It's always a special night at the Grand Ole Opry when a new member is added, and this weekend will be no exception as Scotty McCreery will be formally inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night.
Scotty has certainly earned the opportunity to be an Opry member as he has appeared on the Opry since winning American Idol in 2011. In fact, Scotty, along with fellow contestant Lauren Alaina, both made their Opry debuts on June 10, 2011. Scotty's career took off after becoming the Idol winner. His debut album, Clear As Day, debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts in October 2011. He became the youngest man and first country music artist in history to have his first album debut atop the all-genre Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
Scotty won the New Artist of the Year Award at both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and the American Country Awards in 2011 and received the CMT Music Award for the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year for “The Trouble with Girls” in 2012. That same year, his Christmas album, Christmas with Scotty McCreery, was released. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart and was quickly certified Gold.
Scotty released his third album, See You Tonight, in October 2013. Its title track became his first single to reach the top ten on Billboard's Country charts. Setting a new record in July 2017 with his single "Five More Minutes" he became the only country music artist in Country Aircheck/Media base history to chart a song without the backing of a record label; it topped Billboard in February 2018. His fourth album, Seasons Change, was released in March 2018 and became his fourth top 10 album in the United States. His fifth album, Same Truck, was released on September 17, 2021."You Time" was released on September 23, 2020, as the first single from that album and "Damn Strait" was released on October 18, 2021, as the second single.
Garth Brooks surprised Scotty with the Opry invite back in December and Josh Turner, who was one of Scotty's idols growing up will handle the induction on Saturday night, which will take place during the first show. When Scotty was on American Idol, Josh appeared during a hometown parade and concert in Garner, North Carolina and joined Scotty on stage to perform "Your Man" and "Long Black Train." Josh also made an appearance on Idol a few weeks later.
Joining Scotty on Saturday night will be Opry members Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy and Bill Anderson. Josh Turner is scheduled for only the first show. The only non-member on the schedule is the wonderful Sierra Hull.
Saturday April 20
1st show
7:00
Opry Square Dancers
Craig Morgan
Jeannie Seely
Sierra Hull
Riders In The Sky
Charlie McCoy
Bill Anderson
Josh Turner
Scotty McCreery
2nd show
9:30
Opry Square Dancers
Craig Morgan
Bill Anderson
Charlie McCoy
Jeannie Seely
Sierra Hull
Riders In The Sky
Scotty McCreery
One last word regarding not only Scotty, but other Opry members. I have been reading some comments on social media this past week, specifically regarding Kelsea Ballerini, Sara Evans and Little Big Town, and the lack of Opry appearances. Other members have been targeted in the past, some justifiably so. I again want to point out, that it is my understanding from someone who is close to an actual Opry member, that when that individual joined, there was no required number of appearances for members to make. In fact, in the case with at least one Opry member, the subject never came up. I am sure that the expectation is different for each member and I am sure that discussions do take place behind the scenes. At one time Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's names came up. I was told that, while Garth and Trisha do not appear on the Opry often, they both love and acknowledge being Opry members and if available, they will appear when asked on specific occasions. Garth being on the 5,000 Saturday night show in 2021 and appearing to invite Scotty are two examples of that. While it would be nice if some of the members appeared more often, let's appreciate each member for what they bring to the Opry when they do appear. Hopefully, and I am very sure of this, Scotty will definitely appreciate being an Opry member, as will T. Graham Brown when he is inducted in a few weeks.
While Saturday night will be special, there is also a Friday Night Opry this week. Among those appearing are members John Conlee, Connie Smith, Gene Watson and Don Schlitz.
Also on the schedule is Darin & Brooke Aldridge, who will be celebrating the release of their latest album, "Talk of the Town" on its actual release day! A very special surprise guest is also scheduled to join the award-winning duo. Rounding out the schedule is Blanco Brown, MaRynn Taylor and making his Opry debut, Josh Sundquist.
