January Opry Highlights

Happy New Year to Grand Ole Opry fans everywhere!!! I hope everyone had a safe holiday and are looking forward to a great 2023. My hope for everyone is that 2024 will be a year of good health and times for all, including those at the Grand Ole Opry. In keeping with tradition, here are the Opry highlights for the month of January: 

January 12, 1926: Ray Price was born in Peach, near Perryville, Wood County, Texas. Ray was an Opry member from the early 1950s until being dismissed from the Opry in 1964. While he never formally joined the Opry again, he did appear a number of times, up until his death in 2013.

January 29, 1927: George Wilkerson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that same year, he would introduce his string band, The Fruit Jar Drinkers, to the Opry audience. The Fruit Jar Drinkers, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry until the late 1980s. 

January 14, 1929: The late Billy Walker was born in Ralls, Texas. Known as the "Tall Texan," Billy joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1960 and continued as a very active member of the Opry until his death in 2006 while returning to Nashville after performing a road date in Alabama. 

January 19, 1933: Grand Ole Opry member Stu Phillips was born. Stu, who is one of a select group of Opry members born in Canada, is now retired and at the age of 91 seems to be doing well. 

January 23, 1937: The Lakeland Sisters, Mary and Ann, made their Grand Ole Opry debut. They would only remain with the Opry for about 18 months, making their final appearance on June 4, 1938.

January 1, 1938: Texas Ruby made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed that night with her future husband, Curly Fox. 

January 7, 1939: While there is some debate on this, and it is open to discussion, one source has this date as the first appearance of Brother Oswald performing with Roy Acuff on the Opry. This is also the date that the comedy duo of Jamup & Honey made their debut on the Opry. 

January 14, 1939: The Dixieliners made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Consisting of early WSM Barn Dance stars Arthur Smith, along with Sam & Kirk McGee, they made their debut in 1932. While Th Dixieliners would disappear, those who made up the group would continue, both individually and in othe groups. 

January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Ernest was so well received that he was offered membership and officially would join the Opry the following month. Over time, Ernest would become one of the legendary members of the Opry and would continue as an Opry member until his death.

January 19, 1946: Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton, who has been an Opry member for over 50 years, was born Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly at 78? Hard to believe. In my opinion, and the opinion of others, Dolly is the most beloved living country music artist. And let's not forget that in 2022 she was elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and was also made an Opry member that night. Yes, they did things a little differently in those days. Originally from Canada, Hank came to the Opry via Dallas, Texas, thanks to the help and recommendation of Ernest Tubb. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart," which had been a big hit for him up in Canada, and a regional hit in the Dallas area. Hank felt that his Opry debut did not go over very well and that he received little audience response. In fact, he told his wife Min that he was not going back. However, she convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back, and when things did not improve in the coming months, the Opry was considering letting him go. However, "I'm Moving On" was released and the rest is history. Hank remained an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in December 1999.

January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow joined the Opry, Tennessee Ernie Ford made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Unlike Hank, Tennessee Ernie was already an established star and appeared on the Prince Albert portion of the show. While he never became a member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry anytime he was in Nashville, and he would often take the Opry up on their offer. In later years, he would appear on the Martha White segment, as he was friends with the ownership of the company.

January 9, 1951: Brenda Gail Webb, known professionally as Crystal Gayle, was born. Crystal joined the Opry cast in January 2017, and it has been wonderful to have her as part of the Opry's cast. 

January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. He was being driving to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens and June Webb, among others. Jimmy ended up not making the trip due to the weather, while the other artists scheduled to appear went ahead and did the show as a tribute to Hank. As a resident of Canton, I can tell you that the auditorium where the show was to take place is still standing and in use today.

January 16, 1953: Opry member Bill Monroe was seriously injured in a head-on car accident on Highway 31 in White House, Tennessee. Bill suffered 19 broken bones in the accident.

January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would join the cast shortly afterwards.

January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee premiered on the ABC television network. The show was hosted by former Opry member Red Foley, who left Nashville and moved to Springfield, Missouri to host the show. While he would be missed in Nashville, Red did well on the Ozark Jubilee. 

January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. Theron was one of the early members of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming a regular in 1926. He stayed as an Opry regular into the 1930s, after which he would make occasional appearances with Sam McGee. While he was at the Opry, he would be introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters," which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth.

January 1, 1955: Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs moved to Nashville, where they began appearing on WSM Radio and Television, along with regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. He would return and in February 1957, Porter would become an Opry member, a membership that he would hold until passing away in the fall of 2007. 

January 4, 1957: Grand Ole Opry member Patty Loveless was born in Pikeville, Kentucky. Patty hasn't been around the Opry much in recent years, but when she is it is always a treat. 2023 was a busy year for Patty as she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and in December, she returned to the Opry after being away for several years. 

January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Coopers, along with daughter Carol Lee, came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, where they were very popular. Stoney would remain with the Opry until his death in 1977. Wilma Lee would continue with the Opry as a solo act, and later celebrated 50 years of Opry membership.

January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear this is when Billy Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member until his death in a car accident in 2006. Billy was a very loyal member of the Opry and later in his career, he would often speak up over the reduction of his Opry appearances.

January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, Patsy was very influential to a number of female artists, including Loretta Lynn and Dottie West. In a pretty famous story as to how she became an Opry member, after one of her Opry guest performances, she approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become a member. Ott responded by saying, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."

January 28, 1961: Dottie West made her debut as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next several years, Dottie would make several guest appearances, which would eventually lead to an invitation to become an Opry member. On this same night, there was another Opry debut as Jim & Jesse made their initial appearance on the Opry. 

January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the cast as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Norma Jean left Porter's show a few years later and would remain a member of the Opry until August 1969. 

January 8, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Sonny James appeared on the Opry for the final time as an Opry member. Sonny had joined the cast in October 1962. Like others, he just felt it was time to move on and make more money on a Saturday night. 

January 1, 1967: Former Grand Ole Opry member Moon Mullican passed away from a heart attack at his Texas home. He was known as the "King of the Hillbilly Piano Players." He had been a part of the Opry during the early 1950s. 

January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced that night by Ernest Tubb. Charley sang "The Snakes Crawl At Night," and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love with You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become an Opry member, but declined due to his heavy touring schedule. Over the years, he would be asked several more times, until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join. He was the 2nd black artist to become an Opry member, following DeFord Bailey. (Just to clarify, DeFord Bailey was a noted harmonica player and not a solo singer).

January 21, 1967: Over the years, non-country acts have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and on this date, it was Eddie Albert who appeared. Eddie, of course, not only was a fine actor, but he also starred in the CBS show "Green Acres."

January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Dolly's 55th year as an Opry member. Back in the early days when she was with Porter Wagoner, Dolly was a frequent visitor at the Opry. However, as her career expanded, she became like many others as someone who hardly ever appeared on the show. She even commented once that if she was in charge of the Opry, she would fire herself. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, former Opry members, who took a liking to Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville when she was just 12 years old. While it was a long time ago, Dolly remembered her first night guesting on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." While Dolly didn't know why Jimmy C did it that night, I think she came to realize that was the type of person Jimmy C Newman was. While January 4 is her induction date, the first Saturday in which Dolly appeared on the Opry as a member was actually the following Saturday, January 11. 

January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join and leave the Opry several different times. In fact, depending on the edition of the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book that you have, you could find literally a half dozen different dates. 

January 1, 1971: Tom T. Hall became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry in 1971, he left in June 1974, and then rejoined in 1980. Sadly, Tom T. passed away in 2021 after a long period of inactivity. 

January 16, 1971: After moving away from Nashville for several years, George Hamilton IV returned to the show. It was his first Opry show in over a year.

January 29, 1972: George Hamilton appeared on the Opry for the final time before giving up his Opry membership. George was doing a lot of traveling and moved back to North Carolina. He would rejoin the Opry several years later. 

