Grand Ole Opry 12/29 & 12/30

Who can believe that this is the final weekend of 2023. What a year it has been. We welcomed new Opry members and lost some legends in the process. We also honored an Opry member or two. I will be doing my yearly review in the next several weeks. In addition, I am going to take a look back at some predictions I had made years ago about Opry membership and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Look for those in the coming weeks. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy and Gary Mule Deer are listed on the schedule. Gary Mule Deer is back on Saturday night, along with Dailey & Vincent Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz. 

The Malpass Brothers will be guesting on both nights. I know they have a lot of fans and have been very popular at the Opry. Joining The Malpass Brothers on Friday night will be Gabe Lee, Clay Walker, and making his Opry debut, Devon Gilfillian. Besides The Malpass Brothers, Mae Estes and The Shootouts will be appearing on Saturday night. 

Friday December 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Gabe Lee, The Malpass Brothers, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Devon Gilfillian, Mandy Barnett, Gary Mule Deer, Clay Walker

Saturday December 30
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Mae Estes, The Shootouts
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, The Malpass Brothers, Don Schlitz

Devon Gilfillian has been inspired and influence by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeplin along with contemporary hip-hop and rap artists Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, Notorious B.I.G., and Jay-Z. After relocating to Nashville as a volunteer through AmeriCorps, he quickly nestled into the local music community, signed a record deal and in 2020, released his acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated debut album, Black Hole Rainbow. The socially aware artist then followed it with a track-x-track cover of Marvin Gaye's classic What's Going On, donating the proceeds to local organizations that fight voter suppression and support democratic justice.

His album, Love You Anyway, was recorded in Nashville and produced by Jeremy Lutito (Joy Oladokun, NEEDTOBREATHE). Love You Anyway, confronts as well as comforts. Chronicling Gilfillian’s journey as a Black artist living in the tumult of 21st century America, the album’s 10 original tracks, (all co-written by Gilfillian) are as much about fighting for what you believe in, equity and representation, as it is about love¾finding it, making it, and channeling it into every facet of our lives. 

Now, from 45 years ago, Saturday December 30, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely, Bill Carlisle
6:45: David Houston (host); Justin Tubb, Vic Willis w/Curtis Young and C.W. Mitchell, Billy Grammer
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Charlie Walker, Marion Worth, Ernie Ashworth, Stonewall Jackson, Wilma Lee Cooper
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow, Roy Drusky, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Grandpa, Ramona and Lisa Jones, Skeeter Davis, Osborne Brothers, Lonzo and Oscar, Charlie Louvin
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jeanne Pruett, Jimmy Dickens, Fruit Jar Drinkers, The 4 Guys, Stu Phillips

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely, David Houston, Bill Carlisle, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Wilma Lee Cooper, Ernie Ashworth, Vic Willis w/Curtis Young and C.W. Mitchell
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Roy Drusky, Jean Shepard, Charlie Walker
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Ramona Jones, Stonewall Jackson, Marion Worth, Charlie Louvin, Ray Pillow
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis, Osborn Brothers, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy Dickens, Lonzo and Oscar, Fruit Jar Drinkers, The 4 Guys, Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Stu Phillips, Jeanne Pruett

Finally, on Saturday December 30, 2000, Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry as her health issues made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter had battled health issues at various times in her career, and eventually would lead to her passing away in September 2004. 

Born Mary Penick, Davis took her last name after forming a duo with Betty Jack Davis, the Davis Sisters. Their 1953 single "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know" was a big country hit: its B-side, the remarkable "Rock-a-Bye Boogie," foreshadowed rockabilly. That same year, however, the duo's career was cut short by a tragic car accident in which Betty Jack was killed and Skeeter was severely injured. Skeeter did attempt to revive the Davis Sisters with Betty Jack's sister but was soon working as a solo artist.

In the early '60s, Davis followed the heels of Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline to become one of the first big-selling female country crossover acts, although her pop success was pretty short-lived. The weepy ballad "The End of the World," though, was a massive hit, reaching number two in 1963. "I Can't Stay Mad at You," a Top Ten hit the same year, was downright rock & roll.

Davis concentrated on the country market after the early '60s, although she never seemed too comfortable limiting herself to the Nashville crowd. She recorded a Buddy Holly tribute album in 1967, when Holly wasn't a hot ticket with either the country or the rock audience. But she certainly didn't reject country conventions either: She performed on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded duets with Bobby Bare, Porter Wagoner, and George Hamilton IV. In the 1980s, she had a mild comeback with the rock crowd after recording an album with NRBQ; she also married NRBQ's bass player, Joey Spampinato. 

Skeeter joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959. Every time I saw Skeeter on the Opry, she brought a smile to my face as she always seemed upbeat, happy and wore those colorful skirts. She was a true believer in God and expressed her belief many times on the Opry. Personally, I miss her greatly. 

Here is the running order from the first show that final night: 

1st show
6:30: online.com
John Conlee (host): Common Man
Jeannie Seely: He's All I Need
Bill Carlisle: White Lightening
Jett Williams: Move It On Over
Osborne Brothers: Old Friend of Mine
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone To Town
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Coley McCabe: Cloud 9
Jim and Jesse: I'm Changing The Words To My Love Song
The Whites: Blue Letters
Porter Wagoner and Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: She Burned The Little Roadside Tavern Down

7:30: Standard Candy
Riders In The Sky (host): I'm An Old Cow Hand From the Rio Grande
Connie Smith: Once A Day
The Isaacs: Stand Still
Dan Seals: I'd Really Love To See You Tonight/Bop
Riders In The Sky: The Desert Song/Happy Trails To You

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Skeeter
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Rhonda Vincent: Lonesome Wind Blues
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Too Country

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mike Snider: John Henry
Steve Holy: Don't Make Me Beg
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool

(It was also the night of Skeeter's 69th birthday). 

On the same night that Skeeter made her final Opry appearance, it was the final night for Jerry Strobel, who was the Grand Ole Opry House manager. Jerry worked for the Opry for over 30 years and had been notified the previous month that he was being terminated at the end of the year. Jerry was one of the early casualties of the Pete Fisher era. 

To finish it up, here is some news regarding Circle TV: 

Starting January 1st, Circle programming will exclusively move to its new home, Circle Country. But fear not, your beloved shows like Opry Live, Talking in Circles with Clint Black, Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty, Coffee, Country, and Cody, and many more will continue to be a part of your daily routine, streaming free 24/7.

Circle Country is available NOW, and it’s FREE! Catch us on Roku, SamsungTV, Peacock, Xumo, Vizio, fuboTV, Sling and Redbox. Your favorite content will still be just a click away. For more details and an in-depth guide on how to watch, visit https://www.CircleCountry.com.

As the New Year approaches, we ask you to embrace the change, enjoy the best of Circle programming, and make Circle Country your go-to destination for all things entertainment in 2024!

Thank you for being part of the Circle family!

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. I hope everyone has a safe New Years, and a very happy one. Take care and stay safe and see you around the bend in 2024.