Mid-Week Opry Shows

The focus at the Grand Ole Opry this week will be the Friday show that will be taking place in London. I am sure that is where all the energy will be and I assume that we will see a lot of build up this week in anticipation of that show. 

That said, there is a full week of mid-week Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry that will feature Grand Ole Opry members T. Graham Brown, Gary Mule Deer, Del McCoury and Riders In The Sky. Guesting will be Jackson Dean, Mac McAnally, The War and Treaty, and making their Opry debut, the duo of Thelma & James. 

Gary Mule Deer is back for the Wednesday Night Opry, along with members Rhonda Vincent and Don Schlitz. Maggie Rose is back for another appearance, as is Ruston Kelly, James House, Flatland Cavalry, and making their Opry debut, Better Than Ezra. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics will finish out the mid-week on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin as the host, and The Isaacs as the Spotlight Artist. An artist that we haven't seen much lately, Gary Morris is on the schedule, as is Jaelee Roberts, Mandy Barnett, The Malpass Brothers, and of course, The Gatlin Brothers. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/19 & 9/20

Carrie Underwood always brings something special when she appears on the Grand Ole Opry. Last weekend was no different as Carrie did her usual excellent job both nights. I know I, and others, have commented on Carrie's commitment to the Opry and she sets an example for others. But what is missed sometimes is the respect that Carrie has for the Opry and its history. If you haven't, I would suggest that you look and notice how she was dressed. No torn-up jeans, no skimpy top. She follows the example set by Loretta Lynn, wearing those wonderful, full-length dresses in a style much like Loretta did when she appeared on the Opry. People who attend the show appreciate that and yes, it is noticed. So thank you Carrie Underwood for not only appearing on the Opry but respecting the Opry. 

And for those who did not see, it has been announced that Carrie will be back on Friday and Saturday October 24 & 25, with 2 shows each night as the Opry will be closing out its 100th Birthday month. 

A note on Steve Earle: what a great night it was on Wednesday as Steve was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Emmylou Harris welcomed Steve to the family, and she, along with Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Vince Gill and Don Schlitz were among the Opry members who joined Steve last night. Steve and Emmylou sang "Pilgrim," one of Steve's great songs, with the others joining in. Steve has had a long desire to be an Opry member and unlike some of the Opry's other members, I feel that we will be seeing Steve at the Opry. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, the Friday Night Opry has Opry members Don Schlitz, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, John Conlee and Riders In The Sky on the schedule. Looking at the Saturday night lineup, Martina McBride returns to the Opry for just the 2nd time in 2025. In addition to Martina, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, and making it a two-show weekend, Don Schlitz are on the lineup. (It should be noted that Vince Gill was listed on the original schedule, but the lineup that has been passed on to me does not have Vince listed).

Guesting on Friday night are Stephanie Urbina Jones, Josh Ross, and making their Opry debut, Train. I don't know about anyone else, but I am excited to hear Train on Friday night, and I am hoping that they sing "Meet Virginia." 

Rounding out the lineup on Saturday night Ingrid Andress, Tenille Arts and Payton Smith. 

Friday September 19

7:00: Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Josh Ross, Train
Intermission

8:20: John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Don Schlitz

Saturday September 20

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Peyton Smith, Tenille Arts, Charlie McCoy

Intermission

8:20: Ingrid Andress, Opry Square Dancers, Martina McBride, Don Schlitz

Train, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night are from San Francisco. As of 2025, the band consists of Pat Monahan (lead vocals), Taylor Locke (guitar, vocals), Hector Maldonado (bass, vocals), Jerry Becker (keyboards, guitar), and Matt Musty (drums). 

With a lineup that included original members Monahan, Rob Hotchkiss, Jimmy Stafford, Scott Underwood, and Charlie Colin, the band achieved mainstream success with its debut album, Train. The album was released in 1998 with the hit "Meet Virginia". Train's 2001 album Drops of Jupiter contained the lead single—the RIAA 9× platinum-certified international hit "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)". The single won two Grammy Awards in 2002, and the album was certified double platinum. Train's third studio album, My Private Nation, released in 2003, was certified platinum in the United States with the hit "Calling All Angels". After the departures of Hotchkiss and Colin, the band released its fourth album, For Me, It's You, in 2006, with Brandon Bush (keyboards) and Johnny Colt (bass). 

