Grand Ole Opry Saturday December 21

Due to For King & Country performing at the Grand Ole Opry House this week, the only Grand Ole Opry performance will be Saturday night. 

Saturday's show will feature Grand Ole Opry members Connie Smith, T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills. Also on the schedule are a couple of artists whose names have been mentioned from time-to-time as possible future members of the Grand Ole Opry: The Bellamy Brothers and Steve Earle. 

Rounding out the lineup is Sister Sadie and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Kashus Culpepper. 

Saturday December 21
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, T. Graham Brown, Sister Sadie, Bellamy Brothers
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Kashus Culpepper, Don Schlitz, Steve Earle

Sunday and Monday will mark the final 2024 shows for Opry Country Christmas. Personally, I think the series of shows this year have been very, very good. More of the same is expected with the final two. Just to recap: 

Sunday December 22
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Mark Wills, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Berry

Monday December 23
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, Sunny Sweeney

As we continue to look back at the first year of the new Grand Ole Opry House, here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday December 21, 1974:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Get Up, John
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Nobody Darling But Mine
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Bill Monroe: A Good Woman's Love

6:45: Rudy's
Del Reeves (host): Girl On The Billboard
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jan Howard: Gentle On My Mind
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Jan Howard: White Christmas
Opry Staff Band: Remington Ride
Roy Drusky: Fraulein

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Poor Sweet Baby
Billy Grammer: Whispering Hope
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Liberty
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Jean Shepard: Slipping Away
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
George Morgan: In The Misty Moonlight
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Phil Campbell: Help Me Make It Through The Night
George Morgan: Release Me

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): You're Easy To Love
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome To The Sunshine
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Dear Santa Claus

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Monroe (host): Christmas Time's A, Coming
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers To You
Del Reeves: Help Me Make It Through The Night
Bill Monroe: I Am A Pilgrim
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Jan Howard: You Win Again
Billy Grammer: Sentimental Journey
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Roy Drusky (host): Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Jimmy C Newman Blue Lonely Winter
Roy Drusky: The Bitter They Are The Harder They Fall

10:30: Trailblazer
Stonewall Jackson (host): Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

10:45: Beechnut
George Morgan (host): You Turn Me On
Phil Campbell: A Thing Called Love
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: (?)
George Morgan: Silent Night

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Hank Snow: Silent Night
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Hank Snow: A Letter To Santa Claus

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Singing The Blues
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Welcome To The Sunshine
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man/Loving Arms
Ronnie Robbins: If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Marty Robbins: Love Me/I'm Wanting To/El Paso/Devil Woman

(Ray Pillow and Marion Worth were scheduled for both shows but cancelled)

It is interesting that considering it was the weekend before Christmas, that there was not a whole lot of Christmas or holiday music on the Opry that night. Also, many of the big names were missing, getting in those final tour dates before the end of the year. 

Finally, on December 21, 2001, future Grand Ole Opry member Josh Turner made his Opry debut. Here is the lineup from that Friday night: 

7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, BR549
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Bill Carlisle, Jan Howard, Mel McDaniel
8:30: Mike Snider (host): Billy Walker, Charlie Louvin, Gene Watson
9:00: Bill Anderson (host): Josh Turner, Charlie Walker, Marty Stuart
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Del McCoury Band, Emmylou Harris

A very solid lineup. 

As I conclude this week, along with Miss Casey, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my readers. Without you, there would be no reason for me to do what I do. As I wrote at Thanksgiving, I appreciate each and every one of you. Be safe and enjoy this holiday season. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/13 & 12/14

There are only five more Grand Ole Opry shows in 2024 and two of them will be taking place this weekend. 

Starting with the Friday Night Opry, Opry members on the schedule include John Conlee, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Del McCoury. Opry NextStage artist Ernest heads up the list of non-members on the show, along with Jake Worthington, Cody Jinks and making her Opry debut, Maggie Antone. 

Don Schlitz is back on Saturday night, along with members Bill Anderson, Henry Cho and T. Graham Brown. Sam Williams and Wendy Moten are on the schedule, along with Andrew Farriss, who will be making his solo Grand Ole Opry debut. 

Friday December 13
7:00: Del McCoury Band, Maggie Antone, John Conlee, ERNEST
Intermission
8:20: Jake Worthington, Connie Smith, Cody Jinks, Don Schlitz

Saturday December 14

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Wendy Moten, Sam Williams, Don Schlitz

Intermission

8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Henry Cho, Andrew Farriss

Maggie Antone shared her thoughts on social media regarding her Opry debut, "What an honor it is to be invited to step into that circle. It feels like a fairytale come true."

It has been a year of major accomplishments for Antone. She released her full-length debut album Rhinestoned, which received widespread acclaim, and hit the road alongside artists such as Brent Cobb, Ella Langley, Willow Avalon, and 49 Winchester. She’s also appeared on several festival lineups and made notable guest appearances, including on 49 Winchester’s Leavin’ This Holler.

Andrew Farriss wrote this regarding his Opry debut on Saturday night: “Performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is an American dream come true. It really is the home of the country music greats, and I’m also proud to join the ranks of the amazing artists who have performed at this important and historic venue.” 

From Australia, this singer/songwriter is mostly known in the music world for his years with INXS, however he has become a devoted follower of country and Americana music. His 2021 self-titled debut album is all about showing his love and appreciation for American roots and country music, blending Americana, country, and rhythmic rock music. His latest release, ‘Something Stronger,' co-written with acclaimed songwriter Lawrie Minson, captures Farriss’ evolving style. Infused with southern rock and country influences, the track emphasises his deep connection to the American musical landscape. Over the last 15 years, Farriss has built strong collaborations with Nashville-based songwriters, allowing him to seamlessly transition from his rock background into country and Americana.

When the new Grand Ole Opry House opened, it would just be a matter of time until some of the former and retired Grand Ole Opry members would appear to check out the new building. One of those former members was DeFord Bailey. 

The following is from the Nashville Tennessean: 

Saturday was a big day for DeFord Bailey. It was his seventy-fifth birthday, and he made his debut in the new Grand Ole Opry House. The Opry itself was nothing new, of course. His first appearance there was in 1925, just barely a month after the Opry itself made its debut. For more than fifteen years he was probably the most consistent Opry performer, as well as the only black one, and his style of harmonica playing was widely imitated. He left in 1941-some people at the Opry say it was because he insisted on playing the same old tunes-and has performed only seldom since. 

The feeling Saturday night was all warmth. Roy Acuff credited Bailey with helping his career in the early days. "I guess DeFord traveled with us for about six or seven years. I used him whenever I wanted to draw a crowd. DeFord would play and then I'd go on and try to hold their attention." 

Saturday's crowd seemed a little perplexed. Most of them were unfamiliar with his work-it has been a long time since he recorded. Ironically, at least one authority thinks Bailey may have been the first artist ever to record in Nashville-8 sides for RCA Victor in October 1928. But there were plenty of old friends. Alcyone Beasley recalled how her father, the late Dr. Humphrey Bate brought Bailey to the Opry as "the dangdest harmonica player that ever lived." After the stage appearance, there was cake backstage. Some of the faces were familiar from his own performing days, including Sam and Kirk McGee and Herman Crook of the Crook Brothers. 

On stage, Bailey appeared to be saving his breath until he played. He showed a lot of his old style in "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," "The Pan American Blues," and "Fox Chase."

Now here in the running order from that night 50 years ago, Saturday December 14, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms

Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop

Jim and Jesse: Paradise

Ernie Ashworth: Oh, Lonesome Me
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Every Time I Turn The Radio On

Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me

The 4 Guys: What About Me
Bill Anderson: Proof

7:00: Rudy's

Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South

Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower/Under The Double Eagle

Bob Luman: Let Me Make The Bright Lights Shine For You

Barbara Lea: May You Never Be Alone

Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner
Billy Grammer: Whispering Hope

Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Shackles & Chains
Crook Brothers: Eighth Of January

Brother Oswald: Little Darling
DeFord Bailey: Pan American Blues/Ain't Gonna Rain No More/Fox Chase
Carolee Cooper: Forgetting About You
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Jingle Bells

Connie Smith: I Got My Baby On My Mind

Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again

Marty Stuart & Curly Seckler: Christmas Time's A 'Coming

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: It Takes A Lot Of Loving

Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art

Charlie Nixon: Maggie Blues

8:30: Stephens

Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

Mel Tillis: Heart Over Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

Roy Drusky: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

Mel Tillis: Memory Maker/Sawmill

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Bill Anderson (host): (?)

