The big news this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry is the return of Opry member Reba McEntire, who is on the Saturday night schedule. Reba, who is now appearing on "The Voice" will be making her first Opry appearance since June 22, 2021.
On a personal note, I am happy that she is coming back. Sadly, she is one of those members who joined the cast in the 80s and 90s, with no commitment as to appearing on the show. She started early. After she joined the Opry in 1985, she made 7 appearances during her first 5 years of membership. She tailed off from there, making only 12 appearances in the last 32+ years. If I added it up correctly, this will be her 20th appearance since joining. Certainly not something to be proud of. In fact, Reba had an 8-year stretch of no appearances.
It really bugs me when someone accepts membership in an organization, such as the Grand Ole Opry, then fails to honor the commitment. Reba is not the only one. I could easily mention a half dozen more. I don't blame the Opry. I know they are working hard at getting all of the active members to appear. But all they can do is ask. If the artist says no, there is not much else they can do other than ask again. All I can ask is can she give us an appearance or two a year on the Opry? I don't think that is asking too much. But then, maybe she doesn't view her Opry membership as being all that important.
Joining Reba on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be group of members who do value their Opry membership as Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Henry Cho, Don Schlitz, Bill Anderson and Rhonda Vincent are on the schedule.
While Reba and her fellow Opry members will be appearing on Saturday night, for one show, there is also a Friday Night Opry this weekend. Opry members Jeannie Seely, The Isaacs, Connie Smith and Jamey Johnson are on the schedule for that show.
Additional non-members include Tony Jackson, Dean Dillon, LOCASH, and making her Opry debut, Twinnie.
Friday November 3
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Tony Jackson, Dean Dillon, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Twinnie, Jamey Johnson, LOCASH
Saturday November 4
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Willis, Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Henry Cho, Reba McEntire
Yes, Saturday night is all Opry members!!
As mentioned, Twinnie is making her Opry debut on Friday night. She has received critical acclaim from BBC Radio, People and Billboard. Known for her effervescent pop productions, power vocal and country lyricism, Twinnie's boundary pushing blend of Country music is centered on inclusivity.
Fresh to Music City, Twinnie recently made her US Radio and TV debut, and saw the 'Bad Man' single added to 55 Cumulus Country Radio Stations. She is building on the success of her Radio 2 Album of The Week release 'Hollywood Gypsy', and her inaugural American label EP 'Welcome to the Club' which racked up over 22 million streams. As a songwriter she has a diverse catalogue, writing for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Bryan Adams, and The Shires. She is also an accomplished creative director having won best Short Film at the British Short Film Awards.
Now from 45 years ago, Saturday November 4, 1978:
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Wilburn Brothers (host); Bill Carlisle, Vic Willis
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Charlie Louvin, Jeanne Pruett, Ernie Ashworth
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer, Larry Gatlin, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Skeeter Davis, Ray Pillow, Stu Phillips, Marty Stuart
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys, Marion Worth, Del Wood, Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilburn Brothers, Wilma Lee Cooper, Vic Willis, Ernie Ashworth, Tex Walker
10:00: Charlie Louvin (host); Larry Gatlin
10:15: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Billy Grammer, Del Wood, Blake Williams
10:45: Ray Pillow (host); Stu Phillips, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Skeeter Davis, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Kirk McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Marion Worth, Ronnie Robbins
(Justin Tubb appeared only on the first show that night. Also, as a reminder, in 1978 Marty Stuart was a member of Lester Flatt's group, The Nashville Grass).
An interesting name from that night, who appeared on the late show, was Tex Walker. J. C. "Tex" Walker was a country and western singer/songwriter, who enjoyed success in the 1930s. At one time, he was called "America's Singing Cowboy." By 1970, Tex had been in retirement for a number of years but came out of retirement to record a new album "Cowboy Country." He continued to make appearances through the 70s, one of which took place on this date at the Opry. On that show, he sang "Boots & Saddle."
