I wanted to take a moment and remember Grand Ole Opry legend Charlie Walker, who would have celebrated his 84th birthday today. Charlie was born in Copeville, Texas on November 2, 1926. He passed away from cancer on September 12, 2008.
Charlie started out as a country music disc jockey. And, he was pretty good at it. So good in fact, that he was elected to the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1981. Charlie came to Nashville to pursue his career in country music. He never had a #1 record in is career, the closest being the great country classic, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down", which reached #2 on the charts. That song, by the way, was written by Country Music Hall of Fame member Harlan Howard. Charlie became a Grand Ole Opry member on August 17, 1967, and would remain an Opry member until he died.
I happened to meet Charlie one time in my life. He was at an Opry function that was taking place at Opryland. I introduced myself to him and when he found out I was from Canton, Ohio, he asked if I knew a good friend of his, Jaybird Drennen, who was a great country music DJ in Akron, Ohio, and who grew up in Texas and knew Charlie. When I said I did and had met him several times, that just made Charlie's day and he went on and talked about Jaybird and other country music topics for quite a while. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and when I got back home and called Jaybird to tell him Charlie said hello, he could not believe it. I also know that Charlie tried his hand at politics, running for I believe the state senate in Tennessee. He was a fine country gentleman.
During Charlie's years as an Opry member, he also hosted many segments. Even after he reached senior status on the Opry and his appearances were cut back, Charlie still hosted slots. In fact, after Johnny Russell died and the Opry was still on until midnight, Charlie often hosted that last segment.
Charlie's final Opry appearance was on Friday March 21, 2008 and that was his only Opry appearance of the year.
In honor of Charlie Walker, here is the Opry line-up from his final show:
8:00: John Conlee(host); Connie Smith; Sarah Johns
8:30: Jean Shepard(host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C. Newman; James Otto
9:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Charlie Walker; George Hamilton IV; Josh Gracin
9:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Cherryholmes
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday Night Opry 11/2
A pretty good Tuesday Night Opry will be taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on November 2, as the Opry officially moves to it's winter home for the next 3 months, returning to the Opry House in February. Vince Gill returns to the Opry stage on Tuesday night after missing all the October shows at the Grand Ole Opry House. With Vince as one of the Opry's more popular and vocal members, I was somewhat suprised that he was not at the Opry at all in it's return to the Opry House.
Here is the line-up
7:00: Bill Anderson; Jerrod Niemann
7:30: Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Vince Gill; Jimmy Webb
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Josh Turner
Here is the line-up
7:00: Bill Anderson; Jerrod Niemann
7:30: Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Vince Gill; Jimmy Webb
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Josh Turner
Bill Anderson
Today, I would like to take a moment and give recognition to Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson, who on November 1 is celebrating his 73rd birthday. Bill was born James William Anderson III, on November 1, 1937. He has had an outstanding career with numerous #1 records and has recorded almost 50 albums (and is still going strong). He is also a great songwriter, author and former game show host. He also hosted his own television show. He also had numerous duet hits with Jan Howard and Mary Lou Turner.
Bill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 12, 1961, and in 2011 he will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1975, he was voted as a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2001 he was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
His career is still very active today as he is still writing books, writing and publishing new songs and recording new record albums. He also has continued a pretty active touring schedule.
I have had the opportunity to meet Bill several times and I have always found him to be a very friendly and personable guy. He has always taken the time to answer my questions and to take a few minutes to say hi. And, he always receives a great reception while at the Opry.
In honor of Bill, I thought that I would post the Opry line-up from Saturday July 15, 1961. This was the first show that took place after Bill became on Opry member on July 12, and during this show he was officially welcomed as the newest Opry member.
