February Opry Highlights

Opry100 continues into the month of February and the following are some of the historical moments that have occurred during this month at the Grand Ole Opry: 

February 9, 1914: The legendary Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. 

February 1, 1928: Harry Stone joined WSM radio as a staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM and become responsible for the Opry. While in that position, he would often clash with Opry founder George D. Hay over the direction of the show. While Judge Hay wanted to keep the rural flavor of the show, Harry saw the value of the show to the National Life & Insurance Company, the owners of WSM, and felt that the show should move into a more professional direction. It was during Harry's time that the Opry moved away from local, amateur talent and began bringing in professional and paid entertainers. Harry remained with WSM until 1950, when he left to pursue new opportunities. Overtime it has seemed that Harry Stone's influence at WSM and in the direction that the Opry eventually took has been overlooked, but he was an important part of the history of the radio station and the Opry. 

February 17, 1931: Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the first artist to perform on what is now called the Grand Ole Opry passed away. Uncle Jimmy was a part of the Barn Dance until 1927. On the back wall at the Opry House, on the list of Opry members, Uncle Jimmy holds the top spot. 

February 2, 1935: The Missouri Mountaineers, led by Jack Shook, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Alcyone Bate described the Mountaineers, who were founded by Jack Shook, as a "sort of Sons of Pioneers group." They stayed with the Opry until 1939. After the group left the Opry, Jack Shook would go on to make recordings with Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow, among others. 

February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff and his Crazy Tennesseans made their second appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. His first appearance had taken place several months earlier and was not considered a success. This time around, Roy performed "The Great Speckled Bird" and WSM was overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail. As a result, Roy was asked to become an Opry regular, or member, and it became official on February 19. Along with Pee Wee King, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and Eddy Arnold, Roy would help lead the shift of the Opry's focus to professional singers rather than the instrumental groups that had been the main focus of the show. Shortly after he joined, Harry Stone suggested to Roy that the name of his group be changed and since Roy was from the Knoxville area, he went with Smoky Mountain Boys, which was effective beginning February 26. Except for a brief year in the 1940s, Roy would remain with the Opry until his death in November 1992.

February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought to the Opry specifically to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. While I have never heard The Andrew Brothers, I have heard that they were fine harmony singers.

February 13, 1943: While several dates have been listed, it would appear that Ernest Tubb became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry on this particular date. As has been discovered with others, in its earliest years, the Opry didn't keep very accurate records. 

February 21, 1948: Jimmy Dickens made his first guest appearance on the Opry. He performed "John Henry" and "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair." Several months later, Jimmy would become a member of the Opry.

February 2, 1949: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Snow met current Opry member Ernest Tubb for the first time. The meeting led to the efforts by Ernest to get Hank on the Opry, which finally took place in January 1950.

February 26, 1949: Rose Maddox and her brothers made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Rose and the group would later become Opry members, however their stay at the Opry was very short. There are several different versions as to why they left but the consensus seems to be that they were a little too progressive for the Opry. When discussion takes place regarding those who should be in the Hall of Fame but have been passed over, Rose and her brothers are frequently mentioned. 

February 18, 1950: One of the Opry's early competitors, the WSB Barn Dance, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took place for the final time. The show, which started on November 16, 1940, was a very popular regional show.

February 23, 1952: Del Wood made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She came to the Opry after "Down Yonder" her famous instrumental single, sold over a million copies the previous year. When Del accepted the invitation to perform on the Opry, she turned down a two-week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. Del became an Opry member the following year and would remain an Opry member until her death in October 1989. It has been said that Del would keep a sharp eye out whenever a newcomer came to the Opry and didn't care for those who were overly progressive. 

February 7, 1953: Marty Robbins made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed two numbers, "Ain't You Ashamed" and "Good Night Cincinnati, Good Mornin' Tennessee." Marty's debut was a success, and he would shortly become an Opry regular. 

February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Some consider them the greatest brother duo in the history of country music. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965, from injuries in an automobile accident that also took the life of his wife and another couple. Charlie would remain a member of the Opry, and have a successful solo career, until his death in January 2011. (As a note, some publications list February 10 as the date the Louvin Brothers joined the Opry).

February 19, 1957: Webb Pierce resigned as a member of the Opry. Webb's time at the Opry was fairly short as he quickly realized the amount of money, he was losing by having to be in Nashville every Saturday night. While that was the main issue, there were other instances where Webb felt that he wasn't being fairly treated by the Opry's management. However, after Webb gave up his Opry membership, he would come back for an occasional appearance. 

February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It is safe to say that Porter was one of the Opry's most popular and colorful members and in his later years, was considered the face of the Opry. Porter had made his first guest appearance in 1956 and would later say, "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I was awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here,'" The night of his first appearance, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later become close friends with Porter. Porter remained an Opry member until his death in October 2007, shortly after celebrating 50 years as an Opry member.

February 27, 1959: Billy Grammer joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Famous for "Gotta Travel On" Billy was also a fine guitar player and maker. Billy was a member for 52 years, passing away in August 2011. Billy also gave the innovation at the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House in March 1974.

February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. George, who passed away in September 2014, was an Opry member for 54 years. From my own personal experience, George was one of the nicest guys in country music and it was always a joy and pleasure to sit and talk to him. I would also add that I believe George's contributions to country and folk music have been largely overlooked over the years. 

February 23, 1963: Patsy Cline made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than two weeks later, she would die in a plane crash that also took the lives of Opry members Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with Randy Hughes. While Patsy's time at the Opry was short, she had a tremendous influence. 

February 12, 1966: After taking a leave of absence from the Grand Ole Opry in December 1964, Minnie Pearl returned to the Opry. Minnie saw that she was probably going to be caught up in the Purge of 64 with the members who were fired from the show, thus she took the initiative and asked for a leave knowing that she would be back someday. 

February 19, 1966: Folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary made a special guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

February 11, 1967: The Four Guys made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. As the story has been told many times, they were brought back for several encores. Even though the group never had a hit record, they were such a success with their stage presence that they were asked to become Opry members, were they remained until fired in April 2000. On a side note, Sam Wellington, the original leader of the group was recently inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. 

February 10, 1968: Opry sponsor Shick sponsored a segment for the final time. 

February 17, 1968: Fender Music Instruments sponsored an Opry segment for the first time. They settled into the 10:00 segment on Saturday night, formally occupied by Shick. 

February 22, 1969: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their final appearance together on the Opry. The duo had joined the Opry in 1955, however creative differences caused the two to go their separate ways. While they broke up several months later, each remained as individual members of the Opry. On that particular night, they were scheduled for both shows, however they only appeared on the early show as differences kept them from appearing on the late show. 

February 28, 1970: Pure Oil sponsored their final segment on the Opry. They were replaced, basically in a name change, by Union 76. 

February 6, 1971: The Grand Ole Opry began performing two Saturday night Opry shows on a regular basis. Prior to that date, the Saturday show ran 7:30 to midnight, although on special occasions the Opry would break it up into two shows, depending on artist and audience demand.

February 11, 1972: Grand Ole Gospel Time, hosted by the Reverend Jimmie Snow, made its debut after the Friday Night Opry. The show would continue for the next 23 years and feature many of the Opry's members, along with other guests including Johnny and June Carter Cash and Dennis Weaver. While the hour-long show took place after the Friday Night Opry, it was not aired on WSM until Sunday morning.

February 19, 1974: Grand Ole Opry members Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton announced the break-up of their act. Obviously, this affected the Opry greatly as Porter would continue as an Opry regular, however Dolly, who would remain an Opry member, would eventually fade away from making regular Opry appearances. 

February 23, 1974: Former Grand Ole Opry members DeFord Bailey, Sid Harkreader, Pee Wee King and several others performed on the Opry as part of the first of what would turn into, an annual reunion show featuring former Opry members. DeFord appeared at the personal invitation of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. While this was not DeFord's first Opry appearance since his firing, this was among his more notable ones. Before passing away, DeFord would make several more appearances, most often on the Opry's annual reunion shows.

February 1, 1975: Future Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner made his singing debut on the Opry. He sang a duet with Dottie West "Sweet Memories." He as part of Dottie's band and was introduced that night as Steve Noel. 

February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast as a member of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Hank Snow, who noted how much Jimmy had been missed at the Opry and how good it was to have him back. As you might expect, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion." Unlike the first time he joined in 1948, this time Jimmy stayed, until passing away in January 2015.

February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Ronnie's 49th year as an Opry member. Sadly, Ronnie has had his share of health problems, and it would appear that he has retired. Ronnie last appeared on the Opry in March 2024 as part of his 80th birthday celebration. 

February 16, 1980: Opry member Charlie Louvin was recognized upon his 25th anniversary as an Opry member. 

February 7, 1981: John Conlee became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be John's 44th year as an Opry member. As an Opry member, John has been very popular and well received. After he first appeared on the Opry, he was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring."

February 21, 1981: Just two weeks after John Conlee joined the cast, Boxcar Willie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a country music star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late-night television commercials promoting his train album. Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in June 1980 after being discovered in England by Wesley Rose, who brought Boxcar to the attention of Roy Acuff. Lecil Travis Martin passed away in April 1999. Also, that night, former Grand Ole Opry member Tammy Wynette made an Opry appearance, her first since October 1975.

February 28, 1987: Grand Ole Opry member Archie Campbell made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Archie, who was also known as a star of Hee Haw, passed away in August 1987. For those who haven't, I would recommend a visit to the Archie Campbell Museum in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. It is free and wonderful. I would also add that Archie should have been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame decades ago. As to why he has not been elected, I do not have an answer. 

February 20, 1988: The Grand Ole Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted an entire hour-long segment to Roy that featured Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. On an additional note, on the same night that Roy Acuff celebrated his 50th Opry anniversary, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited at the Opry for the first time in 14 years.

February 24, 1990: Grand Ole Opry member Loretta Lynn performed on the Opry for the first time with her sisters Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue. 

February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville in 1952 from the Louisiana Hayride and quickly made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on the Prince Albert portion of the show. When he joined the cast in 1953, he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. In the 1950s, Webb was one of the biggest acts in country music and because of his heavy touring, he only stayed at the Opry for a couple of years. Webb was also a very successful businessman and was involved with one of the first publishing companies in Nashville. In 2001, a decade after his death, Webb was finally elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 33rd year as an Opry member. Travis is the only member in the history of the Opry who joined the cast on February 29, leap year. Sadly, over the past decade, Travis has not been to the Opry very often. Also taking place that night was the Opry debut of Trisha Yearwood. She would join the Opry's cast a decade later. 

