers. 

May 21, 1976: Following in the tradition of non-country artists appearing on the Opry, Carol Lawrence and Anson Williams each made an appearance on that evening's Friday Night Opry. 

May 21, 1977: Former Grand Ole Opry member Don Everly made a guest appearance on the Opry, along with Tennessee Ernie Ford. While Ernie Ford was never an Opry member, he did make several Opry appearances over the years. 

May 22, 1977: In honor of Victoria Day, a national holiday in Canada, the Opry held a special matinee show dedicated to the fans of the Opry from the country up North. By the way, there have been three Grand Ole Opry members that have called Canada home: Hank Snow, Stu Phillips and Terri Clark.

May 11, 1979: Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville at the age of 64. Lester had been in declining health for a number of years. Lester first came to the Opry as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, later joining with Earl Scruggs to form Flatt & Scruggs. After splitting with Earl, Lester continued as an Opry member, sticking to traditional bluegrass and traditionally hosting the segment hosted by Martha White.

May 15, 1982: Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 41st year as an Opry member. Ricky always dreamed of becoming an Opry member and he has always taken his Opry membership seriously. As Ricky said, "I don't ever, ever want to get to the point where I don't come and play the Opry, while I feel like I'm too good to play the Opry. Mr. Acuff said that I would do that. He said you'll get so big you'll do like all the rest of them. And I said, you don't know me. You just watch and see; I'm not made that way. I didn't join the Opry for that." After that, whenever Ricky played the Opry, he would always make it a point to find Roy and tell him that he was indeed there. And yes, there have been a few bumps in the road, but overall, Ricky has been good for the Opry.

May 26, 1984: Onie Wheeler, a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, died of a heart attack while performing on the Grand Ole Gospel radio program that followed the Friday Night Opry.

May 8, 1985: Amid reports the Grand Ole Opry is planning to trim its roster, Porter Wagoner rallied members in a meeting to assure them the Opry was behind them. Attendees include Roy Acuff, Jack Greene, Jan Howard, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Billy Walker. While those were not among the names being mentioned, Porter was trying to lead the cast in fighting back on the proposed cuts. 

May 18, 1985: U.S. vice president George Bush made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. spending some time visiting with Roy Acuff. 

May 3, 1986: Barbara Mandrell returned to the Opry for the first time following her near fatal car accident. While her appearances were fewer as her career progressed, Barbara has always expressed a great love of the Opry and its members.

May 4, 1991: Travis Tritt made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, in February 1992, Travis would become an Opry member. Sadly, Travis is another of those who rarely appear on the Opry. 

May 23, 1992: Martina McBride made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Much like Travis, Martina would soon become an Opry member. 

May 1, 1993: Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  Charley first appeared as a guest on the Opry in the late 1960s. Over the following years, Charley was asked numerous times if he was interested in becoming a member of the Opry, but he always declined due to his heavy touring schedule and the fact that he seldom came to Nashville. In 1993, he finally felt that the time was right, and he joined the cast. Sadly, Charley passed away in 2020 from complications due to Covid. 

May 11, 1996: Steve Wariner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve first came to the Opry as a member of Dottie West's band, before branching out with his own career. This will be Steve's 27th year as a member of the Opry's cast. I have had to the opportunity to meet Steve while at the Opry and found him friendly and delightful to talk to.

May 3, 1997: The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree celebrated its 50th anniversary with a show that took place on Broadway Avenue in Nashville. It was a wonderful night and star studded as many came out that night to show their support for the Midnight Jamboree. 2022 would mark the 75th anniversary of the Midnight Jamboree. After a period of decline, which included the closing of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and no shows, the Jamboree, in the past year, has been making a comeback. 

May 17, 1997: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tammy had been a member of the Opry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when she was married to George Jones.

May 31, 1997: Lee Ann Womack made her first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Lee Ann would make guest appearances on the show.

May 9, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn made his final appearance on the Opry. Teddy and his brother Doyle, along with other family members, had first appeared on the Opry in 1940 before being forced to leave the show due to child labor laws. In the 1950s, they returned to the Opry as members, with Teddy and Doyle performing as a duo until Doyle's death from cancer in 1982. Teddy continued as a solo member of the Opry, although over time he would reduce his appearances. Health issues forced Teddy to retire from performing and he passed away in November 2003. 20 years. Where does the time go? 

May 15, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck made his final appearance on the Opry. Health issues forced Johnny to retire from performing.

May 21, 1999: Little Big Town made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It was also the first public appearance for Little Big Town who would eventually become members of the Opry. 

May 29, 1999: Future Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made his Opry debut. Brad came to Nashville and the Opry via the Wheeling Jamboree. After numerous guest appearances, Brad would eventually become an Opry member. 

May 6, 2000: The legendary Patti Page made a guest appearance on the Opry. Patti, who was best known for the hit song "Tennessee Waltz" was described at one time by Vince Gill as his mothers' favorite singer. 

May 5, 2001: Blake Shelton made his debut as a guest artist on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next decade, Blake would continue to appear once in a while on the Opry, eventually joining the cast in the fall of 2010. Since joining the cast, Blake's appearances have been few and far between. 

May 21, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Billy Walker, along with his wife Bettie and two members of his band, were killed in a traffic accident on their way back to Nashville after an appearance in Alabama. Billy had joined the Opry in 1960. Such a tragic end to a great career. 

May 19, 2007: Porter Wagoner celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was joined that night by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart and Buck Trent. Marty hosted the televised segment, and it marked the final time that Porter and Dolly shared the stage together. Dolly sang a very emotional "I Will Always Love You," which she wrote dedicated to Porter and on that night, it brought tears to Porter's eyes. Porter, who was already in declining health, would pass away in October.

May 10, 2008: Carrie Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 15th year as an Opry member. On the night of her induction, Garth Brooks surprised Carrie and the Opry crowd by making a special appearance to induct Carrie. I know I have said it before, but Carrie takes her Opry membership seriously and even with her busy schedule, she has always managed to get in the 10 appearances each year asked of her.

May 26, 2009: Montgomery Gentry was invited by Charlie Daniels to join the Grand Ole Opry. After accepting the offer, the duo sang their hit "One In Every Crowd."

May 30, 2009: Comedian, actor and banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, leading an all-star band performing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." If you have never seen or heard Steve play the banjo, he is fantastic and takes it very seriously.

May 1, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House sustained major damage when the Cumberland River flooded during heavy rains that hit the Nashville area. The Opry House, Acuff Theater, Opry Museum and Opry Mills Mall all were closed due to the damage. The Acuff Theater was torn down, the Museum has never reopened, and it took the Mall years to get repaired. In the case of the Opry House, it took until September for the auditorium to be reopened. When it did, it was a star-studded Tuesday Night Opry with Bill Anderson hosting the opening segment. This was fitting as it was Bill that had hosted the final Saturday night segment the night prior to the flood. And even though the Opry House was closed due to the flood, the Opry did not miss one performance as the show relocated to various buildings around Nashville.

May 4, 2010: With the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House underwater, the Opry moved to War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville for the Tuesday Night Opry. The lineup included Chris Young, Marty Stuart, Suzy Bogguss and Jeannie Seely, whose home was also flooded.

May 14, 2010: In the wake of flooding at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville's Two Rivers Baptist Church hosted the Opry for the first time in history. The lineup that night included Charlie Daniels, Lorrie Morgan, Jeannie Seely and Steve Wariner. While the Opry would eventually settle in at the Ryman Auditorium before returning to the Opry House later that year, the show would move around to various venues in Nashville during that summer. 

May 3, 2011: Alabama made a guest appearance on the Opry, 29 years after they first appeared on the Opry. They were joined on stage that night by Opry member Brad Paisley, and together they sang, "Old Alabama" and "Tennessee River." While never becoming an Opry member, Alabama would return several times to perform on the show.

May 10, 2012: Loretta Lynn brought out actress Zooey Deschanel to duet on "Coal Miner's Daughter" during the Grand Ole Opry. Zooey. For those who are not familiar with Zooey, she is a fine singer and a part of the duo She & Him. 

May 15, 2012: Ricky Skaggs celebrated 30 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. He sang "Me and God" with Josh Turner and "Amen" with Edens Edge. Skaggs also performs with Alison Krauss and The Whites.