7:30: Ray Price(host); Cowboy Copas; Bill Monroe; Stringbean; Tommy Jackson; Jan Howard
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs(host); Dick Flood; Bill Anderson; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Bobby Lord; Archie Campbell; Jordanaires; Margie Bowes; Bob Luman
9:00: Roy Drusky(host); Glaser Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Cousin Jody
9:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Bill Monore; Johnny Forbes; Lonzo & Oscar
10:00: Flatt & Scruggs(host); Jan Howard; Jordanaires
10:15: Bobby Lord(host); Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
10:30: Roy Drusky(host); Margie Bowes; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Glaser Brothers(host); Cousin Jody; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Bob Luman; George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Sam & Kirk McGee; Jordanaires; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Bill Monore(host); Bill Anderson; Skeeter Davis; Dick Flood; Johnny Forbes
A couple of quick observations regarding the Opry on that particular night. First, it was one show, as it was back in those days. Bill Monore and the Jordanaires were featured on 3 different segments that night. And, do you notice how many of the Opry stars are missing? How about Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Grandpa Jones, Marty Robbins, Minnie Pearl, Ernest Tubb, among many others. We complain now about Opry line-ups, but to be honest, the line-up from this particular night was not the strongest line-up we have seen from that era.
Again, congratulations to Bill Anderson on his 73rd birthday!!!!!!!
Bill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on July 12, 1961, and in 2011 he will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In 1975, he was voted as a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 2001 he was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
His career is still very active today as he is still writing books, writing and publishing new songs and recording new record albums. He also has continued a pretty active touring schedule.
I have had the opportunity to meet Bill several times and I have always found him to be a very friendly and personable guy. He has always taken the time to answer my questions and to take a few minutes to say hi. And, he always receives a great reception while at the Opry.
In honor of Bill, I thought that I would post the Opry line-up from Saturday July 15, 1961. This was the first show that took place after Bill became on Opry member on July 12, and during this show he was officially welcomed as the newest Opry member.
7:30: Ray Price(host); Cowboy Copas; Bill Monroe; Stringbean; Tommy Jackson; Jan Howard
8:00: Flatt & Scruggs(host); Dick Flood; Bill Anderson; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers
8:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Bobby Lord; Archie Campbell; Jordanaires; Margie Bowes; Bob Luman
9:00: Roy Drusky(host); Glaser Brothers; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Cousin Jody
9:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Bill Monore; Johnny Forbes; Lonzo & Oscar
10:00: Flatt & Scruggs(host); Jan Howard; Jordanaires
10:15: Bobby Lord(host); Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
10:30: Roy Drusky(host); Margie Bowes; Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Glaser Brothers(host); Cousin Jody; Crook Brothers
11:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Bob Luman; George Hamilton IV; Lonzo & Oscar; Sam & Kirk McGee; Jordanaires; Fruit Jar Drinkers
11:30: Bill Monore(host); Bill Anderson; Skeeter Davis; Dick Flood; Johnny Forbes
A couple of quick observations regarding the Opry on that particular night. First, it was one show, as it was back in those days. Bill Monore and the Jordanaires were featured on 3 different segments that night. And, do you notice how many of the Opry stars are missing? How about Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Grandpa Jones, Marty Robbins, Minnie Pearl, Ernest Tubb, among many others. We complain now about Opry line-ups, but to be honest, the line-up from this particular night was not the strongest line-up we have seen from that era.
Again, congratulations to Bill Anderson on his 73rd birthday!!!!!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 10/29 & 10/30
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its final weekend for the year at the Grand Ole Opry House before moving to the Ryman Auditorium for its annual winter run. After all the work and rebuilding of the Opry's home, it is a shame that it lasted for only one month.
This weekend, the Opry returns to just one show on Saturday night, which will feature the super group, Rascal Flatts. Friday night's show will feature the Oak Ridge Boys, along with the Opry debut of Brett Eldredge.
Here are the line-ups:
Friday October 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Connie Smith; Joe Diffie
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Rodney Atkins
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Brett Eldredge; Craig Morgan
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday October 30
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; The Whites
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Laura Bell Bundy
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Jack Greene; Josh Thompson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Rascal Flatts
Also on Saturday, a very special benefit concert and auction will be taking place for Charlie Louvin. This event will be held at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, which is located south of Nashville. The event will run from Noon to 9 p.m., and the admission is just $10.00. This benefit will feature a silent and live auction, and will feature entertainment by Valerie Smith, Ed Bruce, Becky Buller, Wildwood Valley Boys and more. The featured entertainment will be a concert by Alison Krauss.
