Grand Ole Opry 6/30 & 7/1

(From Music Row):
Robert K. Oermann

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne died today (June 27) at age 91.

The Opry confirmed his death. Opry VP/Executive Producer, Dan Rogers, shared, “Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers. What a profound loss for the Opry family and bluegrass music fans around the world. Mr. Osborne’s legacy will live forever on this stage we love and wherever his style is emulated. Thank you to Bobby Osborne for more than 70 years of music and memories.”

Even into his 90s, the tenor singer and mandolin player performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry with his band The Rocky Top X-Press.

Robert Van Osborne Jr. was born in Kentucky in 1931 and grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area. He was inspired to become a bluegrass singer after seeing a show by Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys in 1947. He began performing on WPFB in Middletown, Ohio two years later.

He spent several seasons with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, then graduated to Jimmy Martin’s band. Following a brief stint with The Stanley Brothers, Bobby Osborne joined the Marines for combat duty in Korea. He was wounded and was discharged in 1953. At this point, he joined forces with younger brother Sonny Osborne (1937-2021). They honed their skills working for Jimmy Martin, Charlie Bailey and Red Allen. The bluegrass classic “Once More” was recorded by Allen with the Osbornes in 1958.

The Osborne Brothers recorded on their own for RCA and MGM during this period. From the start, the act’s calling card was Bobby’s sky-high tenor lead singing. In fact, Monroe once said that there were only three great tenors in country music — himself, Ira Louvin and Bobby Osborne.

Brother Sonny soon garnered industry recognition for his cutting-edge approach to banjo playing and for arranging the group’s complex harmony vocals. Around 1963, Sonny made contact with Doyle Wilburn of Nashville’s hit-making Wilburn Brothers. Wilburn got the brothers a contract with Decca Records, arranged for them to join the Grand Ole Opry (1964) and signed them for publishing and booking.

This coincided with the modernization of the band. Sonny electrified his banjo, and the act added drums and electric bass to The Osborne Brothers sound. As a result, the group scored hits on the country hit parade and toured with mainstream pop and country acts.

Their charted favorites included “Roll Muddy River” (1967), “Rocky Top” (1968), “Tennessee Hound Dog” (1969), “Ruby Are You Mad” (1970), “Midnight Flyer” (1973), “Blue Heartache” (1973) and “I Can Hear Kentucky Calling Me” (1980).

“Rocky Top” was named one of the state songs of Tennessee in 1982. It is performed in Knoxville every time the University of Tennessee Vols score a football touchdown. In 1992, the Osbornes’ rendition of the Karl & Harty classic “Kentucky” led to a similar honor from the Blue Grass State.

By then, the Osbornes had ditched electrified instruments and reverted to acoustic bluegrass. They recorded for labels such as CMH, Sugar Hill and Pinecastle.

The Osbornes were also recruited to play on records by others. They have backed Conway Twitty, Carl Smith, Charley Pride, Wade Ray, Jethro Burns and Mac Wiseman. They also collaborated with jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton.

The brothers mentored such future stars as The Grascals and Dale Ann Bradley. They also performed with the 1997 bluegrass/hip-hop fusion act The GrooveGrass Boyz.

Bobby’s mandolin performance of “Ashokan Farewell” appeared on the all-star Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza album, which won the IBMA Instrumental Album and Recorded Event awards in 2000.

The Osborne Brothers are believed to be the first bluegrass act to play on a college campus (1960) and to be invited to perform at The White House (1973). They were elected to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and were presented with a National Heritage award by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.

Brother Sonny Osborne underwent rotator-cuff surgery, which caused him to quit playing and to retire from the road in 2004. This is when Bobby formed The Rocky Top X-Press and became a solo Opry star. He was joined in the new group by his guitarist son Bobby Osborne III.

The new band recorded for Rounder and Compass. In 2021, Osborne had a late-career bluegrass hit with a version of Merle Haggard’s “White Line Fever.”

Sonny Osborne passed away in October of 2021 at age 83.

It really hits home when two legendary Grand Ole Opry members pass away the same week. From a personal standpoint, I enjoyed them both, especially when Bobby Osborne ripped into "Rocky Top." The Opry audience loved it and often gave Bobby a standing ovation. Both will be missed and hopefully there will be others to come along and pick up where Jesse and Bobby have left off. 

Now, taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, highlighted once again by Opry member Vince Gill, who will be appearing both nights. For those keeping track at home, this will be the 4th weekend in a row that Vince has appeared on the Opry, closing out the show on each occasion. 

Joining Vince both nights will be Riders In The Sky, who have just released their 42nd album, Throw a Saddle on a Star, which contains 14 tracks including a bonus Roy Rogers track and new, original Western songs. As the Riders have said, "We love this album and we bet you will too." 

Besides Vince and The Riders, Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider and Crystal Gayle are on the schedule for Friday night, while a couple of Hall of Fame members: Connie Smith and Ricky Skaggs are listed for Saturday. 

Madeline Edwards, Kaitlin Butts and LOCASH will be guesting on Friday, while comedian Dusty Slay, frequent Opry guest Steven Curtis Chapman, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and making their Opry debut, The HillBenders, are set to appear on Saturday. 

Friday June 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Madeline Edwards, Riders In The Sky
Intermission
8:15: Kaitlin Butts, Crystal Gayle, LOCASH, Vince Gill

Saturday July 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, The HillBenders, Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Intermission
8:15: Steven Curtis Chapman, Opry Square Dancers, Dusty Slay, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill

No live Opry Live on Circle TV this week. This week's Opry Live will feature Tanya Tucker, Brett Young and Sam Hunt, which was recorded a few weeks ago. 

As mentioned, The Hillbenders will be making their Opry debut on Saturday night. Here is how they are described on the Opry's website: 

“Bluegrass meets Rock 'n' Roll” for this acoustic sextet shaped in Springfield, MO, the heart of The Ozarks. Much like your favorite t-shirt, The HillBenders just feel good. Romping through the musical thicket with over 15 years of touring underfoot, the original 5 members remain steadfast while recently adding revered drummer John Anderson to their live and studio efforts. With a feather filled cap of accolades The HillBenders continue to spread joy musically with their high-energy performances, diverse song catalog, and a slice of humor; making way for what appears to be more of a brotherhood than a business - and each audience they play for becomes a part of that family.

