October has traditionally been one of the more significant months in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, with lots of historical and important events having taken place during the month. As I do each month, here are those events that took place in the history of the Grand Ole Opry in October:
October 5, 1925: WSM went on the air. Edwin Craig was given the honor of starting off the broadcast, and he simply said, "This is WSM. We Shield Millions. The National Life and Accident Insurance Company." National Life president C.A. Craig dedicated the station to public service. Shortly afterward, George D. Hay, who was present that night, would be offered the job of program director at WSM.
October 27, 1934: The Grand Ole Opry moved from Studio C at WSM to the Hillsboro Theater. The theater sat 2,400 people. For the first time, the performers had dressing rooms and since there was now a sizeable audience, they were told to "dress" for their performances. Mostly that meant to wear rural clothes that reflected the image of a country show. This also marked the beginning of Vito Pellettiere as the Opry's stage manager. Many feel that Vito was the most important person at the Opry and he kept the show running on schedule. Many of the Opry's veteran members have often said that the Opry has not been the same since he passed away. He would be at the Opry for over 40 years, working his final Opry on April 2, 1977. Several days later he suffered a stroke and would pass away on April 14.
October 12, 1939: The NBC radio network begins carrying a half-hour Opry segment, hosted by Roy Acuff and sponsored by Prince Albert Tobacco. The show begins on a number of regional affiliates, but would over time expand to the NBC national network.
October 28, 1939: Bill Monroe becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. On his first night at the Opry, he performed "Muleskinner Blues." Opry founder George D. Hay is so impressed with the performance that he would tell Bill that if he ever wanted to leave the Opry, he would have to fire himself. Bill would never do that and would remain an Opry member until his death on September 9, 1996.
October 2, 1954: Elvis Presley makes his first and only appearance on the Opry. He sang the great Bill Monroe hit, "Blue Moon of Kentucky." The story went that after Elvis's performance, he was told by Jim Denny, the Opry's manager, that he should go back to driving a truck, but there is some doubt if that incident ever took place. While Opry management did not think much of Elvis to invite him back, Bill Monroe said he was impressed with how Elvis did his song (and even more impressed with the royalty checks he would receive.)
October 30, 1955: Jim Reeves joins the Opry cast. Over time, he would become the biggest star on the Opry, but like many others, realized the limitations of being an Opry member and would move on. For a while, he would be known as the Opry's "new Eddy Arnold."
October 15, 1960: Loretta Lynn made her first appearance on the Opry. The Wilburn Brothers were instrumental in getting her the guest slot on the show. She was on the Ernest Tubb segment and Ernest introduced her. Since she did not have a band, Leslie Wilburn played bass and Lester Wilburn played rhythm guitar for her. She sang, "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl."
October 27, 1962: Sonny James becomes a member of the Opry.
October 23, 1965: Roy Acuff, Jr. made his first appearance on the Opry. He sang, "Baby Just Said Goodbye", while his father stood behind him. His recording and performing career were short as he preferred to work behind the scenes rather than be in the public eye.
October 10, 1966: The Browns gave their final performance as Opry members. Jim Ed Brown would continue as an Opry member, as a solo artist, while Maxine and Bonnie would appear with Jim Ed on occasion. Many feel, and I am included in this group, that the Browns should have been elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame a long time ago. They had a huge impact on country music and sang some of the finest harmonies in the history of the Opry.
October 14, 1966: Del Reeves joins the cast of the Opry. He was introduced that night by Porter Wagoner and in a story that has been told many times, it was a very emotional night for Del with his parents in attendance that night. Del broke down and couldn't make it through his song.
October 8, 1968: Harry Stone, former WSM executive, passed away at the age of 70. The influence that Harry Stone had on the Opry was great. While George D. Hay wanted to keep the show simple and down to earth with local and regional performers who were not professional musicians, Harry moved the show forward by hiring established and professional entertainers. Harry was the general manager of WSM, starting in 1932. Among the first artists that Harry brought to the Opry were Pee Wee King and Roy Acuff. Harry saw what the show could do for WSM and National Life on a national level.