Friday April 19
7:00: John Conlee, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Connie Smith, Blanco Brown
Intermission
8:15: Gene Watson, MaRynn Taylor, Josh Sundquist, Don Schlitz
Josh Sundquist is a bestselling author, comic, Paralympian and social media personality who has entertained audiences across the world. His comedy videos online have been viewed over one-billion million times and he has more than four-million followers. He’s been featured on BuzzFeed, CNN, People Magazine, The Today Show, USA Today and ESPN. Josh’s face was once printed on the back of Doritos bags nationwide (specifically, Spicy Nacho flavor) to highlight his work on behalf of amputees. He's the author of five books. He served as Executive Producer and writer of an Emmy award winning streaming series inspired by his childhood for Apple TV+.
The weekend of April 19 & 20, 1974 saw Grand Ole Opry member George Jones making his first appearances at the new Grand Ole Opry House. George was among those who missed opening night the previous month.
Here is the line-up from 50 years ago, Friday April 19, 1974:
8:00: Stu Phillips (host): Barbara Mandrell, The Promenaders, Bashful Brother Oswald
8:30: George Jones (host): The Carlisles, Patsy Sledd, Harold Morrison
9:00: Charlie Walker (host): Jan Howard, Mel Street, The Promenaders
9:30: Billy Grammer (host): The Willis Brothers, Jim Mundy
10:00: The Osborne Brothers (host): Louie Roberts, Del Wood
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Ray Pillow, Jim & Jesse
Now the running order for the following night, Saturday April 20:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Mac Wiseman: Put My Little Shoes Away
Willis Brothers: Hillbilly Heaven
6:45: Rudy's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Ernie Ashworth: Each Moment Spent With You
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Jimmy C Newman: Back Pocket Money
7:00: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: Bad Seed
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Narvel Felts: Drift Away
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Brother Oswald: Black Smoke's A 'Risin
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Charlie Walker: The Precious Jewel
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Brother Oswald: Willie, Don't You Ramble No More
Charlie Walker: My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Orange Blossom Special
Lonzo & Oscar: The Crawdad Song
Marion Worth: You Win Again
Lester Flatt & Marty Stuart: The Bluebirds Sing For Me
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin;/Anytime/Bouquet Of Roses/Cattle Call
Lonzo & Oscar: Out Of Hand
Kenny Ingram: Cumberland Gap
8:30: Stephens
George Jones (host): Ragged, But Right
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Patsy Sledd: Chip, Chip
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
George Jones: The Telephone Call
Harold Morrison: The Bicycle Song
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
George Jones: You Comb Her Hair
Patsy Sledd: Pass Me By
George Jones: White Lighting
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Charlie Walker: Wanting My Woman Again
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Brother Oswald: John Hardy
Charlie Walker: I Saw The Light
10:00: Fender
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Jan Howard: When We Tried
Narvel Felts: When Your Good Love Was Mine
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Mac Wiseman: Keep On The Sunny Side
Billy Grammer: He Touched Me
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Black Smoke's A' Risin
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Lester Flatt: Get In Line, Brother/Flint Hill Special
10:45: Beechnut
Justin Tubb (host): Lonesome 7-7203
Del Wood: Leaning On The Everlasting Arm
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Justin Tubb: Loving Arms
11:00: Coca Cola
George Jones (host): The Race Is On
Patsy Sledd: Chip, Chip
Harold Morrison: Ol' Slewfoot
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
George Jones: A Picture Of Me
Sam McGee: Wreck Of The Old 97
George Jones: She Thinks I Still Care/Lovebug
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Marion Worth: Go On Home/Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed
Louie Roberts: Ribbon Of Darkness/Tonight Carmen
Marty Robbins: Love Me/Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/I Couldn't Believe It Was True/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife/El Paso/Singing The Blues
(Dottie West was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Stu Phillips was only scheduled for the first show). And for those wondering, Roy Acuff was in Taiwan).