In addition to the Friday and Saturday night Opry shows, for the month of July there will also be a Sunday Night Opry. Here is the lineup for the show this week: 

Sunday July 2
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Ella Langley, Wendy Moten
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Rhonda Vincent

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday July 1, 1978:

1st show
6:30: George Hamilton IV (host), Billy Grammer
6:45: Stonewall Jackson (host), Wilma Lee Cooper, Jimmy Dickens
7:00: Bill Monroe (host), Jimmy C Newman, Skeeter Davis, Stu Phillips
7:30: Roy Acuff (host), Ray Pillow, Willis Brothers, Marion Worth, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host), Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely, Wilburn Brothers, Roy Drusky, Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host), The 4 Guys, Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Louvin, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky (host), George Hamilton IV, Billy Grammer, Wilma Lee Cooper, Willis Brothers, Stu Phillips
10:00: Bill Monroe (host), James Monroe, Skeeter Davis, Jimmy Dickens
10:15: Roy Acuff (host), Marion Worth, Stonewall Jackson
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host), Jimmy C Newman, Ray Pillow
10:45: Jack Greene (host), Jeannie Seely, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), The 4 Guys, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Wilburn Brothers, Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host), Jeanne Pruett, Charlie Louvin, Bill Carlisle

It was always a special night when former Grand Ole Opry member, and country superstar, Johnny Cash made an appearance on the Opry. After he was fired from the Opry in the mid-60s, after smashing out the stage lights, he made amends and would make occasional appearances later in his career. 

On of those nights was on Friday July 1, 1988. Here is the line-up from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Bill Anderson, The 4 Guys, Jeannie Seely, Roy Drusky, Skeeter Davis
7:00: Porter Wagoner, Jeanne Pruett, Stonewall Jackson, Jimmy C Newman, Connie Smith, Del Reeves
7:30: Roy Acuff, Jean Shepard, Jim and Jesse, Randy Travis
8:00: Jimmy Dickens, Jack Greene, The Whites, Osborne Brothers
8:30: Hank Snow, Lorrie Morgan, Billy Walker, Hank Locklin, Bill Carlisle

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner, Jan Howard, Ray Pillow, Jimmy C Newman, Connie Smith
10:00: Bill Anderson, The 4 Guys, Charlie Walker, Wilma Lee Cooper, Justin Tubb
10:30: Roy Acuff, Jim and Jesse, Johnny Cash
11:00: Hank Snow, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, The Whites
11:30: Jack Greene, Hank Locklin, Osborne Brothers, Johnny Russell

Another former Grand Ole Opry member, Chet Atkins, appeared on the Opry seven years later, on Saturday July 1, 1995. Like Johnny, Chet would come back and make a few appearances on the show after he left. 

Here is the running order from that night 28 years ago, that also featured an appearance by Opry member George Jones. 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Skeeter Davis: Lovesick Blues
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Cindy
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Grandpa Jones: (?)

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
George Hamilton IV: The Farmer's Song
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Brother Oswald: Remember Me
Jimmy C Newman: Dead Skunk In The Middle of The Road/Diggy Liggy Lo

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor, Howdy
Chet Atkins: Yakety Sax/There'll Be Some Changes Made
George Jones: A Picture of Me Without You/I Don't Need No Rocking Chair/Walk Thru This World with Me/He Stopped Loving Her Today/The Race Is On/The Window Up Above

8:00: Martha White
The Whites (host): Pins & Needles
Jan Howard: Lonely Street
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Lonesome River Band: I'm Sitting On Top of The World
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
The Whites: Alabama Jubilee/Keep On The Sunny Side

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: River of Dreams
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone
Mike Snider: Soldier's Joy/Angeline The Baker/Old Molly Hare
Hank Snow: I Keep Dreaming of You All The Time

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Unclouded Day
George Hamilton IV & V: Abilene
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Porter Wagoner and Collen Walters: The Last Thing On My Mind

10:00: Goody's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Honey/Cajun Fiddle

10:15: Tennessee Pride
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down The Country
Jean Shepard: Jealous Heart
Grandpa Jones: Little Old Log Cabin By The Stream

10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On/Danny Boy
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

10:45: Fairfield
Mike Snider (host): Black Jack
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Mike Snider and Randy Howard: El Comanchero

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Jack To A King
Connie Smith: The Key's In The Mailbox/Satisfied
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Charles Whitstein: Cash On The Barrel Head
Hank Snow: It's Over Over Nothing at All

11:30: Loreal Hair Care
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Mariah
Jeannie Seely: Bubbles In My Beer
Lonesome River Band: A Cold Virginia Night When Johnny Left Me
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
The 4 Guys: Way Down Deep/ This Is My Country/The Army Goes Rolling Along/The United States Marines/Anchors Away/Off To The Wild Blue Yonder/America The Beautiful

With July 4th upcoming, The 4 Guys to finished out the show that night with a salute to the American Armed Forces

Bill Anderson was scheduled to appear on both shows that night, but only appeared during the early show. He was scheduled to host the 10:30 segment, however Charlie Walker hosted. Charlie was scheduled to appear during the 10:45 segment and was not replaced. 

Chet Atkins and George Jones only appeared during the 7:30 segment on the early show, which was the segment televised by TNN. Sadly, that was often the case when a non-member appeared, or one of the Opry's bigger names who seldom appeared. 

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 6/27 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/28

Starting off by remembering Jesse McReynolds. 

(From Music Row):
Robert K. Oermann

Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Jesse McReynolds, the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, has died at age 93.

He was noted for his revolutionary, complex “crosspicking” style of mandolin playing as well as for his years of recording and performing in the star brother duo Jim & Jesse. His guitarist-singer older brother Jim McReynolds was born in 1927 and died on New Year’s Eve in 2002.

Jesse McReynolds was born July 9, 1929, near Coburn, Virginia. Jim & Jesse’s grandfather was fiddler Charlie McReynolds, who recorded as a member of The Bull Mountain Moonshiners at the famed 1927 Bristol Sessions where Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family were discovered. Their coal-miner father, Claude, was also a fiddler. Mother Savannah played guitar, banjo and harmonica and taught them to sing gospel songs in harmony.

The brothers established their performing partnership in 1947, following Jim’s hitch in the Army. They began their broadcasting career on WNVA in Norton, Virginia. During the next few years, they held radio jobs in Johnson City, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Charleston, West Virginia; Augusta, Georgia; Waterloo, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas and other towns. During their first dozen years as professionals, Jim & Jesse performed on 14 radio stations in 10 different states. They had their first recording session in 1951.

Following radio stints in Asheville, North Carolina and Versailles, Kentucky, Jim & Jesse were signed by Capitol Records and brought to Nashville to record in 1952. The fiddler on the sessions was James Loden, later to become Country Music Hall of Fame member Sonny James. The standout tune of these recordings was one of their trademark songs, “Are You Missing Me,” penned by The Louvin Brothers.