October 19, 1968: In an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, Irving Waugh, WSM president said that the Opry's days at the Ryman Auditorium were numbered. In the article it said, "The initiation of plans for the relocation of the Opry, possibly as the center of a multi-million dollar hotel and amusement complex, was announced at a breakfast at Municipal Auditorium sponsored by WSM." Irving Waugh said, "Our feeling is that the Grand Ole Opry needs a new, modern facility. And we would like a facility that would be very active. It is estimated the center, which would be called Opryland USA, would require between one hundred fifty and two hundred acres of land. The location would not be in the Music Row area." Over time, detailed plans would be announced, including the location out of the center of town.
October 27, 1973: Comedian Jerry Clower becomes a member of the Opry. He was the last Grand Ole Opry member to join the cast before the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Grand Ole Opry House. When he joined the Opry, Jerry followed in the tradition of a long line of Opry comedians including Minnie Pearl, Archie Campbell, Stringbean, Lew Childre, Duke of Paducah and Rod Brasfield. Sorry to say, but comedy seems to be a lost art on the Opry today.
October 18, 1975: The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 50th anniversary. The 50th anniversary show is considered one of the greatest in the Opry's history with just about every Opry member present for the weekend.
October 16, 1982: Doyle Wilburn passed away in Nashville at the age of 52. The Wilburn Brothers had first come to the Opry as children but were forced to leave because of their age. The later came back, becoming members in 1953. The were one of the greatest duets in the history of country music and they also owned a publishing company. After Doyle passed away, Teddy would continue as an Opry member until his death in 2003. Much like the Browns, a solid case can be made that the Wilburn Brothers deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.
October 24, 1983: Opry member Kirk McGee passed away. Along with his brother Sam, Kirk made his first appearance on the Opry in 1926, and over the years they were a part of the Fruit Jar Drinkers and the Dixieliners. When he passed away, he was one of the last links back to the start of the Opry.
October 3, 1989: Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood passed away in Nashville. Del, whose real name was Adelaide Hazelwood, had joined the Opry in 1953. She was famous for her ragtime piano, and her great record, "Down Yonder." I don't think there was ever an Opry show that she didn't do that number. And, as the Opry Picture History Book said every year, "She was famous for her canning and jams."
October 4, 1989: Holly Dunn becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She would remain with the Opry until retiring from the music business and leaving Nashville.
October 6, 1990: Garth Brooks becomes a member of the Opry. Garth remembered that Johnny Russell was the one who introduced him the first time that he played the Opry and he would always insist on being on Johnny's segment whenever he did the Opry. On the night he was inducted, Johnny was the segment host and Garth sang, "Friends in Low Places," "If Tomorrow Never Comes," and "The Dance." Sorry to say, but Garth would make rather infrequent visits to the Opry once he became a member. On another note, it was on this same night that Alan Jackson made his first appearance on the Opry.
October 4, 1991: Diamond Rio made their first appearance at the Opry. They would later join the Opry on April 18, 1998. Not only have they been good Opry members, but they have been very involved in the Nashville community.
October 19, 1991: Grand Ole Opry announcer and Country Music Hall of Fame member Grant Turner passed away hours after announcing the Friday Night Opry. He was a Grand Ole Opry announcer for 47 years and he set the standard that every Opry announcer has tried to follow. Grant also hosted the Opry's warm-up show on WSM and also had served as the announcer on Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree.
October 24, 1991: Gaylord Entertainment Company, owners of the Grand Ole Opry, listed it's stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and offered its stock to the general public. Many say that this started the downfall of Gaylord and the Opry.
October 23, 1992: Roy Acuff makes his final Opry appearance. It was a Friday night show and Roy did his segment sitting in a directors chair. Exactly one month later, he would pass away at the age of 89.
October 25, 2003: Del McCoury becomes a member of the Opry. This will be his 8th year as a member and Del has always fulfilled his Opry commitments since joining the show. Many times, if he is on the same night as Vince Gill, Del and his band will back up Vince.
October 1, 2005: Dierks Bentley joins the cast of the Opry. This will be his 6th year as an Opry member. He had spent several years working for The Nashville Network and hanging around the Opry. He made his Opry debut in April 2003.
October 15, 2005: The Grand Ole Opry celebrates it's 80th anniversary. Garth Brooks marked the occasion by coming out of retirement and performing for the first time in five years. He was joined on the Opry stage by Porter Wagoner, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Dickens, and sang with each of them.
October 27, 2007: Josh Turner, after being a guest of the Opry many times, became an official member of the cast. He had been asked previously by Roy Clark to become a member.