May 18, 2013: Retired Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell made a surprise appearance at the Opry. She did not sing but came out on stage and waved to the audience.

May 20, 2014: The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band made its Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "Wagon Wheel" with Ricky Skaggs during a four-song set. The military-themed Opry installment also featured Lee Greenwood, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Darryl Worley.

May 30, 2015: Carly Pearce made her Grand Ole Opry debut. After becoming one of the Opry's more frequent guest artists, and seeing her career take great leaps, in 2021 Carly became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Most recently, Carly made her 100th appearance on the Opry. 

May 4, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride was honored at the Opry upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

May 11, 2018: Carrie Underwood celebrated her 10th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, performing "Cry Pretty," "Jesus, Take The Wheel" and "Temporary Home" on the show, where she's greeted by Randy Travis.

May 4, 2019: Randy Travis appeared at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 60th birthday. Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Charles Esten and Josh Turner joined Randy that night. Randy joined songwriter Don Schlitz in singing "Forever and Ever, Amen" which was written by Don.

May 8, 2021: Steve Wariner was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The evening was highlighted by a surprise appearance by Garth Brooks. Steve and Garth had collaborated together in the past and did so again that night. 

May 14, 2021: For the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020, the Grand Ole Opry was held without a capacity restriction. Among the artists performing that night were Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Riders In The Sky and Charles Esten. It was also the Opry debut of Brittney Spencer. 

May 22, 2021: Leslie Jordan made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Appearing with Brothers Osborne, Leslie sang "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." His appearance was considered a smash. 

May 29, 2021: Former Grand Ole Opry member B.J. Thomas passed away after a short illness. B.J. was an Opry member in the early 80s. While he did give up his Opry membership shortly after joining, he did return for a few guest appearances on the show. 

May 14, 2022: Jamey Johnson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jamey had been asked by Bill Anderson during a March guest appearance to become a member, something that Jamey had talked about for years. 

There you have it for May. Another busy month around the Opry.

Grand Ole Opry 4/28 & 4/29

Before getting into the lineups for the two shows this weekend, some wonderful news concerning Dan Rogers, the Opry's Vice President and Executive Producer: 

NASHVILLE—The Country Music Association presented Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, with its 2022 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. Rogers received the industry honor from Jay Williams, WME Nashville Co-Head and Partner and Chairman of the CMA Awards & Recognition Committee during the CMA Board meeting in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 28.  

“Dan has been a force in our industry for many years and we are more than thrilled to honor him with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Country Music would not be where it is today without the Grand Ole Opry and Dan’s efforts to grow, evolve and reach audiences across the globe. He strikes the perfect balance between honoring the Opry’s respected past while also working to keep the institution up to date on the newest artists and music.”  

“I am so thankful to the CMA for this recognition,” says Rogers. “Throughout my career, I’ve looked up to previous winners of this award, truly never imagining a day when my name would join that list. Day after day, I learn from and am inspired by the tremendous artists and passionate colleagues with which I’m lucky to work. I’m thankful to be part of this incredible community and am excited to work further toward earning this award in the years to come.” 

The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence is presented to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved Country Music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry. It is the intention that these ideas and actions are ongoing and have a proven historical impact on Country Music.

I am sure that I am speaking for many of the readers when I offer my congratulations to Dan, and also express how fortunate we all are to have Dan in charge of the Opry. 

I know from talking to Dan that it is not an easy job. Putting on several Opry shows each week, along with the private events that take place at the Grand Ole Opry House can be a challenge. But I look at all he has accomplished in just a few short years. Dan has added several new members who have been well deserving of membership and have supported the show. He also has introduced us to a variety of new artists, many of whom have been making their Opry debuts. And he guided the show through the Covid pandemic. 

I really like the direction the Opry has been going in during the last few years and continue to look forward to the Opry's 100th anniversary in just two more years. 

Again, congratulations to Dan Rogers for this well-deserved award. 

Now taking a look at the schedules for the Opry shows this weekend as the Opry finishes up the month of April. 

The Friday Night Opry has member Gene Watson listed on the lineup for this weekend. For Gene, this will be his first Opry appearance of 2023. Nice to see Gene back at the Opry, and I will add that he has a couple of more appearances coming up soon. 

Joining Gene will be Rhonda Vincent, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett. Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett will make it a two-show weekend as both return on Saturday night, along with Mark Wills, Hall of Famer Don Schlitz, Dailey & Vincent and The Isaacs. 

There is only one non-member making their Opry debut this weekend and that is Pillbox Patti, who is scheduled on Friday night. Also listed is the legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanual, along with Spencer Crandall and Dillon Carmichael. 

The only two non-members on the Saturday schedule are the Davisson Brothers Band and Shane Profitt. 

Friday April 28
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Spencer Crandall, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Dillon Carmichael, Pillbox Patti, Tommy Emmanual, Gene Watson

Saturday April 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Davisson Brothers Band, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Opry Square Dancers, Shane Profitt, The Isaacs

There are no "superstars" on the schedule this weekend, but two solid nights of shows. 

Opry Live on Circle Saturday night will have previously taped performances by Trace Adkins, Little Big Town and Darius Rucker, all of whom appeared during the latter part of March.

As mentioned, Pillbox Patti will be making her Opry debut on Friday night. Originally known as Nicolette Hayford, she has spent years as a songwriter, including writing Ashley McBryde's "One Night Standards," plus co-writes on McBryde's new "Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville" album and Lainey Wilson's "Bell Bottom Country." After that successful part of her career, she ventured off to do a new project, emerging as Pillbox Patti with a new album "Florida." 

Originally from Florida, her new album was released on Monument Records. Florida captures everything she wants to convey: a fresh, authentic take on growing up in her Country. It’s crystallized through the lens of a Florida native delivering her youth and adulthood in an honest, spirited, not always pretty, package.

I'm not sure what we will see from her on Friday night. Let's just say it could be interesting. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday April 29, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius
6:45: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Wilburn Brothers (host); Don Gibson; Del Wood; Raymond Fairchild
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); David Houston; George Hamilton IV; Crook Brothers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Lonzo and Oscar; Guy Willis
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilburn Brothers; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host) w/Helen Cornelius
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); David Houston; Brother Oswald
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Guy Willis; Roy Wiggins
10:45: George Hamilton IV (host); Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Marion Worth; Raymond Fairchild

(Jean Shepard was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. She was working a show date in Pennsylvania as a replacement for Dottie West. Don Gibson was only scheduled for the first show). 

Conway Twitty never really performed on the Grand Ole Opry. That is kind of surprising as he lived and was based out of Nashville and was associated with Opry member Loretta Lynn. However, Conway had a lot going on between his touring and Branson shows. Conway's first, and only, Opry appearance took place on Saturday April 28, 1973. Here is the running order from that night 50 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Billy Grammer: Detroit City

6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Stan Hitchcock: Let Me Roll
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Did You Think To Pray
Carol Lee Cooper and George McCormick: Never Ending Song of Love/Old Fashioned Love Song

7:00: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Lonzo and Oscar: Movin' On #2/Easy Loving
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Mary Lou Turner: Teddy Bear Song
Bill Anderson: If You Can Live with It
Jimmy Gately: Sweet, Sweet Loving
Bill Anderson: Don't She Look Good

7:30: Standard Candy
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Jimmy C Newman: The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Ray Pillow: I Wished Somebody Loved Me That Much
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Tommy Jones: Black Mountain Rag
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues
Ray Pillow: Cinderella

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bobby Lewis: It's Such A Pretty World Today
Conway Twitty: She Needs Someone To Hold Her/Hello Darling
Conway and Kathy Twitty: Don't Cry Daddy/Jackson
Roy Acuff: Won't It Be Wonderful There

8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Baby, It's So Hard To Be Good
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Ernest Tubb: Have You Ever Been Lonely

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Grammer (host): She's Got To Be A Saint
Willis Brothers: Little Red Wagon
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Billy Grammer: Life's Railway To Heaven
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Billy Grammer: What A Friend

10:00: Fender
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Ray Pillow: I Wish Somebody Loved Me That Much
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: To My Mansion

10:15: Union 76
Archie Campbell (host): Lonesome Road
Stan Hitchcock: Let Me Roll
Tommy Jones: Feudin Banjos/The Claw