Jesse was drafted and entered the Army to serve in the Korean War. While he was home on leave in 1953, the brothers recorded “Air Mail Special,” “A Memory of You” and other tunes for Capitol.

With Jesse’s military service completed, the duo joined the cast of WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree in 1955. But the team truly began to prosper the following year when the brothers moved to Florida. They broadcast for several years on WNER’s Swanee River Jamboree in Live Oak and became television stars with their own shows in Tallahassee and Pensacola. By the late 1950s, their programs were also being broadcast on TV in Montgomery, Alabama; Albany, Georgia; Dothan, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.

Jim & Jesse recorded for Starday Records in 1958, then signed with Columbia’s Epic Records division on Music Row in 1962. This is the label where their biggest hits occurred.

Bluegrass music gained popularity on the folk circuit during this era. Jim & Jesse performed at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963 and 1966. On the strength of such high-profile engagements and the major-label contract, the Grand Ole Opry invited Jim & Jesse to become members of the show’s cast on March 2, 1964. Throughout their Opry tenure—and indeed, throughout their career—the McReynolds brothers were widely respected for their courtly manners and gentlemanly ways.

Four months after their Opry induction, Jim & Jesse’s first charted single was 1964’s “Cotton Mill Man,” which also became a signature song. “Better Times A-Comin’” followed it onto the charts as a top 40 hit in 1965. Their eyebrow-raising LP Berry Pickin’ in the Country was also released in 1965. It contained their bluegrass arrangements of Chuck Berry’s rock ’n’ roll classics.

This record typified their willingness to experiment. Jim & Jesse also dabbled in Latin, electric country, gospel, cowboy and other genres. In 1969, Jesse McReynolds played mandolin on The Doors rock LP The Soft Parade.

The brothers scored their biggest country hit with 1967’s “Diesel on My Tail.” Other memorable Epic recordings included versions of Robert Mitchum’s “Ballad of Thunder Road” (1967), Tom T. Hall’s “Greenwich Village Folk Song Salesman” (1968), Ray Pennington’s “Yonder Comes a Freight Train” (1968) and Hank Snow’s “Golden Rocket” (1970). They returned to Capitol and charted with Elizabeth Cotton’s folk classic “Freight Train” in 1971.

Jim & Jesse veered into a harder-edged bluegrass sound in the 1970s. Their Virginia Boys band included such stellar alumni as Vassar Clements, Allen Shelton, Bobby Thompson, Carl Jackson, Vic Jordan, Glen Duncan, Randall Franks, Chick Stripling and Jimmy Buchanan. The group was wildly popular on the bluegrass-festival circuit for three decades.

The brothers launched their own syndicated TV series, The Jim & Jesse Show, in the early 1970s, They formed their own Old Dominion and Double J record labels and released a number of LPs, cassettes and CDs on these in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. In 1977, they created their own annual bluegrass festival and maintained it well into the 1980s.

They were nominated for a Grammy Award for the 1992 CD Music Among Friends. They were inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 1993. They received a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.

The death of Jim McReynolds in 2002 marked the end of the 55-year run of the longest lasting brother duo in country history. Jim & Jesse were also notable for having the longest running fan club in the annals of country music.

Following his brother’s passing, Jesse McReynolds continued to tour, record and appear on the Opry. In 1990, he had been part of a recording and touring “supergroup” called The Masters that also included Josh Graves, Kenny Baker and Eddie Adcock. He created a new instrument called the mandolobro, which was tuned like a mandola and had a resonator-guitar body. It was featured on his CD Jesse McReynolds Introduces the Mandolobro.

His other solo albums included New Horizons (2004), Bending the Rules (2004), A Tribute to Brother Duets (with Charles Whitstein, 2005) and Dixie Road (2007). In 2010, he released a tribute album to the songs of The Grateful Dead.

He was variously dubbed “Mr. Mandolin” (for his innovative, virtuoso playing) and “The Ironman of Bluegrass” (for the 65+ years of his career). Solo and with his brother, Jesse McReynolds recorded more than 50 albums.

Jesse McReynolds's funeral will take place on Wednesday in Gallatin, Tennessee. 

Now a look at the mid-week Opry shows: 

The Tuesday Night Opry has Opry members Jeannie Seely, John Conlee and The Isaacs on the schedule, while Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Carly Pearce and Steve Wariner are listed for Wednesday night. 

A couple of very frequent Opry guests are back this week as Charles Esten and Maggie Rose are scheduled. There are also a couple of Opry debuts, as Duane Betts and Adeem the Artist will be appearing, along with Jelly Roll, who has been making a big name for himself of late. 

Tuesday June 27
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Kameron Marlowe, Jim Lauderdale, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Duane Betts, Maggie Rose, The Isaacs

As mentioned, Duane Betts is making his Opry debut on Tuesday night. By the time Duane Betts began working on Wild & Precious Life — his triumphant debut solo album — he'd already spent the better part of two decades creating his own version of guitar-slinging, story-driven American rock & roll. "It felt like the right time to make something that was entirely my own vision," he says. "This is a record that guitar players will love, but at its core, it's really a song record. It's an album about who I am, where I come from, and what I believe in." 

Duane had spent 10 years playing guitar alongside his father, legendary Allman Brother Dickey Betts. He’d release an EP, Sketches of American Music and co-found Allman Betts Band. What is interesting is the fact that while this is Duane Betts Opry debut, his dad, the legendary Dicky Betts has appeared on the Opry before, appearing back in 1981. 

Wednesday June 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Adeem the Artist, Bobby Bones, Steve Wariner
Intermission
8:15: Carly Pearce, Jackson Dean, Jelly Roll

(The second hour fill by filmed for a future Opry Live broadcast on Circle TV)

For those not familiar with Adeem the Artist, I think most will find the artist interesting. Adeem is from North Carolina, before moving to New York and then settling in Eastern Tennessee. The Artist performs a blend that includes music with some Appalachian influences, along with comedy. Adeem is also an accomplished songwriter. 

I have friends who will be making their first trip to the Opry on Wednesday night, and they are very excited by the lineup. 

As I mentioned, Dicky Betts has appeared on the Opry before, back on May 23, 1981. I thought I would share the running order from the first show that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Ernie Ashworth: Wichita Woman
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Than Know You're Gone

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Jeannie Seely: (?)
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Jan Howard: Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Rex Nelon Singers: (?)/Jesus Is Alive And Well
Dickie Betts: Ramblin' Man
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted/Ol' Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Billy Grammer: Kentucky Waltz
Vic Willis Trio: Shenandoah
Stu Phillips: The Great El Tigra
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Alligator Man
Brother Oswald: Black Smoke
Connie Smith: Satisfied

8:30: Acme
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back To See
The 4 Guys: I'm Almost Ready/My Special Angel
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Jim Ed Brown: Don't Bother To Knock

I have to tell you that I started chuckling when I was looking at this lineup and saw that Dickie Betts was following the Rex Nelon Singers. Only at the Opry!!