For most of the Grand Ole Opry's history, the annual birthday/anniversary show has taken place during the month of October. Most, but not all. One of those that did not was the Opry's 36th anniversary, which took place on Saturday November 4, 1961. Here is the running order from that show, 62 years ago:
7:30: Pet Milk
Faron Young (host): Back Track
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Roy Drusky: I Went Out of My Way
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Jimmy Newman: Alligator Man
Skeeter Davis: Optimistic
Glaser Brothers: Let Me Down Easy
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Faron Young: I Haven't Got The Time
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): My Long Journey Home
Billy Grammer: Save Our Tears
Patsy Cline: I Fall To Pieces
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Cowboy Copas: Alabam
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Flatt & Scruggs: Where Will I Shelter My Sheep
Earl Scruggs: Earl's Breakdown
8:30: Faultless Starch
Jim Reeves (host): How Can I Write On Paper, What I Feel In My Heart
Hawkshaw Hawkins: I Wake Up with A Big Old Heartache
Willis Brothers: Ever Lovin' Dixie Land
Hank Locklin: This Song Is Just For You
Jean Shepard: I've Got To Talk To Mary
Stringbean: 20 Cent Cotton & 90 Cent Meat
Carl Butler: Honky Tonkitis
Jordanaires: Satisfied
Jim Reeves: Melody
9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Girl From Abilene
Wilburn Brothers: The Legend of The Big River Train
Ray Price: (?)
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Monroe: Linda Lou
Cousin Jody: (?)
Margie Bowes: Lonely Pillow
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Ernest Tubb: Thru That Door
9:30: Stephens
Marty Robbins (host): Don't Worry
Johnny & Jack: Let My Heart Be Broken
Ferlin Husky: The Waltz You Saved For Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Country Music Time
George Morgan: Every Day of My Life
Kitty Wells: Our Mansion Is A Prison Now
George Hamilton IV: (?)
Marty Robbins: El Paso
10:00: Standard Oil/Sustaining
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Roy Drusky: Anymore
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Carl Butler: For The First Time
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Del Wood: Creole Fandango
Billy Walker: Faded Lights & Lonesome People
Porter Wagoner: Everything She Touches Gets The Blues
10:30: Jasper Engine & Transmission
Ernest Tubb (host): Don't Just Stand There
Jimmy Newman: Alligator Man
Stringbean: Herding Cattle
Patsy Cline: Crazy
Ernest Tubb: Thoughts of A Fool
10:45: De Con
Faron Young (host): Hello Walls
Jan Howard: (?)
Cowboy Copas: Signed, Sealed & Delivered
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Faron Young: Going Steady
11:00: Coca Cola
Ray Price (host): (?)
Willis Brothers: Pretty Diamonds
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Lonzo & Oscar: I Can't Pitch Woo In an Igloo
Billy Grammer: Save Your Tears
Jordanaires: House of Gold
Sam & Kirk McGee: Lonely River
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Ray Price: (?)
11:30: Black Draught/Sustaining
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings of A Dove
Bill Monroe: On & On
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Cousin Jody: (?)
Loretta Lynn: I Walked Away From The Wreck
Glaser Brothers: Tired of Crying Over You
George Hamilton IV: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)
Porter Wagoner hosted two segments at 10:00/10:15. That was interesting considering all of the Opry members that were on that night. In fact, the only non-member on the show was Jan Howard, who would eventually become a member a decade later.
For those keeping score at home, Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Anderson, Jim Reeves, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jean Shepard, Minnie Pearl, Margie Bowes, Marty Robbins, Johnny & Jack, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn each had only one spot on the show (remember back in 1961, there was only one show).
Certainly, looking at the lineup from that night, I don't think anyone went home complaining.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. I do appreciate it. And, as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, and Reba's return to the Opry stage.
This weekend would be a good one to attend. Still hoping there will be an invitation for The Malpass Brothers soon. They would be a great asset and loyal to the Opry.
ReplyDeletePlease take a look at the previous post about Bill Anderson's birthday. I have posted a list of some of the songs he has written since 1958 that made the charts including co-writers, who had the hit, the year and the chart position. There are many more plus probably hundreds that did not make the charts. One of those is "Heartbreak Eve" recorded by Claud Gray in 1963. My favorite lines are:
ReplyDeleteSo I poured a glass of somthin'
Somethin' warm and crimson red
Let it glow beneath my breath
And remembered what I said
So I tore up your letters
Took your picture from it's place
Set down and cried right in your face
The list was complied for a small exhibit of my train and country artist art and photos I had about a year ago.