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Gathering Flowers From The Hillside
Conway Twitty: Baby's Gone/She Needs Someone To Hold Her
Conway and Kathy Twitty: Don't Cry Daddy/Daddy Frank

10:45: Beechnut
Ernest Tubb (host): Filipino Baby
Bobby Lewis: Together Again
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

11:00: Coca Cola
Jimmy C Newman (host): The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Louie Roberts: Hey, Good Looking
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Joe Clark
Jimmy C Newman: San Antonio Rose
Louie Roberts: Make The World Go Away
Sam McGee: Fairwell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jimmy C Newman: Good Deal Lucille

11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River/Turn Your Radio On
Diane Jordan: Here I Am Again
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Diane Jordan: Teddy Bear Song
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything

(Bill Anderson was only scheduled for the first show that night)

They certainly got their money's worth out of Conway that night as he was on an extended amount of time on each show. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 4/25 & Opry Country Classics 4/27

Here is the lineup for the April 25th Tuesday Night Opry: 

7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Bella White, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Ingrid Andress, Connor Smith, Chris Janson

This will be the Opry debut for Bella White who comes to Nashville from Calgary, Canada. At the age of 22, she is another of the young females attempting to make it in the music business. 

Opry Country Classics this week is dedicated to Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry member, George Jones. It has been 10 years since George passed away and the show will feature the artists singing some of George's greatest hits. 

Thursday April 27
7:00
Larry Gatlin
The Gatlin Brothers
T. Graham Brown
Dean Dillon
Tony Jackson
Billy Yates
Rhonda Vincent

Thursday promises to be a wonderful classic show. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/21 & 4/22 Updated

This will be an abbreviated post for this week, as my lovely wife and I are spending the week in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hopefully, I will be able to catch up as the week goes on. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys are on the schedule. Earlier in the year, the Oaks posted their Opry dates for the entire year. I know Lauren Alaina did the same and personally, I don't think it is a bad idea. It helps those acts get in their appearances and gives their fans somewhat of an idea when to purchase tickets. 

Also scheduled are members Bobby Osborne, Riders In The Sky and Don Schlitz.

Guesting on Friday will be Sara Evans, Catie Offerman, and making his Opry debut, Brandon Ratcliff. 

Saturday night has Opry members Del McCoury Band and Henry Cho listed, along with Jeannie Seely, The Whites, and making it a two show weekend, Riders In The Sky. 

Steve Earle is back for another Opry appearance, along with Erin Kinsey and making his Opry debut, Chancey Williams. 

I am sure some have noticed that over the past year, both Sara Evans and Steve Earle have been making more appearances on the Opry than both have done in the past. 

Friday April 21 

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Catie Offerman, Brandon Ratcliff, Don Schlitz 

Intermission 

8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Sara Evans, Oak Ridge Boys

Saturday April 22

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Erin Kinsey, The Whites, Del McCoury Band

Intermission 

8:15: Jeannie Seely, Opry Square Dancers, Henry Cho, Chancey Williams, Steve Earle

As mentioned, Brandon Ratcliff and Chancey Williams are making their Opry debuts this weekend. 

Brandon Ratcliff is from Cotton Valley, Louisiana and is signed to Monument Records. In 2019 he released his first single "Rules of Breaking Up." He has opened for Kelsea Ballerini and Keith Urban, and his most recent release is Tale of Two Towns, which is described as a "coming of age record." 

Chancey Williams is from Wyoming and is described as a "neo-traditional country music sensation." He is one of only two artists (Chris LeDoux) to both compete in the rodeo and perform on the main stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days and the only singer/songwriter to be endorsed by CINCH®. Beginning 2022, Chancey was named iHeartRadio’s 2022 Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year. Williams also won Songwriter of the Year for ‘The Saint’ and Album of the Year for his most recent record produced with country hitmaker, Trent Wilmon, 3rd Street.

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday April 22, 1978:

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jerry Clower
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilburn Brothers; Skeeter Davis; Billy Grammer
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Guy Willis; Marion Worth; Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Roy Drusky; The 4 Guys; Ernie Ashworth
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host); Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Grammer; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Wilburn Brothers
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Guy Willis
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Marion Worth
10:45: Jerry Clower (host); The 4 Guys; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Ernie Ashworth; Kirk McGee
11:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett; Bill Carlisle; Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr. 

(Guy Willis appeared as a solo act as his brother Vic was in the hospital)

Here is the detailed running order: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe: Mary Jane, Would You Be Mine
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk with Me
Bill Monroe: Clinging To A Saving Hand

6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown: I've Rode with The Best
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Jim Ed Brown: It's That Time of The Night

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner: Ol' Slewfoot
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town
Wilburn Brothers and Skeeter Davis: Get All Excited
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles/He Will Be There
Billy Grammer: Memory Waltz
Porter Wagoner: Tennessee Saturday Night/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central No. 9/Sunshine Special
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Guy Willis: Boots & Saddle
Marion Worth: Fool #1
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Durang's Hornpipe
Roy Acuff: Will The Circle Be Unbroken

8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones: Little Pink
Roy Drusky: Fraulein/Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On/My Special Angel
Ernie Ashworth: Give Me 100 Reason
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klide

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Jeanne Pruett: Sweet Sweetheart/Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: The Spirits of St. Louis
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Kenny Baker: Instrumental
Jim Ed Brown: Four Walls/He'll Have To Go/Distant Drums/Mexican Joe
Billy Grammer: Georgiana Moon Waltz
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Bill Monroe: I'm Working On A Building

10:00: Fender
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind's A' Comin'
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Porter Wagoner: Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff: Back In The Country
Guy Willis: Home On The Range
Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones: Ol' Blue
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Marion Worth: Just A Little Lovin'
Grandpa Jones: Night Train To Memphis

10:45: Beech-nut
Jerry Clower: Comedy
The 4 Guys: Hangin' On
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Katy Hill
Jerry Clower: Comedy

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow: The Wreck of The Old 97/One More Ride
Roy Drusky: Peel Me A Nanner/One Day At A Time
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Ernie Ashworth: Give Me 100 Reasons
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Hobo Bill's Last Ride

11:30: Elm Hill
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jeanne Pruett: Sweet Sweetheart/Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Sheila Carlisle and Bill Carlisle Jr.: When I Stop Dreaming
Stonewall Jackson: The Spirits of St. Louis

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

Tuesday Night Opry 4/18 & Opry Country Classics 4/20

Beginning this week, the mid-week Opry shows will consist of the Tuesday Night Opry and Thursday night's Opry Country Classics, as the Wednesday Night Opry gets a break from the schedule. The Wednesday night show will return at the end of May, at which time Opry Country Classics completes its Spring run of shows. 

Looking at the schedule for Tuesday night, Opry members John Conlee, Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely and Steve Wariner are listed, along with Opry NextStage artists Breland and Hailey Whitters. Bobby Bones and 49 Winchester round out the schedule. 

Tuesday April 18
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Breland, John Conlee, Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: 49 Winchester, Bobby Bones, Hailey Whitters, Craig Morgan

Opry Country Classics is highlighted by Opry member Chris Young, who will be the Spotlight Artist this week. Also on the schedule are Opry members Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. For Charlie, this will be his first Opry appearance since the first weekend of the year. 

Restless Road rounds out the schedule, along with Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. 

Thursday April 20
Opry Country Classics 7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin 
Spotlight Artist: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Restless Road

Grand Ole Opry 4/14 & 4/15

The Grand Ole Opry has announced the Opry NextStage Class for 2023. The program spotlights rising talent on the Opry stage and across Opry Entertainment Group platforms. 

The names for 2023 include Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney and Ian Munsick. 

Each of those acts have already appeared on the Opry and will continue to be featured on the Opry in the coming months. 

Moving on to the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, the Friday Night Opry has members Don Schlitz, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs and Rascal Flatts member Gary LeVox on the schedule. While the other members of Rascal Flatts seem to have disappeared from the Opry stage, Gary has continued to make appearances. 

It is nice to see Moe Bandy on the schedule for Friday night. Moe has appeared a few times on the Opry and it is certainly nice to see this legendary performer back. Also scheduled are Shelly Fairchild, Brett Kissel, and making his Opry debut, Peter One. 

Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry is highlighted by an appearance by Opry member Kelsea Ballerini, fresh off her performance at the CMT awards. Also on the schedule are Opry members Jamey Johnson, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and Lorrie Morgan, who by the way, will be hosting the Midnite Jamboree at the Troubadour Theater. Frank Ray, Caitlyn Smith and Jordan Harvey, who is making his Opry debut, round out the schedule. 

Friday April 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Brett Kissel, Don Schlitz, Gary LeVox
Intermission
8:15: Moe Bandy, Shelly Fairchild, Peter One, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday April 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Lorrie Morgan, Bill Anderson, Jordan Harvey, Jeannie Seely, Frank Ray
Intermission
8:30: Kelsea Ballerini, Caitlyn Smith, Jamey Johnson

With Kelsea Ballerini making her first Opry appearance of 2023, the list of those who have not appeared as of yet gets a little shorter. 

Among the "active" members, Clint Black, Luke Combs, Diamond Rio, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Eddie Montgomery, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Mike Snider, Pam Tillis, Travis Tritt, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Gene Watson have yet to make a 2023 appearance. It should be noted that Carrie and Gene are listed on upcoming schedules. 

Sadly, some of the names on the list are those that we see frequently. 

As mentioned, Pete One and Jordan Harvey are making Opry debuts this weekend. 

Peter One is from Cote d’Ivoire. Having first learned guitar at the age of seventeen, Peter developed stylistic affinities for African troubadours like Benin’s G.G. Vickey and the Cameroonian Eboa Lotin, which he began to blend with the chordal and harmonic lushness of some of his American favorites, Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Peter's first album, The Garden Needs Its Flowers, was released in 1985. He came to the United States in the mid 1990s, and after arriving in New York, he settled in Nashville. Now an American citizen, he has re-released his debut album, along with his new album “Cherie Vico." 

Jordan Harvey is a Scottish-born artist/songwriter who grew up in the rural, blue-collar town of South Queensferry. Growing up he watched the Grand Ole Opry with his father and dreamed of one day making country music his career.  After playing clubs around Scotland and England, he and found work playing four nights a week at Tootsie's. He then joined the band King Calaway, gaining experience opening for Garth Brooks and a host of shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live! The Late Late Show with James Corden, TODAY, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. He currently records for Broken Bow Records and is in the process of releasing new music. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday April 15, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Ernie Ashworth (host); Ruby Falls
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Billy Grammer (host); Jim Owens; David Rogers
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Bill Carlisle; Leona Williams; Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); The 4 Guys; Duke of Paducah; Harold Morrison
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Daniels; Brother Oswald; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Ernie Ashworth; Roy Wiggins; Ruby Falls
10:00: Willis Brothers (host); Brother Oswald
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); Harold Morrison
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host)
10:45: The 4 Guys (host); Leona Williams; Crook Brothers; Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Fruit Jar Drinkers; Charlie Daniels; Kirk McGee
11:30: Don Williams (host); Bill Carlisle; Fred Smith 

Overall, a weird, but thin night at the Opry. Most of the Opry's bigger names were missing with the exception of Hank Snow. Don Williams, in a rare Opry appearance, anchored the final segment and ended up singing six songs. There was a guest appearance by Charlie Daniels, who was just starting to hit it big as most of his success up to that point had been doing studio work and releasing a couple of singles/albums. 

Ruby Falls was on both shows. She was born Bertha Bearden Dorsey and was from Jackson, Tennessee. She was one of the first African American female country artists. As a teenager, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and began working with several local bands. 

By the late 1960's, Charley Pride was beginning to take the country music world by storm and providing perhaps a glimpse of opportunity for other black country music performers to be seen and heard. In 1974, Ruby moved back to Tennessee - to Nashville. Her talents were recognized and soon found herself touring with Justin Tubb. Her ability to entertain audiences was well received, even in Las Vegas. She was discovered by Johnny Howard who signed her to a recording contract with the 50 States record label. 

In 1977, Ruby released "Do The Buck Dance", written by Charlie Fields and Donald Riis and produced by Johnny Howard and Chuck Fields. In October of 1977, her tune "You've Got To Mend This Heartache" was number 40. On the same chart, Charley Pride was No. 3 with "More To Me". In October 1980, she released "Bringing Home That Feeling", written by Ray Griff and produced by Johnny Howard and Charlie Fields.

She was managed by the Atlas Talent Agency in Nashville; Haze Jones was its president at the time. Around 1981 or so, they were booking what was termed "mini packages" that would feature a Grand Ole Opry or Hee! Haw! star accompanied by two other lesser-known acts. Ruby toured with Justin Tubb and Doyle Holly and the Vanishing Breed during this time. She also worked with other country stars such as Faron Young, Jeannie Pruett, Del Reeves, Narvel Felts and Dave and Sugar.

Ruby Falls passed away on June 15, 1986, at the age of 40. 


Blake Shelton has not made very many Grand Ole Opry appearances, but one of those took place 17 years ago on Saturday April 15, 2006. Taking a look back, here is the running order from that night. 

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Hal Ketchum: It's A 5 O'clock World/Pass The Point of Rescue
Jeannie Seely: Pride
Jeannie Seely and Danny Davis: What's Going On In Your World
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Tootsie's/Martha White
Dierks Bentley: I've Got A Lot of Leavin' To Do
Steve Wariner: It's What I Didn't Do/Getting Slapped Around By The Hands of Time
Moutain Heart: Here To Ride The Train/The Devil's Court House
Grand Ole Opry Staff Band: On The Rebound
Blake Shelton: Don't Go Loving On Nobody but Me/If This Is Austin, I Still Love You/Some Beach. Somewhere
Dierks Bentley: Slow Down/Come A Little Closer/How Am I Doin
Steve Wariner: Burning The Roadhouse Down

8:00: Opry.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Jean Shepard: Love's Gonna Live Here/Tennessee Waltz
Del McCoury Band: 52 Vincent/My Love Will Not Change
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Porter Wagoner: The Dream

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Riders In The Sky (host): Wahoo, Wahoo, Wahoo
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Brad Paisley: You Are The World/ Get A Little Mud On The Tires/When I Get To Where I'm Going
Riders In The Sky: Ghost Riders In The Sky/Happy Trails To You

2nd show
9:30: Crackel Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jimmy C Newman: Big Manou/Sugar Bee
Steve Wariner: Bluebonnet Memories/Buring The Roadhouse Down
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand
Billy Walker: Circumstances
Osborne Brothers: West Virginia, My Home
Brad Paisley: You Are The World/When I Get To Where I'm Going/Celebrity

10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Hal Ketchum (host): Summertime
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Blake Shelton: Don't Go Loving Nobody but Me/Ol Red
Opry Square Dance Band: Here & There
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever

11:00: Gaylord Attractions
Jean Shepard (host): Wabash Cannonball
Mountain Heart: Lee Highway Blues
Dierks Bentley: (?)/What Was I Thinking
Jean Shepard: The Tips of My Fingers

11:30: Night At The Opry
Riders In The Sky (host): Back In The Saddle Again
Jack Greene: Walking On New Grass/There Goes My Everything
Del McCoury Band: Don't You Call My Name/Pike County Breakdown
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows On The Trail

I don't think anyone could complain about either show that night. A good mix. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 4/11 ; Wednesday Night Opry 4/12; Opry Country Classics 4/13

Tuesday night promises to be one of those special nights at the Grand Ole Opry House as Opry member Carly Pearce will be making her 100th appearance on the Opry.

Carly, who is one of the Opry's newest members, has certainly shown her commitment to the Opry, more so than a number of other members (including one who took just over 17 years to make it to appearance #90). 

Tuesday promises to be a great night, as in addition to Carly, Opry members John Conlee, The Whites, Dustin Lynch, The Isaacs, Ricky Skaggs and Ashley McBryde are all on the schedule. In fact, the only non-member is Megan Patrick, who is making her Opry debut. 

Tuesday April 11
7:00: John Conlee, Megan Patrick, The Whites, Dustin Lynch
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce, The Isaacs, Ricky Skaggs, Ashley McBryde

The lineup for Wednesday night is not as impressive as Tuesday, but still solid. Opry members Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz and Jamey Johnson headline. Very frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose is also scheduled, as is El Dorodo, who is making their Opry debut. 

