Tuesday Night Opry 7/30 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/31

I am sure most have seen or heard the updated news regarding the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, but for those who have not, I will share this post: 

Exciting news!  The Ernest Tubb Records Shop will remain a staple of lower Broadway. Preserving such a significant symbol of Country Music and Nashville’s roots has been the focal point from the very beginning. 

Today the iconic Ernest Tubb Record shop sign was taken down in order to not only protect it but also to give it a proper restoration. We have partnered up with a great team, that not only respects and values the legacy of my Grandfather but is part of the music community. 

They are committed to keeping the record shop at 417 Broadway. The remaining floors and square footage will have full utilization as well. This is a requirement due to the economic prosperity of downtown Nashville. 

We are positioning the Ernest Tubb Legacy and History of countless musicians that have launched from this iconic establishment.  From Patsy Cline to Elvis Presley the Records Shop

Has played an undeniable role in the birth and scale of Country Music for decades. 

There will be more definitive information shared as we continue this journey, but I ask that you continue to support the cause and celebrate this monumental project gaining momentum. I just want all to know that the best intentions are driving this forward and your support is very much appreciated.

My personal opinion is that this is a wait and see situation. We have read various stories as to what was going to happen to the record shop, and this is the latest. Hopefully, this is good news, and the record shop will return soon. 

Looking at the mid-week Opry shows, the Tuesday Night Opry has Opry members T. Graham Brown, Dailey & Vincent, Del McCoury and Pam Tillis on the schedule. Pam is back on Wednesday night, joined by Scotty McCreery and Riders In The Sky. 

Guesting on Tuesday night are Opry NextStage artists John Wesley Godwin and Josh Ross, along with Runaway June and making her Opry debut, Grace Bowers. On Wednesday night, The Kody Norris Show will be making a return appearance, along with Home Free, Stephen Wilson Jr., and making his Opry debut, comedian Alex Velluto. 

Tuesday July 30
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Runaway June, T. Graham Brown, Charles Wesley Godwin
Intermission
8:15: Josh Ross, Del McCoury Band, Grace Bowers, Pam Tillis

Wednesday July 31
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Kody Norris Show, Pam Tillis
Intermission
8:15: Home Free, Alex Velluto, Scotty McCreery

Grace Bowers has seemingly been everywhere over the past year. The 17-year-old guitar playing phenom has already played with Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Devon Allman, Margo Price, and Tyler Childers in her blossoming career. And on August 9, Bowers is set to drop her highly anticipated debut album, Wine On Venus. The album is produced by Bowers’ current tour mate, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne. Bowers just shared the album’s title track, which was inspired by her grandmother.

“My nana was 100 years old when she passed away last year. She would always tell me that when she died, she would be drinking wine on Venus,” Bowers said in a statement. “She was a little eccentric but thought that was just something so cool. When she passed, I wrote a song about it.” Bowers is set to make her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on her 18th birthday, July 30. She is touring all summer, opening for Brothers Osborne and Red Clay Strays.

Alex Velluto is a rising voice in the comedy world, recently featured on Nate Bargatze’s stand-up series, “The Showcase,” where he was handpicked by Bargatze himself. He stands alone as the only comedian to have performed in three Dry Bar Comedy specials, including his latest, ‘The Big Gulp Kid,’ now available on YouTube. His specials have earned him millions of online views and thousands of fans, including a follow from the official 7-Eleven Instagram account. Alex and 7-Eleven have since become best friends. Additionally, he’s been a guest on “Stand Up Nashville,” which aired on the Circle Network, and has appeared on Peacock TV.

Grand Ole Opry 7/26 & 7/27

The topic has come up on more than one occasion regarding when certain Grand Ole Opry members, who have not appeared on the Opry in a while, last appeared on the show. Here is a list of the last "scheduled" appearances of those Opry members who have not appeared on the Opry in the last several years: 

Bobby Bare: September 18, 2018
Luke Combs: February 8, 2022*
Diamond Rio: July 2, 2019
Alan Jackson: January 17, 2020
Alison Krauss: March 2, 2019
Barbara Mandrell: June 14, 1997
Dolly Parton: October 12, 2019
Stu Phillips: June 3, 2017
Jeanne Pruett: June 9, 2001
Rascal Flatts: December 3, 2019
Blake Shelton: September 10, 2022
Ricky Van Shelton: July 2, 2004
Randy Travis: July 13, 2012
Travis Tritt: February 27, 2021

Now, to be fair, there are names on the list that are now retired and the date listed was their final scheduled Opry performance appearance. Several of those have made unscheduled, or cameo appearances on the Opry, but either did not perform or were at the Opry for a recognition event, such as Barbara Mandrell, Randy Travis and Jeanne Pruett. I also highlighted the "active members." There is also another group, that I did not include, that appeared in 2023 but not as of yet in 2024. Let's see how the year plays out in those cases. I did highlight Luke Combs as he is on an upcoming Opry schedule. 

