Grand Ole Opry 3/29 & 3/30-Updated

Dan Rogers has been in the news lately and I thought I would share this article from Billboard from last week for those who might have missed it. It includes some interesting comments about the plans for the 100th anniversary of the Opry in 2025: 

As the Grand Ole Opry approaches its 100th anniversary, vp/executive producer Dan Rogers will take on expanded duties in his new role as senior vp/executive producer of the esteemed institution. The 26-year Opry veteran will continue to oversee all aspects of the more than 225 shows at the Opry each year. "I really do take it as a pat on the back for what our entire team has been able to accomplish and what we're in the middle of," the self-effacing executive tells Billboard of his promotion, which is effective immediately "But there's still so much I want to be a part of with the Opry before it's my time to let somebody else take the reins."

When Rogers took the reins as vp/executive producer in 2019, he couldn't have imagined the challenges ahead. "The COVID pandemic hit seven or eight months into me being in this position. I was really thankful that I wasn't new to the Opry when that hit," says Rogers, who started at the Opry as an intern in 1998 and has held positions in artist relations, communication, marketing, production and tours. 

"We just assumed the flood of 2010 would be the most devastating thing and the most challenging time in our careers," Rogers says, referencing the historic flood that devastated Nashville as the Cumberland River rose over its banks and filled the Grand Ole Opry House with 10 feet of water. "But it was truly the uncertainty and just the sadness of COVID that made it so difficult for us."

Nevertheless, the Grand Ole Opry continued, and artists performed 29 Saturday nights without a live audience during the COVID pandemic, never missing a performance. Fans all over the world continued to enjoy the nearly 100-year-old show as they tuned in to the Opry Live broadcast and livestream.  

Under Rogers' leadership, the Opry welcomes a wide range of performers - both newcomers and established superstars, as well as acts who fall outside of country. For example, "American Pie" singer Don McLean made his Opry debut Mar. 9. 

"Mr. Rogers, or Opry Dan, as we still lovingly call him, is so effective simply because he absolutely loves the Opry and everyone connected with it. It is his passion, and it shows," says Jeannie Seely, a 58-year member of the Opry, who was Rogers first assignment as an intern, when he was charged with taking her and her dog, Shadpoke, to the welcome center to greet fans. "Dan is the perfect choice for this important position. He understands the broad spectrum of the Opry. He has the pulse of what's happening in the music industry today and how it pertains to the Opry. At the same time, because of his lifelong love for this institution, he knows the history and the legendary artists who have created it. His mix of the two provides a show that can only be found at the Grand Ole Opry. The future of this country music treasure is safe in his hands." 

Trisha Yearwood, who celebrated her 25th anniversary as an Opry member on Mar. 13, agrees. "Dan has always understood the family that the Opry is, and he does everything with a smile. He even brings homemade apple pie backstage! I'm so happy to see him move up in our Opry family."

Since Rogers took the helm as executive producer in 2019, 15 artists have been inducted as Grand Ole Opry members, and T. Graham Brown and Scotty McCreery will be inducted this spring. Last year set a record for Opry debuts, as 131 artists performed on the famed stage for the first time. During the past two years, there have been more than 200 debuts. "If you made me pick a favorite debut, it would probably be Leslie Jordan because that man brought so much love into this Opry House when he walked in," Rogers recalls of the late actor/singer. "He had so much respect for this place and was determined to have the night of his life from the minute he walked in."

During his tenure, the Xenia, Ill., native has executive produced Dolly Parton's 50th Opry anniversary special, Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Great Country Music and Christmas at the Opry, which all aired on NBC; as well as the Opry's 5,000th Saturday night broadcast on Oct. 30, 2022, and the 50th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House, which took place the weekend of Mar. 16. 

"We went into the night, and I said to our programming staff, ‘One thing we should try to accomplish tonight is all of us should take time to enjoy the show, have fun and tell these artists we love them because this feels like a monumental show,'" he says of the 50th anniversary of the Opry House moving to its current building in 1974. "I loved just standing on the side of the stage and watching people from Bill Anderson, who has been here and served the Opry longer than any member in history, to relatively new Opry members all just enjoying being here and feeling like they were at home."

Rogers' duties include serving as executive producer for the weekly Opry Live broadcast and live stream. He will add new executive producer roles on upcoming international and domestic broadcasts, especially those related to the Grand Ole Opry's 100th year on the air in 2025. 

There's palpable excitement in Rogers' voice when he talks about celebrating the Opry's 100th anniversary. "Our goal would be to do up to 240 Opry performances next year, the network television specials and a couple of monumental shows, probably outside of Nashville," he says. "We're taking the Opry to some unexpected places in addition to really having a show almost any time a Nashvillian wants to come see us or anyone is coming from around the world. If you spend two nights in Nashville, [we're] pretty sure at least one of those nights we'll be staging the Grand Ole Opry for you."

Though the Grand Ole Opry's actual centennial is in November 2025, the festivities will begin long before. "We'll begin celebrating about this time next year and will continue basically as long as people will let us," Rogers says with a laugh. "There are so many artists we want to showcase and partners we want to partner with, it really will take several months for us to accomplish all that we want to accomplish, but we also want to give people plenty of opportunities to come see us if you are a spring traveler or summer traveler, fall, winter or what have you."

Rogers says there are plans for special exhibits and specific tours celebrating the Opry's 100th, which he expects will draw more than 250,000 visitors. "You will also know that it's a really, really special year when you walk through either on a tour or as an artist walking through on a show night," he says.

There are also plans for shows that will honor Grand Ole Opry legends who have died such as Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. 

Rogers quarterbacks a staff that includes the Opry's programming and artist relations team's associate producers Nicole Judd and Gina Keltner, as well as artist relations and programming strategy director Jordan Pettit. 

After all these years, Rogers says he still gets a thrill on show nights. "My favorite thing is walking to the side of the stage and watching the curtain go up and seeing 4,400 people out there and knowing for some of them it's a bucket list moment," he says. "There's probably some little kid from southern Illinois who had never dreamed that they would be where I am and there are probably lots of Trisha Yearwoods, Lainey Wilsons and John Pardis out there, just taking it all in and thinking, ‘I'm going to be on that stage someday.'"

It certainly looks like Dan and his team have big plans for the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry in 2025. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Opry, the Friday Night Opry has four members on the schedule: Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky, Mark Wills and Dailey & Vincent. Riders In The Sky are back on Saturday night, along with Jeannie Seely and Don Schlitz. Additionally, in what seems to be an Easter tradition, Rhonda and Darrin Vincent are on the schedule, appearing with members of their family. 

Rounding out the Friday night lineup will be Clay Walker, Zach Top, Steven Curtis Chapman and Meg McRee. On Saturday night, Michael Ray, Kylie Frey and Billy Pilgrim, who will be making their Opry debut, are on the schedule. 

Friday March 29
7:00: Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Zach Top, Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Meg McRee, Steven Curtis Chapman, Clay Walker

Saturday March 30
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Billy Pilgrim, Rhonda & Darin Vincent & Family
Intermission
8:15: Kylie Frey, John Berry, Opry Square Dancers, Michael Ray, Lee Greenwood

As mentioned, Folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim, comprised of Andrew Hyra and Kristian Bush, will be making their Opry debut on Saturday night, part of celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2024.

“Debuting Billy Pilgrim at the Opry is a thrill I can’t wait to share — not only with my singing partner, Andrew, but also with fans everywhere,” said Bush, who has also played the Opry with his other duo Sugarland and as a solo artist. “The Opry family has been so welcoming to every creative version of me through the years that I wanted to share where it all started, Billy Pilgrim. I can’t wait to hear our harmonies bounce off the wood and spiral around the room.” The Opry debut announcement comes on the heels of a New York Times feature dedicated to the decades-long popularity of Billy Pilgrim’s signature hit, “Insomniac.” The story dubbed “Insomniac” a “melancholy, guitar-driven love song” and noted its “wailing Hammond organ” and musical interlude that extends into a jam.

