November Opry Highlights

Hard to believe but November is upon us. Many consider the months of November, December, January and February the "winter" months, as the cold wind from the North starts blowing. And let's not forget that November brings the start of the holiday season. 

November is another busy month at the Opry, so here are the historical and important moments that took place during the month of November in relation to the Grand Ole Opry, or with its members.

November 9, 1895: The man who started it all, George D. Hay was born on this date in Attica, Indiana. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he came to Nashville and WSM in 1925 and in November of that year started the WSM Barn Dance, later to be named the Grand Ole Opry. As his influence at WSM and the Opry declined as the years went on, he would eventually leave Nashville and move to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he passed away in 1968.

November 11, 1899: Kirk McGee, one of the Opry's original performers, was born in Franklin, Tennessee. Kirk, along with his brother Sam, would perform on the Opry with a variety of performers and often backed up the square dancers. Kirk would remain with the Opry until his death in 1983.

November 28, 1912: Early Grand Ole Opry member Robert Lunn was born in Franklin, Tennessee. He was nicknamed the "Original Talking Blues Man." Robert first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on March 31, 1934, and he stayed with the Opry until he retired in 1958. What is interesting is that he was known for his "Talking Blues" yet he never recorded the song until 1947. He was very popular and did many early Opry tent shows, often appearing with Roy Acuff.

November 6, 1925: Uncle Dave Macon, Sid Harkreader and Dr. Humphrey Bate performed a show at the Ryman Auditorium that was broadcast on WSM radio. This is considered the first country music concert to have been broadcast on WSM and actually predates the Opry. 

November 9, 1925: George D. Hay began working at WSM radio in Nashville, with the title of "Radio Director." Later in the month, he would put Uncle Jimmy Thompson in front of a WSM microphone on a Saturday night, which was the beginning of the WSM Barn Dance, later renamed the Grand Ole Opry.

November 28, 1925: At 8:00 p.m. and originating from the fifth-floor studio at the National Life and Accident Insurance Company's headquarters in downtown Nashville, George D. Hay stepped up to a microphone and introduced Uncle Jimmy Thompson on WSM radio. This is considered as the birth of the Grand Ole Opry. The first tune played by Uncle Jimmy was "Tennessee Wagoner," after which Uncle Jimmy continued for the next hour. The show resulted in a number of letters being sent to WSM and encouraged George D. Hay to carry on the following week. 

November 2, 1926: Former Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker was born in Texas. This former disc jockey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and would remain a member of the Opry until his death in 2008. Each of the occasions that I had the opportunity to speak to Charlie, I always found him friendly and interesting.

November 30, 1931: Teddy Wilburn was born. Teddy, along with his brother Doyle, were longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. After Doyle's death, Teddy remained as a solo artist on the Opry, until his death in 2003. There are many who make the argument that the Wilburn Brothers deserve a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and I can't say that I disagree with them. They have been finalists' numerous times but just can't seem to get over the hump. 

November 1, 1937: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was born. Bill became an Opry member in 1961 and is still an active member today. Not only has the Country Music Hall of Fame member have numerous hit records to his credit, but he is also considered one of the great songwriters in the history of country music and this past year he was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Hard to believe that Bill will be 86 this year and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 62 years, longer than anyone else in the history of the Opry. 

November 30, 1940: Minnie Pearl made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Minnie would become one of the most beloved members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry and would be an Opry member for over 50 years.

November 2, 1948: Roy Acuff was defeated in his campaign to become the Governor of Tennessee. While Roy would remain a big supporter of Republican candidates, Roy himself would never run for public office again. Roy's campaign mixed country music and politics. He would usually start off his appearances with music, then get into the political speeches. By then, most of the crowd would begin to filter out. 

November 6, 1948: While official records are many times hard to come by it would appear that this was the date that Jimmy Dickens first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy was an Opry member until leaving in 1957, however he returned to the cast in 1975. Jimmy then stayed with the Opry until his death in January 2015. Known primarily for his comedy and silly songs, Jimmy was also one of the best ballad singers during his time. 

November 13, 1949: The Grand Ole Opry sponsored its first overseas tour, as a group of Opry performers traveled to England, Germany and the Azores as part of a USO sponsored tour. Among the Opry stars making the trip were Roy Acuff, Rod Brasfield, Jimmy Dickens, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams.

November 22, 1952: The first Country Music Disc Jockey convention took place in Nashville. Among the activities that took place was the Grand Ole Opry birthday celebration, the first time a formal event was held to recognize the Opry's anniversary. The DJ convention would continue to grow, eventually growing into such events as Country Music Month and Fan Fair. While the DJ meetings would move to February, the Opry still celebrates his birthday/anniversary each fall, now usually taking place the first or second weekend in October.

November 13, 1953: Del Wood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Del was known for her ragtime piano playing, and her #1 record, "Down Yonder." Del would remain as a member until her death in October 1989.

November 14, 1953: Bill Carlisle joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Bill was an Opry member for just over 49 years, until passing away on March 17, 2003, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. At times, Bill, along with his daughter Sheila and son Bill, Jr., would be listed on the Opry program as The Carlisles. 

November 28, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin made his first guest appearance on the show. 

November 19, 1954: After returning to Nashville from the Army, Faron Young made his first Opry appearance on the Friday Night Frolics. Faron would eventually join the Opry, staying until being fired in 1964 for failing to make the required number of yearly appearances. While he would come back to make guest appearances, he would not rejoin the cast. 

November 20, 1954: Western singer and television star Gene Autry made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Gene, who was one of the early members elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, was based out west and didn't venture to Nashville very often. He was on the Prince Albert portion that night and of course sang "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer." 

November 21, 1955: Jean Shepard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean, who passed away in 2016, was an Opry member for over 60 years, the first female to achieve that accomplishment. Not only was November 21 the date that Jean joined the Opry, but it was also her birthday and wedding anniversary. It should be noted that after Jean joined the Opry in 1955, she never left.

November 3, 1956: The great Stonewall Jackson originally joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. While it is now over 65 years since Stonewall originally joined, it should be noted that Stonewall was fired from the Opry in 1964 for failing to make the required number of annual appearances. He rejoined the cast in 1969. Stonewall's last appearance on the Opry was several years ago when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary of joining the Opry. Sadly, Stonewall had some serious health problems later in his life and passed away in December 2021. And yes, even with his time away from the Opry, Stonewall made it to 60 years as an Opry member. 

November 10, 1956: The Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle, became official members of the Grand Ole Opry. Teddy and Doyle, along with other family members, originally came to the Opry in the 1940s, however due to child labor laws, they were sent packing. Thankfully, with the help of Roy Acuff and Webb Pierce, the brothers returned and became one of the most successful brothers acts in the history of country music.

November 9, 1960; Hank Locklin accepted an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Hank had made his first Opry guest appearance on November 28, 1953. Over the years, he would continue to guest until finally becoming an Opry member. Hank would remain an Opry member until his death in March 2009, 6 month short of 50 years as an Opry member. (Hank's first actual appearance as a member would take place on November 12. 

November 3, 1961: The Country Music Association announced the first class of inductees to the new Country Music Hall of Fame. In that first class were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams. Roy Acuff would join that group the following year to become the first living inductee into the Hall.

November 25, 1961: Former Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM air personality, Eddie Stubbs was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Before joining WSM, Eddie was a fiddle player with the Johnson Mountain Boys, and then later he was a part of Kitty Wells' band. Eddie retired from WSM in 2020 and has apparently left Nashville behind in his rear-view mirror. 