Jim
Jim, I love to tell this story. I happened upon a video once of a song called "Whiskey Lullaby." When I heard the line, "He put the bottle to his head and pulled the trigger," I said to myself, "Self, Bill Anderson wrote that." He co-wrote the song. In almost every one of his songs, there is at least one turn of phrase that woulde, um, give it away.
DeleteBy the way, I mistakenly called his first wife Carol in an earlier post, I believe it was Betty.
DeleteLike "I just crushed a Dixie cup for running out of wine"? You are correct. Yet today after all these years my brother and I will be listening to a recent LP we acquired and we'll hear just such a line and sure enough, Bill wrote or co-wrote the song. It's funny and maybe a little sad that when country songwriters are thought of, Hank Williams, Hank Cochran, Cindy Walker, Harlan and Willie are most often mentioned but rarely Bill. I will say it is a wonderful thing to see how people like Vince, Jamie Johnson and other newer artist have embraced him and learned from him.
Another thought is some of the great but morbid songs he has written. Listen to Porters recording of "The First Mrs. Jones". How a man so compassionate and kind could put those words to paper is amazing. Credit Bob Ferguson for the eerie arrangement that just added to the suspense of that recording. That was on The Cold Hard Facts of Life album. It also included the eerie Waylon Jennings penned "Julie".
Isn't this music just the best?
Jim
Absolutely the best ! Dashmann
DeleteIt's hard not to like Reba but like others from the past, she got to big for the Opry. However, in her earlier years as a member she was not THAT big and could have appeared more. Her lack of appearances has always been a burr under my saddle! Let's face it, she has something to promote and who can blame the Opry for rejoicing over the publicity. I completely agree with Byron. You sign on to a club a job or anything else, you should be committed to showing up participating or working. Maybe some can do it these days but it used to be that you didn't get paid if you didn't show up to work and fulfill your commitment.
ReplyDeleteJim
I have been watching some old videos ---- why isn't Les Paul in the Country Hall of Fame ???? Flushing, Michigan Dashmann --
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to look forward the next few weekends and see Patty Loveless is going to be one of the days in December. I know she'd been on kind of a personal break for a few years, but I was wondering if she'd ever head back to the Opry since she's been back to being fairly active for the past year. Glad to see shes at least making one appearance.
ReplyDeleteBeen looking at that 1961 show. Nice to see the Wilburn Brothers doing The Legend Of The Big River Train, one of their best. I'm not sure how well This Songs Just For You by Hank Locklin is remembered but it is a good song and was one of the 45's dad had the we were first exposed to this music as kids. The other side was From Here To There To you. Optimistic by Skeeter was a good record too that was released in 61'. Based on the polished arrangement of the record I wonder what it sounded like live. And I wonder how often ET did Don't Just Stand There which he co-wrote and Carl Smith had a #1 with in 1952?
ReplyDeleteI love looking at these old lineups and the songs they were doing.
Thanks Byron.
Jim
Jim, a couple of late career albums had ET singing duets of his old songs with other stars, and he did "Don't Just Stand There" with either Leon Russell or Hank Wilson. :)
DeleteWell I have to eat my words on Reba. Unless I missed it, she didn't promote anything. Didn't catch all of the lady introducing her so I don't know what that was all about.
ReplyDeleteSad when we have to tell the world and celebrate an all member show!
Jim
First, let me say that the Opry on Saturday night was outstanding, and that includes Reba. She did four songs and sounded very good. There were numerous pictures of her backstage with the other members and it looked like all were having a great time. Glad she came back to the Opry. She has been missed.
ReplyDeleteJim, to answer your question and comment, yes, she was promoting her new book and album last night, "Not That Fancy" which was released earlier in October. After the Opry, she did a Q &A on Facebook Live with what looked like several hundred fans in attendance. It appeared to be from Studio A. It lasted about 30 minutes, and I am not sure what the requirements were for those fans who were there, but I am assuming they bought a copy of the album or book in the Opry Shop. I will say, from watching it, Reba was very engaged with those attending.
It was Melisa Peterman who introduced her on the Opry. She was a part of Reba's sitcom that she had several years ago and still can be watched in reruns.
Thanks Byron!
ReplyDeleteJim