In late 2009, Train regrouped as the trio of Monahan, Stafford, and Underwood to release the album Save Me, San Francisco, from which three singles—the RIAA 13× platinum-certified international hit "Hey, Soul Sister", "If It's Love" and "Marry Me"—reached numbers 3, 34, and 34, respectively, on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified gold by both the RIAA and ARIA. In 2012, Train released California 37. The first single from the album, "Drive By", reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a Top 10 hit in the UK. This album was followed by Bulletproof Picasso (2014), Christmas in Tahoe (2015), Train Does Led Zeppelin II (2016), and A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat (2017). Train's most recent studio album, AM Gold, was released in 2022.

With Martina McBride scheduled on the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night, I thought it would be good to go back and look at the night when Martina made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. It was 33 years ago, Saturday May 23, 1992, and here is the running order from that night: 

1st show

6:30: GHS Strings

Bill Monroe (host): I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky

Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

Bill Monroe: Wicked Path of Sin

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame

Jimmy Dickens (host): John Henry

Jan Howard: Evil On Your Mind

Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

7:00: Shoney's

Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South

Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never

Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream

Jack Greene: Letters Have No Arms

Wilma Lee Cooper: A Hero's Death

Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

7:30: Standard Candy

Tom T. Hall (host): Faster Horses

The Whites: I Wonder Who's Holding My Baby Tonight

Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye

Martina McBride: The Time Has Come/A Woman Knows

Tom T. Hall: It's All In The Game/Me & Jesus

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Bill Anderson: Still

Bill Anderson & Roy Acuff: I Wonder if God Likes Country Music

Hank Locklin: My Turning Point in Life

Opry Square Dance Band & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Forked Deer

8:30: Opryland

Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me A Bluebird

Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory

Jim Ed Brown: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You

The 4 Guys: Fanny May

Connie Smith: Then & Only Then

Hank Snow: A Faded Petal From A Beautiful Bouquet

2nd show

9:30: Dollar General

Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob

Billy Walker: A Million & One

David Houston: Almost Persuaded

Tom T. Hall: The Year That Clayton Delaney Died/Old Dogs, Children, & Watermelon Wine

Porter Wagoner: The Funky Grass Band

10:00: Little Debbie

Bill Monroe (host): The Old Tennessee River

Charlie Walker: Silver Dew on the Bluegrass Tonight

Roy Drusky: Go Bring My Children Home

Bill Monroe: A Voice From On High

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam

Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely

Mike Snider: The Fur Coat

Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk

Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda

Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You

Bill Carlisle: Elvira

Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

10:45: BC Powder

Jimmy Dickens (host): Geraldine

Martina McBride: That's Me

Opry Square Dance Band & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel

Jimmy Dickens: She Always Got What She Wanted

11:00: Coca Cola

Hank Snow (host): Between Fire & Water

Osborne Brothers: Head Over Heels In Love With You/High On A Hilltop

The Whites: Swing Down Chariot

Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything

Hank Snow: The Next Voice You Hear

11:30: Creamette

Jim Ed Brown (host): Barroom Pals & Good Time Gals

Connie Smith: I Never Once Stopped Loving You

Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On

The 4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria

Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells/The Old Lamplighter/Pop A Top

It would take a few more years for Martina to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and that took place on November 30, 1995, with Loretta Lynn doing the honors. 

Finishing up, there is an Opry show scheduled for Monday night that will feature Jelly Roll. Jelly will be playing two shows at the Opry to raise money to benefit the Nashville community and some charities that ring close to his heart, the Judge Dinkins Educational Center and the Buddy DeFord Charitable Fund.

Monday September 22
1st show

7:00: Priscilla Block, Graham Barham, Lanie Gardner

8:00: Marcus King, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll

2nd show

9:30: Priscilla Block, Graham Barham, Lanie Gardner

10:30: Marcus King, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll

Yes, there are no Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for this show. 

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

Mid-Week Opry Shows

It is going to be a busy and eventful week at the Grand Ole Opry as the Tuesday Night Opry will honor the Father of Bluegrass music Bill Monroe. Then on Wednesday night the Opry will welcome a new member as Steve Earle will officially join the cast of the Opry. 