November 29, 1961: A group of Opry members, which included Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and Grandpa Jones, performed before a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in New York.

November 7, 1964: Minnie Pearl performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time before taking a leave of absence from the show. If not for taking the leave, Minnie would have been dismissed from the Opry the following month as part of the Purge of 1964. Minnie was just so busy traveling and doing television shows that she wasn't around Nashville all that often. Minnie would return to the Opry on February 12, 1966.

November 28, 1964: Willie Nelson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Willie was an Opry member for just several years, as Nashville was tough on him and he eventually left Music City, returning to his native Texas and reinventing his career. While at the Opry, Willie would constantly complain about the low pay and having to give up every Saturday night to be there. Since leaving the Opry, Willie has been back a few times, but not many. 

November 25, 1965: Leroy Van Dyke was fired/suspended as a member of the Grand Ole Opry for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. Leroy had joined the Opry's cast a few years earlier. While Leroy never returned as an Opry member, he has made many guest appearances on the show. According to people I have spoken to over the years, Leroy still feels that he should be considered an Opry member. 

November 25, 1967: Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed on the Grand Ole Opry together for the first time. Dolly's first Opry appearance since 1959 was the previous month, however on that show, Porter and Dolly did not do a duet. The song they performed that night was "The Last Thing on My Mind." While not an Opry member at the time, Dolly would join the cast in January 1969.

November 23, 1968: Tennessee native, Dinah Shore, made a surprise guest appearance on the Opry. While she was born in Tennessee, Dinah found success during the Big Band period of the 40s and was one of the top vocalists of that decade. 

November 20, 1968: While not specific to the Grand Ole Opry, the first televised Country Music Association Awards show was televised on NBC. While the awards started in 1966, it took several years to find a network interested in airing it. The show was televised from the Ryman Auditorium with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans as the hosts. As a side note, the show was taped and played at a later date as network executives were not sure how the country performers would act on live television. 

November 12, 1971: Construction officially started on the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland USA. It was a massive project, taking until March 1974 to complete. While there were initial worries about the Opry leaving downtown and the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry has done just fine in its new home.

November 27, 1971: Grand Ole Opry member Margie Bowes made her final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. Margie, who came to the Opry in the late 1950s, would return a couple of times for guest appearances but when she left the Opry, she basically moved away from the music business. Margie passed away in October 2020.

November 10, 1973: David Akeman, known professionally as Stringbean, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that night, when he and his wife Estelle returned home, they were ambushed and murdered by two men who were waiting in their home to rob them. The bodies were found the following morning by their neighbor and good friend, Grandpa Jones, who had come to pick up Stringbean for a fishing trip. Nashville, and the Opry, was shaken by the murders, with many Opry members, led by Roy Acuff, calling for the death penalty. Grandpa Jones left Nashville for a number of years, moving to Arkansas and opening his own dinner theater. The killers were quickly caught and convicted. One died in prison and the other is out on parole.

November 11, 1975: The Grand Ole Opry's 50th anniversary special was aired on ABC-TV. The show featured a number of the Opry's stars, along with guest appearances by a number of others. 

November 24, 1975: One of the Opry's early members, Asher Sizemore, passed away at the age of 69. Asher appeared on the Opry with his son, known as "Little Jimmie." While there is some confusion as to when they started on the Opry, the date appears to be September 24, 1932. They were on the Opry for most of the 1930s, leaving the Opry in 1942. Years after they left the Opry, the pair would continue to perform on various radio stations, primarily in the Midwest.

November 29, 1975: This would appear to be the final date that Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed on the Opry together. While they would both be scheduled to work the show, they would appear on separate segments. The popular duo would not get back together again until the night of Roy Acuff's 50th anniversary as an Opry member in February 1988. 

November 11, 1977: Future Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky made their debut appearance on the Opry, bringing the sound of Western music back to the Opry stage. 

November 1, 1978: Tanya Tucker made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Tanya, who was 20 at the time, had made several previous appearances on the Opry and was well received. However, on this particular night, from those who were there, she sang more rock than country, which disappointed those who were there. 

November 18, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood was recognized upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry's cast. Del, known as the "Queen of the 88's" was one of the few instrumentalists to have recorded a No. 1 record. 

November 5, 1983: Glen Campbell made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed a melody of his hits.

November 21, 1985: Reba McEntire officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Reba had actually joined the show earlier when she was asked to join during a taping of the Opry's 60th anniversary show. Since the show was taped for later broadcast, news of her Opry membership was kept under wraps. Reba, whose Opry appearances have become few and far between, has been an Opry member for 38 years. 

November 3, 1990: Minnie Pearl was honored as an Opry member for 50 years. She joined the cast in 1940. As a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, this comedian is considered one of the great stars in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. As part of the celebration, Dwight Yoakam sent 50 dozen roses to Minnie. 

November 15, 1992: The Grand Ole Opry radio program was inducted into the Museum of Broadcast Communication's Hall of Fame.

November 23, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff passed away in Nashville, just one month after his final appearance on the Opry. His influence at the Opry, and with country music in general, cannot be overstated. Thanks in large part to Acuff-Rose Publishing, Nashville became the home of country music. Roy was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, and for many years he was the Opry's most popular member. There are many who feel that his death was the first nail in the coffin that had led to the many changes that have taken place at the Opry over the past several decades.

November 28, 1992: Marty Stuart became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Marty's 31st year as an Opry member. Marty joined the Opry's cast the week after Roy Acuff passed away and I thought Marty would be great addition to the Opry. Sadly, Marty seems to have gone in a different direction and he seldom appears on the show. On a happier note, it was announced in 2020 that Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

November 27, 1993: Joe Diffie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2020 from Covid. He left us much too early. 

November 6, 1993: Grand Ole Opry member David Houston made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. David was a really good ballad singer. However, toward the end of his career, his voice was failing him. 

November 30, 1993: Just weeks after his final Opry appearance, David Houston passed away at the age of 57. David, who came to Nashville and the Opry from the Louisiana Hayride, had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music with "Almost Persuaded." David had joined the Opry in 1972. In addition to his solo career, David also toured and recorded with Barbara Mandrell. 

November 30, 1995: Martina McBride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Martina joined during a CBS television special that celebrated the Opry's 70th anniversary. This will be her 28th year as an Opry member. Loretta Lynn, who Martina said was a big influence on her while she was learning the business, did the formal induction. Regarding Martina, I love this story that I have repeated several times: She actually appeared on the Opry as part of the 70th anniversary birthday bash that was televised by TNN. She was the last performer on the televised segment before the cake was to be brought out, along with the cast singing "Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry" which always concluded the televised segment. During her portion, she sang two ballads that ran long, causing the cake and singing to be delayed until the next segment, which was not televised. There were many unhappy viewers at home who missed this Opry tradition, and many unhappy Opry members, who missed the chance to be onstage during the televised segment. Martina was very upset afterwards, believing that her mistake on the timing of her songs, cost her a chance of becoming an Opry member, something she always dreamed of. She apologized to everyone she could fine that night, and dreams do come true as the following month, she became an Opry member. I really don't know what has happened to Martina, but she has not made an Opry appearance in years. 

November 23, 1996: Trace Adkins made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. 7 years later, in August 2003, he would become an Opry member. Trace has told the story several times that on the night of his first appearance, Grandpa Jones, who was hosting the segment, forgot his name. Not unusual for Grandpa.