October 25, 2008: Craig Morgan joined the Opry. John Conlee handled the induction and since joining the show, Craig makes about 10 appearances per year. This will be his 3rd year as a member.
October 22, 2010: Blake Shelton joins the Opry after being invited to became a member of the cast the previous month by Trace Atkins, during the re-opening night of the Opry House after the flood. Sorry to say, but since joining, Blake has made very few appearances at the Opry.
There you have it for this month. Enjoy!!!
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Grand Ole Opry 9/30 & 10/1
The big news at the Opry this week was that Rascal Flatts will be the Opry's newest members. That will happen next Saturday night, along with the Opry's Birthday Celebration, but in looking at this weekend, on Saturday night they go back to having 2 shows, which will continue through October. While the line ups are not terrible this weekend, I don't know if what they have for Saturday is worthy of 2 shows.
Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry will feature Sarah Darling and James Wesley returning to the Opry stage. Also country music veteran T.G. Shepard will be on, along with Laura Bell Bundy, whose Opry appearances always seem to be out on the edge. This week's Opry newcomer, making his first appearance on the Opry will be Jason Jones. He has a digital single out and is working on his first album.
The Friday Night Opry will feature the return of The McClymonts, who made their Opry debut several weeks back. Also, Josh Kelley and Exile will be on the show, along with Opry favorite Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Friday September 30
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; The McClymonts
INTERMISSION
8:15: The Whites (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Josh Kelley
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); T.G. Shepard; Exile
Saturday October 1
First Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jason Jones
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Sarah Darling
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Shepard
Second Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Jones
10:00: Jeannie Seely; Grand Master Fiddle Champion; Sarah Darling
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Shepard
As I do each week, for those counting at home, on Friday night, there are currently 11 acts scheduled, with 1 more to add, of which only 6 are Opry members. My comment is that the Opry has 65+ members, and Pete Fisher could only round up 6?
On Saturday night, each show features 12 acts, of which 7 are Opry members for the 1st show and 6 are Opry members on the 2nd show. My same comment that I made regarding Friday night applies to Saturday night.
The big news at the Opry for this week's shows, is the Tuesday night Opry, where the line up is "loaded". (If there was ever a night for 2 shows, it would be Tuesday). Based on how the line up has been posted, I would say that the 2nd half of the show is being set up for a TV taping, to be shown later on GAC.
7:00: Craig Morgan; Josh Turner
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Carrie Underwood
INTERMISSION
8:15: Randy Travis; John Anderson; Carrie Underwood
8:45: Josh Turner; Joe Stampley; Connie Smith; Gene Watson
That is 9 artists of whom 6 are Opry members and the other 3 are country music veterans.
In the coming weeks, there are some very strong shows coming to the Opry as they continue to celebrate their birthday the entire month of October.
Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry will feature Sarah Darling and James Wesley returning to the Opry stage. Also country music veteran T.G. Shepard will be on, along with Laura Bell Bundy, whose Opry appearances always seem to be out on the edge. This week's Opry newcomer, making his first appearance on the Opry will be Jason Jones. He has a digital single out and is working on his first album.
The Friday Night Opry will feature the return of The McClymonts, who made their Opry debut several weeks back. Also, Josh Kelley and Exile will be on the show, along with Opry favorite Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Friday September 30
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; The McClymonts
INTERMISSION
8:15: The Whites (host); Rebecca Lynn Howard; Josh Kelley
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); T.G. Shepard; Exile
Saturday October 1
First Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jason Jones
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Sarah Darling
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Shepard
Second Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jason Jones
10:00: Jeannie Seely; Grand Master Fiddle Champion; Sarah Darling
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; James Wesley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Laura Bell Bundy; T.G. Shepard
As I do each week, for those counting at home, on Friday night, there are currently 11 acts scheduled, with 1 more to add, of which only 6 are Opry members. My comment is that the Opry has 65+ members, and Pete Fisher could only round up 6?
On Saturday night, each show features 12 acts, of which 7 are Opry members for the 1st show and 6 are Opry members on the 2nd show. My same comment that I made regarding Friday night applies to Saturday night.
The big news at the Opry for this week's shows, is the Tuesday night Opry, where the line up is "loaded". (If there was ever a night for 2 shows, it would be Tuesday). Based on how the line up has been posted, I would say that the 2nd half of the show is being set up for a TV taping, to be shown later on GAC.