January 13, 1973: Ernest Tubb celebrated his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 20, 1973: For the first time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted to perform on the show; however, the Opry management was afraid to invite him, fearing what he would do onstage. For this appearance, management asked Jerry Lee not to do any rock and roll. He agreed then broke the promise. Appearing on the 11:30 segment hosted by Charlie Walker, he was on stage for almost 40 minutes and did several numbers that management had asked him not to do. In a nice gesture, he invited Del Wood to appear with him onstage, saying later that on a previous backstage visit, Del was the only Opry member that was nice to him. While Opry management was not pleased with his initial appearance, Jerry Lee did appear on the Opry at least one more time, in August 1995. 

January 27, 1973: Marty Robbins celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

January 2, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tex Ritter passed away after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and as a part of the Opry. Tex was also involved in the early days of the Country Music Association, and he was just the 5th person to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

January 4, 1975: Hank Snow was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers first came to the Opry in 1946 and were well known for their western style of music.

January 22, 1977: Grand Ole Opry member Stoney Cooper appeared on the Opry for the final time. Along with his wife Wilma Lee, Stoney had joined the Opry in 1957. Stoney suffered from heart problems and would pass away in March.

January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.

January 12, 1980: Longtime Opry sponsor Fender sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. The popular guitar company sponsored the 10:00 segment on Saturday night. They would be replaced several weeks later by Little Debbie. 

January 10, 1981: Grand Ole Opry sponsor Union 76 sponsored their last segment on the Opry. The company sponsored the 10:15 segment on the late show Saturday night. 

January 30, 1982: Wilma Lee Cooper was recognized upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 20, 1984: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider made his Opry debut. He was a member of the cast of Hee Haw and was well known for his banjo playing and comedy. Recently, Mike has been away from the Opry more often than not, but it is always a treat when Mike appears. 

January 19, 1985: While other females had stepped in on an emergency basis to "MC" a segment of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely became the first female to actually host an Opry segment. It had been a long time coming as Jeannie was always expressing her desire to Hal Durham that females should be allowed to host segments on the show. Jeannie opened the door for many others. 

January 25, 1986: The Statler Brothers made a guest appearance on the Opry. The group only appeared on the Opry a handful of times as they believed that Opry members should be the acts appearing on the show. 

January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Always popular, Mel would remain an Opry member until his death in 2011.

January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. While this is the date the show was televised, the taping actually took place the previous November, thus the November taping date is considered Reba's actual Opry induction date. This will be Reba's 38th year as an Opry member.

January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, dates back to the early days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, Hubert performed with many different groups, including with Sam & Kirk McGee.

January 14, 1969: Keith Whitley, who was recently elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, made his final appearance on the Opry. Keith was never an Opry member, but as Lorrie Morgan confirmed, he was in the process of being invited to become a member, an invitation that was scheduled to be given just weeks later. 

January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The televised segment on TNN included a reunion of the Glaser Brothers, who were very friendly with Hank. The reunion did not last as the Glaser Brothers never performed together again. Also appearing with Hank that night was future (or former) Opry member Mel Tillis.

January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Clint, this will be his 33rd year as an Opry member. While Clint has never made a whole lot of Opry appearances, it was nice to see him back from a couple for a few shows over the past couple of years. 

January 19, 1991: CBS-TV hosts "The Grand Ole Opry 65th Anniversary Celebration: The New Tradition." The special featured Grand Ole Opry members Roy Acuff, Clint Black, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and several others.

January 25, 1992: Introduced by Roy Acuff, Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member. This will be Emmylou's 32nd anniversary as a member of the Opry. Sadly, Emmylou rarely appears on the Opry but when she does it is always a treat. 

January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Once a pretty regular performer on the show, Hal was forced to retire due to his declining health. Hal Ketchum passed away in November 2021

January 15, 1995: Vic Willis died in a car accident in Nashville. Vic was a long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry, first with his brothers as the Oklahoma Wranglers, later named the Willis Brothers, and later headlining his own group, the Vic Willis Trio. Vic had last appeared on the Friday Night Opry, January 6. Vic was the last of the Willis Brothers. 

January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 83, I believe he was the oldest person to join the cast at that time. Oswald came to the Opry in the 1930s with Roy and helped to define the Acuff sound. Thanks to the efforts of Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart, among others, he became a member. I was there the night of his induction, and it was quite a surprise as I don't seem to remember it being announced much ahead of time. Oswald passed away in 2002.

January 13, 1996: Having joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry back in November, during the taping of the 70th anniversary special, Martina McBride made her first appearance as an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 3, 1998: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his final appearance on the Opry. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show, Grandpa suffered the first of what would be series of strokes. He was taken directly to the hospital from the Opry House. His condition would continue to decline, and he passed away the following month.

January 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away from a sudden illness. He was the son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb and had joined the Opry cast in 1955. At the time of joining, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin an excellent singer, but he was also a fine songwriter.

January 9, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Boxcar Willie made his final appearance on the show. In declining health, Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in 1981. That night, in tribute to Roy Acuff, who brought Boxcar to the Opry, Boxcar sang "Wabash Cannonball" and "The Great Speckled Bird." 

January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. There were three shows that weekend and all were sold out. During the 1st show on Saturday night, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the Opry's newest member. The weekend shows, which I attended, was such a success that the Opry made has made it a point of returning to the Ryman each year. 

January 23, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Brother Oswald made his final Saturday night Grand Ole Opry appearance. His final Opry show would be a month later on the Friday Night Opry. Due to declining health, Oswald was forced to retire from performing.

January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked just the prior evening if he would like to join. After he said yes, the Opry wasted no time and inducted Ralph the following night. Also appearing on the show that night were Opry members Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. 

January 13, 2001: Future Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show made their debut on the Opry stage. Keeping the string band music alive, Old Crow have been wonderful Opry members. 

January 8, 2002: George Jones, BR549's Chuck Mead, Billy Walker and songwriters Dennis Morgan, Shawn Camp and Jack Clement, along with at least 100 other demonstrators, protested at the offices of WSM radio as rumors surfaced that the station was going to change its format from country music to sports. Several weeks later, WSM executives announced that the station would continue the current format of country music, featuring the Grand Ole Opry. Among those at the press conference were Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Billy Walker. 

January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together on the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute that night was Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill and The Whites

January 6, 2006: The Friday Night Opry was reduced by 30 minutes making it a 2-hour show.

January 28, 2006: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor Standard Candy, the makers of Goo Goo, sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. Standard Candy became an Opry sponsor in September 1967. Over the years, a number of the Opry's announcers would sing that theme song, "Go get a Goo Goo, it's Good." 

January 11, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims, and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall refused to perform on the Opry, even though he had been asked. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court, with Stonewall privately saying that Gaylord made a settlement. In the first several years after the settlement, Stonewall did see an increase in his Opry appearances. Stonewall was an Opry member for just over 60 years. After several years of declining health, Stonewall passed away in 2022. 

January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member was always a dream of his. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith formally inducted Charlie into the Opry. In 2015, Charlie became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, Charlie passed away in 2020. 

January 26, 2011: After a long illness, longtime Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away. Along with his brother Ira, Charlie joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist.

January 7, 2012: Charlie Collins performed for the final time on the Grand Ole Opry. While never an Opry member, Charlie spent considerable time at the Opry, first coming to the show as a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, and then after Roy's death, performing with Brother Oswald and with the Opry Square Dancers.

January 21, 2012: Emmylou Harris celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller helped Emmylou celebrate that night.

January 2, 2015: Longtime Grand Ole Opry legend Jimmy Dickens passed away in Nashville. Jimmy had been hospitalized after becoming suddenly ill on Christmas Day. Jimmy first joined the Opry in 1948 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's last link to the pre-Hank Williams of the Opry. Much loved, Jimmy was noted for his comedy songs, but let's not forget that he was also a great ballad singer.

January 21, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House is listed as a pending addition to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would become official a month later. 

January 2, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry to honor Little Jimmy Dickens on the one-year anniversary of Tater's death. Paisley turned in a medley that includes "Country Boy," "Out Behind The Barn," "May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Mountain Dew."

