Grand Ole Opry 12/13 & 12/14

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

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

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

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

Saturday December 14

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

Intermission

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following is from the Nashville Tennessean: 

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

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

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

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

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

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms

Willis Brothers (host): Truck Stop

Jim and Jesse: Paradise

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

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

Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me

The 4 Guys: What About Me
Bill Anderson: Proof

7:00: Rudy's

Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South

Billy Grammer: Wildwood Flower/Under The Double Eagle

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

Barbara Lea: May You Never Be Alone

Justin Tubb: Loving Arms

Porter Wagoner: Carolina Moonshiner
Billy Grammer: Whispering Hope

Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

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

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

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

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Jingle Bells

Connie Smith: I Got My Baby On My Mind

Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again

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

Grandpa & Ramona Jones: It Takes A Lot Of Loving

Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art

Charlie Nixon: Maggie Blues

8:30: Stephens

Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

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

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

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

Mel Tillis: Memory Maker/Sawmill

2nd show

9:30: Kellogg's

Bill Anderson (host): (?)

Willis Brothers: Cool Water

Jim & Jesse: Love Is A Fading Rose

Bill Anderson: City Lights

Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors

Mary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet Baby

Bill Anderson: Every Time I Turn The Radio On

10:00: Fender

Bob Luman (host): Kaw-Liga

Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving

Justin Tubb: Sunshine Lady

Bob Luman: Six Days On The Road

10:15: Union 76

Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country

Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love

Roy Acuff: Turn Your Radio On

10:30: Trailblazer

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

Grandpa Jones: Heading South

Connie Smith: Dallas

Lester Flatt: Homestead On The Farm

10:45: Beechnut

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

Stoney & Carolee Cooper: To My Mansion In The Sky

Crook Brothers: Soldier's Joy

The 4 Guys: Let Me Be There

11:00: Coca Cola

Roy Drusky (host): Dixie Lily

Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)

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

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

Harold Weakley: Legend In My Time

Roy Drusky: Anymore

11:30: Elm Hill

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

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

Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Late

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

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

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

Looking at December 14 through the years: 

1973: Lorrie Morgan, age 14, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie was brought on stage by her father, Opry member George Morgan. She sang "Paper Roses."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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