Grand Ole Opry 11/21 & 11/22

Earlier this year, I participated in a documentary that was being filmed by the Nashville Tennessean saluting the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. I am very happy to say that the documentary is now finished and has been released. In the documentary, How the Grand Ole Opry lives on after 100 years in Nashville, the Tennessean spent six months interviewing workers, stars and historians about the last 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. I have posted the link below

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7I_H1uXLd4

Personally, I was honored to have been asked to be a part of this project, and I am very pleased with how it came out. It is roughly 25 minutes in length and if you are so inclined, please feel free to share. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Vince Gill returns for both Friday and Saturday night. Opry members T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, The Whites and comedian Henry Cho will be joining Vince on Friday night, while John Conlee, Don Schlitz and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule for Saturday. 

Deana Carter will be making an appearance on Friday night. There are some who have thought over the years that Deana Carter would make a good Opry member. I don't disagree. Also scheduled to appear are Jackson Dean and making his Opry debut, Maoli. 

Saturday night's lineup includes singer/songwriter Radney Foster, MacKenzie Carpenter, and a group that Vince was once a part of: Pure Prairie League. 

Friday November 21
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Connie Smith, Maoli, Deana Carter
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Henry Cho, Jackson Dean, Vince Gill

Saturday November 22
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, Mackenzie Carpenter, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:20: Radney Foster, Opry Square Dancers, Pure Prairie League, Vince Gill

There is only one mid-week Opry show during the upcoming week and that will be the Tuesday Night Opry. The Opry's newest member, at least for another month, Steve Earle is on the schedule, as are Dailey & Vincent, comedian Gary Mule Deer and Charlie McCoy. Guesting are Jason Crabb, Mae Estes, Marynn Taylor and making his Opry debut, Lian St. John. 

Tuesday November 25
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, MaRynn Taylor, Liam St. John, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:20: Mae Estes, Gary Mule Deer, Charlie McCoy, Steve Earle


This week the Grand Ole Opry Spotlight shines on Jean Shepard, who joined the Grand Ole Opry on November 21, 1955: 

Ollie Imogene Shepard was born on November 21, 1933. She grew up singing in church and was drawn to the music of Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. As a teenager, she played bass in the Melody Ranch Girls, an all-female band formed in 1948. Hank Thompson discovered her a few years later and with his help, she signed with Capitol Records in 1952, which followed the success of Kitty Wells. She cut four songs at her first session with popular band players Jimmy Bryant, Speedy West, Cliffie Stone and Billy Strange and recorded her first single for the label in 1952, "Crying Steel Guitar Waltz", but it failed to chart. Her next single "A Dear John Letter", a duet with Ferlin Husky in 1953, hit number one on the country charts and was number four on the pop charts. The duo's follow-up, "Forgive Me John", was another crossover hit, peaking in the Top 10 on the country chart and the top 25 on the pop chart.

 She would go on to release 70 singles to the Hot Country Songs chart and a total of 24 studio albums from 1956 to 1981. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955 and remained a member for the next 61 years. Her first marriage was to fellow singer Hawkshaw Hawkins, but it ended when he, along with Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas, was killed in a plane crash in 1963. In 1968 Jean married musician Benny Birchfield. 

In 1981 she released her final album "Dear John". She continued to perform until her retirement from the stage in 2015. During her long career, she was considered a pioneer "who opened the doors for women in country music". She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. 

As mentioned, Jean Shepard was born on November 21st. It was also the date that Jean became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. Her first appearance as a member would take place later that week on Saturday November 26. Here is the running order from that night 70 years ago: 

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Marty Robbins: Maybelline
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Don and Rita: Lonely Heart
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle

7:45: American Ace
George Morgan: Ever So Often
Goldie Hill: Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
George Morgan: Jesus, Savior Pilot Me
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs: Theme Song
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Standing at the End of the World
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Jean Shepard: Satisfied Mind
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama
Possum Hunters: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Jim Reeves: I've Lived A Lot in My Lifetime
Maybelle Carter: Wildwood Flower
Flatt and Scruggs: Bubbling In My Soul
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Car Hoppin' Mama
Fiddle Tune: Blackeyed Susan

