Tuesday Night Opry/Opry Country Christmas

This week, along with the Tuesday Night Opry, there are 3 Opry Country Christmas shows on the Opry schedule. 

Taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, Opry members Dailey & Vincent and Craig Morgan are the headliners, along with very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten and The Steeldrivers. Rounding out the lineup are Opry NextStage acts Tigirlily Gold and Chayce Beckham, comedian Mike James and Louise Mandrell. 

Now taking a look at the upcoming Opry Country Christmas shows for this coming week: 

Monday December 8
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Chris Janson
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Jason Crabb, Erin Enderlin, Asleep At The Wheel, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Wednesday December 10
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Lainey Wilson
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Frank Ray, Connie Smith with Marty Stuart, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Thursday December 11
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Kathy Mattea
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, The Shootouts, Mandy Barnett, Maddie & Tae, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Grand Ole Opry 12/5 & 12/6

After all of the excitement from last weekend, it is back to normal at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Friday December 5
7:00: Riders In The Sky with John Lomax III, John Conlee, Kat Luna, Tyler Braden
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Lily Rose, The Band Camino, Don Schlitz

Saturday December 6
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Del McCoury Band, Shelly Fairchild, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash
Intermission
8:20: Elizabeth Nichols, Opry Square Dancers, Eric Paslay, Don Schlitz

It is nice to see Connie back on Friday night after missing last weekend, and it will be the Opry debut for The Band Camino. 

There is also an Opry Country Christmas Show on Sunday night: 

Sunday December 7
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Carly Pearce
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, John Foster, Mandy Barnett, The Ornaments, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Taking a look back, it was on December 6, 1964, that the Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. 

From the Nashville Tennessean: 
Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said

Others leaving the Opry roster were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists. 

According to WSM officials, the move was in keeping with a long-standing Opry rule that performers must appear 26 shows a year in order to be retained. If they fail to do so they forfeit the right to use the Grand Ole Opry name. 

Bill Williams, WSM public relations director, said the decision to drop the names from the roster was by mutual agreement between WSM and the entertainers themselves. "Nobody is mad at anybody. It's just that periodically we have to take stock," Williams said. "It's just a routine thing." 

Some of the entertainers were dropped because their prior commitments outside the Opry would not allow them to appear on the necessary 26 shows. "These entertainers will be allowed to return anytime they wish," Williams added. "In every case it was an amicable decision." 

Johnny Wright and his wife Kitty Wells said yesterday they were still on "good terms" with WSM. "We had already booked these out-of-town dates when we were told the 26-performance rule would be enforced, "Wright said. "Kitty and I couldn't cancel these performances." Wright said he still plans to be on several WSM-TV shows during the next year but would not appear on the Opry until 1966. He said some of the entertainers plan to continue using the name of the Grand Ole Opry in their billing. 

At least two of the acts involved have been only "honorary members" of the Opry for a long time. Williams said they were sent letters last week to officially notify them that they are no longer on the roster. They were identified as Chet Atkins, world renowned guitarist and The Jordanaires, a singing group. "I haven't received any letter from WSM, "Atkins said yesterday. "Actually, I never signed a contract with the Opry and haven't worked down there in years. If I was sent a letter, it was a mere formality." Atkins is head of the RCA Victor recording studios here and the Jordanaires have been away from the Opry for more than a year, recording with top name stars such as Elvis Presley. Others whose name were dropped could not be reached for comment. 

Williams said extenuating circumstances such as health and financial hardship operated in some individual cases. The pay scale for personal appearances across the country is considerably higher than that of the Opry. The WSM show employes nearly 200 entertainers. Most of the entertainers dropped rocketed to national stardom after appearances on the Opry. 

In a follow up article the following day, Ott Devine, Opry director said, "Personally we will miss these people, but they represent only a small percentage of our roster. We are looking forward to having many of them back in 1966." 

(I wonder what the consequences would be if the today the Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to support the show). 

In another article in the same December 6 edition of the Tennessean it was announced that Willie Nelson had signed an exclusive contract with WSM's Grand Ole Opry. Like those who were dismissed, Willie would end up not making his required Opry appearances and would leave the Opry not too long after joining. 

There you have it for this week, the first weekend in December. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry shows this weekend. 

December Opry Highlights

Here we are. The final month of 2025. It certainly has been a fun year, and a lot of highlights have taken place at the Opry and more to come in December. But for now, here is a look back at years past: 

December 2, 1889: Herman Crook was born. Herman was one of the Opry's original members, joining the show when it was still called the WSM Barn Dance. Herman's first Opry appearance was on July 24, 1926, and he was with the show until his death in June 1988, just short of 62 years. When he passed away, the Crook Brothers were the last of the originals on the Opry, and they never wavered from the traditional string band sound. As Roy Acuff said, "He loved country music, but he wanted it country. He didn't go for any of this rock n' roll type stuff."

December 14, 1899: DeFord Bailey was born. DeFord was another of the Opry's original members, making his first appearance on June 19, 1926. DeFord was there the night Opry founder George D. Hay changed the name of the show from the WSM Barn Dance to the Grand Ole Opry, and he played the first song on the newly named show. DeFord was with the Opry until he was fired in 1941, in a move that left DeFord very bitter. After he was fired from the Opry, DeFord came back a few times, usually thanks to repeated efforts by Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe. His most famous return took place on February 23, 1974, when he appeared for the Opry's first reunion show. DeFord would make several more Opry appearances before passing away in 1982. In 2005 he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 11, 1914: James Clell "Tex" Summey was born. Known professionally as Cousin Jody, he first came to the Opry with Roy Acuff in 1937, and he later worked with Pee Wee King and Lonzo & Oscar. He also performed as a solo act, until health issues forced him to retire. He passed away in 1975, and it should be noted that he was the first person to play the dobro and steel guitar on the Opry stage, and he was the one who brought the original dobro sound with Roy Acuff.

December 19, 1920: Jimmy Dickens was born in Bolt, West Virginia. Jimmy first came to the Opry in 1948. While he left the show for a period of time, Jimmy returned to the Opry in 1975 and remained an Opry member until his death in January 2015. It is pretty safe to say that at the time of his death, Jimmy might have been the most beloved member of the Opry and one of the Opry's last links to the night Hank Williams made his Opry debut. He was certainly popular and at times, very funny.

December 12, 1925: Dr. Humphrey Bate and his group, soon to be known as the Possum Hunters, appeared for the first time on George D. Hay's Saturday night program. On the membership wall backstage at the Opry House, Dr. Bate is listed as the second member of the Opry behind Uncle Jimmy Thompson. While this was the date of his first Saturday night appearance, it was not his first time on the radio as there are many who feel that Dr. Bate was the first performer to play country music on a Nashville radio station.

December 19, 1925: Future Grand Ole Opry member, Uncle Dave Macon, made his first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. Uncle Dave was considered one of the first professional entertainers to appear on the Barn Dance show. 

December 26, 1925: The WSM Barn Dance was formally listed for the first time on the WSM program schedule that was printed in the Nashville Tennessean. The listing read, "Because of this recent revival in the popularity of the old familiar tunes, WSM has arranged to have an hour or two every Saturday night starting Saturday December 26. Uncle Dave Macon, the oldest banjo picker in Dixie, and who comes from Readyville, Tennessee, and Uncle Jimmy Thompson of Martha, Tennessee, will answer any requests for old-time melodies." There are some, me not included, who feel that this was the true first date for the Barn Dance. 

December 5, 1926: While upgrading its signal, WSM radio goes off the air through the end of the year. The signal was upgraded from 1,000 watts to 5,000 watts. Because of this, the WSM Barn Dance missed a couple of Saturday night shows. 

December 10, 1927: While there seems to be some confusion as to the exact date, it would appear that his was the date that the WSM Barn Dance became known as the Grand Ole Opry. The Barn Dance came on the air at 8:00. In the hour prior to the start of the Barn Dance program, WSM aired a classical musical show on the NBC radio network called "Music Appreciation Hour." At the conclusion of the Music Hour show that particular night, Barn Dance founder George D. Hay announced, "For the past hour we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera; from now on we will present the Grand Ole Opry." While this is the story that was told by George D. Hay, there seem to be no independent verification of this event. In fact, some historians who have looked back at the WSM program schedules, believe that the date was actually December 8, 1928, a year later, as the "Music Appreciation Hour" did not begin on WSM until that year. However, to back up the 1927 claim, others have pointed out that on December 11, 1927, the Nashville Tennessean used the word "Grand Ole Opry" in their editions of the paper. Either way, the new name stuck. Either way, the Opry recognizes this date as the official start of the "Grand Ole Opry." 

December 17, 1927: George W. Wilkerson and his Fruit Jar Drinkers first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Along with the Crook Brothers, the Fruit Jar Drinkers would continue on the Opry into the 1980s. 

December 29, 1928: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry made his final appearance on the program. It has been written that Uncle Jimmy was not the best person to work with. 

December 13, 1930: Grand Ole Opry member Buck White was born. Along with his daughters Sharon and Cheryl, The Whites joined the Opry in 1984. Buck passed away earlier this year. 

