Mid-Week Opry Shows

Once again, there is a full schedule of mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry. 

Opry members T. Graham Brown, Charlie McCoy and Riders In The Sky headline the lineup, along with a guest appearance by Jessica Simpson and the Opry debut of I'm With Her. 

Tuesday September 0
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Lucie Silvas, I'm With Her, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Noeline Hofmann, Kolby Cooper, Jessica Simpson, Riders In The Sky

I'm With Her is a trio consisting of singer/songwriters Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins. Their specialty is folk music. Their singles “Call My Name” was the winner of 2020 Grammy for Best American Roots Song. While they each have worked as individual artists over the years, and have appeared on the Opry as solo artists, they have recently committed themselves to this group project. 

It will be a special Wednesday Night Opry as it will be the annual Face The Fight Night at the Opry to help raise awareness about veteran suicide prevention. Opry members Craig Morgan, Dailey & Vincent and The Isaacs are on the schedule, along with Coffey Anderson, Mickey Guyton, Jimmy Fortune and Tucker Wetmore. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin hosting with Opry members Don Schlitz and Mark Wills on the schedule. Rounding out the night are Mae Estes and Louise Mandrell. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/5 & 9/6

Ketch Secor is well known as the co-founder and leader of Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show. While Ketch continues to tour, and appear on the Opry, with Old Crow, he has recently embarked on a solo career, which will include appearances on the Opry, along with a solo tour. Two of those Opry appearances will take place this weekend as Ketch is scheduled for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Ketch, who co-wrote "Wagon Wheel" with Bob Dylan, has released his solo album: Story The Crow Told Me. The album was released in July to rave reviews. On the album, Ketch wrote or co-wrote each of the songs. Besides singing, he also plays fiddle, banjo, harmonica, bass, organ, and spoons. Among those assisting on the album are Molly Tuttle and Marty Stuart. There is a lot of variety on the album and if you are a fan, I highly recommend giving it a listen. 

As mentioned, Ketch is scheduled for both shows this weekend, as is Don Schlitz, In fact, Ketch and Don will be closing out both shows. 

Also on the schedule for Friday night is Connie Smith, while Bill Anderson returns on Saturday night. Both have missed their last scheduled appearances as it has been assumed that Connie was still recovering, while Bill had an accident at home that caused his cancellation. As Bill wrote in his monthly newsletter, he is fine and ready to go with a couple of Opry appearances scheduled this month. 

Regarding Connie, there has been no announcement as of yet of a rescheduled date for her 60th Opry anniversary show. Hopefully, something will be scheduled soon. One last word on Connie: while listening to the Opry on the night that she and Marty cancelled, it was mentioned that Connie was the longest serving female member, and if I heard it right, in the history of the Opry. I think it was supposed to have been said that she is the longest current female member of the Opry. Let's not forget Jean Shepard, who was an Opry member for 60 years and 10 months. Along with Jean, the only other female member of the Opry who reached 60 years was Loretta Lynn. I am not taking anything away from Connie. I just wanted to keep the facts straight. And if I misheard, my apologies. 

In addition to those mentioned, Opry members Riders In The Sky are scheduled for Friday night while Mandy Barnett and The Whites will appear on Saturday.  

Friday September 5

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Eric Paslay, Lanie Gardner, The Kody Norris Show

Intermission

8:20: Connie Smith, John Morgan, Ketch Secor, Don Schlitz

Saturday September 6

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Bill Anderson, JigJam

Intermission

8:20: The Whites, Opry Square Dancers, Tigirlily Gold, Ketch Secor, Don Schlitz

One of the legendary members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry is Hank Snow. The "Singing Ranger" joined the Opry in January 1950. In fact, the night he became an Opry member was also the first night that he even appeared on the show. It was through the efforts of Ernest Tubb that brought Hank to the Opry, and Hank never forgot the kindness that Ernest showed him over the years. 

Once Hank had established himself on the Opry, he settled in to hosting the 8:30 and 11:00 segments on the Saturday night shows. It would be later, after he reduced his road dates, that Hank would become a regular on the Friday Night Opry. And it was on Friday September 6, 1996, that Hank Snow would make his final appearance on the Opry. 

Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle, Del Reeves, The Whites
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jan Howard, George Hamilton IV, Billy Walker
7:30: Mike Snider (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Jimmy C Newman, Johnny Paycheck
8:00: John Conlee (host): Jean Shepard, Charlie Louvin, Osborne Brothers, Jeannie Seely
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jack Greene, Charley Pride

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Walker, Jeanne Pruett, Stu Phillips

10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): George Hamilton IV, Charlie Louvin, Osborne Brothers, The Whites
10:30: Mike Snider (host): Jean Shepard, Del Reeves, Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marty Stuart, Jimmy C Newman, Charley Pride
11:30: John Conlee (host): Jeannie Seely, Johnny Paycheck, Jack Greene

For most of 1996, Hank was in declining health and dealing with respiratory issues. There were weeks where he would be listed on the schedule but would cancel at the last minute. In fact, it was the previous Saturday night, August 31, that Hank made his return to the Opry for the first time that year. He appeared on both shows that night. He then was back the following Friday night, and as shown in the lineup, did both shows. But on the following night, he was listed on the schedule but cancelled. The following weekend, Hank was scheduled for both the Friday and Saturday night Opry shows, (September 12 &13), however he cancelled and that weekend would be the final time that Hank Snow's name would appear on an Opry schedule. 

Hank would live for several more years before passing away in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

I had mentioned Hank Snow's connection to Ernest Tubb. It was 12 years earlier, September 6, 1984, that the great Ernest Tubb had passed away. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s, and much like Hank, Ernest took his Opry membership very seriously. Even though Ernest was on the road for several hundred dates each year, he always fulfilled his Opry obligations. Ernest last appeared on the Opry several years before his death, on August 14, 1982. Here is the lineup from that night: 

1st show
6:30: The 4 Guys (host): Wilburn Brothers
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Skeeter Davis
7:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Jean Shepard, Lonzo & Oscar, Jack Leonard
7:30: Billy Walker (host): Jeannie Seely, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers, Bill Carlisle
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Charlie Walker, Roy Thackerson, Carolee Singers 
8:30: Bill Monroe (host): Roy Drusky, Del Wood, Vic Willis Trio, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Ernest Tubb (host): Skeeter Davis, Wilburn Brothers
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Connie Smith
10:15: Billy Grammer (host): Lonzo & Oscar
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Roy Thackerson
10:45: Billy Walker (host): Jean Shepard, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Roy Drusky (host): Jeannie Seely, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Kirk McGee, Bill Carlisle
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Del Wood, Charlie Walker, Vic Willis Trio

How ironic that Hank Snow on not on the Opry the night of Ernest Tubb's final appearance. 

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. 

September Opry Highlights

Opry 100 continues and as such, here are the key moments that have taking place during the month of September in relation to the Grand Ole Opry: 

September 15, 1903: The "King of Country Music" Roy Acuff was born in Maynardsville, Tennessee. Roy came to the Opry in 1938, and except for a brief period of time, would remain a part of the Opry until his death in 1992. I think it is safe to say that Roy has been the most influential member in the history of the Opry and even though he passed away 30 years ago, his presence is still felt at the Opry. 

September 13, 1911: Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass Music" was born in Rosine, Kentucky. Bill came to the Opry in October 1939 and never left.

September 17, 1923: Hank Williams was born. Really nothing else needs to be said. While his time at the Opry was relatively short, it was very eventful and historical in many ways. Hard to believe that he would turn 100 this year. 

September 26, 1925: One of the most popular members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, Marty Robbins was born near Glendale, Arizona. Marty came to the Opry in 1953, and shortly after that first appearance, he became an Opry member. Marty, who made the 11:30 segment into his own personal concert, stayed with the Opry until his death in December 1982.

September 26, 1926: Jerry Clower was born near Liberty, Mississippi. This former fertilizer salesman joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1973 and was the last member to join the cast before the Opry moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974. Jerry, who was a great comedian and storyteller, passed away in 1998 following heart surgery.

September 22, 1928: The Grand Ole Opry is cancelled as WSM aired a speech by Republican senator William Borah and a rebuttal by Democratic governor Alfred Smith. In the early days of the Opry, there were times when the show did miss a Saturday night. 

September 1, 1931: Lecil Travis Martin, better known as "Boxcar Willie," was born in Sterrett, Texas. Boxcar made his debut on the Opry in 1980 at the age of 49. Roy Acuff loved him, and Boxcar became an Opry member the following year. One of the early performers who operated his own theater in Branson, Boxcar passed away in 1999.

September 5, 1931: The Vagabonds made their Grand Ole Opry debut, becoming one of the show's most popular acts during the decade. Like many of the early acts on the show, they would only stay for a relatively short period of time and have been largely forgotten over time. 

September 12, 1931: The "Possum" George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas. George originally came to the Opry in 1956, and throughout his career, he would come and go. He was still an Opry member when he passed away in 2013. Although his Opry appearances were few and far between, George was always proud of his Opry membership and it was noted in one of the displays at the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville, which has since closed. 

September 8, 1932: Probably the greatest female singer in the history of country music, Patsy Cline was born in Winchester, Virginia. Patsy joined the Opry in January 1960, simply by asking, as being an Opry member was one of her earliest dreams. Patsy, who influenced so many other females, passed away in March 1963 at the age of 30. She would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

September 24, 1932: It was a big night at the Grand Ole Opry as Zeke Clements, Curly Fox and Asher Sizemore, along with his son Jimmy all made their first appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. I think it is safe to say that little Jimmy was the youngest member in the history of the Opry. 

September 11, 1938: Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Delmore Brothers, made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. One of the early members, this duo influenced many other brother acts that followed. While popular at the Opry, the duo left due to a disagreement with Opry founder George D. Hay.

September 4, 1943: Curley Williams and his Georgia Peach Pickers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. 

September 15, 1945: Wally Fowler became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Wally was the founder of the Oak Ridge Quartet, who eventually became known as the Oak Ridge Boys. After Wally joined the Opry, he was frequently featured on the Prince Albert portion, where he would traditionally sing a gospel song. Later in life, Wally ran into some financial problems that led to him selling the rights to the Oak Ridge Quartet name. Wally passed away in 1994.