While Billy Pilgrim went on hiatus in 2001, Bush and Hyra reunited in 2015 and have resumed playing shows as Billy Pilgrim. The pair recently announced back-to-back May shows at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta – and both sold out immediately. “Andrew and I are excited to be playing shows this year, and what better place to start than the stage that started it all, Eddie’s Attic,” Bush said. “I always learn every time we take the stage together how sacred and beautiful music can be when it is approached with wild abandon, respect and a pile of courage. That is the thrill of playing with Andrew, and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Now, here is the running order from 50 years ago, Saturday March 30, 1974. This was the 3rd Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry House and was also the final night that Earl Scruggs appeared as a member of the Opry. 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Justin Tubb: Looking Back To See
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn

7:00: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): (?)
Bob Luman: Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Tommy Jones: Dixie Hummingbird
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Tommy Jones: Orange Blossom Special
Archie Campbell: Make Friends

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I'm Going Home On The Morning Train
Lonzo & Oscar: Moving On #2
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Carol Lee Cooper: Making Plans
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): I Changed My Mind
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Connie Smith: Dallas
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Grandpa Jones: Just Plain Folks
Earl Scruggs Revue: I Shall Be Released

8:30: Stephens
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
The 4 Guys: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Sox & Blue Ribbon Beer
Stu Phillips: That's The Chance I'll Have To Take
Billy Grammer: What A Friend

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Walker (host)L Wanting My Woman Again
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Connie Smith: Amazing Grace
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Charlie Walker: Jambalaya
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

10:00: Fender
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Doin' My Time
Bob Luman: Today I Started Loving You Again
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down From God

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back To The Mountains

10:30: Trailblazer
Stu Phillips (host): There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Grandpa Jones: Banjo Sam/Mountain Dew
Stu Phillips: For The Good Times

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk with Thee

11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song To Baby
Earl Scruggs Revue: Carolina Boogie
Tommy Jones: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Earl Scruggs Revue: T For Texas
Sam McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer
Ronnie Robbins: Am I Good Enough To Be Your Man/Mama Tried
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Love Me/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/El Paso/Singing The Blues

(Archie Campbell was scheduled for both shows by only appeared on the early show)

After the breakup of Flatt & Scruggs, each carried on as individual members of the Grand Ole Opry, with Lester continuing with the more traditional bluegrass sound, while Earl and his sons went with a more progressive sound. While Lester remained an Opry member until his death, Earl left after the opening of the new Opry House. It should be noted that while he was no longer a member, Earl would make a few occasional appearances over the years. There has been at least one report in which he asked to rejoin the Opry during his later years but was denied. 

During their time on the Opry, the Earl Scruggs Revue consisted of Earl and his sons, Randy and Gary and Joey Maphis. Others who made appearances included another son, Steve, and Vassar Clements. Membership would change over time. The group made a number of albums and made numerous appearances at folk festivals and on college campuses. The revue lasted until 1982, after which Earl returned to doing solo work or doing collaborations with other artists. Some have said that one of Earl's greatest contributions was his influence in the making of the album "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Many of the artists who appeared on that album, including Roy Acuff and Maybelle Carter, were there thanks to the influence of Earl. 

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

There is a full schedule of Grand Ole Opry shows this coming week, as in addition to the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows, Opry Country Classics is back on the schedule. 

The Tuesday Night Opry will feature members Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz, and closing out the show, Lauren Alaina. Frequent Opry guest Charles Esten returns, along with comedian Killer Beaz and making their Opry debut, Shane Smith & The Saints. 

Tuesday March 26
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Neon Union, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Charles Esten, Killer Beaz, Shane Smith & The Saints, Lauren Alaina

Shane Smith and The Saints is an American red dirt country band from Austin, Texas that formed in 2011 and has released four studio albums. The band consists of songwriter Shane Smith, along with Bennett Brown on fiddle, Dustin Schaefer on guitar, Chase Satterwhite playing bass, and Zach Stover playing drums. They rose to prominence with a broader audience in part due to their appearances on the television series Yellowstone.

The Wednesday Night Opry Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz on the schedule, making it a two-show week for those artists. Joining them will be Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Also on the schedule is Aoife O'Donovan and making their Opry debut, The Price Sisters.

Wednesday March 27
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Aoife O'Donovan, Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Amythyst Kiah, The Price Sisters, Chancey Williams, Don Schlitz

The Price Sisters are originally from eastern Ohio, relocating to Tennessee in 2021. As youths, they attended bluegrass festivals and workshops.  By their teenage years, they were each accomplished vocalists and players- Leanna, on fiddle; Lauren, on mandolin- signing up with Rebel Records for their eponymous 2016 EP debut.  With the release of their first LP, 2018’s A Heart Never Knows, they’d each become IBMA-award nominees. Their new album, "Between The Lines" is currently out. On an added note, one of the members of their band is Bobby Osborne, Jr. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night, with Larry Gatlin as the host and Opry members Crystal Gayle the Spotlight Artist. 

Thursday March 28
Opry Country Classics
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Sunny Sweeney, Louise Mandrell, Rhett Akins

March 27th is an important date in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as it was on that night in 1971 that Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What is interesting is that Jan had been appearing on the Opry for years, both as a solo act, and as the duet partner of Bill Anderson. In fact, she had been such a regular performer that many, including Opry management, thought that she was already an Opry member. On that date they corrected that oversight. 

Here is the running order from that night 53 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Ray Pillow: Grazin' In Greener Pastures
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Please Be My New Love
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have To Miss You
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): My Little Georgia Rose
Earl Scruggs Revue: Loraderojosp III Breakdown
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
James William Monroe: Come With Me Up Happiness Hill
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Top
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend Of The Dogwood Tree

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Jan Howard: Evil On Your Mind
George Morgan: For The Good Times
Bill Anderson: Always Remember
Crook Brothers; Black Mountain Rag
Grandpa Jones: Fair & Tender Ladies
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard: Someday We'll Be Together

8:00 Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Tex Ritter: The Men In My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Woman's Liberation
Lonzo & Oscar: Crawdad Song

8:30: Stephens
Porter Wagoner (host): The Carroll County Accident
Dolly Parton: Coming For To Carry Me Home
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Tom T. Hall: Ballad Of Forty Dollars
Porter Wagoner: The Last One To Touch Me
Hank Locklin: She's As Close As I Can Get
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move It On Home

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Change My World By Changing Your Mind
Willis Brothers: For The Good Times
Jan Howard: Were You There
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling But Mine
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Andeson: I Love You Drops

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Little Joe
Earl Scruggs Revue: Bugle Call Rag
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

10:15: Union 76
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Grandpa Jones: Dooley
Ernie Ashworth: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Billy Walker: Make The World Go Away

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Jack Greene: There's A Whole Lot About A Woman That A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Beechnut
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stringbean: Lonesome Road Blues
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Better Move It On Home

11:00: Coca Cola
Tex Ritter (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Tex Ritter: High Noon
Loretta Lynn: I Wanna Be Free
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Ronnie Robbins: Put Your Hand In The Hand/Today I Started Loving You Again
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/Don't Worry/A Heart Full Of Love/Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Marty Robbins & Ronnie Robbins: It Finally Happened

(George Morgan and Tom T Hall only appeared on the first show. They were scheduled on the late show but cancelled. As usual, Marty Robbins was scheduled only for the late show. Interesting that Earl Scruggs was on Bil Monroe's segment on both shows). 

Finally, as an added note of clarification: If you were listening to the Opry on the radio during this period of time, the 7:00 Rudy's segment was actually broadcast on WSM between the two shows. The radio audience at 7:00 heard the Shoney's segment, which was the last segment of the Friday Night Opry. I know, it doesn't make a lot of sense and it would take a few more years until Shoney's moved their sponsorship to the 7:00 Saturday slot and the entire first show would be aired live. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/22 & 3/23

To begin, last weekend Casey and I attended the Grand Ole Opry House 50th Anniversary show, which took place on Saturday night. I have been reading some of the comments made regarding the show, along with messages and emails that have been sent to me. With that, I thought I would share some of my random thoughts, in no particular order. 