Hopefully, this event, which will be hosted by Charlie, will have a fine turnout and that also, more members of Nashville's entertainment community will attend. For just $10.00, and going to a good cause, you can't beat it. As most of you know, the surgery Charlie had for his pancreatic cancer was not successful and he has had a tough go. I always feel sad when I see a benefit held for anyone, especially an entertainer such as Charlie.
On a final note, Garth Brooks is back in the Nashville news. He announced today that he will take part in a flood relief concert on Friday December 17 in Nashville, at the Bridgestone Arena. This will be his first full concert in Nashville since 1998, and will also feature his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Tickets will be just $25.00 and it is possible more shows will be added. Garth left himself open to that. Obviously, this will be a big, big night in Nashville, especially with the Opry right up the street at the Ryman Auditorium. Wouldn't it be nice if Garth would walk up the hill and suprise the Opry audience that night? Let's see....the Opry starts at 7, his concert will probably start at 8......it's probably just wishfull thinking.
This weekend, the Opry returns to just one show on Saturday night, which will feature the super group, Rascal Flatts. Friday night's show will feature the Oak Ridge Boys, along with the Opry debut of Brett Eldredge.
Here are the line-ups:
Friday October 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Connie Smith; Joe Diffie
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Rodney Atkins
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Brett Eldredge; Craig Morgan
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday October 30
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; The Whites
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Laura Bell Bundy
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Jack Greene; Josh Thompson; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Rascal Flatts
Also on Saturday, a very special benefit concert and auction will be taking place for Charlie Louvin. This event will be held at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, which is located south of Nashville. The event will run from Noon to 9 p.m., and the admission is just $10.00. This benefit will feature a silent and live auction, and will feature entertainment by Valerie Smith, Ed Bruce, Becky Buller, Wildwood Valley Boys and more. The featured entertainment will be a concert by Alison Krauss.
Hopefully, this event, which will be hosted by Charlie, will have a fine turnout and that also, more members of Nashville's entertainment community will attend. For just $10.00, and going to a good cause, you can't beat it. As most of you know, the surgery Charlie had for his pancreatic cancer was not successful and he has had a tough go. I always feel sad when I see a benefit held for anyone, especially an entertainer such as Charlie.
On a final note, Garth Brooks is back in the Nashville news. He announced today that he will take part in a flood relief concert on Friday December 17 in Nashville, at the Bridgestone Arena. This will be his first full concert in Nashville since 1998, and will also feature his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Tickets will be just $25.00 and it is possible more shows will be added. Garth left himself open to that. Obviously, this will be a big, big night in Nashville, especially with the Opry right up the street at the Ryman Auditorium. Wouldn't it be nice if Garth would walk up the hill and suprise the Opry audience that night? Let's see....the Opry starts at 7, his concert will probably start at 8......it's probably just wishfull thinking.
Happy Birthday Charlie Daniels and Brad Paisley
Happy Birthday greetings today go to 2 Grand Ole Opry stars. Brad Paisley was born 38 years ago today on October 28, 1972. Brad came to Nashville out of West Virginia, where he performed at the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. After making many, many appearances as a guest of the Opry, Brad became an official member on February 17, 2001. Sorry to say that since Brad became an Opry member, he has actually appeared less on the show than he did prior to becoming a member.
In 2001, his first year as a member, Brad appeared on the Opry a total of 28 times. In 2002, he appeared 13 times, and it was 12 times in 2003. Since then, his appearances have steadily declined. In 2004, it was 9 appearances, 7 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 4 each in 2007 and 2008, 3 in 2009, and so far in 2010, 3 times, all taking place after the Nashville flood.
When Brad became an Opry member, I really thought that he "got it", and would become one of the Opry's youngest, active members, much like Marty Stuart, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, and that he would help lead the Opry to a new generation of stars and fans. While he is proud of his association with the Opry, like I said, he just has not appeared on the show as much as I would have hoped.
Here is the line-up from the 1st Saturday show on February 17, 2001, when Brad became an Opry member.
6:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Don Edwards
7:00: Steve Wariner(host); BR5-49; Mel McDaniel; The Whites; Elizabeth Cook; Trisha Yearwood; Brad Paisley
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Reeves; Billy Walker; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); Lee Ann Womack; Vince Gill
The 7:00 hour was televised on TNN. The other suprise when looking at the line-up from that night was the fact that 2 of Brad's closest friends on the Opry, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Dickens were both missing from the show that night.