Just some numbers I thought I would throw out there. 

Now moving ahead to this week's Grand Ole Opry, once again the name at the top of the list is Opry member Vince Gill, who is scheduled for both Friday and Saturday night. On Friday night he will be joined by Don Schlitz, John Conlee, Rhonda Vincent and Connie Smith. American Aquarium, Emmy Russell and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys are the non-members on the schedule. 

Joining Vince on Saturday night will be Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs and Charlie McCoy. Steven Curtis Chapman heads up the list of non-members, along with The Hillbenders and Mae Estes. 

Friday July 26
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, John Conlee, Emmy Russell
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, American Aquarium, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill

Saturday July 27
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Mae Estes, Charlie McCoy, The Hillbenders
Intermission
8:15: Steven Curtis Chapman, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 27, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Ghost Riders In The Sky
Jan Howard: Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself To Sleep
Willis Brothers: Bob

6:45: Rudy's
Wilburn Brothers (host): There Must Be More To Love Than This
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Ray Pillow: Living In Tall Cotton
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas

7:00: Rudy's
The 4 Guys (host): She's All I Got
Connie Eaton: Welcome To My World
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
The 4 Guys: Fall Away
Connie Eaton: Why Don't You Love Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Mountain Dew
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Connie Smith: I Never Knew What That Song Meant Before
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends; Bits & Pieces
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Farther Along
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

8:00: Martha White
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Marion Worth: You're The Reason I'm Living
Louie Roberts: Where Did My True Love Go
Billy Grammer: Westphalia Waltz
Marion Worth: Kentucky Rose
Louie Roberts: Make The World Go Away
Billy Grammer: My Window Faces The South

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Early Morning Rain
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Harold Weakley: Where No One Stands Alone
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Roy Drusky: Jody & The Kid
Jeanne Pruett: Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain
Roy Drusky Band: Last Date
Roy Drusky: A Satisfied Mind

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Charlie Walker: Odds & Ends; Bits & Pieces
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel
Charlie Walker: I Saw The Light

10:00: Fender
Wilburn Brothers (host): Knoxville Girl
Jean Shepard: Slipping Away/I'll Do Anything
Wilburn Brothers: There Must Be More To Love Than This

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Connie Eaton: Let Me Be There/Take My Hand Precious Lord
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/Somebody Touched Me

10:30: Trailblazer
Ray Pillow (host): Excuse Me
Lonzo & Oscar: From Your Shoulders To Mine
Louie Roberts: Ka-Lou
Ray Pillow: Tall Cotton

10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Don't Drop It
Connie Smith: Back In Baby's Arms
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel
Billy Grammer: Peace In The Valley

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Drusky (host): Anymore
The 4 Guys: Down By The Lazy River
Marion Worth: Kentucky Rain
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatam
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A Dove
Sam McGee: Worry, Worry Blues
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: Count Me Out/Satin Sheets
Charlie Louvin: It Almost Felt Like Love Again Today
Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall: Something To Brag About
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Love Me/Devil Woman/Long Gone Lonesome Blues/I'm Wanting To/Letters Have No Arms/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/El Paso

(Justin Tubb was scheduled for both shows but cancelled, while Charlie Louvin was only scheduled for the late show. Also, Dolly Parton was scheduled for both shows and she cancelled. Connie Eaton was brought in as a replacement and appeared on both shows where Dolly had been scheduled). 

To wrap up the weekend, on Sunday night the Opry will celebrate 30 Years of Forrest Gump:

Three decades ago, the world met Forrest Gump, the simple-minded yet loveable star football athlete, Vietnam War veteran, and shrimp boat captain played by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. On Sunday, July 28, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the iconic film's thirtieth anniversary with special performances from the soundtrack, guest appearances and more.

The event will include performances from Opry members Scotty McCreery, The Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett and Jamey Johnson.  Also scheduled to perform is Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Sinise played Gump's commanding officer and first mate in the film. Also present will be film producer Wendy Finerman and actor Mykelti Williamson, who played Bubba.