I will start by saying that it was wonderful to have a show that featured only members of the Grand Ole Opry. With 12 members listed on the schedule, I do believe that is the highest number we have seen on any single Opry show since the 5,000 show a few years back. While The Whites were on the original schedule and cancelled, future Opry member T. Graham Brown and Jamie Dailey did make unscheduled appearances and were part of the opening and closing numbers. 

The opening of the show was great and was what I had expected. Mandy Barnett led the cast in the singing of "Wabash Cannonball" while Mark Wills did the official welcome. That was followed by the singing of "Take Me Home Country Roads" which was a very nice surprise. The video presentation during the song was nicely done. 

The closing number was Clint Black's "This Old House." As with the opening number, the entire cast came out led by Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith. The video accompanied the song. It was fine, however my first thought when everyone came back out was that they were going to close with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  

Speaking of the video screens, at numerous times during the show they were put to good use. When Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Bill Anderson were introduced as the only members present who were also there on the opening night, video was shown of each of them performing on that opening show. While each of the other artists appeared, with the exception of Gary Mule Deer, pictures were displayed of those artists from their earlier days. Along with that, additional pictures and videos were shown throughout the night, some of which brought tears to Casey's eyes. When I asked her, she said seeing those pictures and videos of Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Porter, Grandpa and the others, made her realize how much we have lost since the Opry House opened. Hopefully those memories never fade. Sadly, for those listening, that part of the show was missed. 

Regarding Gary Mule Deer, I did read the comment about his jokes and his overall act. I felt the same, then I came to remember that while those of us listening on the radio hear the same jokes each time he is on, most of those attending the show are seeing and hearing him for the first time. I have to think back and wonder if we felt the same about some of the older artists singing the same songs each week when they appeared. 

The show ran way over on time, almost 45 minutes long. Thankfully, there was no second show that night, nor live television, which gave the Opry the opportunity to put on this type of show. There seemed to be no time restraints at all. 

I thought the audience very much appreciated being a part of history. There was great applause and recognition of all of the artists, and I didn't hear any complaints from those that I sat close to. The Opry House was sold out for the show. 

I can't say enough about Dan Rogers and his team. From a personal standpoint, he has always been nice and welcoming each time I have seen Dan at the Opry. Each time I see him, he thanks me for coming to the Opry. No, the thanks go to Dan for the shows and lineups he has been presenting. I know they have big plans for the 100th anniversary of the Opry in 2025 and I can't wait. It is going to be an awesome year. 

I was fortunate enough to have been backstage for part of the show and to enjoy a piece of the 50th Anniversary cake. Everyone we encountered backstage was so nice and welcoming. Among those we spoke to were Larry and Steve Gatlin, Gary Mule Deer, Jamie Dailey, and with special mention: Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Casey is a big fan of both, and it was her first opportunity to meet Jeannie and the Riders. Jeannie, especially, was wonderful to speak with, as she always is, and was very welcoming to Casey. 

One of the comments I read was about the curtain being up during intermission and the entire show. As an FYI, that is something they have been doing for some time. Personally, I would like to see the curtain come down, at least during intermission. And of course, I do miss the defined segments with sponsors and hosts, but it appears that the format the Opry is using now is the format going forward. 

There have been numerous comments posted about Mike Terry, some positive and some negative. From my own personal viewpoint, Mike does a nice job. So does Charlie Mattos, who generally announces on Friday night. I think that one point that has been missed is that the show is much more scripted now then what it was back in the day, and that includes the announcers. Just remember that for the most part, whoever the Opry announcer is, they are generally following the script in front on them. Their job is to keep the show flowing between the artists. And I think Mike does a good job doing that. Does a mistake happen at times? Of course. Remember, it is live radio. 

A number of pictures and videos have been posted on various web sites from Saturday night, I encourage those who did not attend to check them out. It would be worth your time. 

I mentioned Casey a few times. For those who do not know, she is my wife of 48+ years. While not a true country music fan, she has been to the Opry more than a few times and has seen some of the Opry's history. As she mentioned, and taking nothing away from the Friday Night Opry, she said that show, to her, was just an ordinary show. She said the difference between Friday and Saturday was night and day, as was the audience response and enthusiasm. 

Overall, it was a great weekend to have been in Nashville and at the Grand Ole Opry. For those that I met this weekend, my thanks and appreciation. It always makes the visits more enjoyable. Casey sends along her thanks also as she has started to put faces to all of the names that I mention each time I am in town. For those associated with the Opry, my thanks also. I am happy that what I am doing does get noticed and makes a difference. Until the next time...

So, moving on to this week at the Grand Ole Opry, there are a couple of very nice shows on the schedule. Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs is scheduled to appear on both nights. Joining Ricky on the Friday Night Opry will be members Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Craig Morgan and making his first Opry appearance of 2024, Eddie Montgomery. Saturday night, in addition to Ricky, has Jeannie Seely and The Isaacs set to appear. 

Guesting on Friday are Home Free, Tigirlily Gold and making his Opry debut, Willi Carlisle. Opry NextStage artist Ashley Cooke is scheduled for Saturday, along with Wood Box Heros, and a couple of acts that have not been on the Opry in years, Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich. For those who might have missed it, Gretchen was part of the recent George Jones PBS special, and she looked and sounded great. Glad to see her back at the Opry. 

Friday March 22
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Eddie Montgomery, Connie Smith, Home Free
Intermission
8:15: Willi Carlisle, Craig Morgan, Tigirlily Gold, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday March 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Wood Box Heros, Ashley Cooke, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs, Opry Square Dancers, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich

Willi Carlisle, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is a folksinger, songwriter and playwright who speaks his truth with a Woody Guthrie like style. He is currently touring in support of his third album, "Critterland." Born in Kansas and now based out of Arkansas, his music pulls from traditional American folk music, punk music, and country music. Many of his songs contain themes of American life. 

What a difference a week makes. After the star-studded lineups at the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House the previous week, it was back to normal the following weekend. Here is the running order for the Friday Night Opry on March 22, and the Grand Ole Opry on March 23, 1974: 

Friday March 22, 1974
8:00: Tennessee Pride/Borax
Charlie Walker (host): Stay A Little Longer
Penny DeHaven: I'll Be Doggoned
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Joe Edwards: Old Joe Clark
Charlie Walker: Wanting My Woman Again
Penny DeHaven: Down In The Boondocks
Mel Street: You Make Me Feel More Like A Man
Charlie Walker: Wild Side of Life

8:30: Kroger
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball
Stu Phillips: Pride
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday Night
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

9:00: Elm Hill/Schlitz
Roy Drusky (host): Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Dottie West: Last Time I Saw Him
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Roy Drusky: Anymore

9:30: Acme/Beechnut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Forgive and Forget
Connie Smith: Dallas
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Wilma Lee Cooper: Legend of The Dogwood Tree
Connie Smith: Down In The Valley
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Carolee Cooper: North To Chicago

10:00: Cee Bee/Schlitz
The 4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio On
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The 4 Guys: Top of The World
Del Wood: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
Jimmy Dickens: One In A Million
The 4 Guys: Catfish John

10:30: Shoney's
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Barbara Mandrell: Midnight Oil
Jerry Clower: Rat Killing
Billy Grammer: Under The Double Eagle/Black Mountain Rag
Barbara Mandrell & Ronnie Shaw: I Love You; I Love You
Jerry Clower: Comedy

Now moving ahead to the following night, the second Saturday night at the new Grand Ole Opry House:

Saturday March 23, 1974: 
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Merle Kilgore: Wolverton Mountain
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

6:45: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen Smith
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down From God

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater
Minnie Pearl: Maple On The Hill
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

7:30: Standard Candy
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's Joy
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Dottie West: Last Time I Saw Him
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye

8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Dallas
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Louie Roberts: Don't Worry/Tonight Carmen
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time
Connie Smith: He Touched Me
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Roy Drusky: Alone with You

8:30: Stephens
Jim Ed Brown (host): Stay A Little Longer
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Stan Hitchcock: The Same Old Way
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Jim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine
The 4 Guys: Down By The Lazy River
Stan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A Mountain
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen

2nd show
9:30: Kellog's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight Special
Willis Brothers: Bob
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Merle Kilgore: Ring of Fire
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Stoney Cooper: Golden Slippers

10:00: Fender
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Dottie West: Country Sunshine/Last Time I Saw Him
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Trailblazer
Justin Tubb (host): Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Johnny Carver: Country Lullaby
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man

10:45: Beechnut
Stu Phillips (host): Crystal Chandeliers
Connie Smith: Dallas
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin

11:00: Coca Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind The Barn
Cates Sisters: Uncle Pen
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Jim Ed Brown: Why Me Lord
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Sam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just Because
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top

11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Maria
Stan Hitchcock: I'm Back In Baby's Arms
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet of Roses/Cattle Call
The 4 Guys: Fall Away
Stan Hitchcock: Just Call Me Lonesome
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There

There you have it for week #2 at the Grand Ole Opry House. As you can see, a lot of the big names that made opening night were not to be found. Most were back on the road. 