December 7, 1931: Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne was born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Along with his brother Sonny, Bobby became an Opry member in 1964. Bobby After the retirement of Sonny, Bobby continued on the Opry as a solo act, until passing in 2024. 

December 7, 1940: After making several guest appearances during the month of November, this is the first date that Minnie Pearl is listed in the Opry program as a regular member of the Opry.

December 30, 1944: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing on the Prince Albert portion of the show that was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Minnie Pearl, who was there that night, remembered that a lady in the balcony was so excited that she fell out of the balcony onto the Ryman stage. And after Roy Acuff heard the electrified fiddles that Bob brought, he made the statement that the Opry would be ruined forever. What is interesting, that while Bob brought electrified fiddles with him, both Pee Wee King and Ernest Tubb had been playing electric instruments on the Opry previous to that night. There is another story from that night, regarding the use of drums and Bob being told to keep his drummer behind the curtain. Much like the electric fiddles, Bob's drummer was not the first to drum on the Opry, as Harold "Sticks" McDonald, a member of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, had brought drums to the Opry several years prior. He supposedly used them for a couple of weeks until George D. Hay told Pee Wee to take the drums home and leave them there. While that may be true, within a few years, many of the Opry's acts included drums.

December 8, 1945: Earl Scruggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. He was the final member to join what many consider the greatest of Bill's many renditions of the Blue Grass Boys, and what many feel was the greatest bluegrass band ever. That group included Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Harold Watts. This group would only stay together until 1948. After leaving Bill's group, Earl would team up with Lester Flatt, before moving on to play a more progressive sound with his sons.

December 6, 1947: Future Grand Ole Opry member Merle Travis made his first appearance on the Opry. What is interesting, according to the store, is that once Merle became an Opry member, he never made an appearance as a member. Over time, he was removed as a member. However, in the early 1960s, he asked to return, and while he would make some guest appearances, he would never be asked to join as a member. 

December 30, 1950: Future Grand Ole Opry member, for a very short time, Lefty Frizzell, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He did his two big hits, "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time," and "I Love You A Thousand Ways." 

December 28, 1956: Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan quit the Opry in order to appear on a competing radio station and the Ozark Jubilee. He would return to the Opry several years later. 

December 7, 1957: One of the Grand Ole Opry's early homes, the Dixie Tabernacle, burnt down as fire destroyed the building which was on the east side of Nashville. While the name of the building sounds impressive, it actually had benches to sit on and sawdust on the floors. 

December 21, 1957: Elvis Presley made a backstage visit to the Grand Ole Opry where he was seen visiting with several Opry members including Hank Snow, Ray Price and Faron Young. While he didn't perform that night, he did go out on stage and wave to the audience.

December 28, 1958: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was born. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2020 from Covid. He has certainly been missed. 

December 12, 1959: While performing on the Opry, Bill Monroe was served with divorce papers from his wife, Carolyn Brown. She charged that Bill was having an affair with his bass player, Bessie Lee Mauldin. The story goes that Carolyn was waiting for Bill outside the Opry that night and when he came out the Ryman's back door, she really laid into him.

December 24, 1960: The final Prince Albert Grand Ole Opry show was broadcast on the NBC network. The decline of radio and the rise of television led to the decision to end the Opry's broadcasts. Hank Snow was the host for that final broadcast, and I am happy to say that I have a recording of that show.

December 3, 1961: "Doctor" Lew Childre passed away. Lew, who was born in 1901, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. He remained with the Opry through most of the 1950's.

December 6, 1964: The Grand Ole Opry fired 12 of its members for failing to meet the required number of yearly appearances on the show. The Nashville Tennessean wrote, "Twelve top country and western stars will not appear on the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and have been prohibited from using the Opry name in their outside billings, it was learned yesterday. Another entertainer, long-time favorite Minnie Pearl, has been given a leave of absence from the show for the coming year, but will continue to use the Opry billing in her present contracts," a WSM spokesman said. Those who were dismissed from the Opry were George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, the Jordanaires, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Chet Atkins, Justin Tubb, Stonewall Jackson and Ray Price. It was later found that Chet Atkins was not an actual Opry member, which led to some comments concerning if the Opry's management really knew what was going on at the show. At the time, Opry members were required to appear 26 times per year. Many of those fired would later return to the show as members, including George Morgan, Don Gibson, Billy Grammer, Justin Tubb and Stonewall Jackson, while Minnie Pearl would return after her leave of absence. While never rejoining the cast, the remaining ones would appear on the show as guest artists.

December 24, 1966: Grand Ole Opry sponsor Harvey's sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. For those who might not know, Harvey's was a department store chain based in Nashville. 

December 23, 1967: Jack Greene became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jack started as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours before going on to a very successful solo career. Jack would remain an Opry member until his death in 2013. During his induction he sang his monster hit "There Goes My Everything." 

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

December 15, 1973: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis was suspended by the Opry's management for comments she had made the previous Saturday night while performing on the Opry. As Skeeter said, "Hank Williams got kicked off the Opry for drinkin' too much old wine. Me? I got kicked off for singing about the new wine." What actually happened was that Skeeter was on her way to the Ryman Auditorium for an Opry appearance when she witnessed the arrest of what were known as "Jesus Freaks," which was another name for the young people who were protesting not only in Nashville, but around the country. The arrests enraged Skeeter, and, on the Opry, she expressed her rage by talking about it, singing about it, and weeping about it. When she came off the stage after performing, she faced an angry Opry management. She was told that she was no longer considered an Opry member. Happily, for all, and especially for Skeeter, she was invited back to the Opry 18 months later.

December 29, 1973: Opry member Tex Ritter made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Tex, who had joined the Opry in 1965, would pass away after suffering a heart attack, the following week.

December 14, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey appeared on the Opry. It was his first Opry appearance in the new Grand Ole Opry House. 

December 7, 1976: Roy Acuff gave an interview to the Nashville Banner in which he stated that the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, should be torn down to keep tourists away from Lower Broadway, which had turned into a very troubled area of town. Thankfully, others had a different opinion and while the building sat empty for many years, it eventually was modernized and has become the premier concert venue in Nashville. 

December 25, 1976: Larry, Steve and Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be their 49th year as Opry members, and according to my records, the only members to join the cast on Christmas day. In addition to their Opry appearances, Larry Gatlin serves as host of the Opry Country Classics show held in the Spring and Fall, along with Opry Country Christmas, which has shows taking place in November and December. 

December 12, 1978: ABC aired "Merry Christmas From The Grand Ole Opry," a holiday special that featured Crystal Gayle, Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff, Barbara Mandrell and Minnie Pearl.

December 27, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Bob Luman passed away at the age of 41. Bob joined the Opry in 1965 and was known for his rockabilly sound that was very popular with many of the Opry's younger fans. While some on the Opry felt Bob's music had too much rock in it, he was a popular member of the cast and enjoyed great support. His last Grand Ole Opry appearance was on Saturday December 2, 1978, while Friday December 15 was his final Friday Night Opry appearance.

December 15, 1979: Kelly Foxton made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance as Hank Snow's new duet partner. It was an interesting pairing to say the least. Many feel it was an attempt by Hank to rejuvenate his career that had grown stagnate. By the way, Kelly and her squirrels still have a website. 

December 26, 1981: Kelly Foxton made her final Grand Ole Opry appearance as Hank Snow's duet partner. The partnership, which produced several albums, never really succeeded. 

December 8, 1982: Marty Robbins passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 57. Probably the Opry's most popular member, he was famous for hosting the 11:30 segment when he was in town and making the last half hour of the Opry his own, often performing well past the traditional midnight sign off time. Just that previous October, Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 10, 1982: Longtime Smoky Mountain Boy Jimmy Riddle passed away. Over the years, Jimmy was an integral part of Roy Acuff's sound.

December 24, 1983: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor Kellogg's sponsored the 9:30 segment of the Opry for the final time. The following week, Dollar General would assume the sponsorship. One of the joys of listening to the Kellogg's segment on the Opry was hearing the Willis Brothers singing the Kellogg's theme, along with the commercials. 

December 7, 1984: Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry, recovering from heart related issues that kept him off the Opry since summer. 

December 20, 1986: Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Randy's 39th year as an Opry member. Randy had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s and helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. Sadly, Randy has suffered a serious of health setbacks and will probably never perform on the Opry again. However, he has visited the show several times in the past couple of years, and he always receives a great audience response when introduced on stage. Randy is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

December 17, 1993: Herman Harper, the famous and very popular bass singer for the Carol Lee Singers, passed away. Herman had been a member of the Oak Ridge Boys back in the day when they were considered one of the country's top gospel acts. Herman last appeared on the Opry several weeks prior.

December 24, 1994: Vic Willis was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. The Willis Brothers, originally known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, came to the Opry in 1946. After leaving in 1949 to tour with Eddy Arnold, they returned in 1957. In addition to Vic, the group included brothers Guy and Skeeter. Skeeter had passed away in 1976, while Guy retired in 1979 due to health issues. Vic continued on, forming the Vic Willis Trio, until he passed away early in 1995 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

December 30, 1994: Grand Ole Gospel Time, which followed the Friday Night Opry and hosted by Reverend Jimmie Snow, Hank's son, was broadcast for the final time. The show was taped on Friday night and broadcast on WSM Sunday mornings. Airing for 23 years, the show would feature a number of Grand Ole Opry performers including Connie Smith, Billy Walker and Roy Acuff, and feature such guests as Johnny Cash and Dennis Weaver. In actuality, it was a wonderful program. 