Wednesday April 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Carter Faith, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Maggie Rose, El Dorodo, Jamey Johnson

Finally, Opry Country Classics continues its spring run, with Crystal Gayle the Spotlight Artist this week, and featuring Suzy Bogguss, among others. 

Thursday April 13
Opry Country Classics 7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Suzy Bogguss, Jake Hoot, Emmy Russell

Megan Patrick, who is making her Opry debut on Tuesday night, comes to Nashville from Canada, where she is an award-winning artist. She is a back-to-back CCMA Female Artist of the Year winner with several Top Ten singles to her credit. Her most recent collection is the Juno Award-winning ‘Wild As Me’ EP. So far, it has achieved over a million streams on Spotify alone and setting the stage for her eagerly awaited American introduction with “My First Car” and its similarly intoxicating follow-up single, “Goes Good with Beer.”

El Dorodo, who will be appearing on Wednesday night. consists of members of Tyler Childer's band, The Food Stamps. According to their website, you may hear aspects of these different genres represented in our music. We are fans first. Our hearts lie in Country/Western/Old Time music and culture. We represent true, honest Country music to be consumed by the masses and we do so with full hearts. Our aim is to get back to the basics of love…El Dorodo is country music. 

Overall, three nice shows this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 4/7 & 4/8

With the recent election of Grand Ole Opry member Patty Loveless to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and discussion already underway as to who might be elected in future years, I thought it would be good to look at the current Opry members who are in the Hall of Fame and speculate as to others who at some point will be elected or receive consideration. 

With Patty's election to the Hall, there are now 18 current Opry members who are Hall of Fame members: Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Barbara Mandrell, Charlie McCoy, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Don Schlitz, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart and Randy Travis. Certainly, an impressive list and all very deserving. In addition to those names, there are also dozens upon dozens of former Opry members who are in the Hall. 

Looking first at the current cast, who do I see at some point being automatic locks to make the Hall of Fame? The names on my list would include Clint Black, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and Trisha Yearwood. Most of those named are already eligible for the Hall of Fame and several have already received serious consideration. 

There is another group that I would say stand a chance to be elected but are not a sure bet. The names that I would put on that list would be Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Lorrie Morgan, Bobby Osborne (Osborne Brothers), Jeannie Seely, Travis Tritt and Gene Watson. There are some on that list that probably are close to being 100% locks, however it turns into a numbers game with only one Modern and one artist going in each year. 

Obviously, there are a group of younger artists where it is probably too early to speculate on, but if their careers continue on the current trajectory, they will definitely be in the mix. 

While many former Grand Ole Opry members are in the Hall of Fame, I do believe there are a few that either should be in the Hall or have been in the discussion over the past years. 

While some would disagree, in my opinion the list would include the Maddox Brothers and Rose, Ralph Stanley (Stanley Brothers), Wilburn Brothers, Mother Maybelle Carter and The Carter Sisters (including June), and Archie Campbell. 

One name I would add, and while he was not an "official" Opry member, Jimmy Capps should be the next musician elected to the Hall. 

There are a couple of names that I believe should receive some consideration but have either no chance, or a very slim chance of getting into the Hall. I would add George Hamilton IV (as an International Ambassador of Country Music), Wilma Lee Cooper (traditional Appalachian Sound), Stonewall Jackson (honky-tonk sound), Johnny Russell (songwriter), David "Stringbean" Akeman (musician and comedy), and Bradley Kincaid (early influence). 

I know that there are others that are favorites of some, and I will admit that this is an arbitrary list. If I overlooked an artist, I am sure someone will let me know. And that is ok as the more we debate these names and keep the discussion going, the better chance some of these artists will have. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry shows for Easter weekend, both Friday and Saturday night offer very nice shows. 

The Friday Night Opry has Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, Gary Mule Deer and Ricky Skaggs on the schedule. Riders In The Sky and Gary Mule Deer return on Saturday night, joined by Chris Young, Bill Anderson, Steve Wariner, who makes it two Saturdays in a row, and Rhonda & Darrin Vincent and Family. If you remember, Rhonda and Darrin made an appearance last year with their family members and it was a very memorable night. I am sure Saturday will present more of the same. 

There are only four non-Opry members on the schedule for the weekend, each of whom have appeared on the Opry numerous times. Linday Ell is on the schedule for Friday night in what will be her 50th appearance on the Opry. Charles Esten is scheduled, and for him he has appeared over 150 times. The final artist on Friday is Steven Curtis Chapman, another of those who are very familiar to Opry audiences. 

The only non-member on Saturday is Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and like those appearing on Friday night, are very familiar to Opry audiences. 

Friday April 7
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Lindsay Ell, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Steven Curtis Chapman, Gary Mule Deer, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday April 8
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Bill Anderson, Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: Rhonda & Darrin Vincent and Family, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Chris Young

Really nice to see a great group of Opry members both nights. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday April 8, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Charlie Walker (host); Jimmy Dickens; Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Louvin; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers; Guy Willis
8:00: Justin Tubb (host); Jim and Jesse; Bill Carlisle; Sheila and Bill Carlisle, Jr.
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Del Reeves; David Houston; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Jimmy Dickens; Stonewall Jackson
10:00: Charlie Walker (host); Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Del Reeves; Rudy Meeks
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Stu Phillips; Justin Tubb
10:45: Jim and Jesse (host); Guy Willis; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); David Houston; Kirk McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Bill Carlisle; Ronnie Robbins

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 8:00 segment on the first show and the 10:00 segment on the late show but cancelled. Also, Guy Willis appeared as a solo act and the square dancers did not appear on the late show). 

Looking back at past Opry lineups, former Grand Ole Opry member Kitty Wells appeared on Saturday April 8, 1995. Kitty, who was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, had joined the Opry in the early 1950s. She, along with her husband Johnnie Wright, were among the artists fired from the Opry in December 1964 as part of the "Purge of 64." According to her husband, the main issue was the payment of booking fees to the Opry's booking agency, or the lack of. While Kitty would never rejoin the Opry, she would make occasional appearances. One of those appearances took place in 1995.

Here is the running order from Saturday April 8, 1995: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Monroe (host): I'm Looking For My Sweetheart
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of The Dogwood Tree
Bill Monroe: Life's Railway To Heaven

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Del Reeves: The Race Is On
Grandpa Jones: Neighbors

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
Charlie Louvin: Candle In The Wind
Mike Snider: Cotton-Eyed Joe/Mississippi Sawyer/Battle Cry of Freedom/Get Your Hand Off My Knee & Load The Cannon
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

7:30: Standard Candy
Jim Ed Brown (host): Don't Bother To Knock
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
The Whites: Down In Louisiana
Kitty Wells: It Wasn't Got Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Kitty Wells, Johnnie and Bobby Wright: Dust On The Bible
Jim Ed Brown: The Doll Maker/Pop A Top

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jeannie Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Train Melody
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Sugarfoot Rag

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Rambling Rose
Jimmy C Newman: Allons Ah Lafayette
Oswald: Ka-Liga
Ricky Skaggs: Why I'm Walking/You Done Me Wrong
Hank Snow: Let's Pretend

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone To Town
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Stu Phillips: El Tigra
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Porter Wagoner and Collen Walters: The Last Thing On MY Mind
Collen Walters: Alone with You
Porter Wagoner: Ol' Slewfoot

10:00: Goody's
Bill Monroe (host): Life's Highway
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Bill Monroe: I'm Working On A Building/Tombstone Junction

10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Mike Snider: Blackjack/Dueling Banjos
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind The Barn

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Blue
Roy Drusky: The Waltz of The Angels
Grandpa Jones: Nashville On My Mind

10:45: Fairfield
Billy Walker (host): Come A Little Bit Closer
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way To Treat My Heart
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Tennessee Waggoner
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
The 4 Guys: You Made It Right
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Boxcar Willie: Train Melody
Hank Snow: Crying Time

11:30: Cates Pickles
Ricky Skaggs (host): I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Nashville Bluegrass Band: On My Mind/Wheel Hoss
Ricky Skaggs: I've Got A New Heartache

There were reports that during the Pete Fisher era at the Opry, that Kitty Wells, along with former Opry member Earl Scruggs, asked to be reinstated as Grand Ole Opry members. Both requests, if true, were denied. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 4/4; Wednesday Night Opry 4/5; Opry Country Classics 4/6

The Grand Ole Opry is back to three mid-week shows this week as Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night, resuming its Spring run of shows. But, before getting to that show, let's take a look at the Tuesday and Wednesday night lineups. 