November 8, 1997: Johnny Paycheck became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Johnny, this came pretty late in his life, and after several years of trying to rebuild his image and career after some series legal issues that included prison. Johnny Russell did a lot of work behind the scenes to help Johnny become a member, convincing Opry management that Johnny had cleaned up his act. Sadly, Johnny became ill a few years after joining the show. On a side note, this was also the night that future Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark made her Opry debut. 

November 7, 1998: Jimmy Dickens was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Jimmy, who originally joined the Opry in 1948, was joined that night by Waylon Jennings, Bill Anderson, Carl Smith and Bobby Bare. Nashville also honored Jimmy by proclaiming the day as "Jimmy Dickens" day in the city. 

November 5, 1999: In a stunning move, Opry General Manager Pete Fisher announced a reorganization of the Opry Staff Band, which resulted a several of the band members being dismissed. Included in that list were Buddy Harman, Leon Rhodes, Joe Edwards, Ralph Davis and Ray Johnston. According to Pete Fisher, "After several months of observing what was going on with the staff band, I made a decision to restructure it, not only to achieve efficiency, but also to upgrade the quality so that we're providing the best service we can." Personally, I did not think there was any issue with the quality of the staff band and neither did Vince Gill, who was quoted as saying, "Leon Rhodes can play circles around most guitar players, and Buddy Harman can play circles around most drummers. The sad thing is, younger ain't better." It sure didn't take Pete Fisher long to begin making changes at the Opry. 

November 23, 2000: Dolly Parton and Vince Gill hosted a CBS televised special celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. The special had been taped a week after the Opry's actual 75th celebration in October. 

November 24, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Russell made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry, thus ending his performing career as ill health forced his retirement. Johnny's final Saturday night appearance had taken place the previous week, on Saturday November 18. Johnny passed away several years later after a period of declining health.

November 8, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the first time on Sirius satellite radio. For many, it was the first time that they were able to listen to an entire Opry show, while for others, it was the first time to enjoy the show without static.

November 23, 2002: Jim & Jesse McReynolds performed on the Opry for the final time. Jim McReynolds, who was in the final stages of an illness that would lead to his death on December 31, sang and played his guitar while sitting. The brothers had been Opry members since 1964.

November 30, 2002: Tim McGraw made his first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Tim would appear on the Opry stage a few more times.

November 1, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Holly made the decision to give up her musical career and moved to New Mexico to pursue her passion as an artist. Sadly, and unlike a few other Opry members who retired from performing, Holly was fired as an Opry member several years later in a move that made absolutely no sense. 

November 17, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson passed away in Nashville. Don was one of the greatest songwriters in the history of country music and in 2001 he had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Don joined the Opry on May 20, 1958 but was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of Opry appearances. He rejoined the show several years later, but even after coming back, his appearances were few. His last Opry show was on March 16, 1996.

November 24, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn passed away. Teddy had been in declining health and had not performed on the Opry in several years. He, along with his brother Doyle, joined the Opry's cast in the 1950s and were instrumental in the early career of Loretta Lynn. 

November 14, 2005: Following in the footsteps of Porter Wagoner, Trisha Yearwood rang the bell to open the trading day on the New York Stock Exchange in honor of the Opry's 80th anniversary. 

November 14, 2005: The Grand Ole Opry returned to Carnegie Hall in New York for just the 3rd time in its history, this time to promote the Opry's 80th anniversary. The show included performances by Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Trisha Yearwood.

November 26, 2005: Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard was honored upon her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean had joined the Opry's cast in November 1955. Sadly, Jean's recognition did not take place during the televised segment that evening. 

November 11, 2006: The Academy of Country Music presented its Pioneer Award to Little Jimmy Dickens during a Grand Ole Opry performance at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The honor was announced six months prior.

November 18, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree and was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, due to Stonewall's lawsuit against Gaylord and the Opry, he did not appear on the Opry to commemorate the occasion. 

November 24, 2006: Longtime Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy "Spider" Wilson quit. He had been a member of the Staff Band for over 50 years and reportedly quite due to being kept off the televised portion of the Opry. 

November 2, 2007: Lady A (as they are now called) made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. It would take a while but in 2021, the trio became members of the Grand Ole Opry, in an induction that took place during the Opry's 95th special. 

November 19, 2007: During Charlie Daniel's 11th annual Christmas For Kids benefit at the Ryman Auditorium, Opry member Martina McBride surprised Charlie on stage with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie, who passed away last year, always said that being an Opry member was one of the highest honors he had achieved in his life. 

November 8, 2008: Actor Kevin Costner and his country and western band, Modern West, performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.

November 14, 2009: The Grand Ole Opry streamed part of its show on MySpace. The segment featured Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Jake Owen and Rodney Atkins. This was the first time that the Opry attempted a broadcast like this and despite numerous technical issues, the Opry considered it a success.

November 9, 2010: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin made his final Opry appearance, in a show that took place at the Ryman Auditorium. Charlie was an Opry member for over 50 years and like Jean Shepard, Charlie always made it a point of telling folks that once he joined the Opry with his brother Ira, he never left. For what it is worth, Jean made the same comments regarding Charlie. 

November 10, 2012: Charles Esten, star of the ABC-TV series "Nashville" made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the decade, Charles has appeared on the Opry over 150 times. He has been the one star of the now cancelled series that continues to appear on the Opry. 

November 21, 2015: Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She appeared in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson, her first Opry appearance in a year. During the show, she announced her retirement and this was Jean's final appearance on the Opry.

November 5, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson was recognized and honored upon his 60th anniversary of when he first joined the Grand Ole Opry. This was also Stonewall's last appearance on the show.

November 15, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry, Carrie Underwood surprised Crystal Gayle during a guest appearance, with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal's official induction took place the following January.

November 24, 2016: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn passed away in New Mexico from ovarian cancer. Holly joined the Opry's cast in October 1989 and was a member of the Opry until she was fired in the 2000's, after leaving Nashville and moving to New Mexico. In addition to her Opry duties, Holly also was a regular host of the Opry Backstage show and hosted a radio show in Detroit for a time. 

November 19, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Mel Tillis passed away in Florida after an extended illness. Mel had joined the Opry in June 2007 after a very successful career as a singer, songwriter and actor.

November 15, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark passed away. The Country Music Hall of Fame member had joined the Opry's cast in 1987 and while he did not appear often, it was always a treat to see Roy on the Opry. 

November 6, 2020: The Friday Night Opry returned after being suspended in March due to the Covid pandemic. 

November 23, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum passed away after a period of declining health. Hal came to Nashville and the Opry via New York and always did an amazing job when performing on the show. 

November 2, 2021: Mandy Barnett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mandy had been surprised late in September with an invitation to join the cast, delivered by Connie Smith. Mandy had been a guest on the Opry hundreds of times and her membership was well deserving and well received. 

There you have it for this month. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. 

Tuesday Night Opry 10/31

With the exception of an Opry Country Christmas show later in the year, the Wednesday Night Opry is finished for 2023. The same holds true for Opry Country Classics. So, moving forward as we finish out the year, the only mid-week Opry show will be the Tuesday Night Opry. 

There are just two Opry members on the schedule for this week: Bill Anderson and Rhonda Vincent. While not Opry members, Steven Curtis Chapman and Jim Lauderdale, both of whom know their way around the Opry House, are also on the schedule. 