Guests who arrive early can partake in a special Forrest Gump Plaza Party with exclusive photos ops of scenes from the film, giveaways, merch and more. Here's what else to know about the event.

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

Tuesday Night Opry 7/23 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/24

This week the Grand Ole Opry is back to having two mid-week shows, the Tuesday Night Opry and Wednesday Night Opry. 

The Tuesday night show has only two Opry members on the schedule: John Conlee and Rhonda Vincent. Joining those two will be very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, singer/storyteller Kylie Morgan, Opry NextStage artist Elvie Shane, bluegrass group The Travelin' McCourys, Austin Snell and making her Opry debut, Ashland Craft. Ashland has been recognized by CMT’s “Next Women of Country” and as one of Pandora’s “Artists to Watch. 

The Wednesday Night Opry has four Opry members on the schedule: Mandy Barnett, who will open the show, Dailey & Vincent, who will close the show, along with John Conlee and Ashley McBryde. Just my opinion, but Ashley is turning out to be a fine addition to the Opry's cast. Joining that group of members will be Opry NextStage artists Chapel Hart and Ashley Cooke, Tim Dugger and Beth Nielson Chapman. Finally, William Lee Golden & The Goldens are scheduled in what should be an emotion return to the Opry for William Lee and members of his family. 

Wednesday July 24
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Tim Dugger, John Conlee, Chapel Hart, Ashley McBryde
Intermission
8:15: Beth Nielson Chapman, William Lee Golden & The Goldens, Ashley Cooke, Dailey & Vincent

Grand Ole Opry 7/19 & 7/20

Saturday night at the Grand Ole Opry was one of those special nights when the Opry can surprise you. For those who did not listen, Vince Gill honored the Oak Ridge Boys, and specifically Joe Bonsall, by singing "Elviria." In fact, Vince sang the song on each of the shows he was on last weekend. What made the night special was the introduction of Joe's wife, Mary and his family. To top off the night, Duane Allen and Richard Sterban joined Vince in "Elviria." It was special listening to the show on the radio and one of those nights in which I would have loved to have attended. Vince is just so special in the way he honors those who have passed away, whether they were Opry members or not. I can't begin to count the number of times Vince has sung "Go Rest High" on the Opry, with a dedication.

I don't know who you would consider the "face" of the Opry. Definitely Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely would be toward the top of the list. The other name I would add would be Vince Gill. 

Speaking of Vince, he is back at the Opry again this weekend and is on the schedule for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. He will be joined on both nights by Opry member Mark Wills. Joining those two on Friday night will be Ricky Skaggs, Jeannie Seely and Charlie McCoy, while on Saturday Bill Anderson, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz are listed. 

There are some interesting names that will be guesting this weekend. On Friday, Mickey Guyton is on the schedule, along with former American Idol star Gabby Barrett, comedian Killer Beaz, and a duo whose name does come up at times in regard to being future Opry members: The Bellamy Brothers. 

On Saturday, Merle Haggard's son Marty Haggard is set to appear, along with Dalton Dover, comedian Jon Crist, and making his Opry debut, Swamp Dogg. 

Friday July 19
7:00: Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Mickey Guyton, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Killer Beaz, Gabby Barrett, The Bellamy Brothers, Vince Gill

Saturday July 20
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Dalton Dover, Connie Smith, Swamp Dogg, Marty Haggard
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Jon Crist, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill

I have heard that Mary Lou Turner might be doing a duet with Bill Anderson on Saturday. 

Swamp Dogg, born Jerry Williams, Jr., first encountered bluegrass music on the radio growing up in Portsmouth, VA, in the 1940s. Though he would go on to spend much of the ’50’s and ’60s immersed in the world of soul, funk, and R&B—both as an artist and as a A&R man/producer working with the likes of Patti LaBelle, The Commodores, and The Drifters—roots music would remain an important fixture in his life. “I loved George Jones, Flatt & Scruggs, all of it,” he explains. “One of my songs even went all the way to #2 on the country chart when Johnny Paycheck recorded it.”