Willis Brothers: Cool Water

Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose

Bill Anderson: City Lights

Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors

Mary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet Baby

Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

10:00: Fender

Bob Luman (host): Kaw-Liga

Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady

Bob Luman: Six Days On The Road

10:15: Union 76

Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country

Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love

Roy Acuff: Turn Your Radio On

10:30: Trailblazer

Lester Flatt (host): Great Big Woman & A Little Bitty Bottle Of Wine

Grandpa Jones: Heading South

Connie Smith: Dallas

Lester Flatt: Homestead On The Farm

10:45: Beechnut

The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River

Stoney & Carolee Cooper: To My Mansion In The Sky

Crook Brothers: Soldier's Joy

The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There

11:00: Coca Cola

Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily

Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

Mel Tillis: Life Turned Her That Way/Ruby. Don't Take Your Love To Town
Roy Drusky: All For The Love Of A Girl/Three Hearts In A Tangle/Somewhere My Love

Sam McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

Harold Weakley: Legend In My Time

Roy Drusky: Anymore

11:30: Elm Hill

Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo

Ronnie Robbins: If We Make It Through December/If You Love Me Let Me Know

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care/Let Me Love You All Over Again

Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands In Muddy Water/Don't Be Angry/Waterloo

(Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Wilma Lee was still sick which is why she did not appear. Also, Skeeter Willis did not appear. Porter Wagoner and DeFord Bailey only appeared on the first show)

Looking at December 14 through the years: 

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."

1991: Wayne Newton made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared on the televised segment hosted by Porter Wagoner and sang "I Know So" and "Why Me, Lord." He also appeared on the second show singing the same two songs. 

2002: Toby Keith made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While he never became an Opry member, Toby would make a few Opry appearances during his career. 

2013: Rock legend Peter Frampton made his debut on the Opry. That night he performed with Opry member Ricky Skaggs, including the hits "Show Me The Way" and "Baby I Love You."

Finally, I wanted to take a moment and share a post from Jeannie Seely's Facebook page: 

Good morning everyone. It’s been awhile for me to get this together. Thanksgiving morning Gene asked me to call 911 as he was having chest pains and couldn’t breathe. At St. Thomas Hospital they also confirmed that cancer is back. He has been transferred to Lifecare in Old Hickory for care and they are great folks there.  His boys, Gregg, Kevin and Shane are the best. We would be grateful for extra prayers. Gene Ward is one of the most amazing men I have ever known, and I have been so blessed to be his wife.  The river and I have been in tears. 💔😢

Jeannie, I know I speak for all of the readers and followers of the blog as we pass along our prayers and thoughts to you, Gene, and your entire family and support group. 

There you have it for this weekend. Only two more weekends to go in 2024 before Opry100 gets underway in January. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 12/10

It's the final Tuesday Night Opry of 2024 and it's a good one: 

Tuesday December 10
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Amythyst Kiah, Marty Stuart
Intermission
8:20: Vincent Mason, Gary Mule Deer, Darius Rucker

Marty is finishing up, what he is calling, his four-night residency at the Grand Ole Opry. It's also nice to see Opry member Darius Rucker returning. 

Grand Ole Opry 12/6 & 12/7

Some breaking news from this past week involving Grand Ole Opry member Alison Krauss: 

Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are set to hit the road for the first time in a decade.

The beloved bluegrass musicians announced the Arcadia 2025 Tour on Tuesday, Dec. 3, which will take them across the U.S. and Canada for 73 shows from April through September. The group, which has not toured together since 2015, is also set to release new music for the first time in 14 years.

“I’m so grateful to get to make music again with my comrades of 40 years,” singer Krauss, 53, said in a statement. “They’ve always accomplished incredible work individually and have been constantly traveling because of it. We’re very inspired to experience this new exciting chapter in the band’s history.”

The 27-time Grammy winner will be joined by Union Station members Ron Block on banjo, guitar and vocals, Barry Bales on bass and vocals, Russell Moore on vocals and guitar and Jerry Douglas on Dobro, lap steel and vocals.

As noted, Russell Moore, the leader of III Tyme Out, will be the main vocalist on this tour. He will take the place of Union Station member Dan Tyminski, who is busy with his own solo career. 

We all know that it has been years since Alison Krauss has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Hopefully, with her return to bluegrass and touring with Union Station, she will fit in an Opry appearance or two. With the Opry celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, it would mark the perfect occasion for her to return. 

Moving on to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, Opry member Marty Stuart is back for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. He will be joined both nights by his wife, and fellow Opry member, Connie Smith. 

Joining the pair on Friday night are Opry members John Conlee and T. Graham Brown. Non-members on the schedule include LOCASH, Joshua Ray Walker, and making her Opry debut, Summer Dean. 

In addition to Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, Saturday night's schedule includes members Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky and Don Schlitz. Ryan Larkins, who made his Opry debut back in August, is scheduled as is Ryan and Rory. It will be the Opry debut for Ryan and Rory, who previously had performed on the Opry Plaza. 

Friday December 6
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Summer Dean, John Conlee, Joshua Ray Walker
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, LOCASH, Marty Stuart

Saturday December 7
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Ryan and Rory, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Ryan Larkins, Marty Stuart

Summer Dean is considered by most to be the reigning queen of Texas Country Music. The singer/songwriter is from Fort Worth and was recently named the Texas Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year. Regarding her Opry debut, she said, “Like almost every country music artist, I can say, ‘This has been my dream since I was a little girl,’” Dean said. “I remember listing what I wanted to be when I grew up and it was — number one: Miss Texas, and number two: sing on the Grand Ole Opry. It’s been a goal on my vision board for years. The view of the iconic WSM mic stand from inside the wooden circle has been the home screen on my phone for more than five years.”

Ryan Follesé is a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter and American Music Award winner. Rory John Zak, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. The duo has opened for Sam Hunt and Jamey Johnson. In fact, it was Jamey who surprised Ryan and Rory several weeks back with an invitation to appear on the Opry. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday December 7, 1974. This particular night featured an appearance by George Jones and Tammy Wynette, along with Mel Tillis: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

6:45: Rudy's
George Morgan (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose
George Morgan: The Last Letter

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Mel Tillis: Memory Maker
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Mel Tillis: Midnight, Me & The Blues/Sawmill
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
Stoney & Carolee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We Go Together/Take Me To Your World
The 4 Guys: What About Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Divorce #2
Patsy Sled: Chip; Chip
George Jones: The Door
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: The Jet Set
The 4 Guys: Country Lullaby
George Jones: White Lightening

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Hank Snow: Tammy/You're Easy To Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Release Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces Of Life
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Marion Worth: Shake Me; I Rattle
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Lonzo & Oscar: The Crawdad Song

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jim & Jesse: Paradise/I Wish You Knew
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

10:15: Union 76
Roy Drusky (host): A Satisfied Mind
Mel Tillis: I'll Come Back To You/Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine

10:30: Trailblazer
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We're Gonna Hold On
Tammy Wynette: You're Good Girls Gonna Go Bad
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me
George Jones: The Window Up Above
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: Let's All Go Down To The River

10:45: Beechnut
Stoney Cooper (host) & Carolee Cooper: Little Darling Pal Of Mine
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
Carolee Cooper: Rocky Top

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Dottie West: Lay Back Lover
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Black Diamond
Dottie West: The Bitter They Are, The Harder They Fall
Sam McGee: Columbus Stockade Blues
Hank Snow: On The Shores Of Old Mexico

11:30: Elm Hill
Justin Tubb (host): Ramblin' Man
Jeanne Pruett: Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets/Welcome To The Sunshine
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Ronnie Robbins: El Paso
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

(Jean Shepard was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Wilma Lee Cooper was sick and did not appear, while Skeeter Willis also did not appear)