January 9, 2017: Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher announced that he was resigning his position to move to California and head up the Academy of Country Music. Pete came to the Opry in June 1999 and had been in charge of the Opry for over 17 years. His final Opry show was on January 20.

January 21, 2017: Crystal Gayle became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal has been asked several months previously by Carrie Underwood to join the cast. On the night of her induction, her sister and fellow Opry member Loretta Lynn handed the official induction. This was also the last night in which Loretta appeared on the Opry. 

January 11, 2019: Mark Wills was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mark, who had been a guest on the Opry hundreds of times, was surprised during a December appearance by Vince Gill, who formally invited Mark to become a member.

January 1, 2020: Ryman Hospitality launched a new TV network, Circle, with 16 original shows including "Opry Live," which was advertised as featuring pre-recorded performances from the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Circle TV only lasted a couple of years as the network quickly moved away from country music-oriented programming. 

January 10, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie made his final appearance on the Opry. Joe, who joined the cast in November 1993, passed away in 2020 from Covid.

January 17, 2020: Gene Watson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill did the honors of surprising Gene with the invitation, which was long overdue. 

January 24, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride made his final appearance on the Opry. He appeared that night on the Friday night show. Charley, who joined the Opry's cast in May 1993 passed away in December 2021, another of those who passed away from Covid. 

January 21, 2021: Lady A was announced as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Darius Rucker surprised the group with the invite during the taping of the Opry's 95th anniversary television special. Sad to say, their Opry appearances since joining have been very, very few. 

January 6, 2022: Marty Stuart, during a backstage appearance on the Opry, invited comedians Gary Mule Deer and Henry Cho to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. These would be the first comedians to join the Opry's cast in almost 50 years. 

There you have it for this month. Enjoy!!

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.

Grand Ole Opry Saturday December 23

There is only one Grand Ole Opry show on the schedule this weekend and that will be taking place on Saturday night as the Opry and its members get ready to enjoy Christmas and the upcoming holidays. 

The lineup includes Opry members Jeannie Seely, Dailey & Vincent, Don Schlitz, Riders In The Sky, and while The Isaacs will not be appearing as a group, Becky Isaacs will be making a solo appearance. 

Steve Earle heads up the guest list, joined by Jason Crabb and an artist known as Santa J. Claus, who is making his Grand Ole Opry debut. 

Saturday December 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Becky Isaacs, Don Schlitz, Opry Square Dancers, Santa J. Claus, Steve Earle

From 45 years ago, Saturday December 23, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Roy Drusky (host), David Houston, Wilma Lee Cooper, Ernie Ashworth, Jim and Jesse
6:30: Billy Walker (host), Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely
6:45: Bill Monroe (host), Billy Grammer, Skeeter Davis
7:00: Charlie Walker (host), Jean Shepard, Osborne Brothers, Justin Tubb, Vic Willis and Curtis Young
7:30: Roy Acuff (host), Stonewall Jackson, Ray Pillow, Jimmy Dickens, Crook Brothers, The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host), Grandpa and Ramona Jones, Stu Phillips, Del Wood, Charlie Louvin, Lonzo
8:30: Hank Snow (host), Jeanne Pruett, The 4 Guys, Bill Carlisle, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host), Roy Drusky, Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Walker, Jim and Jesse, David Houston
10:00 Jack Greene (host), Jeannie Seely, Billy Grammer, Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Roy Acuff (host), Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson, Jimmy Dickens
10:30: Ernest Tubb (host), Osborne Brothers, Vic Willis and Curtis Young, Ray Pillow
10:45: Grandpa Jones (host), Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb, Crook Brothers, The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), Charlie Louvin, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Lonzo, Del Wood, Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host), Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle, The 4 Guys

(Porter Wagoner and Marion Worth were both scheduled and cancelled. For those keeping score at home, the late show did not end until a few minutes before 1:00am. Marty's final segment took just under one hour). 

That was the type of Christmas shows that the Opry used to put on. Most of the Opry's members would appear, exchanging gifts and catching up. 

Saturday December 23, 1967, was an important night at the Grand Ole Opry as Jack Greene became an Opry member. 

Here is the running order from that night 56 years ago: 

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening Express
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Grand Ole Opry Staff Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness In A Man

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down At Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: The Branded Man
Mac Magaha and Buck Trent: Turkey In The Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home/Dooley

8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland

9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A' Comin
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of A Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Jangle Bells
The 4 Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime At A Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants

10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows On The Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers To You
Stringbean: Run, Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host)L Ole Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mac Magaha and Buck Trent: Katy Hill

10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like A Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Eugene Sloan: (?)

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In The Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough To Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene: What Locks The Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down The Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl On The Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kinda Deal Is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging To You/Singing The Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso

Jack Greene was born January 7, 1930, in Maryville, Tennessee. He took guitar lessons when he was eight years old, then added drumming to his abilities. Moving to Atlanta in the late 40s, he became part of the Cherokee Trio with Lem Bryant and Speedy Price. He then became a member of the Rhythm Ranch Boys and was a popular radio entertainer on Georgia Jubilee on WTJH. His career was interrupted for military service in Korea, but he returned to Atlanta and joined the Peachtree Cowboys. 

In 1962, he joined Ernest Tubb & the Texas Troubadours as a drummer and occasional vocalist. He was featured on Presents the Texas Troubadours, and his performance on "The Last Letter" led to solo recordings. Starting in 1965 with "Ever Since My Baby Went Away'" Greene had a succession of country hits, including number ones with "There Goes My Everything," "All The Time," "You Are My Treasure," "Until My Dreams Come True," and "Statue of a Fool." He did not leave Tubb’s band until 1967, and only then because Tubb tired of hearing calls for the drummer to sing.

In 1969, he had another hit with Hank Cochran's song "I Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You,"’ on which he was partnered with Cochran’s wife, Jeannie Seely. She became part of his road show and they continued to record together. Capitalizing on the popularity of outlaw country, they changed the name of their band from the Jolly Greene Giants to the Renegades, but they stayed with middle-of-the-road country music. His his last chart entry was with "If It’s Love (Then Bet It All)" in 1984.

Once Jack joined the Opry, he remained a member until his death on March 14, 2013, after a period of declining health. There are those who say that Jack should be considered for the Country Music Hall of Fame. I don't disagree. 

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

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Tuesday Night Opry 12/19-Updated

With Christmas week upon us, there is only one mid-week Opry show, which will take place on Tuesday night. This will be the final Tuesday Night Opry until February. 

Grand Ole Opry members Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, Don Schlitz and Charlie McCoy are on the schedule. 

Darryl Worley, coming off a successful run of Christmas shows at the Opryland Hotel is among the non-members on the schedule. Also scheduled is Eric Paslay and making their Opry debut, The Shindellas. 

Tuesday December 19
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Eric Paslay, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Darryl Worley, The Shindellas, Don Schlitz, Dailey & Vincent

The Shindellas are based out of Nashville and are composed of Tamara Chauniece, Stacy Johnson and Kasi Jones, officially formed in 2017. Their debut album “Hits That Stick Like Grits” arrived in 2021, showcasing a glorious introduction to a group that can seamlessly weave the spiritual and the soulful as if it’s one sound. Their follow up album "Shindo" was recently released. 

The Shindellas have an acute understanding that Black women singing together to form one sound has historically shaped the foundation of pop music. It bleeds onto each verse that they sing and each harmony they create. The depths of their melodies contain the gospel-inspired vocal tradition of En Vogue and the thundering, genre-bending flair of The Pointer Sisters. They make songs that combine all of the elements that made Black girl groups ubiquitous in the 1960’s and bonafide superstars in the 1990’s while crafting a fresh sound that’s firmly planted in soul music’s past, present and future.

Overall, a nice looking show. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/15 & 12/16

The lineups have been posted for this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows. As we have seen over the past couple of weekends, once again there are some names that are on the schedule that stand out, particularly the Saturday booking of Oliver Anthony, who certainly has made for an interesting story since his emergence earlier this year. 