Comedian Brian Bates makes a return appearance. I have noticed that since Henry Cho and Gary Mule Deer have become Opry members, that we are seeing fewer appearances by many of the comedians that seemed to have been making semi-regular appearances since 2021. 

Dylan Schneider and Stephen Wilson Jr., fill out the schedule, as will bluegrass group East Nash Grass, who will be making their Opry debut.

Tuesday October 31
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jim Lauderdale, Stephen Wilson, Jr., East Nash Grass
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Brian Bates, Dylan Schneider, Steven Curtis Chapman

The band that would become East Nash Grass began to take shape by chance, as a weekly bluegrass night at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. The gig leadership changed hands and players came and went over several years, and what started as a loose collection of pickers gradually solidified into a committed group of dedicated bandmates. They quickly became one of the top young bands in bluegrass music, whose members have been highly sought-after as side musicians for the genre’s top stars and hottest bands. Today, whether it’s bluegrass Monday at Dee’s, or the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium, East Nash Grass brings swagger, staggering abilities, and high energy to every performance.

East Nash Grass has been making a name for themselves in the Nashville area.  Every member is an accomplished professional in their own right, and each would be a featured musician in any band. Currently the group consists of James Kee on guitar, Cory Walker on banjo, Harry Clark on mandolin, Gaven Largent on dobro, Maddie Denton on fiddle, and Jeff Picker. 

East Nash Grass can still be found every Monday night performing in that same east side bar.

Grand Ole Opry 10/27 & 10/28

There has been a lot of excitement at the Grand Ole Opry in October. A pair of Opry inductions, the tribute show honoring Keith Whitley (which included an appearance by Garth), and now, to finish out the month, Opry member Carrie Underwood returns for two shows on the Friday Night Opry. 

For Carrie, these two appearances will make it 10 times that Carrie has appeared on the Opry in 2023, as she continues to honor her commitment when she became an Opry member. I know I have said it before, but she continues to set the standard that some of her contemporaries should be striving for. 

Joining Carrie on Friday night will be Opry members Gene Watson, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Dailey & Vincent. Guesting will be the ever-popular Maggie Rose and Jason Eady. 

Speaking of Riders In The Sky, their new CD "Throw a Saddle on a Star" debuted at #1 on the Western Charts of the revered magazine The Western Way. The album was produced by Joey, the Cow Polka King. Yes, there is still a market for western style music. 

There will be a full lineup of Opry members on Saturday night as Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz, The Whites, Mike Snider and Lauren Alaina are all scheduled to appear. 

The only non-members on that schedule are Mason Ramsey and Emily West. Emily will be appearing with Mandy Barnett. 

I am sure all of you remember Mason, as at the age of 11 he became an internet star after he was discovered in 2018 when a foot-tapping video of him yodeling in a Walmart located in Harrisburg, Illinois, went viral. That video led to numerous television appearances, along with an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Fast forward to 2023 and he is now signed to Atlantic Records and Big Loud Records as the youngest major label Country artist since Billy Gillman. His debut single, "Famous," is out now.

Friday October 27
1st show
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, John Conlee, Maggie Rose
8:00: Gene Watson, Jason Eady, Riders In The Sky, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Carrie Underwood, John Conlee
10:30: Maggie Rose, Gene Watson, Jason Eady, Riders In The Sky

Saturday October 28
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Mason Ramsey, Mike Snider, Lauren Alaina
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, The Whites, Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett & Emily West, Don Schlitz

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday October 28, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Del Reeves (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Vic Willis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Billy Grammer; Charlie Walker
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Wilburn Brothers; Roy Drusky; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host): The 4 Guys; Stu Phillips; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Del Reeves; Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely
10:00: Charlie Walker (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Charlie Louvin
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Vic Willis; Brother Oswald
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Stonewall Jackson; Wilma Lee Cooper; Blake Williams
10:45: Wilburn Brothers (host); Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; The Henson Family
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bill Carlisle; Kirk McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Marion Worth; Ronnie Robbins

October 29, 1989, was a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry as Bill Monroe celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry. As you would imagine, it was a special night as Bill was one of the icons of the Opry, bringing bluegrass music to the show. 

Here is the running order from that special night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Around (When It's Over)
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walkin' On New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: I Oughta Feel Guilty
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of A Fool

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Charlie Louvin: Stormy Horizons
Ray Pillow: Congratulations
Connie Smith: Walkin' After Midnight
New Coon Creek Girls: Night Train To Memphis
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown/Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Bill Monroe and Emmylou Harris: Kentucky Waltz/My Rose of Old Kentucky
Bill Monroe and Larry Cordle: Kentucky King
Bill Monroe and Emmy Lou Harris: Blue Boon of Kentucky
Bill Monroe: Rawhide

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Are You Teasing Me/I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Roy Drusky: New Lips/One Day At A Time
Bill Carlisle: Oh, What A Party
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Dance All Night
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): A Vanishing Breed
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Dottie West: Are You Happy Baby/Together Again
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Once Again

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jeanne Seely: Tell Me Again
Ray Pillow: Lucky Me
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host): Until My Dreams Come True
Jan Howard: Slow Burning Memory
Jack Greene: The Last Letter

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater/Out Behind The Barn
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

10:30: Pet Milk
Billy Walker (host): Down To My Last Cigarette
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Billy Walker: Behind Closed Doors/Charlie's Shoes

10:45: B.C. Powder
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark For Me To Travel
Jean Shepard: So Used To Loving You
Opry Square Dance Band and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar In The Goard
Bill Monroe: Sugar Loaf Mountain

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Why Do You Punish Me
Justin Tubb: Walking; Talking; Crying Barely Beating Broken Heart
New Coon Creek Girls: How Many Biscuits Can You Eat
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Dottie West and Tony Toliver: Every Time Two Fools Collide
Hank Snow: The Party of The Second Part

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Roy Drusky: What About You
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Charlie Walker: Cindy

Bill Monroe was one of those Opry members who took his Opry membership seriously. Once he joined in 1939, he never left, and he never shorted the Opry as to his appearances. 

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. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It will be a special night at the Grand Ole Opry House on Tuesday as Jon Pardi will become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. While I am happy for Jon, it is somewhat disturbing that it took six months from the time of his Opry invitation to schedule his induction, along with the fact that he has made only one Grand Ole Opry appearance thus far in 2023. Hopefully, this does not turn out to be a miss by the Opry and that once Jon is formally inducted, he will significantly increase his appearances on the Opry. It is good to see that he does have at least one more appearance on the schedule, as he will be appearing on the first Opry Christmas show in November. 

Joining Jon on the Tuesday Night Opry, of which there will be two shows, will be Opry member Rhonda Vincent. Also on the schedule are Rhett Akins, songwriter Dean Dillon, Ella Langley, Ian Munsick and Chase Rice. 

Tuesday October 24

1st show

7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Rhett Akins, Ella Langley, Chase Rice
8:00: Ian Munsick, Dean Dillon, Jon Pardi

2nd show
9:30: Rhonda Vincent, Rhett Akins, Ella Langley, Chase Rice
10:30: Ian Munsick, Dean Dillon, John Pardi 

With Rhonda Vincent the only other Opry member on the schedule, I wonder if she, or someone as a surprise, will do the formal induction of Jon, and present him with the membership award. 

