Earlier this week, a friend of mine passed away. The name Jim Herzog might not mean anything to a few of you, but he was a great fan of the Grand Ole Opry. Much like me, Jim was one of the early members of the Grand Ole Opry Fan Club (yes, at one time there was a very active fan club). For many years, Jim, who lived in Michigan, would attend the Opry during Fan Fair week and the annual birthday celebrations. It was at one of the birthday weekends that I first met Jim, many years ago. We communicated on a regular basis, and he was more than generous with sharing items in his collection with me.
One great memory I have of Jim is the night Rhonda Vincent was asked to become a member of the Opry. Jim called right after she received her invitation, so excited that Rhonda was finally going to be an Opry member that he was almost speechless.
The last time I spoke with Jim was over the winter and while I can't remember the exact details of the call, I would assume it had to do with something I wrote on the blog, of which Jim was a regular reader. While Jim hadn't been at the Opry for a few years, he still listened to every Opry show. Personally, I was hoping that he would be able to attend the Opry's 100th last November but I am happy that he was able to watch the livestream that night. And yes, he did enjoy it.
Much like Glen Thompson, who was the founder and president of the Grand Ole Opry Fan Club, Jim's love of the Opry started many, many years ago. He was a fan of the older acts and of bluegrass music.
While many of you had never met Jim, there are several who read the blog who have. Like me, they enjoyed seeing and talking to Jim on every visit to the Opry. He was usually easy to find as he always wore his Grand Ole Opry jacket.
One of the joys of writing this blog has been the number of Grand Ole Opry fans I have had the pleasure of connecting with, either in person at the Opry, via email or messaging, or with phone calls. Jim Herzog was one of the special ones and I will miss him.
Now moving on to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry and taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, there are four members on the schedule: Mark Wills, Gene Watson, Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky. Denitia, who made her Opry debut in 2024, is scheduled to appear, as is Mae Estes and Wyatt Ellis. Rounding out the Friday show, and making his Opry debut, Aaron Rowe.
Saturday night will feature four different Opry members: Del McCoury, John Conlee, The Whites and T. Graham Brown. The legendary Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker will be making a guest appearance, along with Taylor Hicks, Colin Stough and Dennis Quaid. Between Tanya and Dennis, that makes for a pretty star studded show.
Friday June 19
7:00: Mark Wills, Connie Smith, Aaron Rowe, Wyatt Ellis
Intermission
8:20: Denitia, Gene Watson, Mae Estes, Riders In The Sky
Saturday June 20
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Colin Stough, The Whites, Taylor Hicks
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Del McCoury Band, Opry Square Dancers, Dennis Quaid, Tanya Tucker
One of the great comedians in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, Whitey Ford, known as the Duke of Paducah, passed away on June 20, 1986.
From The Tennessean June 22, 1986:
The Duke of Paducah, a humorist known for his tag line "I'm goin' back to the wagon; these shoes are killin' me," is dead at age 85.
The entertainer, whose real name was Benjamin "Whitey" Ford, died Friday at St. Thomas Hospital after being in failing health for several months. Services will be at 2:30 tomorrow at the Chapel of Roses of Woodlawn Funeral Home, with entombment at the Cross Mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Ford, known for his garish green outfits, was a short, stocky man who played banjo when not telling homespun tales in a drawling monotone. He performed as a regular cast member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1942 to 1958 and twice in recent years was among the finalists for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In a 50-year show business career, Ford appeared with medicine shows, stage presentations, burlesque, dramatic tent shows and vaudeville. His outfit included a green hat, a green coat with brass buttons, green pants, a red bow tie and high button shoes. He never lived in a town called Paducah but got the name in 1935 while working at radio station KWK in St. Louis. He was born in Desoto, Mo.
He appeared on the original Gene Autry radio show on WLS in Chicago and on the WLS Barn Dance show in Chicago. Ford spent nine years as the star and master of ceremonies on The Plantation Party, a nationally broadcast music and comedy show on NBC radio.
"He was a fine gentleman," said Roy Acuff, 82, the "king of country music" and veteran Grand Ole Opry star. "He was a fine comedian. We'll miss him in the entertainment world."