Swamp Dogg’s remarkable new album, Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St., is no history lesson, though. Produced by Ryan Olson (Bon Iver, Poliça) and recorded with an all-star band including Noam Pikelny, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Chris Scruggs, Billy Contreras, and Kenny Vaughan, the collection is a riotous blend of past and present, mixing the sacred and the profane in typical Swamp Dogg fashion as it blurs the lines between folk, roots, country, blues, and soul. The tracklist is an eclectic one—brand new originals and vintage Swamp Dogg classics sit side by side with reimaginings of ’70s R&B hits and timeless ’50s pop tunes—but the performances here are thoroughly cohesive, filtering everything through a progressive Appalachian lens that nods to tradition without ever being bound by it. Special guests like Margo Price, Vernon Reid, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon, and The Cactus Blossoms all add to the excitement, but it’s ultimately the 81-year-old Swamp Dogg’s delivery—sly and playful and full of genuine joy and ache—that steals the show. The result is a record that’s as reverent as it is raunchy, a collection that challenges conventional notions of genre and race while at the same time celebrating the music that helped make Swamp Dogg the beloved iconoclast he’s known as today. 

I can't speak for anyone else, but I am excited to hear Swamp Dogg on the Opry this weekend. 

Continuing the look back at the 1st year of the new Grand Ole Opry House, here is the lineup from Saturday July 20, 1974. What is interesting on this particular night, it was the first night that Barbara Lea appeared on the Opry, replacing Dolly Parton as Porter Wagoner's duet partner. 

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host): Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Wilburn Brothers (host): Charlie Walker, Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Justin Tubb, Brother Oswald
7:30: Roy Drusky (host): Marion Worth, Jim Stafford, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Barbara Lea, Johnny Russell
8:30: Billy Grammer (host): Jeanne Pruett, Billy Grammer, Jr., Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Wilburn Brothers (host): Willis Brothers, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Ernie Ashworth
10:00: Roy Drusky (host): Connie Smith
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Brother Oswald, Howdy Forrester, Jimmy Riddle
10:30: Billy Grammer (host): Del Wood, 
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host): Barbara Lea, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Justin Tubb (host): Marion Worth, Jim Stafford, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host): Jeanne Pruett, Johnny Russell

(Charlie Walker was scheduled for both shows but only appeared on the first show). 

Barbara Lea, not to be confused with the other Barbara Lea who as a noted jazz singer, was part of Porter's show until 1976, when she was replaced by Linda Carol Moore. After leaving Porter's show, she largely faded into history. 

Speaking of Dolly Parton, after she left Porter's show and went out on her own, she rarely appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Her career took her into other directions. One of those rare Opry appearances took place on July 20, 2002. Here is the running order from that show 22 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Mountain Dew
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Robinella & The CCstringband: Mornin' Dove
Jack Greene: Walking On New Grass/Statue Of A Fool
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

7:00: Opry/Standard Candy
Joe Nichols: The Impossible/Footlights
Mike Snider: Three Forks Of Sandy/Dunbar
Kevin Welch: Too Old To Die Young/Killing Myself
Stevens Sisters: Those Words We Said
Elizabeth Cook: Dolly, Did You Go Through This
Dolly Parton: Halos & Horns/Coat Of Many Colors/Daggers Through The Heart
Opry Staff Band: Dolly's Done Been Here & Gone
Mike Snider: Clinch Mountain Backstep

8:00: Martha White
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Bill Carlisle: Gone Home
Mandy Barnett: Up A Lazy River/Ever True, Ever More
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Blackberry Blossom
Jean Shepard: Amazing Grace

8:30: Physicians Mutual
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Jan Howard: Lonely Street
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Mark Wills: Jacob's Ladder/Loving Every Minute
George Hamilton IV: We Will Meet Again

2nd show
9:30: Dream Works
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jack Greene: Satisfaction
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Mandy Barnett: A Legend In My Time/I'm Gonna Give Myself A Party
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge To Burn

10:00: Lincoln Mercury/Shoney's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Pistol Packin' Mama
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Robinella & The CCstringband: What A Feeling
Joe Nichols: The Impossible/Footlights
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:30: Honest Abe Log Cabins/Joggin' In A Jug
Mike Snider (host): ?/Up Around The Bend
Del Reeves: I Would Like To See You Again
Kevin Welch: Too Old To Die Young/Killing Myself
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Mike Snider: Tom & Jerry

11:00: Coca Cola
Jean Shepard (host): Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Stevens Sisters: Tuesday's Gone/In My Time Of Dying
Brad Paisley: I Wish You'd Stay/I'm Gonna Miss Her
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz

11:30: Country Music Alliance
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Elizabeth Cook: Dolly, Did You Go Through This/Cryin' My Heart Out Over You
Mark Wills: Jacob's Ladder/Don't Laugh At Me
George Hamilton IV: Has Anyone Here Seen Hank

Dolly Parton only appeared on the first show during the 7:00 hour which was televised, while Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance on the late show. 