Trace Adkins returns for the Wednesday Night Opry, along with members Craig Morgan and Don Schlitz.  Cochren & Co. makes a return to the Opry, along with Opry NextStage artists Restless Road. Rounding out the lineup will be Six-String Soldiers, who will be making their Opry debut, along with The Travelin' McCourys. (Originally Del was scheduled, but now it looks like Del is taking the night off. 

Wednesday October 25

7:00: The Travelin' McCourys, Restless Road, Cochren & Co., Don Schlitz
Intermission

8:15: Six-String Soldiers, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan

One of the most followed military music groups in the world, Six-String Soldiers is a country, folk, and bluegrass ensemble of The United States Army Field Band of Washington, D.C. Formed in 2015, the six-member group brought together Soldiers of diverse military backgrounds as a new way to connect America to its Army through music. The group has performed in concert with such legendary performers as John Fogerty, Darryl Worley, and Mark Wills, and have appeared on Conan, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Morning Express with Robin Meade, Harry with Harry Connick, Jr., and The Today Show. 

With a focus on strengthening ties between the Army and Veterans of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Vietnam War, Six-String Soldiers continues to travel the country playing in Veterans homes, at Veteran Service Organizations and their events, and at music festivals and concerts across the Nation.

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night for the final show in 2023. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers will host, and appearing with them will be The Swon Brothers, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Charlie McCoy and T. Graham Brown. 

Congratulations to Jon Pardi as we welcome another new Opry member to the family. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/20 & 10/21 (Including Lineups)

Vince Gill has been busy the past couple of weeks with The Eagles, however he has a free weekend coming up. So, with that free weekend, where do you expect Vince to be? At the Grand Ole Opry House, of course, and he will be at the Opry both Friday and Saturday night this weekend, headlining both nights. 

Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Connie Smith, Mike Snider and The Isaacs, while on Saturday night, Vince will be joined by Jeannie Seely and Don Schlitz. 

It's always fun to hear the western sound on the Opry with Riders In The Sky. However, instead of the Riders on Friday night, Sons of The Pioneers will be performing. Also on the schedule are Sophia Scott and Artimus Pyle Band, both of whom will be making their Opry debuts. 

Terri Gibbs and Mary Gauthier headline the non-members on Saturday night, along with Tigirlily Gold and Kylie Morgan. 

Sophia Scott comes to Nashville from Colorado. Infused with elements of Southern Rock, Pop, R&B, and Soul — the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has amassed over 92 MILLION career streams and drawn nearly ONE MILLION monthly listeners to date. Beginning her career in Los Angeles, she found early success with singles like 2018’s “White Fence” and 2019’s “Drink Too Much Wine” (both featured on coveted playlists like Spotify’s New Music Friday), but ultimately relocated to Nashville and immersed herself in sharpening her craft. A breakthrough year for Scott, 2021 brought such triumphs as opening for the Jonas Brothers, landing on an artists-to-watch list from People and inking her record deal with EMPIRE Nashville.

Friday October 20
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Sophia Scott, Connie Smith, Artimus Pyle Band
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider, Sons of The Pioneers, The Isaacs, Vince Gill

Saturday October 21
1st show

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Kylie Morgan, Terri Gibbs, Don Schlitz
8:00: Mary Gauthier, Opry Square Dancers, Tigirlily Gold, Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Kylie Morgan, Terri Gibbs, Don Schlitz
10:30: Mary Gauthier, Opry Square Dancers, Tigirlily Gold, Vince Gill

Hopefully things get back to normal at the Opry and on their website and they will resume posting the weekly lineups. Until then, you can depend on me to work my connections and post. 

Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry shows, more than a few took place on this date over the years. The first one to look at is the Opry's 47th birthday celebration which took place on Saturday October 21, 1967. This was also the last show that the Browns appeared as members of the Opry. 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Bright Lights & Country Music
Osborne Brothers: Roll Muddy River
Ernie Ashworth: Tender & True
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Bill Anderson: I Get The Fever
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jimmy Gately: Orange Blossom Special/She Wants To Be Like You

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Uncle Pen

Willis Brothers: Bob

Cousin Jody: Mockingbird

Bill Monroe: Molly & Tenbrooks

6:45: Rudy's

Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows

Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name

Jim and Jesse: Ballad of Thunder Road

Billy Walker: Cattle Call

7:00: Luzianne

Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot

Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame

Bob Luman: Memphis

Minnie Pearl: Maple On The Hill

The 4 Guys: Walking In The Sunshine

Del Reeves: One Dime At A Time

Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas

Charlie Louvin: How Great Thou Art

Wilburn Brothers: Just To Be Where You Are

Loretta Lynn: What Kind of A Girl

Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker

Bobby Lord: Shadows On The Wall

Bill Carlisle: Dr. R.D. 

Ray Pillow; (?)

Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

8:00: Martha White

George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind

Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks

George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing

The Browns: Looking Back To See/(?)/(?)/I Heard The Bluebird Sing/The Old Lamplighter/Scarlet Ribbons/The Three Bells/Send Me The Pillow You Dream On

Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe

Dottie West: Like A Fool

Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top

George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man

8:30: Stephens

Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special

Tex Ritter: Just Beyond The Moon

Archie Campbell: The Cockfight

Tompall & The Glaser Brothers: Gone On The Other Hand

Skeeter Davis: The End of The World

Billy Grammer: Mable

Margie Bowes: Bo Weevil

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On

Bill Monroe: You'll Find Her Name Written There

Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

Marion Worth:  A Woman Needs Love

Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres

Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klyde

Del Wood: Waiting For The Robert E. Lee

Norma Jean: Jackson Ain't A Very Big Place

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen

Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I

10:00: Schick

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town

Loretta Lynn: What Kind of A Girl

Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name

Jim and Jesse: Diesel On My Tail

Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:15: Pure

Ernest Tubb (host) and Loretta Lynn; Sweet Thang

Bobby Lord: Look What You're Doing To You

Charlie Louvin and Bobby Osborne: When I Stop Dreaming

Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones

10:30: Buckley's

Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere

Skeeter Davis: What Does It Take

George Hamilton IV: Urge For Going

Jim Ed Brown: Bottle; Bottle

Hank Snow: (?)

10:45: Newport

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host0: The Birds Are Back

George Morgan: Misty Blue

Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark

Margie Bowes: Overnight

Osborne Brothers: Rolly Muddy River

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel

11:00: Coca Cola

Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley

Tex Ritter: A Working Man's Prayer

Jean Shepard: I Don't See How I Can Make It Happen

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream

Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame

Sam McGee: (?)

The 4 Guys: Ruby

Del Reeves: Chug A Lug/(?)/(?)

Porter Wagoner: Julie

11:30: Lava
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening Express

Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted

Tompall & The Glaser Brothers: Through The Eyes of Love

Marion Worth: Tennessee Waltz

Ernie Ashworth: My Love For You

Ray Pillow: Take Your Hands Off My Heart

Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

Roy Drusky: Anymore/Strangers/Second Hand Rose

I don't think anyone can complain about the lineup that night. Back in those days, it was almost mandatory that Opry members appear during the annual birthday show, which took place during the annual Disc Jockey convention in Nashville. And for those keeping track, the late show did not end until just after 1:00 am. 

Bonnie and Maxine made the decision to retire from full-time performing to concentrate on raising their families. Jim Ed remained an Opry member until his death, and his sisters would appear with him on occasion at the Opry. 