Thanks, as always for reading and commenting. I do appreciate it. And, as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 3/19 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/20

The mid-week schedule seems to change weekly. This week, there will be a Tuesday and Wednesday Night Opry, but on Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

The Tuesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson, Henry Cho, Chris Janson, and the Opry's (still) newest member, Jon Pardi. For Chris and Jon, both will be making their first Opry appearances of 2024. 

Also on the schedule is Opry NextStage artist Ella Langley, and very frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose. 

Tuesday March 19
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Ella Langley, Maggie Rose, Chris Janson
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Henry Cho, Jon Pardi

I really hate to say this, but the Wednesday Night Opry has just one Opry member on the schedule. Very disappointed to see. 

Those who will be appearing are Wade Hayes, Home Free, Jenna Paulette, The War and Treaty, comedian Chonda Pierce, American Idol contestant Emmy Russell and Gavin Adcock. 

Wednesday March 20 
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Wade Hayes, Jenna Paulette, Home Free
Intermission
8:15: Emmy Russell, Chonda Pierce, Gavin Adcock, Shenandoah, The War and Treaty

As a side note, when I post the schedule for next weekend, I will add my thoughts on the Opry's 50th anniversary show at the Grand Ole Opry House. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/15 & 3/16: 50th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House-Updated

Well, we have made it. Saturday night the Grand Ole Opry will be celebrating its 50 anniversaries at the Grand Ole Opry House with a show that will feature only members of the Opry, along with some surprises and a look back at some special memories. 

The posted schedule includes only members of the Grand Ole Opry. In alphabetical order the list includes Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, Gary Mule Deer, Del McCoury Band, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, The Whites, and Mark Wills. Quite a list. 13 members in all and I would not be surprised if there are some special appearances and features along the way. (and for those wondering, yes, Casey and I will be at the Opry this weekend). 

As part of the show on Saturday night, Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely and Connie Smith, will be recognized as the current Opry members who appeared on the opening show 50 years ago. The other Opry members who appeared that night were Stu Phillips and Jeanne Pruett, both of whom are retired, Sam Wellington of The Four Guys, who is no longer an Opry member, and Dolly Parton. Barbara Mandrell was also an Opry member 50 years ago, but she did not appear that night, nor did current member Bobby Bare, who gave up his membership prior to that night. While not Opry members, Diane McCall appeared with Charlie Louvin, and Ronnie Robbins was on the schedule. And of course, Carol Lee Cooper is still alive. 

Saturday March 16
7:00: Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Gatlin Brothers, Jeannie Seely, Del McCoury Band, Crystal Gayle
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Opry Square Dancers, Don Schlitz, Gary Mule Deer, Clint Black

The Whites were on the original schedule but cancelled. 

With all of the attention will focus on Saturday night, there is also a Friday Night Opry on the calendar. That show will feature Opry members Mark Wills and Gary Mule Deer. Also on the schedule is Exile, Kathy Mattea, Charles Esten, bluegrass group The Grascals, Chapel Hart and Catie Offerman. As has become custom around St. Patrick's Day, the Nashville Irish Step Dancers will also be performing. 

7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers, Mark Wills, The Grascals, Catie Offerman, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Kathy Mattea, Gary Mule Deer, Chapel Hart, Exile

Jenny Lewis was on the original schedule but cancelled and has been replaced by Catie Offerman. 

While there will be no special recognition, 50 years ago was the final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium, Surprisingly, it was a pretty typical Opry show with a nice group of Opry members, yet some of the bigger names out on the road. It would seem that in the end, most were happy to move on and not get lost in the memories of the Ryman. The night did end with Grand Ole Gospel that featured Hank Snow and Johnny Cash, neither of whom appeared on the Friday Night Opry. 

Here is the lineup listed in the program for the final Friday Night Opry, March 15, 1974: 

7:00: Roy Drusky (host): Del Reeves, Charlie Walker, Jan Howard
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): Bob Luman, Jim and Jesse
8:00: Archie Campbell (host): Bobby Bare, Dottie West, Justin Tubb
8:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard, Stonewall Jackson, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
9:00: Wilburn Brothers (host): Osborne Brothers, Jeanne Pruett, Del Wood
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): Hank Locklin, Grandpa Jones, The Carlisles
10:00: Billy Walker (host): Charlie Louvin, Stu Phillis, The Willis Brothers
10:30: George Morgan (host): The Four Guys, Ray Pillow, Lonzo and Oscar, Ernie Ashworth

Now, here is the actual running order of that show: 

7:30: Cracker Barrel
Roy Drusky (host): Alone with You
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Del Reeves: Girl On The Billboard
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back To Little Rock
Charlie Walker: Wanting My Woman Again
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose

8:00: Varallo
Bill Anderson (host): If You Can Live with It
Bob Luman: Lonely Women Make Good Lovers
Jim And Jesse: Diesel On My Tail
Mary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet Baby
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks

8:30: Odon Sausage/U. S. Borax
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Bobby Bare: Ride Me Down Easy
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Phil Campbell: Valley of The Never Do No Good
Bobby Bare & Bobby Bare Jr.: Daddy, What If
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man

8:30: Kroger
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: Back In The Country
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

9:00: Baltz Bros/Schlitz
Wilburn Brothers (host): It's Another World
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need To Move A Mountain
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Del Wood: Down Yonder

9:30: Acme Boot/Beechnut Chewing Tobacco
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Hank Locklin: Goodbye, Dear Old Ryman
Grandpa Jones: Dooley
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Cates Sisters: Devil's Dream
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Grandpa Jones: Heading South with Nashville On My Mind
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Jim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine

10:00: Cee Bee Food Stores/Schlitz
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song To Baby
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife; She's My Woman
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

10:30: Shoney's
George Morgan (host): Red Rose From The Blue Side of Town
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
Lonzo & Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A Dove
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Ernie Ashworth: Honk Tonk Hardwood Floor
George Morgan: Candy Kisses

(That final Friday Night Opry ended at 11:30, after which Grand Ole Gospel took place. That show, hosted by Rev. Jimmy Snow featured Hank Snow, Johnny and June Carter Cash, along with the Carter Family. Minnie Pearl was a surprise addition to the show that night, and as I noted last week, this was Bobby Bare's final Opry show)

Now to opening night at the new Grand Ole Opry House, Saturday March 16, 1974: While there were commercials, basically all of the members who were there that night performed on the first show in alphabetical order, with that first show not ending until 10:15. 

Roy Acuff: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester: Tennessee Wagoner (?)
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marcelle's Talking Chain Saw
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have To Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
President Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff & Grand Ole Opry Cast: Stay A Little Longer
President Richard Nixon and Grand Ole Opry Cast: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers and The Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: You Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Ernest Tubb: Walking The Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
(Bill Monroe Called The Opry)
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination

Now to the second show that started at 10:45 and ended at 1:55am. That show was followed by the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, which ended at 3:00am. While staying somewhat close to the order of the first show, there were some changes and adjustments. 

Roy Acuff: Back In The Country
Howdy Forrester: Eighth of January
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What In The World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine On My Shoulders
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South with Nashville On My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife/She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose From The Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: The Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On Me
Sam and Kirk McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried
Marty Robbins: I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing The Blues

(Tom T. Hall was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Hank Locklin, Lonzo & Oscar, Jean Shepard and the Willis Brothers only appeared on the first show, while Marty Robbins only appeared on the late show).