Bill Monroe will be honored in fine style on Tuesday night as Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Del McCoury and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule. Also appearing will be Wyatt Ellis, The Kentucky Headhunters and making their Opry debut, The Brothers Comatose. It is safe to say that a lot of bluegrass music is going to be played on the Opry that night, as well as it should be. 

Tuesday September 16
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Riders In The Sky, The Brothers Comatose, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:20: The Kentucky Headhunters, Wyatt Ellis, Carly Pearce, Ricky Skaggs

With the Grand Ole Opry celebrating its 100th year, many of us assumed that we would see a number of new members. Well, it took a while, specifically until September 17, for the Opry to welcome its first new member of 2025. Steve was invited to join the cast at the end of April, but due to scheduling, it took a while for the actual induction to take place. It's definitely a full lineup of Opry members who will be appearing on Steve's special night as Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill and making her first appearance of the year, Emmylou Harris. 

Wednesday September 17
7:00: Connie Smith, Deana Carter, Marty Stuart, Steve Earle
Intermission
8:20: Don Schlitz, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill

Closing out the week on Thursday night will be Opry Country Classics. As usual Larry Gatlin will be the host, with the Gatlin Brothers also appearing. Rounding out that schedule are T. Graham Brown, Dailey & Vincent, John Berry, Victoria Shaw

Getting back to Steve Earle, while it seems that he has been making more Opry appearances over the past several years, he actually made his Opry debut 26 years ago on Saturday April 10, 1999. Here is the running order from that show: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Good Deal, Lucille
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper

6:45: National Corvette Museum
Billy Walker (host): Ol' Jesse's Just Been Robbin' My Train
Wilma Lee Cooper: Lovin' You
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away/Charlie's Shoes

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Fireball Mail/Night Train to Memphis
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band: Texas Eagle
Porter Wagoner: Where The Soul of Man Never Dies

7:30: Standard Candy
Jeannie Seely (host): Leaving & Saying Goodbye
Kelly Willis: I Have Not Forgotten You
John Berry: Your Love Amazes Me
Tracy Bryd: The Keeper of The Stars/Crazy Arms/The Other Woman/Whiskey River
Jeannie Seely: The Last Resort

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
The Whites: Blue Letters
Charlie Louvin: Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself to Sleep
Mike Snider: If My Nose Was Running Money
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Jean Shepard: Half A Mind
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Stonewall Jackson: Smoke Along The Track
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke
Jimmy Dickens: We Could

2nd show
9:30: Blue-Green Vacation Resort
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Whites: Doing It By The Book
Tracy Bryd: She's All I Got/I've Got An Old Fashioned Love in My Heart/Holding Heaven
Porter Wagoner & The Carolee Singers: Rock of Ages

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Bill Anderson (host): I Got the Fever
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Couldn't Care Less
Bill Anderson: Tips of My Fingers

10:15: Ray Stevens Show
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
John Berry: She's Taking A Shine to Him/Blessed Assurance
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You

10:30: Epiphone
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Kelly Willis: I Have Not Forgotten You
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou

10:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Roy Drusky: Somewhere My Love
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

11:00: Coca Cola
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band: The Dust Bowl Blues
George Hamilton IV & V: 'Til I Can Gain Control Again
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips A Beat
Mike Snider: The Kansas City Kitty/Wheel Hoss
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

11:30: General Jackson
Johnny Russell (host): In A Mansion Stands My Love
Charlie Louvin: Be A Life; Not A Judge
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Charlie Walker: A Way to Free Myself
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Johnny Russell: Wabash Cannonball

When you read the biography of Steve Earle, as many have, some wonder how he could become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Let's face it: his past has been interesting and somewhat controversial. It is not the typical background that you would have expected from an Opry member. That may be, but what I do know is that he is an outstanding songwriter and has had an amazing career. He is well respected by his peers, and his songs have meaning. Others may disagree, but if the Opry is fine with Steve becoming a member, then so am I. I wish him continued success and, as with every new member, I hope he takes his Opry membership seriously. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/12 & 9/13

It's always a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry when Opry member Carrie Underwood makes an appearance and this weekend will be no exception as there are two shows on the schedule for both Friday and Saturday night. It's been a few months since she has been on the Opry and it is definitely good to have her back. 