December 10, 1996: Faron Young passed away in Nashville in what was a tragic end to his life. Faron was a former member of the Grand Ole Opry and was fired as part of the "Purge of 64." While he never rejoined the Opry's cast, Faron would come back and make several guest appearances.

December 19, 1999: Former Grand Ole Opry member Marion Worth passed away at the age of 69. Marion joined the Opry in 1963, and while never a superstar, she was very entertaining and a fan favorite. She left the Opry cast in 1980, when she went into semi-retirement and continued to perform for a time in Las Vegas.

December 20, 1999: The legendary Hank Snow passed away at his Rainbow Ranch in Madison, Tennessee after a period of declining health. Hank joined the Opry in January 1950 and was just weeks shy of 50 years of Opry membership. Hank last appeared on the Opry in September 1996 and is considered one of the all-time Opry greats.

December 16, 2000: Brad Paisley was surprised on stage by Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely, in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson. Jimmy & Jeannie were dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the reason for the surprise visit was the delivery of an invitation for Brad to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Brad tearfully accepted and the following February he would officially join the cast.

December 30, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Skeeter Davis made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Skeeter, who had been battling various illnesses, would enter a period of declining health that made it difficult for her to continue performing. Skeeter passed away in September 2004. Additionally, after being notified the previous month that he was being terminated, this was the final night that Jerry Strobel was employed as the Opry House manager. Jerry had worked at the Opry for over 30 years.

December 21, 2001: Josh Turner made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His debut song was "Long Black Train" after which Josh received a standing ovation. Over the next several years, Josh would make dozens and dozens of guest appearances, until finally becoming a member in October 2008.

December 14, 2002: Toby Keith made his Opry debut. While he has never become an Opry member, he appeared on the Opry a few times over the years. 

December 31, 2002: Grand Ole Opry member Jim McReynolds, one half of Jim & Jesse, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee after a long illness. Jim & Jesse, along with the Virginia Boys, became Opry members in March 1964, and are considered one of the greatest acts in bluegrass music history.

December 13, 2003: The Louvin Brothers were honored with a special tribute at the Grand Ole Opry, in conjunction with the release of the album "Livin,' Lovin,' Losin." In 2004, the album won a Grammy Award for Best Country Album. The tribute took place during the televised portion of the show that night and did include Charlie Louvin. It would be Charlie's final appearance on a televised portion of the Opry. 

December 16, 2004: Former Grand Ole Opry member Martha Carson passed away. Martha was a member of the Opry in the 1950s. She left the Opry for a year, taking a leave of absence, however when it came time for her to return, the Opry told her they had no room for her. While she claimed to never have appeared on the Opry again, she did make several guest appearances before her death and also hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree a few times. Martha was a wonderful gospel singer who Connie Smith has said was a big influence in her life. 

December 30, 2006: The Grand Ole Opry's 2nd Saturday night show concluded at midnight for the final time. The following week, both Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows were cut to 2 hours, with the late show ending at 11:30.

December 29, 2007: Dailey & Vincent made their Grand Ole Opry debut as a duo. Both had appeared on the Opry previously with other performers, Jamie Dailey with Doyle Lawson and Darrin Vincent with Ricky Skaggs. 

December 16, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Jack Greene made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jack, who joined the cast in 1967, was in declining health which forced him into retirement. Jack passed away in 2013 from Alzheimer's. Just as he began his Opry membership, he finished with "There Goes My Everything." 

December 13, 2013: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie was honored for 20 years of Opry membership. Joining Joe on the Opry that evening were Opry members Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.

December 14, 2013: Rock legend Peter Frampton made his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing with Ricky Skaggs. They performed two of Peter's big hits, "Show Me The Way" and "Baby, I Love Your Way." It was another special night at the Opry. 

December 20, 2014: Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy Dickens made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. On Christmas Day, Jimmy was admitted to a Nashville hospital and would pass away shortly after the first of the year. Jimmy's final song? "Out Behind the Barn."

December 4, 2015: "American Saturday Night: Live At The Grand Ole Opry" debuted in movie theaters. The picture featured performances by Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry and Brett Eldredge.

December 11, 2015: Grand Ole Opry member Mel Tillis made his final Opry appearance on the Friday Night Opry. Mel, who joined the Opry in 2007, entered a period of declining health after the first of the year, that would ultimately lead to his passing in November 2017.

December 17, 2016: Brad Paisley sang "Out Behind The Barn," then unveiled a wax statue of Little Jimmy Dickens during the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. 

December 30, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart, with help from John Carter Cash, surprised Dailey & Vincent with an invitation to become the Opry's newest members. This was also the 100th guest appearance for Dailey & Vincent. Their actual Opry induction would take place the following March.

December 1, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart celebrated his 25th anniversary as member of the Opry. Helping Marty celebrate were Connie Smith, Charlie Worsham, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dallas Frazier, Kenny Lovelace, Marty's mother Hilda, and the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers.

December 23, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow made his final appearance on the Opry. Ray, who joined the Opry cast in 1966, decided the time was right to retire. Ray passed away several years later. 

December 31, 2017: Longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM personality, Hairl Hensley passed away. Hairl was a WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer for 35 years, joining the station in 1972. He was a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

December 21, 2018: Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy Capps was honored upon his 60th anniversary of performing on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy originally came to the Opry as part of the Louvin Brothers group and continued after they left. In honor of Jimmy, the rehearsal room backstage at the Opry House was renamed the "Jimmy Capps Music Room." Jimmy, who passed away in 2020 after a short illness, should receive some future consideration for the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

December 21, 2018: On the same night that Jimmy Capps was honored, Vince Gill surprised long-time and frequent Opry guest Mark Wills with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mark had made many Opry appearances over his career and his membership was well deserved. 

December 6, 2019: The legendary singer Dionne Warwick made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. 

December 12, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride passed away from Covid. Charley had been an Opry member for over 25 years and always received a huge ovation each time he appeared. Charley is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

December 4, 2021: 60-year Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson passed away after a period of declining health. Stonewall's last appearance took place in November 2016 when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary upon becoming an Opry member. 

December 18, 2021: Lauren Alaina was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Trisha Yearwood surprised Trisha with the invitation, which finished out a busy year at the Opry. Lauren's actual induction took place early in 2022. 

December 10, 2022: Ashley McBryde became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. She had been surprised with the invitation the previous October. 

December 3, 2023: During a guest appearance on Opry Country Christmas, Scotty McCreery was surprised by Opry member Garth Brooks and was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There you have it for the final month of the year. As usual at the Opry, there was a lot of activity during the month.

100th Anniversary Show Recap

I’ve been to quite a few Grand Ole Opry shows over the past 50 years, including the 75th anniversary show, the 5,000 Saturday night show and the 50th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House. There have been others, but those are the ones that stand out. While I missed the 50th birthday weekend, the opening of the Grand Ole Opry House, and the return to the Opry House after the 2010 flood, those shows were outstanding also. 

That said, Friday night was special and for those who missed it, I would say that the two shows on Friday were the best shows I have ever seen at the Opry. To take it one step further, with the exception of the first night at the Opry House in 1974, the first 15 minutes were the greatest 15 minutes in the history of the Opry. 

To recap, the show opened with Ricky Skaggs playing Tennessee Wagoner, the first song that Uncle Jimmy Thompson performed 100 years ago, and he played it on Uncle Jimmy’s fiddle. With the cast standing behind him, Bill Anderson and Kathy Mattea stepped forward and Bill led the singing on a special version of Will the Circle be Unbroken, with lyrics Bill wrote for the special night. The significance was Bill being the longest tenured member in the history of the Opry, and Kathy being the newest member of the Opry, bridging the past and the future of the Opry’s members. That was followed by the George Jones classic, Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes, with Scotty McCreery answering the question of who’s gonna sing the Wabash Cannonball. Of course, that was followed by the singing of the Roy Acuff classic. 

During that entire segment, the majority of the audience were standing, with tears in many eyes. It was truly an emotional moment and the perfect way to start the show. 

The entire night was a highlight but two stood out for me: the tribute to Bill Anderson and the gospel segment that featured The Isaacs, John Conlee and Mark Wills. The ending was perfect with Steven Curtis Chapman leading the cast in the finale. I also nod my head to the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, who I hadn’t seen in a while, and in my personal opinion, should be on every week backing up the square dancers. 

All aspects of the Opry's history were remembered in some way: the square dancers and string bands, comedy, gospel, and artists from various generations. 

The entire show was put together so well, blending the past with the present. I know that Dan Rogers spent a lot of time and effort putting this show together and he should be congratulated by each of us. I spoke to him on Friday night, just long enough to tell him thanks. 

The first show lasted over two and a half hours, with the second show ending until 1:40 in the morning. In my opinion, the audience for the first show seemed much more energetic and enthusiastic than those attending the late show, which was understandable considering how late into the night it was. And there were those, like me, who attended both shows. 