7:00: Craig Morgan; Josh Turner
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Carrie Underwood
INTERMISSION
8:15: Randy Travis; John Anderson; Carrie Underwood
8:45: Josh Turner; Joe Stampley; Connie Smith; Gene Watson
That is 9 artists of whom 6 are Opry members and the other 3 are country music veterans.
In the coming weeks, there are some very strong shows coming to the Opry as they continue to celebrate their birthday the entire month of October.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Rascal Flatts Invited to Join The Opry
During last night's Tuesday Night Opry, Vince Gill came out on stage during the final segment that featured Rascal Flatts and invited them to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, the members of Rascal Flatts were emotionally stunned and said "yes". The actual induction will take place during the Opry's 86th birthday celebration on October 8.
As many of my readers know, I have speculated for the last several months that I thought they would be invited to join the show. And if you remember, some time back I had a post on 10 people who I thought should be Opry members, and they were on my list, along with the Oak Ridge Roys.
My initial opinion is that this is a good move by the Opry. Rascal Flatts are one of the top 5 acts in country music right now, if not the top act, and over the past year they have made numerous appearances at the Opry. They seem to enjoy being there and the crowd loves them, especially the younger fans. I really believe they "get it". Now, of course, comes the question that you never really know the answer to until later and that is, "Will they honor their commitments to the show and be there the 10 times per year asked of new members?" All we can do is to wait and see.
Congratulations to Rascal Flatts and I will be there on October 8 to witness their induction. I also know that the Opry will be televised on GAC that night, so for those who cannot attend, they will be able to watch.
As many of my readers know, I have speculated for the last several months that I thought they would be invited to join the show. And if you remember, some time back I had a post on 10 people who I thought should be Opry members, and they were on my list, along with the Oak Ridge Roys.
My initial opinion is that this is a good move by the Opry. Rascal Flatts are one of the top 5 acts in country music right now, if not the top act, and over the past year they have made numerous appearances at the Opry. They seem to enjoy being there and the crowd loves them, especially the younger fans. I really believe they "get it". Now, of course, comes the question that you never really know the answer to until later and that is, "Will they honor their commitments to the show and be there the 10 times per year asked of new members?" All we can do is to wait and see.
Congratulations to Rascal Flatts and I will be there on October 8 to witness their induction. I also know that the Opry will be televised on GAC that night, so for those who cannot attend, they will be able to watch.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Johnnie Wright Passes Away
Country music has suffered another great lost as Johnnie Wright, 97, the husband of Kitty Wells and one half of the recording duo Johnny & Jack, died today at 97 at his home in Madison, Tennessee.
Born in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Wright first performed with Jack Anglin in 1936. In 1937, he married Wells, who was 18. The two, along with Wright's sister Louise, performed as Johnny Wright & the Harmony Girls. In 1939, Wright and Anglin formed Johnnie & Jack. They teamed up full-time in the 1940s and, except for the time Anglin spent overseas during World War II, remained together for more than two decades.
In 1952, Johnnie & Jack's "Poison Love" led to tem being on the Grand Ole Opry, where they and Wells were invited to join and stayed for 15 years. They continued having hits in the 1950s, including "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)". Following Anglin's in a car accident in 1963 on his way to the funeral for Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes, Wright continued performing and releasing records.
In 1964, he and his Tennessee Mountain Boys had a Top 25 hit with "Walkin', Talkin', Cryin', Barely Beatin' Broken Heart". The following year, he had a big hit with "Hello, Vietnam", which went to number one. In 1968, he and Wells recorded an autobiographical duet, "We'll Stick Together" and continued playing live shows together through the early 1980s.
In 1992, the couple and their son Bobby began playing together again. On December 31, 2000, the duo performed their farewell concert at the Nashville Nightlife Theater in Nashville.
Wright and Wells had three children, two daughters Ruby, who died in 2009, and Carol Sue and a son, Bobby. Each had minor success individually as recording artists. Both Bobby and Ruby performed as part of their parents' road tour for many years. (from wire reports).
Johnnie & Jack first joined the Opry in 1947. They spent a year at the Opry and then left to move to Shreveport and be a part of the Lousiana Hayride. In 1952, they returned to the Opry, where the remained members as a duo until Jack passed away in the car accident in 1963. Johnnie Wright, along with Kitty Wells, remained Opry members until both were fired on December 6, 1964, for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. While the Opry announced they were fired, Johnnie would maintain that they quit and the reason had to do with paying the 5% commission to the WSM Artists' Service Bureau.