8:30: Prince Albert
Ferlin Huskey: I'll Baby Sit With You
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Louvin Brothers: I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
Fiddle Tune: Soldier's Joy
Ferlin Huskey: Sayeth The Lord
Del Wood: Smokey Mountain Polka
Minnie Pearl: Jokes
Louvin Brothers: In The Middle of Nowhere
Chet Atkins: Avalon
Ferlin Huskey: Walking and Humming
Fiddle Tune: Katy Hill

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Hank Snow: Music Making Mama
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Tennessee Wagoner
Lonzo and Oscar: The Cow Jumped The Moon
Bill Monroe: I Used To Be
Carlisles: Knot Hole
Marty Robbins: Pretty Mama
Hank Snow: I Can See The Love in Your Heart
Lonzo and Oscar: Snow Deer
Carlisles: Lil Liza Jane
Fiddle Tune: Back Up and Push

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Jordanaires: Theme Song
Ray Price: I Don't Want You On My Conscience
Slim Whitman: Tell Me
Anita Carter: Mask On My Heart
Cousin Jody: Dear John
Crook Brothers: Girl I Left Behind
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Grandpa Jones: Night Train to Memphis
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Jordanaires: Shaking Bridges
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Close By
Moon Mullican: Cherokee Boogie
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Fiddle Tune: Buffalo Gal

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Marty Robbins: That's Alright
Carlisles: I Was On My Way to The Show
Goldie Hill: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Marty Robbins: Don't Let Me Hang Around
Fiddle Tune: Devil's Dream

10:30: Hester Battery
Jim Reeves: Looking For A Sucker
R. D. Heardon: To Be Announced
Jean Shepard: Beautiful Lies
Jim Reeves: I'm Hurting Inside
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

10:45: D Con
Hank Snow: Just Keep On Moving
Jimmy Snow: Go Back You Fool
Gully Jumpers: Bully of the Town
Hank Snow: Within This Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Bill Cheatham

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Lonzo and Oscar: Theme Song
Ferlin Huskey: I Feel Better All Over
Hawkshaw Hawkins: The Love You Steal
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Lonzo and Oscar: Who Put That Brick Wall In My Way
Slim Whitman: Indian Love Call
Grandpa Jones: Call Old Rattler
Maybelle Carter: Gold Watch and Chain
Crook Brothers: Arkansas Traveler
Ferlin Huskey: Cuz You're So Sweet
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

11:30: Delited
Ray Price: Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes
Louvin Brothers: When I Stop Dreaming
Eddie Hill: Someday You'll Call My Name
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Cousin Jody: Oh, Wonderful World
Ray Price: Release Me
Dot and Smokey: Contact
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Louvin Brothers: Just Rehearsing
Ray Price: I'll Be There
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou

On Saturday November 21, 2015, Jean Shepard became the first female member in the history of the Grand Ole Opry to have celebrated 60 years as a member of the Opry cast. 

Here is the posted lineup from that night: 

1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
7:30: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
8:00: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard, Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host): Ashley Campbell, Charles Esten

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host): Jesse McReynolds, Andrew Peterson
10:00: Marty Stuart (host): Connie Smith, Mel Tillis
10:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ashley Campbell, Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Vince Gill (host): Charles Esten

Jean Shepard was pretty much retired by then and only appeared on the first show that night. The curtain was closed before Jean was introduced by Bill Anderson and when it opened, Jean was seated. During that segment, she sang "Tennessee Waltz" and "A Dear John Letter" which was a duet with Bill Anderson. During the show, Jean announced that she was officially retired and this would be her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Less than a year later, on September 25, 2016, Jean Shepard passed away. 

While other Opry members came and went, once Jean joined the cast of the Opry in 1955, she never left. She was proud of that fact, and she made no secret how she felt about those members who did leave and then would return. She was definitely a treasure who was not shy about speaking her mind. For those who have not read her autobiography, I highly recommend the book. 

There you have it for this week. Next weekend the Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special Friday Night Opry. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Taking a look at the mid-week Opry shows on the calendar for this week, starting with the Tuesday Night Opry with members Del McCoury and Don Schlitz on the schedule. Frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is scheduled, while Noah Rinker will be making his Opry debut. 

Tuesday November 18
7:00: Jamie O'Neal, Del McCoury Band, Noah Rinker, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:20: Emmy Russell, Jonnie W., Tyler Rich, Don Schlitz

There is only one Opry member scheduled for Thursday night and that is Dailey & Vincent, who will be opening the show. Veterans Nel McCoy and Clay Walker are scheduled, with The War and Treaty closing out the show. NE-YO will be making his Opry debut. 