Roy Acuff had left the Opry, with his final show taking place on April 6, 1946, with what has been reported as a pay dispute. Roy went out to California and make some personal appearances. A year later, in April 1947, Roy returned to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. During the year that Roy was gone, it was assumed that he did not make any Opry appearances. However, he did come back and one of those appearances took place on December 7, 1946. Here is the posted schedule from that night: 

8:00: Purina
Ernest Tubb: You Only Want Me When You Are Lonely
Eddy Arnold: I Talk To Myself About You
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Rock About My Sarah Jane
Ernest Tubb: This Troubled Mind Of Mine
Jamup and Honey: Jokes
Eddy Arnold: Be Sure There's No Mistake
Jimmy and Leon: As Long As I Live
Crook Brothers: John Henry

8:30: Warren Paint & Color Co. 
Paul Howard: Oklahoma City
Lew Childre: They Took The Stars Out Of Heaven
Bill Monroe: I Traced Her Little Footprints In The Snow
Milton Estes: Long Lost John From Bowling Green
Clyde and Marie: No Children Allowed
Lew and String Beans: Rabbit In The Log
Clyde Moody: I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome
Possum Hunters: Pull Off Your Over Coat
Robert Lum: Grandfather's Clock
Bill Monroe: Florida Blues

9:00: Roy Crown
Golden West Cowboys: Orange Blossom Special
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Cowboy Copas: Filipino Baby
Texas Ruby: Freight Train Blues
Curly Fox: Old Joe Clark
York Brothers: Like Can Never Be The Same
Annie Lou and Dannie: When I Was A Baby From The Mountains
Jimmy Walker: Oh Why
Bradley Kincaid: Rocking Alone
Shorty Boyd: Flower Of Texas

9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Blues In My Mind
Oak Ridge Quartet: I's In His Care
Duke of Paducah: Jokes
Jennie Lee: I Don't Love Nobody
Red Foley: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Old Timers: In A Little Red School House
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Grandpa Jones: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Lay Down Your Soul
Square Dance: Arkansas Traveler

10:00: Wall Rite
Earl and Bill: Carless Love
Bill and Lester: True Life Blues
Blue Grass Quartet: Where Could I Go
Lester Flatt: If I Should Wander Back To Night
Chubby: I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky

10:15: Weather House
Paul Howard: You Can't Break My Heart
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: I've Only Been Down To The Club
Clyde Moody: You Caused It All By Telling Lies
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The Blues
Possum Hunters: Take Your Foot Out Of The Mud
Paul Howard: White Cross On Oklahoma

10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Curly Fox and Ruby: The Old Home
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Bradley Kincaid: Goose Berry Pie
Oklahoma Wranglers: Rocky Mountain Express
Roy Acuff: Unannounced

10:45: Southern Agriculture
Golden West Cowboys: Filipino Baby
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Lew Childre: John Henry
York Brothers: Rocky Mountain Lullaby
Roy Acuff: Unannounced
Crook Brothers: Sitting On Top Of The World

11:00: Eddy Arnold Song Book
Eddy Arnold: Too Far Apart
Lily Belle: Too Late To Worry Too Blue To Cry
Lonzo and Oscar: When The Sun Goes Down
Eddy Arnold: I Walk Alone

11:15: Ernest Tubb Song Book
Ernest Tubb: Our Last Goodbye
Dot and Smokey: I'll Come Back To You
Short Horns: I Wonder
Ernest Tubb: How Can I Be Sure

11:30: Sal Kill
Wally Fowler: Plowing In The New Ground
Tommy Tompson: Two Blue Eyes
Gully Jumpers: Sleepy Lou
Andrews Brothers: The Letter You Left Me Tied With Blue
Wally Fowler: I Got Faith

11:45: Michigan Bulb
Milton Estes: One Little Tear Drop Too Late
Robert Lunn: Riding To Glory
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ragtime Annie
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Milton Estes: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dixie

Certainly, a much different Opry than we see today!!

Looking at December 7 through the years: 

1931: Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, the Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1964. After Sonny retired, Bobby continued on as a solo act, until his death in 2023. 

1940: After making several guest appearances, Minnie Pearl was listed for the first time in the Opry program.

1957: The Dixie Tabernacle, one of the Opry's former homes, burnt down in a fire that destroyed the building. While the name sounds impressive, the building had benches for those attending to sit on and sawdust on the floor. 

1976: In an interview in the Nashville Banner, Roy Acuff stated that the Ryman Auditorium should be torn down in an effort to keep tourists away from the Lower Broadway area of downtown Nashville. That area of town had turned into a troubled spot in the 1970s. Thankfully, others had different ideas and the building was saved. 

1984: Roy Acuff returned to the Opry for the first time since summer. Heart related issues kept Roy from performing. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 12/3

Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart returns to the Grand Ole Opry House for this week's Tuesday Night Opry. The show will feature five members of the Opry's cast: 

In addition to Marty, Connie Smith, Henry Cho, John Conlee and Ashley McBryde are listed on the schedule. The only non-members scheduled are William Beckmann and Dylan Schneider. 

Next week will be the final Tuesday night show until February 2025. 

Tuesday December 3
7:00: John Conlee, William Beckmann, Connie Smith, Dylan Schneider
Intermission
8:20: Ashley McBryde, Henry Cho, Marty Stuart

Opry Country Christmas 2024

It's that time of the year and once again, Opry Country Christmas will be returning for another year of holiday magic. This year there are 10 shows on the schedule, beginning on Sunday December 1st. 

As in previous years, Larry Gatlin will be joined on the majority of the shows by a standard group of Grand Ole Opry members that includes Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy and of course, Steve and Rudy Gatlin. Additionally, each show will highlight one or two special guests, along with a special Spotlight Opry Member. 

So, taking a look at the schedule as currently listed: 

Sunday December 1
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Jon Pardi
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Marcus King

Monday December 2
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Kathy Mattea, Eric Paslay

Wednesday December 4
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Oak Ridge Boys
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Rhonda Vincent, Jason Crabb, Maggie Rose

Thursday December 5
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Scotty McCreery, Hillary Scott
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Matthew West

Sunday December 8
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Chris Young
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Priscilla Block, Louis York & The Shindellas 

Wednesday December 11
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Chris Janson
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy,  Chapel Hart

Sunday December 15
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Carly Pearce & Michael Buble
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, The Isaacs, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, The Ornaments

Monday December 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Clay Walker
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Drake Milligan, Mickey Guyton, The Ornaments

Sunday December 22
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Wills
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, John Berry

Monday December 23
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Member: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Louise Mandrell, Sunny Sweeney

As someone who has attended an Opry Country Christmas show in the past, these are wonderful shows that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/29 & 11/30

The Oak Ridge Boys have been spending 2024 on what was originally going to be a farewell tour. However, plans have changed, and they now are planning on extending their touring into 2025 with no specific ending date in sight. The group has included several Grand Ole Opry appearances as part of their tour and on the Friday Night Opry, the boys will be back for another appearance. 

Joining the Oak Ridge Boys on Friday night are Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely and T. Graham Brown.

Guesting on Friday night will be Wyatt Ellis, one of the most watched musicians in bluegrass music, Lisa Layne, who has appeared on the Opry previous, most notably with Gene Watson, Chris Lane and comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. 

Now taking a look at Saturday night, only two Opry members are listed on the schedule: Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz. 

Steve Earle heads up the list of non-members on the Saturday night schedule, joined by bluegrass group Special Consensus, Opry NextStage artist Jackson Dean, Megan Patrick and Colin Stough. 