So, what Opry members did not appear?

Bobby Bare
Archie Campbell
Bill Carlisle
Lester Flatt
David Houston
George Jones
Bob Luman
Loretta Lynn
Barbara Mandrell
Bill Monroe
Earl Scruggs
Billy Walker
Tammy Wynette

Interesting as to those who did not make it. Of those who did not, Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Bob Luman and Billy Walker had appeared on the Friday Night Opry the night before. Not to forget Bobby Bare, who decided to give up his membership rather than appearing at the new Grand Ole Opry House. In the back of my mind, it makes me wonder if those who did appear on Friday had road dates on Saturday night, and if so, why they didn't reschedule those dates. 

There you have it for this weekend. I could write more about opening night of the new Grand Ole Opry House, but I think pretty much all of the material anyone would like to read has been posted on the internet, written in books or been the subject of numerous articles in country magazines and newspapers. Personally, I find it hard to believe that it has been 50 years!!

I hope everyone has a chance to listen this weekend, particularly on Saturday night. I am sure it will be wonderful and as I always end with: I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It is going to be a very busy week at the Grand Ole Opry House as on the schedule is the Tuesday Night Opry, a special Wednesday night Opry that will celebrate Trisha Yearwood's 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and finally, Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

The Tuesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Darius Rucker, Lorrie Morgan, and Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Don Schlitz. Also on the schedule is Shane Profitt, Big Daddy Weave, Angelah Johnson-Ryes and making his Opry debut Dax. For those not familiar with Dax, his given name is Daniel Nwosu, Jr., and he is a Canadian rapper, singer and songwriter. 

Tuesday March 12
7:00: Lorrie Morgan, Shane Profitt, Don Schlitz, Big Daddy Weave
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Dax, Angelah Johnson-Reyes, Darius Rucker

Wednesday night is all about Trisha Yearwood and she has invited some special friends to be a part of her big night. It's a pretty limited list of artists and no word on if Garth will make an appearance or not. 

Wednesday March 13
7:00: Trisha Yearwood, Jeannie Seely, Suzy Bogguss, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis

Finally, Opry Country Classics returns on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin once again hosting and Pam Tillis as the Spotlight Artist. 

Thursday March 14
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Pam Tillis
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Chapel Hart, Carlene Carter

I thought it would be interesting to share the running order from 25 years ago, Saturday March 13, 1999, the night Trisha became an official Opry member:

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: I'll Fly Away
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Bessyl Duhon: Cajun Stripper

6:45: National Corvette Museum
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back To See/Morning/The 3 Bells

7:00: Shoney's/Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Janie Fricke: Bouncing Back/Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby
Porter Wagoner: Fireball Mail/Night Train To Memphis/Cabin In Gloryland
Rick Wayne: On The Line
Randy Scruggs: Black Mountain Rag
Steve Wariner: Holes In The Floor of Heaven
Trisha Yearwood: Living On The Wrong Side of Memphis/She's In Love with The Boy/Sweet Dreams

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Marty Stuart: Southern Accent
John Prine: Paradise
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleeping At The Foot of The Bed
Ricky Skaggs: Little Maggie
The Whites: I Hear The Wind A' Blowing
Vince Gill: Pretty Little Adrianna/When I Call Your Name

2nd show
9:30: Blue Green Resort Development
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Good Deal, Lucille
Trisha Yearwood: A Perfect Love/How Do I Live/She's In Love with The Boy
Porter Wagoner: I'll Fly Away

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Vince Gill (host): Don't Come Crying To Me
Randy Scruggs: Soldier's Joy
Vince Gill: Whenever You Come Around

10:15: Ray Stevens Show
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Mike Snider and Marty Stuart: Rawhide
Jimmy Dickens: Live Turned Her That Way

10:30: Epiphone
Marty Stuart (host): Doin' My Time
John Prine: Grandpa Was A Carpenter
John Prine and Marty Stuart: Angel From Montgomery

10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Ricky Skaggs (host): I'm Lost, I'll Never Find The Way
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Ricky Skaggs: Connemara

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Jeannie Seely: Make The World Go Away
Billy Walker: Come A Little Bit Closer
Bill Anderson: The Paper

11:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Del Reeves: Splish, Splash/Answer The Phone/Hound Dog
Stonewall Jackson: A Wound Time Can't Erase
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball

I know it was Trisha's big night, which was televised, but let me add a couple of notes:
>Wilma Lee Cooper was scheduled in the 6:45 segment but could not make it due to snow in Nashville that night. 
>Jeanne Pruett did make two appearances on the late show
>Speaking of the late show, with the exception of Bill Anderson and the second appearance by Jeanne Pruett, all of the artists in that last hour did not appear on the first show. I would say that they did not get relegated to the prime spots. 

Finally, what a terrific lineup that night. Really some awesome artists. 

Again, congratulations to Trisha Yearwood on her 25th Opry anniversary. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/8 & 3/9

News from the Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry has promoted three on its Programming staff, including Nicole Judd, Audrey McGrady and Gina Keltner.

Judd has been promoted to Grand Ole Opry Associate Producer, Show Development, and will contribute to the development and production of all Opry shows, plus serve as a programming liaison with various teams including publicity, marketing, operations and finance. She will lead programming initiatives and events, including with partners WSM Radio, SiriusXM and other outlets. Judd has been with the company 17 years, most recently as Opry Marketing Manager.

McGrady has been promoted to Grand Ole Opry Talent Manager. In her role, McGrady manages all talent-related show advancement for Opry shows and contributes to numerous aspects of show production and programming strategy with the Opry programming and artist relations team. McGrady has been with the Opry since 2017.

Keltner has risen to Grand Ole Opry Associate Producer, Talent. In her new role, Keltner will book 220+ Opry shows per year and other events and initiatives, totaling more than 2,000 artist bookings annually. Keltner is marking her 25th year with the Opry.

“Nicole, Gina, and Audrey are all uniquely equipped to excel in these roles and keep the Opry building toward its momentous 100th year next year and into its second century,” says Grand Ole Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Just as importantly, like so many of their fellow staff members, these women genuinely love the Opry and what it means to Nashville and to the people who make and love music.”

Very nice to see. Each of these ladies have been with the Opry for a while and I am happy to see their accomplishments and careers being recognized.  

Now looking ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry feature very strong lineups in what will be the beginning of a very busy stretch of shows at the Opry. 

First looking at the Friday night schedule, Opry members Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Ashley McBryde and Old Crow Medicine Show are all listed. In fact, the entire second half of the show will feature only members of the Opry. For Old Crow Medicine Show, this will be an encore performance as they were just at the Opry several weeks ago, while Ashley McBryde will be making her first 2024 appearance on the show. 

Guesting on Friday will be Opry NextStage artist Anne Wilson, Hall of Fame member Jimmy Fortune, Mickey Guyton, and making his Opry debut, Paul McDonald. 

Old Crow Medicine Show and Gary Mule Deer are back on Saturday night, along with members Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, and making their first Opry appearance of 2024, the Oak Ridge Boys. Much like Friday night, the second half of the show will feature only Opry members. 

There are two Opry debuts on Saturday: Adam Wainwright and the legendary Don McLean. Bluegrass musician Sam Bush rounds out the schedule.

Friday March 8
7:00: Jimmy Fortune, Anne Wilson, Paul McDonald, Mickey Guyton
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show

Saturday March 9
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Sam Bush, Adam Wainwright, Don McLean
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Oak Ridge Boys, Old Crow Medicine Show

Let's take a look at those making their Opry debuts, starting with Paul McDonald, who is a legend in the music business. Born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, he was influenced early on by the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and later by the Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Tom Petty. His career accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but one recent highlight would be the start of the One Big Love Festival in Nashville. The series of shows featured over 100 acts. In late 2023, he started recording his newest album with producer Bobby Holland and with his newly formed band The Mourning Doves. That album is in the final stages of production. 

If the name Adam Wainwright sounds familiar, especially to sports fans, it should as he is a veteran Major League Baseball pitcher known for his distinguished career with the St. Louis Cardinals. A three-time All-Star, Wainwright earned a reputation for his clutch performances, particularly in post-season play, where he played a pivotal role in the Cardinal 2006 and 2011 World Series victories.