I saw Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright perform once. They put on a great family show. Johnnie had been retired and in declining health for a number of years. In retirement, they still lived in the same house in Madison that they had lived for most of their married life. And out front in the driveway, their tour bus was still parked and ready to go, "just in case."
It seems like everytime a legend dies, we lose a part of country music's history and legacy. In the last several months, we have lost, in addition to Johnnie, Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Grammer and Charlie Louvin. All have been missed.
All of our prayers go to Kitty and the family.
Born in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Wright first performed with Jack Anglin in 1936. In 1937, he married Wells, who was 18. The two, along with Wright's sister Louise, performed as Johnny Wright & the Harmony Girls. In 1939, Wright and Anglin formed Johnnie & Jack. They teamed up full-time in the 1940s and, except for the time Anglin spent overseas during World War II, remained together for more than two decades.
In 1952, Johnnie & Jack's "Poison Love" led to tem being on the Grand Ole Opry, where they and Wells were invited to join and stayed for 15 years. They continued having hits in the 1950s, including "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)". Following Anglin's in a car accident in 1963 on his way to the funeral for Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes, Wright continued performing and releasing records.
In 1964, he and his Tennessee Mountain Boys had a Top 25 hit with "Walkin', Talkin', Cryin', Barely Beatin' Broken Heart". The following year, he had a big hit with "Hello, Vietnam", which went to number one. In 1968, he and Wells recorded an autobiographical duet, "We'll Stick Together" and continued playing live shows together through the early 1980s.
In 1992, the couple and their son Bobby began playing together again. On December 31, 2000, the duo performed their farewell concert at the Nashville Nightlife Theater in Nashville.
Wright and Wells had three children, two daughters Ruby, who died in 2009, and Carol Sue and a son, Bobby. Each had minor success individually as recording artists. Both Bobby and Ruby performed as part of their parents' road tour for many years. (from wire reports).
Johnnie & Jack first joined the Opry in 1947. They spent a year at the Opry and then left to move to Shreveport and be a part of the Lousiana Hayride. In 1952, they returned to the Opry, where the remained members as a duo until Jack passed away in the car accident in 1963. Johnnie Wright, along with Kitty Wells, remained Opry members until both were fired on December 6, 1964, for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. While the Opry announced they were fired, Johnnie would maintain that they quit and the reason had to do with paying the 5% commission to the WSM Artists' Service Bureau.
I saw Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright perform once. They put on a great family show. Johnnie had been retired and in declining health for a number of years. In retirement, they still lived in the same house in Madison that they had lived for most of their married life. And out front in the driveway, their tour bus was still parked and ready to go, "just in case."
It seems like everytime a legend dies, we lose a part of country music's history and legacy. In the last several months, we have lost, in addition to Johnnie, Wilma Lee Cooper, Billy Grammer and Charlie Louvin. All have been missed.
All of our prayers go to Kitty and the family.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Former Opry Manager-D. Kilpatrick
I wanted to take a look back into Grand Ole Opry history tonight as it was on April 25, 1956 that Walter David "D" Kilpatrick took over as the "general director" of the Grand Ole Opry. He replaced Jim Denny, who was fired by WSM the previous day.
I know that many of my younger readers might not know who D. Kilpatrick was, so here is a brief biography by John Rumble of the Country Music Hall of Fame:
"Walker David "D" Kilpatrick was a notable music executive from the late 1940s to the late 1960s. After high school, service with the marine corps, and sales experience in the auto parts field, he broke into the record business as a salesman with Capital Records' Charlotte, North Carolina, distributorship, servicing retailers and jukebox operators in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. This prepared him for three years as Atlanta branch manager, beginning by early 1948. While there, he recruited and produced James and Martha Carson and the Statesmen for the label. In 1950 Kilpatrick became the first salaried country producer to be based in Nashville. In this role he recorded numerous acts at various studios around the nation, including Hank Thompson, Carl Butler, Jimmie Skinner, Tex Ritter, and Bob Atcher.
