After the excitement of seeing Ringo Starr at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend, it's back to a more traditional lineup this weekend highlighted by Opry member Vince Gill, who is scheduled to appear both nights. In case it was missed, Vince announced last week that he will be going on a summer tour to celebrate 50 years as a touring artist.
As Vince said in a press release, "I left home 50 years ago to try and become an accomplished musician and perform in front of whoever would show up. All these years later, it feels as special today as it ever did." He is taking a group of all-star musicians with him, including Jim "Moose" Brown, Tom Bukovac, Eddie Dunlap, Jedd Hughes, John Jarvis, Jimmie Lee Sloas, Billy Thomas and Jeff White, In addition, Wendy Moten will be along with supporting vocals. The tour kicks off in Rochester, New York on May 8 and concludes with a four-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium in August.
As someone who saw Vince during his last concert tour, I highly recommend seeing Vince if he is coming to a city near you.
In addition to Vince Gill, the Friday Night Opry includes Opry members The Isaacs, Oak Ridge Boys, Riders In The Sky and Jon Pardi. There are also two Opry NextStage artists on the schedule: Kashus Culpepper and Kameron Marlowe. Round out the group is Willow Avalon, who will be making her Opry debut.
Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys are back on Saturday night, along with Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz, Marty Stuart, and Connie Smith, who has not appeared on the Opry since the first Friday in January. Opry NextStage artist Charles Wesley Godwin.
While not on the schedule, there will be an Opry debut on Saturday night. As Marty Stuart posted in a video, I recently got to surprise young Ben Scruggs with an invitation to join me and the Fabulous Superlatives at the Grand Ole Opry. Come see our special guest on March 1! Ben is the son of Chris Scruggs, one of Marty's Superlatives.
Friday February 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Kashus Culpepper, Willow Avalon, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:20: Kameron Marlowe, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Jon Pardi
Saturday March 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Charles Wesley Godwin, Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
Intermission
8:20: Marty Stuart, Opry Square Dancers, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill
Willow Avalon, who is making her Opry debut on Friday night, grew up surrounded by gospel and country music. She began playing piano in church and taught herself guitar at age 12, quickly turning to songwriting as a means of escape and salvation. At just 15, she left home and spent a brief period living in her car before making her way to California. Now based in New York, Avalon writes, plays and produces her own music alongside a small group of trusted collaborators, crafting a sound that refreshingly blends classic country and Americana. Her debut EP, Stranger, has racked up over 30 million streams, and her songs "Tequila and Whiskey" and "Homewrecker" have earned widespread attention. Avalon’s unique style has led her to share stages with artists like Charles Wesley Godwin, Paul Cauthen, Cage the Elephant and more. Her debut album was released in January.
One night a year, beginning in 1978 and lasting for the following three years, the Public Broadcast Service televised the Grand Ole Opry. For many Opry fans, it was their only time that they were able to see an entire Opry show televised, and PBS drew large audiences for those shows.
From the Nashville, Tennessean (February 28, 1980)
One of public television's highest rated shows, "Live From the Grand Ole Opry," kicks of the Festival '80 fundraising drive tomorrow night beginning at 6 p.m. on WDCN (Channel 8). The third annual live telecast of the Opry will actually be two regular Opry shows back-to-back in order to make room for over 50 country artists, including Hank Snow, Roy Acuff, Ronnie Milsap and Loretta Lynn.
Last year's show drew the second largest audience ever for a nationwide public television audience. Among the contributions public television has received during Opry telecasts are mink pelts and ounces of gold.
Since commercials can't be aired on public television, some of the commercial portions of the Opry will be replaced by short features such as backstage interviews or a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In other spots, WDCN will appeal for memberships.
Bob Boatman will direct and co-produce the show with executive producer Harmon McBride.
The Opry is the longest running live radio show and is heard in 32 states over WSM. Although performers don't announce their participation until shortly before performances, the national audience of "Life From the Opry" has drawn greater numbers of stars onto the Opry Stage.
