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.
When I saw Moe Bandy listed as being on the Opry on Friday night, it got me to wondering if there has been any talk about Moe being invited to be a member. Personally, I think he would be a good addition.
ReplyDeleteNews regarding Opry member Luke Combs:
ReplyDeleteRyman Hospitality's Opry Entertainment Group and Luke Combs have partnered to expand and reimagine Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville as a Combs-inspired entertainment venue. An additional 9,000 square feet of rooftop space will be added to the 60,000 square feet of indoor space on three levels. "As the downtown entertainment district continues to evolve, we view this new experience as a tremendous opportunity to position Second Avenue with a global audience of country music lovers, anchored by Luke Combs’ massive international fan base,” says Ryman Hospitality Exec. Chairman Colin Reed. The new venue is scheduled to debut in the summer of 2024 and will continue to operate as Wildhorse Saloon until then.
I'm sure that will be good for business, but it's sad to hear the original's going away. Another thing that makes me miss the TNN days.
DeleteJ in OK
I'm interested to see how it does. Almost all of the night life is centered on Lower Broad now. Maybe this can reignite Second Avenue, which is pretty empty every time I drive through at night. Lots of the buildings on Second between Commerce and Church are still closed off from the bombing damage.
DeleteThe trend continues with only three acts on the last portion. I do noticed they have shifted 15 minutes to the first portion along with the additional artist. Need to pay attention to the second portion to see how long it is running. I'm wondering if eventually we will go back to one hour for each portion but with four and three, or less, artists.
ReplyDeleteJim
I wonder if WSM is concerned about the move to eliminate AM in cars? I think there is more to it than just the tech challenge of getting normal AM reception in new electric cars but that's another discussion for another place. I also know that many things you can hear on AM is broadcast over other means as long as those other means remain operational. I just wonder where it is all headed and if WSM is a station that in at all concerned about it.
ReplyDeleteBrings back memories of the clear channel debate and the add with Roy Acuff encouraging people to speak out about it because the WSM signal to long time listeners was in jeopardy.
Jim
If memory serves there was a move in 2003 to take the show off WSM AM and put it in FM syndication. I remember signing a petition to stop it.
DeleteBrett Kissel gives me hope!
ReplyDeleteAn entertainer who loves his job and loves country music !
Jim, the AM 650 signal up here in Michigan just isn't what it was in the 60s and 70s. Back then it came in clear and loud with a couple short fadeouts per hour. Now there is always static and more frequent fadeouts --- Dashmann, Flushing Michigan --
ReplyDeleteJim, a very VERY well known gospel singer named Gerald Wolfe brought up the am thing this week. Even the majority of his facebook followers, who are older, said they had not listened to am radio in decades. Wsm is easier to access than ever online, and it is very very low in the Nashville ratings. I have been told by people who would know, that they believe the country music community would always want the opry on wsm am, but only for the sake of history. It isn't where most people listen anymore and that's just a fact.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't use the words "very very low" as to their ratings. While they currently do not subscribe to the Nielsen ratings, from what I have seen or heard it is true that they are toward the lower end, but they are not rock bottom.
DeleteIn reality, WSM is a niche station that attracts a certain segment of listeners who are loyal to the station. The station actually offers a variety of country and Americana programming with various hosts offering their own playlists. While the local listenership may be low, the station still attracts a good number of streaming listeners and they have done a good job promoting the WSM app and the various programming that the app offers.
The Opry continues on WSM because Ryman Hospitality owns both the Opry and the radio station. If the day would come where Ryman decided to sell the station, all bets would be off.
Somebody knows EXACTLY how many people are listening to the 'Opry on line. It would be wonderful (or maybe awful!) to know how many folks are listening and where they are located.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to explain, but some folks can entertain and some can't.
ReplyDeleteBill Anderson CAN!
Hi. I think I'm anonymous again, but it's Michael. Jim, I'm with you all the way--I think of Bill's incredibly moving account of Mr. Acuff's last Opry performance with him, and I think that's pretty much what Bill wants--to be on stage until the end. I think that's true of many of them. Bill has a great website, and he talked once about how rare it is for someone in his line of work to retire completely. He said right now he's off the road, but that just means he has more time to write songs.
ReplyDeleteAbout the response to him: I think it might have been Brad Paisley, who used to show up occasionally at the Opry before he decided it didn't matter, who said that someone might come to the Opry to see him and end up saying, wow, that Bill Anderson is great, while someone who came to see Whisper and other long-timers would conclude, hey, that young guy Paisley is ok, too. It's why I was happy when Dan Rogers added two comedians, and now we need some Cajun music to succeed Jimmy C.