February 18, 1995: WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer Charlie Douglas announced the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Charlie retired from WSM after coming to the station in 1984.

February 19, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones passed away from the effects of a stroke he had suffered earlier in the year. Grandpa had been a 50+ year member of the Opry and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

February 21, 1998: The Grand Ole Opry honored long-time member Grandpa Jones, who passed away earlier in the week from complications of a stroke suffered after an Opry performance. At the show that night, Bill Carlisle, Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children led the cast in singing "Fallen Leaves," one of the great songs that Grandpa wrote. I was at the show that night and it was a very memorable evening. 

February 19, 1999: Brother Oswald made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Oswald had been a part of the Opry for decades, originally coming to the show as part of Roy Acuff's group, then later becoming an Opry member after Roy passed away. 

February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Brad's 24th year as an Opry member. On the night that Brad joined the cast, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens wore on the cover of the 1966 "Live at Carnegie Hall" album. In some ways, Brad has become the poster child of Opry members who seem to have forgotten where the Opry House is. 

February 24, 2001: While performing on the first show that evening, Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper suffered a stroke which would end her performing career. Wilma Lee did return to the Opry several times after the stroke, once to be honored for 50 years as a member of the Opry, and then when the Grand Ole Opry House reopened after the flood in September 2010.

February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr. performed together on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had recently passed away. Porter Wagoner was the host of the segment, and the four performers spent an hour on stage singing various Waylon songs and telling Waylon stories.

February 23, 2002: Former Grand Ole Opry member Earl Scruggs made a guest appearance. 

February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. Johnny joined the Opry in November 1997, at the urging of Johnny Russell. However, within a few years, declining health forced Johnny into retirement. At the time of his death. Johnny was in such poor financial shape that George Jones paid for a cemetery plot in which Johnny was buried.

February 22, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Carlisle made his final appearance on a Saturday night Opry show. Bill's final appearance would take place a on a Friday night the following month. 

February 4, 2005: Bluegrass group The Grascals made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming Opry members, the group has continued to make appearances on the Opry. 

February 26, 2005: Opry member Charlie Louvin was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. He appeared on both Opry shows that night in addition to hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Sadly, Charlie was not featured on the televised segment of the Opry that evening. 

February 8, 2007: In response to the recently filed lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry officials file papers in a Nashville court to request a dismissal of Stonewall Jackson's age-discrimination suit. They note Jackson has turned down some opportunities to perform and call the suit an effort "to boost his own career"

February 16, 2008: Former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away in Florida at the age of 74. Bobby was a popular Opry member who joined the cast in the mid 1960s, leaving in the mid-1970s. At the time, he left Nashville and moved to Florida and got involved in real estate.

February 27, 2009: Opry member Billy Grammer was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. On the same night that Billy was recognized, Jimmy Dickens returned to the Opry after an absence of six weeks following brain surgery.

February 15, 2013: Future Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson made his Opry debut. 

February 14, 2015: Future Grand Ole Opry member Kelsea Ballerini made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Kelsea joined the Opry cast in 2019.

February 26, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

February 24, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time. Roy joined the Opry's cast in August 1987. Roy passed away on November 15, 2018.

February 28, 2017: Travis Tritt returned to the Opry stage for the first time since 2007, upon the occasion of his 25th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

February 8, 2018: Steve Buchanan, President of the Grand Ole Opry, announced his retirement. Steve was instrumental in bringing in Pete Fisher as the Opry's general manager, and in expanding the Opry brand in Nashville and beyond. Steve was also the executive producer of "Nashville," which included the Opry and several of its members in many of their shows. An argument can be made that Steve could be a candidate for the Country Music Hall of Fame in the contributors' category.

February 15, 2019: William Shatner made his Grand Ole Opry debut, appearing with Jeff Cook from the group Alabama. 

February 7, 2020: Gene Watson was formally inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. It was a well-deserved honor for Gene and well received. Grand Ole Opry member Steve Wariner handled the official induction. 

February 14, 2020": One of the Opry's newest members, Lainey Wilsom, made her Grand Ole Opry debut. 

February 28, 2020: Rhonda Vincent was surprised by Opry member Jeannie Seely with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rhonda had been a guest on the Opry for several decades prior to the invitation. Due to Covid, her induction was delayed until 2021. 

February 6, 2021: After a yearlong wait due to Covid, Rhonda Vincent was finally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. with Dierks Bentley doing the honors. Since joining the cast, Rhonda has embraced her membership and has appeared on the Opry numerous times over the past year. 

February 14, 2021: NBC-TV televised the Opry's 95th anniversary special. The show featured over a dozen of the Opry's more popular members and included the invitation by Darius Rucker to Lady A to become the Opry's newest member. The special had been filmed the previous month and Lady A's Opry induction took effect immediately, thus jumping Rhonda Vincent's. 

February 12, 2022: Lauren Alaina was formally inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Trisha Yearwood did the introduction and presented Lauren with her Opry member award, with Garth Brooks also appearing. 

February 4, 2023: The Grand Ole Opry revealed its new backdrop. While still shaped somewhat as a barn, it brought the backdrop into the electronic age with LED and digital lighting that was designed for which ever performer was on stage. 

February 11, 2023: Henry Cho was inducted as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member, and the first comedian to join the Opry's cast since Jerry Clower in 1973. Vince Gill did the formal honors, assisted by John Conlee, Don Schlitz, Steve Wariner and Ben Isaacs. 

February 26, 2023: Melvin Sloan passed away at the age of 82. Melvin came to the Opry following the death of his brother Ralph Sloan and took over the lead role of the Square Dancers. The Group became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin retired in 2002, which also marked the 50th year of either Ralph or Melvin leading the Square Dancers. 

February 20, 2024: T. Graham Brown was surprised by Vince Gill with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation took place while Vince was guesting on T. Graham's radio show. 

There you have it for the month of February.

Grand Ole Opry 1/31 & 2/1

From a personal standpoint, I think the Grand Ole Opry is off to a great start for Opry100. The shows overall in January, have been very good with a number of Grand Ole Opry members on the schedule. This weekend is no exception as the calendar turns the page from January to February. 

The Friday Night Opry will feature Grand Ole Opry members John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky and the legendary Jeannie Seely. 

Suzy Bogguss was on the schedule several weeks ago but had to cancel due to illness. She has rescheduled her appearance and will be appearing on Friday night. I know she is the favorite of many. Also on the schedule is Mae Estes and making their Opry debut, Penny and Sparrow.

Gary Mule Deer is back on the schedule for Saturday night, along with the Opry's newest member, Steven Curtis Chapman. The legendary Gene Watson is on the schedule, and he will be recognized upon his 5th anniversary as an Opry member. Also on the schedule are a trio of Country Music Hall of Fame members: Bill Anderson, Vince Gill and Don Schlitz. 

Only two non-members are listed: Karley Scott Collins and Christian Hayes, who will be making his Opry debut.

Friday January 31
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Mae Estes, John Conlee
Intermission
8:20: Penny & Sparrow, Gary Mule Deer, Suzy Bogguss, Riders In The Sky

Saturday February 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Gene Watson, Karley Scott Collins, Bill Anderson, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:20: Christian Hayes, Gary Mule Deer, Opry Square Dancers, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill

As mentioned, there are two Opry debuts this weekend, Penny & Sparrow on Friday night and Christian Hayes on Saturday.

Penny and Sparrow are an American band comprised of guitarist and vocalist Kyle Jahnke and vocalist Andy Baxter originating in 2011 from Austin, Texas. Meeting at the University of Texas Austin, Jahnke and Baxter became roommates, soon after friends and soon after music partners.  Beginning with their 2013 album "Tenboom" the pair have gone on to release a total of 9 albums.

Baxter an erudite lyricist with a mesmerizing voice and crystalline falsetto, and the duo quickly found that their vocals blended together as if they’d been singing in harmony their whole lives. Beginning with 2013’s ‘Tenboom,’ the staunchly DIY pair released a series of critically lauded records that garnered comparisons to the hushed intimacy of Iron & Wine and the adventurous beauty of James Blake, building up a devoted fanbase along the way through relentless touring and word-of-mouth buzz. NPR praised the band’s songwriting as a “delicate dance between heartache and resolve,” while The World Café raved that they’ve “steadily built a sound as attentive to detail as Simon & Garfunkel and as open to the present day as Bon Iver,” and Rolling Stone hailed their catalog as “folk music for Sunday mornings, quiet evenings, and all the fragile moments in between.” In addition to the mountain of glowing reviews, the band also earned high profile fans—including The Civil Wars’ John Paul White, who produced 2015’s ‘Let A Lover Drown You’—and extensive tour dates with everyone from Josh Ritter and Johnnyswim to Drew Holcomb and Delta Rae. 

Christian Hayes, who had released his debut single "Leaving" less than a year ago, received the incredible honor of being invited to make his Opry debut on Christmas Eve, surrounded by his entire family. 

According to Christian, “My parents for a week leading up to it, were like…I had another party I had to go to before, and they’re like, ‘make sure you’re there at eight.’ I was like, ‘why are they so adamant that I’m there at eight?’ And my parents were like, ‘we have a surprise.’ They played it off so well. They’re like, ‘we’ve been saving up for a long time for it. We have this big surprise for you. I get there, and we’re all gathered around, we’re about to say a prayer before we eat dinner and then my mom and dad walk in the room and everyone’s gathered up in the kitchen,” he continued recalling the moments leading up to the grand reveal. “There’s probably 60 people there. My dad’s holding this cake from this cake company in Rome called Honeyman Bakery…and my mom’s holding these two huge sugar cookies but turned into her. So you could tell something was written on the frosting.” 