Joining Carrie on both shows Friday night will be Opry members Mark Wills, Mandy Barnett and John Conlee. Guesting will be Sister Sadie, Tyler Braden and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. 

Friday September 12
1st show
7:00: Mark Wills, Tyler Braden, Mandy Barnett, John Conlee
8:00: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Sister Sadie, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Mark Wills, Tyler Barden, Carrie Underwood
10:30: Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Angelah Johnson-Reyes, Sister Sadie

Saturday night is a very strong show. In addition to Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills is back along with Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky and Don Schlitz. There are only two non-members that will be appearing, and they are a couple of good ones. John Foster, who has made a very strong impression since debuting on the Opry earlier this year, is on the schedule for both nights, as is former teen idol Shaun Cassidy. You might remember that Shawn made it his Opry debut last December and it went over so well, that he's back. 

Saturday September 13
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Riders In The Sky, Shaun Cassidy
8:00: John Foster, Don Schlitz, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Carrie Underwood
10:30: Shaun Cassidy, Riders In The Sky, John Foster, Don Schlitz

It promises to be a great weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. 

2025 is turning out to be a big year for Kenny Chesney as earlier this year he was announced as one of the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. While not a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kenny, earlier in his career, made several appearances at the Opry. One of those appearances took place 28 years ago, on Saturday September 13, 1997. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Going Down The Country
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Grandpa Jones: Gooseberry Pie

6:45: Joggin' In A Jug
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Ray Pillow: Someone Had To Teach You
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Coming
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips A Beat
Brother Oswald: What A Friend
Wylie & The Wild West: Jingle, Jangle, Jingle/Cattle Call
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: If Teardrops Were Pennies
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot

7:30: Standard Candy
The 4 Guys (host): It's All Right
Kenny Chesney: She's Got It All/When I Close My Eyes
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away/Here Comes My Baby/Don't Touch Me
The 4 Guys: 'Til

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
The Whites: Doing It By The Book
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar In The Goard
Bill Anderson: Still

8:30: Clifty Farm
Charlie Walker (host): Who'll Buy The Wine
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Russ & Becky Jeffers: He's Still In The Fire
Mike Snider: (?)
Charlie Walker: Smoke, Smoke, Smoke/My Wife's Been A Pleasure

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Jan Howard: Heartaches By The Number
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With The Way That We're Doing It Now
Kenny Chesney: The Way I Am/Me & You
Christie Lynn: Don't Stop For Nothing
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie

10:00: Massey Ferguson
Ray Pillow (host): Cinderella
Russ & Becky Jeffers: Headed South
Ray Pillow: 'Til The Best Comes Along

10:15: Banquet
Grandpa Jones (host): Fix Me A Pallet Down On The Floor
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:30: Purnell's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Kenny Sears: Orange Blossom Special

10:45: Quality Cert. Homes
Bill Anderson (host): I Get The Fever
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: This Is A Love Song

11:00: Coca Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Swing Down Chariot
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Mike Snider: Look What They've Done To The Dominica Hen
Wyle & The Wild West: Give Me A Pinto Pal/I Remember You
The 4 Guys: Wings Of A Dove

11:30: Opry Book
Jeannie Seely (host): Speaking Of The Devil
Stu Phillips: Dust In My Eyes
Charlie Walker: Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Keep On The Sunny Side
Jeannie Seely: I Can't Stop Loving You

Another act that was on the Opry that night was Russ & Becky Jeffers. For almost all of the years that Opryland was open, they were one of the featured acts. Occasionally, when there was a late cancellation at the Opry, they would be asked to fill in. 

I found this recent interview that they did a couple of years ago (2023) and thought I would share it: 

LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — This past year marked 25 years since the closing of Opryland USA. It remains a major conversation among the many who loved the park. A crowd told us they just experienced a little taste of that place.

On an early afternoon at the Wilson County Tennessee State Fair, a headlining act was written on a chalkboard next to a stage. It was time to get mic checks for Russ and Becky Jeffers.

 "The biggest challenge is to see if you can remember all the chords, the lyrics, the arrangements," Russ smiled. "We've been rehearsing, but yeah, senior citizenship is a challenge."

It was 1974 when Russ and Becky answered a newspaper ad seeking musicians to audition for Opryland USA. "They actually called Becky back 'cause she was young and cute, and I wasn't," Russ laughed. "When we came down to Nashville, they said, 'Since you're here too, we might just give you a job too.'"