There you have it for the shows this mid-week. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/23 & 6/24

Looking at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, there are a few familiar names listed, a couple of artists who will be making their Opry debuts, along with several who we have not seen on the Opry in a while. 

Vince Gill is back at the Opry for the 3rd weekend in a row, scheduled to close both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. Joining Vince both nights will be very popular Opry members, Riders In The Sky, who earlier this week celebrated their 41st year as Opry members. 

Joining those two on Friday night will be Jeannie Seely and Mike Snider, while a trio of Hall of Famer's are scheduled for Saturday night: Connie Smith, Bill Anderson and Charlie McCoy. 

After a very successful Opry debut several weeks ago, The French Family Band is back for a return performance. They are scheduled for Friday night along with bluegrass artist Dan Tyminski, Everette, Fancy Hagood, and making her Opry debut, MaRynn Taylor. And yes, Fancy Hagood is back for a return performance. 

Another veteran bluegrass artist who has not been on the Opry in a while, Tim O'Brien, is on the schedule for Saturday night, along with Alex Hall, Tyler Rich, and making her Opry debut this weekend, Brennen Leigh. 

Friday June 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Everette, Mike Snider. MaRynn Taylor, Dan Tyminski
Intermission
8:15: Fancy Hagood, The French Family Band, Riders In The Sky, Vince Gill

Saturday June 24
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Alex Hall, Connie Smith, Brennen Leigh, Tim O'Brien
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Tyler Rich, Charlie McCoy, Vince Gill

As mentioned, MaRynn Taylor, will be making her Opry debut on Friday night. She was named one of CMT's "Next Women of Country" for 2023 and Her debut single, "Make You Mine" was released last month. 

Meanwhile, Brennen Leigh, who is making her Opry debut on Saturday night, is a songwriter, guitar player, mandolin player and singer. From media reports, she has achieved cult icon status in Europe, Scandinavia, South America as well as in the United Kingdom. Her songs have been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Crowell, Sunny Sweeney, Charley Crockett, and many others. 

For those interested, Opry Live on Circle TV Saturday night will feature Blake Shelton, among others in previously taped appearances. 

Now from 45 years ago, the running order from Saturday June 24, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): I Saw Your Face In The Moon
Willis Brothers: Anytime/Just A Little Lovin'
Billy Grammer: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
David Houston (host): Good Things
Lorrie Morgan: Blanket On The Ground
Del Wood: The Entertainer
David Houston: The Waltz of The Angels

7:00: Shoney's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles/I Can't Stop Loving You
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Stonewall Jackson: The Spirits of St. Louis

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central #9/Sunshine Special
Jan Howard: Better Off Alone/Six Weeks Every Summer/Christmas Every Other Year
Crook Brothers: Katy Hill
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Jesus Will Outshine Them All

8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): (?)
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Bessyl Duhan: (?)
Melba Montgomery: Let's All Go Down To The River/Angel of The Morning
Ray Pillow: The Dreams of A Dreamer
Grandpa Jones and George McCormick: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Down The Trail of Aching Hearts
Stu Phillips: Leaving & Saying Goodbye/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Harold Morrison: Head Over Heels In Love with You/Eli Funkleby's Groceries, Gas & Used Cars
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Waiting For A Train

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
David Houston (host): Waltz of The Angels
Billy Grammer: Family Man
Lorrie Morgan: Blanket On The Ground
Willis Brothers: Home On The Range
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka
David Houston: Jambalaya

10:00: Fender
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: The End of The World
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Stonewall Jackson: The Spirits of St. Louis

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Roy Acuff: That's The Man I'm Looking For/Cabin In Gloryland

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Baptism of Jesse Taylor
Jan Howard: Better Off Alone/Six Weeks Every Summer; Christmas Every Other Year
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You In The Morning

10:45: Beechnut
Ray Pillow (host): She's Doing It To Me Again
Yvonne Jones: Rocky Top
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ray Pillow: Gone At Last

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Jimmy C Newman: Thibodeaux & His Cajun Band
Bessyl Duhan: Bayou Pom Pom
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Indian Love Call
Kirk McGee: This Is The End of Forever
Hank Snow: I've Done At Least One Thing That Was Good In My Life

11:30: Acme
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandeliers
Melba Montgomery: One of These Days/Angel In The Morning
Harold Morrison: I Wish You Knew/Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Stu Phillips: Learning To Lean

(While no longer an Opry member, the Duke of Paducah made occasional Opry appearances through out the 70s)

Jim Nabors was never a member of the Grand Ole Opry, while Don Williams once was. Both made Opry appearances 23 years ago, on Saturday June 24, 2000: Here is the running order from that night: 

6:30: WSMonline.com/Tex-Mex
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Dale Watson: Run When You Want To Run/Small Town
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/Old Camp Meeting

7:00: Shoney's
Johnny Russell (host): Act Naturally
Jim Nabors: What A Friend We Have In Jesus/Advertisement For His Love
Billy Gilman: 'Til I Can Make It On My Own/One Voice Was Heard

7:30: Standard Candy
Ricky Skaggs (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Don Williams: I'll Be Faithful To You
Pam Tillis: Mi Vida Loca/All The Good Ones Are Gone

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Mike Snider: Battle Cry of Freedom/Get You Hand Off My Knee
Rogers Legacy: Thank God For Roy & Dale
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Holly Dunn: Devil Stand Back
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlet Ribbons
Joni Harms: Two Steppin' Texas Blues/Catalog Dreams
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

2nd show
9:30: WSMonline.com
Porter Wagoner (host): My Long Journey Home
Jim Nabors: What A Friend We Have In Jesus/Advertisement For His Love
Pam Tillis: How Strange/Heart Over Mind
Porter Wagoner: She Burned The Little Roadside Tavern Down

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Opryland Hotel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Ricky Skaggs: Little Maggie
Billy Gilman: 'Til I Can Make It On My Own/One Voice
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:30: Folex Spot Remover/Joggin' In A Jug
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Holly Dunn: I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Matt King: A Women's Tears
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Anderson: The Touch of The Master's Hand

11:00: Coca Cola
The Whites (host): Blue Letters
Rogers Legacy: My Horse Went That 'a Way/Thank God For Roy & Dale
Don Williams: Louisiana Saturday Night/One True Friend/It Must Be Love
The Whites: Keep On The Sunny Side

11:30: Grand Ole Opry Cruise
Charlie Walker: Indian Maiden
Joni Harms: Long Hard Ride
Mike Snider: (?)/(?)
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter/Pop A Top
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

Don Williams didn't come around often after he gave up his membership, but when he did it was always a treat. 