Before uncovering the reason for the treats, Hayes said his uncle joked that they now have a professional in their circle, referencing Hayes who had just signed to Capitol Records a few months prior. This prompted his dad to reflect on the Georgia native’s musical journey that began when he was just eight years old, and how far he’s come just in this past year. Then, it was time for the big surprise to be unveiled. “[He] kind of walks down my path a little bit and then he was like, ‘well, what he doesn’t know yet is he’s going to have this Grand Ole Opry debut on February 1st.’ He opens it up and it’s this cake box that says, ‘Christian Hayes, Grand Ole Opry debut.’ And my mom flips the cookies and has the debut date. It was really sweet. They didn’t tell anybody. No one in the family knew. I didn’t know. It was just a complete huge shock.” He goes on to admit he was “speechless” in that moment and tried his best to hold back the tears welling up in his eyes but ultimately was too overjoyed to get to share that milestone with his family by his side.

Christian grew up in northern Georgia. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, he began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You, his debut for Capitol Records available now. Produced by Lukas Bracewell and steeped in Hayes' unique version of American roots music, Last, I Love You features the viral single "LILY" (which racked up more than 3 million streams before the EP's official release), the anthemic "Black Gold," and a mix of effortless melodies, cinematic folk and rowdy, barn-burning Americana. 

I am sure all 60 of those family members who were there that Christmas Eve will be at the Opry on Saturday night. 

Continuing our look back at past Grand Ole Opry members, this week the spotlight is on Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Price. 

Ray Price was one of the stars of the Grand Ole Opry through the 1950s. Known as the Cherokee Cowboy, Ray released over 100 singles and 50 albums during the course of his Hall of Fame career. His first #1 was in 1956 with "Crazy Arms" followed by "My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You," "City Lights," and "The Same Old Me" to close out the 50s. While the 1960s would bring more Top 10 hits, Ray would not hit #1 again until 1970 with "For The Good Times." His final #1 was in 1973 with "You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To." While there would be no more #1's, Ray would continue to be on the country charts until 1989.  Even as his hit making days ended, Ray continued to be a top touring act, appearing on numerous television shows. 

As Ray's career took off, he found it more and more difficult to maintain the appearance requirements at the Grand Ole Opry, thus he was fired from the show in December 1964 as part of what has become known as the Purge of 64. That did not mean however, that his Opry days had ended. While he never rejoined the show as a member, Ray would continue to make guest appearances as his schedule allowed. 

One of those appearances took place 28 years ago this weekend, on Saturday February 1, 1997. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat Your Myrtle
Grandpa Jones: Dark As A Dungeon

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
Jeannie Seely: I Can't Stop Loving You
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

7:00: Shoney's
Del Reeves (host): Good Time Charlie's
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Billy Walker: Adam's Side
Del Reeves: A Lover's Question

7:30: Standard Candy
Jack Greene (host): Walkin' On New Grass
Ken Mellons: Juke Box Junkie
The 4 Guys: Amazing Grace
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose/For The Good Times/Burning Memories
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Brother Oswald: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
Porter Wagoner: The Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Forty Miles From Poplar Bluff

8:30: Opry Cruise
Mike Snider (host): Tennessee Rapsody/Cotton-Eyed Joe
Charlie Louvin: I Wanna Die Young
The Whites: Move It On Over
Jan Howard: Who Are You Gonna Blame It On This Time
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Mike Snider: Look What They've Done To The Dominica Hen/Banjolene

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
George Hamilton IV; I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map/Cabin In Gloryland
Ray Price: Release Me/The Other Woman/For The Good Times
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down The Country
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya/Texa-Cajun
Grandpa Jones: My Little Old Home Down In New Orleans

10:15: Opry Cruise
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me & My Big Loud Mouth
Ken Mellons: Home Team/Ain't That Love
Jimmy Dickens: She Always Got What She Wanted

10:30: Purnell's
Jack Greene (host): Good Time Chariot
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore/The Kind Of Love I Can't Forget/Bubbles In My Beer
Jack Greene: Lord, I Need Somebody Bad Tonight

10:45: Fan Fare Cruise
Mike Snider (host): Foggy Mountain Chimes/Flint Hill Special
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper

11:00: Coca Cola
Del Reeves (host): Wild Blood
Mel McDaniel: Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On/Stand Up
Stu Phillips: Dust In My Eyes
Billy Walker: A Million & One/Come A Little Bit Closer
Del Reeves: I Would Like To See You Again

11:30: Loreal
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Jeannie Seely: Burning That Old Memory
Charlie Walker: Right Or Wrong
The Whites: Pins & Needles/He Took Your Place
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball

There you have it for this week as we remember Ray Price. 

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.

Big News!! Opry 100 NBC TV Special

 From the Grand Ole Opry: 

Be a part of country music history in the making. NBC’s Opry 100 Special is airing LIVE from the Opry House—and you could be in the crowd!  ✨

Blake Shelton hosts a star-studded celebration of 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and MORE. Airing LIVE from the Opry House on NBC and Peacock TV. Be there for this once-in-a-lifetime event on country music’s biggest stage or tune in on March 19th at 8/7c! 

Tickets on sale Friday, January 31st at 10am CT 🎟️ https://opryent.co/40zLBib

More details via Billboard: 

A who's who of country music artists will help the Grand Ole Opry celebrate its 100th anniversary when the live event concert, Opry 100: A Live Celebration, airs live on NBC (and simulcast on Peacock) on Wednesday, March 19.

Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton will host the three-hour live celebration event, which will air from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. Opry members Ashley McBryde, Shelton, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill will all take part. Opry member Randy Travis will make a special appearance, while other Opry favorites set to take part include Amy Grant, Eric Church, Jelly Roll and The War and Treaty. The broadcast will feature performances from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, as well as from the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Opry's most famous former home.

"Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage. The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I'm so proud to be part of this historic celebration," Shelton said in a statement.

"We're pleased to partner with our Grand Ole Opry members to create a truly unforgettable evening as we kick off the Opry's 100th year," Opry Entertainment Group CEO Patrick Moore in a statement. "This special night of programming will connect millions of country music fans to the magic of the Opry, and we hope it inspires them to join us in Nashville as we celebrate this milestone all year long." 

The telecast will be executive produced by Silent House Productions' Emmy Award winners Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn, along with R.A. Clark and Steve Buchanan. A limited amount of tickets will go on sale starting Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. CT on the Opry's website, while a pre-sale for Opry subscribers will launch Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. CT.

The Grand Ole Opry launched in 1925 and has had a series of homes over the years, among them the Nashville offices of the National Life and Accident Insurance Company (WSM-AM's call letters are an acronym for National Life's slogan, "We Shield Millions") and Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium. The Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, before the Opry moved into its current location in March 1974. The Opry still returns to the Ryman Auditorium each winter for a special run of Opry at the Ryman shows.

The Grand Ole Opry has become the longest running live broadcast show in the world, featuring weekly performances from established country music artists and regularly featuring and supporting rising artists. Each week, fans gather at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to experience live shows, or take in the music through WSM Radio and online, or watch the Opry Live broadcasts on Saturdays, as well as other Opry content, on Circle Country.

On Jan. 3, the Grand Ole Opry launched its first show of 2025 with the Opry at the Ryman series, with the show featuring current CMA musician of the year Charlie Worsham, "The Gambler" and "Forever and Ever, Amen" songwriter Don Schlitz, singer Connie Smith, harmonica maestro Charlie McCoy, singer Mandy Barnett, singer-songwriter Craig Morgan ("That's What I Love About Sundays," "Redneck Yacht Club") and nine-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) entertainer of the year winners The Travelin' McCourys.

2024

Another year is in the books as the Grand Ole Opry has completed its 99th year. As the Grand Ole Opry enters year 100, it is time to take a look back at 2024 and recap the year at the Grand Ole Opry. 

The Grand Ole Opry ended 2024 with 76 members, the largest number of members in the history of the show. Four names were added in 2024, Scotty McCreery, T. Graham Brown, Lainey Wilson and Steven Curtis Chapman. Meanwhile, for the first year since 2019, no Grand Ole Opry member passed away. 

In March, the Opry celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House, with a show that included only members of the Opry's cast. In July, Bill Anderson marked his 63rd year as an Opry member, the longest tenured member in the history of the Opry, while Jeannie Seely continues to add to her record number of Opry appearances. In October, the Opry celebrated its 99th anniversary. 

Looking at Opry milestones, Dolly Parton celebrated her 55th year as an Opry member, while The Whites and Lorrie Morgan celebrated their 40th. Others included Trisha Yearwood at 25 and Terri Clark's 20th. While Dolly did not make an appearance, the others did. 

Everyone loves numbers. So here is the list of the Top 10 and their 2024 Opry appearances: 

Riders In The Sky: 67
Don Schlitz: 66
Jeannie Seely: 56
Connie Smith: 49
Mandy Barnett: 43
Charlie McCoy: 42
Dailey & Vincent: 41
Rhonda Vincent: 41
Bill Anderson: 36
Gatlin Brothers: 35

The next 10: 

T. Graham Brown: 34
John Conlee: 33
Vince Gill: 31
Gary Mule Deer: 29
Mark Wills: 22
The Isaacs: 20
Henry Cho: 16
Old Crow Medicine Show: 14
Ricky Skaggs: 14
Gene Watson: 13

Others with 10 or more: 

Crystal Gayle, Ashley McBryde, Del McCoury, Craig Morgan: 11
Carrie Underwood: 10

The other end of the spectrum are those who made no Opry appearances in 2024: 

Bobby Bare**
Garth Brooks
Diamond Rio
Alan Jackson
Alison Krauss
Patty Loveless**
Barbara Mandrell**
Reba McEntire
Ronnie Milsap**
Dolly Parton
Stu Phillips**
Jeanne Pruett**
Rascal Flatts
Blake Shelton
Ricky Van Shelton**
Mike Snider
Randy Travis**
Travis Tritt

As a disclaimer, I am aware that a number of those on that list are retired or have health issues, and those members are noted with an ** after their names. 

The other 33 members fall in-between, ranging from Lorrie Morgan and Marty Stuart with 8 appearances each, down to Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Luke Combs, Little Big Town, Martina McBride and The Whites, each of whom appeared one time. Of those in-between: 

Terri Clark, Chris Janson, Pam Tillis, Scotty McCreery: 7
Lauren Alaina, Jamey Johnson, Oak Ridge Boys, Steven Curtis Chapman: 6
Jon Pardi, Steve Wariner: 5
Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson: 4
Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans: 3
Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Dustin Lynch, Eddie Montgomery, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young: 2

Some of the Opry members made an improvement over 2023, while others saw their appearances decline. And as a reminder, currently the Opry has no fixed number of required appearances per year. 