Beyond his on-field success, Wainwright is recognized for his leadership and philanthropy. Looking toward the future, Wainwright, having signed with FOX Sports and MLB Network as a color commentator for MLB broadcasts has set his talents not only toward the game but also music. With the guidance and musical contributions of Grammy award winning producer and songwriter Gary Baker, Wainwright is poised to release his self-titled debut record to the world of country music in Spring 2024.

The final Opry debut this weekend is the legendary Don McLean. 

From the press release: 

Grammy-award honoree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, March 9th, stepping into the sacred circle after nearly six decades in the business. McLean’s Top 20 singles include “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles In The Air,” “Cryin’,” “And I Love You So,” “Wonderful Baby,” “Since I Don’t Have You,” “It’s Just The Sun,” “If We Try,” and the Top 5 Song of the 20th Century, “American Pie.” 

“I have always been a fan of the Grand Ole Opry and country & western music,” shares McLean. “Growing up, I would watch cowboy movies and listen to Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. My career has taken me all over the world, and now, it is taking me to the Grand Ole Opry.”

Don McLean is 75 and "American Pie" was released in 1971, 53 years ago. 

As you can see, it is a great weekend to be a fan of the Grand Ole Opry. 

So, here we are. The final Saturday night at the Ryman Auditorium as the Grand Ole Opry prepares to say goodbye to its home since 1943. It was an emotional night, that has been written about many times. I am fortunate enough to have a tape of this final show and you can certainly hear that emotion from many of the artists on stage that night. 

Here is the running order from Saturday March 9, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Bare (host): Detroit City
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Bobby Bare: The Mermaids

7:00: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Under The Double Eagle/Black Mountain Rag/Wildwood Flower
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Billy Grammer, Jr., Orange Blossome Special
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: To My Mansion In The Sky
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need To Move A Mountain
Lonzo and Oscar: Charming Betsy
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida Red
Roy Acuff: Back In The Country
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Jodi Miller: Good News
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Jodi Miller: Let's All Go Down To The River

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
Jan Howard: Sunshine On My Shoulders
The 4 Guys: Top of The World
Hank Snow: Hello, Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bobby Bare (host): Come Sundown
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Bobby Bare: Blowing In The Wind/Worried Man Blues/Gotta Travel On
Skeeter Willis: Maiden's Prayer
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be Moved
Bobby Bare and Bobby Bare Jr.: Daddy, What If

10:00: Fender
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Jodi Miller: Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart

10:30: Trailblazer
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine
Lonzo and Oscar: Traces of Life
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless American Again

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Jerry Clower: The Coon Hunt
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
The 4 Guys: Streaking with My Baby On A Bright & Sunny Sunday Afternoon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: Freight Train/Victor Rag/I Don't Love Nobody
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need To Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Love Me/Now Is The Hour

The show ended just before 12:30. Jean Shepard was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Connie Smith and Ernie Ashworth only appeared on the early show. 

It is somewhat surprising that for the final show at the Ryman Auditorium, most of the Opry's bigger names, and some of the members who had been around for a longer period of time, skipped the show and stayed out on the road. 

On an additional note, this was the final Saturday night that Bobby Bare performed as an Opry member. Bobby did appear the following Friday night, which was the final Opry show at the Ryman, after which he gave up his Opry membership. It was said that he was not happy about the move from downtown out to the new Opry House. Bobby would continue to occasionally guest on the Opry and his membership was reinstated in 2018. 

There you have it for this week. As I wrote, next week is going to be a pretty big one at the Opry as on Wednesday night Trisha Yearwood is going to be honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and on Saturday night the Opry will celebrate its 50th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry house. Until then, I hope everyone has a great weekend and hopefully enjoy the Opry. 

For Those Who Missed This Announcement

The Grand Ole Opry House is turning 50 years old next weekend! ...and WSM Radio is celebrating by taking you back in time to the very first Opry House show in 1974. 

Listen Monday, March 11 at 7pm CT as WSM Radio presents the inaugural broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House, as it originally aired. You'll hear performances from Opry greats like Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Hank Snow, and Porter Wagoner, as well as Dolly Parton, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, and dozens more. Plus, hear the historic Presidential visit from Richard Nixon.

The first show at the Grand Ole Opry House: 50 Years Later -- this Monday night, beginning at 7pm CT on WSM Radio!

📻: 650 AM

📱: WSM App, iHeartRadio, TuneIn

🔈: "Alexa, play WSM Radio"

💻: http://wsmradio.com/listen-live

March Opry Highlights

Welcome to the month of March, the month that includes daylight savings time and the first day of Spring. For those of us in Ohio, it hasn't been much of a winter, hardly any snow at all. All of us are looking forward to Spring and hopefully the end of any winter weather. Here are the Opry highlights from the month of March. 

March 9, 1925: Ralph Sloan, the leader and founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born. Ralph and his group joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and continued under Ralph's leadership until his death in 1980. After Ralph passed away, his brother Melvin took over as the group's leader, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin continued on until his retirement in 2002.

March 24, 1928: Kitty Cora Cline became the first female solo artist to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. Kitty was at the Opry until March 31, 1934, when she decided to quit. The story goes that on that particular evening, she was on her way to the Opry and witnessed a serious car accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel by car again. Thus, she quit performing.

March 31, 1928: Fiddler Ed Poplin made his Grand Ole Opry debut. A few weeks later, he had organized a band and became an Opry regular. 

March 31, 1934: Robert Lunn made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry, he stayed until retiring in 1958. Robert, who was known for his sense of humor, spent some time working and touring with Roy Acuff. Robert Lunn passed away in 1966 after suffering a heart attack.

March 5, 1938: After an absence attributed to heath reasons, Opry founder George D. Hay returned to the Opry, more in a position as an announcer rather than the final authority figure at the Opry. While George D. Hay is credited with being the founder of the Grand Ole Opry, his influence and authority over the show declined as the years went by. 

March 16, 1946: Future Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his first appearance on the Opry, appearing as a member of Pee Wee King's band.

March 1, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the Opry's earliest stars, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave was one of the Opry's originals and was one of the first professional musicians to join the cast. Two weeks later, on March 22, Uncle Dave, who was one of the early members to have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 82. Those who knew Dave wrote that he was quite a character. 

March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first guest appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Once Bill joined the Opry, he stayed until his death and almost made it 50 years at the Opry. 

March 27, 1954: Opera singer Helen Traubel made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. I only mention this because, even in years past, the Opry would invite non-country performers to appear on the show. 

March 1, 1958: After criticizing the management of WSM radio, Marty Robbins was fired as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry management quickly realized their mistake and Marty was hired back before the end of the week. 

March 2, 1963: Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins made their final appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Several days later, the duo would pass away when the plane they were riding in crashed on the way back to Nashville. Copas, Hawkins, along with Opry member Patsy Cline and pilot Randy Hughes were returning after performing on a benefit show in Kansas City.

March 9, 1963: The Grand Ole Opry observed a moment of silence to honor Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. Also honored was Jack Anglin of Johnny & Jack, who also passed away the previous week, in his case the result of injuries from an auto accident. In the tribute read by Opry manager Ott Devine, he said, "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put our thoughts, or feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so, we ask for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."

March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens died in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After Ruby's death, Curly remained at the Opry as a solo act. It is safe to say that March 1963 was not the best of months for the Opry. Perhaps, its most tragic month. 

March 2, 1964: Jim & Jesse McReynolds were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that week, they made their first appearance as Opry members. Jim & Jesse were very popular members of the Opry and along with their group the Virginia Boys, continued as members of the Opry until the death of Jim in December 2002. After Jim's death, Jesse has continued on at the Opry as his health permitted.  After a period of declining health, Jesse McReynolds passed away in June 2023. He had been an Opry member for just over 59 years. 

March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth, along with Jim & Jesse, made his first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ernie, who was famous for his hit song, "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and for his colorful suit with flaming lips on it, remained an Opry member until his death on March 2, 2009. Not only was Ernie a fine country singer, but he was also a good businessman who owned several radio stations. 