September 18, 1947: The Grand Ole Opry brought a country music show for the first time to Carnegie Hall in New York city. Opry members featured on that first show included the headliners, Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl. The show as scheduled for a two-night run and both nights were sold out. Here is how Ernest Tubb remembered those nights, "The radio and newspaper people ignored us the first night we were there, but we turned away six thousand people and the next night, every reporter was there." Billboard magazine reported that "such screaming and wild applause after each number hasn't been heard in town since Frank Sinatra brought out the bobbysoxers at the Paramount." The shows were so successful that country music, and the Opry, would make a return visit.

September 11, 1948: It would appear that this was the last night that Eddy Arnold appeared as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time, Eddy was the Opry's biggest star, and he left the Opry to headline his own CBS network radio show. Eddy would later do an interview with Ralph Emery in which he talked about leaving the Opry. "I thought I had done as much as I could do there. I had two network radio programs outside the Opry." On his final night as a member, Eddy finished his set and stood on the stage looking out over the Ryman Auditorium. He thanked Harry Stone, WSM, and the Opry fans, and then turned to walk away from the microphone. Harold Bradley, who backed Eddy on guitar that night, would say, "We went around the curtain and he and Minnie Pearl hugged and both of them cried like babies because he was leaving." Eddy also created some controversy because he was the first "star" to leave the Opry and not return. Irving Waugh of WSM said, "We hated to see Eddy leave. But, as I recall, it didn't make that much difference to the Opry. At that stage, people were lined up all the way around the block to get in. New people, including Hank Williams were coming all the time." By the way, once Eddy left the Opry, he never returned as a member. 

September 24, 1948: WSM began the Friday Night Frolics, later to be known as the Friday Night Opry. The show took place from Studio C at WSM, where it would remain until moving to the Ryman Auditorium in 1964. The show was created originally as a way to keep Eddy Arnold on WSM radio.

September 25, 1948: George Morgan became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was brought to the show specifically to replace the recently departed Eddy Arnold. George came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. There is a wonderful story that George told regarding his first visit to Nashville. He didn't know where the Ryman Auditorium was, and he asked a stranger on the street for directions. That stranger ended up being Eddy Arnold and the Ryman was literally across the street. 

September 13, 1952: Webb Pierce made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Webb would become an Opry member a year later to help fill the void after Hank Williams was fired. Webb was an Opry member until February 1957, when he left after a dispute with management over booking fees and commissions that were being charged for road shows. Webb would return for guest appearances throughout his career. 

September 26, 1953: Skeeter Davis made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter would later become an Opry member, joining in 1959. There are many of us who have great memories of Skeeter and miss her a lot. She was always colorful and fun. 

September 3, 1955: According to some records, this is the date in which Jim Reeves made his move from the Louisiana Hayride to the Grand Ole Opry. The following month, Jim would become a member of the cast.

September 10, 1955: Justin Tubb became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This popular singer and songwriter, Justin, at the time, was the youngest member of the cast when he joined. The son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb, Justin would remain an Opry member until his death in 1998 at the age of 62. After the death of his father, Justin would take over the operation of the Midnite Jamboree for a period of time before leaving the show. 

September 24, 1956: WSM radio fired Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny. Jim had started with WSM and the Opry back in the early days of the show and was involved behind the scenes in various capacities including being in charge of the Opry's concession business, where he saw for the first time how much money the Opry was making and how much more potential there was. Over time, he became not only the Opry's manager, but a powerful force at WSM and the Opry. In fact, too powerful for some. He was fired from the Opry because he refused to give up his ownership of Cedarwood Publishing Company, which the Opry viewed as a conflict of interest. Shortly after his death, Jim Denny would become one of the early members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

September 25, 1956: Following the firing of Jim Denny, Dee Kilpatrick was named the Grand Ole Opry's "general director," a new title. He was also named the manager of the WSM Artists' Service Bureau, which was the Opry's in-house booking agency. Dee, a former record company executive, said at the time, "They asked me what I thought was wrong. We'll, back when I was working with Mercury Records, I was at the Opry almost every Saturday night I was in town, and I could look at the audience and see what was wrong. The Opry didn't appeal to the younger audiences that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see were older people and little, teeny kids. There weren't any teenagers." Kilpatrick would begin to add younger acts to the Opry's cast, including the Everly Brothers and Porter Wagoner. If nothing else, Dee recognized one of the Opry's biggest problems, which would continue on for many, many years.

September 29, 1956: Rose Maddox joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Rose did not stay at the Opry for very long, as several of the Opry's members, including Roy Acuff, did not care for her style or stage appearance. In an interesting sidenote, I seem to remember reading somewhere that Roy ended up buying Rose's Cadillac. 

September 6, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Rod Brasfield made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rod was remembered for his appearances on the Prince Albert portion of the Opry, along with fellow comedian Minnie Pearl. Sadly, Rod had a lot of personal issues that would eventually lead to his death. 

September 13, 1958: Ben Smathers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. For most of their years, the Stoney Mountain Cloggers would rotate every other weekend as the featured square dancers, backing up groups such as the Crook Brothers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. Ben Smathers passed away in 1990, and the Cloggers would remain a part of the Opry until 1993.

September 30, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Before beginning his solo career, Marty was a part of Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass and Johnny Cash's touring band. Marty joined the Opry in November 1992.

September 17, 1960: Loretta Lynn made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Loretta, who would go on to have one of the most amazing careers of any female in the history of country music, would become an Opry member several years later, in 1962. Loretta passed away in October 2022, just days after reaching her 60th year as an Opry member. 

September 16, 1961: Leroy Van Dyke made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Leroy would become an Opry member in October of 1962. He stayed as an Opry member for just a couple of years as he was let go from the show for failing to appear the required number of times. Since then, he has been back to guest on the Opry. Now over 90 years old, Leroy is still touring and sounding good.

September 25, 1962: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and legend, Loretta Lynn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After appearing on the Opry often during the early part of her career, her appearances dropped off after stardom hit. Her last Opry appearance was in January 2017, the night her sister, Crystal Gayle became an Opry member. Shortly after, Loretta suffered a stroke that ended her performing career. 

September 27, 1963: The National Life and Accident Insurance Company purchased the Ryman Auditorium from the city of Nashville for a reported $200,000. WSM, which operated the building, immediately changed the name of the building to the Grand Ole Opry House, even though everyone still called it the Ryman. By becoming the owners of the building. National Life was able to make some much-needed repairs to the place to bring it up to code.

September 11, 1964: The Friday Night Frolics moved from WSM Studio C to the Ryman Auditorium and renamed the Friday Night Opry.

September 18, 1965: While the Opry recognizes an August date as to when she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, this is the date that Connie first appeared on the Opry as a member. Also joining the cast of the Grand Ole Opry, the same day was Bob Luman. Regardless of the date, Connie is now a 60+ year member of the Grand Ole Opry and is in select company. 

September 2, 1967: Standard Candy Company, the makers of the famous Goo Goo Clusters, became an Opry sponsor. Standard Candy would remain with the Opry until January 2006, when the company elected not to renew the sponsorship. At the time, the Opry was changing how they viewed the sponsorship of the show, deciding to go with presenting sponsors at an additional cost for advertisers. 

September 16, 1967: Jeannie Seely became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jeannie was one of the first female artists to host a segment at the Opry on a regular basis. Jeannie, who made more Grand Ole Opry appearances in the history of the show than any other member, passed away in August after a period of declining health. 

September 19, 1968: Former Grand Ole Opry member Red Foley passed away in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Red came to the Opry in 1946 and stayed for a decade before moving on to Springfield, Missouri. While at the Opry, he was the host of the Prince Albert portion of the show. He passed away while on a tour.

September 13, 1969: Earl Scruggs made his first appearance as a solo member of the Grand Ole Opry. Earlier in the year, he and Lester Flatt ended their partnership, with each pursuing solo careers. On the Opry that night, Earl performed "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" with his sons Gary and Randy.

September 20, 1969: Bobby Bare rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby would stay as a member until he left the Opry in March 1974 when the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. In April 2018, the Opry surprised Bobby by restoring his Opry membership. Bobby is now retired and at last report, is doing well. 

September 13, 1975: Don Gibson, who was fired from the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1964, rejoined the Opry. While never appearing often on the Opry, it was nice to have Don back as a member and whenever he appeared, it was a special night.

September 17, 1977: Reba McEntire made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. On that first night, Reba sang "Sweet Dreams" and "Invitation To The Blues." Several years later, Reba would become an Opry member.

September 1, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow hosted his first annual concert for abused children at the Grand Ole Opry House. Among Hank's guests that night were Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and Ernest Tubb. The shows would continue for several years before Hank ended the annual event.

September 9, 1978: Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings made a guest appearance on the Opry. 

September 15, 1979: Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He sang "Behind Closed Doors" in a duet with Skeeter Davis. That is a recording I would love to hear. 

September 6, 1984: Ernest Tubb passed away in a Nashville hospital after a long illness. Ernest had been in declining health for a number of years and had last appeared on the Opry in August 1982. He joined the Opry in 1943 and in 1965 Ernest was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It can certainly be said, that in addition to Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe and Hank Snow, Ernest was one of the pillars of the Opry. 

September 13, 1984: President Ronald Reagan appeared for a tribute to Roy Acuff at the Grand Ole Opry House. Among those appearing that night were Minnie Pearl, Porter Wagoner, Lee Greenwood, Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens. The appearance was part of President Reagan's re-election campaign.

September 9, 1989: Del Wood made her final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Del, who had joined the Opry in the early 1950s on the strength of her hit, "Down Yonder" passed away a month later at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke. Del was one of the artists who made it known that she didn't care for a lot of the younger acts appearing on the Opry. 

September 16, 1989: Chely Wright made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. At one time, there was talk of Chely becoming a member of the Opry however her career took her in a different direction that did not include the Opry. 