Just to highlight the four new members, T. Graham Brown appeared 34 times, followed by Scotty McCreery 7, Steven Curtis Chapman 6 and Lainey Wilson 4. 

The Opry had over 210 shows in 2024 and what I found to be an amazing fact, over 400 non-members made guest appearances, with well over 100 making Opry debuts. Some of those debuts were outstanding, while others not so. Standing out was the debut of Post Malone, along with Don McLean, Katherine McPhee and Michael Buble. I know I am missing a few, and we all had our favorites.  

Leading the group of non-members, Maggie Rose appeared 10 times. She was followed by Charles Esten and Steve Earle at 8, Sunny Sweeney, Chapel Hart and Home Free with 7, Tigirlily Gold, Rhett Akins and Exile with 6, and Kathy Mattea, Mae Estes, Restless Road, Maggie & Tae, John Perry, Dusty Slay, Jimmy Fortune and Clay Walker with 5 appearances each. 

I would venture to say that a few of those names are on the short list of possible future Opry members. 

Looking ahead to 2025 and the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary, Connie Smith will mark her 60th year from when she first joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965. Others of note include Mike Snider and Garth Brooks 35, Martina McBride 30, Pam Tillis 25, Dierks Bentley 20, 

As I have done each year, in my personal opinion, the Grand Ole Opry continues to be in good hands under the direction of Dan Rogers and his entire team. From my own personal experience with Dan, I know he is working hard at having quality shows each night and he has put his heart and soul into the Opry's 100th anniversary, and Opry 100. I know it is only January, but I know it is going to be an amazing year. As I have written before, I am excited to see how it all plays out. 

Finally, my thanks to all who read and comment on the blog, and those who email, text or call. It is always a pleasure to discuss the Opry, and its history, with those who are so inclined. We may disagree about at times, but the one thing we have in common is that we all care. 

I expect to be at a number of shows in 2025 and already have a number of dates circled on my calendar. I have met a number of blog readers at past shows and hopefully I will see more of you as the year goes on. It's always a pleasure. 

Now on to 2025: 

Byron
aka: Fayfare

Grand Ole Opry 1/24 & 1/25

The Grand Ole Opry is back for its first full weekend of 2025 at the Grand Ole Opry House as Opry 100 continues on. If you are among those headed to the Opry this weekend, you picked a pretty good weekend to go. 

Grand Ole Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled for both nights. It was confirmed earlier this week that their 2024 Farewell Tour would continue thru 2025 with a number of new dates posted. 

Joining the quartet on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Trace Adkins, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz and Rhonda Vincent. Speaking of Rhonda, this past Saturday night, Rhonda was announced as the first solo female inductee into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Rhonda and well deserved. 

Along with the Oaks, Saturday night's schedule includes members John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs and Pam Tillis. While nothing has been posted, I am sure Ricky will honor Buck White on Saturday. 

There are only two non-members on the schedule for Friday night: Mickey Guyton and Larkin Poe. Saturday night, Opry NextStage artist Nate Smith is scheduled, along with Ole 60. 

Friday January 24
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Larkin Poe, Don Schlitz
Intermission 
8:20: Mickey Guyton, Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins

Saturday January 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Pam Tillis Ricky Skaggs
Intermission
8:20: Jeannie Seely, Ole 60, Opry Square Dancers, Nate Smith, Oak Ridge Boys 

Back in October when the Grand Ole Opry revealed plans for its 100th anniversary year, Dan Rogers announced that there would be 100 Opry debuts in 2025. The first two debuts will take place this weekend as Larin Poe will make their Opry debut on Friday night, while Ole 60 would be debuting on Saturday. 

Larkin Poe is an American roots rock band led by sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell. The band originated in north Georgia and is currently based in Nashville. Known for their strong southern harmonies, heavy electric guitar riffs, steel guitar, Larkin Poe often draws comparisons to the style of the Allman Brothers. 

The band's history began with the Lovell Sisters, an acoustic music trio formed in 2005 with their older sister, Jessica Lovell. After releasing independent albums and touring for four years, the Lovell Sisters disbanded in 2010. Later that year, Rebecca and Megan Lovell regrouped as Larkin Poe, taking their band name from their great-great-great-great-grandfather, a cousin of Edgar Allan Poe. They signed a recording contract with RH Music in late 2013 and released their debut studio album, Kin, in 2014. The band gained recognition for their collaboration with producer T Bone Burnett on the New Basement Tapes' album Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes. 

Their musical journey continued with the release of albums like Peach in 2017, Venom & Faith in 2018, and Self Made Man in 2020, which achieved notable success on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. In addition to their original music, Larkin Poe released a covers album titled Kindred Spirits in 2020, showcasing their interpretations of songs by various artists. In 2023, they released Blood Harmony, which won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. 

Ole 60 is from Hawesville, Kentucky. Their debut album "Three Twenty-Four' was released in the fall of 2023 with singles like "Smoke & A Light" and "Insane" topping charts and accumulating over 150 million on demand streams in its first year. They have been featured in top music magazines, and their music videos have garnered millions of views on YouTube, in addition to performing at a number of major music festivals. With a sound that masterfully blends grunge rock and roll, blues, and a touch of southern charm, Ole 60 has toured to sold out shows across the country. 

Taking a look back, it was on Saturday January 25, 1992, that Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

The following the Nashville Tennessean, Wednesday January 22, 1992: 

Country vocal great Emmylou Harris will become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry during induction ceremonies Saturday night, Opry officials said yesterday. A champion of traditional country during more than 15 years of hit making, Harris becomes the 70th Opry member. The show's roster also includes veteran stars like Roy Acuff and Loretta Lynn as well as hot newcomers such as Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless. Harris will perform and join the cast during the 7:30 p.m. Saturday Opry segment televised by The Nashville Network. 

"It's going to be great. I think Roy Acuff is doing the induction," Harris said yesterday. "I feel overwhelmed and honored."

Said Opry general manager Hal Durham, "Emmylou Harris is one of the premier country singers of our generation. Her voice, her material and her sound are timeless. We're delighted Emmylou will join our family because she has always had a genuine love and respect for the Opry's heritage." 

Harris' new album Emmylou at the Ryman and a related TNN special were based on performances at the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry's home between 1943 and 1974. "It (Opry membership) needed to happen with this special and the album coming out: It seemed like the time was right. When you think of country music, you think of the Opry. I'm happy to be part of it."

Harris brings an impressive list of credentials with her to the Opry: her emotion-filled vocal expertise and classy presentation have won her five Grammy awards, a Country Music Association female vocalist of the year honor and the CMA's 1988 vocal collaboration award for her Trio album with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. She's also president of the Country Music Foundation. 

When Emmylou Harris joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry, I expected more from her than what she has given. As was noted in the article, she had a genuine love and respect for the Opry's heritage, and I think she still does. However, the number of appearances she has made since joining have been minimal each year. In fact, in the last 10 years she has made just 20 appearances and has gone several years during the period with none. 

That said, I am happy that Emmylou is a member of the Opry and I have always enjoyed her Opry appearances. I just wish there were more of them. 

Here is the running order from that night 33 years ago when she became an Opry member: 

1st show
6:30: Opry Book
Boxcar Willie (host): Train Melody
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys & Horses; Hobos & Trains

6:45: Country Music Hall Of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have A License
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You
Osborne Brothers: Nearer My God To Thee
Lorrie Morgan: Except For Monday/Autumn's Not That Cold
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vince Gill: Take Your Memory With You When You Go/When I Call Your Name
Vince Gill & Emmylou Harris: Drifting To Far From The Shore
Emmylou Harris: Walls Of Time/Blue Kentucky Girl

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The Whites: Doing It By The Book
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe & Tom Ewing: Body & Soul

8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jimmy C Newman: Mottland
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows On The Train
Jean Shepard: Let's All Go Down To The River/I Saw The Light/Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I'll Fly Away/Somebody Touched Me
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Emmylou Harris: Guitar Town
Emmylou Harris & Vince Gill: If You Needed Me
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Grandpa & Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For A Road Map/Cabin In Gloryland
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): True Life Blues
Roy Drusky: Too Old To Die Young
Boxcar Willie: Hobo Heaven
Bill Monroe: I'm Working On A Building

10:45: BC Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Vince Gill & Patty Loveless: When I Call Your Name
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Have Her
Osborne Brothers: Low & Lonely
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' The Blues
Jean Shepard: Slipping Away
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

11:30: Creamette's
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back To Tulsa

Congratulations to Emmylou Harris as she celebrates another year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There you have it for this week. It looks to be an exciting week at the Opry House, and I hope everyone gets a chance to listen and enjoy the shows. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. 

Grand Ole Opry 1/17 & 1/18

This weekend, the Grand Ole Opry will honor and dedicate its show to Buck White, who passed away on Monday morning.

From Music Row Magazine:

Buck White, patriarch of country music group The Whites and Grand Ole Opry member, passed away today (Jan. 13). He was 94.

The news was shared by his family, daughters Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie and Melissa.

“The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy home peacefully this morning at 8 a.m. We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth,” they shared in a joint statement. “He was a great Dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always. His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family and music. Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer, but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief. He lived a full life and finished well.”

Buck’s skills on the piano first opened the door for music, landing him gigs with Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. In 1962, he relocated his family from Texas to Arkansas, where he and his wife, Pat Goza, began performing with another couple as The Down Home Folks. Their daughters, Sharon and Cheryl, were billed as The Down Home Kids.

The group quickly gained recognition in bluegrass circles, and by 1971, the family had moved to Nashville to solidify their careers as professional singers. Still performing as The Down Home Folks, they released several bluegrass albums before Pat retired from the group in 1973. Their first album as The Whites was 1983’s Old Familiar Feeling, according to Discogs.

In 1981, Sharon married country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, who produced some of their records. The Whites earned CMA Award nominations for The Horizon Award and Instrumental Group of the Year in 1983 as well as ACM Award nominations for Top Vocal Group in 1982 and 1983. In 1984, the family was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Over their career, The Whites captivated audiences with hits like “You Put The Blue In Me,” “Hangin’ Around,” “Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling,” “Pins And Needles,” “If It Ain’t Love (Let’s Leave It Alone),” “Hometown Gossip” and more. Their signature blend of bluegrass, country, folk, gospel and Texas swing, paired with their musical mastery and family harmony, became their hallmark.

