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.
Very thoughtful insights as to the Hall of Fame Byron. So many great entertainers, so little room.
ReplyDeleteSOLID lineups this weekend, I think.
I wish the Hall would acknowledge they have a problem and expand the inductee list to five for 3 or 4 years. Then they could set their inductee list to at least 3 but as many as 5 every fifth year to help avoid future backlogs.
ReplyDeleteAs with many things I'd like to see different in country music, I'm sure I'm dreaming.
J in OK
Great observations as always, Byron.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting. Jimmy C. Newman's name never comes up--60+ years in the business, almost 58 on the Opry; 20 Top 20 country hits; published important writers and songs, most notably Tom T. Hall; helped bring both Doug Kershaw and Eddy Raven to Nashville; did a lot to help Cajun music go international. Not that the others aren't at least as deserving!
I would also add Jack Greene and Jerry Clower for consideration.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that Hawkshaw Hawkins or Cowboy Copas never come up in these Hall of Fame discussions. As Eddie Stubbs used to say, you can't judge artist of the 40's and 50's merely by chart records. As important of not more so was jukebox sales and plays during that period keeping in mind that there were only 10 or 15 spots on the charts. According to Billboard, Copas had 10 chart songs (#2 to #14) for King between '46 and '52. Then in '60 Alabam hit #1 on Starday and he would have four more hits, the last being posthumously with Goodbye Kisses which debuted on the charts 4-27-63 and peaked at #12. He worked with Pee Wee replacing Eddy Arnold. He had a #3 with Tennessee Waltz debuting one month after Pee Wee who also hit #3 in '48. Roy Acuff debuted with his record in November of '48 and made it to #12. It just seems like Cope was big enough in his day to be considered and I wonder if he was ever nominated?
ReplyDeleteA couple of non performers come to mind having mentioned King and Starday records. I wonder if Sid Nathan or Don Pierce are ever thought about.
Unfortunatly, someone who is not even a footnote in the history anymore is Goldie Hill. She wasn't in the business long enough to have much of a chart presence. Five from '53 to '59 with her first, I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes, making #1. She had #73 record in '68 when she did those two LP's for Epic but she had retired in '59. It's a shame that she is not remembered for being one of the early girls who were not just the girl singer in the band.
The musicians who deserve to be in the HOF is a another story. Most, if not all, who are there now were big names in the studio but those who worked the road and made the sound of so many artist when they were truly unique deserve to be honored. That is a long list.
Jim
From my records Cowboy Copas was only nominated one year (1976) in the “in-active” category and lost to Paul Cohen.
DeleteThanks David.
DeleteJim
Jim, from a pretty reliable source I have these have been the nominess that have not yet recieved membership from the 1970's through 2020. I'm certain it is reliable.
DeletePaul Ackerman (1972)
Vito Pellettieri (1973, 1975, 1976)
Leon Payne (1973)
Cowboy Copas (1976)
Lulu Belle & Scotty (1979, 1980, 1982, 1988)
Bradley Kincaid (1980, 1982, 1988)
Wilf Carter (1981)
Elton Britt (1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008)
John Lair (1982)
Oscar Davis (1984)
Harry Stone (1984)
Hap Peeples (1986)
Tex Williams (1988)
Pappy Dailey (1992)
Irving Waugh (1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007)
Carlton Haney (2001, 2004, 2007)
Archie Campbell (2002, 2005, 2008)
Tommy Duncan (2003)
The Anita Keer Singers (2003)
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Beecher R. “Pete” Kirby (2005, 2008)
Hank Garland (2006, 2009)
Roy Husky, Jr. (2006)
Johnny & Jack (2008)
June Carter Cash (2009, 2017)
Skeeter Davis (2010, 2011)
Joe Allison (2010)
Buddy Killen (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019)
The Wilburn Brothers (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Jenny Lou Carson (2011)
Dallas Frazier (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020)
Marijohn Wilkin (2011, 2014, 2017)
Hal Durham (2013)
Curly Putman (2014, 2017)
Jack Greene (2015)
Vassar Clements (2015, 2018)
Jerry Crutchfield (2016, 2019)
Sam Lovullo (2016)
Wanda Jackson (2019)
Larry Butler (2019)
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (2020)
Crystal Gayle (2020)
Max D. Barnes (2020)
Foster & Rice (2020)
Thanks, David B. If that list is correct--and I have no reason to doubt it--several of them are truly deserving. It's interesting: I don't think Sam Lovullo had occurred to me, and of course he was so important with Hee Haw. Maybe it's because I'm a Dodger fan and his son manages the Diamondbacks! :)
DeleteYes, thank very much David. I had no idea this info was available or ever talked about past the nominating committee. I had forgot that Johnny and Jack are not already there. Amazing how many times Wilma Lee and Stoney were nominated. And I agree that there are many on that list deserving.