Thursday November 20
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Tyler Braden, Holly Williams, Clay Walker
Intermission
8:20: Neal McCoy, NE-YO, The War and Treaty

(only 2 Opry members on Tuesday night and just one on Thursday)

NE-YO is a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose illustrious catalog has generated a combined total of 23 billion streams worldwide.

His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple-platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer, ”Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don].”

His film and television credits include NBC’s World of Dance, Netflix’s Dance Monsters, Empire, Stomp the Yard, Save the Last Dance, Battle: Los Angeles, George Lucas 'Red Tails, The Wiz Live!, Starz’ Step Up: High-Water, Hip-Hop Family Christmas Wedding and The Sound of Christmas. He will be starring in the upcoming season of 50 Cent’s acclaimed drama series BMF on STARZ.

Grand Ole Opry 11/14 & 11/15

Let me start off by saying how great it was to have James Taylor appearing on the Opry last Tuesday night. That last hour with Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and James was just utterly amazing. (I should also add that Randy Travis was backstage last night and was introduced to the audience). From what I gathered listening, James sang five songs: Copperline, Carolina In My Mind, You've Got a Friend, Shower the People and Fire and Rain. I have been reading the comments on the Opry's Facebook page and while most were positive, you had those that had to chime in about what a disgrace it was to have James on the Opry. Sorry, but I am not one of those. For those who were there, it was a memorable night and from what I heard, he fit right in. Thanks to Dan Rogers for making this night happen. 

Now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, Opry member Kelsea Ballerini is on the schedule, for one of her rare Opry appearances. Also appearing are Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and The Whites. Comedian and radio personality Bobby Bones is listed along with Ashley Cooke and making their Opry debut, LANY. 

Taking a look at Saturday night, Carly Pearce returns, along with members T. Graham Brown, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Don Schlitz and Sara Evans. Rounding out Saturday's lineup are The Band Loula and making his Opry debut, Michael Marcagi. 

Friday November 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, John Conlee, The Whites, Ashley Cooke
Intermission
8:20: LANY, Bobby Bones, Kelsea Ballerini

Saturday November 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, T. Graham Brown, Michael Marcagi, Bill Anderson, Carly Pearce
Intermission
8:20: Connie Smith, Opry Square Dancers, The Band Loula, Don Schlitz, Sara Evans

A very nice group of Opry members this weekend and hopefully Dan will remind Kelsea, Carly and Sara that there is a 100th anniversary show in a couple of weeks and maybe they might want to appear!

LANY, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is a pop-rock band that was formed by Belmont University alums in Nashville. The duo is comprised of frontman Paul Klein and drummer Jake Goss. They have been around since 2014 and just released their sixth album "Soft." While the group is based in Los Angeles, they do return to Nashville frequently. 

Regarding their Opry debut, Paul Klein said that he knows that opportunities for non-country acts to play the Opry's stage are few and prestigious. Some of the stars to have the honor include Olivia Newton-John, John Legend, Quinn XCII, and most recently, Sabrina Carpenter.

"I lived here almost 10 years; that's a rite of passage, playing the Opry," Goss said. "(That's) where the best musicians in all of history have played. We're so excited to join the party."

Michael Marcagi, who is making he debut on Saturday night, is a singer/songwriter from the Cincinnati area. He released his solo debut single, "The Other Side", in December 2023. The following month, he announced he had signed to Warner Records and released a second single, "Scared to Start". Aided by popularity on TikTok, "Scared to Start" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Both singles were included on his debut EP, American Romance, released in February 2024.

I don't know about anyone else, but I really enjoy taking a look back at some of the Grand Ole Opry lineups during what many called the Golden Age of the Opry. It was back during the time when if you were an Opry member, who were expected to appear. The lineup below is from 63 years ago, Saturday November 15, 1952, and if I counted right, there were 18 future Hall of Fame members on the show that night, and a couple more who should be. And this was a typical Opry night. 