I know many watched the livestream and from what Miss Nellie told me, there were no issues with the stream, and it was so well produced that she felt she was right there with me. I think, from what she told me, the video and pictures that were shown in the Opry House were also shown on the livestream.

In addition to those I have already mentioned, there was Dustin Lynch, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan (who did an outstanding version of Something In Red, perhaps the best I have ever heard her sing it), Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, The Whites, Riders In The Sky, Gatlin Brothers, Dailey & Vincent, Suzy Bogguss, Mandy Barnett, T Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Henry Cho, Gary Mule Deer, Charlie McCoy, Jamey Johnson, and last but not least, Vince Gill. 

Following in the footsteps of Roy Acuff, Vince is truly the face of the Grand Ole Opry and I could make an argument that Vince is the Opry’s most important and valuable member. During his segment, he spoke fondly of Roy and what Roy, and the Opry means to him. 

Connie Smith, Trace Adkins and Jeanne Pruett were scheduled but canceled due to illness. 

For those Opry members who were not there, and we know who they were, it would have been nice if you would have been there on this historic night (and the date has been known for 100 years), but you were not missed. The show was fine with those who chose to be there. I just can’t believe in the Opry’s 100th year, that there are some active members who have not appeared at all this year, or only made an appearance on the NBC special back in March. I know some have had legitimate reasons, but not everyone.

While there were a couple of members specifically who did disappoint me by not being there, those who were are the members that are the backbone of the Opry, that carry the show most weeks and will continue to carry the show into the future. They deserved their time in the spotlight. 

A surprise was seeing the Opry’s former general manager Pete Fisher, who was sitting a couple of rows in front of me. We enjoyed spending some time talking to him and he could not have been any nicer. He did say that he hopes to begin production soon on the movie about the life of Jimmy Dickens. Pete looked good and relaxed and seemed to be enjoying himself. 

Yes, we can nick pick at a few things here and there; members that were missing or not remembered, songs that we not sung, but not me. Well, actually, the traffic on Briley Parkway and the lack of parking spaces in the mall parking lot would be on my list. Luckily, I parked in the Opry's parking lot, as did a few others. 

Opry 100 will continue into 2026, and I know there will be many more historic and wonderful shows on the schedule, but it will be hard to top Friday night. 

On a personal note, my thanks to my “Opry” friends. I saw more than a few of you both Friday and Saturday night, and I always enjoy the visits. It was nice to catch up and to see some that I haven't seen in years. For those at home, yes, I was proudly standing with those, actually just a few, who have attended more than 100 Opry shows. 

Again, thanks to Dan Rogers and the entire team at the Grand Ole Opry for what we have experienced not only on Friday night, but during the entire 100th year. It's been wonderful. And what we saw on Friday night will never be repeated. 

Opry Country Christmas/Tuesday Night Opry/Opry NextStage

There is a lot going on this week at the Grand Ole Opry, including three Opry Country Christmas shows, a Tuesday Night Opry and finally, Opry NextStage Live from Category 10. 

Starting off with Opry Country Christmas, here are the shows this week. All shows start at 7:00

Sunday November 30
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Dailey & Vincent
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Maddox Batson, Mandy Barnett, Branon Heath, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Monday December 1
Host: Larry Gatin
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Rhett Akins, Mandy Barnett, The McCrary Sisters, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Thursday December 4
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ashley McBryde
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Drake Milligan, Mandy Barnett, Maggie Rose, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy

Now taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, a show that will feature Opry members Vince Gill and T. Graham Brown. Also on Tuesday, Joy Oladokum will be making her Opry debut

Tuesday December 2
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Austin Snell, Joy Oladokum, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland
Intermission
8:20: Karley Scott Collins, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill 

A note regarding Tuesday night: on the original calendar Jelly Roll was listed and there were two shows scheduled. Jelly Roll was taking off the schedule and now the night is down to one show. 

The final show this week will be the Opry NextStage Live from Category 10, which is advertised as the Home of Luke Combs.  This show will feature the artists from the class of 2025, all of whom have appeared on the Opry. 

Ashley McBryde is the host for the show and scheduled to appear are Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper and Tigirlily Gold. 

Definitely a full week. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/28 & 11/29

At one time there was the Louisiana Hayride, National Barn Dance, WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Old Dominion Barn Dance, Town Hall Party, WSB Barn Dance, and the list goes on and on. There was a time when pretty much every local radio station in the country had some short of barn dance program. Some were more successful than others. After all was said and done, only one has survived in its original format and on Friday night, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with two big shows that will honor the legacy and history of the Opry. 

Looking back, I wonder when it all started, if Edwin Craig, George D. Hay, Harry Stone, David Stone, Uncle Jimmy Thompson and the rest, even thought that what they were doing in the late 1920s and early 1930s would last even a few years, much less a hundred. Do you think they would approve of today's Opry? Obviously, we will never know those answers, but I think all of them would be amazed that the WSM Barn Dance would evolve into the Grand Ole Opry, and would take place in its own theater, would be seen and heard by millions of fans, would be broadcast on national television, heard around the world on social media sites and would make it to 100 years. If they were to walk through the artist's entrance at the Opry House and see the names on the membership wall, the dressing rooms, the displays, the lightening and sound, they would just shake their heads at what became of their Saturday night show that started in the studios of WSM with a single fiddle player. Maybe a few of them had a vision and dream of where the Opry could go. I think Harry Stone realized the potential for sure as did the executives of the insurance company. 

I know there are some that are not pleased at the direction that the Opry has taken. That's a discussion for another day as this weekend we celebrate the legacy and history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

So now, as we have finally reached the date that most Opry fans have had circled on their calendars for quite a few years: November 28, the actual 100th anniversary date of the Grand Ole Opry. In recognition of the night, there are two very special Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule that will feature a large group of Opry members. In fact, both shows will be Opry members only, with the exception of Suzy Bogguss, who is a member-in-waiting. 

Here is the list, in alphabetical order: Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Suzy Bogguss, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Lorrie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites and Mark Wills. 

28 in all. 

I have noticed that some have commented on the Opry's Facebook and Twitter pages that there are a lot of "big" names missing from this lineup. Well, according to the press release from the Opry, there are seven members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with members of the Bluegrass, Comedy, Gospel Music, Musician, Songwriter and Western Music Hall of Fames. Altogether, those appearing have won more than 50 Grammy Awards. The list includes the longest-serving member of the Opry and its newest member. I would say that is a pretty solid group of members on the schedule.

For those who have asked, both shows will be livestreamed on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

“It’s truly amazing to me to think that what began as a regional radio broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925, is thriving more today than ever before and that exactly 100 years after that first performance, fans will be able to see and hear the celebration wherever they are around the globe,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Families will be able to come together this Thanksgiving weekend and celebrate 100 years however they want—by tuning in on WSM or Sirius XM radio or by watching via Opry social media and YouTube. We promise a show that rises to the occasion of having been a century in the making.”  

There are two shows on the schedule, 7:00 and 10:00. (yes, it will be a very long night). The running order that I have been given lists all of the acts in alphabetical order. However, from what I have heard, Ricky Skaggs will open the show with his fiddle, recreating the first tune played by Uncle Jimmy Thompson, "Tennessee Wagoner." After that, I will keep it a secret but from what I have learned, you will not want to miss the special opening of the show.  For those who are planning to watch on the social media sites, it is recommended that you are tuned in at 5:45 CST as not to miss what promises to be a memorable pre-show and opening. 

Yes, I will be there for both shows on Friday, along with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. I know I have heard from many who will also be there and I am looking forward to seeing all of you. 

If we all make it through Friday night, there is a Saturday night Opry on the schedule. 

Saturday November 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Lisa Layne, The Isaacs, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: John Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill 

Since I am posting this before Thanksgiving, I wish everyone a very wonderful Turkey Day. I know Friday is what is traditionally called Black Friday. My advice is not to get up too early to shop as everyone needs to be fresh and awake for the historic Opry shows that night. 

Opry Christmas Shows

For the past several years, the Grand Ole Opry has celebrated the Christmas season with Opry Country Christmas. The shows are back again this year, beginning on Sunday November 30. There are 11 shows in total this year, which is down a couple of from last year. 

Each show will feature Opry members the Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, and with the exception of one show, Riders In The Sky. Each show will also feature at least one additional "special" Opry member, along with guest artists. 

Here are the posted lineups for the Opry Country Christmas shows, as they are currently listed: 

Sunday November 30

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Dailey & Vincent, Maddox Braxton, Brandon Heath

Monday December 1

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Rhett Akins, The McCrary Sisters

Thursday December 4

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Ashley McBryde, Drake Milligan, Maggie Rose

Sunday December 7

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Carly Pearce, John Foster, The Ornaments

Monday December 8

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Chris Janson, Asleep At The Wheel, Jason Crabb

Wednesday December 10

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Lainey Wilson, Connie Smith w/Marty Stuart

Thursday December 11

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Kathy Mattea, Maddie & Tae, 

Sunday December 14

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton

Sunday December 21

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Jon Pardi, Mark Wills 

Monday December 22

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy Riders In The Sky, John Berry, The War and Treaty

Tuesday December 23

Gatlin Brothers, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky, Jamey Johnson, Marcus King 

In addition to Opry Country Christmas, For King + Country will be taking place at the Grand Ole Opry House from Monday December 15 thru Friday December 19. (Yes, no Friday Night Opry that night). For those who are not familiar with this production, KING + COUNTRY’s ‘A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS’ tour features 4x GRAMMY-award winning brothers Joel & Luke Smallbone. With a host of original music as well as thrilling live performances like the harmonic ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ and the anthemic ‘Little Drummer Boy", the shows are always a highlight of the Christmas season. 