Back in April of that year, a group of Grand Ole Opry members that included Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Jimmy Dickens, Bill Carlisle, Charlie Walker and Roy Drusky visited him and held a surprise party at the Hickory Hollow Health Care Center, where he was living due to his declining health. It was reported that Ford was in good spirits and warmly received his guests. At the party, Jimmy Dickens said, "If it wasn't for the Duke and Rod Brasfield and Minnie Pearl, there wouldn't be any Jimmy Dickens.”
In October of 1986, Whitey Ford was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, becoming only the second comedian to have been elected to the Hall. (What is interesting is that among the other finalists for the Hall that year were Rod Bradfield and Homer & Jethro).
Although the Duke left the Opry and gave up his membership, he would still make occasional appearances on the show and would also appear on a few of the annual reunion shows, including the 1983 show.
Here is the running order from that night, April 9, 1983:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): Let Her Go; God Bless Her
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Del Wood: Are You from Dixie
6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
Grandpa Jones: Neighbors
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Duke of Paducah: Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas
Jim Ed Brown: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
Skeeter Davis: I Gotta Know; I Gotta Know
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Roy Drusky: What About You
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling for Loving Me
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Sid Harkreader: Amazing Grace/Mockingbird Breakdown/Red Wing/Easter Parade
Connie Smith: Till I Kissed Ya
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Forever and One Day
4 Guys: Ruby Red
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: Nevertheless, I'm In Love With You
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Jeannie Seely: He's All I Need
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Lonzo & Oscar: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Anderson (host): How Married Are You Mary Ann
Jean Shepard: Home in San Antonio/Time Changes Everything/Roly Poly
Pee Wee King: Slow Poke/Tennessee Waltz
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar
10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Mountain Dew
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Stu Phillips: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Teddy Wilburn: Born to Love Me
10:45: Beech-Nut
Jim Ed Brown (host): Fools
Vic Willis Trio: You Feel Good All Over
Connie Smith: Satisfied
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): That Heart Belongs to Me
Hank Locklin: Tin Roof
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: I've Done at Least One Thing That Was good In My Life
11:30: Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
4 Guys: Ruby Red
Paul Howard: Come On In Baby; The Boogie's Fine Tonight
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours/It's Too Late
Jack Greene: From Cotton to Satin
It's been 40 years since the Duke of Paducah has passed away and sadly, he is largely forgotten. But for his time, he was a wonderful comedian and as Roy Acuff said, he was a fine gentleman, much loved and appreciated.
Thank you so much for the lovely words about my Father Jim Herzog. He truly was and is a life time Opry Fan. Growing up, all roads would go through Nashville. He was unable to travel for the 100th, but he watched it and even stayed up for the second show. He listen to the Opry Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our family will be reaching out to you regarding some of his Opry and country and bluegrass collectibles.
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DeleteYour dad was such a great fan of the Opry and as I wrote originally, I was so fortunate to have met him when I did. I have heard from others over the past week who felt the same, and others who had wished that they had met your dad. He left us with some wonderful memories.
DeleteDoes anyone know if Woody Paul is ok? He hasn't been on the Opry in a while.
DeleteWas very sorry to hear of Jims passing. He was a friend of mine going back to the 1990s. A good man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. My condolences to you and your family - Lindy McKim - Indiana
DeleteI don’t know what is going on with Woody Paul other than their Wiki page says he stopped doing road dates last year but was still doing Opry performances. If he’s no longer doing that it is concerning. Prayers that he and his family are ok. Hard to believe, but the Riders are getting up there in age. Doug is 80 and the other three are all late 70s. It’s amazing they have stayed active as long as they have.
ReplyDeleteRemember folks, the Riders freely admit they are on their "see 'em while you still can tour!" :)
DeleteJust a personal observation: We saw the Riders in concert a couple of years ago and they were good. However, it was noticeable that Woody Paul seemed to be off on his timing and would lose his train of thought a couple of times. It was nothing that took away from the act, but for someone like me who has seen them before and at the Opry, I could tell. And in recent months, I noticed it also when they were on the Opry. I think that is one reason why they hired Justin Branum as an additional fiddler in order to take some of the load off Woody.