September 4, 1991: Grand Ole Opry member Dottie West passed away in a Nashville hospital as a result of injuries suffered in an earlier car accident. Dottie had been a part of the Opry's cast since 1964. She had a great career and influenced a number of female artists.

September 4, 1992: Former Grand Ole Opry member Carl Butler died in Franklin, Tennessee. Carl first appeared on the Opry in 1948 and along with his wife Pearl, joined the cast in 1962. Not only was Carl a great singer, but he was also known as a fine songwriter. Carl and Pearl did not stay as Opry members for very long, and after leaving the Opry the couple continued to tour. After Pearl's death, Carl would occasionally appear on the Opry.

September 11, 1993: The Stoney Mountain Cloggers made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Margaret Smathers, the widow of Ben Smathers, made the decision that it was time to retire the group. On the final night, they were featured on the televised segment and Opry member Vince Gill made a special request to be on the Opry on that final night, and on their specific segments. 

September 29, 1993: Bob Whittaker became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, replacing Hal Durham who was promoted within the company. Bob would remain with the Opry until retiring in 1998. Some may be asking and yes, Bob is still alive today and in fact, was recently backstage at the Opry when The Isaacs were inducted as Opry members. 

September 6, 1996: Grand Ole Opry legend Hank Snow made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Hank was in declining health and made a low-key decision to retire. Hank passed away in 1999, just two weeks short of his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

September 9, 1996: Grand Ole Opry, and bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe passed away, Bill had been in declining heath since suffering a stroke earlier in the year. Bill had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1939, and he brought the sound of bluegrass to the Opry stage.

September 13, 1996: LeAnn Rimes made her debut on the Friday Night Opry. She performed three songs that night including her hit single "Blue," which was written by the legendary Bill Mack.

September 20, 1996: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after a two-month absence due to vocal issues. Those of us who remember Jimmy in his final years at the Opry know that those vocal issues would never completely go away. 

September 20, 1997: During a guest appearance on the Opry, Johnny Paycheck was asked by Opry general manager Bob Whittaker if he would like to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, Johnny said yes and was inducted later in the year.

September 12, 1998: President of the Grand Ole Opry Group Bob Whittaker announced his retirement. Bob had replaced Hal Durham as the Opry's general manager and later as Opry group president. Bob would eventually be replaced as the Opry's general manager by Pete Fisher, who took over the following June.

September 18, 1998: Paying tribute to her father, Hank Williams, Jett Williams performed "Your Cheatin' Heart" on the Grand Ole Opry. During her appearance, she told those attending that Hank never sang the song during any of his concert appearances. 

September 28, 2000: In preparation of the Grand Ole Opry's 75th anniversary, Governor Don Sundquist declared October as Grand Ole Opry month in the state of Tennessee. He was joined at the announcement ceremony by Opry members Martina McBride and Little Jimmy Dickens.

September 29, 2000: Future Grand Ole Opry member Keith Urban made his first solo guest appearance on the Opry. 

September 28, 2002: After an absence of 10 years, Tanya Tucker made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. She was joined on stage by the Jordanaires as she performed her debut hit "Delta Dawn."

September 13, 2003: The United States Postal Service unveiled a stamp featuring Roy Acuff. The ceremony took place at the Grand Ole Opry House. The portrait on the stamp was based on a photo that appeared in a 1949 edition of "Collier's" magazine. On that same night, Vince Gill and members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performed a tribute to Roy on at the Grand Ole Opry.

September 19, 2004: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis passed away in Nashville at the age of 72. Skeeter had battled cancer and other health related issues for a number of years. Skeeter was always known for her bright outfits and her big smile that brought a lot of joy to those watching her perform.

September 23, 2004: Just days after the death of Skeeter Davis, another long time Grand Ole Opry member passed away as Roy Drusky died after a battle with lung cancer. Roy joined the Opry in the late 1950s and was known for his smooth voice and great ballad songs.

September 10, 2005: Future Grand Ole Opry member Jamey Johnson made first guest appearance on the Opry. It took a while, but finally a few years ago, Jamey was invited to become an Opry member, something that he had wanted for a long time. 

September 8, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

September 29, 2007: During a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Josh Turner was asked by Roy Clark if he would like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, Josh said yes and would join the cast a month later. Also, on the same night, Porter Wagoner made his final Saturday night appearance on the Opry.

September 18, 2008:  As Craig Morgan sang "Rose Colored Glasses," Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee walked on stage during a free show for soldiers at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to invite Craig to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

September 27, 2008: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart celebrated his 50th birthday at the Grand Ole Opry. Appearing with Marty that night was Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Connie Smith and The Carolina Chocolate Drops, along with The Fabulous Superlatives.

September 28, 2010: The Grand Ole Opry House reopened after being renovated following the flood that stuck Nashville the previous May. Since the flood, the Opry had moved around to several different venues, with the majority of time spent at the Ryman Auditorium. On the reopening night, the final hour was televised by GAC and the segment opened with the cast coming out and singing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Brad Paisley and Jimmy Dickens led the way. Also, during that night's show, Blake Shelton was asked by Trace Adkins to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

September 13, 2011: Grand Ole Opry legend Wilma Lee Cooper passed away. Wilma and her husband Stoney joined the Opry in 1957, coming to Nashville from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. After Stoney's death, Wilma Lee continued on as a solo member of the Opry. In February 2001, she suffered a stroke while performing on the show, which ended her performing career. She did return to the Opry stage in 2007 upon her 50th anniversary as an Opry member, and again in September 2010 upon the reopening of the Grand Ole Opry House.

September 13, 2011: George Jones made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It was a show that celebrated George's 80th birthday and included Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie, Lee Ann Womack and the Oak Ridge Boys.

September 27, 2011: Rascal Flatts were invited to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were officially inducted in October during the Opry's 86th birthday weekend. This will be their 14th year as Opry members. 

September 27, 2011: Johnny Wright passed away in Nashville. He was the husband of Kitty Wells and a former member of the Grand Ole Opry, performing as part of Johnny & Jack.

September 25, 2012: Loretta Lynn celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Joining Loretta that night were Miranda Lambert, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack and Pistol Annies, making their Opry debut singing "Fist City."

September 6, 2014: Long time Grand Ole Opry member George Hamilton IV appeared on the Opry for the final time. During his performance, he sang his big hit "Abilene." After a short illness, George passed away several weeks later, on September 17.

September 29, 2015: "Grand Ole Opry 90th Anniversary Family Album" was published. The book featured all of the current and former Grand Ole Opry members, as well as a history of the Opry. The book has been updated a couple of times since with currently the 97th edition still on sale at the Opry shop. 

September 25, 2016: Grand Ole Opry legend, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard passed away. Jean last appeared on the Opry in November 2015, when she was honored on her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first female to have been an Opry member for that period of time. It should also be noted that once Jean joined the Opry, she took her Opry membership seriously and never left. And she was very vocal about that. 

September 8, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Troy Gentry passed died as a result of a helicopter crash. Troy, who was half of the duo Montgomery Gentry, was 40. Along with Eddie Montgomery, the group joined the Opry on June 23, 2009. On the same day, former Grand Ole Opry member Don Williams passed away. Don had been a member in the 1970s, however he left the cast a few years after joining.

September 16, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely celebrated her 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Even after 50 years of membership, 

September 22, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Reba McEntire celebrated the 40th anniversary of her debut on the Opry. Joining Reba that night were Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, and a surprise appearance by Dolly Parton.

September 18, 2018: Dustin Lynch became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While his membership was a surprise to many, Dustin has done a pretty nice job in appearing at the Opry. 

September 18, 2018: Bobby Bare made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

September 25, 2018: Comedian Bill Murry made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with the SteelDrivers, he performed the classic song "Paradise."

September 3, 2019: A special exhibit honoring Dolly Parton and her 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, opened in Studio A at the Grand Ole Opry House. 

September 14, 2021: The Isaacs were formally inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Ricky Skaggs and The Whites did the honors. The Isaacs had been longtime supporters of the Opry. 

September 28, 2021: Mandy Barnett was invited by Connie Smith to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the time, Mandy had made over 500 guest appearances and was well deserving of being invited. 

Another busy month!!

Grand Ole Opry 8/29 & 8/30

Starting off with a couple of items that some might find of interest: 

First, Chapel Hart, who have been on the Opry numerous times have are now on "hiatus" but in reality, it sounds like the group has broken up. From their press release: 

“Over the last few years, Chapel Hart has taken us places we never could have imagined. We have laughed, cried, grown, and stood on stages we used to dream about. More than anything, we have shared a bond that goes deeper than music, and that part will always remain,” the group said in a statement. “As we each step into new seasons in life, we have decided to press pause on Chapel Hart so we can explore other passions and dreams that have been calling to us individually. This is not a goodbye. It is a celebration of everything we have built and a step toward everything still to come.” From what has been reported, Trea Swindle and Devynn Hart are starting the duo called Magnolia Rising, while Danica Hart will also continue on, potentially as a solo artist.

The music industry is tough. Artists get sucked in and spit out every day. Chapel Hart had a lot going against them and they just never seemed to be able to follow up on their debut song “You Can Have Him Jolene." They went through a period before, in November 2023 when it appeared they were taking a break to re-evaluate their careers but gave it another shot. Having seen them and met them, I do believe they have the talent to succeed. It just might not be in country music. Hopefully, the find their niche and Magnolia Rising will be a success, as will the solo career of Danica Hart. 

The second bit of news is in regard to the Opry 100 special that aired on NBC in March. The Opry posted this earlier in the day:

  Our Rhinestone Milestone continues to unfold in every magical way possible, and we're excited to highlight the event that set the tone for our 100th celebration once again!

Tune in Monday, September 15th as Opry star Blake Shelton hosts Opry 100: A Live Celebration on NBC, streaming on Peacock.  

Having been in the Opry House that night and not seeing it live on TV, I will be anxious to watch it and seeing it aired. While I have not heard, I would assume they will do some sort of editing so that the finale of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" gets on the air and not cut off as it was on that night. 