Finally, there are a number of holiday shows that will be coming to the Ryman Auditorium this holiday season, highlighted of course, by the annual Vince Gill & Amy Grant performances. Also appearing at the Ryman in December with their Christmas shows will be Opry members Little Big Town and Lady A. 

Those visiting Nashville this holiday season will certainly have a wide selection of shows to see. 

Grand Ole Opry 11/21 & 11/22

Earlier this year, I participated in a documentary that was being filmed by the Nashville Tennessean saluting the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. I am very happy to say that the documentary is now finished and has been released. In the documentary, How the Grand Ole Opry lives on after 100 years in Nashville, the Tennessean spent six months interviewing workers, stars and historians about the last 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. I have posted the link below

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7I_H1uXLd4

Personally, I was honored to have been asked to be a part of this project, and I am very pleased with how it came out. It is roughly 25 minutes in length and if you are so inclined, please feel free to share. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Vince Gill returns for both Friday and Saturday night. Opry members T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, The Whites and comedian Henry Cho will be joining Vince on Friday night, while John Conlee, Don Schlitz and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule for Saturday. 

Deana Carter will be making an appearance on Friday night. There are some who have thought over the years that Deana Carter would make a good Opry member. I don't disagree. Also scheduled to appear are Jackson Dean and making his Opry debut, Maoli. 

Saturday night's lineup includes singer/songwriter Radney Foster, MacKenzie Carpenter, and a group that Vince was once a part of: Pure Prairie League. 

Friday November 21
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Maoli, Deana Carter
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Henry Cho, Jackson Dean, Vince Gill

Saturday November 22
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Mackenzie Carpenter, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Radney Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Pure Prairie League, Vince Gill

There is only one mid-week Opry show during the upcoming week and that will be the Tuesday Night Opry. The Opry's newest member, at least for another month, Steve Earle is on the schedule, as are Dailey & Vincent, comedian Gary Mule Deer and Charlie McCoy. Guesting are Jason Crabb, Mae Estes, Marynn Taylor and making his Opry debut, Lian St. John. 

Tuesday November 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, MaRynn Taylor, Liam St. John, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:20: Mae Estes, Gary Mule Deer, Charlie McCoy, Steve Earle


This week the Grand Ole Opry Spotlight shines on Jean Shepard, who joined the Grand Ole Opry on November 21, 1955: 

Ollie Imogene Shepard was born on November 21, 1933. She grew up singing in church and was drawn to the music of Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. As a teenager, she played bass in the Melody Ranch Girls, an all-female band formed in 1948. Hank Thompson discovered her a few years later and with his help, she signed with Capitol Records in 1952, which followed the success of Kitty Wells. She cut four songs at her first session with popular band players Jimmy Bryant, Speedy West, Cliffie Stone and Billy Strange and recorded her first single for the label in 1952, "Crying Steel Guitar Waltz", but it failed to chart. Her next single "A Dear John Letter", a duet with Ferlin Husky in 1953, hit number one on the country charts and was number four on the pop charts. The duo's follow-up, "Forgive Me John", was another crossover hit, peaking in the Top 10 on the country chart and the top 25 on the pop chart.

 She would go on to release 70 singles to the Hot Country Songs chart and a total of 24 studio albums from 1956 to 1981. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and remained a member for the next 61 years. Her first marriage was to fellow singer Hawkshaw Hawkins, but it ended when he, along with Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas, was killed in a plane crash in 1963. In 1968 Jean married musician Benny Birchfield. 

In 1981 she released her final album "Dear John". She continued to perform until her retirement from the stage in 2015. During her long career, she was considered a pioneer "who opened the doors for women in country music". She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. 

As mentioned, Jean Shepard was born on November 21st. It was also the date that Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. Her first appearance as a member would take place later that week on Saturday November 26. Here is the running order from that night 70 years ago: 

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Marty Robbins: Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

7:45: American Ace
George Morgan: Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Savior Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in My Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan

8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey: I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smokey Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Louvin Brothers: In The Middle of Nowhere
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped The Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love in Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price: I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins: That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way to The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
R. D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

10:45: D Con
Hank Snow: Just Keep On Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey: I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:30: Delited
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou

On Saturday November 21, 2015, Jean Shepard became the first female member in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to have celebrated 60 years as a member of the Opry cast. 

Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
7:30: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host): Ashley Campbell, Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
10:00: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ashley Campbell, Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host): Charles Esten

Jean Shepard was pretty much retired by then and only appeared on the first show that night. The curtain was closed before Jean was introduced by Bill Anderson and when it opened, Jean was seated. During that segment, she sang "Tennessee Waltz" and "A Dear John Letter" which was a duet with Bill Anderson. During the show, Jean announced that she was officially retired and this would be her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, on September 25, 2016, Jean Shepard passed away. 

While other Opry members came and went, once Jean joined the cast of the Opry in 1955, she never left. She was proud of that fact, and she made no secret how she felt about those members who did leave and then would return. She was definitely a treasure who was not shy about speaking her mind. For those who have not read her autobiography, I highly recommend the book. 

There you have it for this week. Next weekend the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special Friday Night Opry. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Taking a look at the mid-week Opry shows on the calendar for this week, starting with the Tuesday Night Opry with members Del McCoury and Don Schlitz on the schedule. Frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is scheduled, while Noah Rinker will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday November 18
7:00: Jamie O'Neal, Del McCoury Band, Noah Rinker, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Emmy Russell, Jonnie W., Tyler Rich, Don Schlitz

There is only one Opry member scheduled for Thursday night and that is Dailey & Vincent, who will be opening the show. Veterans Nel McCoy and Clay Walker are scheduled, with The War and Treaty closing out the show. NE-YO will be making his Opry debut. 

Thursday November 20
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Tyler Braden, Holly Williams, Clay Walker
Intermission
8:20: Neal McCoy, NE-YO, The War and Treaty

(only 2 Opry members on Tuesday night and just one on Thursday)

NE-YO is a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose illustrious catalog has generated a combined total of 23 billion streams worldwide.

His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple-platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer, ”Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don].”

His film and television credits include NBC’s World of Dance, Netflix’s Dance Monsters, Empire, Stomp the Yard, Save the Last Dance, Battle: Los Angeles, George Lucas 'Red Tails, The Wiz Live!, Starz’ Step Up: High-Water, Hip-Hop Family Christmas Wedding and The Sound of Christmas. He will be starring in the upcoming season of 50 Cent’s acclaimed drama series BMF on STARZ.

Grand Ole Opry 11/14 & 11/15

Let me start off by saying how great it was to have James Taylor appearing on the Opry last Tuesday night. That last hour with Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and James was just utterly amazing. (I should also add that Randy Travis was backstage last night and was introduced to the audience). From what I gathered listening, James sang five songs: Copperline, Carolina In My Mind, You've Got a Friend, Shower the People and Fire and Rain. I have been reading the comments on the Opry's Facebook page and while most were positive, you had those that had to chime in about what a disgrace it was to have James on the Opry. Sorry, but I am not one of those. For those who were there, it was a memorable night and from what I heard, he fit right in. Thanks to Dan Rogers for making this night happen. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Opry member Kelsea Ballerini is on the schedule, for one of her rare Opry appearances. Also appearing are Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and The Whites. Comedian and radio personality Bobby Bones is listed along with Ashley Cooke and making their Opry debut, LANY. 

Taking a look at Saturday night, Carly Pearce returns, along with members T. Graham Brown, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Sara Evans. Rounding out Saturday's lineup are The Band Loula and making his Opry debut, Michael Marcagi. 

Friday November 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, The Whites, Ashley Cooke
Intermission
8:20: LANY, Bobby Bones, Kelsea Ballerini

Saturday November 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Michael Marcagi, Bill Anderson, Carly Pearce
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, The Band Loula, Don Schlitz, Sara Evans

A very nice group of Opry members this weekend and hopefully Dan will remind Kelsea, Carly and Sara that there is a 100th anniversary show in a couple of weeks and maybe they might want to appear!

LANY, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is a pop-rock band that was formed by Belmont University alums in Nashville. The duo is comprised of frontman Paul Klein and drummer Jake Goss. They have been around since 2014 and just released their sixth album "Soft." While the group is based in Los Angeles, they do return to Nashville frequently. 

Regarding their Opry debut, Paul Klein said that he knows that opportunities for non-country acts to play the Opry's stage are few and prestigious. Some of the stars to have the honor include Olivia Newton-John, John Legend, Quinn XCII, and most recently, Sabrina Carpenter.

"I lived here almost 10 years; that's a rite of passage, playing the Opry," Goss said. "(That's) where the best musicians in all of history have played. We're so excited to join the party."