Taking a look back to Saturday November 15, 1952. Here is the posted lineup from 63 years ago: 

7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Lew Childre: Hang Out the Front Door Key
Roy Acuff: Eye From on High
Howdy Forrester: Blackberry Blossom

7:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff: They Can Only Fill One Grave
Webb Pierce: That Heart Belongs to Me
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
Oswald: Surely In A Train
Fiddle: Bill Bailey

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb: Fortunes In Memories
Hank Snow: The Girl Who Invented Kissin'
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin'
Carter Family: Willow, Will You Weep for Me
Bill Monroe: Footprints in the Snow
Moon Mullican: Mean Mama Blues
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood on the River
June Carter: Comedy-Walkin' To Missouri
Chet Atkins: Guitar Polka
Hank Snow: Such A Fool as I
Bill Monroe: Tall Timber

8:30: Prince Albert Show
Red Foley: Birmingham Blues
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Martha Carson: Crying Holy to the Lord
Square Dancers: Mississippi Sawyer
Red Foley: My God Is Real
Old Hickory Singers: Kentucky Babe
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Martha Carson: Swing Down A Chariot
String Bean: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Somebody's Crying
Square Dancers: Devil's Dream

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff: Don't Make Me Go To Bed
Fruit Jar Drinkers: McCloud's Reel
George Morgan: Yesterday's Roses
Duke Of Paducah: Comedy
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Grandpa Jones: Are You Drom Dixie
Roy Acuff: Thank God
Homer Harris: To Be Selected
Oswald: Roll On Buddy
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin'

9:30: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith: Our Honeymoon
Jimmy Dickens: You Don't Love Me
Ray Price: I Can't Escape From You
Anita Carter: Foggy Mountain Top
Lonza and Oscar: Let's Live A Little #2
Possum Hunters: Bill Cheatham
Carl Smith: Sing Her A Love Song
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Faron Young: Going Steady
Carl Smith: This Side of Heaven
Hal Smith: Sally Goodin'

10:00: Wall Rite
George Morgan: I Love Everything About You
Bill Monroe: When The Cactus Are In Bloom
Johnny and Jack: Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
Tommy Sosebee: I'd Trade All My Tomorrows
Don Slayman: Turkey in the Straw

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
George Morgan: Honky Tonk Street
Cowboy Copas: Some Fine Morning
Bill Monroe: Boat of Love
Webb Pierce: I'll Aways Take Care of You
Charlie Cline: Arkansas Traveler

10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb: Somebody's Stolen My Honey
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Gully Jumpers: Soldier's Joy
Faron Young: My Open Arms
June Carter: Beautiful Morning Glory
Ernest Tubb: I'm With A Crowd But So Alone
Ray Price: Please Be Mine
Chet Atkins: Mary Lou
Jimmy Dickens: Hot Diggity Dog
Ernest Tubb: Daisey May

11:00: Soltice
Roy Acuff: The Streamlined Cannon Ball
Lonzo and Oscar: Goodbye Little Darlin'
Roy and The Gang: Gethscme
Howdy Forrester: Cripple Creek

11:15: O-Cello
Carl Smith: There's Nothin' As Sweet As My Baby
Johnny and Jack: The Only One I Ever Loved I Lost
String Bean: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Carl Smith: I Overlooked an Orchid
Fiddle: Rickett's Hornpipe

11:30: Darimix
Hank Snow: I Went to Your Wedding
Lew Childre: Sister Lucy
Moon Mullican: Pipeliner Blues
Crook Brothers: New Five Cents
Hank Snow: Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud

11:45: Hester Battery Co. 
Cowboy Copas: Boomerang
Sam and Kirk: Sugar Moon
Grandpa Jones: Frog Hair
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sweet Jenny Lee
Cowboy Copas: Copy Cat

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

The Ernest Tubb Record Shop has posted news about the return of The Midnite Jamboree, live from The Ernest Tubb Record Shop 417 Broadway. Here is the post: 

We’re bringing back one of country music’s most cherished traditions — The Midnite Jamboree!

Founded by Ernest Tubb in 1947, the Midnite Jamboree became a cornerstone of Nashville’s musical heritage — a place where country legends and rising stars alike took the stage after the Opry to perform live on WSM Radio.

On Saturday November 15 at 10pm, the Midnite Jamboree returns, live from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, featuring a house band and rotating guest performances, carrying forward the spirit of the original broadcast that helped shape Music City

While this is wonderful news, there is a downside to all of this: the Jamboree will no longer be free!!