This weekend we close out the month of August and look forward to Labor Day weekend. While it is a holiday weekend for many, the Grand Ole Opry continues on with shows on Friday and Saturday night. The good news this weekend is the return of Connie Smith to the Opry, as she is on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry. While she is returning, there is still no news as to a rescheduled date for her 60th anniversary show. I am sure that once schedules are coordinated, we will see a date posted. 

Joining Connie on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Vince Gill, Dailey & Vincent and Don Schlitz. The wonderfully talented Margo Price is on the schedule, as is Austin Snell and Wendy Moten. Rounding out the posted schedule is Walker Hayes, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Vince Gill and Don Schlitz are back on Saturday night, making it a two-show weekend for the pair. It will be a full night of Opry members, as along with Vince and Don, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Mark Wills and Riders In The Sky are listed. The only non-members appearing will be Wood Box Heroes. 

(With the late addition of Wendy Moten to the schedule, I do not have the finalized lineup for Friday and Saturday as of yet. I will update as soon as it is released). 

Walker Hayes, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is from Mobile, Alabama. He broke into the mainstream in 2021 with his smash hit “Fancy Like” which topped every country music sale and streaming chart, spent more than six months at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, and hit No. 1 at country radio. “Fancy Like” became a bonafide phenomenon; the six-time Platinum-selling single propelled Hayes to a GRAMMY Award nomination and anchored his breakout 2022 full-length, Country Stuff The Album. 

He's continued to build a hitmaking career behind singles “AA,” “ Y’all Life,” “U Gurl,” and “Good With Me.” His latest releases include his 2023 follow-up New Money and 2024 EP Sober Thoughts. Hayes is one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music and has performed his music to amphitheaters and arenas on headlining tours. Additionally, he’s performed to national audiences on Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and TODAY. He’s also been profiled for CBS Sunday Morning.

Grand Ole Opry member Crystal Gayle didn't become a member of the Opry until January 2017, 48 years after she made her Grand Ole Opry debut!! That Opry debut took place on Saturday August 30, 1969, and here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim & Jesse (host)(?)

6:45: Rudy's
Hank Locklin (host):(?)
Lonzo & Oscar: (?)

7:00: Luzianne
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Martha Carson: I'm Gonna Walk & Talk With My Lord
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Billy Grammer: Guitar Polka
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Martha Carson: Shout, Shout, Shout & Shine
Jack Barlow: Pauline
Billy Grammer: Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere

7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Wilma Burgess: Let Me Be The Woman In Your Life
Bobby Lewis: Love Me & Make It All Better
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackle
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Wilma Burgess: Break My Mind
Bobby Lewis: It's Such A Pretty World Today
Charlie Walker: Truck Driving Man

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): John Henry
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Jerry Smith: Truck Stop
Louie Roberts: The Wreck Of The Old 97
Lester Flatt: Cabin On The Hill
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Louie Roberts: Peace In The Valley/Hey Good Lookin'
Uncle Josh: Just Joshin'

8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Answer The Phone
Crystal Gayle: Ribbon Of Darkness
Jay Lee Webb: She's Looking Better By The Minute
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Billy Parker: I've Still Got A Long Way To Go
Jay Lee Webb: Wonderful World Of Women
Ernest Tubb: Just A Drink Away

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim & Jesse (host): I'm Hoping That You're Hoping
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Bobby Lewis: From Heaven To Heartache
Jerry Smith: Truck Stop
Jim & Jesse: Knoxville Girl
Jean Shepard: I'm Tied Around Your Finger
Bobby Lewis: 'Til Something Better Comes Along
Jim & Jesse: Johnny B. Goode

10:00: Fender
Martha Carson: Cryin' Holy Unto The Lord
Harold Weakley: You've Still Got A Place In My Heart
Martha Carson: Satisfied
Joe Edwards: Alabama Jubilee

10:15: Pure
Lonzo & Oscar (host): Hertz Rent-A-Chick
Wes Buchanan: Undo The Right
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Lonzo & Oscar: Making Plans

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Wilma Burgess: Let Me Be The Woman In Your Life
John Sullivan: Greyhound Blues
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In The Jailhouse Now
Crystal Gayle: Johnny One Time
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On 

11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Grammer (host): Jesus Is A Soul Man
Peggy Little: Sweet Baby Girl
Jay Lee Webb: Big Job
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Billy Grammer: Jesus Is A Soul Man
Sam & Kirk McGee: San Antonio Rose
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On/Whispering Hope

11:30: Lava
Charlie Walker (host): Honky Tonk Season
Rita Faye: The Last Thing On My Mind
Louie Roberts: Love's On My Mind
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Louie Roberts: Peace In The Valley/Hey, Good Lookin'
Charlie Walker: San Antonio Rose
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

Apparently on the schedule, Hank Locklin was supposed to host the 10:15 segment on the 2nd show but somehow missed his spot. Also, there were so few Opry members on the schedule that night that there was no Opry host, or member, appearing on the 10:00 segment on the 2nd show. Former Grand Ole Opry member Martha Carson filled that spot. 

Crystal Gayle was just 16 when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut. As far as that debut, Loretta Lynn was originally scheduled for the Opry that night, however she was ill and unable to perform. Mooney Lynn, Loretta's husband, and who was managing Crystal at the time, persuaded the Opry to let Crystal fill Loretta's two spots. Crystal was basically an unknown at the time, but she did well and made return visits until finally being asked to join the cast. On that night, January 17, 2017, Loretta did the honors, and it was also Loretta's final Grand Ole Opry appearance. 

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 are a full schedule of mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows. The highlight this week will be the Tuesday Night Opry when Pam Tillis is honored upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Pam Tillis joined the Opry cast on Saturday August 26, 2000, with Marty Stuart doing the honors. During the show that night, Pam said, "I grew up in this town, in this business, and I can't tell you what it means to me. This is one of the most special nights in my life." Marty called her "country music royalty" and presented Pam with a guitar from the Martin Co., the prototype of 650 being produced to mark the 75th birthday of the Opry that was taking place in 2000. 

Pam had been invited to become an Opry member several months earlier, with Jimmy Dickens delivering the invitation during the Opry show on June 24. Jimmy said, "She's overdue, man. She should have been here long ago." Her induction, at the time, continued speculation concerning her father's status with the Opry, with Bill Anderson commenting that he wished to see Mel become an Opry member. 

Pam Tillis has had a wonderful career in country music. She has released 45 singles and 14 studio albums, at last count. What is interesting is that she has had only one single that has reached #1 on the charts, ""Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)" in 1994. Her other Top 10 singles have included "Don't Tell Me What to Do," "Maybe It Was Memphis," " Let That Pony Run," "Shake the Sugar Tree," "All the Good Ones Are Gone," "Spilled Perfume," and "Land of the Living." During the 1990s, she was constantly on the country singles and album charts. She also made numerous videos and collaborated with numerous other artists. She has been nominated for numerous country music awards and in 1994 she was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association. She is also a Grammy Award winner. 

The Tuesday Night Opry will include not only Pam Tillis, but a few of her Opry friends as Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan and Vince Gill are scheduled to appear. Also scheduled is her good friend, Suzy Bogguss. 

Tuesday August 26
7:00: Pam Tillis, Emily Ann Roberts, Suzy Bogguss, Jamey Johnson
Intermission
8:20: Lorrie Morgan, Russell Dickerson, Vince Gill

The Wednesday Night Opry has Opry members T. Graham Brown, Del McCoury, Steven Curtis Chapman (who is still the Opry's newest member for a couple of more weeks) and Don Schlitz. 

Wednesday August 27
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Madeline Merlo, Del McCoury Band, Anne Wilson
Intermission
8:20: Dasha, Chayce Beckman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Don Schlitz

Finally, Opry Country Classics on Thursday night closes out the mid-week shows. This week Crystal Gayle is the Spotlight Artist: 

Thursday August 28
Opry Country Classics 
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Lee Roy Parnell, Charlie McCoy

Congratulations again to Pam Tillis upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 8/22 & 8/23

As most of you know, I was at the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night, on a night in which Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith was going to be honored upon her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Connie, along with her husband Marty Stuart, who was also scheduled to appear, were unable to make it due to Covid and Connie's 60th show was postponed. While Connie and Marty did not appear, the rest of the artists who were scheduled, and were personally picked by Connie to be on last night, did. The show was wonderful. Every artist mentioned Connie, sending along their best wishes, and several of the acts performed songs that had either been hits by Connie, or songs that Connie had requested. 

As I wrote, it was a wonderful show. Vince Gill was back at the Opry after completing his summer tour and it was good to have him back. He is on the schedule for several more shows in the coming weeks. And while they have been on for a couple of weeks now, The Whites sounded wonderful. It was the first time that my wife had seen Old Crow Medicine Show in person, and they did not disappoint her. Their antics brought a smile to her face. Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Mandy Barnett did two songs each and were well received by those attending. 

The two acts I do want to single out are The Isaacs and Sierra Ferrell. The Isaacs were just outstanding. There is no other way to put it. Sierra Ferrell was the only non-member on the show, and she was asked by Connie to appear. It was the first time I had seen her, and I was impressed. Sierra also did a duet with Chris Scruggs. It was easy to see how she won those numerous Grammy Awards. All in all, it was a wonderful evening, and Casey and I were very fortunate to have been able to be there for that mid-week show. 

As far as rescheduling Connie's 60th anniversary show, no date has been set. While I am sure it will be a date that will accommodate Marty's schedule, I am not sure as to who else would be appearing on the rescheduled night. I am sure once everyone has recovered, the Opry will figure it all out. 

Now moving ahead to the shows on the schedule for this weekend, Vince Gill is scheduled to appear on both the Friday and Saturday night shows. Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry are Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills and Riders In The Sky. Amythyst Kiah, Joshua Ray Walker and Mae Estes round out the lineup. 

In addition to Vince, Riders In The Sky are on the Saturday schedule, along with John Conlee and Don Schlitz. The Lone Bellow will be making their Opry debut, and rounding out the Saturday show is Alex Velluto and Mickey Guyton. 

