Update #2 from the Opry:
Due to anticipated inclement weather, the Grand Ole Opry show on Saturday, January 24th has been canceled, as well as Opry House tours on January 24th and 25th. The safety of our fans, our artists, and our staff is our top priority, and we truly appreciate your understanding.
To continue the Opry’s legacy of consecutive Saturday night broadcasts, this Saturday’s show will be presented as a radio-only program. No audience will be permitted. Please tune in on WSM Radio!
Both show and tour refunds are available at your original point of purchase. If you purchased your tickets via AXS online or by phone, a refund will automatically be issued to the credit card you used to purchase within 30 business days. Ticketholders, please check your email for further details.
The John Crist show at the Opry House on Sunday, January 25th has been rescheduled to March 8th.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to welcome you back to a show soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and warm!
As of now, the Friday Night Opry is still scheduled to take place. Looking at the Opry ticket site, I have seen tickets for as low $12.55 in the balcony with numerous tickets under $40. If you live in the Nashville area, it might be a good opportunity to see a cheap Opry show.
Currently the artists still listed for the Friday Night Opry are The Bellamy Brothers, Jenna Paulette, John Morgan, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky, Rhonda Vincent and Victoria Shaw.
The last couple of weekends have been pretty busy at the Grand Ole Opry as Clint Black and Reba McEntire celebrated Opry anniversaries, Suzy Bogguss became an Opry member and Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday. This weekend things are a little quieter, with no special events on the schedule. In other words, it looks like a more normal weekend at the Opry House.
Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent and comedian Gary Mule Deer are on the schedule. Gary Mule Deer is back on Saturday night, making it a two-show weekend for him, with members John Conlee, Bill Anderson and Ashley McBryde scheduled.
I use the word "scheduled" because it looks like it could be an interesting weekend in middle Tennessee, along with much of the country east of the Mississippi River as an intense winter storm will be making its way through the central part of the country. While the path of the storm has changed slightly over the past couple of days, and as I post this on Wednesday afternoon, there are still a few days to go, depending on the location and actual path, it is either going to be a snow or ice event.
As of now, Nashville is in the predicted snow area, but the line between snow and ice is just south of Nashville. The weather should move in late on Friday afternoon with Saturday being the worse of it. The potential is for at least 4 inches of snow, possible more. If it is ice, there could be a significant accumulation and with the colder weather, whether it is snow or ice, it will not be going anywhere soon.
Some have already asked me, when was the last time an Opry show was cancelled. Believe it or not, it was just over a year ago as the Friday Night Opry was cancelled on January 10, 2025, due to a snowstorm. As far as a Saturday night show, the last cancellation took place on April 6, 1968, when the City of Nashville instituted a curfew following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In its place, WSM aired a previously taped show.
Now getting back to this weekend, specifically Friday night, The Bellamy Brothers are back on the schedule. The duo has been missing for a while, and it is nice to see them back. Victoria Show along with Jenna Paulette & John Morgan round it out. Saturday night, Dasha, Megan Patrick and making his Opry debut, Zach John King are listed.
Friday January 23
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Jenna Paulette & John Morgan, Riders In The Sky, Connie Smith
Intermission
8:20: Rhonda Vincent, Victoria Shaw, Gary Mule Deer, The Bellamy Brothers
Saturday January 24
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, John Conlee, Megan Patrick, Zach John King, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:20: Dasha, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Ashley McBryde
Zach John King was invited by Luke Bryan back in early December, to make his Opry debut. Zach, who is one of Spotify's Artist to Watch in 2026, said after the surprise invite "I don't even have words to say how honored I am." Zach is from Georgia and is part of Sony Music Nashville. His breakout single was "Wannabe Cowboy" in 2024. He opened for Luke Bryan last summer and is scheduled to open for Morgan Wallen this year. In addition to being on of Spotify's Artists to Watch, he has also appeared on several Top 10 lists including from The Nashville Briefing and All Country News.
Taking a look back, it was 28 years ago, Saturday January 24, 1998, that Grand Ole Opry member Justin Tubb passed away after a sudden illness.
Born in San Antonio, Texas singer-songwriter Justin Tubb was the son of Ernest and Elaine Tubb. He studied journalism at the University of Texas, and while he appeared with his father at times on the Grand Ole Opry, it wasn't until the early-mid 50s that he began to make an impact in country music. He was signed to Decca Records in 1954 and his many hits included "Blue Eyed Elaine," "Looking Back To See," "As Long As There's A Sunday," "I Gotta Go Get My Baby" and "Take A Letter Miss Gray."