The other Opry artist celebrating a birthday today is country music legend Charlie Daniels. Charlie was born on October 28, 1936, making him 74 years old today. Charlie is one of the greatest artists in country music history and will be a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame some day. He had a small health setback earlier this year and has bounced back well.
Charlie became an Opry member on January 19, 2008, at the age of 72. For Charlie, it was a fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Charlie appeared on the Opry many times over the years, often with Roy Acuff, when they would fiddle together. Since joining the Opry, Charlie has been an active member. In 2008, he was on the Opry 15 times and in 2009, he appeared 13 times. So far in 2010, he has been on the Opry 10 times, and that was after missing most of the early part of the year. And, Charlie takes the show seriously.
Here is the line-up from the first show on Saturday January 19, 2008, when Marty Stuart and Connie Smith had the honors of inducting Charlie Daniels as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 7:00 hour was televised on GAC.
6:30: Jeannie Seely(host); The Whites; Jimmy C. Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Marty Stuart(host); Montgomery Gentry; Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band
8:00: Charley Pride(host); Jan Howard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mel Tillis
Happy Birthday to both Brad and Charlie!!!!
In 2001, his first year as a member, Brad appeared on the Opry a total of 28 times. In 2002, he appeared 13 times, and it was 12 times in 2003. Since then, his appearances have steadily declined. In 2004, it was 9 appearances, 7 in 2005, 5 in 2006, 4 each in 2007 and 2008, 3 in 2009, and so far in 2010, 3 times, all taking place after the Nashville flood.
When Brad became an Opry member, I really thought that he "got it", and would become one of the Opry's youngest, active members, much like Marty Stuart, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, and that he would help lead the Opry to a new generation of stars and fans. While he is proud of his association with the Opry, like I said, he just has not appeared on the show as much as I would have hoped.
Here is the line-up from the 1st Saturday show on February 17, 2001, when Brad became an Opry member.
6:30: Porter Wagoner(host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Don Edwards
7:00: Steve Wariner(host); BR5-49; Mel McDaniel; The Whites; Elizabeth Cook; Trisha Yearwood; Brad Paisley
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Reeves; Billy Walker; Opry Squaredance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); Lee Ann Womack; Vince Gill
The 7:00 hour was televised on TNN. The other suprise when looking at the line-up from that night was the fact that 2 of Brad's closest friends on the Opry, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Dickens were both missing from the show that night.
The other Opry artist celebrating a birthday today is country music legend Charlie Daniels. Charlie was born on October 28, 1936, making him 74 years old today. Charlie is one of the greatest artists in country music history and will be a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame some day. He had a small health setback earlier this year and has bounced back well.
Charlie became an Opry member on January 19, 2008, at the age of 72. For Charlie, it was a fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Charlie appeared on the Opry many times over the years, often with Roy Acuff, when they would fiddle together. Since joining the Opry, Charlie has been an active member. In 2008, he was on the Opry 15 times and in 2009, he appeared 13 times. So far in 2010, he has been on the Opry 10 times, and that was after missing most of the early part of the year. And, Charlie takes the show seriously.
Here is the line-up from the first show on Saturday January 19, 2008, when Marty Stuart and Connie Smith had the honors of inducting Charlie Daniels as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 7:00 hour was televised on GAC.
6:30: Jeannie Seely(host); The Whites; Jimmy C. Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:00: Marty Stuart(host); Montgomery Gentry; Connie Smith; Charlie Daniels Band
8:00: Charley Pride(host); Jan Howard; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mel Tillis
Happy Birthday to both Brad and Charlie!!!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday Night Opry 10/26 & Opry Country Classics 10/28
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, October 26 from the Grand Ole Opry House.
7:00: John Conlee; Love & Theft
7:30: Connie Smith; Chris Young
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Lorrie Morgan
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Little Big Town
Not a horrible line-up for the show. By the way, Jesse McReynolds has a new CD out, "Songs of the Grateful Dead." I picked it up when I was in Nashville and it is a pretty good CD. 13 songs on it and Jesse and friends are all in good voice. He is joined by David Nelson and Stu Allen and the song selection covers such Grateful Dead favorites as "Ripple", "Franklin's Tower", "Fire On the Mountain" and "Standing On the Moon." Most were written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. The final number is a Robert Hunter/Jesse McReynolds written song, "Day by Day." I recommend the CD.