Friday August 22
7:00: Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, Amythyst Kiah, Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:20: Joshua Ray Walker, Mae Estes, Vince Gill

Saturday August 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, The Lone Bellow, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Opry Square Dancers, Alex Velluto, Mickey Guyton, Vince Gill

The Lone Bellow consists of Zach Williams, Kanene Pipkin and Brian Elmquist. They released their debut album in 2013, after which came their follow up, Then Came The Morning—produced by Aaron Dessner of The National—garnered an Americana Music Award nomination and led to appearances on major national platforms including Jimmy Kimmel Live, Letterman, Conan, and CBS This Morning.

Now based in Nashville, their fifth album, Love Songs for Losers, marked a pivotal moment: their first self-produced project, recorded in Roy Orbison’s former home and featuring standout tracks like “Gold,” “Honey,” and “Homesick.”

With their upcoming sixth studio album, The Lone Bellow enters a bold new era—one that celebrates artistic growth, creative collaboration, and renewed purpose. Their current single, “That Table,” was co-written by Grammy Award-winner Aaron Raitiere and acclaimed hospitality leader Will Guidara, signaling the band’s ongoing commitment to connection, storytelling, and innovation. 

Sometimes a name will pop up on a past Grand Ole Opry lineup that brings back a memory of. On Saturday August 23, 1969, one of those names appeared on the Opry that night: Audrey Williams, the former wife of Hank Williams and the mother of Hank Williams, Jr. 

Audrey Sheppard was born in Banks, Alabama in 1923. Previously married with a daughter, she met Hank Williams in 1943 and the were married the following year. The marriage was difficult as both Hank and Audrey dealt with numerous personal issues. While the marriage floundered, it did produce one son, Randall Williams born in 1949. While Hank nicknamed his son "Bocephus" Audrey later appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and officially renamed him Hank Williams, Jr. 

While largely forgotten now, after her divorce from Hank Williams, and following his death, Audrey was constantly in the news, the majority of times for the wrong reasons. She was involved in numerous lawsuits, attempting to manage her son, and trying to embark on what was an unsuccessful singing career of her own. 

She never remarried after her divorce from Hank as she would lose the royalties that were awarded to her after the divorce. Even with those royalties and the continued court battle with Hank's second wife, Billy Jean Williams, Audrey had financial difficulties, to the point of having a garage/yard sale at her home. 

Her body was found at her home on November 4, 1975, where it was reported after toxically tests that she died from natural causes. She was only 52 and had been in declining health. She had Despite rumors and years of drug and alcohol abuse; none were found in her system.

Here is the running order from that night 56 years ago, Saturday August 23, 1969: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jim Ed Brown (host): (?)
The 4 Guys: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
Glaser Brothers (host): (?)
Del Wood: (?)

7:00: Luzianne
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Jan Howard: We Had All Of The Good Things Going
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
Stringbean: Battle Of New Orleans
Jack Barlow: My Elusive Dreams
Jan Howard: Any Old Way You Do
Bill Anderson: The Games People Play

7:30: Standard Candy
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Bill Carlisle: Poke Salad Annie
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind/Early Morning Rain
Audrey Williams: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry/I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Loretta Lynn: To Make A Man Feel Like A Man
Johnny Carver: That's Your Hang Up Baby
Bill Price: We Could
Billy Grammer: Black Mountain Rag/Flop-Eared Mule/Wildwood Flower
Loretta Lynn & Larry Ethridge: Who's Gonna Take Your Garbage Out
Jimmy Payne: Tonight's The Night Miss Sally Testifies
Billy Grammer: Peace On Earth Begins Today

8:30: Stephens
Jack Greene (host): Your Love Takes Care Of Me
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
John Wesley Ryles: Kay
Fruit Jar Drinkers Walking In My Sleep
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: The Chain Of Love

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Big Daddy
Johnny Carver: Proud Mary
Lorene Mann: Tell It All
Jack Barlow: Birmingham Blues
Jim Ed Brown: Distant Drums/He'll Have To Go/Four Walls
Johnny Carver: That's Your Hang Up Baby
Lorene Mann: All I Have To Offer You Is Me

10:00: Fender
The 4 Guys (host): The Games People Play
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Jeanne Pruett: Today I Started Loving You Again
The 4 Guys: Over On The Other Side

10:15: Pure
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Stringbean & George Lindsey: Lonesome Road Blues
Penny DeHaven: Baby, Why You Been Gone So Long
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind

10:30: Trailblazer
Glaser Brothers (host): Wicked California
Loretta Lynn: Woman Of The World
Glaser Brothers: Release Me/Than I Turned & Walked Away Slowly/Many Tears Ago Today/There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight/Bouquet Of Roses

10:45: Kent
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Bill Carlisle: Polk Salad Annie
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Billy Grammer: Peace On Earth Begins Today

11:00: Coca Cola
Jack Greene (host): Wanting You, But Never Having You
Jeannie Seely: Just Enough To Start Me Dreaming Again
Bill Price: Swinging Doors
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Love Is No Excuse
Sam McGee: Wheels
Jack Greene: You Gave Me A Mountain

11:30: Lava 
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Del Reeves: Be Glad
John Wesley Ryles: Eva Magdalena
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Del Reeves: Green, Green Grass Of Home
John Wesley Ryles: Anne
Roy Drusky: When Two Worlds Collide

Lot and lots of non-members on the Opry that night. 

I know there are a lot of stories out there regarding Audrey Williams. She is also mentioned in several books. In her case, it is hard to separate the facts as to what is true and what has been fabricated. Even 50 years after her death, her name will still pop up on occasion, especially in regard to her marriage to Hank.  

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 are another full week of Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule with the highlight taking place on Wednesday night as Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith will be honored upon her 60th anniversary of becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

From the Tennessean, Sept. 5, 1965: 

The newest additions to the Grand Ole Opry's cast of stars are Connie Smith and Bob Luman. Connie, who's current hit is "I Can't Remember," became an overnight star when her first recording, "Once A Day," became the No. 1 country song in the country. A native of Elkhart, Ind., Connie grew up in Warner, Ohio. She taught herself to play the guitar while recuperating in a hospital from a lawn-moving accident. She began singing at square dances, picnics, and other gatherings, which led to appearances on radio, television, and to stardom. Connie, 24, is from a family of 14 children. She is now married and living in Hendersonville. Announcement of the new additions to the Opry cast was made by Ott Devine, manager of the Opry. 

I think everyone is aware of how Connie came to Nashville, thanks to the help of Bill Anderson, and reached No. 1 on the charts with her monster hit, "Once A Day." Connie Smith first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in July 1964 and made several guest appearances over the next year. 

Among those on the schedule for the Wednesday Night Opry, in addition to Connie, are Opry members Marty Stuart, Vince Gill, Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Whites. 

According to the Opry's records, Connie officially became an Opry member on August 21, 1965. Here is the running lineup from that night 60 years ago: 

7:30: Billy Walker, Jean Shepard, George Hamilton IV, Stringbean
8:00: Jimmy C Newman, Jim & Jesse, Ray Pillow, Del Wood, Curly Fox, Crook Brothers
8:30: Bobby Lord, Margie Bowes, Bob Luman, Cousin Jody, Warner Mack
9:00: Ernest Tubb, Carter Family, Bobby Bare, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Jack Greene
9:30: Hank Snow, Sonny James, Ernie Ashworth, Osborne Brothers
10:00: Billy Walker, Jean Shepard, Del Wood
10:15: Jimmy C Newman, Stringbean, George Hamilton IV
10:30: Bobby Lord, Carter Family
10:45: Ernest Tubb, Curly Fox, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow, Margie Bowes, Jim & Jesse, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Ernie Ashworth, Sam & Kirk McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins, Osborne Brothers, Bobby Bare, Cousin Jody

What is interesting is Bob Luman, who joined the Opry on the same date as Connie, was on the Opry that night, however, Connie was not. Connie's first night appears to have been a month later, on Saturday September 18. Here is the running order from that night: 

7:30: Leroy Van Dyke, Bill Carlisle, Connie Smith
8:00: Roy Drusky, Jim & Jesse, Merle Kilgore, Crook Brothers
8:30: Roy Acuff, Howdy Forrester, Archie Campbell, Onie Wheeler, Oswald, Jimmy Riddle
9:00: Ernest Tubb, Wilburn Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Fruit Jar Drinkers
9:30: Hank Snow, Willis Brothers, Hank Locklin, Marion Worth, The Blue Boys
10:00: Leroy Van Dyke, Bill Carlisle
10:15: Roy Acuff, Roy Drusky, Harold Weakley
10:30: Jim & Jesse, Connie Smith
10:45; Ernest Tubb, Crook Brothers, Cal Smith
11:00: Hank Snow, Wilburn Brothers, Harold Morrison, Loretta Lynn, Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Hank Locklin, Willis Brothers, Marion Worth, Archie Campbell, Merle Kilgor

While Connie did join the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, she did leave for a short time. A couple of explanations as to the reason why have been given over the years. One version is that she was moving more in the direction of gospel music and wanted to spend more time with her family, as her children became a focus in her life. Another version is that the one of the Opry staff band musicians complained about having to sit out most of the show due to artists bringing their own bands. The band member suggested that Connie Smith and Jeannie Seely drop their bands for Opry performances. While Jeannie did not, Connie, in protest, quit the Opry for a time. Happily, she came back and on Wednesday night, we celebrate her Opry anniversary. 

While the focus this week is on the Wednesday Night Opry, there is also a Tuesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics on Thursday night. 

Taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, Rhonda Vincent is back, along with T. Graham Brown, Henry Cho and Don Schlitz.

Tuesday August 19
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Drew Baldridge, T. Graham Brown, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: Silverada, Henry Cho, Ian Munsick, Don Schlitz

Finishing up the week is Opry Country Classics on Thursday night, with Dailey & Vincent as the Spotlight Artists. 

Thursday August 21
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Deborah Allen, John Foster, Moe Bandy

And yes, I will be in Nashville this week and I will be at the Opry on Wednesday night along with Casey, who will be making one of her rare trips to Nashville as she is a Connie Smith fan also. 