Now, compare that show to the Opry's 81st birthday that took place on October 21, 2006: 

1st show

6:30: Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; The Whites

7:00: Trisha Yearwood; Travis Tritt; Opry Staff Band; LeAnn Rimes; Charley Pride; Jimmy Dickens

8:00: Mike Snider; Stu Phillips; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers; Helen Cornelius; Larry Ford

8:30: Hal Ketchum; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band

2nd show

9:30: Jimmy Dickens; The Whites; Trisha Yearwood

10:00: Mike Snider; Jimmy C Newman; Travis Tritt

10:30: Jean Shepard; Jan Howard; LeAnn Rimes; Opry Square Dancers

11:00: Hal Ketchum; Charlie Louvin; Bobby Osborne

11:30: Jim Ed Brown; Helen Cornelius; Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band

What a difference!! Certainly, a lot less Opry members. 

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Here are the posted lineups for the mid-week Opry Shows

Tuesday October 17

7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Josh Ross, Moon Taxi, Don Schlitz
Intermission

8:15: John Conlee, Henry Cho, Terri Clark, Chris Janson

Wednesday October 18

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Chayce Beckham, Mandy Barnett
Intermission

8:15: Writers In The Round (Rhett Akins, Jessi Alexander, The Warren Brothers), Clay Walker, Dailey & Vincent

Thursday October 19 (Opry Country Classics)

Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Charlie McCoy, Twitty & Lynn, Louise Mandrell, Sawyer Brown

12 different Opry members for the 3 shows this week with no repeats. The Tuesday Night Opry is particularly strong with 6 members appearing, including Terri Clark and Chris Janson. 

Two artists will be making their Opry debuts this week: Moon Taxi and Tuesday night and Chayce Beckham on Wednesday night. 

Moon Taxi is described as a "Nashville based indie alt-rock band which has just released their sixth album. Chayce Beckham is a former American Idol winner and was a part of Luke Bryan's summer stadium tour. Since winning Idol, he has appeared on numerous television shows and has been very successful streaming his music, with millions of streams.  Recognized as one of 10 new Country artists “destined for killer careers” (Country Swag) and the “Next Big Thing” by Music Row, the “full-fledged Country star” (CMT) just released the whiskey-soaked ballad “Till The Day I Die” and heart-pulsing “Little Less Lonely,” continuing his rise as “one of the best new country artists to watch out for” (PopCulture).

Also on Wednesday night, there is a "Writers In The Round" listed on the schedule, which includes Rhett Akins, Jessi Alexander and The Warren Brothers. Not sure what that all entails. 

Opry Country Classics returns for another week with Larry Gatlin hosting. 

Overall, some good shows again this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/13 & 10/14 (Updated w/Saturday Night Lineup)

It will be another special weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the Opry will remember Country Music Hall of Fame member Keith Whitley on Saturday night with two shows titled, "I Wonder Do You Think of Me; The Opry Remembers Keith Whitley. 

As the Opry posted on their website, "Join Opry members Garth Brooks, Ashley McBryde, Lorrie Morgan and other very special guests in celebrating and honoring one of country music's greatest voices of all time, Keith Whitley! This one-of-a-kind show will include special guests singing some of our favorite Keith Whitley songs, touching tributes, and star-studded surprises all night long."

Keith made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, beginning in the mid-1980's, up until his death in May 1989. His voice was timeless. What many may not know was that the Opry was going to ask Keith to become an Opry member, with the invitation due to take place just three weeks after this death. 

As listed above, the two shows will feature Keith's former wife, Lorrie Morgan, along with fellow Opry members Ashley McBryde, Terri Clark, Mark Wills and Garth Brooks. Also on the schedule is Keith and Lorrie's son, Jessie Keith Whitley. Rounding out the lineup will be The Grascals. 

While the tribute to Keith will take place on Saturday night, there is also a show on Friday night. The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry members Connie Smith, The Isaacs and Riders In The Sky. Rounding out that lineup will be Miko Marks, Colbie Caillat, Jim Peterik from the group Survivor, and making her Opry debut, Rachael Lampa. 

Rachel is a singer/songwriter who has had multiple #1’s, 7 albums, TV appearances, and years of touring with the top Christian and Mainstream artists.  At what seemed like the height of her career, and at the age of 20, Rachael walked away from her record deal with both a feeling of burnout and a sense of curiosity after spending most of her teen years on a tour bus.  Over the next few years, the Colorado-native-turned-Nashvillian continued to release music independently, appeared on NBC’s The Sing Off with other Nashville artists, and toured in a more “out of the spotlight” way as a background singer with Jordin Sparks and later with Hozier.  

Friday October 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Rachel Lampa, Connie Smith, Colbie Caillat
Intermission
8:15: Mike Snider, Miko Marks w/The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Jim Peterik, The Isaacs

Saturday October 14
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Willis, Terri Clark, The Grascals, Ashley McBryde
8:00: Lorrie Morgan, Jesse Keith Whitley, Garth Brooks

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Terri Clark, The Grascals, Ashley McBryde
10:30: Lorrie Morgan, Jesse Keith Whitley, Garth Brooks

Even with the all-star tribute to Keith Whitley on Saturday night, the show will not be shown live on Circle TV's Opry Live. Instead, they are showing the Ronnie Milsap birthday show from March that featured Little Big Town, Trace Atkins and Mandy Barnett. 

I spent some time going through my records and found what I believe was Keith Whitley's first appearance on a Saturday Grand Ole Opry show. That apparently took place on Saturday October 6, 1984. Here is the running order from that night, where Keith appeared on both shows:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
The 4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
The 4 Guys: I Know; I Know

6:45: Rudy's
Jim and Jesse (host): Freight Train
Jeannie Seely: He's All I Need
Jim and Jesse: Stormy Horizons/A Beautiful Life

7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jean Shepard: City Lights
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

7:30: Standard Candy
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love
Roy Drusky: Always
Connie Smith: Jesus Is Your Ticket To Heaven
Ray Pillow: The Days When You Were Still In Love with Me
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar In The Goard
Billy Walker: She Goes Walking Thru My Mind/Sing Me A Love Song To Baby/Charlie's Shoes

8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Billy Grammer: Sittin' On Top of The World/The Waltz You Saved For Me
Wilma Lee Cooper: Hallelujah/Hallelujah
Keith Whitley: Turn Me To Love
Jack Greene: If It's Love You're Playing For

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Lorrie Morgan: San Antonio Stroll
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
The Whites: Forever You/Follow The Leaders
Hank Snow: These Hands

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun Fiddle
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Jim and Jesse: Johnny B-Goode
Charlie Louvin: It's Crazy What A Loving Heart Will Do
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Cajun Country: (?)

10:00: Little Debbie
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me Again
Billy Walker: A Million & One/Charlie's Shoes

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Drusky (host): Mississippi
Billy Grammer: Sentimental Journey
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove

10:30: Martha White
Charlie Walker (host): My Window Faces The South
Connie Smith: Did We Have To Come This Far To Say Goodbye
Charlie Walker: El Rancho Grande

10:45: Beechnut
Jack Greene (host): To Make A Long Story Longer, She's Still Gone
Ray Pillow: Ancient History
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Katy Hill
Jack Greene; Statue of A Fool

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Lorrie Morgan: Stand By Your Man
Keith Whitley: Turn Me To Love
Hank Snow: The Party of The Second Part

11:30: Quincey's
The 4 Guys (host): How Married Are You Mary Ann
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Alabama Jubilee
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Marshall Barnes: Tender years
The 4 Guys: I Know; I Know/May You Find Yourself In Heaven/I'm Almost Ready

While that appeared to be Keith's first Opry appearance, his last appearance took place on Saturday January 14, 1989. Keith appeared only on the first show that night, during the 7:30 portion of the Opry which was broadcast on TNN. There are many videos of Keith Whitley's performance on YouTube from that night.  Also, as a side note, Dwight Yoakam was also scheduled for the TNN portion of the Opry that night but cancelled his appearance. 

Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Bill Monroe (host): John Henry
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Bill Monroe: Then Take Courage Un' Tomorrow/Sugar Loaf Mountain

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Dan Tucker
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jim Ed Brown: Fools
Grandpa Jones: I Wonder Where My Darling Is Tonight

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have A License
The Whites: San Antonio Rose
Jack Greene: Statue Of A Fool
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Patty Loveless: Blue Side of Town/Don't Toss Us Away
Keith Whitley: Don't Close Your Eyes/I Never Go Around Mirrors
Bill Anderson: Quits

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: Release Me
Jim and Jesse: Rider In The Rain/Paradise
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar In The Goard
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): Bummin' Around
John Conlee: Hit The Ground Running
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Riders In The Sky: This Ain't The Same Old Range
Connie Smith: The Deepening Snow
Hank Snow: One More, You're Mine Again

Finally, 1995 was a big night as the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 70th birthday. Here is the lineup from that night 28 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Bill Carlisle, Holly Dunn
6:45: Billy Walker (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett, Stonewall Jackson, Jan Howard, Jean Shepard
7:30: John Conlee (host): Del Reeves, Country Music USA, Martina McBride
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Skeeter Davis, Hank Locklin, Jeannie Seely, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): The 4 Guys, Charlie Louvin, The Whites, Charlie Walker

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Ray Pillow, Wilma Lee Cooper, Brother Oswald & Charlie, Holly Dunn
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Skeeter Davis
10:15: Billy Walker (host): Stu Phillips
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:45: John Conlee (host): Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): The Whites, Jeannie Seely, Del Reeves
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Charlie Walker, Jan Howard

Martina McBride was on the first show that night and at that point of her career, she was not yet an Opry member. The 7:30 segment, which she was the final act, was the televised TNN segment and was to have included the Opry's cast rolling out the birthday cake and singing "Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry." 

That night, Martina sang a melody of country songs made famous by female country artists and as luck would have it, she ran way over and the TNN portion ended before the cake could come out. Many of the Opry's members, along with those watching on TV and looking forward to the tradition, were upset and Martina, who had the dream of becoming an Opry member someday, thought she had blown it. She was upset and apologized to everyone. 

Happily, for Martina, the Opry did not hold it against her and later that year she was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, with Loretta Lynn doing the honors during the 70th anniversary television special. 

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 and the salute to Keith Whitley. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Here are the posted lineups for the mid-week Opry shows: 

Tuesday October 10
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Kelly Lang, Priscilla Block, Victoria Shaw
Intermission
8:15: Rhonda Vincent, Gary Mule Deer, The Isaacs, Carly Pearce

Wednesday October 11
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, LANCO
Intermission
8:15: Shane Profitt, Gary Mule Deer, Mandy Barnett, Exile 

Thursday October 12 (Opry Country Classics)
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Carlos DeFord Bailey, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, The Bellamy Brothers

If I added it up correctly, there are 11 different Opry members appearing on the mid-week shows this week, with Rhonda Vincent and Gary Mule Deer the only repeats. 

The Tuesday Night Opry is the annual "Opry Goes Pink," which will be sponsored by Humana and Vanderbilt Health. This show is an annual tradition at the Opry where those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and those who have survived, are honored at the Opry. At the start of the show, a big switch will be thrown that will change the backdrop to pink. Also remembered are those who lost their lives to breast cancer. 

Among those appearing that night will be Kelly Lang, who many know is a breast cancer survivor, and is the wife of T.G. Sheppard. Surprisingly, for as long as she has been in country music, this is being advertised as her Opry debut. 

Exile will be making another Opry appearance on Wednesday night. They have been celebrating their 50th year as a group and in a recent interview it was stated that they would hope to become Opry members someday. If that is their dream, a nice start is making more Opry appearances. 

I know some have asked about my thoughts regarding the 98th Grand Ole Opry birthday week/weekend, so here are a few random notes, in no particular order: 

While there was no "superstar" on the lineups, all of the shows were solid. In fact, I thought each night was very good with a nice group of Opry members. The highlights: Lainey Wilson on the Wednesday Night Opry, the Opry induction of Sara Evans, and Randy Travis making a surprise appearance to close out the 2nd Saturday show. 

Speaking of Lainey Wilson, I, among a few others, had actually thought for a minute that when Lauren Alaina came back out at the end of the Wednesday show, that an Opry invitation might be coming as they were closing out the show singing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Each time Lainey has been on the Opry, she has expressed her love of the Opry and how much inspiration she has received each time she appears. She is currently the one of the biggest acts in country music, and I think it is no secret that an Opry invitation will probably be coming soon. 

I thought Sara's induction was well done. It was wonderful to see the old video clips of Sara making her Opry debut while still a teenager and seeing her has she grew into her career. Her entire family was there and she made sure to mention them several times. She was very appreciative, and I think we will see her support the Opry and make appearances on the show. 

I do want to say something about Chris Young, who closed out the Friday Night Opry. His portion of the show was taped for a future broadcast on Circle TV's Opry Live. Let's just say that there were a few of those in the audience who had a little too much to drink and were very disruptive during his appearance. Sadly, in my opinion, Chris played into them, and I think egged it on a bit. There is nothing wrong with a lively crowd, but this was not an outdoor festival and I think the screaming and yelling could have been toned down a bit. And, as I wrote, I think Chris encouraged a bit of it. 

Speaking of the crowds, it looked like Wednesday, Friday and the first show on Saturday were sold-out, or close to it. The classics show on Thursday night was over half full, and I would say the second show on Saturday came in at around 2,000. 

Finally, there was a lot of talk about the Opry's 100th birthday/anniversary in 2025. There are already a lot of plans underway. It's going to be a big deal and I know many of us cannot wait. Hopefully there are a lot of you who will be making plans to be there. It will be historic. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/6 & 10/7

Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry!!!! 

This weekend the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 98th anniversary, while also inducting Sara Evans as the newest member of the Opry's cast. The induction of Sara will take place on Saturday night as two shows are scheduled. 

Sara Evans is one of those artists who have appeared for years on the Opry, and who also made it known on occasion that her dream was to someday become an Opry member. Born and raised in Boonville, Missouri, she grew up listening –like much of her audience –to a mix of country, pop and rock on the radio. She began singing with the family band when she was five and made her first attempts at recording as a teenager, committing to a creative path with her move to Nashville in 1991. Smitten with country’s legacy, her version of Buck Owens’ “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail” won the approval of songwriter Harlan Howard – a Country Music Hall of Fame member who authored Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces” and The Judds’ “Why Not Me”–and of George Jones, who personally invited her to open for him at the historic Ryman Auditorium on the strength of her first album. That project – "Three Chords and the Truth", produced by Dwight Yoakam’s then-guitarist, Pete Anderson –arrived in 1997 to critical acclaim. 