Opry Country Classics will take place on Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium. This will be the final show in this series and the plan is still to bring back the show in the spring. The host this week will be Bill Cody, who did an excellent job hosting the show several weeks back. The spotlight artist will be Lorrie Morgan. Now, nothing against Lorrie as I enjoy her music, but with Leroy Van Dyke making a very rare Opry appearance, he should have been the spotlight artist for this show.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Mandy Barnett; Shawn Camp; George Hamilton IV; Chuck Mead; Leroy Van Dyke
7:00: John Conlee; Love & Theft
7:30: Connie Smith; Chris Young
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Lorrie Morgan
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Little Big Town
Not a horrible line-up for the show. By the way, Jesse McReynolds has a new CD out, "Songs of the Grateful Dead." I picked it up when I was in Nashville and it is a pretty good CD. 13 songs on it and Jesse and friends are all in good voice. He is joined by David Nelson and Stu Allen and the song selection covers such Grateful Dead favorites as "Ripple", "Franklin's Tower", "Fire On the Mountain" and "Standing On the Moon." Most were written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. The final number is a Robert Hunter/Jesse McReynolds written song, "Day by Day." I recommend the CD.
Opry Country Classics will take place on Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium. This will be the final show in this series and the plan is still to bring back the show in the spring. The host this week will be Bill Cody, who did an excellent job hosting the show several weeks back. The spotlight artist will be Lorrie Morgan. Now, nothing against Lorrie as I enjoy her music, but with Leroy Van Dyke making a very rare Opry appearance, he should have been the spotlight artist for this show.
Host: Bill Cody
Spotlight Artist: Lorrie Morgan
Also Appearing: Mandy Barnett; Shawn Camp; George Hamilton IV; Chuck Mead; Leroy Van Dyke
Friday, October 22, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 10/22 & 10/23-Update #2
Steve Wariner has been added for both shows on Saturday night, which is a nice addition. Also, Jim Ed Brown has been added for the 2nd show. I still find it hard to believe that the show is booked on the run, like this.
Amazing, but Pete Fisher found a couple of people from last night's Opry Country Classics who were able to do the Opry this weekend. Still spots to fill. Will update as they are added.
The big news at the Opry this weekend is the induction of Blake Shelton as the Opry's newest member. That will take place on Saturday night. Before I offer further comment, let me post the line-ups.
Friday October 22
7:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless Heart
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Stonewall Jackson; John Michael Montgomery
8:45: Riders In The Sky(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Saturday October 23
First Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Emily West
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C. Newman; Steve Wariner
8:00: Jean Shepard(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Blake Shelton
Second Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Emily West
10:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Steve Wariner
10:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Blake Shelton
My first reaction in looking at the line-up for both Saturday night shows is "you have got to be kidding me!!" Just when you thought that some of the line-ups were getting better you get this. First, they still haven't found any other acts to go in that opening slot except for Jimmy Dickens? I checked with the Opry this morning and it is still just Jimmy. What is Pete Fisher going to do, put a help wanted sign up on the readerboard? You telling me there is no one else available at 7:00 on Saturday night to sing? Just ridiculous that they are booking a show like this and expect someone to pay $54.00 for a seat!! Now, you do have the induction of Blake Shelton, which I was made to understand that Trace Adkins was going to handle. If that is the case, and I think it is, I am suprised that Trace is not hosting the segment that Blake is on. That has usually been the case in the past. But then again, with such an overall weak line-up, and with Trace and Blake they only real "big" names on that show, maybe Pete just wanted to spread the talent around. And, I am suprised that there are not more "stars" of the Opry on for the induction of a new member.