Grand Ole Opry 8/15 & 8/16

Early this week, there was the announcement and press release regarding A Grand Old Opry Christmas movie to be aired on the Hallmark Channel. Here is the press release: 

STUDIO CITY, CA and NASHVILLE, TN – August 11, 2025 – Hallmark Channel, the perennial, undisputed #1 destination for holiday movie viewing and the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous, are setting the stage for a magical trip across time with A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a new, original movie starring Nikki DeLoach (Curious Caterer Mysteries, Our Holiday Story) and Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest), premiering this year during Hallmark Channel’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.  Production begins later this month at iconic locations including the Grand Ole Opry House.  The movie will feature familiar faces from the Opry’s star-studded cast, with artists to be announced at a later date. 

The network also announced that GRAMMY® Award-winning country music superstar and Opry member Brad Paisley will write original music for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas and will also perform.  Additionally, Paisley will write and record the official anthem for the network’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas on-air campaign. 

“As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together,” remarked Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark.  “Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic.” 

“Our goal in this milestone year is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before,” said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Opry’s parent company.  “Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story.” 

“Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of,” Abbott continued.  “And we’re equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season.” 

“The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays,” said Paisley. “We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it’s a major part of the atmosphere for us.  I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built.  Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done.  Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring.” 

Hallmark is launching an exclusive collection of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products including greeting cards, apparel, accessories, jewelry and gifts – the perfect way for fans to celebrate Christmas in country style.  The collection will be available to shop later this year at Hallmark.com, Shop.Opry.com, The Opry Shops and at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City. 

ABOUT A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS

Gentry Woods (DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Woods – half of the famed duo Winter and Woods – abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her father’s legacy following his tragic car accident 30 years prior.  When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she’s hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories.  Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue’s oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995.  Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac (Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well.  Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades. 

It's nice to see Brad Paisley a part of this special. It would be even nicer to see Brad Paisley back at the Opry. So far during the Opry's 100th year, he has yet to appear. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, the Friday Night Opry features Opry members Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Charlie McCoy. Saturday night Bill Anderson returns, along with T. Graham Brown and Don Schlitz. 

Runaway June is guesting on Friday, along with Peytan Porter, Noah Thompson and comedian Aaron Weber. Jordan Davis, Kylie Morgan, Monte Warden and Wyatt Ellis are scheduled on Saturday

Friday August 15
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Runaway June
Intermission
8:20: Peyton Porter, Aaron Weber, Noah Thompson, Charlie McCoy

Saturday August 16
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Bill Anderson, Jordan Davis
Intermission
8:20: Kylie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Monte Warden, Wyatt Ellis, Don Schlitz

Taking a look at the weekend of August 15 & 16, 1986, I thought for the mid-1980s, this was a pretty typical weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. The vast majority of the acts on both shows were Opry members. The non-members on the Friday Night Opry included Keith Whitley and Ronnie McDowell. The 7:00 segment on Saturday night was televised by TNN and featured a guest appearance by Jeannie C. Riley. Jeannie also appeared on the late show that night. The rest of the lineup consisted of Opry members that you would typically see on a Friday or Saturday night at the Opry. 

First, here is the posted lineup from Friday August 15:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host): The 4 Guys, Jeannie Pruett, Roy Drusky, Charlie Louvin
7:00: Bill Anderson (host): Ronnie McDowell, Jan Howard, Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy C Newman, Jean Shepard, Minnie Pearl
8:00: Bill Monroe (host): Connie Smith, Keith Whitley, Skeeter Davis
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Stonewall Jackson, Jeannie Seely, Charlie Walker

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Jimmy C Newman, The Tennessee Flatfooters, Ronnie McDowell
10:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy Dickens, Bill Carlisle, The 4 Guys
10:30: Bill Monroe (host): Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jeannie Seely, Stonewall Jackson, Connie Smith
11:30: Charlie Walker (host): Skeeter Davis, Keith Whitley

Now here is the running order from the following night: 

Saturday August 16, 1986
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough To Do Most Anything/Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): The Mean Woman With The Blue Eyes
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Charlie Walker: One Step Away From Coming Home
Charlie Walker & Joe Edwards: Ida Red

7:00: Shoney's
Ricky Skaggs (host): Love's Gonna Get You Someday
Jim Ed Brown: When A Child Is Born
Jeannie C Riley: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You
Johnny Russell: Red Necks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer
Ricky Skaggs: Cajun Moon/Honey Open That Door

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Ray Pillow: 'Til The Best Comes Along
Charlie Louvin: He Can Be Found/When I Stop Dreaming
Connie Smith: Then & Only Then/Once A Day
Crook Brothers & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin

8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Looking At The World Through A Windshield
Jean Shepard: Kentucky
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me
Vic Willis Trio: Let It Be Me
Roy Drusky: Billy Bayou
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me

8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson; Why I'm Walkin'/Muddy Water
Jan Howard: Rocking With You
Hank Snow: Nevertheless

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Ricky Skaggs (host): Highway 40 Blues
Jeannie Seely: When You're Heart's Been Stepped On
Jim Ed Brown: Between A Hurt & A Heartache
The 4 Guys: Wings Of A Dove
Lorrie Morgan: Do I Love You
Ricky Skaggs: I'm Just A Country Boy

10:00: Little Debbie
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jeannie C Riley: Love Is A Winding Road
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Pet Milk
Del Reeves (host): Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
Connie Smith: Louisiana Man
Del Reeves: Good Hearted Woman

10:45: Heil-Quaker
Ray Pillow (host): You're One Memory That I Would Like To Make Again
Jeanne Pruett: Back-To-Back
Crook Brothers & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar In The Goard
Ray Pillow: Drinking My Baby Goodbye

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
The Carlisles: Oh, What A Party
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Jean Shepard: A Stranger In My Place/Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me Of Me

11:30: Quincy's
Roy Drusky (host): Tennessee Border
Jan Howard: I Don't Know A Thing About Love/Wayfaring Stranger
Johnny Russell: Kaw-Liga/No Relief In Sight
Roy Drusky: Where Could I Got But To The Lord

Bill Anderson, Bill Monroe, Jimmy C Newman and Justin Tubb only appeared on the Friday Night Opry. Charlie Walker, Skeeter Davis, Charlie Louvin and The Vic Willis Trio were only scheduled for the first show on Saturday night while Jeannie Seely and Lorrie Morgan were only on the 2nd show. Justin Tubb was also scheduled for the 2nd show but cancelled). 

There you have it for this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

On Tuesday night, the Opry 100 Honors series will pay tribute to Porter Wagoner, affectionately known as "Mr. Grand Ole Opry." For several decades, following the death of Roy Acuff, Porter became the face of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming one of the most loyal and beloved members in the history of the show. It will be a special night as Grand Ole Opry members Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett and Ketch Secor join in celebrating the musical life of Porter. Joining them will be Rhett Akins and making his Opry debut, Gordon Mote.

For those who are not aware, Gordon shared a close relationship with Wagoner and accompanied him on the Opry stage for several years. He will perform original music, tell personal stories, and honor Porter with a performance of one of his classic hits.

Seeing how well the first series of shows that featured Loretta Lynn, Johnny & June Carter Cash and Charlie Daniels were received, this should be another wonderful night at the Opry.

Tuesday August 12
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Chuck Mead, Ketch Secor, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:20: Rhett Akins, Connie Smith, Gordon Mote, Marty Stuart

Taking a look at the Wednesday Night Opry, he's still the Opry's newest member and Steven Curtis Chapman will be back for another Opry performance, joined by members Rhonda Vincent and The Whites. Neal McCoy, The War and Treaty, Hailey Whitters and Tucker Wetmore are also on the schedule. 

Wednesday August 13
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Tucker Wetmore, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:20: Hailey Whitters, Neal McCoy, The War and Treaty

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night. The Spotlight artist this week is Opry member Ricky Skaggs. 

Opry Country Classics
Thursday August 14
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Wade Hayes, Ben Haggard, Neal McCoy, Twitty & Lynn

Porter Wagoner joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in February 1957. Here is how it was reported in the Nashville Tennessean, Feb. 21, 1957: 

The WSM Grand Ole Opry is bringing in nine new artists who will join the program Saturday and Saturday week, W.D. Kilpatrick, Opry director, announced yesterday. They are Porter Wagoner, sideman Dan Warren and Red Gale who will appear on Saturday night's show. 

Wilma Lee, Stoney Cooper, and their 15-year-old daughter Carolee and members of the "Clinch Mountain Clan," Woody Woodheim, Johnny Clark and Jimmy Crawford, who will join the Opry March 2.

All these artists will move to Nashville immediately, Kilpatrick said. Wagoner comes to Nashville from the Ozark Jubilee program and "The Clinch Mountain Clan" comes from "The Wheeling Jamboree" on station WWVA in Wheeling, W. Va, after 12 years there. 

Kilpatrick said Wagoner will under no circumstances "share or split his activities with any other operation as previously reported." A show business trade magazine had reported earlier that Wagoner would make occasional guest appearances on another country music program. 

Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains, Missouri in 1927. His first band, the Blue Ridge Boys, performed on radio station KWPM-AM from a butcher shop in his native West Plains, where he cut meat. In 1951 he was hired by Si Siman as a performer on KWTO in Springfield, Missouri. This led to a contract with RCA Victor. In 1953 his song "Trademark" became a hit for Carl Smith, followed by a few hits of his own for RCA Victor. Starting in 1955, he was a featured performer on ABC-TV's Ozark Jubilee in Springfield. He often appeared on the show as part of the Porter Wagoner Trio with Don Warden and Speedy Haworth. Warden, on steel guitar, became Wagoner's long-time business manager. In 1957, Wagoner and Warden moved to Nashville, Tennessee, joining the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1960, he started the syndicated "Porter Wagoner Show" which aired for 21 years and was a key factor in popularizing country and gospel music across the United States. He helped launch the career of Dolly Parton by hiring her as his duet partner. They were the Country Music Association's duo of the year in 1970 and 1971, recording hit duets to include "The Last Thing on My Mind." In the 1980s, he continued to perform on the "Grand Ole Opry," toured and appeared in the movie "Honkytonk Man" with Clint Eastwood. With the new Nashville Network in the 1990s, Porter received more appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and exposure in the international television market. He has been awarded four Grammy awards, three for his work in gospel music. In later years, he remained highly successful, recording albums with a country-gospel flavor. His last album, "Gospel 2006" had the hit single, "The Dream (A True Story)." In 2002, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

When all was said and done, Porter recorded just over 50 studio albums and released 80 singles, 2 of which went to No. 1: "A Satisfied Mind" (1955), and "Misery Loves Company" (1962). He also had numerous Top 10 singles including "Company's Comin," Eat, Drink, and Be Merry," "Your Old Love Letters," "I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand," "Sorrow On The Rocks," "Green, Green Grass of Home," "Skid Row Joe," " Cold Hard Facts of Life," and "Carroll Country Accident."  