General Admission:
$19.59 (including fees and sales tax)

VIP Table for 2:
$114.45 (including fees and sales tax)
Premium Seat Package - Private front row table with velvet seats for 2 people.

Table for 4:
$133.18 (including fees and sales tax)
Private table up front with seats for 4 people

Table for 2:
$67.61 (including fees and sales tax)
Private bar-height table with seats for 2 people

I really have no words. For over 50 years, the Midnite Jamboree was free, and it featured wonderful entertainment. You could usually count on an Opry member, or frequent Opry guest hosting and you never knew who would drop in to just visit or do a special number. The artists were friendly, and you could always get a picture or autograph. And it was all free!!

To say I am disappointed, would be an understatement. It will be interesting to see how this progresses and what artists will be included as the rotating guest performers. I can add that I will not be one of those driving downtown after the Opry, paying an exuberant rate for parking, then fighting the Broadway crowd to pay $20 to see the Jamboree. 

Now looking at the midweek Opry shows for this week, some nights are better than others at the Grand Ole Opry House, and Tuesday night will be one of those as the legendary singer James Taylor will be making his debut on the Opry. And while James Taylor will be making his Opry debut, it will also be a special Veterans Day show that will feature Opry member Craig Morgan, along with Scotty Hasting and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band. 

Tuesday November 11
7:00: Craig Morgan, Scotty Hasting, Jamey Johnson, Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band
Intermission
8:35: Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, James Taylor

Making an observation, it almost seems as it will be two distinctly separate shows with the first half devoted to Veterans Day, and the second half wrapped around James Taylor, with Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill scheduled. 

Opry Country Classics has wrapped up for the year, so starting this week the Thursday Night Opry will be presented as a traditional Opry show. Opry members Charlie McCoy, Riders In The Sky and The Whites are scheduled. Maggie Rose is back for another Opry appearance as is the delightful Sunny Sweeney. William Prince and Tylar Farr round it out. 

Thursday November 13
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Tyler Farr, William Prince, Maggie Rose
Intermission
8:20: The Whites, Sunny Sweeney, Charlie McCoy, Treaty Oak Revival

Grand Ole Opry 11/7 & 11/8

I would call this a pretty quiet weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, while having solid lineups, have no real newsworthy events taking place either night. 

Taking a look at the Friday Night Opry, members T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills head up the lineup. The very talented Sierra Hull returns, as does the husband/wife duo of John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash. Frank Ray and Grupo Frontera, who are making their Opry debut, round out the schedule. 

Don Schlitz, who has made more Opry appearances than any other Opry member thus far in 2025, is back on Saturday night, joined by Bill Anderson. Also scheduled is John Berry, Caroline Jones, Opry NextStage act Tigirlily Gold and Charlie Worsham. Rounding out Saturday night is comedian/storyteller Quinn XCII, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Friday November 7
7:00: T. Graham Brown, Frank Ray, Sierra Hull, Mark Wills
Intermission
8:20: Grupo Frontera, John Carter & Ana Cristina Cash, Don Schlitz

Saturday November 8
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, John Berry, Bill Anderson, Grand Master Fiddle Champions, Tigirlily Gold
Intermission
8:20: Caroline Jones, Quinn XCII, Opry Square Dancers, Charlie Worsham, Don Schlitz

Just a couple of quick observations: usually when Mark Wills is on the Opry he opens the show. On Friday he is scheduled in the final slot prior to intermission. On Saturday night, John Berry opens the show. Personally, I think that every Opry show should have an Opry member as the first act. 

Finally, it is always a treat and a special night when the Grand Master Fiddle Champions appear. For those interested, the 54th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship will be held on Saturday and Sunday November 8 and 9, 2025 at the Mockingbird Theater and the Turner Theater in the Factory at Franklin. Contestants from all over the world will be competing for the Champion titles in Youth and Open categories. The contest is Free to attend. There is no entry fee and parking is free. 

Grupo Frontera, who is making their Opry debut on Friday night, is an American regional Mexican band from Edinburg, Texas. Grupo Frontera was formed in 2019, originally performing at weddings and parties, which lead them to releasing their debut EP in March 2022, En Vivo, Vol. 1. Their release includes covers of songs such as Vicente Fernández's "Estos Celos" and Diego Verdaguer's "La Ladrona". A month later, they released their second EP, containing a cover of Morat's "No Se Va" which eventually went viral on TikTok and would chart at the end of the year. In December 2022, a second collaboration with Fuerza Regida, after "911 (En Vivo)", titled "Bebé Dame" reached number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs charts and peaked at number 25 on Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first top 40 hit.

