Grand Ole Opry 4/18 & 4/19

The big news out of Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry this week is the release of the book 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry written by Craig Shelburne and the members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

The official book celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry—an intimate, gorgeously illustrated behind-the-scenes look at the American institution and world-renowned stage for country music

Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has left an undeniable mark on American culture. What began as an impromptu performance of old-time fiddle tunes has transformed into the longest-running radio broadcast in US history, as well as a live performance for millions of country music fans each year. Widely regarded as the show that made country music famous, the Opry has played an important role in the careers of country music’s biggest stars—including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, and countless others—popularizing and preserving some of the most beloved forms of American music. 

As country music has broadened and its audience continues to grow, the Grand Ole Opry has evolved alongside the genre itself. This centennial celebration showcases the venerable institution’s history through lively never-before-seen photography and ephemera from years past, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from those who have paced backstage before career-defining performances, and those who have come to know the Opry as a second home. Replete with gorgeous illustrations and tributes from country music’s biggest names, 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry is a glorious, one-of-a-kind celebration, and a must-have for any country music fan. 

The book was officially released on April 15 and is over 350 pages. It can be ordered a number of ways: thru the Opry website, Amazon, or can be purchased in person at many local bookstores. I have my copy, and it is an outstanding book, well worth the price. It is well written and well put together. For whatever it is worth, I highly recommend the book. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, Opry members Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde are on the schedule for both Friday and Saturday night. Joining the pair on the Friday Night Opry are Opry members John Conlee, Gary Mule Deer, and fresh from the release of his new album, Jon Pardi. On Saturday night, besides Vince and Ashley, Ricky Skaggs, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith and, still the Opry's newest member, Steven Curtis Chapman are on the schedule. Who would have thought in the Opry's 100th year that we would be in the middle of April with no new member thus far in 2025. 

Guesting on Friday night will be Opry NextStage artist Avery Anna, along with Tami Neilson. The only non-member on Saturday night is singer/songwriter Erin Viancourt, who is making her Opry debut. 

Friday April 18
7:00: John Conlee, Avery Anna, Tami Neilson, Jon Pardi
Intermission
8:20: Ashley McBryde, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

Saturday April 19
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Ricky Skaggs, Erin Viancourt, Riders In The Sky, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, Ashley McBryde, Vince Gill

Any complaints? I didn't think so. 

Looking back through 100 years of Grand Ole Opry history, it was on Saturday April 19, 1947, that Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry. 

On Sunday April 7, 1946, the following was printed in the Nashville Tennessean: 

Roy Acuff, Nashville hillbilly singer, has announced his retirement from the Grand Ole Opry program each Saturday night after more than eight years' continuous appearance on the show. He and his eight-piece band will tour the Atlantic Coast this summer from "Georgia to New England," he said. Later he will go to the Pacific Coast, where he said he has some movie contracts to fulfill. 

So, what led up to all of this: Basically, it was a salary dispute. At the time, Roy was the host of the Prince Albert portion of the Grand Ole Opry that aired on NBC radio. That segment was sponsored by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. As the Opry's biggest star, he wanted to be recognized of that by not only the Opry, but also the national sponsor. When he was refused what he felt was a fair offer, he quit not only the Opry, but WSM radio. After Roy left, The William Esty and Company advertising agency, which managed the Reynolds account, conducted a survey to determine who should take over as the host of the Prince Albert portion of the program and after studying the results, Red Foley was hired. 

Early in 1947, Roy returned from a West Coast trip and was hospitalized. Among his first two visitors were Harry Stone and Ernest Tubb. According to Roy Acuff: 

Harry said, "Roy, the Opry is losing many of its people, and it looks like maybe we're going under if you don't come back and be with us. Come and help us out. We wish you would change your mind and come back." I replied, "Harry, if I mean that much to WSM and the Grand Ole Opry, I will come back and do everything I can to help the Opry at all times."