Once Porter joined the Grand Ole Opry he never left. He was an Opry member for just over 50 years before passing away in 2007. 

I do not have the Opry lineup from the night he joined the cast. However, I do have the lineup from Saturday April 6, 1957, just 6 weeks after Porter joined. Here is the lineup from that night: 

7:30: Nabisco
Roy Acuff: It's Hard To Love
Justin Tubb: Pepper Hot Baby
Oswald: Southern Moon
Roy Acuff: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
Howdy Forrester: Forked Deer

7:45: American Ace
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Faron Young: I'm Gonna Live Some Before I Die
Maybelle Carter: I Never Love But One
Benny Martin: Story Of My Life
Faron Young: Schrine Of St. Cecelia
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs: Shuck A Little Corn
Porter Wagoner: I Should Be With You
George Jones: Don't Stop The Music
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Is There Room For Me
Jean Shepard: I'd Rather Die Young
Carlisles: Rough Stuff
Possum Hunters: Fire In The Mountain
Porter Wagoner: I'm Day Dreaming Tonight
Flatt & Scruggs: Down The Road

8:30: Prince Albert
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Ray Price: I've Got A New Heartache
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin
Marty Robbins: Knee Deep In The Blues
Chet Atkins: Back Home In Indiana
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Hal Cook: Presentation
Ray Price: Crazy Arms
Marty Robbins: Singing The Blues
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb: TBA
Johnny & Jack: Oh Baby Mine
Stringbean: Herro Mr. Banjo
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Setting You Free
Kitty Wells: Searching 
Ernest Tubb: Don't Forbid Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Johnny & Jack: I Want To Be Loved
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May

9:30: Stephens
Hank Snow: Calypso Sweetheart
Lovin Brothers: Don't Laugh
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Sunny Side Of The Mountain
Chet Atkins: Limehouse House
Wilma Lee & Stoney: Cheated Too
Hank Snow: Marriage And Divorce
Ladell Sisters: Alabama Jubilee
T. Texas Tyler: Deck Of Cards
Crook Brothers: Eighth Of January
Louvin Brothers: New Partner Waltz
Hank Snow: Put Me In My Trundle Bed

10:00: Wall-Rite
Roy Acuff: I Love Mountain Music
George Jones: Uh Uh No
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch And Chain
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light
Fiddle Tune: Money Musk

10:15: Delited
Carlisles: Theme
Ray Price: Wasted Words
Jean Shepard: If You Can Walk Away
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Ray Price: You Done Me Wrong
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

10:30: Hester Battery
Marty Robbins: I Can't Quit
Flatt & Scruggs: What's Good For You Should Be Alright For Me
Justin Tubb: I'm A Big Boy Now
Marty Robbins: Same Two Lips
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

10:45: De Con
Faron Young: Sweet Dreams
Wilma Lee & Stoney: Loving You
Crook Brothers: Tennessee Wagoner
Faron Young: Until I Met You
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy

11:00: Coca Cola
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Ernest Tubb: Will You Be Satisfied That Way
Johnny & Jack: A Pleasure Is Not A Habit In Mexico
Wilburn Brothers: Go Away With Me
June Carter & Smokey: Comedy
Ernest Tubb: God's Eyes
Kitty Wells: A Change Of Heart
Stonewall Jackson: Stop Your Naggin Hoss
Stringbean: Pretty Little Pink
Gully Jumper: New Five Cents
Johnny & Jack: All The Time
Ernest Tubb: Kansas City Kitty

11:30: Jamison Mattress
Old Hickory Singers: Theme
Hank Snow: Calypso Min From Juares
Louvin Brothers: You're Running Wild
T. Texas Tyler: Remember Me
Hank Snow: Rumba Boogie

11:45: Sustaining
Fiddle Tune: Back Up And Push
Porter Wagoner: I Guess I'm Crazy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: If It Ain't On The Menu
Sam and Kirk: The Wagon Is New
Benny Martin: Look What You Have Done To Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ida Red
Porter Wagoner: Uncle Pen 

All I can say is what a show that night. 

It is safe to say that Porter Wagoner is well deserving as being one of the Opry Honors honorees. 

Kathy Mattea

Press release from the Grand Ole Opry: 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (August 9, 2025) – Multi-Grammy® Award winning Kathy Mattea was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Opry member Charlie McCoy. The four-time CMA Award winner, longtime Opry favorite, and host of the popular “Mountain Stage” radio show will officially join the Opry family on Saturday, October 11. Tickets are on sale now for the two-show Saturday night.

Mattea’s long-time friend and fellow West Virginian, McCoy surprised her onstage turning off her speaker during her performance of her award-winning hit “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses”. A surprised Mattea said, “Oh…Charlie, you just turned my speaker off!” McCoy replied, “I’m so sorry to interrupt” as he presented her with a dozen roses.  “I want to ask you a question,” McCoy continued. “How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?” An emotional Mattea immediately answered, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!”  As the audience rose to its feet, Mattea soaked in what had just happened, sharing, “I just want to take this in and just remember this moment.”

“Oh my, I’m here to tell you, I will not forget this night. Ever. Ever. Ever,” Mattea concluded before inviting McCoy to join her on “18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses.” 

“I’ve personally watched for nearly 30 years now as Kathy Mattea has brought such great songs, so much artistic integrity, and sheer joy to the Opry stage,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “We all look forward to many more such performances in that circle she’ll call home.” 

The Opry will celebrate two of its longtime Opry members later this month on their milestone Opry anniversaries. On August 20, the Opry will celebrate Connie Smith’s 60th Opry anniversary with performances by Smith, Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent, Sierra Ferrell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more. Smith is the second female Opry member in its 100-year history to mark 60 years as an Opry member. Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th Opry anniversary in 2015. On August 26th Pam Tillis will celebrate her 25th Opry anniversary alongside Suzy Bogguss, Russell Dickerson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Emily Ann Roberts, and more.

Steve Earle will officially be inducted into the Opry family on September 17 by Emmylou Harris with appearances by Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and more. 

About Kathy Mattea:

Kathy was born in Cross Lane, W.V. She received classical voice training in junior high but also took up guitar when she discovered folk music. In 1976, while in college at West Virginia University, she joined the bluegrass band Pennsboro and two years later dropped out of school to move to Nashville.

She worked odd jobs and waited tables while honing her music, and in 1983 she landed a deal with Mercury on the strength of her demo tape. Her self-titled debut was released in 1984, and the follow-up, From My Heart, appeared the next year. None of the singles from either record managed to reach the Top 20. However, her third effort, 1986's folky Walk the Way the Wind Blows, proved to be her critical and commercial breakthrough. Her cover of Nanci Griffith's "Love at the Five and Dime" was her first Top 5 hit, and the record produced three other Top 10 hits. Her 1987 album Untasted Honey offered two No. 1 country hits, "Goin' Gone" and her signature song, "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses." The latter won the 1988 Country Music Association's (CMA) Single of the Year Award.

Kathy's 1989 album Willow in the Wind brought two more No. 1 hits, "Come from the Heart" and "Burnin' Old Memories," as well as "She Came from Fort Worth." She won a Grammy for another of the album's tracks, "Where've You Been," and also captured the CMA's female vocalist trophies in 1989 and 1990.

Seeking to keep her music fresh by returning to its roots, Kathy made several trips to Scotland in the early '90s, studying the links between country music and traditional Scottish folk. Her own music kept getting "rootsier" and more eclectic throughout the '90s.

Kathy's new direction couldn't have taken her further from her old way of doing things. Where once she was pitched songs by Music Row writers, now she collects the generations-old and new but old-in-soul tunes that move her at folk gatherings and rounds out her repertoire through extensive research.

Never one to tread water creatively, she's made her gracefully daring leap into the roots-honoring traditional folk world with the albums Calling Me Home and Coal. "To be a complete novice at something after you've been singing for three or four decades, to feel that humility of 'I don't even know if I'm going to be able to pull this off again,' it's a great gift," she shares. "A lot of times people go through their whole lives and never get to that place.

Kathy is a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry. "When you play the Opry, you're entering history, right there. There's a wonderful sense of community – family really – that's inter-generational. From the welcoming presence of a long timer stepping into the dressing room saying, 'Glad to have you back!' to the spontaneous backstage jam sessions, to catching up with old friends, there's just no place like it."

I think it is no secret that I have felt for years that Kathy should be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She has had a wonderful career, and more importantly, understands the history of the Opry and its place in country music. Her induction is set for October 11. 

Congratulations to Kathy Mattea. 

Grand Ole Opry 8/8 & 8/9

Anytime you lose a Grand Ole Opry member, you know it will be a very emotional weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. We saw that last weekend with a very emotional and heartfelt dedication by Dan Rogers, and numerous references to Jeannie Seely throughout both shows. Sometimes you forget what an impact someone has until they are no longer there. Jeannie was one of those and she did have an enormous impact not only on the Opry, but with an entire generation of female singers. Her influence and guidance were enormous. It will be interesting to see, among the female members of the Opry, who will pick up the mantle and follow in Jeannie's footsteps. 

Moving on to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, the Friday Night Opry has five members on the schedule: Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, T. Graham Brown, Gary Mule Deer and The Isaacs. Gary Mule Deer is also on Saturday's schedule, along with Mandy Barnett, John Conlee and Charlie McCoy. In other words, the Opry members that we have come to count on to fill the lineups each weekend. 