Russ and Becky began performing 500 shows a year at a deeply special place.

"If you looked out in that audience and they were unfolding that map, looking for other things to do, you knew you were in trouble," Russ said. "That's when we brought on the dancing girls!""

"What brought it to life were the customers," Russ continued.

"You would look forward to seeing them, and it was family," Becky said. "We loved them, and they loved us."

In December 1997, Russ and Becky performed their final show as the park closed.

"It felt like a funeral, and indeed, it was," Becky said. "Opryland died that night."

More than 25 years after Opryland, people gathered at the Wilson County Tennessee State Fair who used to go see Opryland's Russ and Becky Jeffers.

"Glad to see 'em here tonight!" said one fan.

The bustling of the people, the sound of the rides, and Russ and Becky back on stage; just reminded a lot of the crowd of a special place and time.

"Yeah! Takes me back to Opryland!" a fan smiled. "They got it. They still got it!"

"It's a wonderful thing to see so many familiar faces that we've missed seeing for so many years," Becky said. "They came here to see Russ and Becky one more time. We're humbled and honored that they would come."

"It's been a wonderful, beautiful journey together," Russ said. "I'm grateful for that."

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys Carrie Underwood and the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Once again, there is a full schedule of mid-week Grand Ole Opry shows beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry. 

Opry members T. Graham Brown, Charlie McCoy and Riders In The Sky headline the lineup, along with a guest appearance by Jessica Simpson and the Opry debut of I'm With Her. 

Tuesday September 0
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Lucie Silvas, I'm With Her, Charlie McCoy
Intermission
8:20: Noeline Hofmann, Kolby Cooper, Jessica Simpson, Riders In The Sky

I'm With Her is a trio consisting of singer/songwriters Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins. Their specialty is folk music. Their singles “Call My Name” was the winner of 2020 Grammy for Best American Roots Song. While they each have worked as individual artists over the years, and have appeared on the Opry as solo artists, they have recently committed themselves to this group project. 

It will be a special Wednesday Night Opry as it will be the annual Face The Fight Night at the Opry to help raise awareness about veteran suicide prevention. Opry members Craig Morgan, Dailey & Vincent and The Isaacs are on the schedule, along with Coffey Anderson, Mickey Guyton, Jimmy Fortune and Tucker Wetmore. 

Finally, Opry Country Classics is back on Thursday night with Larry Gatlin hosting with Opry members Don Schlitz and Mark Wills on the schedule. Rounding out the night are Mae Estes and Louise Mandrell. 

Grand Ole Opry 9/5 & 9/6

Ketch Secor is well known as the co-founder and leader of Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show. While Ketch continues to tour, and appear on the Opry, with Old Crow, he has recently embarked on a solo career, which will include appearances on the Opry, along with a solo tour. Two of those Opry appearances will take place this weekend as Ketch is scheduled for both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Ketch, who co-wrote "Wagon Wheel" with Bob Dylan, has released his solo album: Story The Crow Told Me. The album was released in July to rave reviews. On the album, Ketch wrote or co-wrote each of the songs. Besides singing, he also plays fiddle, banjo, harmonica, bass, organ, and spoons. Among those assisting on the album are Molly Tuttle and Marty Stuart. There is a lot of variety on the album and if you are a fan, I highly recommend giving it a listen. 

As mentioned, Ketch is scheduled for both shows this weekend, as is Don Schlitz, In fact, Ketch and Don will be closing out both shows. 

Also on the schedule for Friday night is Connie Smith, while Bill Anderson returns on Saturday night. Both have missed their last scheduled appearances as it has been assumed that Connie was still recovering, while Bill had an accident at home that caused his cancellation. As Bill wrote in his monthly newsletter, he is fine and ready to go with a couple of Opry appearances scheduled this month. 

Regarding Connie, there has been no announcement as of yet of a rescheduled date for her 60th Opry anniversary show. Hopefully, something will be scheduled soon. One last word on Connie: while listening to the Opry on the night that she and Marty cancelled, it was mentioned that Connie was the longest serving female member, and if I heard it right, in the history of the Opry. I think it was supposed to have been said that she is the longest current female member of the Opry. Let's not forget Jean Shepard, who was an Opry member for 60 years and 10 months. Along with Jean, the only other female member of the Opry who reached 60 years was Loretta Lynn. I am not taking anything away from Connie. I just wanted to keep the facts straight. And if I misheard, my apologies. 