DeleteJim
I agree-great picks on your list Byron. Skeeter Davis carried Country Music to Jamaica & Africa doing tours there, if I remember correctly. She also had several big crossover hits helping broaden the country music audience to a newer group of people in a time when hillbilly music was suffering because of the Rock & Roll craze. She helped bridge the gap between the two genres, much like Brenda Lee and Wanda Jackson.
ReplyDeleteByron: We agree on all the artists discussed. But I would add Jerry Clower and Jimmy C. Newman. Both are unlikely, but both had solid careers in their respect fields.
ReplyDeleteOne Opry name from by-gone days I feel should have been enshrined years ago is Vito Pellettieri. He was nominated three times in 1973, 1975 and 1976, but lost each time to Chet Atkins, Minnie Pearl and Kitty Wells, respectively. Pellettieri was a cornerstone. Acuff, Minnie, Monroe, Snow all loved and respected the man. I suppose after his death he fell off the radar.
Also, Harry Stone should have got more consideration. He was nominated in 1984 but lost to Ralph S. Peer. It was Stone that brought Pee Wee King, Acuff and Monroe to the Opry, as well as other pioneers. His time at the Opry was very memorable. I am not quite sure my he did not recieve more consideration than just the one year.
David, I have always thought that Harry Stone is one of the forgotten individuals in Nashville. We know that he and George D. Hay did not see eye to eye regarding the Opry's programming and musical approach. Hay wanted to keep it rural and close to it's original roots while Harry wanted to take it up town and bring in professionals that were either regionally or nationally known. Harry wasn't at WSM all that long but he made an impact and the Opry, to this day, has continued on the path that he set. I do believe when he left Nashville, he ended up in Arizona. I am going to bet that he never received much Hall of Fame mention was due to his short time in Nashville.
DeleteVito Pellettieri should have been inducted. The Hall of Fame voters missed big time on him. Vito did so much for the Opry and I am somewhat surprised that Acuff, Minnie, Hank Snow, Monroe, among others, didn't push harder for him. Of course, you can't complain with those that were elected those years. In the end, he fell victim to other candidates and as the years moved forward, he became, like Harry Stone, largely forgotten.
I will also add that I think those were the same years, or maybe a little after, that Brother Oswald's name appeared on the ballot. I have seen some ballots with his name listed, but I don't think he ever made the final five.
David-Glad you mentioned Vito. I was thinking of him too when I wrote earlier. As with many things today, it seems many people have a hard time seeing or caring about anything more than most recent past unless they can use it or the people to push an agenda. Vito's name would probably draw a dear in the headlights look by most who would be voting these days. And Byron, Os is one of the musicians I was thinking of.
ReplyDeleteJim
Regarding the hall of fame - I had not considered that Mother Maybelle Carter and her daughters were not in the hall of fame. In my opinion, it is way past time that they are given this honor!
ReplyDeleteThis is Mike, frequent poster who is now being told he can't sign in!
DeleteAnyway, Maybelle is a member with The Carter Family, and I wonder if part of the thinking is that her daughters kind of continued that act somehow. This didn't keep the Hall of Fame from putting in Roy Rogers when he already was on the plaque as one of the original Sons of the Pioneers.