Their involvement in the movie and soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? brought them significant industry recognition, earning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year along with ACM and CMA Award nominations. They can be heard on the film’s “Keep on the Sunny Side,” a beloved classic originally popularized by the Carter Family.

In 2007, The Whites won another Grammy for their collaboration with Skaggs on his Salt of the Earth album. The following year, they were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Buck had been in declining health in recent years, and he made his last appearance at the Opry on March 2, 2024, the night that The Whites were honored upon their 40th year as Opry members. Buck, at the time of his death, was the oldest current member of the Opry's cast, a distinction that now goes to Stu Phillips. 

Literally every comment I have read after his passing has mentioned what a talented, kind and wonderful he was. He had a great sense of humor and seemed like he did not have an enemy in the world. While he hasn't been at the Opry often the past several years, he will be missed. 

Now moving ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, on Friday night the Opry will conclude its 2025 run of shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Friday will also mark the return of longtime Opry member Jeannie Seely. Jeannie, or course, has been taking time away from the Opry after the passing of her husband Gene Ward. 

Joining Jeannie on Friday night are Opry members John Conlee and Gary Mule Deer. Also appearing is Opry NextStage artist Restless Road, along with LANCO and the wonderful and very talented Suzy Bogguss. Finally, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys will be appearing. It was 25 years ago this month that Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and Ralph II will be appearing in recognition of that anniversary. 

While Shaboozey will not be appearing as scheduled on Saturday night, plenty of other artists will be as the Opry honors and celebrates the birthday of Opry member Dolly Parton, in the annual Opry Goes Dolly show. 

Honoring Dolly will be Opry members Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent and Don Schlitz. Also on the schedule are Opry NextStage artists Chapel Hart and Ashley Cook. Emily Ann Roberts, Sunny Sweeney and Emily West round out the schedule. 

While Dolly herself will not be attending or performing on Saturday night, fans attending the Opry show can purchase a ticket to join a special Dolly-oke fundraiser in Studio A, headlined by Chapel Hart following the Opry show. All proceeds from the event will support the Opry Trust Fund, which offers financial assistance to those in the country music industry during times of crisis or emergency. In addition, every ticket sold to the January 18th show will be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.

Friday January 17
7:00: John Conlee, Evan Honer, Jeannie Seely, LANCO
Intermission
8:20: Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Gary Mule Deer, Restless Road, Suzy Bogguss

Saturday January 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Sunny Sweeney, Don Schlitz, Ashley Cooke
Intermission
8:20: Bill Anderson, Emily Ann Roberts, Opry Square Dancers, Emily West, Chapel Hart

Continuing a look at former Grand Ole Opry members, the spotlight this week shines on former Opry member Leroy Van Dyke. Leroy joined the Opry on October 20, 1962. Like several others of that era, his career took off and over time, he failed to make the required number of Opry appearances each year. On November 25, 1965, this letter was sent to Leroy from Ott Devine: 

Mr. Leroy Van Dyke
1204 Kermit Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 

Dear Leroy: 

Our records show that you have been in for the Opry eighteen Saturdays this year with only five weeks remaining.

In fairness to those who have made sacrifices to meet our requirements, I must, with the greatest personal regret, inform you that we cannot include you in our plans in 1965. We can certainly appreciate your inability to be with us for the minimum number of weeks, and sincerely y trust you will be understanding with our situation. 

We are losing some very fine people and good friends, and it is with much sorrow that I must write this letter. 

All of us at WSM wish you and yours the best of everything and hope by 1966 we can get together again. 

Sincerely, 

Ott Devine 

While Leroy never had his Opry membership restored, he did come back to make appearances on the Opry, one of which took place 56 years ago on Saturday January 18, 1969. Here is the running order from that night: 

7:30: Standard Candy
Glaser Brothers (host): Where Has All The Love Gone
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Jean Shepard: I Thought Of You/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/A Dear John Letter
Glaser Brothers: Stand Beside Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Love Took My Heart & Smashed That Sucker Flat
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: Warm & Tender Love
Stu Phillips: Bring Love Back Into Our World

8:00: Martha White
Jim Ed Brown (host): Happy Tracks
Skeeter Davis: The Closest Thing To Love
Jim & Jesse: When The Snow Is On The Roses
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jim Ed Brown: The Longest Beer Of The Night
Cousin Jody: Cripple Creek
Skeeter Davis: Going Down The Road Feeling Bad
Jim & Jesse: Diesel On My Tail

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Charlie Walker: Honky Tonk Season
Norma Jean: One Man Band
Leroy Van Dyke: Oklahoma Hills
Roy Acuff: Pan American
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Norma Jean: Heaven Help The Working Girl
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk On By/Auctioneer

9:00: Luzianne
Bill Monroe (host): Virginia Darling
Billy Grammer: Detroit City
Margie Bowes: All The World Is Lonely Now
Justin Tubb: I'm Going Back To Louisiana
Bill Monroe: On & On
Del Wood: Bill Bailey
Billy Grammer: The Real Thing
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge

9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): I Taught Her Everything She Knows
Willis Brothers: Bob
Dottie West: Reno
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Billy Walker: From The Bottle To The Bottom
Stringbean: Little Pink
Willis Brothers: Moonlight Drive In A Diesel
Dottie West: Today I Started Loving You Again

10:00: Fender
Glaser Brothers (host): Gone On The Other Hand
Stu Phillips: Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Lonzo & Oscar: Uncle Pen
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday
Jim Glaser: Please Take Me Back

10:15: Pure
Jim Ed Brown (host): Love Of The Common People
Skeeter Davis: The Closest Thing To Love
Archie Campbell & Lorene Mann: The Dark End Of The Street
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top

10:30: Buckley's
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Dottie West & Jim Ed Brown: Love Is No Excuse
Del Wood: Tiger Rag
Jim & Jesse: It's A Long, Long Way To The Top Of The World
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:45: Kent
Bill Monroe (host): Sittin' On Top Of The World
Stringbean: Battle Of New Orleans
Crook Brothers: Cotton-Eyed Joe
Victor Jordan: Bluegrass Breakdown

11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Grammer (host): Columbus Stockade Blues
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Leroy Van Dyke: A Simple Thing As Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Billy Grammer: I'm Letting You Go
Willis Brothers: A Cowboy Has To Sing
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
Sam & Kirk McGee: Nine Pound Hammer

11:30: Lava
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches By The Number/Slowly
Margie Bowes: Get Your Lie The Way You Want It
Charlie Walker: Honky Tonk Season
Ernie Ashworth: A New Heart
Margie Bowes: Once A Day
Charlie Walker: Precious Memories
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business

At the age of 95, Leroy is still active and continues to make personal appearances. In his 50 years-plus career, he has recorded more than 500 songs, dozens of them making the charts. Leroy's big break came in1956 with his composition "The Auctioneer", co-written with Buddy Black, which sold over 2.5 million records. His record of "Walk on By" (1961) was named by Billboard magazine in 1994 as the biggest country single of all time, based on sales, plays, and weeks in the charts. It stayed at number one in the U.S. country chart for 19 weeks, and in all, charted for 42 weeks, reaching number five on the pop listings. It sold more than 1.5 million copies. Following "Walk on By" his 1962 single, "If a Woman Answers (Hang Up The Phone)" was his final Top 10 hit. 

Finally, Buck White and The Whites became members of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday March 3, 1984, In memory of Buck, here is the running order from that night 40+ years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host): Will You Be Lovin' Another Man
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Bill Monroe: Shenandoah Breakdown

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Ol' Gal A' Waitin'
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back To Little Rock
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin'
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You In The Morning

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Charlie Louvin: Something To Brag About
Lonzo & Oscar: I'm My Own Grandpa
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat/Tennessee Saturday Night

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jeanne Pruet: Temporarily Yours
The Whites: The Cowboy Lives Forever/You Put The Blue In Me
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Crook Brothers & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Liberty
Bill Anderson: From Rock N' Roll To Rock Of Ages

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Minnie Pearl: Maple On The Hill
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Connie Smith: I'm Only In It For The Love/Sing, Sing, Sing

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
The 4 Guys: Wings Of A Dove
Tom T Hall: Sneaky Snake/I Love
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
The 4 Guys: Marie, The Dawn Is Breaking
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
Billy Walker: Cross The Brazos At Waco
The Whites: Give Me Back That Old Familiar Feeling/Alabama Jubilee
Porter Wagoner: Alive & Well

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
Charlie Walker: My Window Faces The South
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Bill Monroe: It's Me Again, Lord

10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Grandpa Jones & George McCormick: Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Connie Smith: That's The Way Love Goes
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:45: Beechnut
Bill Anderson (host): Country D.J. 
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late
Crook Brothers & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Bill Anderson: Still

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Jean Shepard: If You've Got The Money, I've Got The Time/The Wonders You Perform
Justin Tubb: Pull The Covers Over Me
Charlie Louvin: Love Has To Die
Hank Snow: Nobody's Child

11:30: Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): Midnight Tennessee Woman
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me/Oh, What A Party
Tom T Hall: Your Man Loves You Honey/Old Dogs & Children & Watermelon Wine
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

God Speed Buck White. 


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

Grand Ole Opry 1/10 & 1/11 (Update)

Update: Due to weather conditions in Nashville, the Friday Night Opry has been cancelled for tonight. 

Opry100 continues this weekend with two shows at the Ryman Auditorium as the Grand Ole Opry continues to pay tribute to one of its former homes. The shows this week look very, very good with a number of Grand Ole Opry members on the schedule. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Steve Wariner, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Old Crow Medicine Show are all on the schedule. 

Old Crow Medicine Show is back on the schedule for Saturday night, joined one of the Opry's newest members, Lainey Wilson. Marty Stuart will be appearing, as will comedian Henry Cho, along with Mandy Barnett, and Mark Wills, who will be celebrating his 5th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Steve Earle, who is not an Opry member but has been a frequent guest on the show, is also on the schedule. 