Here is the running order from that night 78 years ago, Saturday April 19, 1947, when Roy Acuff returned to the Grand Ole Opry after an absence of one year: 

8:00: Purina
Oklahoma Wranglers: Rocky Mountain Express
Eddy Arnold: You're Not My Darling Anymore
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Wish You All Well
Eddy Arnold: Rocking Alone In An Old Rocking Chair
Rod Brasfield: Jokes
Oklahoma Wranglers: Old Indians Never Die
Annie Lou and Danny: Corn Bread And Molasses
Eddy Arnold: Chained To A Memory

8:30: Warren Paint and Color Co. 
Lew Childre: Fog On The Rio Grande
Paul Howard: Somebody Else's Trouble
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Milton Estes: Cowboy Has To Sing
Clyde Moody: Leaf Of Love
Lew and Stringbean: Rabbit In The Log
Chubby Wise: Down Yonder
Marie and Clyde: Railroad Boomer
Possum Hunters: Miss Sally
Robert Lunn: Since They Put A Radio In The Henhouse
Jimmy Walker: Gone, Gone, Gone

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Golden West Cowboys: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Billy In The Low Ground
Cowboy Copas: Texas Red
Texas Ruby: Kansas City Blues
Curly Fox: Farmer And His Mule
Bradley Kincaid: Billy Richardson's Last Ride
York Brothers: Life Can Never Be The Same
Cowboy Copas: Tragic Romance
Johnnie and Jack: This World Can't Stand Love
Shorty Boyd: 8th Of January

9:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Tennessee Central No. 9
Square Dance: Turkey In The Straw
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Oak Ridge Quartet: Blind Bartemus
Ernest Tubb: There's Gonna Be Some Changes Made Around Here
Red Foley: I'll Never Let You Go Little Darling
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Roy Acuff: Wait For The Light To Shine
Instrumental: Carless Love
Square Dance: Leather Britches

10:00: Wall-Rite
Earl Scruggs: Why Did You Wander
Bill and Lester: True Life Blues
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Pleasure Down On The Farm
Quartet: Shining Path
Lester: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

10:15: Weatherhouse
Paul Howard: There's A Big Rock In The Road
Lew and Stringbean: Roll On Buddy Roll On
Clyde Moody: Where The Old Red River Flows
Johnny and Jack: Sing Tom Kitty
Possum Hunters: Old Rat

10:30: Cherokee Mills
Roy Acuff: No One Will Ever Know
Rachel and Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Curly Fox and Ruby: Did You Ever Go Sailing
Jimmy: My Life's Been A Pleasure
Jug Band: Detour
Arthur Smith: Kicking Mule

10:45: Southern Woodenware
Golden West Cowboys: Tennessee Waltz
Bill Monroe: My Rose Of Old Kentucky
Bradley Kincaid: Granny's Old Arm Chair
Crook Brothers: The Old Account Was Settled
Golden West Cowboys: Cowboy's Special

11:00: Eddy Arnold Songbook
Eddy Arnold: I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Lily Belle: You Only Want Me When You're Lonely
Lonzo and Oscar: John Henry
Eddy Arnold: You Can't Break The Chains Of Love

11:15: Ernest Tubb Songbook
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow At Midnight
Hal Smith: Joe Turner Blues
Dot and Smokey: Let's Pretend
Ernest Tubb: I'm Telling You

11:30: Saf-Kill
Wally Fowler: Waiting For My Call To Glory
Oklahoma Wranglers: A No-Good Son Of A Gun
Curly Fox: Bully Of The Town
York Brothers: Life Can Never Be The Same
Gully Jumpers: Dance All Night

11:45: Michigan Bulb
Milton Estes: I'm Writing You Darling Through Tears
Jimmy Walker and Robert Lunn: I'd Trade All My Tomorrows
Kirk McGee: I'm Gonna Be Boss From Now On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Chinese Breakdown
Milton Estes: I Don't Care

On the night of his return, he did not host the Prince Albert segment but was a guest. Beginning the following week, April 26, Roy would take over as the host of the Royal Crown segment of the Opry, with Red Foley remaining the host of the Prince Albert show. As history shows, once Roy returned to the Opry, he never left. 

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.