In addition to those mentioned, Opry members Riders In The Sky are scheduled for Friday night while Mandy Barnett and The Whites will appear on Saturday.  

Friday September 5

7:00: Riders In The Sky, Eric Paslay, Lanie Gardner, The Kody Norris Show

Intermission

8:20: Connie Smith, John Morgan, Ketch Secor, Don Schlitz

Saturday September 6

7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Bill Anderson, JigJam

Intermission

8:20: The Whites, Opry Square Dancers, Tigirlily Gold, Ketch Secor, Don Schlitz

One of the legendary members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry is Hank Snow. The "Singing Ranger" joined the Opry in January 1950. In fact, the night he became an Opry member was also the first night that he even appeared on the show. It was through the efforts of Ernest Tubb that brought Hank to the Opry, and Hank never forgot the kindness that Ernest showed him over the years. 

Once Hank had established himself on the Opry, he settled in to hosting the 8:30 and 11:00 segments on the Saturday night shows. It would be later, after he reduced his road dates, that Hank would become a regular on the Friday Night Opry. And it was on Friday September 6, 1996, that Hank Snow would make his final appearance on the Opry. 

Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle, Del Reeves, The Whites
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Oswald & Charlie, Jan Howard, George Hamilton IV, Billy Walker
7:30: Mike Snider (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Jimmy C Newman, Johnny Paycheck
8:00: John Conlee (host): Jean Shepard, Charlie Louvin, Osborne Brothers, Jeannie Seely
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Jack Greene, Charley Pride

2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host): Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Walker, Jeanne Pruett, Stu Phillips

10:00: Grandpa Jones (host): George Hamilton IV, Charlie Louvin, Osborne Brothers, The Whites
10:30: Mike Snider (host): Jean Shepard, Del Reeves, Charlie Walker, Stonewall Jackson
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Marty Stuart, Jimmy C Newman, Charley Pride
11:30: John Conlee (host): Jeannie Seely, Johnny Paycheck, Jack Greene

For most of 1996, Hank was in declining health and dealing with respiratory issues. There were weeks where he would be listed on the schedule but would cancel at the last minute. In fact, it was the previous Saturday night, August 31, that Hank made his return to the Opry for the first time that year. He appeared on both shows that night. He then was back the following Friday night, and as shown in the lineup, did both shows. But on the following night, he was listed on the schedule but cancelled. The following weekend, Hank was scheduled for both the Friday and Saturday night Opry shows, (September 12 &13), however he cancelled and that weekend would be the final time that Hank Snow's name would appear on an Opry schedule. 

Hank would live for several more years before passing away in December 1999, just weeks short of his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

I had mentioned Hank Snow's connection to Ernest Tubb. It was 12 years earlier, September 6, 1984, that the great Ernest Tubb had passed away. Ernest came to the Opry in the early 1940s, and much like Hank, Ernest took his Opry membership very seriously. Even though Ernest was on the road for several hundred dates each year, he always fulfilled his Opry obligations. Ernest last appeared on the Opry several years before his death, on August 14, 1982. Here is the lineup from that night: 

1st show
6:30: The 4 Guys (host): Wilburn Brothers
6:45: Billy Grammer (host): Skeeter Davis
7:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Jean Shepard, Lonzo & Oscar, Jack Leonard
7:30: Billy Walker (host): Jeannie Seely, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers, Bill Carlisle
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Connie Smith, Charlie Walker, Roy Thackerson, Carolee Singers 
8:30: Bill Monroe (host): Roy Drusky, Del Wood, Vic Willis Trio, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Ernest Tubb (host): Skeeter Davis, Wilburn Brothers
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Connie Smith
10:15: Billy Grammer (host): Lonzo & Oscar
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Roy Thackerson
10:45: Billy Walker (host): Jean Shepard, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Roy Drusky (host): Jeannie Seely, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Kirk McGee, Bill Carlisle
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Del Wood, Charlie Walker, Vic Willis Trio

How ironic that Hank Snow on not on the Opry the night of Ernest Tubb's final appearance. 

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.