Grand Ole Opry 11/28 & 11/29

At one time there was the Louisiana Hayride, National Barn Dance, WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Old Dominion Barn Dance, Town Hall Party, WSB Barn Dance, and the list goes on and on. There was a time when pretty much every local radio station in the country had some short of barn dance program. Some were more successful than others. After all was said and done, only one has survived in its original format and on Friday night, the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with two big shows that will honor the legacy and history of the Opry. 

Looking back, I wonder when it all started, if Edwin Craig, George D. Hay, Harry Stone, David Stone, Uncle Jimmy Thompson and the rest, even thought that what they were doing in the late 1920s and early 1930s would last even a few years, much less a hundred. Do you think they would approve of today's Opry? Obviously, we will never know those answers, but I think all of them would be amazed that the WSM Barn Dance would evolve into the Grand Ole Opry, and would take place in its own theater, would be seen and heard by millions of fans, would be broadcast on national television, heard around the world on social media sites and would make it to 100 years. If they were to walk through the artist's entrance at the Opry House and see the names on the membership wall, the dressing rooms, the displays, the lightening and sound, they would just shake their heads at what became of their Saturday night show that started in the studios of WSM with a single fiddle player. Maybe a few of them had a vision and dream of where the Opry could go. I think Harry Stone realized the potential for sure as did the executives of the insurance company. 

I know there are some that are not pleased at the direction that the Opry has taken. That's a discussion for another day as this weekend we celebrate the legacy and history of the Grand Ole Opry. 

So now, as we have finally reached the date that most Opry fans have had circled on their calendars for quite a few years: November 28, the actual 100th anniversary date of the Grand Ole Opry. In recognition of the night, there are two very special Grand Ole Opry shows on the schedule that will feature a large group of Opry members. In fact, both shows will be Opry members only, with the exception of Suzy Bogguss, who is a member-in-waiting. 

Here is the list, in alphabetical order: Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, Suzy Bogguss, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Lorrie Morgan, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites and Mark Wills. 

28 in all. 

I have noticed that some have commented on the Opry's Facebook and Twitter pages that there are a lot of "big" names missing from this lineup. Well, according to the press release from the Opry, there are seven members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with members of the Bluegrass, Comedy, Gospel Music, Musician, Songwriter and Western Music Hall of Fames. Altogether, those appearing have won more than 50 Grammy Awards. The list includes the longest-serving member of the Opry and its newest member. I would say that is a pretty solid group of members on the schedule.

For those who have asked, both shows will be livestreamed on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

“It’s truly amazing to me to think that what began as a regional radio broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925, is thriving more today than ever before and that exactly 100 years after that first performance, fans will be able to see and hear the celebration wherever they are around the globe,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Families will be able to come together this Thanksgiving weekend and celebrate 100 years however they want—by tuning in on WSM or Sirius XM radio or by watching via Opry social media and YouTube. We promise a show that rises to the occasion of having been a century in the making.”  

There are two shows on the schedule, 7:00 and 10:00. (yes, it will be a very long night). The running order that I have been given lists all of the acts in alphabetical order. However, from what I have heard, Ricky Skaggs will open the show with his fiddle, recreating the first tune played by Uncle Jimmy Thompson, "Tennessee Wagoner." After that, I will keep it a secret but from what I have learned, you will not want to miss the special opening of the show.  For those who are planning to watch on the social media sites, it is recommended that you are tuned in at 5:45 CST as not to miss what promises to be a memorable pre-show and opening. 

Yes, I will be there for both shows on Friday, along with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. I know I have heard from many who will also be there and I am looking forward to seeing all of you. 

If we all make it through Friday night, there is a Saturday night Opry on the schedule. 

Saturday November 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Lisa Layne, The Isaacs, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: John Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill 

Since I am posting this before Thanksgiving, I wish everyone a very wonderful Turkey Day. I know Friday is what is traditionally called Black Friday. My advice is not to get up too early to shop as everyone needs to be fresh and awake for the historic Opry shows that night.