The 3rd of the four shows took place 45 years ago, on Saturday March 1, 1980. Here is the running order from that night:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
Del Reeves (host): Crazy Arms/My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You
Jean Shepard: Then He Touched Me
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
David Houston: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Del Reeves: Take Me To Your Heart & Let Me Live There
6:45: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): I Don't Love You Anymore/Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself To Sleep/See The Big Man Cry
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Charlie Louvin: Love Don't Care
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter/We've Come A Long Way Baby
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Down In Union County
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Jimmy Dickens: Another Hell Of A Night In Dixie
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Durang's Hornpipe
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): Stop That Ticklin' Me
Wilma Lee & Carolee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Ronnie Milsap: Back On My Mind Again/Why Don't You Spend The Night
The 4 Guys: Let There Be Peace
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Fallen Leaves
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Osborne Brothers: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Marion Worth: Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You
Roy Drusky: Welcome Home
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Hasn't It Been Good Together
Fruit Jar Drinkers
Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Ronnie Milsap: I'm A Standby Your Woman Man/What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down/Daydreams About Night Things
Jim & Jesse with Charlie Louvin: Showboat Gambler
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Ray Pillow: Super Lady
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts Of Live/Caroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass Of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host): Yours For The Taking
Jeannie Seely: Since I Met 'Ca Boy
Vic Willis: Last Cheater's Waltz
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Fox On The Run
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Connie Smith: He Was There All The Time
Roy Acuff: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa (host) Ramona & Alisa Jones: Who Will Sing For Me
Skeeter Davis: The Old Rugged Cross/The King Is Coming
Billy Grammer: When They Ring The Golden Bells/Kentucky
Jan Howard: I Will Survive
10:45: Beechnut
George Hamilton IV (host): Forever Young
Loretta Lynn & Sissy Spacek: You Ain't Woman Enough
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Rachel
Loretta Lynn & Sissy Spacek: You Ain't Woman Enough
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Rachel
George Hamilton IV: Close Your Eyes, I'll Be There In The Morning
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Stu Phillips: There's More To Love
Osborne Brothers: Country Boys & Georgia Mules Are Fading Fast Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
The 4 Guys: Fire
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: My First Night Alone
11:30: Budweiser
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Wilma Lee & Carolee Cooper: I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind The Barn
Roy Drusky: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry About Me/Cool Water/Muddy Water/Among My Souvenirs
Marty Robbins & Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Marty Robbins: Love Me/El Paso City/You Gave Me A Mountain/Touch Me With Magic/She's Made Of Faith/A White Sport Coat/Jenny/El Paso
Marty Robbins: Love Me/El Paso City/You Gave Me A Mountain/Touch Me With Magic/She's Made Of Faith/A White Sport Coat/Jenny/El Paso
Wow!!! Marty Robbins was on for 48 minutes with 13 songs. He went so long that PBS cut him off. Roy Acuff was a surprise walk-on during Marty's segment as Marty was kidding about Roy being mad at him for running over so late. Roy took it with good humor.
Ernest Tubb was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 10:45 segments but cancelled. Also cancelling was Don Gibson and Archie Campbell. As shown on the schedule, a number of artists only appeared on one of the two shows as they wanted to get on as many acts as they could. And it goes without saying that those PBS shows were wonderful.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
I wish we could see the whole PBS show. And I wish the people who are doing the Opry one night this weekend were on both nights, because I bet most of them were available both nights.
ReplyDeleteTo each his own, but while it was nice to see both the Oaks and Vince Gill on two nights in a row, for the most part I’d rather see different artists on Saturday than Friday and I like that artists do longer sets whenever they happen to be on. Variety.
DeleteIt was announced this afternoon that on Saturday night, the Grand Ole Opry is going to unveil their new Opry100 mic stands. It was reported back in the fall that there would be new stands in 2025. Vince Gill will be the first act to perform in front of the new microphone and it will happen during his segment. The Opry has changed stands several times in their history and it will be interesting to see what this newest version looks like.
ReplyDeleteVince is coming about 25 minutes up the road. I’ve always wanted to see him in person. I was determined to pull every string. I could pull to make that happen. First person I called was a guy named Gordon Mote, who is pretty much the Floyd Cramer of the 2000s and Fun fact was also in Porter Wagner‘s band at one point. He told me he would call Vince personally so, fingers and toes crossed that he is willing to meet with me. I’m super excited to hear him both nights this weekend. And I really really wish those PBS shows were available in their entirety somewhere on the Internet. Ez
ReplyDeleteI remember everyone of those years PBS televised the entire Grand Ole Opry, commercials and all. It was so great. Someone has them. Wish they would release them on DVD for individual Sale. Some with Roy Acuff are on YouTube from one of those shows in 1978.
ReplyDeleteSharing this information as many of us knew Jerry and the contributions that he made to WSM and the Opry:
ReplyDeleteNashville – Longtime WSM and Grand Ole Opry executive Martin Jerome “Jerry” Strobel, Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on February 24, 2025, with family by his side.
Jerry was born on April 6, 1940, in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville to Mary Catherine and Martin George Strobel.
He graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1958, and Vanderbilt University in 1966. While at Vanderbilt, he played baseball for the Commodores, making him one of the original “Vandy Boys.” After graduation, Jerry took a job surveying, worked for the Nashville Public Library, and sold advertising for the Yellow Pages. Jerry also served 7 years in the Tennessee National Guard
Jerry became the promotions manager for WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry in 1970. For 30 years, Jerry worked with a group of people he truly loved as family. As he wrote to his Opry family at the time of his departure, “I feel very fortunate, and in a way blessed, to have worked with, worked for, and learned from some of the true legends in the history of entertainment. And I was very fortunate and privileged to have been a very, very small part of the Golden age of the Grand Ole Opry … and to have known a galaxy of extraordinary personalities and entertainers who have since moved on to hillbilly heaven.”