(Bill Carlisle was scheduled for the first show but cancelled. Johnny Russell, Del Reeves and Skeeter Davis only appeared on the first show, while Charlie Walker and Jimmy C Newman only did the late show). 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 6/20 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/21

The Grand Ole Opry rolls on with the Tuesday Night and Wednesday Night Opry shows. 

The Tuesday Night Opry is the annual show that features the ACM Lifting Lives Campers. This is always a special night for these young people. Joining them will be Opry members Lauren Alaina, Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, and back for another Opry appearance, Pam Tillis. Making her Opry debut will be Mackenzie Carpenter. 

Tuesday June 20
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Ashley Cooke
Intermission
8:15: Mackenzie Carpenter, Pam Tillis, ACM Lifting Lives Campers, Lauren Alaina

With the Nashville NASCAR race taking place this upcoming weekend, Kyle Petty is on the schedule for the Wednesday Night Opry. Riders In The Sky(?) are back for the 2nd night in a row, along with Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely, The Isaacs and Mike Snider. 

Wednesday June 21
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Kyle Petty, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Carter Faith, Mike Snider, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Craig Morgan

I will mention that I have seen two versions of the Wednesday night lineup. One, which I posted, has the Riders In The Sky listed. The other has Mandy Barnett instead. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/16 & 6/17

Starting out on a somber note this week, Joy McReynolds, the wife of Grand Ole Opry legend Jesse McReynolds has posted on Facebook that Jesse is not doing well. He has been recently hospitalized, then was in a nursing facility. The last post that I saw was that he is now resting at home and was doing a little bit better. Joy has asked that we pray for Jesse and keep him, and his family, in our thoughts and prayers. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, I am very happy to see that for the second weekend in a row, Vince Gill is on the schedule and will be closing out the show both nights. 

Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry are members Jeannie Seely, Charlie McCoy, The Whites and Jamey Johnson. Singer/Songwriter, and Christian music star Anne Wilson will be one of the non-members appearing.

Also on the schedule for Friday night is Taylor Hicks, who will be making his Opry debut. Taylor was the Season Five winner of American Idol. After winning American Idol, he had a No. 1 Billboard single and an RIAA®-certified platinum debut. He was also a part of a Grammy winning record with Jimmy Fallon. Since then, he has done some acting, appearing in Serenbe Playhouse's 2019 production of "Shenandoah," touring as Teen Angel in the popular Broadway musical “Grease” and appearing on “Law & Order: SVU” and hosting the INSP series “State Plate,” which won the Cynopsis TV Award for Best Reality Series (Travel).

As mentioned, Vince is also on the schedule for Saturday night, along with members Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Bobby Osborne. Zach Top, Ray Fulcher and Rory Feek are among the guest artists on the schedule, along with another appearance by The Cleverlys. After seeing this group on one of my Opry visits, and hearing them on their recent Opry appearances, I can't tell you how much I really enjoy them. They are talented, funny, and play a unique blend of bluegrass music. I am happy that the Opry has invited them back for another appearance. 

Friday June 16
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Charlie McCoy, Anne Wilson
Intermission
8:15: The Whites, Taylor Hicks, Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill

Saturday June 17
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Zach Top, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press. Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Rory Feek, Opry Square Dancers, Ray Fulcher, The Cleverlys, Vince Gill

I little bit interesting that there are only three acts listed for the opening segment on Friday night. As far as Opry Live on Circle TV this week, Chis Janson, Jelly Roll and Elle King are on the previously taped show. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday June 17, 1978:

1st show
6:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Stonewall Jackson
6:45: Charlie Louvin (host); Bill Carlisle; Lorrie Morgan
7:00: Del Reeves (host); Justin Tubb; Eddie Low; Boys From Indiana
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Brother Oswald; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Roy Drusky (host); Stu Phillips; Jim Stafford; Lulu Roman
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Billy Walker; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Charlie Louvin; Bill Carlisle
10:00: Roy Drusky (host); Eddie Low
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers
10:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Justin Tubb; Boys From Indiana
10:45: Billy Walker (host); Lorrie Morgan; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jim Stafford; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Marion Worth; Stu Phillips

(Del Reeves only appeared on the first show, while Marty Robbins did his usual late show)

Some interesting names on the Opry that night as many of the Opry's members were out of town. 

Lulu Roman was probably most famous at the time for appearing on Hee Haw, but she was also a wonderful singer. She recorded some great ballad songs over the years. 

The Boys from Indiana are a well-known bluegrass group out of that state. The formed in 1973 and became well known for their original music. Over the years they have released a number of albums. 

Eddie Low is considered the greatest country music singer to ever come from New Zealand. He starred in the 1966 musical comedy film Don't Let It Get You. In 1970 he was signed to Joe Brown Records and released singles for the label, "Lonely Women Make Good Lovers" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night". Eddie was born blind and educated at the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. Eddie’s career of almost 60 years has taken him around the world and onto stages with some of music’s greats including Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride, Buck Owens, Tom T Hall, Freddie Fender, Kenny Rogers and many more. He has toured as Roy Orbison and is likened to Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. Eddie is one of the foremost imitators of Elvis Presley. While Eddie never gained any great fame in the United States, he has won numerous awards in his native New Zealand. 

Also appearing that night was Jim Stafford, who had a number of hits at the time, and a young Lorrie Morgan. 


Roger Miller never became a member of the Grand Ole Opry; however, he did appear on the Opry a number of times. One of those nights was on Saturday June 17, 1989. Here is the running order from that show 34 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
The 4 Guys (host): I'm All Tied Up
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
The 4 Guys: Look Out For Me, Oh, Muddy Water

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down The Country
Jan Howard: I Don't Know A Thing About Love
Grandpa Jones: T For Texas

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Jean Sheppard: Slippin' Away
Ray Pillow: Congratulations
Charlie Louvin: You'll Forget/The Precious Jewel
Jimmy C Newman: Don't Say; Don't Say
Bessyl Duhon: Orange Blossom Special

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Clark (host): Alabama Jubilee
The Whites: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know/Keep On The Sunny Side
Roger Miller: Half A Mind/You Don't Want My Love/Faded Love
Roy Clark: Sally Was A Good Old Girl/I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes/Wild Side of Life/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonky-Angels/Y'all Come

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Temporarily Yours
Roy Drusky: It's My Way of Loving You/One Day At A Time
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Patti On The Turnpike
Roy Acuff: That's The Man I'm Looking For

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): Paper Roses
Charlie Walker: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Vic Willis Trio: Sioux City Sue
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Wilma Lee Cooper: No One Now
Charlie Louvin: Buried Alive
Jan Howard: Gentle On My Mind
Roger Miller: Half A Mind/Invitation To The Blues
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You In The Morning

10:00: Little Debbie
The 4 Guys (host): Tennessee
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away
The 4 Guys: Baby, You Look Good To Me Tonight

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Roy Clark: Oh, Lonesome Me/Thank God & Greyhound You're Gone/(?)