Ashley Monroe, who has not appeared on the Opry in quite a while, will be making a guest appearance on Friday night, as will Jamie O'Neal and Blessing Offor. 

Kathy Mattea is on the Saturday schedule, and in the case of Kathy, I will keep pushing for her to become an Opry member someday. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers will bring the sound of bluegrass to the stage, while Madeline Edwards and Hayes Carll fill out the lineup. 

Friday August 8
7:00: Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, Ashley Monroe, Blessing Offor
Intermission
8:20: T. Graham Brown, Gary Mule Deer, Jamie O'Neal, The Isaacs

Saturday August 9
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Hayes Carll, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Intermission
8:20: Madeline Edwards, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy

This week the Opry 100 Spotlight shines on former Grand Ole Opry member Norma Jean, who on Saturday August 9, 1969, made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance while still a member of the Opry' cast. 

Norma Jean Beasler was born in Oklahoma and began performing at an early age. By the age of 12 she was singing on local radio and shortly after began touring with various bands. In 1955, she got a regular spot on the ABC-TV show Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri, where she stayed for two years and first received national exposure. Host Red Foley suggested calling her simply Norma Jean, and she made it official in 1958; she also became known on the program as Pretty Miss Norma Jean. 

She met Porter Wagoner on the show, and in 1959 and in 1961, she became a regular on The Porter Wagoner Show, a weekly syndicated program. She became a popular addition to Porter's show and joined Porter's road show. The success from her appearances on Porter's show led to Chet Atkins signing her to a recording contract with RCA. Among her hits were "Let's Go All the Way," "Heaven Help the Working Girl," "Go Cat Go," and "I Wouldn't Buy a Used Car From Him." Her biggest hit came in 1966. It was an unusual recording with Bobby Bare and Liz Anderson, "The Game of Triangles", a wife-husband-other woman drama that hit number five on the Billboard chart and earned the trio a Grammy nomination. All in all, she had 13 singles that reached the Billboard Top 40 and 20 albums. 

Thanks to her recording success, along with support from Porter Wagoner, Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 9, 1965. 

Norma Jean left Wagoner's show in 1967 after marrying Jody Taylor (whom she later divorced), and was replaced by newcomer Dolly Parton, who went on to become one of country music's leading female stars. Parton said later she had a hard time replacing Norma Jean, because she was so loved by country fans. While Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton became one of country music's greatest duos, Porter and Norma Jean never recorded together. 

After she left Porter's show, Norma Jean continued for a short time on the Opry and on the nights Porter and Dolly were scheduled, she would appear on a different segment. Eventually, she moved away from Nashville and gave up her Opry membership. Later she would return and record more music, but she would not duplicate her prior success. Her return included several guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. 

 
Here is the running order from Saturday August 9, 1969, the final night that Norma Jean performed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host)
Del Wood

6:45: Wilburn Brothers (host)
Bob Luman

7:00: Luzianne
Hank Locklin (host): Country Hall of Fame
Stringbean: Mountain Dew
Carol Northcutt: (?)
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Hank Locklin: Cuban Girl
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Jimmy C Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
The 4 Guys: Games People Play
Crook Brothers: Cacklin' Hen
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Stonewall Jackson: Never More Quote The Raven
The 4 Guys: Over On The Other Side

8:00: Martha White
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
Norma Jean: Lonesome Number One
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
The Homesteaders: Love Of The Common People
George Hamilton IV: Break My Mind
Norma Jean: Jackson Ain't A Very Big Town
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
The Homesteaders: Johnny B. Goode

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Smokey Places
Skeeter Davis: Both Sides Now
Ernie Ashworth: Love: I Finally Found It
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Billy Walker: Better Homes & Gardens
Skeeter Davis: Lonesome Road Blues
Ernie Ashworth: Heartbreak Avenue
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Wilburn Brothers (host): We Need A Lot More Happiness
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Del Wood: (?)
Lorene Mann: Tell It All
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Wilburn Brothers: Orange Blossom Special/Medals For Mothers

10:00: Fender
Bob Luman (host): Johnny B. Goode
The 4 Guys: My Special Angel
Carol Northcutt: San Antonio Rose
Bob Luman: Guitar Man

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
Oswald: Tennessee Waltz

10:30: Buckley's
Billy Walker (host): From The Bottle To The Bottom
Norma Jean: Dusty Road
Stringbean: Ruby
Billy Walker: Better Homes & Gardens

10:45: Kent
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Merle Kilgore: Honky Tonk Man
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Hank Locklin: Release Me/You've Still Got A Place In My Heart

11:00: Coca Cola
George Hamilton IV (host): Canadian Pacific
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jimmy C Newman: Boo Dan
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday Night
Sam McGee: Under The Double Eagle
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain

11:30: Lava
Ernie Ashworth (host): Love; I Finally Found It
The Homesteaders: The Race Is On
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons
Ernie Ashworth: Where Do You Go
The Homesteaders: Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line
Charlie Louvin: The Kind Of Man I Am
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

At the age of 87, Norma Jean is still alive and doing well. 

(One note from that final night: This was the final night that Buckley's sponsored the 10:30 segment on the Opry's 2nd show. Trailblazer Dog Food/Martha White would replace Buckley's the following week). 

Finally, I want to share a lineup from 73 years ago, Saturday August 9, 1952. What makes this date so significant? It was the last time that the name Hank Williams appeared on a Grand Ole Opry lineup. 

At this point, Hank's relationship with the Opry was not good. During the previous week, Opry Manager Jim Denny and Carl Smith visited with Hank told him that WSM management was demanding that Hank be fired. Hank had been missing shows and showing up at the Opry drunk and was becoming too unreliable. Jim Denny did not want to let Hank go, so he pleaded with Hank to be at the Opry for his appearance on August 9. Well, August 9 came, and Hank was a no-show. In addition, on the following day, Hank was supposed to appear at an Opry sponsored show. He did show up for that show, but he was drunk. Leaving him with no choice, on August 11, Hank was fired by Jim Denny as a member of the Opry. 

Here is the running order from Saturday August 9, 1952, the final time that Hank Williams was scheduled to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. (as a reminder, he was a no-show)

7:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Salty Dog Rag
Jimmy Dickens: Waitress, Waitress
Square Dancers: Whistlin' Rufus
Red Foley: The Last Mile of the Way
The Jordanaires: My Rock
Little Jimmy Dickens: Hot Diggity Dog
String Bean: Stay a Little Longer
Red Foley: Are You Trying to Tell Me Goodbye
Square Dancers: Ragtime Annie
The Jordanaires: Lead Me to That Rock

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): I Need Attention Bad
Bill Monroe; (?)
Martha Carson: (?)
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
The Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
June Carter: Fiddlin' Around
Martha Carson: (?)
Chet Atkins: Centipede Boogie
Ernest Tubb: I'm With a Crowd But So Alone
Fiddle: Arkansas Traveler

8:30: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Ten Little Numbers
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Pretty Little Widow
George Morgan: Be Sure You Know
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Hank Williams: Jambalaya
Roy Acuff: The Heart That Was Broken for Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Honky Tonk Sweetheart
Oswald: Good Ole Mountain Dew
The Lecroix Sisters: I Miss Oklahoma
Howdy Forrester: Fire in the Mountain

9:00: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith (host): It's A Lovely, Lovely World
Jimmy Dickens: Hot Diggity Dog
Anita Carter: (?)
Faron Young: Foolish Pride
Possum Hunters: (?)
Tommy Sosebee: I Thought I'd Die
The Jordanaires: Read That Book
Carl Smith: Are You Teasing Me
Jimmy Dickens: Cold Tater
Hal Smith: (?)

9:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): South Bound Train
Lew Childre: Hang Out the Front Door Key
Martha Carson: (?)
Howdy Forrester: (?)
The Lecroix Sisters: When God Dips His Love in My Heart

9:45: American Ace
Roy and Pete: Cheatin'
Johnny and Jack: (?)
Oswald: Jesse James
Roy Acuff: Wait for the Light to Shine

10:00: Wallrite
George Morgan (host): Candy Kisses
Bill Monroe: (?)
Hank Williams: Jambalaya
Red Foley: Mike Bucket Boogie

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
George Morgan (host): (?)
Bill Monroe: (?)
Red Foley: God's Little Candles
Hank Williams: (?)

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Somebody's Stolen My Heart
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Little But I'm Loud
The Gully Jumpers: (?)
Rod and Minnie: Comedy
Faron Young: Tattle Tale Tears
The Jordanaires: Wonderful
June Carter: Foggy Mountain Top
Chet Atkins: Spaghetti Rag
Ernest Tubb: You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry
Little Jimmy Dickens: Waitress, Waitress

11:00: Soltice
Roy Acuff (host): My Tears Don't Show
Lonzo and Oscar: Old Mother Nature No. 2
Howdy Forrester: Katy Hill
Roy Acuff: Drifting Too Far From the Shore

11:15: O-Cello-O
Carl Smith (host): Don't Just Stand There
Johnny and Jack: (?)
The Old Hickory Singers: I Don't Walk the Path No More
Carl Smith: Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way
Hal Smith: (?)

11:30: Darimix
Hank Williams (host): Ladies Man
Lew Childre: Golden River
Moon Mullican: I'll Sail My Ship Alone
The Crook Brothers: Billy in the Low Ground
Hank Williams: Honky Tonkin'
The Crook Brothers: Buff Creek Gal

11:45: Cowboy Copas (host): (?)
Sam and Kirk: (?)
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Rock Mountain
String Bean: (?)
Cowboy Copas: (?)

A couple of observations from that night: Knowing that Hank Williams was unreliable at that point, it is surprising to see him as the star of one of the segments. Bill Monroe, Johnny and Jack, and Martha Carson apparently had no song titles picked out when the program went to press. There were a couple of others, but those were the ones that stood out. 

Finally, Red Foley rarely appeared on any other Opry show segments except for the Prince Albert segment. That was the deal he had signed with the sponsor and the Opry when he joined. So it was surprising to see Red appearing later that night. 

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.