(Official lineup will be posted as soon as it is available)

From 50 years ago, Saturday November 30, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): The 4 Guys, Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Charlie Walker, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Ernest Tubb (host): Jan Howard, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa Jones, Willis Brothers, Marion Worth, Tim Smith, Ramona Jones
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Justin Tubb, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host): Willis Brothers, Jan Howard, Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Osborne Brothers, Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa & Ramona Jones, Justin Tubb, Curly Seckler, Marty Stuart
10:45: Charlie Walker (host): Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Louie Roberts, Ronnie Robbins

Tim McGraw is not an Opry member, but over the years, he has made a handful of appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. The future Hall of Fame member made his Opry debut on Saturday November 30, 2002. Here is the running order from that night 22 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue Of A Fool 
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Brad Paisley: Wrapped Around
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire & Roses/I Drove All Night
Brad Paisley: Jingle Bells/Silent Night/I Wished You'd Stay
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take The Girl/Unwound
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used To Be/Turn The Wind Into Water/Darlene
Brad Paisley: I'm Gonna Miss Her

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Why Don't You Haul Off & Love Me
Jeannie Seely: Winter Wonderland
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/Oh Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Porter Wagoner: The Carroll County Accident

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Bill Anderson (host): Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Mountain Heart: A Road I've Not Been Down/Real Time
Bill Anderson: Christmas In Your Arms

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed
Jack Greene: Try A Little Kindness/Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me
T. Graham Brown: I Tell It Like It Used To Be/Turn The Wine Into Water
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Osborne Brothers: Lonesome Feeling/Rocky Top
Tim McGraw: Sing Me Home/Don't Take The Girl/Unwound/Everywhere

10:30: online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Jimmy C Newman (host): Allons Ah Lafayette
Jan Howard: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Doyle Dykes: Wabash Cannonball/Oh Holy Night
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Liar's 1; Believes O
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself To Sleep
Vince Gill: Look At Us
Pinmonkey: Barbed Wire & Roses/I Drove All Night
Bill Anderson: A Lot Of Things Different

11:30: Tootsie's
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Charlie's Shoes
Mountain Heart: The Grand Tour/Lee Highway Blues
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again

(Loretta Lynn was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. She was replaced by T. Graham Brown. Brad Paisley appeared only on the first show and Vince Gill only on the late show). 

Looking at November 30th through the years: 

1931: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn was born. Along with his brother Doyle, The Wilburns were longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. After Doyle's death, Teddy remained an Opry member until his death in 2008. There are those, me included, who believe that the Wilburn Brothers deserve to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

1940: According to various reports, Minnie Pearl made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Minnie, who was an Opry member for over 50 years, would go on to become one of the most beloved members in the history of the Opry. 

1993: Opry member David Houston passed away at the age of 57. David, who had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Almost Persuaded," came to the Opry in 1972. In addition to his solo work, David recorded and toured with Tammy Wynette and Barbara Mandrell. 

1995: Martina McBride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Martina joined during a CBS television special celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Opry. Martina had made her Opry debut on May 23, 1992, and this year will be her 29th as an Opry member. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 11/26

Let me start off by wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to spend the holiday with family and/or friends. For those who will be working on the holiday, our thanks for taking care of us. For those who will be traveling, may you have safe travels and good weather. I know it will be a busy time at our house as all of our children and grandchildren will be joining us, coming up to Ohio from North Carolina. 

From a personal standpoint, I am thankful for all of the readers of my blog. You have no idea how much I appreciate each of you and that I add a little something to help your enjoyment of the Opry. 

Blessings to all of you!!

And now, here is the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry: 

7:00: Connie Smith, T. Graham Brown, Leah Blevins, Connor Smith

Intermission

8:20: Mandy Barnett, Gary Mule Deer, Alicia Witt, Rhonda Vincent

A very solid show with five Grand Ole Opry members on the schedule. 

Leah Blevins will be making her Opry debut on Tuesday night. She recently signed a publishing and management deal with Major Bob Music.

The Kentucky native released her debut album, First Time Feeling, in 2021, and has toured with Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Flatland Cavalry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Oates, Amanda Shires, The War And Treaty and more.

“Leah is the artist that everyone hopes to have the opportunity to work with in their career, and we’re just so thankful that she chose to land at Major Bob,” says Andy Friday, Major Bob Music’s Head of Publishing.

Growing up, Leah has been influenced by vintage country music and gospel. She hopes to incorporate much of that in her next album. 

Enjoy. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/22 & 11/23

There have been a handful of active Grand Ole Opry members who have not made any Opry appearances thus far in 2024. With the year winding down, there are not many opportunities left. After this weekend, there will be one less name on that list as Opry member Keith Urban returns to the Opry stage on Saturday night. 

Even with the star power of Keith Urban, there is only one show on the schedule on Saturday. Joining Keith will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, comedian Gary Mule Deer, the legendary Jeannie Seely and Opry NextStage artist Jameson Rodgers. Rounding out the lineup will be Mickey Guyton, Amanda Shires, and making his Opry debut, Caleb Caudle. 

Gary Mule Deer will be making it a two-show weekend as he is also scheduled on the Friday Night Opry, joining Opry members John Conlee, Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, and Crystal Gayle. Also on the schedule are Home Free, Sean Dietrich, Alexandra Kay, and an artist who has not appeared on the Opry in a while, Will Hoge. 

Regarding his Grand Ole Opry debut, Caleb Caudle wrote the following on his Facebook page: 

I’ve wanted to do this for as long as I’ve been playing music. When a dream this big comes true it allows you to dream bigger and for that I am grateful. My friend John Paul White will be joining me to sing harmony and my band The Sweet Critters will be backing me up. Thank you for all the support. Love y’all. 🖤

Friday November 22
7:00: John Conlee, Alexandra Kay, Home Free, Sean Dietrich
Intermission
8:20: Will Hoge, Gary Mule Deer, Crystal Gayle, Don Schlitz

Saturday November 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Jameson Rodgers, Amanda Shires, Caleb Caudle w/John Paul White
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban

I am sure it has been noticed by all, but the Grand Ole Opry intermission is now 20 minutes, which started back in October. Just my opinion, but I think adding the extra five minutes gives those attending a little extra time to visit the Opry Shop, grab some more food & drink, and to visit the restrooms. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday November 23, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host): Willis Brothers
6:45: The 4 Guys (host): Bill Carlisle, Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host): Marion Worth, Lonzo & Oscar, Cates Sisters
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Billy Grammer, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Roy Drusky (host): Justin Tubb, Jim & Jesse, Bill Simpson
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jeanne Pruett, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Charlie Walker (host): Willis Brothers, The 4 Guys, Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host): Bill Carlisle, Lonzo & Oscar
10:15: Roy Drusky (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Marion Worth
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jim & Jesse, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Billy Grammer (host): Connie Eaton, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Billy Grammer, Jr.
11:30: Stu Phillips (host): Jeanne Pruett

Trace Adkins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on August 23, 2003. Earlier that year, Jimmy Dickens surprised Trace with the invitation to join and on the night of his induction, Ronnie Milsap did the honors. However, it was on November 23, 1996, that Trace made his debut as a guest on the Opry. 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: Joy; Joy; Joy; Joy
Mike Snider: The Fur Coat

6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Fix Me A Pallet Down On The Floor
Trace Adkins; Every Light In The House Is On
Grandpa Jones: Dark As A Dungeon

7:00: Shoney's
Ricky Skaggs (host): If I Lose
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Jeannie Seely: As Long As I Live/My Tears Don't Show
Ricky Skaggs: Rank Strangers

7:30: Standard Candy
Marty Stuart (host): You Can't Stop Love
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Alison Krauss: But You Know I Love You
Travis Tritt: I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever Know/Where Corn Don't Grow
Marty Stuart & Travis Tritt: Honky Tonkin's What I Do Best

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Family Reunion
Darryl Singletary: An Amen Kind Of Love
Jeanne Pruett: Back-To-Back
Vince Gill: Go Rest High On That Mountain
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sail Away Ladies
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights & Country Music

8:30: Kraft
Jack Greene (host): Highway To The Sky
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Charlie Walker: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke
Riders In The Sky: Sioux City Sue/That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine/Back On Those Texas Plains
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Ricky Skaggs (host): Little Maggie
Brother Oswald: Prairie Queen
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Travis Tritt: I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever Know/Where Corn Don't Grow
Ricky Skaggs: Get Up John

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Alison Krauss: In The Palm Of Your Hand
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:15: Opry Book
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jean Shepard: Live & Let Live
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:30: Purnell's
Bill Anderson (host): Before I Met You
Vince Gill: I've Been Hearing Things About You/Which Bridge To Cross, Which Bridge To Burn

10:45: Opry Cruise
Mike Snider (host): Short Little Lulu/Clinch Mountain Backstep/Mississippi Sawyer
The Whites: Blue Letters
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acorn Hill

11:00: Coca Cola
Marty Stuart (host): Gonna Find Me A Country Girl
Darryl Singletary: A Cold Spell Moving In/ (?)
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Trace Adkins: Every Light In The House Is On
Marty Stuart: Gonna Ride A Blue Train/Hillbilly Rock

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question
Jeannie Seely: As Long As I Live/My Tears Don't Show
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Cajun Stripper
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball 

I Don't Think Anyone could complain about the lineup that night. A really strong show that included two of the Opry's long-lost members: Travis Tritt and Alison Krauss.