DeleteAnd yes, we forget how old the group is.
Thanks, Byron. Sadly it sounds like Paul may be experiencing some dementia/Alzheimer’s type issues. This is especially tragic because he (and the others) are quite intelligent and gifted in their everyday lives. Paul has a PhD from MIT. Fred’s back story is well known and Doug is perhaps the most knowledgeable Western music historian there is.
DeleteWe saw the Riders on May 1'st's Friday night opry.... Woody didn't look like he really new what was going on.... It reminded me a lot of watching my grandfather trying to hold on to playing music as he dealt with Dementia. Of course, one can only see so much from the audience, I certainly hope I am wrong, but it didn't look good that evening.
DeleteMy daughter and 4000 other Sr. Beta club members got a special show on Friday night after the 2nd show. I thought that was very nice of the Opry. Riders, Mark Wills and a bluegrass act (she couldn’t Remember the name) performed and the big guest was Lauren Alaina, who didn’t perform on the Opry at all. It was my 17 year old’s first Opry visit and she loved it
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Mention of the Duke of Paducah brings back special memories of a man who was very special to me and my family.
ReplyDeleteMillard Gotto was a family friend and a well-known Nashville businessman. His nephew, Dr. Tony Gotto, was one of this country’s leading heart surgeons and his son, Jim, was a Metro councilman for several years. Mr. Gotto was really more like the grandfather I never really had. One of my grandfathers died before I was born and the other was an unkind man that I don’t have fond memories of at all. Mr. Gotto is the only man I’ve ever know who was born and who died in the same room. His house was on Old Murfreesboro Road in Nashville in the Una community near the current Nashville airport. Each year, at Christmas, he had a lighted star that he put up in his yard that was a local holiday landmark for many years. The original log cabin that his grandfather had built was still part of the house although it had been enclosed and you couldn’t see it from the outside. Over the years, parts of the house were added on. There was a dog trot that had been enclosed, the bedroom where Mr. Gotto was born in 1912 and where he died in 1996, a kitchen and dining room, a solarium where he could watch the traffic going by on Murfreesboro Road, and another room that he used as an office and where he enjoyed listening to air traffic control at BNA and, from time to time, would pop a cassette into the stereo and record portions of the Opry which he would send to me.
When I spent summers in Nashville during high school, I would stay with the Gottos and later when I moved to town full time, I was a visitor in their home on a weekly basis…usually for Sunday dinner. Mrs. Gotto was a wonderful cook and I never turned down an invitation.
Anyway, the Gottos took me to the Opry for the first time in 1975. It was one of those summer nights where the lineup was kind of thin in terms of Opry members and stacked with a lot of the go-to guests of that era: Connie Eaton, Johnny Carver, Louie Roberts, Hugh X. Lewis…and the Duke of Paducah. Even at 13, I knew who he was because my dad had brought me an album set that had been put out by Starday Records and one of the cuts was the Duke’s hilarious medicine show monologue that I had listened to over and over. He came out and did his routine and had Mr. Gotto absolutely howling with laughter. I had always known Mr. Gotto to be a rather reserved and serious man so this was a whole new side to him I had never seen. As I discovered over the years, he was actually a very gregarious man who had the most wonderful laugh and after that night I saw him in a very different light. He remained my dear friend until his passing in 1996 and I was honored to help carry him to his final resting place at the Mt. Olivet cemetery out on Lebanon Road.
After the Gottos passed away, their land was sold to the Nashville airport authority to use as parking for its planned expansion and the house was torn down. Today, that parking lot sits abandoned and you would never know there was ever a home there. The warehouse where I currently work is nearby and I pass by the property on my way to lunch at Sonic a couple of times a month. It makes me a little sad to see but it also makes me smile because it brings back memories of a dear friend that I bonded with over an old country comic. I never think of the Duke of Paducah without thinking of my friend and surrogate grandfather, Millard “Spike” Gotto.
The above comment is from me. I thought I was still signed in.
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