In the case of Dolly Parton, that was her first Opry appearance since October 2000, when she appeared as part of the Opry's 75th birthday celebration. Her next appearance would take place in 2005. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 7/16

There is only one mid-week Opry show on the schedule this week and that will be the Tuesday Night Opry. Grand Ole Opry members Bill Anderson, T. Graham Brown, The Isaacs, Jeannie Seely and Chris Young are on the schedule. For Chris, this will be his first Opry appearance of the year. 

Rounding out the schedule will be comedian Brad Upton, Maddie & Tae and making their Opry debut AJ Lee & Blue Summit. 

AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an award-winning, energetic, charming, and technically jaw-dropping band quickly rising on the national roots music scene. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group met as teenagers, picking and jamming together as kids at local bluegrass festivals until one day, they decided they would be a band. 

 Currently made up of AJ Lee on mandolin, fiddler Jan Purat, and guitarists Scott Gates and Sullivan Tuttle, the band carries that youthful, festival-parking-lot energy with them still today, but at the same time there’s a genuine ease and confidence to their music making. As they ready their third studio album, City of Glass – their first label release, out July 19th via Signature Sounds – their product feels mature and fully realized, while deep in the Blue Summit pocket. City of Glass is an album that’s just as much country soul and gritty, bluesy Americana as it is rock club and festival-ready string band fare, all framed through a California folk lens while clearly primed for a much wider audience. 

 

Grand Ole Opry 7/12 & 7/13

As I am sure everyone is aware, Grand Ole Opry member Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, passed away on Tuesday July 9, died from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to his representatives. For more than 50 years, Joe was the tenor voice of the group. Originally a Southern gospel quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys had 17 Billboard No. 1 country singles, as well as 17 more that made the country Top 10, after reinventing themselves as a country act in the early 1970s. The group, which has sold more than 41 million records worldwide, was formed in Oak Ridge, Tenn., in the early 1940s, and disbanded and reformed twice before its lineup stabilized in 1973. Earlier this year, Joe announced that he was retiring from the group due to a neuromuscular disorder.

On Saturday night, the Grand Ole Opry will dedicate the show in honor of Joe Bonsall, and I am sure there will be numerous mentions of Joe that night, along with some Oak Ridge Boys music. 

Moving ahead to this weekend, it seems like just when you are about to give up on an Opry member, they reappear on the schedule. That is the case this weekend as Grand Ole Opry member Martina McBride returns to the Opry stage on Friday night. This will be Martina's first Opry appearance since August 31, 2019, almost 5 years ago. Why she stopped appearing on the Opry we may never know, but regardless, it is good to see her back.

In addition to Martina, Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Jon Pardi, Rhonda Vincent and John Conlee are listed on the schedule. Rounding out the show will be comedian Dusty Slay and Sister Hazel. As I wrote, a very good show. I think it is safe to say that Friday is a pretty loaded night, and I would expect that the Opry House will be sold-out. 

Vince Gill is back on Saturday night, joined by members Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Jeannie Seely. Dusty Slay is back also, along with Drew Parker and making his Opry debut, Max McNown. 

Friday July 12
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Sister Hazel, Martina McBride
Intermission
8:15: Vince Gill, Dusty Slay, Jon Pardi

Saturday July 13
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Drew Parker, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Max McNown, Dusty Slay, Vince Gill

On Monday July 15, Bill Anderson will celebrate his 63rd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While there is no Opry show scheduled for Monday night, Bill is on the schedule for the Tuesday Night Opry the following night. I would expect either on Saturday, or on Tuesday, that Bill will be recognized upon being the only member in the history of the Opry to reach 63 years as a member. Congratulations to Bill. 

Max McNown, who is making his Opry debut on Saturday night, is from Oregon, after which he settled in Southern California. His debut EP A Lot More Free was released in August 2023. The title track emerged as a viral hit and garnered six million streams in just four months. Next came "Can’t Hide Light" in October and “Love I Got Left” in December—amassing over 22 million streams in his very first year of releasing music, all while bringing his debut album to life. That album, Wandering was recently released and based on the description, is a combination of folk and country. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 13, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Del Wood
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Jean Shepard, Willis Brothers
7:00: Hank Locklin (host); Justin Tubb, Lonzo & Oscar
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Dolly Parton, Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips, Karen Wheeler, Cates Sisters
8:30: Roy Drusky (host); Ray Pillow, Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Billy Grammer (host); Willis Brothers, Jean Shepard, Justin Tubb
10:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Dolly Parton
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Lonzo & Oscar, Brother Oswald
10:30: Hank Locklin (host); Jan Howard, Del Wood
10:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bill Carlisle, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Roy Drusky (host); Karen Wheeler, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Stu Phillips (host); Marion Worth, Ray Pillow