Michael Marcagi, who is making he debut on Saturday night, is a singer/songwriter from the Cincinnati area. He released his solo debut single, "The Other Side", in December 2023. The following month, he announced he had signed to Warner Records and released a second single, "Scared to Start". Aided by popularity on TikTok, "Scared to Start" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Both singles were included on his debut EP, American Romance, released in February 2024.

I don't know about anyone else, but I really enjoy taking a look back at some of the Grand Ole Opry lineups during what many called the Golden Age of the Opry. It was back during the time when if you were an Opry member, who were expected to appear. The lineup below is from 63 years ago, Saturday November 15, 1952, and if I counted right, there were 18 future Hall of Fame members on the show that night, and a couple more who should be. And this was a typical Opry night. 

Taking a look back to Saturday November 15, 1952. Here is the posted lineup from 63 years ago: 

7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Lew Childre: Hang Out the Front Door Key
Roy Acuff: Eye From on High
Howdy Forrester: Blackberry Blossom

7:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff: They Can Only Fill One Grave
Webb Pierce: That Heart Belongs to Me
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
Oswald: Surely In A Train
Fiddle: Bill Bailey

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb: Fortunes In Memories
Hank Snow: The Girl Who Invented Kissin'
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin'
Carter Family: Willow, Will You Weep for Me
Bill Monroe: Footprints in the Snow
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama Blues
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood on the River
June Carter: Comedy-Walkin' To Missouri
Chet Atkins: Guitar Polka
Hank Snow: Such A Fool as I
Bill Monroe: Tall Timber

8:30: Prince Albert Show
Red Foley: Birmingham Blues
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Martha Carson: Crying Holy to the Lord
Square Dancers: Mississippi Sawyer
Red Foley: My God Is Real
Old Hickory Singers: Kentucky Babe
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Martha Carson: Swing Down A Chariot
String Bean: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Somebody's Crying
Square Dancers: Devil's Dream

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff: Don't Make Me Go To Bed
Fruit Jar Drinkers: McCloud's Reel
George Morgan: Yesterday's Roses
Duke Of Paducah: Comedy
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Grandpa Jones: Are You Drom Dixie
Roy Acuff: Thank God
Homer Harris: To Be Selected
Oswald: Roll On Buddy
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin'

9:30: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith: Our Honeymoon
Jimmy Dickens: You Don't Love Me
Ray Price: I Can't Escape From You
Anita Carter: Foggy Mountain Top
Lonza and Oscar: Let's Live A Little #2
Possum Hunters: Bill Cheatham
Carl Smith: Sing Her A Love Song
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Faron Young: Going Steady
Carl Smith: This Side of Heaven
Hal Smith: Sally Goodin'

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: I Love Everything About You
Bill Monroe: When The Cactus Are In Bloom
Johnny and Jack: Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
Tommy Sosebee: I'd Trade All My Tomorrows
Don Slayman: Turkey in the Straw

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
George Morgan: Honky Tonk Street
Cowboy Copas: Some Fine Morning
Bill Monroe: Boat of Love
Webb Pierce: I'll Aways Take Care of You
Charlie Cline: Arkansas Traveler

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb: Somebody's Stolen My Honey
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Gully Jumpers: Soldier's Joy
Faron Young: My Open Arms
June Carter: Beautiful Morning Glory
Ernest Tubb: I'm With A Crowd But So Alone
Ray Price: Please Be Mine
Chet Atkins: Mary Lou
Jimmy Dickens: Hot Diggity Dog
Ernest Tubb: Daisey May

11:00: Soltice
Roy Acuff: The Streamlined Cannon Ball
Lonzo and Oscar: Goodbye Little Darlin'
Roy and The Gang: Gethscme
Howdy Forrester: Cripple Creek

11:15: O-Cello
Carl Smith: There's Nothin' As Sweet As My Baby
Johnny and Jack: The Only One I Ever Loved I Lost
String Bean: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Carl Smith: I Overlooked an Orchid
Fiddle: Rickett's Hornpipe

11:30: Darimix
Hank Snow: I Went to Your Wedding
Lew Childre: Sister Lucy
Moon Mullican: Pipeliner Blues
Crook Brothers: New Five Cents
Hank Snow: Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud

11:45: Hester Battery Co. 
Cowboy Copas: Boomerang
Sam and Kirk: Sugar Moon
Grandpa Jones: Frog Hair
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sweet Jenny Lee
Cowboy Copas: Copy Cat

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

The Ernest Tubb Record Shop has posted news about the return of The Midnite Jamboree, live from The Ernest Tubb Record Shop 417 Broadway. Here is the post: 

We’re bringing back one of country music’s most cherished traditions — The Midnite Jamboree!

Founded by Ernest Tubb in 1947, the Midnite Jamboree became a cornerstone of Nashville’s musical heritage — a place where country legends and rising stars alike took the stage after the Opry to perform live on WSM Radio.

On Saturday November 15 at 10pm, the Midnite Jamboree returns, live from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, featuring a house band and rotating guest performances, carrying forward the spirit of the original broadcast that helped shape Music City

While this is wonderful news, there is a downside to all of this: the Jamboree will no longer be free!!

General Admission:
$19.59 (including fees and sales tax)

VIP Table for 2:
$114.45 (including fees and sales tax)
Premium Seat Package - Private front row table with velvet seats for 2 people.

Table for 4:
$133.18 (including fees and sales tax)
Private table up front with seats for 4 people

Table for 2:
$67.61 (including fees and sales tax)
Private bar-height table with seats for 2 people

I really have no words. For over 50 years, the Midnite Jamboree was free, and it featured wonderful entertainment. You could usually count on an Opry member, or frequent Opry guest hosting and you never knew who would drop in to just visit or do a special number. The artists were friendly, and you could always get a picture or autograph. And it was all free!!

To say I am disappointed, would be an understatement. It will be interesting to see how this progresses and what artists will be included as the rotating guest performers. I can add that I will not be one of those driving downtown after the Opry, paying an exuberant rate for parking, then fighting the Broadway crowd to pay $20 to see the Jamboree. 

Now looking at the midweek Opry shows for this week, some nights are better than others at the Grand Ole Opry House, and Tuesday night will be one of those as the legendary singer James Taylor will be making his debut on the Opry. And while James Taylor will be making his Opry debut, it will also be a special Veterans Day show that will feature Opry member Craig Morgan, along with Scotty Hasting and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band. 

Tuesday November 11
7:00: Craig Morgan, Scotty Hasting, Jamey Johnson, Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band
Intermission
8:35: Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, James Taylor

Making an observation, it almost seems as it will be two distinctly separate shows with the first half devoted to Veterans Day, and the second half wrapped around James Taylor, with Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill scheduled. 

Opry Country Classics has wrapped up for the year, so starting this week the Thursday Night Opry will be presented as a traditional Opry show. Opry members Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky and The Whites are scheduled. Maggie Rose is back for another Opry appearance as is the delightful Sunny Sweeney. William Prince and Tylar Farr round it out. 

Thursday November 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Tyler Farr, William Prince, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Sunny Sweeney, Charlie McCoy, Treaty Oak Revival

Grand Ole Opry 11/7 & 11/8

I would call this a pretty quiet weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, while having solid lineups, have no real newsworthy events taking place either night. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, members T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills head up the lineup. The very talented Sierra Hull returns, as does the husband/wife duo of John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash. Frank Ray and Grupo Frontera, who are making their Opry debut, round out the schedule. 

Don Schlitz, who has made more Opry appearances than any other Opry member thus far in 2025, is back on Saturday night, joined by Bill Anderson. Also scheduled is John Berry, Caroline Jones, Opry NextStage act Tigirlily Gold and Charlie Worsham. Rounding out Saturday night is comedian/storyteller Quinn XCII, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Friday November 7
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Frank Ray, Sierra Hull, Mark Wills
Intermission
8:20: Grupo Frontera, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Don Schlitz

Saturday November 8
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, John Berry, Bill Anderson, Grand Master Fiddle Champions, Tigirlily Gold
Intermission
8:20: Caroline Jones, Quinn XCII, Opry Square Dancers, Charlie Worsham, Don Schlitz

Just a couple of quick observations: usually when Mark Wills is on the Opry he opens the show. On Friday he is scheduled in the final slot prior to intermission. On Saturday night, John Berry opens the show. Personally, I think that every Opry show should have an Opry member as the first act. 

Finally, it is always a treat and a special night when the Grand Master Fiddle Champions appear. For those interested, the 54th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship will be held on Saturday and Sunday November 8 and 9, 2025 at the Mockingbird Theater and the Turner Theater in the Factory at Franklin. Contestants from all over the world will be competing for the Champion titles in Youth and Open categories. The contest is Free to attend. There is no entry fee and parking is free. 

Grupo Frontera, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is an American regional Mexican band from Edinburg, Texas. Grupo Frontera was formed in 2019, originally performing at weddings and parties, which lead them to releasing their debut EP in March 2022, En Vivo, Vol. 1. Their release includes covers of songs such as Vicente Fernández's "Estos Celos" and Diego Verdaguer's "La Ladrona". A month later, they released their second EP, containing a cover of Morat's "No Se Va" which eventually went viral on TikTok and would chart at the end of the year. In December 2022, a second collaboration with Fuerza Regida, after "911 (En Vivo)", titled "Bebé Dame" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs charts and peaked at number 25 on Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first top 40 hit.