In 1951 Kilpatrick shifted to Mercury Records' country A&R slot. Although he remained heavily involved in southeastern sales and promotion he concentrated on recording Jerry Byrd, Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean, Benny Martin, Ernie Lee Carl Story, and Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles. In 1956 Kilpatrick became manager of WSM's Grand Ole Opry and its associated booking operation and brought in new blood such as Rusty and Doug Kershaw, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Porter Wagoner, and the Everly Brothers. In 1958 Kilpatrick helped found the Country Music Association (CMA). In mid-1959 Kilpatrick left the Opry to form Acuff-Rose Artists Corporation (ARAC)-a booking agency-with Roy Acuff and Wesley Rose. A companion firm to Acuff-Rose Publications and Hickory Records, ARAC promoted not only Opry acts but also pop stars such as Roy Orbison and Mark Dinning. Next, Kilpatrick moved on to serve as southern district regional sales manager for Warner Bros. Records (1962-64), South and Southwest distribution and promotional manager for Philips Records (1964-65), and national sales and promotion chief for Mercury Records (1965-66). A number of smaller musical ventures followed, until Kilpatrick essentially left the music industry to run a custom drapery and fabrics business."
On a final biographical note, he spent his final years living in retirement in the Nashville area. He passed away on May 21, 2008 at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. he was 88 years old and died from lung cancer.
At the time that Kilpatrick was hired at the Opry, there was a lot of turmoil going on behind the scenes. Some reports called the atmosphere in the corporate offices as an "armed camp." There were differences between WSM president Jack DeWitt and several of his executives. And the board of directors of WSM were concerned over the increasing moonlighting of their employees. So, they decided that outside business activities would not be allowed by WSM employees, especially in those instances deemed to be in conflict with their WSM employment. The employees were told to make a choice, WSM or their outside jobs. Several, including engineers Aaron Shelton, George Reynolds and Carl Perkins, who had founded the very successful Castle Recording Studio, elected to stay with WSM. Jim Denny, who was running the Opry and the artist's booking agency, also operated Cedarwood Publishing, while Jack Stapp, WSM program director, was operating Tree Publishing, which was a smaller company than Cedarwood.
"The board of directors," executive Irving Waugh said, "had indicated that Denny and Stapp should be given the option of resigning or giving up their publishing interests. DeWitt didn't do that. He just fired Denny in September of '56 and brought in a new manager for the Grand Ole Opry."
That was how Kilpatrick was hired. His official title was Grand Ole Opry 'general director', and he was also named the manager of the radio station's Artists' Service Bureau. Also with his appointment, Stapp was removed from any control of the Opry.
When he took over, Kilpatrick faced a very strong challenge. He was quoted at the time as saying, "They asked me what I thought was wrong. We'll, back when I was working with Mercury Records I was at the Opry every Saturday night I was in town, and I could look at the audience and see what was wrong. The Opry didn't have the appeal to the younger audience that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see there were older people and little teeny kids. There weren't any teenagers." And he did add many younger acts, including those I listed previously. In addition to those, he also brought back the Wilburn Brothers, and added Stonewall Jackson and Ferlin Husky. While he was trying to attract younger people to the audience, he was also up against some of the Opry's long traditions, including the issue of drums. He sided with tradition on this one, leaving the drums out of the Opry.
During his time as the Opry's manager, two issues came up that had an effect on the Opry for many years. The first had to do with the string bands. When he took over, there were four of the groups on the Opry, and they were all from the start of the show. Those were the Possum Hunters, the Crook Brothers, the Fruit Jar Drinkers, and the Gully Jumpers. Each band was getting its own spot on the show, time was being used that might more profitably go to newer acts-acts to attract audience and sponsors.
He proposed a consolidation of the older musicians, from four to two bands, on the theory that the groups weren't really the old-time groups anyway, many of the original members having died. Herman Crook was incensed, taking his anger to WSM president DeWitt, arguing for status quo with the old string bands. He lost the argument. The old-timers were consolidated into the Crook Brothers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. Herman was still angry about it years later. He was quoted as saying, "It shouldn't have changed...We had a lot of stuff on the Opry that didn't really belong. You need fiddles guitars, banjos, and things like that. And play the old-time tunes and songs. That's what it's supposed to be. It made National Life, I'm telling you. It really made them money."