From November 23 through the years: 

1968: Tennessee native Dinah Shore made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

1992: Roy Acuff passed away in Nashville after a period of declining health. It is probably safe to say that Roy was the biggest member in the history of the Opry and helped to define the show for decades. 

2000: Vince Gill and Dolly Parton hosted a CBS televised special celebrating the Opry's 75th anniversary. 

2002: Jim McReynolds made his final appearance on the Opry. He would pass away a month later from cancer at the age of 75. 

2020: Opry member Hal Ketchum passed away after a period of declining health. 

Here is the running order from the November 23, 1968, show that featured an appearance by Dinah Shore: 

7:30: Roy Drusky, Margie Bowes, Del Wood, Duke of Paducah
8:00: Roy Acuff, Skeeter Davis, The Homesteaders, Oswald, Howdy Forrester, Crook Brothers
8:30: Glaser Brothers, Archie Campbell, Lonzo & Oscar, Martha Carson
9:00: Del Reeves, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow, Willis Brothers, Marion Worth, Harden Trio
10:00: Roy Drusky, Skeeter Davis, Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff, Margie Bowes, Martha Carson
10:30: Archie Campbell, Willis Brothers, Duke of Paducah
10:45: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, The Homesteaders, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Del Reeves, Dinah Shore, Marion Worth, Harden Trio

(Dinah sang one song: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry)

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

Tuesday Night Opry 11/19

At least for the time being, there is only one mid-week Opry show on the schedule: 

Tuesday November 19
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Home Free, Charlie McCoy, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: Charles Esten, T. Graham Brown, The Isaacs

A very solid lineup for the mid-week show. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/15 & 11/16

Carrie Underwood returns to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, appearing on two shows on Saturday night. For Carrie, these will be her 9th and 10th Opry appearances of 2024, and probably her last two until 2025. I know it seems like a broken record, but Carrie once again honors her commitment to the Opry. 

More on Saturday night in a moment, but turning to the Friday Night Opry, one of the Opry's newest members, Jon Pardi, is back for an Opry appearance. Joining Jon will be members Old Crow Medicine Show, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent and Jeannie Seely. As most know, Jeannie cancelled last Friday due to being under the weather, so let's hope she is better and makes it this weekend. 

Old Crow Medicine Show is back for both shows on Saturday night, joining Carrie Underwood, along with Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs and Connie Smith. 

As far as non-members, Friday night features Sanctus Real and making his Opry debut, Luke Grimes, while on Saturday night, The Dead South and Abby Hamilton is listed. Like Luke Grimes, this will be Abby's Opry debut. 

Friday November 15
7:00: Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Old Crow Medicine Show
Intermission
8:20: Sanctus Real, Luke Grimes, Jon Pardi

Saturday November 16
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, The Dead South, Abby Hamilton
8:00: The Isaacs, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Connie Smith, Carrie Underwood
10:30: The Dead South, The Isaacs, Abby Hamilton, Old Crow Medicine Show

A very nice group of Grand Ole Opry members this weekend. You will notice that Riders In The Sky are missing from the Saturday lineup. That is because they will be in Kent, Ohio for a show at the historic Kent Stage. Casey and I will be there and looking forward to an evening of music, the "cowboy way."

 
Luke Grimes, who is making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday night, is well-known for playing Kayce Dutton on the neo-Western series Yellowstone. He's also been making a foray into country music, releasing his debut full-length album earlier this year.

“It’s hard to explain what an honor it is to be making my Opry debut,” said Grimes in a press release. “To be able to step into that circle and to feel like I am part of a community of my heroes is beyond a dream come true.”

Luke's Opry debut comes while he on his Playin’ On The Tracks Tour, which kicked off this week with stops in Philadelphia, New York, Nashville, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and more before concluding in Denver on December 14. Yellowstone returned to television this past week with Luke as one of the featured stars. 

Abby Hamilton was born and raised in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She has garnered a reputation as an engaging live performer and musician, making her television debut performing on CBS Mornings' "Saturday Sessions" series. She has also opened for artists such as Tyler Childers, Deer Tick, Shakey Graves, Wynonna Judd, Blackberry Smoke, Kelsey Waldon and American Aquarium and performed at several major festivals including Bonnaroo, AmericanaFest, Railbird, Luck Reunion and more

Regarding her Opry debut, she wrote, "Since I was a little girl, the biggest dream of my life has been to play the Grand Ole Opry. With so much excitement and reverence I’m pleased to announce I’m making my Opry debut on November 16th ♥️ life has a way of being really beautiful sometimes and really funny too 😭 talk about a full circle moment for this circle step in. Thank you, Grand Ole Opry! 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday November 16, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): You're My Wife; She's My Woman
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Charlie Louvin: I Want To See You

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song To Baby
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home On The Morning Train
Ernie Ashworth: Each Moment Spent With You
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

7:00: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshine
Billy Grammer: God Will Take Care Of You/Whispering Hope
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up, Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces Of Life
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Jimmy C Newman: Tennessee Waltz
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Wonder If You're Lonesome Too
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Lester Flatt: Great Big Woman & A Little Biddy Bottle Of Wine
Dottie West: Sweet Memories
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Gain
Marty Stuart, Curly Seckler & Johnny Montgomery: Ashes Of Love

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late
Marion Worth: Put Your Hand In The Hand
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: Paper Roses
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
Hank Snow: Hello Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): It's My Life/Happy State Of Mind/Gettle On My Mind
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Love You Anymore/Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself To Sleep/See The Big Man Cry
Ernie Ashworth: My Love For You
Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On
Mary Lou Turner: He Thinks I Still Care
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Bill Anderson: Don't She Look Good

10:00: Fender
Billy Walker (host): Things/Oh, Lonesome Me
Dottie West: Sweet Memories
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Billy Grammer: Good Night Waltz
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner: The Last One To Touch Me

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Salty Dog Blues
Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Couldn't Care Less
Lester Flatt: The Bluebirds Singing For Me
Marty Stuart: Rawhide

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth Of January
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Sam McGee: Whispering Hope
Hank Snow: I'm Not At All Sorry For You

11:30: Elm Hill
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Marion Worth: It's Good To Be Back Home Again/Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care/Why Me Lord
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/Washed My Hands In Muddy Water/Waterloo

(Connie Smith was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Bill Anderson appeared only on the late show)

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

Tuesday Night Opry 11/12 & Opry Country Classics 11/14

Here is the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry: 

7:00: T. Graham Brown, Anna Vaus, Jason Eady, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Randall King, Leftover Salmon, Lauren Alaina

This will be the Opry debut for Leftover Salmon, who is a legendary Jamband that plays the festival circuit. While I have never seen the group in person, my wife has several times, and she has high praise for them. 

Thursday night will be the final Opry Country Classics show for 2024. Larry Gatlin returns as host. Appearing on Thursday night will be the Gatlin Brothers, Gene Watson, Rhonda Vincent, Wade Hayes and Jillian Jacqueline. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/8 & 11/9

Last Friday night Steven Curtis Chapman became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, while next Saturday night, Opry member Carrie Underwood returns once again. So, what does that make next week? I guess you could call it just a normal Friday and Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry House. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Opry member Terri Clark is on the schedule, joined by members Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, and Jeannie Seely, who missed the Tuesday Night Opry as she was under the weather. 

Guesting will be the legendary group Exile, along with Opry NextStage act Restless Road, Wood Box Heroes and Tanner Usrey. 