While with the Opry, he worked with the local and national media and handled the details involved with various celebrities performing at the Opry. His role expanded, and he eventually was the Opry House Manager and helped start Fan Fair, which is now known as CMA Fest. He also oversaw the operations of the Opry House itself when it was one of the only venues in Nashville in which touring acts could perform. Along the way, he met six U.S. presidents and witnessed the artistry of performers from Sinatra to Springsteen, Bob Hope to Robin Williams, and, especially, the great country artists from Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, and Bill Monroe to the superstars of today.
Upon his exit from the Opry, country music journalist and historian Robert Oermann noted to the Nashville Scene that, “Jerry has just always been there. He was everything at the Opry – publicist, Opry House manager, a shoulder to cry on for the acts. Everything he did, he did with a tremendous amount of kindness. He was and is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word."
In his farewell letter to his Opry Family, Jerry reminisced, “It’s been a good run and a lot of fun. And I wish only the very best for the Grand Ole Opry. This show business phenomenon is a national treasure that should be preserved, embraced and strengthened so future generations can experience its incredible energy, electricity and magic.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Holzapfel Strobel, his parents, Mary Catherine Schweiss and Martin George Strobel, and siblings Veronica (Tom, deceased) Seigenthaler and Father Charles Strobel.
He is survived by his sister Alice (Bob) Eadler as well as his six children, Amelia Strobel (Bob) Glenn, Martin (Ashley) Strobel, Merrill (Robbie) Bohren, Daniel (Carrie) Strobel, Margaret (Mark, deceased) Pyburn, and Morgan (Sara) Strobel; and 17 grandchildren: Tricia and Braden Glenn; Ann Gailor, Sullivan, Charlotte, and Gavin Strobel; Catherine Bohren; Alex, Ben, and Sam Strobel; Mary Catherine, Mark, Amelia, Helen, and Mimi Pyburn; and Andrew and Rosemary Strobel.
Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, at The Buddeke House of Assumption Catholic Church, 1226 7th Ave. N. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Boulevard. Immediately following, remains will be interned at Calvary Cemetery.
(For those who do not know, Jerry was let go by Gaylord Entertainment in November 2000).
Thanks for posting this Byron. Many times when we were at the Opry and I was down front taking photos Jerry was often in the shadows at stage left just beyond the podium watching the show and greeting the artist as they went on and off stage. You could tell there was mutual love and admiration there. He called his era at the Opry the golden age which might be debatable. However it was certainly good time that spanned most of Opryland's run and a time when many of the artist that helped build the Opry were coming home more often, playing the park and giving the fans a place to come and see them. Maybe not golden but a most special time for the Opry and the members of that era. And as you know, for me, I will go along with Jerry's thought, it was the golden age.
DeleteJim
This Cameron kid guys! He can flat out sing! Ez
ReplyDeleteThe Scruggs family of music continues - young Ben Scruggs appeared as a debut artist after the invitation from Dan Rogers. He
ReplyDeletereceived standing ovations and has great stage presence in addition to his music (and he is only 10). The only unfortunate part was that he was not listed for his debut (appearing in Marty Stuart's segment). Looking forward to hearing more about Ben.
Totally agree @Anonymous ... young Ben did a larger than life-type performance; he is very self-assured on stage. I enjoyed his entire performance while listening to the radio Saturday night but seeing several different video's on his performance on Facebook yesterday morning I am so impressed with this young man. I am so happy he is moving like we did WAY back in the day and he played his guitar like his dad plays the upright bass ... with a lot of passion. He sure is carrying on the Scruggs family tradition of great music.
Delete(Jeanene)
That was interesting last night for about a a minute when Gail Johnson collapsed on stage during Bill Anderson's final song. At first I thought something had happened to him when he asked for help. For those that didn't hear, they latter announced that she was okay.
ReplyDeleteFun to hear Ben Scruggs and a nice reception from the crowd.
Did anyone mention here back in January that Melba Montgomery had passed. She passed on the 15th at age 86. Who is still with us that worked with Roy Acuff on the road or the Opry. Larry McNeely is 77. I haven't heard anything about her for a while but is June Webb still living? Am I thinking correct or making it up that Leona Williams worked on the road with him for a while?
That was some interesting music they played last night when unveiling the new mic stands. I take it that it was with the video. Certainly a different look but nothing overly dramatic.
Jim
June Stearns was in the bad wreck with Acuff and Shot Jackson if I remember correctly. I think she is still with us.
DeleteThat may be. I've lost track and even if Byron reports something here it doesn't stay with me like it used to. I know a few years ago she was attending Rope events then her health began to fail and she quit attending.
ReplyDeleteThis not a complaint or criticism, just an observation. I hadn't thought about this until I saw the mic stand but removing Grand Ole form the name is a futuristic move. Many people say Grand Old Opry. Removing Grand Ole removes that confusion and also eliminates the thought of "old" or living in the past.
Jim