Thursday, September 5, 2024

Grand Ole Opry 9/6 & 9/7

You know it is going to be a great weekend at the Grand Ole Opry House when there are two shows on Friday and Saturday night, and Opry member Gary Mule Deer is scheduled to appear on all four. 

Ok, while it is great to see Gary Mule back at the Opry, the really big news for this weekend, and the reason why there are two shows each night, is the return of Carrie Underwood to the Opry. Even with her busy schedule, Carrie continues to support and appear on the Opry, but it might get a little more difficult for Carrie heading into fall, as Carrie will be one of the judges this year on American Idol, becoming the first former winner to appear as a judge on the show. How that will affect future Opry appearances remains to be seen. 

In addition to Carrie and Gary Mule Deer, the Friday Night Opry has T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky and Connie Smith on the schedule. All are set to appear on both shows. Additionally, Exile, Jenna Paulette and Kelly Willis fill out the lineup. 

Opry members Jeannie Seely, Ashley McBryde, and Don Schlitz will be joining Carrie and Gary Mule on Saturday night. Filling out those two shows are Kassi Ashton and making his Opry debut, Vincent Mason.  

Friday September 6
1st show
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Jenna Paulette, T. Graham Brown, Kelly Willis, Gary Mule Deer, Exile, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Carrie Underwood, Jenna Paulette, Exile, Gary Mule Deer, Kelly Willis, T. Graham Brown 


Saturday September 7
1st show:
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Kassi Ashton, Ashley McBryde, Don Schlitz, Vincent Mason, Gary Mule Deer, Carrie Underwood

9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Kassi Ashton, Carrie Underwood, Don Schlitz, Vincent Mason, Gary Mule Deer, Ashley McBryde

(With two shows each night, there is no intermissions. Also, and it was emphasized to me, that there could be changes in the lineups). 

Earlier this summer, Luke Bryan surprised Vincent Mason, revealing, “We got good news… your Opry debut is set for September 7.” “Pretty damn cool to find out you’re gonna be playing at the Grand Ole Opry. It’s even cooler to find out from @lukebryan and getting to have your family there too. I’ve always thought of the @opry as the home of country music and I’m so thankful to get the chance to step in the circle,” Mason wrote following the surprise moment. 

Growing up right outside of Atlanta in Roswell, Georgia, Vincent Mason was inspired early by movie soundtracks and how each song perfectly fit into the storyline. His influences included Parker McCollum and John Mayer. Just 23, his release, “Hell is a Dance Floor” has amassed over 30 million streams since its release at the end of February, making this his biggest breakout moment so far. The song has been supported by major editorial playlists including Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, Breakout Country, and Next From Nashville as well as Apple Music’s Country Risers and New In Country. In addition to Parker McCollum, he has opened for Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert and will be on tour this fall with Gavin Adcock.

Last week, Mason released “Train of Thought," his latest single. 


Now going back 50 years to Saturday September 7, 1974. Of interest on that particular night was an appearance by Grand Ole Opry members George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jimmy Dickens: Lonesome Road Blues/I'd Rather Sleep In Peace
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Leona Williams: Yes, Ma'am (He Found Me In A Honky Tonk)
Billy Grammer, Jr.: Orange Blossom Special
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields/Night Train To Memphis
The 4 Guys: Maria
Jerry Clower: The She Coon Of Women's Lib
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back To The Mountains
The 4 Guys: Catfish John
Roy Acuff: Cabin IN Gloryland

7:30: Standard Candy
Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop
Connie Smith: I Never Knew What That Song Meant Before
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It To Me Again
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Mississippi Sawyer
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Ray Pillow: Countryfied
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres

8:00: Martha White
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We Loved It Away
Tammy Wynette: Woman To Woman

Patsy Sledd: Chip; Chip
Harold Morrison: Ole Slewfoot
George Jones: The Grand Tour
Tammy Wynette: Take Me To Your World

The Jones Boys: Old Joe Clark
Tina Jones: Delta Dawn
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: The Jet Set

8:30: Stephens
Stu Phillips (host): If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Karen Wheeler: Listen, Spot
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Karen Wheeler: What Can I Do
Ernie Ashworth: Heartbreak Avenue

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Willis Brothers: There Goes The Farm
Connie Smith: Dallas
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
Connie Smith: Down In The Valley
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walking/Waterloo

10:00: Fender
George Jones (host) & Tammy Wynette: We're Gonna Hold On/I Don't Wanna Play House
George Jones: White Lightening
George Jones & Tammy Wynette: Take Me

Faron Young: Wine Me Up/Hello, Walls

10:15: Union 76
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Billy Grammer, Jr.: Orange Blossom Special
Billy Grammer: The Old Rugged Cross

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird/I Saw The Light

10:45: Beechnut
Jerry Clower (host): A New Bull
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Lost Indian
Jerry Clower: The New Fed

11:00: Coca Cola
Ray Pillow (host): Countryfied
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Leona Williams: Pass Me By
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Goodin
Jimmy Dickens: We Could
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me/Slipping Around

11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Catfish John
Karen Wheeler: What Can I Do
Ronnie Robbins: If You Love Me, Let Me Know/Baby, Let The Music Play
Karen Wheeler: Listen Spot
Stu Phillips: Why Me Lord

Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:30 segment on the first show and 11:00 on the second show but cancelled. Also, Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows, but she cancelled also. 

Jerry Clower, who appeared on both shows and hosted a segment on the late show, was at the time, the Opry's newest member. 

All of the artists who appeared with George and Tammy on the first show were part of their road show, while former Opry member, and close friend of George, Faron Young, made a surprise appearance on the 2nd show. 



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





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