Saturday night, Opry member Ashley McBryde is back, joined by Dailey & Vincent, and back to make it a two-show weekend, Riders In The Sky. 

Taylor Austin Dye will be making her Opry debut on Saturday night, joined by Ian Munsick, Drew Parker, and appearing in honor of Veterans Day, which is Monday, Wild Blue Country. 

Friday November 8
7:00: Terri Clark, Restless Road, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Tanner Usrey, Wood Box Heroes, Exile, Riders In The Sky

Saturday November 9
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Taylor Austin Dye, Drew Parker, Wild Blue Country
Intermission
8:20: Riders In The Sky, Opry Square Dancers, Ian Munsick, Ashley McBryde

Taylor Austin Dye comes to the Opry from Bonneville, Kentucky and will be appearing ahead of her newest album release Sick of Me. As her career has grown, she has appeared with Tracy Bryd, Steve Earle, Eddie Montgomery, Luke Combs and Keith Urban, among others. After receiving her invite from Opry member Jamey Johnson, Taylor wrote:

"This was truly one of the only times I’ve ever been so surprised and speechless in my life. This is the GREATEST honor I have ever had, and I do not take this invitation lightly. When I visited the Opry for the first time in 2005, it automatically became my dream and my number one goal in my career to be in that circle. Thanks to Jamey, my team, and everyone at the Opry, it’s becoming a reality for this eastern Kentucky girl.  I can’t say thank you enough to every person who has laid their ear to my music and supported me along the way. I know that I am only here because of you. I can’t wait to see you all at the home of country music on November 9th, 2024."

From 50 years ago, Saturday November 9, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Bob Luman (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
6:45: David Houston (host): Marion Worth, Charlie Walker
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Minnie Pearl, Ray Pillow
7:30: Archie Campbell (host): Jean Shepard, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers, Tommy Jones
8:00: Lester Flatt (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jerry Clower, Stu Phillips, Marty Stuart
8:30: Stonewall Jackson (host): Jan Howard, Willis Brothers, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: David Houston (host): Jean Shepard, Willis Brothers, Bob Luman
10:00: Charlie Walker (host): Marion Worth, Ray Pillow
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Lester Flatt (host): Connie Smith, Kenny Ingram
10:45: Jerry Clower (host): Jan Howard, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Archie Campbell (host): Jimmy C Newman, Bill Carlisle, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee, Tommy Jones
11:30: Stonewall Jackson (host): Stu Phillips, Ronnie Robbins 

(Jeanne Pruett was scheduled for both shows but cancelled due to the death of her brothers. Minnie Pearl appeared only on the first show).

Back in the 1960s, Willie Nelson was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He didn't stay long as he gave up on Nashville and headed back to Texas, where he emerged as a superstar and one of the greatest voices in the history of country music. After Willie left the Opry, he didn't come back often, but one of those nights was 22 years ago, Saturday November 9, 2002.

Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back To See
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Larry Stephenson Band: Patches/Darlin' Cory
Jim Ed Brown: Fools/Pop A Top

7:00: Gutter Guard/Standard Candy
Vince Gill: Take You Memory With You When You Go/Look At Us
Porter Wagoner & Willie Nelson: Good Hearted Woman
Anthony Smith: If That Ain't Country/John J. Blanchard
Willie Nelson: Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys/On The Road Again/Porter Wagoner Blues
Rodney Crowell & The Cherry Bombs: Ashes By Now/I Can't Live All Like This/Stars On The Water
Porter Wagoner & Willie Nelson: When The Silver Eagle Meets The Great Speckled Bird

8:00: Martha White
John Conlee (host): Common Man
Bill Carlisle: Stay A Little Longer
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De' Lait
Jack Green: Walking On New Grass/There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Tennessee Wagoner
John Conlee: She's Mine

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim & Jesse: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Craig Morgan: When A Man Can't Get A Woman Off His Mind
Hal Ketchum: Sweet Angel Face/Small Town Saturday Night
Bill Anderson: The Touch Of The Master's Hand

2nd show
9:30: Tootsie's
Porter Wagoner (host): Why Don't You Haul Off & Love Me
Porter Wagoner & Willie Nelson: Good Hearted Woman/On The Road Again
Anthony Smith: If That Ain't Country/John J. Blanchard

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Vince Gill (host): Take Your Memory With You When You Go
Jan Howard: Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Vince Gill: If You Ever Have Forever In Your Mind

10:30: Online.com/Wildhorse Saloon
Jean Shepard (host) & Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Larry Stephenson Band: The Sound That Set My Soul On Fire/The Many Hills Of Time
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snow Flake Reel
Jean Shepard & Jan Howard: Let's All Go Down To The River/I Saw The Light/Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Flay Away/Somebody Touched Me

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Stu Phillips: The 10th Man
Craig Morgan: When A Man Can't Get A Woman Off His Mind/Almost Home
Bill Anderson: God Bless America Again

11:30: Tootsie's
John Conlee (host): Rockin' With You
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing Her Now
Jack Green: Highway To The Sky/This One Belongs To Me
John Conlee: She's Mine

Certainly, a heck of an Opry show that night. 

For those who might not remember, Anthony Smith was singer, songwriter and record producer. As a Nashville recording artist, Smith's debut album, If That Ain't Country, on Mercury Records Nashville, Produced three Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts. As a songwriter Smith has had over 250 songs recorded by other Nashville recording artist Such as George Strait, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill and more.

Also, on November 9th through the years: 

1895: George D. Hay was born in Attica, Indiana. He came to Nashville and WSM in 1925. In November of that year, he began the WSM Barn Dance, later to be called the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, his influence at the Opry and WSM would fade, and he would leave Nashville, passing away in Virginia Beach in 1968.

1925: Going back to George D. Hay, this was the date he started at WSM radio with the title of Radio Director. 

1960: Hank Locklin accepted an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He had first appeared on the Opry in 1953. Hank's first appearance as a member took place several days later, on November 12, and he would remain an Opry member until his death in March 2009. 

2010: Charlie Louvin made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie had been an Opry member for over 50 years and was one of the few who once they joined, never left. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 11/5 & Opry Country Classics 11/7

For those who either need a break from following the election returns, or have no interest, the Tuesday Night Opry offers a wonderful show that will take you mind off of the election. 

Tuesday November 5
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Mae Estes, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Annie Bosko, Henry Cho, Connor Smith, T. Graham Brown 

Nice to see that the majority of the acts on the schedule are Opry members, along with Connor Smith, who is one of the Opry's NextStage artists. 

With no Wednesday Night Opry on the schedule for the rest of the year, we now turn our attention to Opry Country Classics on Thursday night hosted by Larry Gatlin. Among those appearing are the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Don Schlitz and the Opry's newest member, Steven Curtis Chapman. The only non-member scheduled for the classics show is Walker Montgomery. 

As with the Tuesday night, Thursday night looks very good. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/1 & 11/2

Friday will be a big night at the Grand Ole Opry House as Contemporary Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Over the past week, there has been some comments regarding the number of Opry appearances by various Opry members. With the induction of a new Opry member, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit some of those numbers, specifically those recently. 

I went back beginning with 2021, the year after Covid during which the Opry was on a very limited Saturday night schedule and added up the number of appearances by Opry members. In the case of the members who were added after 2021, I included their guest appearances that they made prior to their induction beginning in 2021. Here is the list of those with over 100 appearances (updated to October 23):

Jeannie Seely: 307
Riders In The Sky: 283
Connie Smith: 170
Mandy Barnett: 145
Don Schlitz: 142
John Conlee: 135
Rhonda Vincent: 131
Bill Anderson: 123
Gary Mule Deer: 120
Dailey & Vincent: 117
Gatlin Brothers: 106
Charlie McCoy: 104

Other notables: Mark Wills: 82, Vince Gill: 74, Ricky Skaggs: 69, The Isaacs: 68, Henry Cho: 66, Mike Snider: 51, T. Graham Brown: 48, Lauren Alaina: 47, Del McCoury: 40, Jamey Johnson: 37, Lorrie Morgan: 36, Gene Watson: 36, Carrie Underwood: 30, Chris Janson: 30, Crystal Gayle: 28, Steve Wariner: 25, Ashley McBryde: 23, Old Crow Medicine Show: 22, The Whites: 20. 