The second incident was the firing of Webb Pierce. Webb was fired on February 19, 1957 for his refusal to pay commissions on bookings and other services to WSM. Kilpatrick was quoted as saying the Pierce was no longer associated with the Opry, WSM, or any of it's affiliates because of his "unwillingness to conform to long-established rules and regulations. Pierce failed to comply with the standard laws which govern the payment of commissions to the WSM Artists Services Bureau. The Artists' Services Bureau operates as the station's booking and publicity agency for personal appearances of Grand Ole Opry talent. For these services, and for use of the name, Grand Ole Opry, the WSM Artists Bureau receives a small commission from all Opry appearances. It was over the latter that Pierce and the Opry came to a parting of the ways." Kilpatrick then added that the Opry and Pierce departed "as friends."
Pierce, who had left the Opry once before but came back, claimed that he resigned from the Opry on February 19 because of the fee payment. He claimed that the Artists Services Bureau was doing nothing to promote or help Opry artists. Pierce went on to say that he didn't think that things were running too smoothly over at the Opry and pointed to the number of artists who had left the Opry in the previous months including Carl Smith, Red Sovine, Goldie Hill, George Morgan, Anita Carter, Lew Childre, the Duke of Paducah, Moon Mulligan, Rose Maddox and Martha Carson. He went on to say that he hoped the Opry and the station would correct the conditions that caused these artists to leave, although he did not specify what those conditions were. Kilpatrick finished off the debate by asking if things were so bad at the Opry, why were new members joining? He specifically named Porter Wagoner and Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper.
D Kilpatrick only lasted as the Opry's manager for a little less than three years, resigning in 1959. Why did he leave after such a short amount of time? There was some contention at the time that Kilpatrick had crossed swords with several of the established stars. Kilpatrick also thought that he had been undercut in the WSM executive offices by Irving Waugh, who held a position of power at both the WSM radio and televison. For what it is worth, Waugh never denied that he did not care for Kilpatrick.
After hiring someone from outside WSM and the Opry previously, this time the Opry stayed in-house and hired Ott Devine, who had been WSM's program director, as the Opry's new manager. Ott would have a successful run as Opry manager, due in no small part to the fact that he knew the radio station, the Opry, and its performers.
Many times we look back at the Opry's history and forget about some of the problems that the Opry had. In many ways, D. Kilpatrick faced some of the same issues that Pete Fisher has been facing, and in many ways, the two of them are similiar. Both came from outside WSM when they received their jobs. In fact, both came from artist promotion. Both had to deal with issues concerning the age of the Opry's audience and trying to attract new members to the Opry. Both have faced issues with the membership and terminating members--Kilpatrick with the consolidation of the bands and Fisher with the 4 Guys. Both faced criticism over their moves to modernize the Opry. And both had detractors among the Opry's members. The only difference is that Fisher seems to have the support and backing of Gaylord managment, while Kilpatrick lost the backing of National Life management.
Isn't it interesting that even though this was over 50 years ago, the Opry is still battling many of the same issues today?
I know that many of my younger readers might not know who D. Kilpatrick was, so here is a brief biography by John Rumble of the Country Music Hall of Fame:
"Walker David "D" Kilpatrick was a notable music executive from the late 1940s to the late 1960s. After high school, service with the marine corps, and sales experience in the auto parts field, he broke into the record business as a salesman with Capital Records' Charlotte, North Carolina, distributorship, servicing retailers and jukebox operators in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. This prepared him for three years as Atlanta branch manager, beginning by early 1948. While there, he recruited and produced James and Martha Carson and the Statesmen for the label. In 1950 Kilpatrick became the first salaried country producer to be based in Nashville. In this role he recorded numerous acts at various studios around the nation, including Hank Thompson, Carl Butler, Jimmie Skinner, Tex Ritter, and Bob Atcher.
In 1951 Kilpatrick shifted to Mercury Records' country A&R slot. Although he remained heavily involved in southeastern sales and promotion he concentrated on recording Jerry Byrd, Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean, Benny Martin, Ernie Lee Carl Story, and Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles. In 1956 Kilpatrick became manager of WSM's Grand Ole Opry and its associated booking operation and brought in new blood such as Rusty and Doug Kershaw, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Porter Wagoner, and the Everly Brothers. In 1958 Kilpatrick helped found the Country Music Association (CMA). In mid-1959 Kilpatrick left the Opry to form Acuff-Rose Artists Corporation (ARAC)-a booking agency-with Roy Acuff and Wesley Rose. A companion firm to Acuff-Rose Publications and Hickory Records, ARAC promoted not only Opry acts but also pop stars such as Roy Orbison and Mark Dinning. Next, Kilpatrick moved on to serve as southern district regional sales manager for Warner Bros. Records (1962-64), South and Southwest distribution and promotional manager for Philips Records (1964-65), and national sales and promotion chief for Mercury Records (1965-66). A number of smaller musical ventures followed, until Kilpatrick essentially left the music industry to run a custom drapery and fabrics business."