More on Oliver in a moment, but first looking at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Jeannie Seely, John Conlee and Don Schlitz are on the schedule, while on Saturday night members Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Jamey Johnson and Lauren Alaina are the headliners. Again, only three Opry members on Friday night and four on Saturday evening. 

One name that I am very happy to see on the Friday schedule is Suzy Bogguss. She is certainly one of my favorites. and it is always a pleasure to see her on the schedule. Also on the schedule is LOCASH, King Calaway, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, and Michael Tait, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Saturday night, in addition to Oliver Anthony making his Opry debut, Tyler Braden and Sierra Ferrell round out the lineup. 

Friday December 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely, King Calaway, John Conlee, Michael Tait
Intermission
8:15: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Suzy Bogguss, Don Schlitz, LOCASH

Saturday December 16
Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Tyler Braden, Connie Smith, Lauren Alaina
Intermission
8:15: Sierra Ferrell, Opry Square Dancers, Oliver Anthony, Jamey Johnson

Michael Tait is a renowned figure in the world of Christian music. From his pioneering days with DC Talk to his long career with the Newsboys, he has left an indelible mark on Christian music. From Grammy Awards to Dove Awards, his influence is undeniable, and his commitment to spreading a message of hope and spirituality remains unwavering.

Growing up, in Washington D.C., the Tait Family Christmas Soundtrack was that of the timeless crooner, Nat King Cole. His rendition of "The Christmas Song" became the soundtrack to family gatherings, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia that remains etched in his heart. Today, Tait for the first time finds himself recording many of these timeless tunes and is currently on tour with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant.

Oliver Anthony, who is making is Opry debut on Saturday night, made music history this year by becoming the first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without previously having a song on the charts. He is also the first living male songwriter to chart 13 songs simultaneously in Billboard’s Top 50 Digital Song Sales.

A musical poet of the people, Anthony became an overnight national sensation with the release of “Rich Men North of Richmond,” which has been dubbed the nation’s “blue-collar anthem.” But it resonates powerfully with Americans from all walks of life around the world. The song has been streamed more than 77 million times on YouTube and more than 115 million across streaming platforms. Five of his other songs have made iTunes’ Top 10, with “I’ve Got to Get Sober” reaching No. 3. “Ain’t Got a Dollar” claimed the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s Viral 50 list and No. 2 on iTunes. 

He dropped out of school at age 17 and later earned a G.E.D. before working industrial jobs in Virginia and North Carolina. He was unable to work for about six months in 2013 after an accident at a North Carolina paper mill fractured his skull.  More recently, he worked in outside sales in manufacturing before his music career exploded. Anthony, 31, lives off the grid in a camper in Farmville, Va., with his wife and two children (with another one on the way in November). He’s been public about overcoming addiction and depression.

There are only two more Opry Country Christmas shows left on the schedule and one of those will be taking place on Sunday night. In addition to the regulars, Steven Curtis Chapman and Louise Mandrell are on the schedule. This will be a matinee show starting at 2:00.

Opry Country Christmas
Sunday December 17
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Steven Curtis Chapman
Special Guest: Louise Mandrell
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy

The last Opry Country Christmas show for 2023 will be taking place the following night. That final show will feature Opry member Chris Janson and John Berry.

Opry Country Christmas
Monday December 18
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Chris Janson 
Special Guest: Jeannie Seely

Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy

I hope all would agree that these shows have been wonderful. 

From 45 years ago, Saturday December 16, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host), Jeannie Seely
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host), Billy Grammer, Ernie Ashworth, Helen Cornelius
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host), Roy Drusky, Jim and Jesse, Marion Worth, Vic Willis and Curtis Young, Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host), Osborne Brothers, Minnie Pearl, Stonewall Jackson, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Bill Monroe (host), James Monroe, Grandpa Jones, Lonzo, Wilma Lee Cooper, Charlie Walker
8:30: Hank Snow (host), Jeanne Pruett, The 4 Guys, Bill Carlisle, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host), Billy Grammer, Marion Worth, Jim and Jesse, Ernie Ashworth, Helen Cornelius
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host), Jack Greene, Jeannie Seely\
10:15: Roy Acuff (host), Vic Willis w/Curtis Young and C.W. Mitchell, Charlie Walker
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host), Stonewall Jackson, Osborne Brothers
10:45: Bill Monroe (host), Wilma Lee Cooper, Justin Tubb, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), The 4 Guys, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Lonzo, Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host), Jeanne Pruett, Stu Phillips, Bill Carlisle

(Ray Pillow was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Roy Drusky and Minnie Pearl only appeared on the first show and Stu Phillips missed the early show but was on the late show. Finally, Lonzo appeared as a solo act as Oscar was in Florida). 

Saturday December 16, 2000, was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as Opry members Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely came out dressed as Mr. & Mrs. Claus and invited Brad Paisley to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Here is the running order from that night, 23 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: online.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Winter Wonderland
The Whites: The Light At The Stable
Bill Carlisle: Stay A Little Longer
Dale Watson: Santa In My Semi/(?)
Jeannie Seely: Shake Me; I Rattle

7:00: Shoney's
John Conlee (host): Pretty Paper
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Charlie Louvin: The Friendly Beasts
Billy Walker: Jesus Walks In/Charlie's Shoes
John Conlee: I'm Only In It For The Love/Rose Colored Glasses

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks Christmas
Jessica Andrews: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Ralph Stanley: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
Brad Paisley: We Danced/Baby In A Manger

8:00: Martha White
Riders In The Sky (host): Ride Along
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Opry Square Dance Band: Sally Goodin
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Roundup/Happy Trails To You

8:30: Physician's Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down from God
Mike Snider: 'T was The Night Before Christmas
Mandy Barnett: Hurt
Joe Diffie: Leroy, The Red Necked Reindeer/Wrap Me In Your Love
Jimmy Dickens: There's No Place Like Home On Christmas

2nd show
9:30: online.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Winter Wonderland
The Whites: The Light At The Stable
Dale Watson: First Times & Last Times
Joe Diffie: Leroy, The Red Necked Reindeer/Behind Closed Doors

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Opry At The Ryman
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
Wilma Lee Cooper: Amazing Grace
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Runnin' Money
Jessica Andrews: Christmas Once Again/Who Am I
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:30: Folex/Joggin' In A Jug
John Conlee (host): Friday Night Blues
Osborne Brothers: Head Over Heels In Love with You
Holly Dunn: Devil Stand Back
Opry Square Dance Band: Sugar In The Goard
John Conlee: As Long As I'm Rockin with You

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Christmas In Your Arms
Ralph Stanley: Mary, Merry Christmas/Rawhide
Brad Paisley: He Didn't Have To Be/The Old Rugged Cross
Bill Anderson: Still

11:30: Opry 75th Anniversary
Riders In The Sky (host): Christmas Time's A' Comin'
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Charlie Walker: White Christmas
Mandy Barnett: Words
Riders In The Sky: I'll Be Home for Christmas/Happy Trails To You

(Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis and Del Reeves were all scheduled but cancelled. Bill Carlisle, Jimmy C Newman, Charlie Louvin and Billy Walker were all scheduled for just the first show, while Ray Pillow and Charlie Walker were only scheduled for the late show). 

Brad Paisley was inducted as an Opry member on February 17, 2001. As with many from that era, Brad made a lot of appearances before he became a member, then not so many after he joined. Which is sad as many of us remember the comments that Brad made following the death of Jimmy Dickens. 

That covers it for this week. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It will be another busy week at the Grand Ole Opry House as the calendar shows two Opry Country Christmas shows in addition to the Tuesday Night Opry. 

There will be an Opry Country Christmas show on Monday December 11 and on Thursday December 14. Along with the usual group of Opry regulars, the Monday show will have Lady A as the Spotlight Artist and The Scott Family as the Special guests. The Thursday show will be an all-Opry member show with Lorrie Morgan as the Spotlight Artist and Rhonda Vincent as the Special Guest. 