Hayes Carll is the only non-member scheduled for the Friday Night Opry, while Drew Parker and Steve Earle, who is not an Opry member but recently has been a frequent guest on this show, is also on the schedule. Could there be a surprise on Saturday night? No, I do not have any insider knowledge, just putting that out there. 

Friday January 10
7:00: Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Hayes Carll, Old Crow Medicine Show
Intermission
8:20: Ashley McBryde, Steve Wariner, Kelsea Ballerini

Saturday January 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Mandy Barnett, Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show
Intermission
8:20: Drew Parker, Henry Cho, Marty Stuart, Lainey Wilson

Of note: Trace Adkins was originally listed but is now off the schedule. Also, the Nashville area is forecast to receive 2-5 inches of snow in the coming days. Hopefully that will not have a major effect on the lineup for this weekend. 

As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary, throughout the year I wanted to spotlight a few of the Grand Ole Opry members who have passed on. This week, the spotlight is on Mel McDaniel, who became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday January 11, 1986. 

 From the Nashville Tennessean, January 10, 1986:

Red hot Capital Records hit maker; Mel McDaniel becomes a cast member of the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow night. "Mel is one of today's most exciting artists" said Opry general Manager Hal Durham in announcing the news earlier this week. "He has an unlimited future as a performer and songwriter. We're very happy that Mel McDaniel has joined the Grand Ole Opry family." 

McDaniel's smash 1984 #1 hit "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On" was nominated as Single of the Year by the Country Music Association, and "Mellow Mel" snared a Horizon Award nomination because of the runaway success he's enjoyed lately. He rocked out on a remake of Chuck Berry's "Let It Roll" late last year. Another rousing up-tempo number, "Stand Up" started 1986 off right for McDaniel. 

The Oklahoma native has been known for releasing quality singles since he arrived on the Nashville country music scene in 1976, the year that "Have a Dream on Me" made the popularity charts. The first breakthrough came in 1981 when "Louisiana Saturday Night" and "Right in the Palm of Your Hand" became Mel McDaniel's first Top 10 hits. Besides being a fine song interpreter, McDaniel has a solid reputation as a writer. His self-composed 1978 hit "God Made Love" remains one of the most sensitive romantic ballads in the annals of modern Music Row songwriting. Perhaps most significant of McDaniel's songwriting efforts, in light of this weekend's honor, is "The Grandest Lady of Then All" a tribute song to country music's most lasting and loved institution. A hit for Conway Twitty in 1978, the number has since become something of a theme song at the Opry. 

Here is the posted lineup from Saturday January 11, 1986, the night Mel McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host): Charlie Louvin
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host): Lorrie Morgan, Jimmy C Newman, Mel McDaniel
7:30: Roy Acuff (host): Jim Ed Brown, Jack Greene, Connie Smith, Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Jeanne Pruett, Tom T. Hall, Riders In The Sky
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard, The Whites, Boxcar Willie, Roy Drusky

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Ray Pillow, Mel McDaniel, Jeannie Seely 
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Stonewall Jackson, The Carlisles
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy Dickens
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Tom T Hall
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host): Boxcar Willie, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard, The Whites, Jim Ed Brown, Justin Tubb, Connie Smith
11:30: Jack Greene (host): Jeanne Pruett, Riders In The Sky, Johnny Russell 

Now the actual running order from the late show that night: 

9:30: Dollar General
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sweeter Than The Flowers
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up/Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
Jeannie Seely: I'll Be Around When It's Over
Bill Anderson: Still

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): Mary Jane, Won't You Be Mine
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Bill Monroe: Kentucky Waltz

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater/Out Behind The Barn
Howdy Forrester: Smokey Mountain Rag

10:30: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): No More Jesse James
Tom T. Hall: Ballad Of 40 Dollars/Me & Jesse
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: I Wonder Where My Darling Is Tonight

10:45: Heinz
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Boxcar Willie: Fireball Mail/Train Of Love/Walking Cane/Wreck Of The Old 97/I'm Moving On/Wabash Cannonball/Night Train To Memphis
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Justin Tubb: Sing Blue Eyed Elaine Again
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Hank Snow: Nevertheless

11:30: Quincy's
Jack Greene (host): (?)
Jeanne Pruett: Heart First
Riders In The Sky: Ride With The Wind
Johnny Russell: Green, Green Grass Of Home/No One Will Ever Know
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

Mel McDaniel passed away on March 31, 2011, from lung cancer at the age of 68. His health had been in decline for several years prior to his death. He maintained his Opry membership until he passed. 

There you have it for this week as Orpy100 continues. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium this weekend. 

Grand Ole Opry 1/3 & 1/4

Welcome to 2025 and the start of Opry100. a yearlong celebration of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary. As posted on the Opry's website, Opry 100 is going to be the most thrilling year in country music, and we want to celebrate with you. All year long, the Opry will have bigger shows, bolder moments, huge stars, and surprise guests, delivering a fresh mix of your favorites and fresh sounds. Be there as we push the boundaries of country music and the Opry with our most ambitious and exciting shows. 

The celebration gets underway this weekend at the Ryman Auditorium as the Opry returns to its most famous former home. The Opry will be taking place at the Ryman for the first two weekends of the year, along with the third Friday night before returning to the Grand Ole Opry House on January 18. 

What better way to kick off the Opry's 100th year than with the longest tenured member in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, as Bill Anderson is on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry. He will be joined by Grand Ole Opry members Craig Morgan, Mandy Barnett and a trio of Hall of Fame members: Charlie McCoy, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz. 

Guesting on the Friday Night Opry will be Charlie Worsham and The Travelin' McCourys, both of whom have appeared on the Opry numerous times. In fact, The Travelin' McCourys is basically the Del McCoury Band without Del. 

Opry member Mandy Barnett is back on Saturday night, along with Dailey & Vincent and Riders In The Sky. 

Guesting will be comedian Aaron Weber, Taylor Hicks, Grace Bowers, who made her Opry debut in 2024, and The Shootouts. 

Friday January 3
7:00: Bill Anderson, The Travelin' McCoury's, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Charlie McCoy, Mandy Barnett, Charlie Worsham, Craig Morgan

Saturday January 4
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Taylor Hicks, The Shootouts
Intermission
8:20: Charlie McCoy, Aaron Weber, Grace Bowers Riders In The Sky

Taking a look back, on Saturday January 4, 2003, Hank Williams Jr. and Hank Williams III performed together on a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Grand Ole Opry legend Hank Williams. 

Taking a look back on the tribute show upon the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams, here is the running order from that night, January 4, 2003: 

1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
John Conlee (host): The Carpenter
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou/Cajun Stripper
Jack Greene: Try A Little Kindness/Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me
John Conlee: She's Mine

7:00: Gutter Guard
Hank Williams III: Howling At The Moon/Thrown Out Of The Bar
Jimmy Dickens: Jambalaya/Take An Old Cold Tater
The Whites: Move It On Over
Vince Gill: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

7:30: Standard Candy
Hank Williams, Jr: Honky Tonk Blues/Kawliga/Long Gone Lonesome Blues/Tee Tot Blues/All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight/There's A Tear In My Beer
Grand Ole Opry Cast: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Riders In The Sky: Happy Roving Cowboy/The Mystery Of His Way
Jim Lauderdale: If I Were You/The King Of The Broken Hearts
Opry Square Dance Band & The Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers: Liberty
Porter Wagoner: Why Don't You Haul Off & Love Me

8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Holly Dunn: Devil, Stand Back
Joe Nichols: The Impossible/Farewell Party/Broken Heartsville
Bill Anderson: Pictures From Life's Other Side

2nd show
9:30: online.com
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed
Jeannie Seely: Hey, Good Lookin'/Together Again
Hank Williams III: A Fool About You/I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep In Peace Than Know You're Gone

10:00: Opry Tours
Porter Wagoner (host): Katy Did
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
The Whites: Mansion On The Hill/Move It On Over
Porter Wagoner: House Of Gold

10:30: online.com
John Conlee (host): How High Did You Go
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jack Greene: Highway To The Sky/Statue Of A Fool
Opry Square Dance Band & The Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
Osborne Brothers: Pathway Of Teardrops/Midnight Flyer
Joe Nichols: Broken Heartsville/The Impossible
Bill Anderson: Wedding Bells

11:30: Tootsie's
Riders In The Sky (host): We're Burning Moonlight
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Holly Dunn: That's What Your Love Does To Me
Jim Lauderdale: We're Gone/I'll Follow You Anywhere
Riders In The Sky: Give Me A Pinto Pal/Happy Trails To You

In addition to the tribute to Hank Williams, the show that night was dedicated to Jim McReynolds, who had passed away the prior week. Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher began the first show with the following tribute: 

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen: On this night in which we honor one of country music's greatest legends, we also pause to dedicate this performance of the Opry to Jim McReynolds, one half of the longtime Opry duo Jim & Jesse, who passed away this past Tuesday at age 75 from a battle with cancer. Jim and his brother were born into a musical family in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Their grandfather Charles McReynolds had taken part in the landmark Bristol sessions of Jimmy Rodgers and The Carter Family when Jim was born. Both sides of the brother's family were steeped in music, as much so that neither brother could recall having to learn to play his signature guitar or mandolin. There were always instruments around the house, Jim said, so it would be hard to say when we started. 

Having embarked on a professional career in 1947, Jim and Jesse's 55 years of making music together is a record. No other family act, in the history of American music, has actively performed together for a longer period of time. Jim, who sang a clear polished tenor, and played guitar while Jesse contributed lead vocals in mandolin playing, together with their Virginia Boys, they were regulars on a succession of radio shows from their native Virginia to Ohio, to Kansas early in their careers. A recording contract with Capital Records, during this period produced the cut "Are You Missing Me," which became a bluegrass classic, and a staple of their stage shows. 

Following many guest appearances under the sponsorship of Martha White Flour, Jim and Jesse obtained a lifelong goal, becoming members of the Opry on March 2, 1964. The Opry stage served as a springboard for Jim and Jesse's traditional bluegrass sound. They starred on their own syndicated TV show, the Jim and Jesse Show, from 1965-1972; literally crisscrossed the world playing at bluegrass festivals, and recorded more than 50 albums including chart hits like "Better Time's A' Comin'" "Diesel On My Tail" "Freight Train" and "Paradise," Their contributions to the music they loved were recognized in 1993 when Jim and Jesse were inducted into the Bluegrass Music's International Hall of Honor. Indeed, their music took them from their Virginia homeplace to the Opry House to the White House as the brother duo received the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the most prestigious honor in Folk and Traditional Arts at a Washington D.C. ceremony in 1997.