Charley Pride made his Grand Ole Opry debut in January 1967. It was a successful debut and while he would not become an Opry member until 1993, despite being asked several times to join, he would continue to make occasional guest appearances. On of those took place 56 years ago, Saturday July 13, 1968. Here is the running order from the second show that night: 

9:30: Kellogg's
Bob Luman (host: Folsom Prison Blues
Norma Jean: Heaven Help The Working Girl
The 4 Guys: Mariah
Claude Gray: Night Life
Bob Luman: Ain't Got Time To Be Unhappy
Norma Jean: You Changed Everything About Me But My Name
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Bob Luman: Memphis/Guitar Man

10:00: Fender
Glaser Brothers (host): Through The Eyes Of Love
Marion Worth: Walk Thru This World With Me
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Glaser Brothers: Gone

10:15: Pure
Billy Grammer (host): Mabel
Dottie West: My Baby's Gone
Charley Pride: The Easy Part's Over Now
Billy Grammer: Power In The Blood

10:30: Buckley's
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Ray Acuff: Waltz Of The Wind
Brother Oswald: Black Smoke's A' Rollin
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Newport
Bobby Lord (host): Live Your Life Out Loud
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Arlene Harden: He's A Good Old Boy
Bobby Lord: Y'all Come

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Ray
Margie Bowes: Boll Weevil
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me Of Me
Margie Bowes: Get Your Lie The Way You Want It
Buddy Spicher: Durhan's Hornpipe
Hank Snow: My Blue-Eyed Jane

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stringbean: Banjo Convention
Bobby Lewis: Love Me And Make It All Better
Don Winters: Sioux City Sue
Osborne Brothers: The Last Letter
Stringbean: Battle Of New Orleans
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/Begging To You/Don't Worry/I Started Loving You Again/El Paso

Once again, there will be a Sunday Night Opry this weekend. Opry members Dailey & Vincent are once again back for the Sunday show, joined by Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz. Comedian Dusty Slay will make it a three-show weekend, and also appearing will be veteran singer Collin Raye, Todd Tilghman and making his Opry debut, will be Christian Singer/Songwriter Patrick Mayberry. 

Sunday July 14
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Patrick Mayberry, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:15: Todd Tilghman, Collin Raye, Dusty Slay, Don Schlitz

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

Tuesday Night Opry 7/9 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/10

The Tuesday Night Opry this week features four Grand Ole Opry members: Mandy Barnett, comedian Henry Cho, Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz and the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent. Joining that group will be Opry NextStage artist Jackson Dean, Chayce Beckham, Matt Stell and making their Opry debut, Sidewalk Prophets. 

Tuesday July 9
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Matt Stell, Henry Cho, Chayce Beckham
Intermission
8:15: Mandy Barnett, Sidewalk Prophets, Jackson Dean, Don Schlitz

Sidewalk Prophets is an American contemporary Christian music band from Nashville. The group won the 2010 GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year and in 2011 were nominated for Group of the Year. The group has charted several albums and numerous singles on the Christian Music Charts. 

Looking at the Wednesday Night Opry, Opry member Vince Gill will be making a rare weeknight appearance on the show, joined by fellow member Jeannie Seely. Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is on the schedule, along with Opry NextStage artists 49 Winchester and Wyatt Flores. Rounding out the lineup is Colby Cooper, and making their Opry debut, The Great Divide. 

Wednesday July 10
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Colby Cooper, The Great Divide, Tommy Emmanuel
Intermission
8:15: Wyatt Flores, 49 Winchester, Vince Gill

Nearly 30 years after the band’s inception, The Great Divide is finally making their Opry debut. With their brand of music, they’ve always felt like a little bit of an outcast in Nashville as they refused to play by the unspoken rules as they recorded their music in their own space, their own way. But now as Nashville has become more inclusive and welcoming, they are getting their chance to show everyone why they belong on that stage. The band has long been a favorite on the Texas music scene and last year the band won “Country Band of the Year” and “Single of the Year” at the 2023 TCMA awards (Texas Country Music Association), and Bryce Conway won “Keyboardist of the Year.”