Opry Country Christmas
Monday December 11
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lady A
Special Guest: The Scott Family
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy

Opry Country Christmas
Thursday December 14
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Special Guest: Rhonda Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy

In addition to the two Opry Country Christmas shows that will be taking place, there will also be the Tuesday Night Opry. Don Schlitz and The Isaacs are the only two Opry members on the schedule, but there are a couple of interesting names to mention, the first of which is Shaun Cassidy, who will be making his Opry debut. Yes, THE Shaun Cassidy. 

The son of Tony award winning actor Jack Cassidy and Academy award winner Shirley Jones (and half-brother of the late singer/actor David Cassidy), Shaun grew up in Los Angeles and New York City. While still in high school, he signed a contract with Warner Brothers records. This led to three multi-platinum albums and numerous top ten hits including "Da Doo Ron Ron", "That's Rock n' Roll", "Hey Deanie", and "Do You Believe In Magic?" Cassidy received a Grammy nomination for his efforts and performed at every major arena in the country including Houston’s Astrodome and New York’s Madison Square Garden. Almost concurrently, he starred in the ABC television series THE HARDY BOYS MYSTERIES. Later, while appearing on Broadway in the hit musical BLOOD BROTHERS, Shaun wrote his first television pilot, AMERICAN GOTHIC. When the show debuted, The New York Times called it “The most original new show of the season.”

Currently working under an exclusive long term development deal with NBC/Universal television, Shaun makes his home in the wine country of Santa Barbara with his wife, Tracey, their four children, and more animals than he can count. 

Also appearing, and adding to his list of Opry appearances, will be Charles Esten, along with Opry NextStage artist Niko Moon, Matthew West, Lindsay Ell and rounding out the lineup, Brothers Of The Heart. 

A really great lineup of shows this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/8 & 12/9

There are some interesting names on the schedule when looking at the lineups for this week's Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. When I say interesting, I am referring to names we don't often see on the Opry. 

Starting with Friday night, there are only three Opry members on the schedule:  Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz and Gene Watson. As far as non-members, Opry NextStage artist Elvie Shane is listed, along with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Lisa Layne. 

The other two artists on the Friday schedule are Tommy Prine, who is the son of the late John Prine, and comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, both of whom will be making their Opry debuts. 

Looking ahead to Saturday night, Gene Watson is back, making it a two-show weekend. Joining Gene on Saturday night will be Opry members Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Mandy Barnett. 

Steep Canyon Rangers will be appearing, bringing their bluegrass sound to the Opry. Joining that group will be the legendary Marshall Tucker Band and Singer/Songwriter Robert Finley, who will be making his Grand Ole Opry debut. 

Friday December 8
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Tommy Prine, Gene Watson, Lisa Layne
Intermission
8:15: Elvie Shane, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Don Schlitz

Saturday December 9
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Gene Watson, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Steep Canyon Rangers
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Robert Finley, Marshall Tucker Band, Riders In The Sky

Tommy Prine, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, released his debut album This Far South, this past June. The son of late songwriting legend, John Prine, he grew up in Nashville surrounded by music, art and writing. As a child, he thought all parents were musicians, as his father "going to work" meant performing shows for adoring fans and writing songs. Tommy learned to play guitar by watching his father play, copying the ways his fingers moved and inadvertently developing his own singular style. Summers in Ireland lent their own inspiration, as did 10 straight years camping at Bonnaroo. This year, alongside his own runs of headline shows, he opened for Tyler Childers on his "Send In The Hounds Tour" in London. He was also named one of Amazon Music's 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, who is also debuting on Friday night, is one of the most successful stand-up comedians today with six comedy specials streaming on various platforms and selling out theaters across the world.  Her most recent special, Say I Won’t, debuted on YouTube with over 3.2M views. Anjelah published her first memoir titled, Who Do I Think I Am? Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams, in March 2022.   

Robert Finley, who is making his Opry debut on Saturday night, is from Louisiana. At the age of 70, his life has been spent making and performing music. Over the last seven years, he has released three critically acclaimed albums—including 2021’s autobiographical Sharecropper’s Son—and even appeared on the fourteenth season of America’s Got Talent (eventually making it to the semi-finals). In addition to touring as a headlining act, he has shared bills with The Black Keys and the Easy Eye Sound Revue and even opened for Greta Van Fleet, which established him as an energetic and uniquely charismatic performer bringing his larger-than-life personality to the stage. Blind since the age of 60 due to a medical condition, he still plays small clubs around the region—even the occasional nursing home—with a small crew of local musicians that includes his daughter and grandchildren.

Opry Country Christmas is back on Sunday night with Opry member Chris Young as the Spotlight Artist and Maggie & Tae as the Special Guests. 

Opry Country Christmas
Sunday December 10
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Chris Young
Special Guest: Maddie & Tae
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy

As someone who has listed to the majority of the Opry Country Christmas shows, I have really enjoyed them. Yes, with the exception of the Spotlight Artist and Special Guest, the shows are basically the same, but I really enjoy hearing the Gatlins, Mandy, Charlie and the Riders singing those classic Christmas songs. It makes for a nice evening of listening. 

Now from 45 years ago, Saturday December 9, 1978. While going through my records, and if I am wrong, I am sure Ranger Doug will let me know, I do believe this was the first time that Riders In The Sky appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): Columbus Stockade Blues
Wilma Lee Cooper: Coming Down From God
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels

6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): B.J. The D.J. 
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose In December
Vic Willis and Curtis Young: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin

7:00: Shoney's
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jeanne Pruett: I Can't Help It/Many Tears Ago/Wild Side of Life
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Charlie Walker: Close All The Honky Tonks
Opry Staff Band: Winter Wonderland
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central No. 9/Sunshine Special
Ray Pillow: Daddy. Who's Gonna Tie My Shoes/She's Doing It To Me Again
Wilburn Brothers: Mama's Shoe Box
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Roy Acuff: Lonely Mound of Clay/Farther Along

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks Christmas
Lonzo and Oscar: Fox On The Run
Riders In The Sky: Moon Shadows On The Trail/When Pay Day Rolls Around
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Bill Anderson: Double S

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me/I Would Like To See You Again
Jimmy Dickens: May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Marion Worth: New Lips
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: You're Easy To Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): I Get The Fever/Wild Weekend
Wilma Lee Cooper: Gathering Flowers From The Hillside
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Ernie Ashworth: The DJ Cried
Vic Willis and Curtis Young: Shenandoah
Bill Anderson: Still

10:00: Fender
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Riders In The Sky: Living On The Rhythm Range
Stonewall Jackson: My Favorite Sin

10:15: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Stu Phillips: Come Sundown
Roy Acuff: That's The Man I'm Looking For/I Saw The Light

10:30: Trailblazer
Charlie Walker (host): Please, Mr. Please
Lonzo and Oscar: God Made Love
Charlie Walker: T For Texas

10:45: Beechnut
Wilburn Brothers (host): Country Honey
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little but I'm Loud
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Wilburn Brothers: The Light House

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Ray Pillow: What Did I Promise Her Last Night/Another Day; Another Dollar
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Grey Eagle
Marion Worth: For The Good Times
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: Black Diamond

11:30: Acme
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In The Jukebox/A Dime At A Time
Sheila and Bill Carlisle, Jr.: When I Stop Dreaming
Marshall Barnes: Alabama Jubilee
Charlie Louvin: Without Love, A Fancy Place To Cry/Warm, Warm Woman
Del Reeves: Just A Little Lovin;/There Ain't No Good Chain Gang/I'm Walkin'/Blueberry Hill/Born To Lose/Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 8:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled). 

Riders In The Sky got their start in late 1977, when guitarist Doug “Ranger Doug” Green, a one-time member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and country music journalist and historian, invited bassist Fred “Too Slim” Labour to join him for a gig at a Nashville nightclub. With Paul “Woody Paul” Chrisman on fiddle, the trio dubbed themselves Riders In The Sky. Their recorded debut, Three on the Trail (1979), showcased impeccable vocal and instrumental work in the mold of such Western music heroes — and Country Music Hall of Fame members — as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers, while their live shows added a strong dose of broad, quick-witted humor that had them poking gentle fun at one another and at aspects of the movie cowboy image. This combination led to their induction into the Opry’s cast in June 1982. 