10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Hippie-Ti-Yo
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Jimmy C Newman: Thibodeaux & His Cajun Band

10:45: B.C. Powder
Roy Drusky (host): Anymore
Jean Shepard: Washed My Face In The Morning Dew
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lady of The Lake
Roy Drusky: Mansion Over The Hilltop

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Bummin' Around
Stonewall Jackson: 'Ol Chuck of Coal
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: Makin' Believe/If It Ain't Love
Hank Snow: Once More, You're Mine Again/Wheels

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Vic Willis Trio: Be Glad/Dill Pickle Rag
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Marshall Barnes: Tender Years
Charlie Walker: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine

(Ray Pillow appeared only on the early show, while Wilma Lee Cooper and Skeeter Davis only appeared on the late show). 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 6/13 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/14

It seems that each week, there is a different group of mid-week Opry shows. Last week the shows were on Tuesday and Thursday. This week, we have the usual Tuesday Night Opry and we are back to the Wednesday Night Opry.

Starting off with the Tuesday night show, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky, Chris Janson, Charlie McCoy, Henry Cho and Del McCoury are on the schedule for what looks like a pretty good show. 

Tuesday June 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Nate Smith, Amythyst Kiah, Chris Janson
Intermission
8:15:  Charlie McCoy, Willie Jones, Henry Cho, Cochren & Co, Del McCoury Band

The only real item of note is that this will be the Opry debut for Cochren & Co. 

Michael Cochren is a singer/songwriter and worship leader born and raised in a small Indiana town. After graduating from school, Cochren began playing music across the country with a band of friends, including his wife Leah, under the name Cochren & Co. (pronounced Cochren and Company). With hope-filled lyrics and timeless melodies, Cochren & Co. blurs the line between American pop/rock and soul/blues to create a classic sound all their own. Dove Award Nominated Cochren & Co. have toured coast to coast amassing a loyal following of new listeners wherever they go. Their debut full-length album, Don’t Lose Hope, was released on Gotee Records in 2021 and includes Billboard Top 10 Radio Hits “Church (Take Me Back)”, “One Day”, and “Who Can.” In February 2023, Cochren & Co. released their sophomore album, Running Home. 

While Cochren & Co. will be making their Opry debut on Tuesday night, Phillip Pillips and Jordan St. Cyr will be making their debuts on Wednesday Night. 

Opry members on the Wednesday night schedule include Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, The Whites and Bill Anderson

Wednesday June 14
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Wade Bowen, Phillip Phillips, Lorrie Morgan
Intermission
8:15: The Whites, Bill Anderson, Jordan St. Cyr, Mitchell Tenpenny

Phillip Phillips is from Georgia, and some might remember him as the winner of Season 11 of American Idol in 2011. Soon after his American Idol success, Phillips started working on his first full length album The World From The Side of The Moon. Released in 2012, this album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and quickly went platinum. Shortly after his success with his debut album, Phillips released Behind The Light, his 2nd full length project, and took it on tour in 2016. Known for his high energy shows, Phillips has toured with superstar artists such as Matt Nathanson, John Mayer, the Goo Goo Dolls and even shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen at the Rock in Rio Festival. 

Jordan St. Cyr is an award-winning singer/songwriter. Canadian-born and raised and now residing in middle Tennessee. His career hit single, "Fires," appeared on the radio charts for 45 weeks going top 5 and reaching millions weekly, which was followed by the multi-week No. 1 hit "Weary Traveler” and his chart-climbing song "No Matter What.” 

Jordan is nominated for his first Juno Award this year (2023) and he swept the 2022 GMA Canada Covenant Awards, winning the most out of any other nominee. He walked away with six awards, such as Artist of the Year and Album and Male Vocalist of the Year, and he was also nominated for two 2022 GMA Dove Awards, including Best New Artist.

Grand Ole Opry 6/9 & 6/10

As CMA Festival week finishes up in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry continues to join in on the festivities this weekend, as in addition to the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, there will also be a special Opry Country Classics show at the Ryman Auditorium on Saturday afternoon. 

Starting off with the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill is on the schedule. In addition to Vince, Opry member Trace Adkins is back for his second Opry show of the year, along with comedian Gary Mule Deer. Also on the list are Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky and John Conlee. 

Michael Ray, one of the Opry's more frequent guests is back at the Opry on Friday night and he is the only non-member on the schedule. 

Vince Gill and Gary Mule Deer are back on Saturday night, along with members Bill Anderson, Connie Smith and Mark Wills. 

After an impressive Grand Ole Opry debut back in March, Sean Dietrich is returning for his second Opry appearance on Saturday. Also guesting is Opry NextStage artist Hailey Whitters and Brett Young. 

Friday June 9
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Trace Adkins
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Gary Mule Deer, Michael Ray, Vince Gill

Saturday June 10
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Bill Anderson, Sean Deitrich, Brett Young
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Gary Mule Deer, Hailey Whitters, Vince Gill 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday June 10, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Walker
6:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stu Phillips; Pete Sayers
6:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilburn Brothers; Marion Worth
7:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Dottie West; Charlie Louvin; Billy Grammer; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Minnie Pearl; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass; Grandpa and Romona Jones; Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely
8:30: Hank Snow (host); David Houston; Del Wood; Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Stu Phillips; Marion Worth
10:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Skeeter Davis; Jimmy C Newman
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Minnie Pearl; Billy Grammer
10:30: Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass; Dottie West; Wilburn Brothers; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Willis Brothers; Charlie Louvin; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); David Houston; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood

(Save to say that was a loaded lineup that night)

On Saturday night June 10, 2000, the Grand Ole Opry reveled a new barn backdrop. Here is how it was covered at the time: 

Don't worry, folks. They didn't burn the barn.