Quinn XCII (pronounced Ninety-Two), who is debuting on Saturday night, has carved out a distinctive lane with his infectious blend of pop, alternative, and genre-bending storytelling—delivered with heart, humor, and unmistakable charm. To date, Quinn XCII has amassed over 4 billion global streams, earned multiple Platinum singles including “Straightjacket,” “Kings of Summer,” and “Love Me Less,” and Gold-certified hits such as “Stay Next To Me,” “Flare Guns,” “Another Day In Paradise,” “Stacy,” and “Always Been You.” 

It was a special night 27 years ago, as on Saturday November 7, 1998, Grand Ole Opry member was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Actually, it was the 50th anniversary of when Jimmy first joined the Opry, as we all know he left for a pretty long period of time, 17 years to be exact. 

Regardless, here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

6:45: Kodak
Jack Greene (host): Highway To The Sky
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Brother Oswald: Mansion On The Hill
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Billy Grammer: Legend In My Time
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk On By
Christie Lynn: Chains
Porter Wagoner & Cristie Lynn: The Last Thing On My Mind

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind The Barn 
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Jimmy Dean: Drinking From My Saucer

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Charlie Louvin: In The Cross
Del Reeves: Bells of Southern Bell
Sweet Adelines: Who Will Pay
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Johnny Russell (host): Truck Driving Man
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving
The 4 Guys: In My Tennessee Mountain Home
Lari White: You Can't Go Home Again
Stu Phillips: Only God
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Opry Book
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Billy Grammer: Unknown Soldier
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Milwaukee, Here I Come

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait/Tex-A-Cajun

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Bobby Bare: Marie Laveau
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge To Burn

10:30: Epiphone Guitar
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Sweet Adelines: Who Will Buy
Bill Anderson: The Paper

10:45: Joggin In A Jug
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

11:00: Coca Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Walking With My Baby By The San Francisco Bay
Lari White: Take Me/You Can't Go Home Again
Jack Greene: Over There
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
The 4 Guys: Amazing Grace

11:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Del Reeves: You Comb Her Hair/Hound Dog
The Whites: Doing It By The Book

The 7:30 portion, where Jimmy was honored, was televised by TNN. In addition to his good friends Bobby Bare and Jimmy Dean, who both performed on the show, Carl Smith and Waylon Jennings were both backstage and there was also a report that Garth Brooks also attended. 

In addition, Grand Ole Opry members gave Jimmy a custom-made Gibson guitar and Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist proclaimed Saturday as "Little Jimmy Dickens" day in Tennessee. 

I know it bugged a lot of people, including some members of the Opry, that later in Jimmy's career, that it was stated that Jimmy had been a member of the Opry for over 60 years, which was not the case. Eventually the introduction was switched to say that he first joined the Opry in 1948. 

That takes nothing away from the career that Jimmy had. His most popular songs included, starting in 1949, "Take An Old Cold Tater," Country Boy," "Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed," "Hillbilly Fever," "Out Behind the Barn," "We Could," "Family Reunion," and "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." That last song was released in 1965 and was the only No. 1 single of his career. 

Jimmy Dickens was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983, and it was well deserved. 

That takes care of it for this weekend. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Now that the Grand Ole Opry birthday month has concluded, the Opry is back to a more normal schedule this week with just two shows on the calendar, the Tuesday Night Opry and Thursday's Opry Country Classics. For November, the Wednesday and Sunday night shows are off the schedule. 

Taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Don Schlitz and Chris Janson are on the schedule. Bluegrass group Sister Sadie returns, along with Madeline Edwards and making his Opry debut, Gareth. 

Tuesday November 4
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Gareth, Madeline Edwards
Intermission
8:20: Sister Sadie, Don Schlitz, Chris Janson

Opry Country Classics on Thursday Night will be hosted by Larry Gatlin and The Kentucky Headhunters will be the Spotlight Artist. 

Thursday November 6
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: The Kentucky Headhunters
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Tony Jackson, Linda Davis, Charlie McCoy

Grand Ole Opry 10/31 & 11/1

Friday night marks the end of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th birthday month. And what a month it was! During the Friday Night Opry on October 3, Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance as he celebrated his 35th year as an Opry member. Then the following weekend, Kathy Mattea was inducted as the Opry's newest member, and not only that, but Kathy surprised her good friend Suzy Bogguss with an invitation to become an Opry member. 

The third weekend of the month saw the Opry honor Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, with a show that featured the return of Patty Loveless to the Opry stage. Finally, last weekend, the annual Opry Goes Pink show took place with Amy Grant doing the honors of lighting up the Opry backdrop, and Carrie Underwood appearing. 

Other highlights of the month included WSM's 100th anniversary on October 5, Sabrina Carpenter making her Opry debut on October 7, with Connie Smith being honored upon her 60th year as a member of the Opry on October 8.

All in all, it was a spectacular month and there is more to come in November as James Taylor will be making his Opry debut on November 11 and of course, the big night on Friday November 28 when the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary with two shows that night. Thus far 24 Opry members, along with one future Opry member (Suzy Bogguss) are on the schedule with hopefully a few more to come. It promises to be a long historic night. 

As the Grand Ole Opry finishes up the month of October, the Friday Night Opry has Opry members T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Connie Smith, Gene Watson and Riders In The Sky on the schedule. Taylor Hicks is back for another Opry appearance, as are Breanna Nix, Elizabeth Cook, who it appears has made the most Opry appearances of any non-member, and the Opry debut of Hannah McFarland. 

Friday October 31
7:00: T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Breanna Nix, Connie Smith, Taylor Hicks
Intermission
8:20: Elizabeth Cook, Gene Watson, Hannah McFarland, Riders In The Sky

Hannah McFarland is signed to The CoreRecords/Capital Records and was named to Pandora’s 2025 Artists To Watch-Country list. She released her debut EP Broken Hearts in February 2025 and quickly landed on coveted lists like New Music Friday from NPR’s All Songs Considered. Hailed by Holler. as “one of country music’s quiet geniuses,” She also appeared on Hits Daily Double’s New & Developing Artists round-up, joining the ranks of past honorees like Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. Regarding her Opry debut, Hannah said “I wrote a bucket list of my biggest dreams as a kid, and leading at No. 1 was playing the Grand Ole Opry,” McFarland says. “I couldn’t be more grateful to have been asked to make my debut. It feels surreal to have something I’ve been praying and working hard for finally happening, and I can’t wait to take in every second I have in the circle.”

Now turning the page to November and taking a look at Saturday night, Opry members Riders In The Sky are back to make it a two-show weekend, joined by John Conlee and Don Schlitz. Louise Mandrell is back for another Opry visit, along with Louis York, Ben Rector, Walker Montgomery and making her Opry debut, Elizabeth Nichols. 

Saturday November 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Walker Montgomery, Elizabeth Nichols, Louis York
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Louise Mandrell, Opry Square Dancers, Ben Rector, Don Schlitz

Elizabeth Nichols was surprised by Waylon Wyatt with an invitation to make her Opry debut during a recent sold-out show at The Basement East. The singer/songwriter has only been in Nashville for a short time. In June she released her debut EP Tough Love and has followed that up with several new releases. She continues to write with plans to record new music. 

This week, the Grand Ole Opry spotlight remembers Holly Dunn, who made her last Grand Ole Opry appearance on November 1, 2003. 

Holly Dunn was born on August 22, 1957 in San Antonio, Teas. She sang with bands in high school and college before moving to Nashville after graduating from Abilene Christian University. Known as a singer/songwriter, during the 80s and 90s, she released 10 albums, and she had 19 singles that reached the Hot Country Songs Charts. 

She had her first Top 10 hit in 1986 with "Daddy's Hands," which reached No. 7 on the country charts. With the release of her second album, "Cornerstone," she had three Top 10 hits in succession: "Love Somebody Like Me," "Only When I Love," and "Strangers Again." 

After signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1989, she reached No. 1 with "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and in 1990 with "You Really Had Me Going." In 1991, she released her first greatest hits package, Milestones: Greatest Hits. It included the new release "Maybe I Mean Yes", which became controversial due to some listeners with Holly asking that radio stations no longer play the song. 

Later, she joined country music radio station WWWW in Detroit, Michigan, as morning show co-host. It was not her first time behind the radio mike, as she had served as a DJ during her college years. However, the decision forced her to give up touring for a time. Later, she co-hosted Opry Backstage on the Nashville Network in 1999–2002.

In 2003, she retired from her music career to pursue her passion for creating art. Her website is still active and features examples of her artwork. Her final album "Full Circle" featured gospel music. 

Holly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2016 and passed away on November 15, 2016.