Quinn XCII (pronounced Ninety-Two), who is debuting on Saturday night, has carved out a distinctive lane with his infectious blend of pop, alternative, and genre-bending storytelling—delivered with heart, humor, and unmistakable charm. To date, Quinn XCII has amassed over 4 billion global streams, earned multiple Platinum singles including “Straightjacket,” “Kings of Summer,” and “Love Me Less,” and Gold-certified hits such as “Stay Next To Me,” “Flare Guns,” “Another Day In Paradise,” “Stacy,” and “Always Been You.” 

It was a special night 27 years ago, as on Saturday November 7, 1998, Grand Ole Opry member was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Actually, it was the 50th anniversary of when Jimmy first joined the Opry, as we all know he left for a pretty long period of time, 17 years to be exact. 

Regardless, here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): Cajun's Dream
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya

6:45: Kodak
Jack Greene (host): Highway To The Sky
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Brother Oswald: Mansion On The Hill
The Whites: If It Ain't Love
Billy Grammer: Legend In My Time
Leroy Van Dyke: Walk On By
Christie Lynn: Chains
Porter Wagoner & Cristie Lynn: The Last Thing On My Mind

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind The Barn 
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Jimmy Dean: Drinking From My Saucer

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): No Fair Falling In Love
Charlie Louvin: In The Cross
Del Reeves: Bells of Southern Bell
Sweet Adelines: Who Will Pay
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks

8:30: Physicians Mutual
Johnny Russell (host): Truck Driving Man
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving
The 4 Guys: In My Tennessee Mountain Home
Lari White: You Can't Go Home Again
Stu Phillips: Only God
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

2nd show
9:30: Opry Book
Porter Wagoner (host): Opry Book
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Billy Grammer: Unknown Soldier
Leroy Van Dyke: Auctioneer
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Christie Lynn: Milwaukee, Here I Come

10:00: Lincoln Mercury
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: I Can Call Jesus Anytime
Jimmy C Newman: Cochon De Lait/Tex-A-Cajun

10:15: Banquet
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Bobby Bare: Marie Laveau
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge To Burn

10:30: Epiphone Guitar
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Sweet Adelines: Who Will Buy
Bill Anderson: The Paper

10:45: Joggin In A Jug
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durang's Hornpipe
Charlie Walker: There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere

11:00: Coca Cola
The 4 Guys (host): Walking With My Baby By The San Francisco Bay
Lari White: Take Me/You Can't Go Home Again
Jack Greene: Over There
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
The 4 Guys: Amazing Grace

11:30: Opry Book
Johnny Russell (host): Folsom Prison Blues
Del Reeves: You Comb Her Hair/Hound Dog
The Whites: Doing It By The Book

The 7:30 portion, where Jimmy was honored, was televised by TNN. In addition to his good friends Bobby Bare and Jimmy Dean, who both performed on the show, Carl Smith and Waylon Jennings were both backstage and there was also a report that Garth Brooks also attended. 

In addition, Grand Ole Opry members gave Jimmy a custom-made Gibson guitar and Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist proclaimed Saturday as "Little Jimmy Dickens" day in Tennessee. 

I know it bugged a lot of people, including some members of the Opry, that later in Jimmy's career, that it was stated that Jimmy had been a member of the Opry for over 60 years, which was not the case. Eventually the introduction was switched to say that he first joined the Opry in 1948. 

That takes nothing away from the career that Jimmy had. His most popular songs included, starting in 1949, "Take An Old Cold Tater," Country Boy," "Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed," "Hillbilly Fever," "Out Behind the Barn," "We Could," "Family Reunion," and "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." That last song was released in 1965 and was the only No. 1 single of his career. 

Jimmy Dickens was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983, and it was well deserved. 

That takes care of it for this weekend. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows

Now that the Grand Ole Opry birthday month has concluded, the Opry is back to a more normal schedule this week with just two shows on the calendar, the Tuesday Night Opry and Thursday's Opry Country Classics. For November, the Wednesday and Sunday night shows are off the schedule. 

Taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, Opry members Rhonda Vincent, Don Schlitz and Chris Janson are on the schedule. Bluegrass group Sister Sadie returns, along with Madeline Edwards and making his Opry debut, Gareth. 

Tuesday November 4
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Gareth, Madeline Edwards
Intermission
8:20: Sister Sadie, Don Schlitz, Chris Janson

Opry Country Classics on Thursday Night will be hosted by Larry Gatlin and The Kentucky Headhunters will be the Spotlight Artist. 

Thursday November 6
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: The Kentucky Headhunters
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Tony Jackson, Linda Davis, Charlie McCoy

Grand Ole Opry 10/31 & 11/1

Friday night marks the end of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th birthday month. And what a month it was! During the Friday Night Opry on October 3, Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance as he celebrated his 35th year as an Opry member. Then the following weekend, Kathy Mattea was inducted as the Opry's newest member, and not only that, but Kathy surprised her good friend Suzy Bogguss with an invitation to become an Opry member. 

The third weekend of the month saw the Opry honor Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl, with a show that featured the return of Patty Loveless to the Opry stage. Finally, last weekend, the annual Opry Goes Pink show took place with Amy Grant doing the honors of lighting up the Opry backdrop, and Carrie Underwood appearing. 

Other highlights of the month included WSM's 100th anniversary on October 5, Sabrina Carpenter making her Opry debut on October 7, with Connie Smith being honored upon her 60th year as a member of the Opry on October 8.

All in all, it was a spectacular month and there is more to come in November as James Taylor will be making his Opry debut on November 11 and of course, the big night on Friday November 28 when the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary with two shows that night. Thus far 24 Opry members, along with one future Opry member (Suzy Bogguss) are on the schedule with hopefully a few more to come. It promises to be a long historic night. 

As the Grand Ole Opry finishes up the month of October, the Friday Night Opry has Opry members T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Connie Smith, Gene Watson and Riders In The Sky on the schedule. Taylor Hicks is back for another Opry appearance, as are Breanna Nix, Elizabeth Cook, who it appears has made the most Opry appearances of any non-member, and the Opry debut of Hannah McFarland. 

Friday October 31
7:00: T. Graham Brown, The Whites, Breanna Nix, Connie Smith, Taylor Hicks
Intermission
8:20: Elizabeth Cook, Gene Watson, Hannah McFarland, Riders In The Sky

Hannah McFarland is signed to The CoreRecords/Capital Records and was named to Pandora’s 2025 Artists To Watch-Country list. She released her debut EP Broken Hearts in February 2025 and quickly landed on coveted lists like New Music Friday from NPR’s All Songs Considered. Hailed by Holler. as “one of country music’s quiet geniuses,” She also appeared on Hits Daily Double’s New & Developing Artists round-up, joining the ranks of past honorees like Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. Regarding her Opry debut, Hannah said “I wrote a bucket list of my biggest dreams as a kid, and leading at No. 1 was playing the Grand Ole Opry,” McFarland says. “I couldn’t be more grateful to have been asked to make my debut. It feels surreal to have something I’ve been praying and working hard for finally happening, and I can’t wait to take in every second I have in the circle.”

Now turning the page to November and taking a look at Saturday night, Opry members Riders In The Sky are back to make it a two-show weekend, joined by John Conlee and Don Schlitz. Louise Mandrell is back for another Opry visit, along with Louis York, Ben Rector, Walker Montgomery and making her Opry debut, Elizabeth Nichols. 

Saturday November 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Walker Montgomery, Elizabeth Nichols, Louis York
Intermission
8:20: John Conlee, Louise Mandrell, Opry Square Dancers, Ben Rector, Don Schlitz

Elizabeth Nichols was surprised by Waylon Wyatt with an invitation to make her Opry debut during a recent sold-out show at The Basement East. The singer/songwriter has only been in Nashville for a short time. In June she released her debut EP Tough Love and has followed that up with several new releases. She continues to write with plans to record new music. 

This week, the Grand Ole Opry spotlight remembers Holly Dunn, who made her last Grand Ole Opry appearance on November 1, 2003. 

Holly Dunn was born on August 22, 1957 in San Antonio, Teas. She sang with bands in high school and college before moving to Nashville after graduating from Abilene Christian University. Known as a singer/songwriter, during the 80s and 90s, she released 10 albums, and she had 19 singles that reached the Hot Country Songs Charts. 