The original lineup consisted of lead singer Mike McClure, rhythm guitarist Scott Lester, bassist Kelley Green and drummer JJ Lester. Recently they added award-winning keyboard player Bryce Conway. The Great Divide has long been considered godfathers of the Red Dirt music scene and influenced young emerging bands like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland and The Stragglers. Now there is a whole new generation of music fans who are discovering their music.

Grand Ole Opry 7/5 & 7/6

Shows, shows and more shows at the Grand Ole Opry as like last weekend, Opry shows will be taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, it will be a night featuring a number of Opry members. Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Bill Anderson and Connie Smith head up the schedule. They will be joined by Rhonda Vincent, The Isaacs and comedian Gary Mule Deer. The only non-member on the Friday schedule is Chase McDaniel, who will be making his Opry debut. 

It will be a busy weekend for Vince, The Isaacs and Gary Mule Deer as all three will be back on Saturday night, joined by John Conlee and Jeannie Seely. The Shootouts will be making another Opry appearance, along with Peytan Porter and Billy Ray Cyrus, who will be joined by Eddie Sanders and Scott Vestal. 

Friday July 5
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Connie Smith, Chase McDaniel
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, The Isaacs, Vince Gill

Saturday July 6
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Peytan Porter, The Shootouts, Billy Ray Cyrus with Eddie Sanders & Scott Vestal
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Gary Mule Deer, Opry Square Dancers, The Isaacs, Vince Gill

For those wondering why Billy Ray Cyrus is not performing with his wife Firerose, as he has in his previous Opry appearances, it is because Firerose is now the ex-wife of Billy Ray. On June 13, the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer filed an emergency motion requesting a temporary restraining order to stop his ex from using his personal and business credit cards and accounts, claiming she spent roughly $100,000 of his income on “unauthorized” purchases following their split. Of course, Firerose denies the charges. I think it is safe to say that the divorce is not going to be smooth. 

As mentioned, Chase McDaniel will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. Here is what he wrote on his Facebook page back when he announced the news: 

I’ve had to hold this in for way too long…On July 5th, IM PLAYING THE GRAND OLE OPRY!!! 

In my family, there is not a bigger honor than stepping inside the circle. I was 5 or 6 years old at my great papaw’s house when I watched a video on TV of George Jones singing “The Race is On”. I asked him where that was, and he said something along the lines of “that’s the biggest stage in country music.” Over the years, he saw how fascinated I was watching those videos with him, and would often tell me that if I wanted to sing there, well then he believed I could do it. 

I didn’t know that we were poor, I didn’t know that we didn’t have any connections in the industry, and to be honest I had no idea how hard it would be to get here. I had a papaw that loved country music, I had another one that sang bass and taught me how to sing. I grew up craving their connection. My circumstances were just right to have a very particular dream. And my circumstances were almost never right when it came to the pursuit of that dream. 

I’ve had to create my own luck over and over again and tomorrow I fully expect to wake up and have to do it again. There’s no giving up in this business, and there’s no giving up in life. Today I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something that once gave that little boy something to fight for, and I’m grateful for the influences that helped me dream. 

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Give the voice in your head telling you what you can’t do the middle finger. No matter what you’ve come from, or what you’re going through, there is hope for something better if you stick around and go after it. 

This is for everyone who found me and keeps giving me a chance, be thinking of me so I don’t get nervous and mess the whole thing up haha. 

FOLKS!! LET’S PLAY THE GRAND OLE OPRY!!!!!!

50 years ago, Friday July 5, 1974, Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton made her first Opry appearance since her break from Porter Wagoner, performing with her own band. She also appeared the following night, Saturday July 6, and here is the running order from that night: 

1st show

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River

Lonzo & Oscar: Lonesome Road Blues

The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There

6:45: Rudy's

Charlie Louvin (host): Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things

Johnny Russell: Catfish John/Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer

Charlie Louvin: It Almost Felt Like Love Again Today

7:00: Rudy's

Billy Grammer (host): Don't Drop It

Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel

Kenny Price: Walking On New Grass

Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love

Del Wood: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Kenny Price: Sheriff Of Boone County/Que Pasa

Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country

Dolly Parton: Jolene

Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin

Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball

Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You

Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

Roy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland

8:00: Martha White

Hank Locklin (host): Please Help Me, I'm Falling

Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klide

Leroy Van Dyke: She Called Me Baby

Connie Eaton: If You Lowe Me, Let Me Know

Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You

Grandpa Jones: T For Texas

Leroy Van Dyke: Walk On By

Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On

8:30: Stephens

Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places

Marion Worth: You're The Reason I'm Living

Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham

Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain

Marion Worth: Kentucky Rose

Johnny Carver: Country Lullaby

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Charlie Louvin (host): I Gave My Love A Cherry

Lonzo & Oscar: Traces Of Life

Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line

Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer

Charlie Louvin: It Almost Felt Like Love Again Today

Lonzo & Oscar: Ole Slewfoot

Del Wood: The Entertainer

10:00: Fender
Hank Locklin (host): Wild Side Of Life/Release Me/Fraulein

Kenny Price: Biloxi/Peace In The Valley

Hank Locklin: Jealous Heart

10:15: Union 76

Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song

Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower/Black Mountain Rag

Roy Acuff: Will The Circle Be Unbroken

10:30: Trailblazer

Grandpa Jones (host): Are You From Dixie

Dolly Parton: Jolene/I Will Always Love You

Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker

10:45: Beechnut

Justin Tubb (host): Rambling Man

Connie Eaton: American Trilogy

Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag

Justin Tubb: City Of New Orleans

11:00: Coca Cola

Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco

Leroy Van Dyke: Oklahoma Hills

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge

Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer

Kirk McGee: Keep A Light In Your Window Tonight

Deana Walker: Snowbird

Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

11:30: Elm Hill

The 4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/Maria

Marion Worth: Kentucky Rose

George Lindsay: Goober's Super Service

Johnny Carver: Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree

The 4 Guys: Top Of The World/Turn Your Radio On

Interesting that Porter Wagoner was not on the schedule that night. However, Roy Drusky was, but cancelled on both shows. Another surprise that night was a guest appearance by former Opry member Leroy Van Dyke (who in his mind was still an Opry member). 

Finally, Johnny Russell was on the schedule that night. It was exactly 11 years later, on July 6, 1985, that Johnny became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

As mentioned, there will also be another Sunday Night Opry this weekend. Gary Mule Deer will make it a three-show weekend, as he is on the schedule for Sunday, along with members Don Schlitz and Dailey & Vincent. Joining that group will be the legendary Chuck Wagon Gang, Julia Cole, Ray Fulcher, Bryan White and making their Opry debut, The Amanda Cook Band. 

Sunday July 7
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Ray Fulcher, Bryan White, Chuck Wagon Gang
Intermission
8:15: Julia Cole, Gary Mule Deer, The Amanda Cook Band, Don Schlitz

Amanda Cook, a Florida singer now living in southwestern Virginia, says that they are all well beyond psyched as they prepare for the Opry debut. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled about our upcoming Opry Debut—it’s truly a dream realized for all of us. The invitation is an immense honor, and stepping into that legendary circle, where so many of our musical idols have stood, fills us with excitement beyond words. My daddy is so proud it makes me just want to cry. “

With several albums available on Mountain Fever Records, Amanda and her band have been popular at festivals and on radio this past few years. Her long-time banjo player, Caroline Van Lierop, also moved up to the Blue Ridge, with two Amanda Cook Band veterans from the deep south, Joshua Faul on bass and George Mason on fiddle, traveling up to tour as needed. Brady Wallen on guitar and Troy Boone on mandolin complete the group.

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

Tuesday Night Opry 7/2 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/3

Now that the Grand Ole Opry has moved into the month of July, there is a change in the weekly schedule. The Thursday Night Opry will not be taking place this month and instead there will be a Sunday Night Opry. The Sunday shows will continue through the month. In July Opry Country Classics on Thursday is back on the schedule. 

Looking at the Tuesday Night Opry for this week, Grand Ole Opry members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, and comedian Henry Cho are on the schedule. Non-members listed include Sister Sadie, Louise Mandrell, very frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose, Kaitlin Butts and making his Opry debut, Christian artist Josiah Queen. 

Tuesday July 2
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Louise Mandrell, T. Graham Brown, Kaitlin Butts
Intermission
8:15: Josiah Queen, Henry Cho, Maggie Rose, Sister Sadie

The Wednesday Night Opry has Opry members Dailey & Vincent and Connie Smith scheduled. Guesting will be bluegrass duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Steve Earle, Christian Lopez, Megan Patrick and the wonderful and funny The Cleverlys.

Wednesday July 3
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Christian Lopez, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Megan Patrick, The Cleverlys, Steve Earle

Overall, a couple of nice shows to start off the month.