Looking at the Tuesday Night Opry, there are a couple of names that stand out. First, in a move that I am sure many will like, Mo Pitney is back on the schedule. I know there are many, including myself, who have been or heard Mo and have been impressed each time. He hasn't been on the Opry in a while, and it is nice to see him back. 

Also on the Tuesday night schedule is a band making its Opry debut: TSU Aristocrat of Bands. Yes, a marching band will be appearing on the Opry stage. This is not an ordinary band, but an award-winning band representing Tennessee State University.

The band is historic and among their notable achievements, they were the first HBCU to perform at the Presidential Inauguration for John F. Kennedy in 1961, the first HBCU to be appointed by the NFL in 2002 as an official band for the Tennessee Titans, the first collegiate band to perform for the NFL Hall of Fame Halftime Show in 2014, the first band to play on the White House lawn for the celebration of opening of the National Museum of African American History & Culture in 2016, and the first HBCU wind ensemble to perform literature in the 2018 Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival in Chicago, IL.

According to their website, the band is known for playing a variety of music such as jazz, classical, contemporary, and popular pieces, and is heralded for its distinct musical style using clean articulation, expressive dynamics, balance, and technical ability.

And no, they are not the first marching band to perform at the Opry. 

Also appearing on Tuesday Night will be Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Henry Cho and Don Schlitz. 

Tuesday April 4
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Louis York, Mo Pitney, TSU Aristocrat of Bands
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Katy Nichole, Henry Cho, Don Schlitz

Riders In The Sky return on Wednesday night along with members Jeannie Seely, Gary Mule Deer and Dailey & Vincent, along with Stephen Wilson, Jr., who will be making his Opry debut. 

Wednesday April 5
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Stephen Wilson, Jr., Jeannie Seely, Madeline Edwards
Intermission
8:15: Rhett Akins, Gary Mule Deer, Elle King, Dailey & Vincent

Stephen Wilson, Jr. is a singer/songwriter from Indiana. Stephen released his first single “The Devil” and a cinematic video for the song in Sept. 2019 with follow-up, "Year To Be Young 1994" which is currently featured on Spotify's Next From Nashville editorial playlist, Apple Music's 5th Gear editorial playlist and is in rotation at Nashville's Triple A station, Lightning 100. He almost always plays a late-70’s gut-string acoustic and some of his main influences are Willie Nelson, Kurt Cobain, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, The National, Glen Campbell and Randy Travis.

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin back as host and featuring Opry member Lauren Alaina.

The show will spotlight the songs of Tammy Wynette on the 25th anniversary of her passing. 

Thursday April 7
Opry Country Classics 7:00
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lauren Alaina
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Georgette Jones, Lauren Mascitti, Wendy Moten, Chuck Mead

Definitely a busy week of shows at the Opry House.

 

April Opry Highlights

April showers bring May flowers!!! Welcome to Spring, when the trees begin to bloom, and everyone starts to get anxious to get their gardens in. Here in Ohio, it is still a bit early, but the warmer weather and later sunsets are a nice sign. As far as the Grand Ole Opry is concerned, here are the important dates in Opry history for the month of April.

April 19, 1924: The WLS "National Barn Dance" was aired for the first time in Chicago. The National Barn Dance was the first of what would be many weekly barn dance programs sponsored by various radio stations around the country. Among the performers who were part of the "National Barn Dance" were Lulu Belle & Scotty, Bradley Kincaid, Gene Autry and a host of others. The "National Barn Dance" lasted until 1960 when the station changed formats. As many know, especially my friends in the Chicago area, WLS stood for "World's Largest Store," which was Sears, who were the owners of the station.

April 17, 1926: Uncle Dave Macon became a regular member of the WSM Barn Dance, soon to be known as the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 55, he was the first performer to join the show that had a national reputation and his hiring, in a way, would start the show on the path of becoming a group of professional entertainers instead of those, who as George D. Hay used to say, "came down from the hills for the weekend." Uncle Dave would remain a popular Opry member until his death on March 1, 1952, at the age of 81.

April 14, 1932: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. Loretta joined the cast of the Opry in September. In September of 2022 Loretta celebrated her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming only the second female Opry member to reach that feat. Sadly, several weeks later, in October, Loretta passed away after a period of declining heath. 

April 30, 1932: The Dixieliners, which consisted of Kirk and Sam McGee, along with Arthur Smith, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. All three had been performing on the Opry for several years, but this was the first time that they teamed up as an organized group. Their popularity and reputation grew and within a short amount of time they had two ten-minute segments on the show. It began to end for the Dixieliners in 1938 as Arthur had a drinking problem and was suspended from the Opry. On January 14, 1939, the Dixieliners made their final Opry appearance, after which Arthur left the Opry, while Sam and Kirk would continue on for many years.

April 11, 1933: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark was born in Meherrin, Virginia. Roy, who joined the Grand Ole Opry in August 1987 was one of the more popular Opry members. In addition to being a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Roy was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and gained fame as the co-host of Hee Haw.

April 29, 1933: The Delmore Brothers, Rabon and Alton, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. The brothers remained members of the Opry until 1938 when they left to pursue what they felt were better opportunities. Alton would later write an excellent book, "Truth is Stranger" in which he detailed their time at the Opry and the issues that they had with George D. Hay and Harry Stone. After leaving the Opry, the Delmore Brothers moved around the country and had shows at various radio stations until they played out the territory and moved on. They eventually ended up at WLW in Cincinnati, where they got together with Grandpa Jones and Merle Travis and recorded under the name "Browns Ferry Four." Each of these individuals would eventually be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. September 11, 1938, was the final Opry show for the Delmore Brothers and they sang, "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul."

April 1, 1934: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry member, Jim Ed Brown was born in Sparkman, Arkansas. Jim Ed was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, which included time with his sisters Bonnie and Maxine. Jim, Bonnie and Maxine are also members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

April 21, 1934: The blackface comedy duo Lasses & White made its Grand Ole Opry debut. The duo would remain a part of the Opry for several years. 

April 15, 1937: Bob Luman was born. Bob gained fame as a member of the Louisiana Hayride, and then came to Nashville, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1965. When Bob joined the Opry, many felt that he had too much "rock-n-roll" in him, but he was a very popular member of the Opry and fans enjoyed his performances. Bob remained at the Opry until he passed away in December 1978.

April 29, 1939: The father-and-son duo Asher Sizemore & Little Jimmy performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the last time. Little Jimmy Sizemore was the youngest member in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

April 26, 1941: Ernest Tubb recorded "Walking the Floor Over You" in Dallas, Texas. This recording was also the first to use an electric guitar. The success of this record, which would become Ernest's theme song, led him to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry several years later.

April 14, 1945: Upon the death of President Franklin Roosevelt, a performance of taps was played from the stage of the Opry. This marked the first time that a trumpet was played during an Opry broadcast. Buddy Harroll, part of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys was the performer, and while it was the right thing to do, George D. Hay was not thrilled. Also of note, while there was an Opry performance that night, it was not broadcast on WSM as the station was running NBC network programming commemorating the life and death of the President.

April 6, 1946: Roy Acuff quit the Opry in a salary dispute. At the time, he was the host of "The Prince Albert Show" segment of the Opry that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. He was making $15 per night at the Opry and asked for a raise to $100 per night. When WSM refused his demands, he left the show and went out to California for an extended tour. Over the years, Roy never talked much about the whole episode, but he knew that as the Opry's biggest star, he could make more money out on the road and have extra time to make movies. A year later, Roy would return to the Opry and when he did, he was paid more than union scale.