The Grand Ole Opry unveiled its new stage backdrop Saturday night (June 10) as the official opening of its event-rich 75th anniversary celebration. And to the relief of traditionalists, the set didn't resemble the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Like preceding Opry stage sets, the new one features the outline of a pristine gambrel-roofed barn. Where the loft door would be in a real barn, there is a huge screen on which to project closeups of stage activity, as well as logos of the show's sponsors.

Designed by Emmy-winning Rene Lagler, the set's other additions include a white board "fence" that separates the Opry staff band from the performers and tall pointed screens at both sides of the stage to shield the audience from the masses of performers and fans who swarm around the edges of the back curtain.

The designer retained the rows of church benches that sit behind the band and face the audience. There is no mid-point opening in the new backdrop as there was in the one it replaced. Emblazoned across the barn are the words: "650 WSM Grand Ole Opry www.opry.com." (Since its founding in 1925, the Opry has been broadcast on radio station WSM, located at 650 on the AM dial.)

"It's certain to be a historic evening," Opry manager Pete Fisher promised before presenting the new set to the crowd of reporters and ticketholders. In describing the Opry's "family" qualities, Fisher spoke of such special "moments" as when Trisha Yearwood walked onstage unexpectedly to sing a duet with Garth Brooks and of the SHeDAISY sisters talking excitedly to their grandfather on their cell phone just seconds before they went on stage for their Opry debut.

But, Fisher continued, "Tonight is also about evolution, celebration and dedication. We're evolving. More and more new talent is discovering the Opry is a place they'd like to be . . . The new Opry set honors the past and serves as a symbol to our commitment to the future of the Opry."

Reciting the anniversary activities that lie ahead, Fisher called the Opry celebration "the world's biggest birthday party" and said that "Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill and Steve Wariner have already RSVPed." He said the celebration will proceed "well into 2001."

Fisher then traced the history of the Opry's stage sets, from depictions of log-cabin interiors to various scenes of rural imagery to the "familiar red barn [which] arrived on the scene in the 1960s." An updated "big red barn" set was installed in 1978, he noted, and remained the backdrop through the May 27 performance of this year. It will go on display at the new Country Music Hall of Fame when it opens next May.

When the curtain rose on the new set, the stage was packed with Opry members and guest artists. Among them was 88-year-old Bashful Brother Oswald (Beecher "Pete" Kirby), waving from his wheelchair. The former Smoky Mountain Boy came to the Opry in 1939 and performed in Roy Acuff's band until Acuff's death in 1992. He was made an Opry member in his own right in 1995 but has been prevented by illness from performing in recent years.

The assembled cast sang "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" before turning the stage over to Steve Wariner for the first official segment of the evening's show. His guests for historic occasion were Jim Ed Brown, BR5-49 and Chely Wright.

"We are not the owners of the Grand Ole Opry," said Gaylord Entertainment chief Terry London before the curtain went up on the new set. "We are caretakers of a treasure."

Here is the running order from that night 23 years ago, Saturday June 10, 2000: 

1st show
6:30: Online.com/Tex Mex
Steve Wariner (host): (?)
Jim Ed Brown: (?)
Steve Wariner: Holes In The Floor of Heaven

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Pam Tillis: (?)/(?)
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Clark (host): Alabama Jubilee
Ronnie Milsap: Time, Love & Money/Snap Your Fingers
Alan Jackson: Chattahoochee/What Kind of Man, Jesus Said
Roy Clark: Thank God & Greyhound/Scotland/Under The Double Eagle

8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Black Mountain Rag
Jeannie Seely: Together Again

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Charlie Walker (host): A Way To Free Myself
Wilma Lee Cooper: Loving You
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Rascal Flatts: Praying For Daylight/One Good Love
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

2nd show
9:30: Opry Cruise
Steve Wariner (host): Make It Look Easy
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Skeeter Davis: The End of The World
Pam Tillis: Don't Tell Me What To Do/More Than She Prayed For
Steve Wariner: Holes In The Floor of Heaven

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Opryland Hotel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind The Barn
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Beautiful Life
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Chely Wright: That's How I Knew It Was/That Makes It Hard To Be A Husband
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Then Know Your Gone

10:30: Folex Carpet Spot Remover/Joggin' In A Jug
Roy Clark (host): Caravan
The Whites: Making Believe
Osborne Brothers: Sunny Side of The Mountain
Holly Dunn: There Goes My Heart Again
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel
Roy Clark: Honeymoon Feeling

11:00: Coca Cola
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In
Jan Howard: Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good
Ronnie Milsap: Time, Love & Money/Snap Your Fingers
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

11:30: Wildhorse Saloon
Johnny Russell (host): Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Ray Pillow: I'm Still Not Over Losing You
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Rascal Flatts: (?)

A wonderful show that took place during Fan Fair week. While some folks were not happy with the new barn backdrop, over time I think it worked out pretty well. While the barn would evolve over time, it would sustain itself until February 2023 when a new barn backdrop was revealed. 

Finally, as mentioned, there will be an Opry Country Classics show at the Ryman Auditorium on Saturday afternoon. The lineup: 

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Jamey Johnson
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Don Schlitz, John Berry, Shelly Fairchild

There you have it for this week. A great weekend of Opry shows to finish out CMA week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 6/6 & Thursday Night Opry 6/8

While not one of the "official" CMA Music Festival events, the Tuesday Night Opry of CMA week has always been noted as the "unofficial" start of CMA week. And as usual, there is a stellar lineup with two shows on the schedule. 

It seems that almost every year Carrie Underwood is at the Opry for the Tuesday night show and this year is no exception. Besides Carrie, Opry members Bill Anderson, Josh Turner, Jeannie Seely and the Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled for the first show. The only change on the second show are Riders In The Sky scheduled in place of Jeannie Seely. The only two non-members listed are Lukas Nelson and, one of the hottest young acts in country music today, Lainey Wilson. 

If there is anyone out there who would complain about this lineup for these two shows, I would take issue as it is a good mix of artists and not a bad one in the bunch. 

The Opry will also be running a Thursday Night Opry, and no, it is not an Opry Country Classics show. Opry members Pam Tillis, Terri Clark, Don Schlitz, Gary Mule Deer and Rhonda Vincent are on the list for this show. The only non-members are Chapel Hart and Sam Hunt. 

Two great Opry shows to start off CMA week in Nashville. Looking ahead to the weekend, those shows look good also. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/2 & 6/3

The month of June is one of the busiest months at the Grand Ole Opry, particularly next week when the CMA Music Festival is taking place in Nashville. While the actual festival begins next week, the weekend prior is when a lot of the acts are arriving in Nashville and getting set for a busy week. A couple of those artists will be making their way to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, including a few names that we rarely see at the Opry House. 