Now, for the 2nd Saturday show. Is that all we get? At first glance, it would appear that they are booking it like a Tuesday Night Opry show. Is it going to be a traditional Grand Ole Opry show or a Tuesday Night Opry special? Again, no answers from the Opry. If Pete had just scheduled some of the artists from the first show for the second show, it would at least look like an Opry show. Jan Howard, Jimmy C. Newman and Bobby Osborne all could have done the 2nd show. Stonewall Jackson is probably available and there are the legends that could have been scheduled to fill it out. Would any of them sold more tickets? Probably not, but at least it would have been a full line-up. And to fill out the first show, you could have probably added Connie Smith and George Hamilton IV, who are just scheduled for the 2nd show. Again, I just feel that for someone spending $54.00, why this? You might as well had only one show.
I will say that Friday looks ok. It is a full line-up with some variety.
Finally, as most of you know, the Opry has a toll free number that you can call to get tickets and other information, including the Opry's line-up. I called that number late last night and the Opry line-up that they are giving on the recording is the Opry line-up from the birthday weekend!! They have not updated their recording in 3 weeks!! Come-on folks. It is not that hard. I know some of those at the Opry read this, so please get your act together and quit running this place like a store front operation and instead, like a million dollar operation like it is!!! As we have complained before, at the ticket prices that are being charged, the fans coming expect a first class operation and quality line-ups with some star power. And just not occasionally, but every week. You have 67 members and a multitude of guests that you can book. Please do it!!!
Amazing, but Pete Fisher found a couple of people from last night's Opry Country Classics who were able to do the Opry this weekend. Still spots to fill. Will update as they are added.
The big news at the Opry this weekend is the induction of Blake Shelton as the Opry's newest member. That will take place on Saturday night. Before I offer further comment, let me post the line-ups.
Friday October 22
7:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless Heart
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Stonewall Jackson; John Michael Montgomery
8:45: Riders In The Sky(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Saturday October 23
First Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Emily West
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C. Newman; Steve Wariner
8:00: Jean Shepard(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Blake Shelton
Second Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Emily West
10:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Steve Wariner
10:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Blake Shelton
My first reaction in looking at the line-up for both Saturday night shows is "you have got to be kidding me!!" Just when you thought that some of the line-ups were getting better you get this. First, they still haven't found any other acts to go in that opening slot except for Jimmy Dickens? I checked with the Opry this morning and it is still just Jimmy. What is Pete Fisher going to do, put a help wanted sign up on the readerboard? You telling me there is no one else available at 7:00 on Saturday night to sing? Just ridiculous that they are booking a show like this and expect someone to pay $54.00 for a seat!! Now, you do have the induction of Blake Shelton, which I was made to understand that Trace Adkins was going to handle. If that is the case, and I think it is, I am suprised that Trace is not hosting the segment that Blake is on. That has usually been the case in the past. But then again, with such an overall weak line-up, and with Trace and Blake they only real "big" names on that show, maybe Pete just wanted to spread the talent around. And, I am suprised that there are not more "stars" of the Opry on for the induction of a new member.
Now, for the 2nd Saturday show. Is that all we get? At first glance, it would appear that they are booking it like a Tuesday Night Opry show. Is it going to be a traditional Grand Ole Opry show or a Tuesday Night Opry special? Again, no answers from the Opry. If Pete had just scheduled some of the artists from the first show for the second show, it would at least look like an Opry show. Jan Howard, Jimmy C. Newman and Bobby Osborne all could have done the 2nd show. Stonewall Jackson is probably available and there are the legends that could have been scheduled to fill it out. Would any of them sold more tickets? Probably not, but at least it would have been a full line-up. And to fill out the first show, you could have probably added Connie Smith and George Hamilton IV, who are just scheduled for the 2nd show. Again, I just feel that for someone spending $54.00, why this? You might as well had only one show.
I will say that Friday looks ok. It is a full line-up with some variety.
Finally, as most of you know, the Opry has a toll free number that you can call to get tickets and other information, including the Opry's line-up. I called that number late last night and the Opry line-up that they are giving on the recording is the Opry line-up from the birthday weekend!! They have not updated their recording in 3 weeks!! Come-on folks. It is not that hard. I know some of those at the Opry read this, so please get your act together and quit running this place like a store front operation and instead, like a million dollar operation like it is!!! As we have complained before, at the ticket prices that are being charged, the fans coming expect a first class operation and quality line-ups with some star power. And just not occasionally, but every week. You have 67 members and a multitude of guests that you can book. Please do it!!!
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