For the Riders, who became a quartet when they “promoted” longtime accordionist Joey “The Cowpolka King” Miskulin to full membership, the mission of keeping the cowboy style alive has led to exhaustive touring, a long-running radio show (Riders Radio Theatre), and a long string of popular recordings, including two soundtrack companion CDs (Woody’s Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky, for Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc.: Scream Factory Favorites) that earned the group Grammy awards in 2001 and 2003.

Along the way, Riders In The Sky have earned multiple awards, including six Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year trophies and membership in the organization’s Hall of Fame, the Academy of Western Artists’ Western Music Group of the Year award (five times), and a presence on both the Country Music Foundation’s Walkway of Stars and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California. On the scholarly front, Ranger Doug — who regularly sits in with the award-winning Time Jumpers Western swing band — earned renown of his own with the 2002 publication of Singing in the Saddle, the first full-length study of the Hollywood “singing cowboy” phenomenon.

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It promises to be a busy week at the Grand Ole Opry House as in addition to the usual Tuesday Night Opry, Opry Country Christmas takes the stage for another show on Thursday night, while on Wednesday night, the Opry NextStage artists will gather for a special show. 

The Tuesday Night Opry will feature Grand Ole Opry members Ashley McBryde, Josh Turner, Steve Wariner, Henry Cho, Rhonda Vincent and Riders In The Sky. In fact, the only non-member on the schedule is Maggie Rose, who will be marking her 100th guest appearance on the Opry. 

The current group of Opry NextStage artists will be taking the Opry stage on Wednesday night, led by one of the most popular and hottest performers in country music today: Lainey Wilson. Joining Lainey will be Ashley Cooke, Chapel Hart, Ernest, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe and Corey Kent. Really an outstanding group of young entertainers. 

Finally, Opry Country Christmas is back for another show on Thursday night, featuring Trace Adkins as the Spotlight Artist and Kathy Mattea as the Special Guest. 

Opry Country Christmas
Thursday December 7
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Trace Adkins
Special Guest: Kathy Mattea
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky

 A busy week at the Grand Ole Opry House. 

Scotty McCreery Invited to Become Opry's Newest Member

The following is the article written by Marcus K. Dowling that was posted online by The Tennessean: 

Christmas came early for multi-platinum-selling country artist and American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. On Sunday evening, the 30-year-old North Carolina native with five No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart singles was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry Garth Brooks during the Opry's annual "Country Christmas" show.

"Merry Christmas," Brooks said after walking onstage and handing McCreery a wrapped gift. "This is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry. We would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry." "Holy cow. Yes, I would love to," replied a stunned McCreery.

A longtime Brooks fan, McCreery noted to the crowd that as a frequent Opry performer who had not yet been offered membership, he "didn't think that dream would become a reality."

"When I got started doing this people asked, 'what are your goals,' I'd say 'one day I'd like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.'" McCreery then bent down and filled with emotion, touched the circle of wood in the Opry's center stage.

A professional performer for half of his life, the longtime fan of artists including Brooks, Ronnie Millsap, Randy Travis and Conway Twitty is an avowed classic country fan who told The Tennessean in 2021 that above all else, he loved to "tell stories through a country song."

His most recent hit, "Damn Strait," pines after a relationship primarily based around a shared love of "The Chair" performer's catalog. McCreery sings, "Damn Strait, I used to love your songs/ But now every time that one comes on/ My heart gets broke in half."

"We're thrilled to extend this much-anticipated invitation to our friend Scotty," said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers.

"Whether he's on the Opry performing his hits, putting his spin on some old favorites during a performance on one of our Opry Country Classics shows, or offering a holiday set as he did tonight, Scotty consistently delivers and is always at home on the Opry stage. It'll be exciting to hear the words' Scotty McCreery, you're a member of the Grand Ole Opry!' in the early days of 2024."

McCreery's induction date will be announced soon.

Brooks has been busy not just downtown at his new Friends in Low Places honky-tonk, but in ushering in a new era of male crooners as Opry members. Six weeks ago, chart-topping "Last Night Lonely" vocalist Jon Pardi was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Brooks.

McCreery's induction raises the total of Opry inductions since March 2020 to 13 Opry membership additions since Darius Rucker's January 2021 induction. Not since Willie Nelson and Connie Smith were among a septet of 1964-65 inductions have the Opry's cast numbers grown so significantly in such a brief period.

(I did send in a correction to Mr. Dowling as Darius joined the Opry in 2012, not 2021). 

Some of the choices as to Opry members I have liked more than others. In my mind, this one is a home run. Scotty is a true country singer who many times has expressed his love of the Opry. I am very confident that, much like his American Idol friend Lauren Alaina, that we will see Scotty often at the Opry. 

Congratulations to Scotty McCreery and I am looking forward to his official induction in early 2024. 

December Opry Highlights

How fast has this year gone? It is hard to believe, but we are entering December. The final month of the year and the holiday season. Here we go with the important dates in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, along with their members, that took place in the month of December. 

December 2, 1889: Herman Crook was born. Herman was one of the Opry's original members, joining the show when it was still called the WSM Barn Dance. Herman's first Opry appearance was on July 24, 1926, and he was with the show until his death in June 1988, just short of 62 years. When he passed away, the Crook Brothers were the last of the originals on the Opry, and they never wavered from the traditional string band sound. As Roy Acuff said, "He loved country music, but he wanted it country. He didn't go for any of this rock n' roll type stuff."

December 14, 1899: DeFord Bailey was born. DeFord was another of the Opry's original members, making his first appearance on June 19, 1926. DeFord was there the night Opry founder George D. Hay changed the name of the show from the WSM Barn Dance to the Grand Ole Opry, and he played the first song on the newly named show. DeFord was with the Opry until he was fired in 1941, in a move that left DeFord very bitter. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord came back a few times, usually thanks to repeated efforts by Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe. His most famous return took place on February 23, 1974, when he appeared for the Opry's first reunion show. DeFord would make several more Opry appearances before passing away in 1982. In 2005 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 11, 1914: James Clell "Tex" Summey was born. Known professionally as Cousin Jody, he first came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in 1937, and he later worked with Pee Wee King and Lonzo & Oscar. He also performed as a solo act, until health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in 1975, and it should be noted that he was the first person to play the dobro and steel guitar on the Opry stage and he was the one who brought the original dobro sound with Roy Acuff.

December 19, 1920: Jimmy Dickens was born in Bolt, West Virginia. Jimmy first came to the Opry in 1948. While he left the show for a period of time, Jimmy returned to the Opry in 1975 and remained an Opry member until his death in January 2015. It is pretty safe to say that at the time of his death, Jimmy might have been the most beloved member of the Opry. He was certainly popular and at times, very funny.

December 12, 1925: Dr. Humphrey Bate and his group, soon to be known as the Possum Hunters, appeared for the first time on George D. Hay's Saturday night program. There are many who feel that Dr. Bate was the first performer to play country music on a Nashville radio station.

December 19, 1925: Future Grand Ole Opry member, Uncle Dave Macon, made his first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered one of the first professional entertainers to appear on the Barn Dance show. 

December 26, 1925: The WSM Barn Dance was formally listed for the first time on the WSM program schedule that was printed in the Nashville Tennessean. The listing read, "Because of this recent revival in the popularity of the old familiar tunes, WSM has arranged to have an hour or two every Saturday night starting Saturday December 26. Uncle Dave Macon, the oldest banjo picker in Dixie, and who comes from Readyville, Tennessee, and Uncle Jimmy Thompson of Martha, Tennessee, will answer any requests for old-time melodies."

December 5, 1926: While upgrading its signal, WSM radio goes off the air through the end of the year. The signal was upgraded from 1,000 watts to 5,000 watts. Because of this, the WSM Barn Dance missed a couple of Saturday night shows. 