April 13, 1946: A week after Roy Acuff left, Red Foley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and debuted as the new host of "The Prince Albert Show." There is a story behind this. After Roy quit, William Esty and Company, which was the advertising agency that represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the makers of Prince Albert chewing tobacco, undertook a study to determine how best to replace Roy Acuff as the host of the program. Most listeners wanted the Opry to continue without any changes, but it was clear after all the questioning was done that a large portion of the Opry fans wanted more music and less talk, suggesting that a singer needed to be hired as the replacement. Esty checked all the available data, which included record sales, jukebox plays and radio favorites, and it all pointed to Red Foley. Red would later say, "I guess I was never more scared than that night I replaced Roy Acuff. The people thought I was a Chicago slicker who came to pass himself off as a country boy and bump Roy out of his job." While it is true that Red came to the Opry from WLS in Chicago, he was actually born in Kentucky and had a string of country hits. It is interesting to note that while Red became a member of the Opry, he only appeared on, and hosted, the Prince Albert segment of the show.

April 13, 1946: The same night that Red Foley came to the Opry, so did Chet Atkins, who was introduced that night by Red. Chet stayed at the Opry with Red for just six months, when he left in his own dispute with Esty. Chet would return later with the Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, and he would continue to make guest appearances until his death. There was always discussion on whether Chet was an actual member of the Opry or not, but in checking the records, his name is listed. 

April 2, 1947: Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris was born. Emmylou joined the cast of the Opry in January 1992, the last member of the cast to have been inducted by Roy Acuff. Sadly, Emmylou does not appear on the Opry as often as many of us would like. As someone who has listened to Emmylou for years, I find it hard to believe that this Hall of Fame member will be 76 this year. 

April 19, 1947: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry. Roy left the Opry a year earlier in what some said was due to a salary dispute. On the night he returned, Roy was a guest on the Prince Albert portion of the show. The following Saturday, he would take over as the host of the Royal Crown Cola portion of the Opry. 

April 26, 1947: Just over a year after leaving the Opry, Roy Acuff returned as host of the "Royal Crown Cola Show." There is a story that Ernest Tubb and Harry Stone went to see Roy, who was in a Nashville hospital, telling him that the Opry might go under if he didn't return. While there is no evidence that the Opry was about to go under, the words worked and Roy came back, this time to stay for good.

April 3, 1948: The Louisiana Hayride started on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. Over the next decade, the Hayride would become known as a farm club of the Opry, with many of the Hayride's biggest stars leaving Shreveport for Nashville. Among those were David Houston, Billy Walker, Webb Pierce, Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. The Hayride was also where Elvis Presley got his start. While the Hayride was very successful with Horace Logan at the helm, the lack of a recording industry in Shreveport meant that the stars had to go elsewhere, including Nashville to record. Once there, the Opry grabbed many of them.

April 29, 1950: Future Grand Ole Opry member Carl Smith made his Opry debut. Carl would eventually join the Opry's cast and would remain an Opry member until leaving the show in 1956. Carl was also the first husband of June Carter. 

April 26, 1952: Martha Carson, the great gospel singer, joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry on the strength of her hit "Satisfied." Martha remained a member of the Opry until 1957, at which time she took a leave of absence when her first child was born and to spend some time working in New York City. However, when it came time for her to return, the Opry would not hire her back. According to Martha, "I got a leave of absence from the Opry. I didn't quit and I wasn't fired. When I came back to Nashville, Opry manager Ott Devine said they had no openings. I never did go back. I never even got to be a guest." Obviously, a poor decision by Ott and the Opry's management. While Martha would claim that she never got to be a guest again on the Opry, that apparently was not true as I have several line-ups with Martha listed as performing. 

April 9, 1953: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum was born. Sadly, Hal experienced some serious health issues over the past decade and passed away in 2020. 

April 18, 1953: Red Foley made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance as the host of "The Prince Albert Show." Red made the decision to leave Nashville and go to the Ozark Jubilee, which was televised. Red had numerous personal issues when he was with the Opry and when he decided to leave, the Opry had no objections. While many wondered about Red when he first came to the Opry, he become one of the Opry's biggest stars and one of the more popular members. After he left, "The Prince Albert Show" no longer had a permanent host.

April 12, 1957: Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill was born. Vince has been a loyal and vocal member of the Opry since 1991. While Vince has always supported the Opry, and has been very vocal in that support, the last several years saw his appearances drop as he was busy touring with his own show and as a member of The Eagles. Who else finds it hard to believe that Vince will be 66 this year? While it is difficult to say who the current face of the Opry is, I would have to think that Vince is pretty high on the list. 

April 4, 1959: Bill Anderson made his debut as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Several years later, in July 1961, Bill would become an Opry member. Currently, Bill is the senior member of the Opry's cast in term of years and has been an Opry member for over 61 years. 

April 30, 1960: The WLS "National Barn Dance" aired for the final time. At one time, the barn dance was considered a major competitor of the Opry, and while it lasted much longer than others, like those others, it could not sustain itself as musical tastes changed.

April 30, 1966: Ray Pillow became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ray's 57th year as an Opry member. On the night he joined, Ernest Tubb introduced him. While no official announcement was ever made, Ray is now retired and hopefully is doing well. 

April 22, 1967: The Four Guys became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They came to the Opry from the Wheeling, West Virginia area and spent 33 years as members of the Opry until they were fired in April 2000. The reason given for their termination was the fact that all four of the original members had left the group. For a number of years, they operated a very successful dinner theater in Nashville and were a popular cruise trip attraction.

April 6, 1968: Following the assassination of Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., the city of Nashville imposed a curfew that forced the Opry to cancel the live show for that night. WSM played a previously taped Opry appearance. After being notified that the show was going to be cancelled, Roy Acuff, Sam and Kirk McGee, along with a few others, put on a makeshift show at a nearby square dance hall that afternoon for Opry fans who came to town to attend the Opry. WSM and the Opry claims this was the only time that the Opry was ever cancelled, however when looking at the Opry's history, it was not the first.

April 6, 1968: On that same evening as the Opry was cancelled, Bud Wendall became the new general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. He replaced Ott Devine, who had been in charge of the Opry since 1959. The Bud Wendall era at the Opry would result in a lot of changes to the show. 

April 21, 1971: After taking a break to raise her children, Connie Smith returned as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Connie joined the Opry in 1965 and left the show in 1968 while she was having some issues in her personal life and felt she needed to give her attention to areas other than her music. 

April 12, 1972: The first "Fan Fair" was held in Nashville. It was so successful that it would become an annual event, eventually moving to June and the summer tourist season. Fan Fair was a chance for the fans to meet their favorite country music stars and the Opry was a big part of the event. It still takes place, although it is now called "CMA Music Fest."

April 27, 1972: Opryland opened for the first time. The park was an immediate hit and within several years, the Opry House would be completed, and the Opry would make the move. Opryland shut down at the end of 1997 and replaced by Opry Mills shopping center. Yes, while it may seem hard to believe, Opryland has been closed for over 20 years.

April 28, 1973: Conway Twitty performed on the Opry for the first time. While never becoming an Opry member, Conway had one of the great voices in the history of country music. With Conway being based in Nashville and having a number of business interests in the area, including "Twitty City" it is surprising that Conway did not appear on the Opry more often. 

April 13, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time as he resigned as an Opry member. Tom T. was not happy with the move from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. He would appear several times at the new building, then left. Tom T rejoined the Opry in 1980. In later interviews, Tom T. said that it was basically a mistake on his part leaving the Opry and he was happy that he had returned. 

April 5, 1975: After having been suspended from the Opry in December 1973, Skeeter Davis was welcomed back to the show. Several Opry members had gone to Bud Wendall, asking that she be allowed to return to the show. When Skeeter returned, she did apologize for those safety forces that she might have offended.

April 23, 1976: Don Williams was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jeanne Pruett did the honors. As everyone knows, Don and the Opry experience didn't really work, and he left the show several years later. Even though he left the Opry as a member, he did return for a couple of guest appearances.