As a songwriter for other artists, his songs included "Hurry, Mr. Peters," "Keeping Up With The Joneses," "Love Is No Excuse" and "Lonesome 7-7203." Over the years he toured all over the USA, Canada, Europe, appeared in US television shows and song regularly on the Opry right up to his death.
Justin was scheduled to appear on the Opry on Saturday January 24, however earlier that morning he died during emergency surgery for a burst blood vessel in his stomach.
When Justin joined the Opry on September 10, 1955 at the age of 20, he was the youngest new member in the history of the show.
At the time of his death, Bill Anderson said, "I'm sure it wasn't easy growin' up as the son of Ernest Tubb, the legend, and particularly wantin' to follow in his footsteps but not ride on his coattails. Justin was adamant about that for years. There was a time at the Opry he didn't want us to mention that he was Ernest Tubb's son. He wanted to stand on his own two feet, which I admired very much."
Here is the posted lineup from Saturday January 24, 1998:
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host): Skeeter Davis
6:45: Osborne Brothers (host): Bill Carlisle
7:00: John Conlee (host): George Hamilton IV, Jeanne Pruett, Justin Tubb, Johnny Russell
7:30: Jack Greene (host): Alison Krauss, Ronnie Milsap
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jim & Jesse, Alison Krauss, Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): The Whites, Charlie Louvin, The 4 Guys, Billy Walker
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ronnie Milsap, Alison Krauss
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host): Oswald & Charlie
10:15: Jack Greene (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:30: Del Reeves (host): Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Johnny Russell (host): Opry Square Dance Band, Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host): Billy Walker, Jim & Jesse, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow
11:30: Ricky Skaggs (host): The Whites, George Hamilton IV, The 4 Guys
The funeral for Justin Tubb, who was just 62 at the time of his death, took place at the Ryman Auditorium. On a personal note, while he was a good singer, I thought that Justin was a very good, but underrated songwriter.
Finally, congratulations to Grand Ole Opry Square Dancer Marcia Campbell who last weekend celebrated her 40th year as one of the square dancers. It is hard to believe that she was just a young girl when she first danced on the Opry. On a personal note, I miss hearing her on WSM.
There you have it for this weekend. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope, with the winter storm approaching this weekend, everyone stays safe and warm. And of course, enjoys the Opry.
When I read that the Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry was being cancelled, the first thing that I thought of was "the Circle is going to be broken." Then I read "To continue the Opry’s legacy of consecutive Saturday night broadcasts, this Saturday’s show will be presented as a radio-only program. No audience will be permitted. Please tune in on WSM Radio!"
ReplyDeleteSo what does this mean? They are going to have a show but no audience? That's what it sounds like to me except they say it's been cancelled ... just a bit confusing.
(Jeanene)
Jeanene,
ReplyDeleteCoffee, Country, and Cody is not telling us listeners anything this morning about Saturday's "show." I don't understand. Why the "big secret?"
It’s not a “big secret”. They're not saying anything because they probably don’t know yet who will be able to get there. The ticketed show is canceled. They will do a radio show though. Think of it as what they did during the pandemic…. Safety comes first.
ReplyDeleteThat may very well be correct. But some of us can't read minds! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nat, for some reason, I am unable to click on "reply" under your name ... maybe it's the cold, up here in the Chicagoland area, it is currently a minus 14° AIR temp, this is NOT the wind chill factor, that's worse ... minus 30°!! So we are danged cold up here this morning, but I'd rather have this danged cold than have to be down in the Southern states with all the ice/snow storms they are so not used to getting; no thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's very possible they don't know either, there's a lot of hours between their show this morning and tomorrow night's show. Right now we know there's a Friday Night Opry; it's almost 10a here in the Central time zone, that's what we know. They could fully cancel the entire show tomorrow night where no one shows up, but if everyone can stay locally at the Opryland Hotel and there are hotels right in that Opryland area, I stayed at one in October, it wouldn't be too bad.
Stay safe and warm everyone and enjoy whatever Opry shows we may, in the end, hear.
(Jeanene)
From the Grand Ole Opry:
ReplyDelete"The historic Opry broadcast will feature a mix of live performances and recorded highlights from past Opry shows – making for one iconic evening as we continue our 100th anniversary celebrations. We can't wait for you to tune in the same way that it all began!"