March 28, 1964: Connie Smith made her first appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie appeared at the invitation of Bill Anderson. Later that evening, Connie stopped by at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and the Midnight Jamboree. A year later, in 1965, Connie became an Opry member.

March 13, 1965: Johnny Cash made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A former member of the cast, Johnny would make infrequent appearances over the years. This was one of those nights. 

March 20, 1965: The always zany and funny Roger Miller made a guest appearance on the Opry. Over the course of his career, Roger would make a few more. 

March 9, 1968: Irene Ryan, who played the part of Granny on the very popular show, "The Beverly Hillbillies," made a guest appearance on the Opry. I am sure many remember the episode where Flatt & Scruggs appeared on the show. A classic. 

March 15, 1968: The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, made an appearance on the Friday Night Opry. They sang "Sing Me Back Home" and "Hickory Wind." The Byrds always considered it an honor to perform on the Opry and this appearance ended up being their only one. It was later reported that a few of the Opry's members were not thrilled over their appearance and the audience response was much the same. While Gram would never appear again on the Opry, Chris Hillman would return several times. 

March 28, 1970: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Robbins returned to the Opry for the first time since suffering a heart attack in January. As usual, he returned as the host of the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson, who was there that evening, wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the songs that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all of my friends for their concern, and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything else to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'more, more, more.'" This was one night that Ernest Tubb did not complain about the Midnight Jamboree starting late.

March 27, 1971: Jan Howard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jan had been appearing on the Opry for several years before becoming an Opry member, and in fact, Opry member Bud Wendall had thought she was already a member. A popular duet partner of Bill Anderson's, once Jan became an official member, she fully supported the Opry and appeared on a regular basis. Jan passed away in March 2020, shortly after her 49th anniversary as an Opry member. 

March 31, 1973: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. George originally joined the Opry in 1956. However, over the course of his career, he would come and go several times. Not that it mattered a whole lot as George rarely appeared on the show. This was also the night, as some have reported, that Tammy Wynette became a member of the Opry. Her stay would not last long, in fact her Opry days as a member pretty much ended when she divorced George. 

March 9, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry had its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry, which had been at the Ryman since 1943, was scheduled to move to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following weekend. It was a very emotional night as Minnie Pearl, among others, had trouble controlling their emotions at leaving the longtime home of the Opry. 

March 15, 1974: The Grand Ole Opry conducted its final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. While the previous Saturday night was the final Grand Ole Opry show, this being the final show made for a very emotional night, so much so that both Bill Anderson and Charlie Walker forgot the words to their songs. The final segment this night was hosted by George Morgan, who concluded the show with his hit "Candy Kisses." This was also the final night that Bobby Bare was a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he left the Opry's cast when the show moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. It took many years, but Bobby would rejoin the Opry in 2018. After the Opry ended, Reverend Jimmie Snow hosted the final Grand Ole Gospel from the Ryman with guests Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and the Carter Family, none of whom actually appeared on the Opry that night. The show concluded with the singing of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and as soon as they were finished, the signs were taken down and many of the items were immediately transferred to the new Opry House. After the Opry left, the Ryman stayed empty for many years, with the inside of the building looking exactly as the Opry left it when they moved in 1974. Thanks to a renovation of the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry returned in January 1999, and would continue to offer winter Opry shows for the next several decades. 

March 16, 1974: With President Richard Nixon in attendance, the Grand Ole Opry had its first performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House. When President Nixon made his appearance, he became the first President to visit and perform on the Opry. As yes, he did perform, playing several songs on the piano. There was much discussion on who would be the first Opry member to perform on the show, and with the decision made to go in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff took the honors, followed by Bill Anderson. With pretty much every Opry member in attendance, both shows that night ran well past the allotted time. The Grand Ole Opry House was the first building built specifically for the Opry, and despite damage from the flood in 2010, the building has held up well and has now been the Opry's home for 50 years. 

March 30, 1974: The Earl Scruggs Revue made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. When Flatt & Scruggs broke up, both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs maintained their Opry membership. While Lester enjoyed playing the Opry on a regular basis, Earl had a more progressive sound and enjoyed playing before different audiences. While he gave up his Opry membership, Earl would continue to come back and perform on the show. It has been written that later in his life, Earl asked to rejoin the Opry, along with Kitty Wells, but the request was denied. 

March 14, 1975: One year after the Opry House opened, the Cumberland River overflowed its banks, causing a flood that forced the Opry to move the shows that weekend to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was also the weekend of the 1st anniversary of the Opry House, so the timing wasn't the best. At first, many thought the Opry would return to the Ryman for the weekend, but it was determined that the old building was in no shape to host a live show. Unlike the flood of 2010 which caused extensive damage to the Opry House, the 1975 flood just affected the parking lots and the surrounding area.

March 4, 1978: For the first time in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, an entire show was televised. PBS had approached Opry officials to see if there was any interest in televising the show as part of the annual fundraising drive that PBS conducts. The Opry agreed and it was considered such a great success that PBS would continue to televise an Opry show for the next three years. The Opry did agree to a few changes, including all references to their commercial sponsors, which included covering the sponsor's signs that appeared on the Opry stage and backdrop. (However, in looking at video from those nights, Martha White's sign appears to show through rather well and Roy Acuff did get in a few Martha White plugs). What made those nights so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that the Opry did not change the show at all. The format remained the same, although several of the members dressed up a bit more than usual. These shows also gave people across the country who had never attended an Opry show, a chance to see the entire Opry as it happened.

March 10, 1979: James Brown appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared at the invitation of Porter Wagoner, who thought it would be a great idea. It was a tough night at the Opry as several of the Opry's members did not agree with Porter and decided not to appear that night. James was on stage for almost 20 minutes and would later say that he enjoyed performing on the show.

March 23, 1979: Lester Flatt returned to the Opry for the first time since the previous November. A brain hemorrhage kept Lester away. Sadly, Lester would battle heart and health issues for the last few years of his life. 

March 12, 1980: Ralph Sloan passed away. Ralph and the Tennessee Travelers had been at the Opry since 1952. Upon his death, brother Melvin took over the square dance group.

March 22, 1980: Opry member Marion Worth made her final appearance on the Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1965 and while she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a fairly popular member of the show. After leaving the Opry, Marion did a few shows in Las Vegas, then eventually retired. Marion passed away in December 1999. Listening to some of the old Opry tapes that I have, Marion had a nice voice and appeared to have been well received by the Opry audience. 

March 22, 1980: On the same date as the final appearance of Opry member Marion Worth, Melvin Sloan officially took over as the leader of the Tennessee Travelers following the death several weeks earlier of his brother Ralph. With the change, the group became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers.

March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Tom, who joined the Opry's cast in 1971, left the Opry shortly after the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House.  It was reported that Ernest Tubb ran into Tom T in the parking lot after a show at the Opry House and told him he needed to get back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s, was a regular performer on the show. Tom T, who was an Opry member for just over 50 years, passed away in 2021. 

March 1, 1982: Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hour special that was televised on ABC. An all-star cast of performers and entertainers honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T. Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry.

March 5, 1983: Grand Old Opry announcer and WSM personality Chuck Morgan announced on the Opry for the final time. Chuck left the Opry and Nashville to begin work for the Texas Rangers, a position he still holds today. 

March 7, 1983: TNN, The Nashville Network, made its debut. This network would later become the television home of the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised live each Saturday night.

March 3, 1984: The Whites, consisting of Buck, Sharon and Cheryl, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 40th year as Opry members. During the Covid period, The Whites were away from the Opry for several years, but happy to say that in the past several years they have returned. That includes Buck, who has had some health issues. 

March 7, 1986: Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He was introduced by Jimmy Dickens and sang, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." That evening, Randy was asked if her would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Later that year, in December, Randy would become an Opry member.

March 3, 1990: Alan Jackson made his debut on the Opry. Although his appearances would be few and far between, Alan would become a member of the Opry's cast. 

March 4, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl passed away from complications after suffering a series of strokes. Minnie had been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 50 years and was perhaps the most loved member of the Opry.