Everyone else was below 20. And for those wondering, Steven Curtis Chapman made 26. 

A couple of notations regarding this list: 
>Mike Snider has not appeared on the Opry in a year following his motorcycle accident and the death of his wife. 
>The Whites have made only one Opry appearance in 2024
>The vast majority of appearances by Vince Gill have taken place over the last couple of years as before that he had been touring heavily with The Eagles. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend:
When looking at the career of Steven Curtis Chapman there is not much to add, other than the basic statistics. With a staggering 50 No. 1 singles in his catalog he is the most awarded artist in Christian music history winning 59 GMA Dove Awards five GRAMMY Awards an American Music Award and selling more than 17 million albums with ten RIAA-Certified Gold or Platinum albums. And he has continued to add to that total. He has been making guest appearances on the Opry for decades and has truly earned his Opry membership. 

On the night Ricky Skaggs asked Steven to become an Opry member, Steven said “I am so honored and just so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of. I feel like this is my family.”

Joining Steven on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Lady A and Carly Pearce. Guesting will be Colony House and Russell Dickerson. 

Looking at Saturday night, which is back to a one-show night, Opry members Bill Anderson, Riders In The Sky, and one of the Opry's newest members, Sara Evans is back for an appearance. Guesting are Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, Larry Fleet and Sean McConnell. 

Friday November 1
7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Colony House, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, Lady A 

Saturday November 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Sean McConnell, Connie Smith, Larry Fleet
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Opry Square Dancers, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Sara Evans

From 50 years ago, Saturday November 2, 1974:

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host): Ray Pillow, Del Wood
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Lonzo & Oscar, Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Archie Campbell (host): Connie Smith, Justin Tubb, Tommy Jones
7:30: Roy Drusky (host): Bill Carlisle, Stu Phillips, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
8:30: Charlie Walker (host): Jimmy C Newman, Harold Weakley, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky (host): Willis Brothers, Del Wood, Lonzo & Oscar
10:00: Ray Pillow (host): Connie Smith, Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb
10:30: Archie Campbell (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Bill Carlisle, Phil Campbell
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Demetrius Trapp, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Charlie Walker (host): Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host): Jeanne Pruett, Ronnie Robbins

As has been previous written on this blog, the vast majority of the Grand Ole Opry's annual birthday celebrations have taken place during the month of October. However, that was not the case in 1963 as the Opry's 38th birthday celebration took place that year took place on Saturday November 2nd. Here is the running order from that night, 61 years ago: 

6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Kitty Wells: Heartaches For A Keepsake
Johnny Wright: Oh, Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine In Them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind The Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Gave My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy C Newman: D.J. For A Day

7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me A Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad For You Is Good For Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In The Shadow Of The Wine

7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign The Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over The Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt & Scruggs: Flint Hill Special

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through The Motions
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
June Carter & The Carter Family: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way You're Living

9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles An Hour
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy To Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. The D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses

10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: T Model & A Train
Billy Walker: Heart Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)

10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy C Newman: D.J. For A Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway
Howdy & Jimmy: Apple Blossom

10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings Of A Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)

10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host) (?)
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: 8 By 10
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Faron Young: (?)

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo & Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam & Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By The Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers:  Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I

11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James: The Minute You're Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry

That was one long show that night and based on the number of artists on the schedule, the backstage area of the Ryman Auditorium was very, very crowded. A heck of a busy night. 

If my memory is right, the only artists still living that appeared on that night are Melba Montgomery, Bill Anderson and Leroy Van Dyke. 

Also, from November 2nd through the years: 

1926: Charlie Walker was born. He joined the Opry in 1967 and would remain a member until his death in 2008. 

1948: Roy Acuff was defeated in his bid to become Governor of Tennessee. 

1968: George Jones made an appearance on the Opry. 

2007: Lady A made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. In 2021 they would become Opry members. 

2021: Mandy Barnett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time of her induction, Mandy had made more guest appearances than any other non-Opry member. 

There you have it for this weekend. Thanks to all for reading and commenting and congratulations once again to Steven Curtis Chapman upon his induction as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Taking a quick look at a full week of upcoming Grand Ole Opry Shows to close out the month of October: 

The Tuesday Night Opry has three Opry members on the schedule: Jeannie Seely, Charlie McCoy and comedian Henry Cho. Bluegrass music will be represented by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. Clay Walker, who cancelled his last appearance due to travel and weather issues, is back on the schedule, as is Zach Top, Mac Powell and MacKenzie Carpenter. 

Taking a look at the Wednesday Night Opry, there are four members on that schedule: Don Schlitz. T. Graham Brown, The Isaacs and Riders In The Sky. Guesting are Opry NextStage artist Breland, along with Chayce Beckham and William Beckmann. Except for two Opry Country Christmas shows in December, this will be the final Wednesday night show for this year. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night with host Larry Gatlin and Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins as the Spotlight Artist. Along with The Gatlin Brothers, Linda Davis, Ruby Leigh and Jim Lauderdale round at that lineup. 

This will all lead up to the Friday Night Opry when Steven Curtis Chapman will be inducted as the Opry's newest member. More on that later. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26

Who else finds it hard to believe that we are coming upon the final weekend in October? Amazing how fast this year has gone, and we are now just over two months away from the start of Opry100, the most exciting year in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

But before we get to 2025, there are still more shows in 2024 and this weekend the Friday Night Opry is on the schedule as are two shows on Saturday night, all three of which will feature Opry member Vince Gill. It seems like during this past year, any time Vince is not out doing a gig with The Eagles, he is at the Opry. And that is a good thing. 

There are only two other Opry members on the schedule each night this weekend: Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz on Friday night and Mandy Barnett and Connie Smith on Saturday. 

John Berry has been making a few Opry guest appearances lately and he is back on the schedule for Friday, along with Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, and making her Opry debut, Sarahbeth Taite. 

Appearing on Saturday night are Tyler Halverson, Tierra Kennedy and Evan Honer. Also on the schedule is Darin & Brooke Aldridge. I mention this husband/wife bluegrass duo separately, as these are two individuals who love the Grand Ole Opry and all of its history. 

For those who might not be familiar, Brooke is a four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Darin, once a former member of The Country Gentlemen, is a former IBMA Mentor of the Year and a truly gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. They have had numerous nominations over the years from the IBMA, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards) and the Inspirational Country Music Association. In April 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Also in 2023, the IBMA nominated the smash hit “Jordan,” featuring Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain, in the Gospel Recording of the Year category while the GMA nominated the song for its Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year award.  

Whenever Darin & Brooke are asked to be on the Opry, they are always well received and have made it known that they would love to be members of the Opry someday. From a personal standpoint, I think they would make great Opry members (as does Vince Gill), and I hope that their dream comes true someday. Perhaps they will be one of those asked to join as the Opry moves into its 100th year. 

Friday October 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, John Berry, Sarahbeth Taite, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Sons of the Pioneers, Tyler Braden, Vince Gill

Saturday October 26
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
8:00: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Tyler Halverson, Connie Smith, Tierra Kennedy
10:30: Evan Honer, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Vince Gill

Sarahbeth Taite, who is making her Opry debut on Friday night, is a country singer-songwriter known for her authentic storytelling and unique sound that resonates with young women and mothers. Her 2020 single "Long Way" became a breakout hit on TikTok, amassing over 10 million streams and a Billboard chart debut, leading to appearances on The Bobby Bones Show and BobbyFest Music Festival. With consistent support from CMA, ACM, and CMT, Sarahbeth's 2024 EP, “The Way We Started,” has been featured on iHeartCountry's "Women of iHeartCountry" radio show, WSM Radio and major outlets like People Magazine, Cowgirl Magazine, American Songwriter, and CelebSecrets. As the EP nears a million lifetime streams, Sarahbeth continues to share her one-of-a-kind sound with the world, carving out a path that uniquely blends family life with her musical career.