December 10, 1927: While there seems to be some confusion as to the exact date, it would appear that his was the date that the WSM Barn Dance became known as the Grand Ole Opry. The Barn Dance came on the air at 8:00. In the hour prior to the start of the Barn Dance program, WSM aired a classical musical show on the NBC radio network called "Music Appreciation Hour." At the conclusion of the Music Hour show that particular night, Barn Dance founder George D. Hay announced, "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera; from now on we will present the Grand Ole Opry." While this is the story that was told by George D. Hay, there seem to be no independent verification of this event. In fact, some historians who have looked back at the WSM program schedules, believe that the date was actually December 8, 1928, a year later, as the "Music Appreciation Hour" did not begin on WSM until that year. However, to back up the 1927 claim, others have pointed out that on December 11, 1927, the Nashville Tennessean used the word "Grand Ole Opry" in their editions of the paper. Either way, the new name stuck. Either way, the Opry recognizes this date as the official start of the "Grand Ole Opry." 

December 17, 1927: George W. Wilkerson and his Fruit Jar Drinkers first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with the Crook Brothers, the Fruit Jar Drinkers would continue on the Opry into the 1980s. 

December 29, 1928: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry made his final appearance on the program. It has been written that Uncle Jimmy was not the best person to work with. 

December 13, 1930: Grand Ole Opry member Buck White was born. Along with his daughters Sharon and Cheryl, The Whites have been Opry members since 1984. After an extensive absence due to the Covid situation, The Whites are back on the Opry, making regular appearances. And as a reminder, at the age of 93, Buck is the oldest member of the current cast. 

December 7, 1931: Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, Bobby became an Opry member in 1964. Bobby After the retirement of Sonny, Bobby continued on the Opry as a solo act, until passing away earlier this year. 

December 7, 1940: After making several guest appearances during the month of November, this is the first date that Minnie Pearl is listed in the Opry program as a regular member of the Opry.

December 30, 1944: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the Prince Albert portion of the show that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Minnie Pearl, who was there that night, remembered that a lady in the balcony was so excited that she fell out of the balcony onto the Ryman stage. And after Roy Acuff heard the electrified fiddles that Bob brought, he made the statement that the Opry would be ruined forever. What is interesting, that while Bob brought electrified fiddles with him, both Pee Wee King and Ernest Tubb had been playing electric instruments on the Opry previous to that night. There is another story from that night, regarding the use of drums and Bob being told to keep his drummer behind the curtain. Much like the electric fiddles, Bob's drummer was not the first to drum on the Opry, as Harold "Sticks" McDonald, a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, had brought drums to the Opry several years prior. He supposedly used them for a couple of weeks until George D. Hay told Pee Wee to take the drums home and leave them there. While that may be true, within a few years, many of the Opry's acts included drums.

December 8, 1945: Earl Scruggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He was the final member to join what many consider the greatest of Bill's many renditions of the Blue Grass Boys, and what many feel was the greatest bluegrass band ever. That group included Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Harold Watts. This group would only stay together until 1948. After leaving Bill's group, Earl would team up with Lester Flatt, before moving on to play a more progressive sound with his sons.

December 6, 1947: Future Grand Ole Opry member Merle Travis made his first appearance on the Opry. What is interesting, according to the store, is that once Merle became an Opry member, he never made an appearance as a member. 

December 30, 1950: Future Grand Ole Opry member, for a very short time, Lefty Frizzell, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He did his two big hits, "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time," and "I Love You A Thousand Ways." 

December 28, 1956: Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan quit the Opry in order to appear on a competing radio station and the Ozark Jubilee. He would return to the Opry several years later. 

December 7, 1957: One of the Grand Ole Opry's early homes, the Dixie Tabernacle, burnt down as fire destroyed the building which was on the east side of Nashville. While the name of the building sounds impressive, it actually had benches to sit on and sawdust on the floors. 

December 21, 1957: Elvis Presley made a backstage visit to the Grand Ole Opry where he was seen visiting with several Opry members including Hank Snow, Ray Price and Faron Young. While he didn't perform that night, he did go out on stage and wave to the audience.

December 28, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was born. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2020 from Covid. He has certainly been missed. 

December 12, 1959: While performing on the Opry, Bill Monroe was served with divorce papers from his wife, Carolyn Brown. She charged that Bill was having an affair with his bass player, Bessie Lee Mauldin. The story goes that Carolyn was waiting for Bill outside the Opry that night and when he came out the Ryman's back door, she really laid into him.

December 24, 1960: The final Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast on the NBC network. The decline of radio and the rise of television led to the decision to end the Opry's broadcasts. Hank Snow was the host for that final broadcast, and I am happy to say that I have a recording of that show.

December 3, 1961: "Doctor" Lew Childre passed away. Lew, who was born in 1901, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. He remained with the Opry through most of the 1950's.

December 6, 1964: The Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. The Nashville Tennessean wrote, "Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said. Those who were dismissed from the Opry were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry's management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists.

December 24, 1966: Grand Ole Opry sponsor Harvey's sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. For those who might not know, Harvey's was a department store chain based in Nashville. 

December 23, 1967: Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jack started as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours before going on to a very successful solo career. Jack would remain an Opry member until his death in 2013. During his induction he sang his monster hit "There Goes My Everything." 

December 14, 1973: Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie was brought on stage by her father, Opry member George Morgan. She sang "Paper Roses." A decade later, Lorrie would become an Opry member.

December 15, 1973: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis was suspended by the Opry's management for comments she had made the previous Saturday night while performing on the Opry. As Skeeter said, "Hank Williams got kicked off the Opry for drinkin' too much old wine. Me? I got kicked off for singing about the new wine." What actually happened was that Skeeter was on her way to the Ryman Auditorium for an Opry appearance when she witnessed the arrest of what were known as "Jesus Freaks," which was another name for the young people who were protesting not only in Nashville, but around the country. The arrests enraged Skeeter, and, on the Opry, she expressed her rage by talking about it, singing about it, and weeping about it. When she came off the stage after performing, she faced an angry Opry management. She was told that she was no longer considered an Opry member. Happily, for all, and especially for Skeeter, she was invited back to the Opry 18 months later.

December 29, 1973: Opry member Tex Ritter made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Tex, who had joined the Opry in 1965, would pass away after suffering a heart attack, the following week.

December 14, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey appeared on the Opry. It was his first Opry appearance in the new Grand Ole Opry House. 

December 7, 1976: Roy Acuff gave an interview to the Nashville Banner in which he stated that the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, should be torn down to keep tourists away from Lower Broadway, which had turned into a very troubled area of town. Thankfully, others had a different opinion and while the building sat empty for many years, it eventually was modernized and has become the premier concert venue in Nashville. 

December 25, 1976: Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 47th year as Opry members, and according to my records, the only members to join the cast on Christmas day. In addition to their Opry appearances, Larry Gatlin serves as host of the Opry Country Classics show held in the Spring and Fall, along with Opry Country Christmas, which has shows taking place in November and December. 

December 12, 1978: ABC aired "Merry Christmas From The Grand Ole Opry," a holiday special that featured Crystal Gayle, Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff, Barbara Mandrell and Minnie Pearl.

December 27, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman passed away at the age of 41. Bob joined the Opry in 1965 and was known for his rockabilly sound that was very popular with many of the Opry's younger fans. While some on the Opry felt Bob's music had too much rock in it, he was a popular member of the cast and enjoyed great support. His last Grand Ole Opry appearance was on Saturday December 2, 1978, while Friday December 15 was his final Friday Night Opry appearance.

December 15, 1979: Kelly Foxton made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance as Hank Snow's new duet partner. It was an interesting pairing to say the least. Many feel it was an attempt by Hank to rejuvenate his career that had grown stagnate.  

December 26, 1981: Kelly Foxton made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance as Hank Snow's duet partner. The partnership, which produced several albums, never really succeeded. 