One of those artists is Opry member Pam Tillis, who is scheduled for the Friday Night Opry. It is very hard for me to believe, but this will be Pam's first Opry appearance of 2023. In the past, Pam has usually been good for close to 10 appearances a year, but over the past several years, those appearances have fallen off. Joining Pam on Friday night will be members Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith and Mike Snider.   

Among the non-members on the Friday schedule are a couple that should really bring the house down: Tanya Tucker and Neal McCoy. For Tanya, her history at the Opry goes back to 1972 when she first appeared as a 13-year-old. While she rarely makes it back, it is always a treat when she does. In addition to the Opry, Tanya will also be doing shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday. 

Neal McCoy always brings a ball of energy to the Opry. He is certainly the type of performer who brings a smile to everyone's face when he is on stage. Besides Tanya and Neal, comedian Brad Upton and Tyler Booth, who is making his Opry debut, complete the Friday schedule. 

Looking at the schedule for Saturday night, Opry members Mandy Barnett, Henry Cho, and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule, along with Jeannie Seely, who will be returning to the Opry after an absence of several weeks as she was recovering from surgery. 

Guesting on Saturday will be Opry NextStage artist Restless Road, The Fairfield Four, Hannah Dasher, and someone we haven't seen on the Opry in a while, Mickey Guyton. 

Friday June 2
(TBA)

Saturday June 3
(TBA)
(The Opry has been a little inconsistent lately as to posting the "official" lineups).

As mentioned, Tyler Booth will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. Tyler is from Campton, Kentucky. In his teens, influenced by hearing Jamey Johnson's "Hight Cost of Living," Tyler began his country music journey. He has toured or worked in the studio with artists such as Willie Nelson, Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, Joe Diffie, and soon to be Opry member Jon Pardi. He is the first artist signed to Sony Music Nashville and Villa 40's joint venture. His most recent release is "Bring on the Neon," which was co-written with Jamey Johnson. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday June 3, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Ray Pillow (host); Willis Brothers
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Marion Worth
7:00: Wilburn Brothers (host); Skeeter Davis; Duke of Paducah; Don King
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jan Howard; Johnny Carver; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Willis Brothers; Marion
10:00: Wilburn Brothers (host); Ray Pillow
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Stu Phillips
10:30: Billy Grammer (host); Skeeter Davis; Don King
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Johnny Carver; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely; Bill Carlisle; Ronnie Robbins

(Porter Wagoner only appeared on the second show)

One of the non-members who appeared that night was Don King. Don, who was born in 1954, was from Nebraska. He's a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and also played the trumpet. Over the course of his career, he had 15 songs that hit the Billboard charts; however, none reached the Top 10. 

His first job in Nashville was at a Quality Inn club in Nashville in 1974, where he was able to make valuable connections. He signed with Con Brio Records and in 1976 his song "Cabin High (In the Blue Ridge Mountains)" placed him on the charts. In 1977 he reached the Top 20 with "I've Got You to Come Home To", after which he released his first album, Dreams 'n Things. His second album, Feelings So Right, (1978) yielded four Top 30 hits. In 1979, the single "Lonely Hotel" reached the Top 40. After two more hits in 1980 he began touring with well-known artists, such as Alabama, Reba McEntire, John Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Conway Twitty, and Tammy Wynette. In 1981, he reached the Top 40 twice, first with his cover of Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone" and then with "The Closer You Get." That same year he released his third album, Whirlwind.

By the end of 1981, he had launched the Don King Music Group, a recording studio, with his father. In 1985 they built a 24-track studio to record demos. In 1992, they added a video production company. In late 2007, GMV Nashville released two albums on King, and in 2008 they released two more, many including unreleased tracks. Don was inducted into The Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame by The National Traditional Country Music Association in 2015. This distinction honored his years of advancing traditional country music throughout his touring and recording career.

An interesting fact: members of his road band went on to become Sawyer Brown. 



Tanya Tucker is on the schedule for Friday night, which will be her first Opry appearance since being named one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. While Tanya has not appeared on the Opry all that often, she has made a few appearances over the years. the first of which took place on Saturday July 15, 1972. 

Tanya was just 13 at the time (she would turn 14 in October). "Delta Dawn" had just been released in May and was her first hit, peaking at #6 on the Billboard chart. 

Here is the running order from Saturday July 15, 1972, the night Tanya Tucker made her Opry debut: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): Things/Oh, Lonesome Me
Bill Carlisle: I'm Movin'
Billy Walker: Gone Our Endless Love

6:45: Rudy's
Tex Ritter (host): Froggy Went A' Courtin'
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home On The Morning Train
Del Wood: Cattle Call
Tex Ritter: Lorena

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back To The Mountains
Dottie West: I'm Only A Woman
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Brother Oswald: John Hardy

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Crook Brothers: (?)
Bill Anderson: Five Little Fingers
Jan Howard: Let Him Have It
The 4 Guys: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Bill Anderson: For All The Lonely Women In The World

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Say Something Nice To Sara
Stringbean: Ruby
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Ernest Tubb: Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello
Stringbean: Battle of New Orleans
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl

8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Rainbow Girl
Jeannie C Riley: Good Morning Country, Rain
Johnny Carver: Joy To The World
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Bobby Lord: You & Me Against The World
Jeannie C Riley: Harper Valley P.T.A.
Bobby Lord: Blue Moon of Kentucky

2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
The 4 Guys: Cotton Fields/Mariah
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Satisfied
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel
Bill Anderson and Jan Howard: Dis-Satisfied

10:15: Union 76
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Johnny Carver: I Start Thinking About You
Reggie Alley: Bill Bailey
Tex Ritter: Fall Away

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
Ernest Tubb (host): Filipino Baby
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Wayne Hammond: Red, Red Wine

11:00: Coca Cola
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Stu Phillips: For The Good Times
Tanya Tucker: There Goes My Everything
Sam McGee: John Henry
Stu Phillips: Where No One Stands Alone

11:30: Elm Hill
Bobby Lord (host): Wake Me Up Early In The Morning
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Jeannie C Riley: Gonna Give Myself A Party/Roses & Thorns
Bobby Lord: Sweet Imagination
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Jeannie C Riley: Run, Jeannie, Run
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

(Hank Snow was scheduled to host the 8:30 and 11:00 segments but cancelled).

There you have it for this weekend. Next week is the CMA Music Fest with the Tuesday Night Opry the unofficial opening event of the festival. More on that next week, but for now, thanks to everyone for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.