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday October 26, 1974. This particular night featured a guest appearance by a very young and talented Crystal Gayle: 

1st show
6:30: Hank Locklin (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Crystal Gayle
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host): The 4 Guys, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Ray Pillow, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, Lonzo & Oscar
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Stu Phillips, Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves

2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host): Willis Brothers, Ernie Ashworth, Crystal Gayle
10:00: Hank Locklin (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Justin Tubb
10:15: Ernst Tubb (host): Bill Carlisle, Wayne Hammond
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Lonzo & Oscar, Ray Pillow
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host): Jim & Jesse, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Rusty Greaves, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Stu Phillips, Ronnie Robbins

(Stonewall Jackson appeared only on the first show. He was scheduled for the second show but cancelled). 

Rusty Greaves, who was on the Opry that night, was from New Zealand and would make several appearances on the Opry, along with several appearances in Opryland. He was considered a country music pioneer in his home country. Rusty and Gladys Greaves were made honorary citizens of Metropolitan Nashville by then Mayor Richard Fulton in October 1978 for Greaves’ work as an ambassador for New Zealand and his dedication to country music.

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Looking at the upcoming mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows, the Tuesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz, Rhonda Vincent, and making his return after a weekend in Las Vegas with The Eagles, Vince Gill. Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Thompson Square and Karley Scott Collins round out the lineup. 

The Grand Ole Opry will host its 16th annual “Opry Goes Pink” on Wednesday night in partnership with Susan G. Komen.

Opry member Ashley McBryde will begin the show by flipping the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to help the fight against breast cancer. 

In addition to Ashley McBryde, Grand Ole Opry members Jon Pardi, T. Graham Brown and Rhonda Vincent are also on the schedule, Victoria Shaw, who is a regular on "Opry Goes Pink" night is again on the schedule as is Scott Stapp, who is making his Opry debut. Oh, one more name that I forgot, Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker will also be appearing. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night will Larry Gatlin as the host and featuring Spotlight Artist, and newest Hall of Fame member, John Anderson. Also appearing will be The Gatlin Brothers, Dailey & Vincent, Chuck Mead and Sunny Sweeney. 

Grand Ole Opry 10/18 & 10/19

After all of the excitement last weekend, things are a little bit quieter at the Grand Ol Opry this weekend. As is the case each weekend in October, there will the Friday Night Opry with one show and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, which is a two-show night. 

Four Grand Ole Opry members are on the schedule for Friday night: Gene Watson, Jeannie Seely, Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz, and coming off his induction last weekend into the Comedy Hall of Fame, Gary Mule Deer. Very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is back for another visit, along with Danielle Bradbery, Alana Springsteen and making his Opry debut, Canadian singer/songwriter Jade Eagleson. 

Jade Eagleson is from Bailieboro, Ont., and is a five-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner and Juno award nominee whose songs have been streamed online more than 305 million times. Now living in Nashville, he said, “The tradition of country music and everything surrounding it has always been a very big thing for me, and obviously at the center of all that is the Opry. My dream since day one was to someday end up there and play there. My wife and I will go catch a show from time to time, and I just look at the stage and it’s hard not to get a bit emotional.”  

Gary Mule Deer and Jeannie Seely return on Saturday night, along with two Hall of Fame members of the Opry: Bill Anderson and Ricky Skaggs. Another frequent guest of the Opry, Steve Earle is also on the schedule, along with Drake White and The McCrary Sisters. 

Friday October 18
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Jade Eagleson, Danielle Bradbery, Gene Watson
Intermission
8:15: Alana Springsteen, Gary Mule Deer, Charles Esten, Don Schlitz

Saturday October 19
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drake White, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer
8:00: The McCrary Sisters, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drake White, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer
10:30: The McCrary Sisters, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs

For what it is worth, I received an email today from the Opry offering 20% off tickets for the back-to-back shows on Saturday night. Supposedly, limited ticket quantities are available. 

Now going back 50 years ago to Saturday October 19, 1974. That night, the Opry celebrated its 49th anniversary, the first at the new Grand Ole Opry House. Featured on the show that night were Tennessee Ernie Ford and, in a surprise appearance, The Pointer Sisters. The show also featured Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton appearing together for the final time on the Opry until their reunion 14 years later. 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): (?)
Willis Brothers: Bob
4 Guys: It's Too Late To Turn Back Now
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Mary Lou Turner: Tomorrow
Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
Jeannie Seely: He Can Be Mine
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jan Howard: Seeing Is Believing
Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlett Ribbons/The 3 Bells/Looking Back To See

7:00: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Please Don't Stop Loving Me
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Hank Locklin: Send Me Your Coffee Cup
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Stu Phillips: Love You All Over Again
Brother Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): I've Got All The Heartaches I Can Handle
Wilburn Brothers: Little Johnny From Down The Street
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Fireball Mail
Tennessee Ernie Ford: Tie A Yellow Ribbon/Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
George Lindsay: Comedy Joke
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: Hello Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Jerry Clower: A New Bull
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Mary Lou Turner: All That Keeps Me Going
Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

10:00: Fender
Ernest Tubb (host): Don't Water Down The Bad News
Connie Smith: I Never Knew What That Song Meant Before
Jim Ed Brown: Southern Loving
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Ernest Tubb: Walking The Floor Over You

10:15: Union 76
Jack Greene (host): It's Time To Cross That Bridge
The Pointer Sisters: Fairytale
Jeannie Seely: He Can Be Mine
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Justin Tubb: Ramblin' Man

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: Love Is Like A Butterfly
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine
Hank Locklin: Send Me Your Coffee Cup
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Barbara Lea: Ain't Love Grand
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Please Don't Stop Loving Me

10:45: Beechnut
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
The 4 Guys: It's Too Late To Turn Back Now
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Barbara Mandrell: Midnight Oil
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind

11:30: Elm Hill
Charlie Louvin (host): It Almost Felt Like Love
Jeanne Pruett: Welcome To The Sunshine
David Houston: Can't You Feel It
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Something To Brag About

Tennessee Ernie Ford and George Lindsay only appeared on the first show, while Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin, Barbara Mandrell and The Pointer Sisters only appeared on the second show. Connie was scheduled for the first show but didn't make it. Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. 

What was interesting regarding Porter and Dolly singing together, Dolly was not originally scheduled on either of Porter's segments that night. If You remember, Dolly had left Porter's show and was on her own, while Barbara Lea had joined Porter's roadshow. Obviously, whatever feelings Dolly had toward Porter, all was forgiven, or forgotten, for that one final night. 

Finally, as you would guess with that loaded lineup, the show ran way over, with the second show not ending until after 12:30, helped out by the fact that the final 30-minute segment only ran for 15. 

Other Opry highlights from October 19 over the years:

1956: Stonewall Jackson was given an audition at the Opry. He passed and was invited back to perform. Stonewall would become an Opry member the following month. 

1985: Lonzo & Oscar made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to being on the Opry that night, the duo hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Also of significance, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry. Roy had been missing for several months due to the discovery of a blood clot. Roy was ordered by doctors to rest, but that didn't prevent him from visiting backstage in his dressing room during his recovery. 

1991: Legendary WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Grant Turner passed away, just hours after announcing the Friday Night Opry. Grant was called "the Dean of Opry announcers", starting at WSM on D-Day 1944. Grant Turner is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Taking one more look back, here is the schedule from October 19, 1985, the final night that Lonzo & Oscar appeared on the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host): Vic Willis Trio
6:45: The 4 Guys (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Loretta Lynn, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): Billy Walker, Jean Shepard, George Hamilton IV, Crook Brothers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeanne Pruett, Jack Greene, Roy Drusky, Connie Smith, Tommy Hunter
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jimmy C Newman, Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson, Bill Carlisle

2nd show
9:30: Del Reeves (host): George Hamilton IV, The 4 Guys, Loretta Lynn
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Jan Howard, Ray Pillow
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeannie Seely, Lonzo & Oscar
10:45: Jack Greene (host): Jean Shepard, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson, Billy Walker, Bill Carlisle
11:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Charlie Walker, Roy Drusky, Johnny Russell

Rollin "Oscar" Sullivan passed away in 2012 while at last word, David Hooten, the last Lonzo, was still alive. 

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