There was also a Saturday matinee show that weekend:
3:00: Jimmy C Newman, Jan Howard
3:30: Lester Flatt, Ernie Ashworth
4:00: Charlie Walker, Lonzo & Oscar
4:30: Stu Phillips, Louie Roberts
There you have it for this week. Congratulations to Scotty McCreery upon becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Hopefully, Scott will support the show and be making frequent Opry appearances. Take care and as always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to listen to the first show tonight and the induction of Scotty McCreery as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Josh Turner did the honors with an assist by Randy Travis. It was really done well with Josh giving a little speech as he presented Scotty with his Opry induction award. Josh even got a little emotional when quoting the great George Jones song "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes." He talked about himself being the link between Randy Travis and Scotty and he said that someday Scotty will be that link for the next new member. Josh took the assignment serious enough that he wrote out his speech.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that the video will be posted on the Opry's various social media sites soon and we can expect a future Opry Live on Circle to air the show from tonight. Overall, it was a great night for the Opry.
This is Nittannee1973 here, I am listening to the 2nd show. Just heard Whisperin Bill Anderson, and he couldnt do one of his songs. Wasnt in tune with the band, and he stopped twice before telling the audience that he could not do it. Said they were kind of ahead of him. Thats the first time I have ever heard or seen that happen to him while on stage. I hope he is ok.
ReplyDeleteNittannee1973 here, again. How did Whisperin Bill Anderson sound on the first show??? Wish I could have listened but the show overlapped with my teams hockey game.
ReplyDeleteI did not catch Bill's segment on the 2nd show, but I thought on the first show he sounded fine. He sounded like he was in good spirits and did a duet with Sierra Hull on the song he did with Dolly Parton "Someday It'll All Make Sense."
DeleteByron, yes, I listened to both shows in their entirety ...
DeleteFirst I want to tip my hat to Josh Turner, WHO, in my opinion, did an outstanding job, on his very well thought out speech, as he inducted Scotty McCreery, that it brought me to tears and we could hear how Josh and Scotty were choking up. That Josh was so thorough in what he said is the amazing part and referring to George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" was unexpected but oh so true. We're used to those members inducting, say a few words and hand the Opry award to the newest member, not last night. In my opinion, there will never be another Induction like it but I hope those members, who induct new members, on fairly regular basis, will sit up and take note that just maybe they should not rush to get the Induction over and done with; Josh thought deep there. And it was so great to see Randy Travis, as they said on the Grand Ole Opry FB page, three of the best baritone country singers from three different decades gathered together. Last night was a night to remember.
As far as Bill Anderson? Yes, it is exactly as Nittannee1973 said, the band started to play the music to "Wherever She Is" and just as Bill was supposed to jump in to start singing, he couldn't. I started to think that possibly there was something wrong with him. He was laughing about how he just couldn't either get into rhythm with the Opry band or his band. I thought maybe he forgot the words, that is what it sounded like right before he stopped the band the first time. By the third time, he apologized to the audience and the band and suggested they go on to sing another song, which was the one with Sierra Hull, who is a most excellent singer and mandolin and guitar player and she and Bill were just great together.
(Jeanene)
Yes, on the first show Bill sounded fine. I can't figure why he wasn't hearing the band right and they couldn't get together on Wherever She Is but I thought he and Sierra both sounded even better on the second show after the difficulty on Wherever She Is. Those of you more tech savvy than me will understand what it is but I think he uses some kind of monitor in his ear and maybe he was having trouble with it. I've been to his road shows where they had to adjust or do something with it so he could hear the band correctly. At least that is the way I understood it. Help me if I don't know what I'm talking about.
ReplyDeleteDid you catch Jeannie Seely saying she stopped in the dressing room and talked to him and told him when wasn't laughing with him, she was laughing at him. I'm sure she was trying to ease his mind about the issue.
And, I'll surprise everyone and be very positive here. I think that was one of the nicer inductions we've seen in a long time. It was nice to have Randy there, Josh did a great job and Scotty was obviously sincerely touched by all of it.
Jim