Maybe that clears it up. I would assume any live performances would be based on what artists can get there.
T. Graham Brown and Connie Smith are off the schedule for Friday night. I am not sure why Connie is off, but T. Graham Brown was shown boarding a plane today to Florida for one of the 2026 country music cruises. I believe there is one next week and another started on Feb. 7.
ReplyDeleteWSM on-air personality, David Reed, just signed off for the night (Friday) it is 11:45p Central time. David said that tomorrow night's Grand Ole Opry show will be held entirely within the WSM studios, not the Grand Ole Opry House.
ReplyDeleteAnother historic night for the Grand Ole Opry. Should be interesting, should good. I will be listening in.
(Jeanene)
Thanks everybody. I still don't know exactly how this 'Opry show is going to play out. I only know Nashville is going to be in a world of heart starting later today.
DeleteI was in Nashville when it was cancelled due to fear of riots decades ago. WSM for sure does their best to put out something good over the airwaves when the live show is cancelled.
Hi Nat ...
DeleteIn the Opry I trust. :-) It's not the first time, nor will it be the last time the Opry has had to fly by the seat of their pants after some type of disaster (floods) or a possible tornado last summer, Mike Terry kept telling the audience they were watching the weather, that if they had to evacuate they would be told to. I am sure they will put something together tonight that we will enjoy. If we don't, they are doing the best they can under the circumstances they find themselves in. I'm just hoping that everyone in and around Nashville and everywhere else in America, stays safe with all the ice storms they are experiencing or will and the same for those who are expecting a lot of snow. I heard on the news that upper New York can expect up to two feet of snow. Here in the entire Chicagoland area, we woke up two consecutive mornings with air temps at minus 14 degrees; add the wind chill and we're talking minus 30-32 degrees.
Last night's show was pretty darned good as the storm was nearing them. Love me some Bellamy Brother's, they closed out the Country Classics show back on October 23rd when I was there sitting in the beautiful Opry House and then I went back on the 25th where we were taking in the voices of the outstanding Isaac's family and Carrie Underwood was there. I didn't go to necessarily see her, I was there for The Whites, Rider's in the Sky and especially the Isaac's. All of them were just so, so good; and I can't say Carrie wasn't good, I like her, just not a fan of her music. She will be a judge once again on American Idol which starts this coming Monday, January 26th, no more Sunday, the show has always been on Sunday's, not this season. She turned out to be a very good judge, I'm sure she has learned from last year and she'll build on that experience and she'll be better this year. She was the one who pushed for John Foster. One night, he walked from the stage and walked right in front of her and sang right to her "I Told You So" and all she did was stare at him singing whatever the song he performed with a big ole smile on her face; he's country to the bone; after he was done, Luke Bryan asked him "you do know who her husband is, don't you?" Oh he knew, he didn't care, it was all in fun and it was funny! What you hear him singing on the Opry is how he was the entire season of Idol. I could not wait to see what he would sing the following week.
Please stay safe and warm everyone and enjoy the Opry, whatever they provide, it will be better than no Opry at all.
(Jeanene)
Kudos (so far) to Charlie Mattos (who was on WSM this morning! and again tonight), Rhonda Vincent (who of course showed up with her band to perform life), and Professor Chris Scruggs (about to show off some neat instruments). And the show is only half over! Thanks to all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a show! Well done WSM. Especially enjoying the last song.
ReplyDeleteMomma don't 'low ....... !
Nat, in this case, Momma was the weather!
DeleteWell, all in all, this turned out pretty well. Rhonda Vincent and Chris Scruggs were live in the studio, with Charlie Mattos and Dan Rogers. On the phone were Bill Anderson, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Ashley McBryde. Connie even sang a short verse of Deepening Snow. All in all, a good night.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree. It was a fun show to listen to and had that spontaneous old time radio feel. Kudos to Dan, Charlie and the whole team for keeping the circle unbroken!
ReplyDeleteI believe Charlie Mattos should be given a big raise or at the least more time off. The guy works all hours of the day and night like an indentured servant! And, he always does a great job.
ReplyDeleteLast night was no exception. And that was after being the WSM morning radio personality.