This evening, we salute a family man, a musical partner, and a much-loved member of the Opry. Music was one of his earliest memories as well as an enduring gift to all of us. He made his final stage performance on this stage, on this past November 23. Tonight, the Opry honors a Virginia Boy and an Opry gentleman, Jim McReynolds. 

A wonderful and heartfelt tribute by Pete Fisher. 

There you have it for this weekend as the Opry begins its 100th anniversary. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium this weekend. 

January Opry Highlights

January marks the start of Opry100, as the Grand Ole Opry begins a yearlong celebration to honor and recognize the Opry's 100th anniversary. There will be many highlights during the year, which will include many looks back at historical moments in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Those moments that took place during the month of January include: 

January 29, 1927: George Wilkerson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that same year, he would introduce his string band, The Fruit Jar Drinkers, to the Opry audience. The Fruit Jar Drinkers, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry until the late 1980s. 

January 23, 1937: The Lakeland Sisters, Mary and Ann, made their Grand Ole Opry debut. They would only remain with the Opry for about 18 months, making their final appearance on June 4, 1938.

January 1, 1938: Texas Ruby made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed that night with her future husband, Curly Fox. 

January 7, 1939: While there is some debate on this, and it is open to discussion, one source has this date as the first appearance of Brother Oswald performing with Roy Acuff on the Opry. This is also the date that the comedy duo of Jamup & Honey made their debut on the Opry. 

January 14, 1939: The Dixieliners made their final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Consisting of early WSM Barn Dance stars Arthur Smith, along with Sam & Kirk McGee, they made their debut in 1932. While Th Dixieliners would disappear, those who made up the group would continue, both individually and in other groups. 

January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Ernest was so well received that he was offered membership and officially would join the Opry the following month. Over time, Ernest would become one of the legendary members of the Opry and would continue as an Opry member until his death.

January 7, 1950: The legendary Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger, made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and was also made an Opry member that night. Yes, they did things a little differently in those days. Originally from Canada, Hank came to the Opry via Dallas, Texas, thanks to the help and recommendation of Ernest Tubb. That night, Ernest introduced Hank by saying, "From up Canada way, here's the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Singing Ranger, Hank Snow." Hank sang "Brand On My Heart," which had been a big hit for him up in Canada, and a regional hit in the Dallas area. Hank felt that his Opry debut did not go over very well and that he received little audience response. In fact, he told his wife Min that he was not going back. However, she convinced Hank that he owed it to Ernest to return. He went back, and when things did not improve in the coming months, the Opry was considering letting him go. However, "I'm Moving On" was released and the rest is history. Hank remained an Opry member for the next 49 years, until his death in December 1999.

January 7, 1950: On the same night that Hank Snow joined the Opry, Tennessee Ernie Ford made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Unlike Hank, Tennessee Ernie was already an established star and appeared on the Prince Albert portion of the show. While he never became a member, Ernie had an open invitation to appear on the Opry anytime he was in Nashville, and he would often take the Opry up on their offer. In later years, he would appear on the Martha White segment, as he was friends with the ownership of the company.

January 1, 1953: Hank Williams was found dead in the backseat of his car in West Virginia. He was being driving to a New Year's Day appearance in Canton, Ohio. Also booked on the show that night were Jimmy Dickens and June Webb, among others. Jimmy ended up not making the trip due to the weather, while the other artists scheduled to appear went ahead and did the show as a tribute to Hank. As a resident of Canton, I can tell you that the auditorium where the show was to take place is still standing and in use today.

January 16, 1953: Opry member Bill Monroe was seriously injured in a head-on car accident on Highway 31 in White House, Tennessee. Bill suffered 19 broken bones in the accident.

January 19, 1953: Marty Robbins made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Marty would join the cast shortly afterwards. As time went on, Marty would become one of the Opry's most beloved members. 

January 22, 1953: The Ozark Jubilee premiered on the ABC television network. The show was hosted by former Opry member Red Foley, who left Nashville and moved to Springfield, Missouri to host the show. While he would be missed in Nashville, Red did well on the Ozark Jubilee. 

January 29, 1954: Theron Hale passed away. Theron was one of the early members of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming a regular in 1926. He stayed as an Opry regular into the 1930s, after which he would make occasional appearances with Sam McGee. While he was at the Opry, he would be introduced as "Theron Hale and Daughters," which were Elizabeth and Mamie Ruth.

January 1, 1955: Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs moved to Nashville, where they began appearing on WSM Radio and Television, along with regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 22, 1955: Porter Wagoner made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. He would return and in February 1957, Porter would become an Opry member, a membership that he would hold until passing away in the fall of 2007. 

January 12, 1957: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The Coopers, along with daughter Carol Lee, came to the Opry from the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, where they were very popular. Stoney would remain with the Opry until his death in 1977. Wilma Lee would continue with the Opry as a solo act and later celebrated 50 years of Opry membership.

January 1, 1960: Although there is some debate as to the exact date, it would appear this is when Billy Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would remain an Opry member until his death in a car accident in 2006. Billy was a very loyal member of the Opry and later in his career, he would often speak up over the reduction of his Opry appearances.

January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While her time at the Opry was very short, Patsy was very influential to a number of female artists, including Loretta Lynn and Dottie West. In a pretty famous story as to how she became an Opry member, after one of her Opry guest performances, she approached Opry manager Ott Devine and asked if she might one day become a member. Ott responded by saying, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."

January 28, 1961: Dottie West made her debut as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the next several years, Dottie would make several guest appearances, which would eventually lead to an invitation to become an Opry member. On this same night, there was another Opry debut as Jim & Jesse made their initial appearance on the Opry. 

January 9, 1965: Norma Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Much as Dolly Parton would do a few years later, Norma Jean joined the cast as she was performing as part of Porter Wagoner's show. Norma Jean left Porter's show a few years later and would remain a member of the Opry until August 1969. 

January 8, 1966: Grand Ole Opry member Sonny James appeared on the Opry for the final time as an Opry member. Sonny had joined the cast in October 1962. Like others, he just felt it was time to move on and make more money on a Saturday night. 

January 1, 1967: Former Grand Ole Opry member Moon Mullican passed away from a heart attack at his Texas home. He was known as the "King of the Hillbilly Piano Players." He had been a part of the Opry during the early 1950s. 

January 7, 1967: Charley Pride became the first black solo singer to perform on the Opry. He was introduced that night by Ernest Tubb. Charley sang "The Snakes Crawl At Night," and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love with You." Shortly afterwards, he was asked to become an Opry member but declined due to his heavy touring schedule. Over the years, he would be asked several more times, until finally in 1993 he accepted the invitation to join. He was the 2nd black artist to become an Opry member, following DeFord Bailey. (Just to clarify, DeFord Bailey was a noted harmonica player and not a solo singer).

January 21, 1967: Over the years, non-country acts have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and on this date, it was Eddie Albert who appeared. Eddie, of course, not only was a fine actor, but he also starred in the CBS show "Green Acres."

January 4, 1969: Dolly Parton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Dolly's 56th year as an Opry member. Back in the early days when she was with Porter Wagoner, Dolly was a frequent visitor at the Opry. However, as her career expanded, she became like many others as someone who hardly ever appeared on the show. She even commented once that if she was in charge of the Opry, she would fire herself. It was Carl and Pearl Butler, former Opry members, who took a liking to Dolly and helped to bring her to Nashville when she was just 12 years old. While it was a long time ago, Dolly remembered her first night guesting on the Opry: "They used to have this Friday Night Frolics and I went up there one night with the intention of being on it. I kept telling everyone I'll sing just one song. Most of the Opry artists had two spots on the show and I walked up to Jimmy C Newman, who was going to sing his second song next and I told him I wanted to be on. I didn't know why he did it, but Jimmy gave me his spot and I sang a George Jones song." While Dolly didn't know why Jimmy C did it that night, I think she came to realize that was the type of person Jimmy C Newman was. While January 4 is her induction date, the first Saturday in which Dolly appeared on the Opry as a member was actually the following Saturday, January 11. 

January 11, 1969: George Jones rejoined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Over the course of his career, George would join and leave the Opry several different times. In fact, depending on the edition of the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book that you have, you could find literally a half dozen different dates. 

January 1, 1971: Tom T. Hall became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. After joining the Opry in 1971, he left in June 1974 and then rejoined in 1980. Sadly, Tom T. passed away in 2021 after a long period of inactivity. 

January 29, 1972: George Hamilton appeared on the Opry for the final time before giving up his Opry membership. George was doing a lot of traveling and moved back to North Carolina. He would rejoin the Opry several years later. 

January 13, 1973: Ernest Tubb celebrated his 30th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

January 20, 1973: For the first time, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on the Opry. He had always wanted to perform on the show; however, the Opry management was afraid to invite him, fearing what he would do onstage. For this appearance, management asked Jerry Lee not to do any rock and roll. He agreed then broke the promise. Appearing on the 11:30 segment hosted by Charlie Walker, he was on stage for almost 40 minutes and did several numbers that management had asked him not to do. In a nice gesture, he invited Del Wood to appear with him onstage, saying later that on a previous backstage visit, Del was the only Opry member that was nice to him. While Opry management was not pleased with his initial appearance, Jerry Lee did appear on the Opry at least one more time, in August 1995. 

January 27, 1973: Marty Robbins celebrated his 20th anniversary as a member of the Opry.

January 2, 1974: Grand Ole Opry member Tex Ritter passed away after suffering a heart attack. Tex joined the Opry in 1965 and enjoyed being in Nashville and as a part of the Opry. Tex was also involved in the early days of the Country Music Association, and he was just the 5th person to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

January 4, 1975: Hank Snow was honored upon his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 28, 1976: Skeeter Willis, part of the Willis Brothers, passed away at the age of 58. The Willis Brothers first came to the Opry in 1946 and were well known for their western style of music.

January 22, 1977: Grand Ole Opry member Stoney Cooper appeared on the Opry for the final time. Along with his wife Wilma Lee, Stoney had joined the Opry in 1957. Stoney suffered from heart problems and would pass away in March.