December 8, 1982: Marty Robbins passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 57. Probably the Opry's most popular member, he was famous for hosting the 11:30 segment when he was in town and making the last half hour of the Opry his own, often performing well past the traditional midnight sign off time. Just that previous October, Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 10, 1982: Longtime Smoky Mountain Boy Jimmy Riddle passed away. Over the years, Jimmy was an integral part of Roy Acuff's sound.

December 24, 1983: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor Kellogg's sponsored the 9:30 segment of the Opry for the final time. The following week, Dollar General would assume the sponsorship. One of the joys of listening to the Kellogg's segment on the Opry was hearing the Willis Brothers singing the Kellogg's theme, along with the commercials. 

December 7, 1984: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry, recovering from heart related issues that kept him off the Opry since summer. 

December 20, 1986: Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Randy's 37th year as an Opry member. Randy had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s and helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. Sadly, Randy has suffered a serious of health setbacks and will probably never perform on the Opry again. However, he has visited the show several times in the past couple of years, and he always receives a great audience response when introduced on stage. Randy is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 17, 1993: Herman Harper, the famous and very popular bass singer for the Carol Lee Singers, passed away. Herman had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys back in the day when they were considered one of the country's top gospel acts. Herman last appeared on the Opry several weeks prior.

December 24, 1994: Vic Willis was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. The Willis Brothers, originally known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, came to the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957. In addition to Vic, the group included brothers Guy and Skeeter. Skeeter had passed away in 1976, while Guy retired in 1979 due to health issues. Vic continued on, forming the Vic Willis Trio, until he passed away early in 1995 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

December 30, 1994: Grand Ole Gospel Time, which followed the Friday Night Opry and hosted by Reverend Jimmie Snow, Hank's son, was broadcast for the final time. The show was taped on Friday night and broadcast on WSM Sunday mornings. Airing for 23 years, the show would feature a number of Grand Ole Opry performers including Connie Smith, Billy Walker and Roy Acuff, and feature such guests as Johnny Cash and Dennis Weaver.

December 10, 1996: Faron Young passed away in Nashville in what was a tragic end to his life. Faron was a former member of the Grand Ole Opry and was fired as part of the "Purge of 64." While he never rejoined the Opry's cast, Faron would come back and make several guest appearances.

December 19, 1999: Former Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth passed away at the age of 69. Marion joined the Opry in 1963, and while never a superstar, she was very entertaining and a fan favorite. She left the Opry cast in 1980, when she went into semi-retirement and continued to perform for a time in Las Vegas.

December 20, 1999: The legendary Hank Snow passed away at his Rainbow Ranch in Madison, Tennessee after a period of declining health. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was just weeks shy of 50 years of Opry membership. Hank last appeared on the Opry in September 1996 and is considered one of the all-time Opry greats.

December 16, 2000: Brad Paisley was surprised on stage by Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely, in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jimmy & Jeannie were dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reason for the surprise visit was the delivery of an invitation for Brad to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Brad tearfully accepted and the following February he would officially join the cast.

December 30, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter, who had been battling various illnesses, would enter a period of declining health that made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter passed away in September 2004. Additionally, after being notified the previous month that he was being terminated, this was the final night that Jerry Strobel was employed as the Opry House manager. Jerry had worked at the Opry for over 30 years.

December 21, 2001: Josh Turner made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His debut song was "Long Black Train" after which Josh received a standing ovation. Over the next several years, Josh would make dozens and dozens of guest appearances, until finally becoming a member in October 2008.

December 14, 2002: Toby Keith made his Opry debut. While he has never become an Opry member, he has appeared on the Opry a few times over the years. 

December 31, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Jim McReynolds, one half of Jim & Jesse, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee after a long illness. Jim & Jesse, along with the Virginia Boys, became Opry members in March 1964, and are considered one of the greatest acts in bluegrass music history.

January 13, 2003: The Louvin Brothers were honored with a special tribute at the Grand Ole Opry, in conjunction with the release of the album "Livin,' Lovin,' Losin." In 2004, the album won a Grammy Award for Best Country Album. The tribute took place during the televised portion of the show that night and did include Charlie Louvin. 

December 16, 2004: Former Grand Ole Opry member Martha Carson passed away. Martha was a member of the Opry in the 1950s. She left the Opry for a year, taking a leave of absence, however when it came time for her to return, the Opry told her they had no room for her. While she claimed to never have appeared on the Opry again, she did make several guest appearances before her death and also hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree a few times. 

December 30, 2006: The Grand Ole Opry's 2nd Saturday night show concluded at midnight for the final time. The following week, both Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows were cut to 2 hours, with the late show ending at 11:30.

December 29, 2007: Dailey & Vincent made their Grand Ole Opry debut as a duo. Both had appeared on the Opry previously with other performers, Jamie Dailey with Doyle Lawson and Darrin Vincent with Ricky Skaggs. 

December 16, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Jack Greene made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jack, who joined the cast in 1967, was in declining health which forced him into retirement. Jack passed away in 2013 from Alzheimer's. Just as he began his Opry membership, he finished with "There Goes My Everything." 

December 13, 2013: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was honored for 20 years of Opry membership. Joining Joe on the Opry that evening were Opry members Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

December 14, 2013: Rock legend Peter Frampton made his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing with Ricky Skaggs. They performed two of Peter's big hits, "Show Me The Way" and "Baby, I Love Your Way." It was another special night at the Opry. 

December 20, 2014: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. On Christmas Day, Jimmy was admitted to a Nashville hospital and would pass away shortly after the first of the year. Jimmy's final song? "Out Behind the Barn."

December 4, 2015: "American Saturday Night: Live At The Grand Ole Opry" debuted in movie theaters. The picture featured performances by Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry and Brett Eldredge.

December 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member Mel Tillis made his final Opry appearance on the Friday Night Opry. Mel, who joined the Opry in 2007, entered a period of declining health after the first of the year, that would ultimately lead to his passing in November 2017.

December 17, 2016: Brad Paisley sang "Out Behind The Barn," then unveiled a wax statue of Little Jimmy Dickens during the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. 

December 30, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart, with help from John Carter Cash, surprised Dailey & Vincent with an invitation to become the Opry's newest members. This was also the 100th guest appearance for Dailey & Vincent. Their actual Opry induction would take place the following March.

December 1, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart celebrated his 25th anniversary as member of the Opry. Helping Marty celebrate were Connie Smith, Charlie Worsham, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dallas Frazier, Kenny Lovelace, Marty's mother Hilda, and the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers.

December 23, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his final appearance on the Opry. Ray, who joined the Opry cast in 1966, decided the time was right to retire. Ray passed away earlier this year. 

December 31, 2017: Longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM personality, Hairl Hensley passed away. Hairl was a WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer for 35 years, joining the station in 1972. He was a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

December 21, 2018: Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps was honored upon his 60th anniversary of performing on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy originally came to the Opry as part of the Louvin Brothers group and continued after they left. In honor of Jimmy, the rehearsal room backstage at the Opry House was renamed the "Jimmy Capps Music Room." Jimmy, who passed away in 2020 after a short illness, should receive some future consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

December 21, 2018: On the same night that Jimmy Capps was honored, Vince Gill surprised long-time and frequent Opry guest Mark Wills with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mark had made many Opry appearances over his career and his membership was well deserved. 

December 6, 2019: The legendary singer Dionne Warwick made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. 

December 12, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride passed away from Covid. Charley had been an Opry member for over 25 years and always received a huge ovation each time he appeared. Charley is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

December 4, 2021: 60-year Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson passed away after a period of declining health. Stonewall's last appearance took place in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary upon becoming an Opry member. 

December 18, 2021: Lauren Alaina was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Trisha Yearwood surprised Trisha with the invitation, which finished out a busy year at the Opry. Lauren's actual induction took place early in 2022. 

December 10, 2022: Ashley McBryde became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. She had been surprised with the invitation the previous October. 

December 3, 2023: During a guest appearance on Opry Country Christmas, Scotty McCreery was surprised by Opry member Garth Brooks and was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There you have it for the final month of the year. As usual at the Opry, there was a lot of activity during the month.