I totally agree with you Nat. Charlie works every morning with Bill and Kelly, he announced at least half of the Opry shows last year, he will be going to NY and Carnegie Hall soon, he was at the Opry House/WSM studio's very early yesterday morning that I saw his video on FB, and he really needs a raise not because he did a great job last night, even though he did, but he did a great job with his boss sitting right next to him while he did his job for two full hours. Good for you, Charlie!! No pressure!! ha-ha! :-)
DeleteThe phone interviews were terrific, Bill Anderson, Marty Stuart and Ashley McBryde and we even had the great Connie Smith sing over the phone, she sounds good even doing that, so Byron, I'd say she made a real Opry appearance because she sang a bit of a song and sounded great singing it over the phone. Of course Marty wasn't going to be the only one being interviewed, he's a darned good husband for having his wife say a few words and sing, even if he doesn't care for the song!
All in all, a great show. Many thanks goes out to WSM, the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Dan, Charlie Mattos, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and the great Chris Scruggs for bringing old school country music and bluegrass to the forefront last night and to those interviewed by phone.
I'll give it 5 stars out of a 4 star rating ... very enjoyable.
Stay safe wherever you live, it sounds like Nashville was hit hard, so many without power and many downed trees because of the weight of the ice. About 5" of lake-effect snow has fallen and continues to fall in Chicago, next to nothing has fallen up my way and we are slowly climbing out of the frozen tundra these last few days, but we're not out of the woods yet, very cold days this week and into the first of February.
(Jeanene)
Sounds like Bill's worry last night has come true. I saw a little bit ago that something like 90% of Davidson County is without power. Looks like Tennessee might be the hardest hit state in all of this.
ReplyDeleteWe have about 8" of snow here in west central Indiana near Terre Haute.
Hope everyone is safe and warm.
In the front yard here in Canton, Ohio as of 3:00 this afternoon we were just over 14 inches of snow. That was my last measurement. Since then, probably a couple of more inches and we still have another hour or two of snow left. Fortunately, we have not lost power.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see how things go in Nashville and that area in general as it is going to take some time for the power to be restored and for the ice to melt. I know it is not going to get much warmer this week. I am sure the Opry lineup for this coming weekend could be affected. There are some good names on the schedule so hopefully the weather cooperates.
I loved last weekend's Opry broadcast from the WSM studio! Rhonda Vincent and Chris Scruggs knocked it out of the park. It was honestly one of the best Opry shows I've heard in awhile.
ReplyDeleteWhen they were interviewing Bill Anderson over the phone, Bill mentioned that the Opry was cancelled once in 1951 due to an ice storm. I have never heard this before. I did some googling and it looks like Nashville got hit with a bad storm January 31-February 2, 1951 and at that time I believe they said it was the worst in Nashville history. My assumption is the show Bill was referring to would have been the February 3, 1951 show.
Do you have any information on this? The ability to record a radio broadcast would have been in its infancy so its doubtful they would have been able to play a rerun (although I know that Prince Albert transcript discs existed). I just thought Bill's comment was interesting.
I looked on newspapers.com for that period in 1951 and neither Nashville paper mentioned a cancellation.
DeleteI wondered about old newspapers. But back in those days the Nashville elite were kind of snobby towards country music though weren't they? Would the newspapers have mentioned the Opry being cancelled in 1951? At that the point the Opry was 25 years old but it wasn't the world's longest radio show at that point, so back then if they had to cancel a show would it have been considered "a big deal" like it would be today? I'm just curious, I had never heard that before until Bill mentioned it the other night.
DeleteFor what it is worth, Mike is correct. There is nothing mentioned about the Opry being cancelled in 1951. In fact, during that period, there was little Opry news printed in The Tennessean.
DeleteI was also curious about Bill's comment, so I went back to April 1968 when the Opry was cancelled on April 6 due to the Nashville curfew. The Tennessean did cover that cancellation and the article stated, "For the first time in the Opry's history the Opry performances were cancelled."
Neither does the newly published Opry 100 book or Chet Hagen's Grand Ole Opry book mention any cancellation other than the 1968 show. The Hagen book specifically stated that the Opry was cancelled that night for the first time in its history.
Considering that the 1951 cancellation would have occurred only 17 years before the 1968 show, there would have been more than enough people around who would have remembered, and I am sure would have mentioned any 1951 cancellation.
The only disclaimer I would add is from the Grand Ole Opry Book, The Making of An American Icon, where it was written, in regard to the 1968 cancellation: "of course, the Opry has been cancelled or preempted several times in it's history, but this was the first and only time it was canceled because of civil unrest."
I'll leave it at that.