April 2, 1977: Vito Pellettieri worked his final show as the stage manager of the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, he suffered a stroke and on April 14 he passed away at the age of 87. While very few people have heard of Vito, he was probably one of the most influential people in the history of the Opry, so much so that he was never really replaced when he passed away. Years after his death, one veteran Opry member said, "I miss Vito. You know, we don't have a marshal anymore. What we have out there is a piece of paper in a box, with a list of acts and when they're supposed to go on. But we don't have anybody encouraging us, goading us, giving us advice on how to do better. Nobody to jack us up." One of Vito's closest friends was Hank Snow and Hank wrote extensively about Vito in his autobiography, including the jokes they used to play on each other. Now for those who do not know, Vito was WSM's librarian and started as the Opry's stage manager in 1934. He was the one who set up the Opry on a schedule, with assigned times and slots for each performer. He broke the show into segments with sponsors. Before that, it had been a free-for-all, with the artists coming and going as they pleased. In 1959, Vito faced mandatory retirement at WSM. However, every one of the Opry's members signed a petition demanding that Vito be allowed to continue working at the Opry and that November at the annual disc jockey convention, Opry members staged a show in Vito's honor. By the way, Vito never drove or owned a car and took the bus to WSM and the Opry each day.

April 14, 1979: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor W. E. Stephens sponsored their final segment on the Grand Ole Opry. Stephens was one of the Opry's longest running sponsors. For those who have never heard the Stephens jingle, check it out online. One of those fun little numbers. 

April 13, 1981: Guy Willis of the Willis Brothers died at the age of 65. The Willis Brothers consisted of Guy, Skeeter and Vic. They originally joined the Opry in 1946 but left in 1948 to go on the road with Eddy Arnold. They rejoined the Opry in 1960. Skeeter passed away in 1976, after which Guy and Vic continued on, until Guy retired from performing in 1979 due to illness.

April 25, 1981: Ricky Skaggs made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Ricky loved the Opry and made it well known that he wanted to become an Opry member. It didn't take long as Ricky would join the cast the following year. 

April 3, 1982: DeFord Bailey made his final appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. An early member of the show, DeFord had returned in the 1970s and made several appearances on the Opry's annual reunion shows. The firing of DeFord by George D. Hay is certainly one of the black marks in the history of the Opry. 

April 13, 1985: The Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the first time on TNN. The original shows were a half hour in length, later expanding to an hour. In 2001 the broadcast moved to CMT and then later to GAC in 2003. The first televised show was a one-hour edition and featured Roy Acuff, as the host for the first half hour, with Connie Smith, Minnie Pearl and the Four Guys as guests. The 2nd half hour was hosted by Porter Wagoner and featured Dottie West, Jack Greene, the Crook Brothers and the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Those original TNN shows were not scripted for television and were nothing more than the radio show with a camera. As a result, the timing was sometimes a little bit off and the hosts forgot they were on television and would mention the names of the radio sponsors.

April 18, 1985: It was reported in the Nashville Banner that under a new two-year contract between the Grand Ole Opry and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (the union that represents Opry members and musicians), that at least 12 Grand Ole Opry members, all of them longtime show regulars, would be placed on "Senior Status," which essentially would remove them from the show. Among those listed as being phased out were Justin Tubb, Ernie Ashworth, Jean Shepard, Vic Willis, Charlie Louvin, Lonzo and Oscar, Teddy Wilburn, Del Wood, Stu Phillips and Billy Walker. As you would expect, several of those named were less than pleased and voiced their concern. At the time, a solo Opry performer was paid $156 per radio show and an additional $150 if they appeared on the TNN portion of the Opry. The performers who were to be cut would be limited to 14 shows per year. Looking back, many of those listed were not cut, nor put on "Senior Status," while others were. 

April 29. 1986: The Country Music Hall of Fame opened a new exhibit, "The Grand Ole Opry: The First 60 Years." Items on display include Minnie Pearl's first hat, Loretta Lynn's Road atlas, and a pair of Reba McEntire's boots.

April 22, 1989: Clint Black made his first appearance as a guest at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1991, Clint would become an Opry member and continues as an Opry member to this day. 

April 20, 1991: Emmylou Harris began a three-night run at the Ryman Auditorium, during which her recording of "At The Ryman" took place. It marked one of the first uses of the Ryman for a concert performance since the Opry had left in 1974. Due to the condition of the building, only a small portion of the seating was able to be used. Those shows with Emmylou helped to spark the idea of renovating and reopening the Ryman.

April 2, 1994: During the TNN telecast of the Opry, an all-star bluegrass jam took place that featured Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Roy Husky, Jr., Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss and Earl Scruggs. Vince said, "That's what this place is all about. Night that are like that."

April 12, 1997: Lewis Crook passed away in Nashville at the age of 87. The Crook Brothers joined the Opry on July 24, 1926, so it is safe to say that they were original members of the WSM Barn Dance. The Crook Brothers remained at the Opry until 1988, a total of 62 years. Lewis was not with the Crook Brothers when they originally began at the Opry, joining the group later in 1928. After Herman passed away and the Crook Brothers name was retired, Lewis would continue to play and make appearances with the Opry's Square Dance Band. When you add it all up and do the math, Lewis was at the Opry on and off for almost 69 years, longer than any other performer.

April 6, 1998: Former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette passed away in Nashville at the age of 55. She had been battling health issues for a number of years. Tammy joined the Opry in 1969 and remained for just a few years.

April 4, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower made his final appearances on the Opry. Jerry, who joined the cast in October 1973, appeared on both Saturday shows that weekend, along with the Friday Night Opry the night before. Jerry passed away in August 1998 due to complications from heart surgery. After Jerry became an Opry member, it took over 49 years until the Opry added another. 

April 18, 1998: Diamond Rio became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 24th year as Opry members, and while overall they have been good Opry members, they also have been missing from the Opry for the past couple of years. 

April 12, 1999: Lecil Martin, known better as Boxcar Willie, passed away in Branson, Missouri after an extended illness. He was 67. Boxcar joined the Opry in 1981 at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff, who was a real fan of Boxcar, so much so that when Boxcar was on the Opry, and Roy was there, he would come out and do his famous train whistle during the Wabash Cannonball.

April 5, 2000: The Grand Ole Opry fired The Four Guys. The group had been members of the Opry for 33 years. The reason given was that none of the original members were no longer part of the group. 

April 21, 2000: Craig Morgan made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Craig would make a number of guest appearances over the following years, eventually joining the cast at the invitation of John Conlee in October 2008. 

April 28, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry members Rascal Flatts made their Opry debut. While the group said they were breaking up last year, and apparently have, the three individual members of the group are all still considered members of the Opry. 

April 13, 2002: Former Grand Ole Opry member Willie Nelson made a guest appearance on the Opry. After Willie left, he didn't come back often, but this was one of those nights. 

April 18, 2003: Future Grand Ole Opry member Dierks Bentley made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Dierks would join the Opry's cast in October 2005. Dierks was recently recognized upon his 90th appearance at the Opry. 

April 17, 2004: The Judds made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, they would show up a time or two on the show.

April 30, 2004: The Grand Ole Opry took to the road and sponsored the "Grand Ole Opry American Road Show." The appearance took place in York, Pennsylvania and included Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, the Del McCoury Band and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

April 2, 2011: Comedian Henry Cho made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Henry could continue to appear on the Opry and in January 2023, he would be invited to become an Opry member. When he was inducted, he was the first comedian to join the Opry cast since Jerry Clower in 1973. 

April 10, 2012: Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. 

April 21, 2012: Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 11th year as an Opry member. Sorry to say that Keith hasn't been around much since joining the cast. In fact, he has been around very little. 

April 26, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry dedicated the shows that weekend to Opry member George Jones, who had passed away several days earlier. Those performing included Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry and John Conlee.

April 11, 2015: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown made his final Opry appearance. The newly elected member of the Country Music Hall of Fame had been an Opry member for just over 50 years.

April 15, 2016: Jimmy Wayne performed "Do You Believe Me Now" and "I Love You This Much" as he makes his 200th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy would be one of those very frequent guest artists who performed on the Opry but was never asked to become a member. 

April 30, 2016: Ray Pillow was recognized upon is 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry general manager Pete Fisher presented Ray with a gold pocket watch.

April 7, 2018: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare was reinstated as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby, who originally joined the Opry in 1964, left the Opry in 1974, just after when the show moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It has been a few years since Bobby has appeared on the Opry and hopefully, he is doing well. 

April 16, 2019: Kelsea Ballerini became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Kelsea was invited to join the cast by Little Big Town during the Tuesday Night Opry on March 5. Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban also joined Kelsea on the Opry that night. 

There you have it for this month and as usual, it was a busy one around the Opry.