She had her first Top 10 hit in 1986 with "Daddy's Hands," which reached No. 7 on the country charts. With the release of her second album, "Cornerstone," she had three Top 10 hits in succession: "Love Somebody Like Me," "Only When I Love," and "Strangers Again." 

After signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1989, she reached No. 1 with "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and in 1990 with "You Really Had Me Going." In 1991, she released her first greatest hits package, Milestones: Greatest Hits. It included the new release "Maybe I Mean Yes", which became controversial due to some listeners with Holly asking that radio stations no longer play the song. 

Later, she joined country music radio station WWWW in Detroit, Michigan, as morning show co-host. It was not her first time behind the radio mike, as she had served as a DJ during her college years. However, the decision forced her to give up touring for a time. Later, she co-hosted Opry Backstage on the Nashville Network in 1999–2002.

In 2003, she retired from her music career to pursue her passion for creating art. Her website is still active and features examples of her artwork. Her final album "Full Circle" featured gospel music. 

Holly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2016 and passed away on November 15, 2016.

Here is the running order from Saturday November 1, 2003, the night Holly Dunn appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time: 

6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
The Whites: Keep On The Sunny Side
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory/Rocky Top
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner & Penny DeHaven: Milwaukee, Here I Come

7:00: Rutledge Hill Press/Standard Candy
Sara Evans: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth/Out Behind The Barn
III Tyme Out: (?)/Rocked On The Deep/A Phone Call Away
Sara Evans: Perfect/On The Back Seat of A Greyhound Bus/
Buddy Jewell: (?)Help Pour Out The Rain/Abilene On Her Mind

8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Pat Boone: Love Letters In The Sand/Under God
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Cherokee Shuffle
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Mandy Barnett: Mansion On The Hill
Brad Paisley: Happy Birthday Bill/Celebrity
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Coca Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At The Foot of The Bed
The Whites: Pins & Needles/Keep On The Sunny Side
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then

10:00: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Osborne Brothers: Fastest Grass Alive/Rocky Top
Sara Evans: Perfect/Suds In The Bucket
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells

10:30: Dream Works
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Cross The Brazos At Waco
Buddy Jewell: Sweet Southern Comfort/Help Pour Out The Rain
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: (?)

11:00: Cingular Wireless
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
III Tyme Out: (?)/The Moundville Pen
Pat Boone: Love Letters In The Sand/Under Bod
Bill Anderson: Happy Birthday To Me

11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning That Old Memory
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mandy Barnette: No One Will Ever Know/Who Could It Be
Jeannie Seely & Danny Davis: Today I Started Loving You Again

Brad Paisley was a surprise guest that night as it was Bill Anderson's birthday and Brad came out to honor Bill. The legendary Pat Boone was also on the schedule, as were future Opry members Sara Evans and Mandy Barnett. 

Holly Dunn joined the Grand Ole Opry on October 14, 1989, and she was a popular choice, and a popular member of the Opry cast. However, after Holly retired from the music industry and moved to New Mexico, Opry general manager Pete Fisher made the decision to terminate Holly's Opry membership. 

“I had really participated as a younger member,” Holly Dunn told the The 9513.com in February of 2010 in one of their Where Are The Now? segments. “I hosted the TV show and backstage show for two years. I was Bill Anderson’s substitute host when he couldn’t be there. And I did commercials for them and radio for them. I loved the Opry and what it stood and stands for.”

But that love was not reciprocated. No longer living in Nashville, but still willing to keep up with her Opry commitments, Holly Dunn received word that she had been removed as a member.

“I have some amazing memories. I wish there was a way, though — just to make a suggestion to them — to keep a list of folks that were members in the past,” she said. “This whole total expunging you from the list is sort of a little harsh, I think. There are people on that list that I know for a fact might make it once a year if they’re lucky. It’s a little subjective. That’s my only gripe.”

(The quotes are from an article on Saving Country Music, a site that I highly recommend) 

As I wrote, there was really no excuse in firing Holly as there were numerous Opry members who went years between Opry appearances. Yet, they kept, and continue to keep, their Opry membership. There has been some behind the scenes speculation and rumors as to why she was fired, but I will leave it at that. 

That takes care of it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.