March 9, 1996: Minnie Pearl was remembered at the Opry on the first Saturday night following her death. Wilma Lee Cooper, Jean Shepard, Jeanne Pruett, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" which was Minnie's favorite song.

March 15, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Monroe, an Opry member since 1939, made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry. The following morning, Bill was admitted to Baptist Hospital after suffering a stroke.

March 16, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Don had originally joined the Opry's cast in the late 1950s and was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. He rejoined the cast years later, yet upon his return, he rarely appeared on the show. In fact, Don rarely performed anywhere. Don, who was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, passed away in November 2003.

March 15, 1997: The Grand Ole Opry honored Grandpa Jones' 50th anniversary as a member of the Opry. As part of the show, the Opry unveiled a portrait of Grandpa that was to hang in the lobby at the Grand Ole Opry House. His picture joined a series of others that honored Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Jim Reeves and others. Sadly, after the 2010 flood, the pictures were removed. 

March 14, 1998: Diamond Rio was invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The accepted and officially became Opry members the following month.

March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha had been invited in January by Ricky Skaggs to join the cast. This will be her 25th year as an Opry member, and it has been nice to see Trisha making a few Opry appearances in the past year. 

March 3, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry members Montgomery Gentry made their Opry debut. 

March 17, 2000: Frequent Opry guest, and Sirius XM host, Elizabeth Cook made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Since her Opry debut, it has been reported that Elizabeth has made more guest appearances on the Opry than any other non-member, over 400 and counting. 

March 22, 2001: Opry member Johnny Russell was honored at a special benefit show at the Opry House. The show was held to raise funds for Johnny to help cover his mounting medical bills. Among those attending were Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery. Johnny was one of the best loved members of the Opry and it was sad for all that Johnny had to turn for help from others during his final years. On a personal note, and not taking anything away from any of the other Opry members, I always found George Hamilton IV and Johnny Russell among the nicest. 

March 7, 2003: Long time Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. A few days after this show, Bill suffered a stroke. Bill joined the Opry in November 1953 and 49 years later, Bill was appearing on the Opry most every weekend. The stroke ended Bill's performing career and he passed away on March 17.

March 22, 2003: Jimmy Wayne made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Jimmy would be a regular guest on the Opry over the next decade. 

March 15, 2008: Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood during a guest appearance on the Opry and invited Carrie to become the Opry's newest member. Several months later in May, Carrie was officially inducted into the Opry's cast.

March 21, 2008: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker made his final appearance at the Opry. Charlie had joined the cast in 1967. Charlie would pass away later that year from cancer. In addition to being a member of the Opry's cast, Charlie was also a member of the Country Disc Jockey Hall of Fame.

March 2, 2009: Opry legend Ernie Ashworth passed away. Ernie had been an Opry member for 45 years. When every he appeared on the Opry, you could count on Ernie to wear the suit with the colorful lips on it. 

March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. Hank joined the Opry in 1960 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's oldest member. "Send Me The Pillow You Dream On" was one of Hank's classic numbers, as was his rendition of "Danny Boy" which he did every St. Patrick's Day. Several years ago, Hank was the subject of a PBS show, which was very well done, and hopefully many of you had the chance to see it. 

March 26, 2009: Opry Country Classics is added to the Opry schedule of shows. The series of Thursday night shows would continue each spring and fall, often hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin. 

March 27, 2009: Former WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry manager Hal Durham passed away.  He served as manager of the Grand Ole Opry from 1978-1993, a period that saw the additions of Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire and Alan Jackson to the Opry's cast. Sadly, this was the period of time at the Opry when Hal made the decision to accept new members without getting a commitment in regard to the number of appearances that were to be made. 

March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. For Jean, it was the culmination of a long career in country music.

March 2, 2012: Future Grand Ole Opry member Dustin Lynch made his first guest appearance on at the Grand Ole Opry. Dustin would join the Opry's cast in 2018. I will say that Dustin's Opry membership was somewhat of a surprise, but he has done well in honoring his Opry commitment. 

March 6, 2012: Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Garth's election was no surprise, while for Connie, it was somewhat surprising. 

March 24, 2012: Carol Lee Cooper. the leader of the Carol Lee Singers, announced her retirement. Carol Lee originally came to the Opry with her parents, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper in 1957. Her retirement was the result of some voice and vocal issues that she had been experiencing. While she has been pretty quiet since her retirement, there are those who have seen her around town and report that she still looks much the same. 

March 5, 2013: The Grand Ole Opry honored Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took their lives, along with pilot Randy Hughes. Among those taking part in the tribute were Jean Shepard, Terri Clark, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Chuck Mead.

March 14, 2013: Opry member Jack Greene passed away after a long illness. Jack, who was formally a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, joined the Opry in December 1967. Jack always did a great job singing "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool." Even in his later years, Jack never lost his great voice.

March 15, 2014: The Grand Ole Opry marked the 40th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House with two special shows that featured Blake Shelton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens and Miranda Lambert. I was at the Opry that night and both shows were wonderful. 

March 6, 2017: It was announced that Sally Williams was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Programming & Artists Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry. She previously had been the General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium. While there was great excitement for Sally coming to the Opry, her time there did not last long. 

March 11, 2017: Dailey & Vincent became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The bluegrass duo had been extended an invitation by Marty Stuart in December, upon their 100th guest appearance on the show. This will be their 6th year as Opry members. 

March 20, 2018: Chris Janson became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Chris had made over 100 guest appearances on the show and had always said that his dream was to someday become a member of the Opry's cast. For Chris, this will be his 6th year as an Opry member. 

March 1, 2019: The Whites were honored upon their 35th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Ricky Skaggs and Opry general manager Sally Williams joined in the salute.

March 2, 2019: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was recognized upon his 55th anniversary as an Opry member. Jesse, along with his brother Jim, joined the Opry's cast on March 2, 1964. While his brother passed away in 2002, Jesse continued as a solo member. Old Crow Medicine Show joined in the salute to Jesse.

March 5, 2019: The Grand Ole Opry invited Kelsea Ballerini to become a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Little Big Town offered the invite. Her formal induction would take place the following month.

March 12, 2019: Trisha Yearwood celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and of course, Garth Brooks, joined in the celebration. 

March 13, 2020: With the Covid pandemic beginning to grip the country, and many sporting events and concerts cancelled, the Grand Ole Opry announced that the shows would continue on Saturday nights, with limited artists and no audiences. These one-hour shows would be televised on Circle TV. 

March 7, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds made his final appearance on the Opry. This was also the final Saturday night that the Opry had a live audience until October, due to the Covid restrictions. 

March 14, 2020: The Grand Ole Opry was performed without an audience and the show was televised on the Circle network. This lineup that night featured Opry members Connie Smith, Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely, along with Sam Williams, Mandy Barnett and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. 

March 29, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Jan Howard passed away after a short period of declining health. Jan had been an Opry member for 49 years and was considered one of the "Grand Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry." 

March 30, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie passed away after a short battle with Covid. Joe had joined the Opry in November 1993 and while he didn't make a lot of Opry appearances, you could count on Joe being at the Opry several times each year. He was always popular with the fans. 

March 19, 2022: During a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Bill Anderson surprised Jamey Johnson with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jamey had made it known for several years that he would really like to become a member. His induction would take place later in the summer. 

March 10, 2023: Gary Mule Deer was inducted as the Opry's newest member. Gary Mule, along with Henry Cho, became the first comedians to join the Opry cast since Jerry Clower in 1973. 

March 26, 2023: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow passed away. Ray, who was an Opry member for over 50 years, was retired and had not appeared on the Opry in several years. 

March 2, 2024: The Whites celebrated their 40th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

March 13, 2024: Trisha Yearwood celebrated her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Joining Trisha were Opry members Terri Clark and Pam Tillis, along with Suzy Bogguss.

March 16, 2024: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Grand Ole Opry House. It was a star-studded night with a show that featured only members of the Opry, 13 in all. Mandy Barnett led the cast in singing "Wabash Cannonball" to open the show. 

(Is it me, or does it seem like a lot of Opry members passed away during this month). 

There you have it for this month. I hope a lot of those dates bring back some memories.