Here is the running order from Saturday November 1, 2003, the night Holly Dunn appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time: 

6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
The Whites: Keep On The Sunny Side
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory/Rocky Top
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Penny DeHaven: Milwaukee, Here I Come

7:00: Rutledge Hill Press/Standard Candy
Sara Evans: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth/Out Behind The Barn
III Tyme Out: (?)/Rocked On The Deep/A Phone Call Away
Sara Evans: Perfect/On The Back Seat of A Greyhound Bus/
Buddy Jewell: (?)Help Pour Out The Rain/Abilene On Her Mind

8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Pat Boone: Love Letters In The Sand/Under God
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Mandy Barnett: Mansion On The Hill
Brad Paisley: Happy Birthday Bill/Celebrity
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Coca Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Keep On The Sunny Side
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then

10:00: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Osborne Brothers: Fastest Grass Alive/Rocky Top
Sara Evans: Perfect/Suds In The Bucket
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:30: Dream Works
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Cross The Brazos At Waco
Buddy Jewell: Sweet Southern Comfort/Help Pour Out The Rain
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: (?)

11:00: Cingular Wireless
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
III Tyme Out: (?)/The Moundville Pen
Pat Boone: Love Letters In The Sand/Under Bod
Bill Anderson: Happy Birthday To Me

11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning That Old Memory
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mandy Barnette: No One Will Ever Know/Who Could It Be
Jeannie Seely & Danny Davis: Today I Started Loving You Again

Brad Paisley was a surprise guest that night as it was Bill Anderson's birthday and Brad came out to honor Bill. The legendary Pat Boone was also on the schedule, as were future Opry members Sara Evans and Mandy Barnett. 

Holly Dunn joined the Grand Ole Opry on October 14, 1989, and she was a popular choice, and a popular member of the Opry cast. However, after Holly retired from the music industry and moved to New Mexico, Opry general manager Pete Fisher made the decision to terminate Holly's Opry membership. 

“I had really participated as a younger member,” Holly Dunn told the The 9513.com in February of 2010 in one of their Where Are The Now? segments. “I hosted the TV show and backstage show for two years. I was Bill Anderson’s substitute host when he couldn’t be there. And I did commercials for them and radio for them. I loved the Opry and what it stood and stands for.”

But that love was not reciprocated. No longer living in Nashville, but still willing to keep up with her Opry commitments, Holly Dunn received word that she had been removed as a member.

“I have some amazing memories. I wish there was a way, though — just to make a suggestion to them — to keep a list of folks that were members in the past,” she said. “This whole total expunging you from the list is sort of a little harsh, I think. There are people on that list that I know for a fact might make it once a year if they’re lucky. It’s a little subjective. That’s my only gripe.”

(The quotes are from an article on Saving Country Music, a site that I highly recommend) 

As I wrote, there was really no excuse in firing Holly as there were numerous Opry members who went years between Opry appearances. Yet, they kept, and continue to keep, their Opry membership. There has been some behind the scenes speculation and rumors as to why she was fired, but I will leave it at that. 

That takes care of 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

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is on their farewell tour and on Tuesday night, the iconic group will be making an appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry. And while they may not be in the same class as the Dirt Band, The Forrester Sisters will also be appearing. Rounding out the lineup are Opry members Dailey & Vincent, comedian Brian Bates, Braxton Keith, Hailey Whitters and the newest sensation in country music, John Foster. 

Tuesday October 28
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Braxton Keith, The Forrester Sisters, John Foster
Intermission
8:20: Hailey Whitters, Brian Bates, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The Wednesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. Maggie Rose, Chase Matthew and Chancy Williams are guesting. The final act on the Wednesday schedule is Jesse James Decker & Jana Kramer. I'll be honest: I have seen Jesse James Decker on the Opry a couple of times, and I can't say that I am excited to see her back on the Opry schedule. 

Wednesday October 29
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Colin Stough, Lindsey Stirling, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: Chancey Williams, Jessie James Decker & Jana Kramer, Chase Matthew, Charlie McCoy

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night. Larry Gatlin will be the host and Trace Adkins is the Spotlight Artist. Rounding out that lineup are The Gatlin Brothers, Erin Enderlin and Sister Sadie. 

Thursday October 30
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Trace Adkins
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Erin Enderlin, Bryce Leatherwood, Sister Sadie

Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26

It's the final full weekend in October as the Grand Ole Opry will be closing out the last full weekend of Opry 100 birthday shows. There will be two shows each night as Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood is back for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

The shows this weekend will bring Carrie's number of Opry appearances up to 10 for the year, plus the NBC 100th anniversary show in March. Once again, and it should really be no surprise, Carrie sets the example for her contemporaries who can't seem to find their way to the Opry House door. 

Joining Carrie on the Friday Night Opry are Opry members T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz. Charles Esten continues to add to his list of guest appearances, as he is on the schedule, as is Junior Brown and making his Opry debut, Preston Cooper. 

Friday October 24
1st show
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Preston Cooper, Junior Brown
8:00: Charles Esten, Don Schlitz, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: T. Graham Brown, Preston Cooper, Connie Smith, Carrie Underwood
10:30: Junior Brown, Charles Esten, Don Schlitz

On Saturday night, one of the highlights each year on the Grand Ole Opry's calendar is the annual Opry Goes Pink show, when the Opry joins together with Susan G. Komen in the fight against breast cancer. This year, it will be Amy Grant flipping the switch at the start of the show that will turn the barn backdrop pink for the night. In recognition of the night, a portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation. 

Joining Carrie on the Saturday night shows are members The Whites, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and The Isaacs. Guesting, in addition to Amy Grant, is Sophia Scott. 

Saturday October 25
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Amy Grant, The Whites, Sophia Scott, Riders In The Sky
8:00: Mandy Barnett, The Isaacs, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Amy Grant, The Whites, Carrie Underwood
10:30: Riders In The Sky, Sophia Scott, Mandy Barnett, The Isaacs

Overall, the Opry shows in October have been outstanding and this weekend is no exception. 

Taking a look back, it was 22 years ago on Saturday October 25, 2003, that Del McCoury became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

The invitation to Del to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry took place earlier in the month, on October 2. Here is the article from the Tennessean the following day: 

Del McCoury, who first performed on the Grand Ole Opry as the guitarist for Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, was asked last night to become the next cast member of the venerable radio show. The surprise invitation came during the International Bluegrass Music Assocation's annual awards show, at which McCoury and his Del McCoury Band won the Entertainer of the Year category for the eighth time in nine years. 

As he accepted his award, Opry members and bluegrass stalwarts Sonny Osborne and Ricky Skaggs walked onstage next to McCoury. "We want to know what you might be doing October 25th," Skaggs said. Flummoxed for a moment, McCoury hesitated. Osborne broke in" We'd like to ask you a very important question. How would you like to maybe, on October 25th, become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?"

A standing ovation precluded any attempt by McCoury to immediately answer the question. Later he managed to say, "I'm so honored to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry." 

Since its birth in 1925, the Opry has aired on Nashville station WSM-AM 650. The bluegrass genre's first Opry star was Monroe himself, under who McCoury apprenticed in 1963 and 1964. McCoury's music has grown popular lately beyond the bluegrass world, as his high, keening voice has been heard at in places such as the "jam-band" oriented Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn. "We've been trying to take our music to other venues and kind of cross musical lines," McCoury said. 

Now here is the running order from Saturday October 25, 2003, the night Del McCoury officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind The Barn
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: WSMonline.com/Standard Candy
Emerson Drive: Dreaming About You/Waiting On Me
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man (host)
Rodney Atkins: My Old Man/Honesty
Del McCoury Band: 1952 Vincent White Lightening/Hillcrest Drive
Del McCoury & Patty Loveless: I'm Working On A Building
George Hamilton IV: Abilene

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Jimmy C Newman: Allons Ah Lafayette
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Snowflake Reel
Porter Wagoner: Suppertime

8:30: Tootsie's
Mike Snider (host): Shuckin' The Corn
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: Darling, Are You Ever Coming Home
Hal Ketchum: Waiting Redemption/Stay Forever
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Runnin' Money

2nd show
9:30: Coca Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
The Whites: Making Believe/Swing Down Chariot
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace

10:00: Caribbean Cruise
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jan Howard: The One I Slip Around With
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Emerson Drive: Fall Into Me/Fishing In The Dark
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand

10:30: Dreamworks
Hal Ketchum (host): Without Your Love
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything
Connie Smith: I'll Come Runnin' To You/You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Whiskey Before Breakfast
Hal Ketchum: It's A 5 O'clock World 

11:00: Cingular Wireless
Jean Shepard (host): Gone, Gone, Gone
Billy Walker: Word Games
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo/Cajun Stripper
Del McCoury Band: I'll Dry My Tears/A Cheap Love Affair
Jean Shepard: Together Again

11:30: 
Mike Snider (host): Acorn Hill/Crazy Creek
Rodney Atkins: My Old Man/Honesty
Jack Greene: Walking The Floor Over You/Night Live
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper

Patty Loveless was a surprise guest that night and did the formal induction of Del as an Opry member. 

Over the past couple of decades, Del has been a fine Opry member, making regular appearances on the Opry and has always been well received. 

Finally, there is a Sunday Night Opry that will feature Opry members Steven Curtis Chapman, Riders In The Sky and Don Schlitz. Guesting are The Castellows, The Cleverlys, Evan Honer and Austin Snell. 

There you have it for this week as the Grand Ole Opry closes out the month of October. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys Carrie Underwood at the Opry this weekend.