Her resume now includes 14 Top 20 country hits, ranging from her reassuring first #1 – “No Place That Far,” featuring background vocals by Vince Gill –to the neo-traditional “Suds In The Bucket” to the elegant, spiky pop feel of “Slow Me Down.” But Evans has been expansive in other parts of her public life, too. She’s advocated on behalf of the Red Cross; became an active contributor to the community in Birmingham, Alabama, where she’s lived with husband Jay Barker for nearly a decade; and established a lifestyle blog — A Real Fine Place — that captures her flare for fashion, beauty and cooking. 

Sara was surprised with an invitation to become an Opry member by Bill Anderson, who appeared on stage with her along with Opry members Carly Pearce and Lady A during a show in August at the Ryman Auditorium. As Sara said that night, "There is no way that I would say 'no,'" Evans added. "I've been waiting to be asked to join the Opry for a long time, and it's always been a dream of mine. I'm so honored that you're (Anderson) here to ask me that question. It means everything to me."

Speaking of Bill Anderson, he is scheduled to be on the Opry on Saturday night, along with Opry members Crystal Gayle, Don Schlitz, Charlie McCoy and Gary Mule Deer. While there has been speculation on who might be the member to formally induct Sara as the Opry's newest member, at this point it could very well be Bill or Crystal. 

While the induction of Sara will take place on Saturday night, the Grand Ole Opry birthday weekend will also include the Friday Night Opry. Opry members scheduled for that night include Ricky Skaggs, Chris Young, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner, Dailey & Vincent and Gary Mule Deer, who is making it a two-show weekend. 

Chapel Hart is scheduled to guest on Friday night, while "Nashville" star Charles Esten is on the list for Saturday. These are the only non-Opry members on the schedule. 

(As of late Wednesday night, I have not seen the official lineup posted)

Even with the induction of Sara Evans, Circle TV will not be showing the Opry live on Saturday as they will be replaying the November 2022 show that recognized Marty Stuart upon his 30th year as an Opry member. 

For those who are interested, I will be in Nashville for the birthday week. My streak will continue as this will be the 29th year in a row of attending the Opry's birthday weekend, and 34 out of 35 (missing only 1994 due to the birth of our youngest son. I think that is a valid excuse). 

From 45 years ago, Saturday October 7, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Lonzo and Oscar
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): Skeeter Davis, Vic Willis
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Dottie West, Stu Phillips, Del Wood
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jeannie Seely, Billy Grammer, Karen Wheeler, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Jim Ed Brown, Bob Luman
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jan Howard, The 4 Guys, Justin Tubb, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host): Skeeter Davis, Ron Sweet, Stu Phillips, Kenny Baker
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jeannie Seely, Bessyl Duhon
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Dottie West, Vic Willis, Brother Oswald
10:30: Lester Flatt (host): Billy Grammer, Karen Wheeler, Tater Tate
10:45: Bob Luman (host): Del Wood, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Justin Tubb, Bill Carlisle, Jan Howard, Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): The 4 Guys, Helen Cornelius

(No cancellations that night, however Porter Wagoner appeared only one the first show)

October 7, 1967, was a historic night at the Grand Ole Opry as Dolly Parton appeared on the show for the first time since her debut in 1959. Dolly had recently joined Porter Wagoner's show where she replaced the very popular Norma Jean. Her first appearance on Porter's TV show took place a month earlier, on September 5, while her first concert appearance with Porter took place a week later, on September 14. It has been written that during that concert, which took place in Lebanon, Virginia, Dolly was greeted with boos and chants for Norma Jean.

Here is the running order from 56 years ago, October 7, 1967:

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Carlisle (host)

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Louvin (host)

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Bob Luman: You Can Take The Boy From The Country
Barbara Allen: You Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Brother Oswald: Late Last Night When Willy Came Home
Bob Luman: Running Scared
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go but To The Lord

7:30: Standard Candy
Bobby Lord (host): Take The Bucket To The Well
The 4 Guys: This Land Is Your Land
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Del Wood: Waiting For The Robert E Lee
Bobby Lord: Shadows On The Wall
June Stearns: A River of Regret
The 4 Guys: The Man Who Never Returned 
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Bobby Lord: When The Snow Falls

8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Dottie West: Like A Fool
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Jim and Jesse: Diesel On My Tail
Roy Drusky: New Lips
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
George Hamilton IV: Urge For Going
Roy Drusky: White Lightening Express

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Del Reeves: One Dime At A Time
Roy Clark: Alabama Jubilee
Dolly Parton: Dumb Blonde
Porter Wagoner: Julie
Mel Tillis: If I Could Only Start Over
Mac Magaha: Yakety Axe
Del Reeves: Girl On The Billboard
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Live

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Bobby Lord: One Day Down & Forever To Go
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire On The Mountain
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D. 
Bobby Lord: Shadows On The Wall
Hank Snow: Back In Nova Scotia

10:00: Schick
Charlie Louvin (host): I Catch Myself Still Loving You
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Charlie Louvin: The Only Way Out

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Dolly Parton: Ode To Billy Joe
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Porter Wagoner: The Green, Green Grass of Home

10:30: Buckley's
Del Reeves (host): One Dime At A Time
Jim and Jesse: The Ballad of Thunder Road
Jimmy Wilson: Detour
Del Reeves: Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town

10:45: Newport
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Larry McNeely: Pony Express

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): The New Way of Life
Bob Luman: Memphis
Roy Clark: Kansas City Star
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Hank Snow: Tangled Mind
Sam McGee: Nine Pound Hammer
Barbara Allen: You Ain't Woman Enough
Hank Snow: Traveling Blues

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
The 4 Guys: Walking In The Sunshine
Stu Phillips: Ben Rote
Marty Robbins: Tonight Carmen
Don Winters: Jealous Heart
Jerry Greene: Turn The World Around The Other Way
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Begging To You/Singing The Blues

No, Dolly did not sing a duet with Porter that night. That would come later in November. 

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. Again, congratulations to Sara Evans.

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Here are the posted lineups for the mid-week Opry Shows: 

Wednesday October 4
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Generation Radio, Jeannie Seely, Dustin Lynch
Intermission
8:15: Lauren Alaina, Charlie Worsham, Lainey Wilson

Thursday October 5 (Opry Country Classics)
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Sunny Sweeney, Mandy Barnett, Rhonda Vincent

Generation Radio will be making their Opry debut on Wednesday night. The duo consists of Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus and Jason Scheff, long-time lead vocalist and bass player for the band Chicago. Their mission is to bring 80s rock and classic music back to life. DeMarcus shares, “The purpose of Generation Radio is to take our audience on a nostalgic ride back through time. Reliving some of their favorite memories set to a timeless soundtrack while making new ones. It never gets old playing all of these hits!!” The unparalleled musicianship of Generation Radio delivers fresh rock & roll as a tribute to the music that made them. They will be touring in support of their debut album. 

Opry Country Classics on Thursday night is being devoted to the Women of Country Music. Sunny Sweeney, Mandy Barnett, Rhonda Vincent and Spotlight Artist Crystal Gayle are all scheduled to appear. 

There has been some scuttlebutt and rumor that Laney Wilson, at some point, could be invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. I don't know if that will happen or not, but what I do know is that she is scheduled for the Wednesday Night Opry. Lainey has been nominated for six CMA awards this year including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single, Song and Album of the Year and Musical Event of the Year, and she is considered a favorite in each category. She has also made a few appearances on the Opry this year. 

Besides Lainey on the Wednesday show, Lauren Alaina is scheduled, as is Dustin Lynch. Always happy to see the younger Opry members making appearances.