January 27, 1979: Sissy Spacek, who played the part of Loretta Lynn in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter" joined Loretta for an appearance on the Opry.

January 12, 1980: Longtime Opry sponsor Fender sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. The popular guitar company sponsored the 10:00 segment on Saturday night. They would be replaced several weeks later by Little Debbie. 

January 10, 1981: Grand Ole Opry sponsor Union 76 sponsored their last segment on the Opry. The company sponsored the 10:15 segment on the late show Saturday night. 

January 30, 1982: Wilma Lee Cooper was recognized upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

January 20, 1984: Future Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider made his Opry debut. He was a member of the cast of Hee Haw and was well known for his banjo playing and comedy. 

January 19, 1985: While other females had stepped in on an emergency basis to "MC" a segment of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely became the first female to actually host an Opry segment. It had been a long time coming as Jeannie was always expressing her desire to Hal Durham that females should be allowed to host segments on the show. Jeannie opened the door for many others. 

January 25, 1986: The Statler Brothers made a guest appearance on the Opry. The group only appeared on the Opry a handful of times as they believed that Opry members should be the acts appearing on the show. 

January 11, 1986: Mel McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Always popular, Mel would remain an Opry member until his death in 2011.

January 14, 1986: During the Opry's televised 60th anniversary special, Reba McEntire was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. While this is the date the show was televised, the taping actually took place the previous November, thus the November taping date is considered Reba's actual Opry induction date. This will be Reba's 39th year as an Opry member.

January 14, 1989: Hubert Gregory of the Fruit Jar Drinkers passed away. Hubert's career at the Opry, as with the Fruit Jar Drinkers, dates back to the early days of the Opry. Like many others of that era, Hubert performed with many different groups, including with Sam & Kirk McGee.

January 14, 1989: Keith Whitley, who was recently elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, made his final appearance on the Opry. Keith was never an Opry member, but as Lorrie Morgan confirmed, he was in the process of being invited to become a member, an invitation that was scheduled to be given just weeks later. 

January 20, 1990: Hank Snow celebrated his 40th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The televised segment on TNN included a reunion of the Glaser Brothers, who were very friendly with Hank. The reunion did not last as the Glaser Brothers never performed together again. Also appearing with Hank that night was future (or former) Opry member Mel Tillis.

January 10, 1991: Clint Black became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Clint, this will be his 34th year as an Opry member. While Clint has never made a whole lot of Opry appearances, it was nice to see him back from a couple for a few shows over the past couple of years. 

January 19, 1991: CBS-TV hosts "The Grand Ole Opry 65th Anniversary Celebration: The New Tradition." The special featured Grand Ole Opry members Roy Acuff, Clint Black, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and several others.

January 25, 1992: Introduced by Roy Acuff, Emmylou Harris became the Opry's newest member. This will be Emmylou's 33rd anniversary as a member of the Opry. Sadly, Emmylou rarely appears on the Opry but when she does it is always a treat. 

January 22, 1994: Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Once a pretty regular performer on the show, Hal was forced to retire due to his declining health. Hal Ketchum passed away in November 2021

January 15, 1995: Vic Willis died in a car accident in Nashville. Vic was a long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry, first with his brothers as the Oklahoma Wranglers, later named the Willis Brothers, and later headlining his own group, the Vic Willis Trio. Vic had last appeared on the Friday Night Opry, January 6. Vic was the last of the Willis Brothers. 

January 21, 1995: Brother Oswald, longtime member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. At the age of 83, I believe he was the oldest person to join the cast at that time. Oswald came to the Opry in the 1930s with Roy and helped to define the Acuff sound. Thanks to the efforts of Porter Wagoner and Marty Stuart, among others, he became a member. I was there the night of his induction, and it was quite a surprise as I don't seem to remember it being announced much ahead of time. Oswald passed away in 2002.

January 13, 1996: Having joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry back in November, during the taping of the 70th anniversary special, Martina McBride made her first appearance as an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. On that same night, future Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark made her Opry debut. 

January 3, 1998: Longtime Grand Ole Opry member Grandpa Jones made his final appearance on the Opry. After hosting his segment on the 2nd show, Grandpa suffered the first of what would be series of strokes. He was taken directly to the hospital from the Opry House. His condition would continue to decline, and he passed away the following month.

January 24, 1998: Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away from a sudden illness. He was the son of Opry legend Ernest Tubb and had joined the Opry cast in 1955. At the time of joining, he was the Opry's youngest member. Not only was Justin an excellent singer, but he was also a fine songwriter.

January 9, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Boxcar Willie made his final appearance on the show. In declining health, Boxcar had first appeared on the Opry in 1981. That night, in tribute to Roy Acuff, who brought Boxcar to the Opry, Boxcar sang "Wabash Cannonball" and "The Great Speckled Bird." 

January 15, 1999: The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for the first time since moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. There were three shows that weekend and all were sold out. During the 1st show on Saturday night, Ricky Skaggs invited Trisha Yearwood to become the Opry's newest member. The weekend shows, which I attended, was such a success that the Opry made has made it a point of returning to the Ryman each year. 

January 23, 1999: Grand Ole Opry member Brother Oswald made his final Saturday night Grand Ole Opry appearance. His final Opry show would be a month later on the Friday Night Opry. Due to declining health, Oswald was forced to retire from performing.

January 15, 2000: Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Patty Loveless handled the official induction. He had been asked just the prior evening if he would like to join. After he said yes, the Opry wasted no time and inducted Ralph the following night. Also appearing on the show that night were Opry members Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. 

January 13, 2001: Future Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show made their debut on the Opry stage. Keeping the string band music alive, Old Crow have been wonderful Opry members. 

January 8, 2002: George Jones, BR549's Chuck Mead, Billy Walker and songwriters Dennis Morgan, Shawn Camp and Jack Clement, along with at least 100 other demonstrators, protested at the offices of WSM radio as rumors surfaced that the station was going to change its format from country music to sports. Several weeks later, WSM executives announced that the station would continue the current format of country music, featuring the Grand Ole Opry. Among those at the press conference were Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Billy Walker. 

January 4, 2003: Hank Williams Jr and Hank Williams III performed together on the Opry in a show that marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Also appearing in the tribute that night was Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill and The Whites

January 6, 2006: The Friday Night Opry was reduced by 30 minutes making it a 2-hour show.

January 28, 2006: Longtime Grand Ole Opry sponsor Standard Candy, the makers of Goo Goo, sponsored an Opry segment for the final time. Standard Candy became an Opry sponsor in September 1967. Over the years, a number of the Opry's announcers would sing that theme song, "Go get a Goo Goo, it's Good." 

January 11, 2007: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson filed an age discrimination lawsuit against Gaylord Entertainment and the management of the Grand Ole Opry. Stonewall made several claims and specifically named Pete Fisher. As the lawsuit played out, Stonewall refused to perform on the Opry, even though he had been asked. Eventually the lawsuit was settled out of court, with Stonewall privately saying that Gaylord made a settlement. In the first several years after the settlement, Stonewall did see an increase in his Opry appearances. Stonewall was an Opry member for just over 60 years. After several years of declining health, Stonewall passed away in 2022. 

January 19, 2008: Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He said at the time of his induction that becoming an Opry member was always a dream of his. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith formally inducted Charlie into the Opry. In 2015, Charlie became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, Charlie passed away in 2020. 

January 26, 2011: After a long illness, longtime Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin passed away. Along with his brother Ira, Charlie joined the Opry in 1955. After Ira's death, Charlie continued as a solo artist.

January 7, 2012: Charlie Collins performed for the final time on the Grand Ole Opry. While never an Opry member, Charlie spent considerable time at the Opry, first coming to the show as a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, and then after Roy's death, performing with Brother Oswald and with the Opry Square Dancers.

January 21, 2012: Emmylou Harris celebrated 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller helped Emmylou celebrate that night.

January 2, 2015: Longtime Grand Ole Opry legend Jimmy Dickens passed away in Nashville. Jimmy had been hospitalized after becoming suddenly ill on Christmas Day. Jimmy first joined the Opry in 1948 and at the time of his death, was the Opry's last link to the pre-Hank Williams of the Opry. Much loved, Jimmy was noted for his comedy songs, but let's not forget that he was also a great ballad singer.

January 21, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry House is listed as a pending addition to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would become official a month later. 

January 2, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry to honor Little Jimmy Dickens on the one-year anniversary of Tater's death. Paisley turned in a medley that includes "Country Boy," "Out Behind The Barn," "May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Mountain Dew."

January 9, 2017: Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher announced that he was resigning his position to move to California and head up the Academy of Country Music. Pete came to the Opry in June 1999 and had been in charge of the Opry for over 17 years. His final Opry show was on January 20.

January 21, 2017: Crystal Gayle became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal has been asked several months previously by Carrie Underwood to join the cast. On the night of her induction, her sister and fellow Opry member Loretta Lynn handed the official induction. This was also the last night in which Loretta appeared on the Opry. 

January 11, 2019: Mark Wills was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mark, who had been a guest on the Opry hundreds of times, was surprised during a December appearance by Vince Gill, who formally invited Mark to become a member.

January 1, 2020: Ryman Hospitality launched a new TV network, Circle, with 16 original shows including "Opry Live," which was advertised as featuring pre-recorded performances from the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Circle TV only lasted a couple of years as the network quickly moved away from country music-oriented programming. 

January 10, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie made his final appearance on the Opry. Joe, who joined the cast in November 1993, passed away in 2020 from Covid.

January 17, 2020: Gene Watson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill did the honors of surprising Gene with the invitation, which was long overdue. 

January 24, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charley Pride made his final appearance on the Opry. He appeared that night on the Friday night show. Charley, who joined the Opry's cast in May 1993 passed away in December 2021, another of those who passed away from Covid. 

January 21, 2021: Lady A was announced as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Darius Rucker surprised the group with the invite during the taping of the Opry's 95th anniversary television special. Sad to say, their Opry appearances since joining have been very, very few. 

January 6, 2022: Marty Stuart, during a backstage appearance on the Opry, invited comedians Gary Mule Deer and Henry Cho to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. These would be the first comedians to join the Opry's cast in almost 50 years. 

There you have it as the Opry enters its 100th year.