Tuesday Night Opry 2/11

The Tuesday Night Opry returns this week with a solid lineup of Opry members and guests. 

Ashley McBryde heads up the list, joined by comedian Henry Cho, Chris Janson, Riders In The Sky and Scotty McCreery. Rounding out the schedule are Gabby Barrett and making their Opry debut, JOHNNYSWIM.

Tuesday February 11
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Gabby Barrett, Johnnyswim, Scotty McCreery
Intermission
8:20: Ashley McBryde, Henry Cho, Chris Janson

JOHNNYSWIM, composed of the magnetic duo Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, effortlessly enthralls audiences with their heartfelt melodies, intertwining personal experiences and imaginative tales. Their music is a vibrant tapestry woven with memories, emotions, and dreams, blending singer-songwriter tradition with alternative flair, rock vigor, and pop ambition. Through extensive touring, they've cultivated a devoted fanbase worldwide, connecting deeply with listeners.

 Critics from NPR, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Nylon, and Rolling Stone have hailed JOHNNYSWIM's blend of Folk, Pop, and Blues as "captivating and unforgettable." Their electrifying performances on shows like The Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno have enchanted audiences, reinforcing their dynamic presence in the music realm.

 In their upcoming album When The War Is Over, the band captures a profound journey through personal upheaval and resilience. Inspired by a season marked by intense challenges, Abner and Amanda vulnerably explore themes of physical and mental health, and self-realization through 11 deeply personal tracks. It symbolizes their journey toward healing, serving as a declaration of moving forward. Arriving amidst uncertain times, When The War Is Over is more than a collection of songs—it stands defiantly as a testimony of resilience, vulnerability, and the unbreakable bond between two people navigating life’s storms together.

As Opry 100 continues and focusing on former Grand Ole Opry members, The 4 Guys made their Opry debut on February 11, 1967:  

The 4 Guys became Opry members on April 22, 1967, just a couple of months after their Opry debut. The original members of the group that joined consisted of Berl Lyons, Brent Burkett, Sam Wellington and Rich Garratt. Sam is the only member of that original lineup still alive, and he has written some wonderful books over the past several years. 

Sam Wellington was the final original member of the group, and he retired in June 1999, the same week in which Pete Fisher became the Opry's general manager. On April 5, 2000, Pete Fisher fired The 4 Guys as members of the Opry. The decision was based on the fact that with Sam's retirement, there were no original members of the group left. 

From the Nashville Tennessean: 

Long ago, the Four Guys were the harmonizing toast of Music City. They had a night club. And they had many fans, thanks to their membership in the Grand Ole Opry. Well, don't look for them to be regular Opry performers anymore. They are no longer on the membership roster. 

What happened? Opry general manager Pete Fisher explained yesterday that this ends an affiliation that began in 1967, when the Four Guys "consisted of Brent Burkett, Richard Garrett, Sam Wellington and Berl Lyons were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry membership roster. 

First, Lyons and Garrett left the group. The other two of the Opry's original Four Guys, Wellington and Burkett, left in 1999. Because of the complete change in the harmony group since the induction 33 years ago "we have made the decision to remove the Four Guys from our current Opry membership roster," Fisher said. 

"As it is difficult for the Opry to part ways with the current members of the group, Laddie Cain, Glen Bates, John Frost and Gary Robinson, we wish the best for them and are grateful for their contributions to the Opry." 

The 4 Guys never had that career "hit" record, but they were very popular, and very busy. In addition to their dinner theater in Nashville, they were a popular act on cruise ships and also toured as the opening act for a number of country music stars. At the Opry, in addition to their solo spots, they also served as background vocalists for many of the Opry's performers. 

On June 6, 2008, The 4 Guys made a final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry as Sam wellington came out of retirement. Bill Anderson introduced the group on the Opry that night and they received a very nice ovation. 

Here is the running order from 58 years ago, Saturday February 11, 1967, the night The 4 Guys made their Opry debut: 

7:30: Luzianne
Jim Ed (host) & Maxine Brown: I Heard The Bluebird Sing
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore
Dottie West: What's Come Over My Baby
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Pete Drake: I'm Just A Guitar (Everybody Picks On Me)
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Bob Luman: Come On & Sing
Jim Ed & Maxine Brown: Looking Back To See

8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Hurt Her Once For Me
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Ray Pillow: I Like That Sorta Thing
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Wilburn Brothers: Just To Be Where You Are
Crook Brothers: Old Hen Cackle
Billy "Crash "Craddock: There Oughta Be A Law
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Wilburn Brothers: All We Have For You Mom

8:30: Stephens
Billy Walker (host): Things
Bill Carlisle: What Kind Of Deal Is This
Bobby Bare: Shame On Me
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Billy Walker: Anything Your Heart Desires
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Bill Carlisle: The Great Shoman
Billy Walker: Cross The Brazos At Waco

9:00: Pet Milk
Charlie Louvin (host): I Don't Love You Anymore
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Margie Bowes: There Goes My Everything
Bluegrass Country Kin: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: I Don't Want It
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Instrumental
Harold Weakley: Almost Persuaded
Ernie Ashworth: Pass Me Not
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Cousin Jody: I Miss Him So
Jimmy Dickens: A Country Music Lover
Carter Family: Bye; Bye
Hank Snow: A Legend In My Time
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Carter Family: Once Around The Briar Patch
Hank Snow: Hula Love

10:00: Schick
Jim Ed (host) & Maxine Brown: Where Does The Good Times Go
Dottie West: It's My Way To Survive
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Dottie West: All The World Is Lonely Now

10:15: Pure
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Bob Luman: Hardly Anymore

10:30: Buckley's
Bobby Bare (host): I Saw The Light
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Ray Pillow: Two Minus One Leaves Blue
Bobby Bare: Streets Of Baltimore

10:45: Kent
Bill Carlisle (host): Shanghai Rooster
Justin Tubb: But Wait; There's More
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bill Carlisle: Doctor R.D. 

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On 
Billy Walker: Bare With Me A Little Longer
Margie Bowes: Enough To Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Instrumental
Hank Snow: Confused With The Blues
Sam McGee: Under The Double Eagle
Jimmy Dickens: You Destroyed Me
Billy Walker: A Million & One
Hank Snow: Man Behind The Gun

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Running Gun
Charlie Louvin: See The Big Man Cry
Ernie Ashworth: Sad Face
Curly Fox: Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey
Don Winters: Annie Lou
Cousin Jody: Run, Please Run
Bluegrass Country Kin: Ole Slewfoot
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman/The Shoe Goes On The Other Foot Tonight/Begging To You/El Paso

As was traditional with non-members at the time, The 4 Guys received just one spot. 

There you have it for this Tuesday night. Have fun with the Opry.