On a final biographical note, he spent his final years living in retirement in the Nashville area. He passed away on May 21, 2008 at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. he was 88 years old and died from lung cancer.
At the time that Kilpatrick was hired at the Opry, there was a lot of turmoil going on behind the scenes. Some reports called the atmosphere in the corporate offices as an "armed camp." There were differences between WSM president Jack DeWitt and several of his executives. And the board of directors of WSM were concerned over the increasing moonlighting of their employees. So, they decided that outside business activities would not be allowed by WSM employees, especially in those instances deemed to be in conflict with their WSM employment. The employees were told to make a choice, WSM or their outside jobs. Several, including engineers Aaron Shelton, George Reynolds and Carl Perkins, who had founded the very successful Castle Recording Studio, elected to stay with WSM. Jim Denny, who was running the Opry and the artist's booking agency, also operated Cedarwood Publishing, while Jack Stapp, WSM program director, was operating Tree Publishing, which was a smaller company than Cedarwood.
"The board of directors," executive Irving Waugh said, "had indicated that Denny and Stapp should be given the option of resigning or giving up their publishing interests. DeWitt didn't do that. He just fired Denny in September of '56 and brought in a new manager for the Grand Ole Opry."
That was how Kilpatrick was hired. His official title was Grand Ole Opry 'general director', and he was also named the manager of the radio station's Artists' Service Bureau. Also with his appointment, Stapp was removed from any control of the Opry.
When he took over, Kilpatrick faced a very strong challenge. He was quoted at the time as saying, "They asked me what I thought was wrong. We'll, back when I was working with Mercury Records I was at the Opry every Saturday night I was in town, and I could look at the audience and see what was wrong. The Opry didn't have the appeal to the younger audience that you have to have if you're going to keep growing. All I could see there were older people and little teeny kids. There weren't any teenagers." And he did add many younger acts, including those I listed previously. In addition to those, he also brought back the Wilburn Brothers, and added Stonewall Jackson and Ferlin Husky. While he was trying to attract younger people to the audience, he was also up against some of the Opry's long traditions, including the issue of drums. He sided with tradition on this one, leaving the drums out of the Opry.
During his time as the Opry's manager, two issues came up that had an effect on the Opry for many years. The first had to do with the string bands. When he took over, there were four of the groups on the Opry, and they were all from the start of the show. Those were the Possum Hunters, the Crook Brothers, the Fruit Jar Drinkers, and the Gully Jumpers. Each band was getting its own spot on the show, time was being used that might more profitably go to newer acts-acts to attract audience and sponsors.
He proposed a consolidation of the older musicians, from four to two bands, on the theory that the groups weren't really the old-time groups anyway, many of the original members having died. Herman Crook was incensed, taking his anger to WSM president DeWitt, arguing for status quo with the old string bands. He lost the argument. The old-timers were consolidated into the Crook Brothers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. Herman was still angry about it years later. He was quoted as saying, "It shouldn't have changed...We had a lot of stuff on the Opry that didn't really belong. You need fiddles guitars, banjos, and things like that. And play the old-time tunes and songs. That's what it's supposed to be. It made National Life, I'm telling you. It really made them money."
The second incident was the firing of Webb Pierce. Webb was fired on February 19, 1957 for his refusal to pay commissions on bookings and other services to WSM. Kilpatrick was quoted as saying the Pierce was no longer associated with the Opry, WSM, or any of it's affiliates because of his "unwillingness to conform to long-established rules and regulations. Pierce failed to comply with the standard laws which govern the payment of commissions to the WSM Artists Services Bureau. The Artists' Services Bureau operates as the station's booking and publicity agency for personal appearances of Grand Ole Opry talent. For these services, and for use of the name, Grand Ole Opry, the WSM Artists Bureau receives a small commission from all Opry appearances. It was over the latter that Pierce and the Opry came to a parting of the ways." Kilpatrick then added that the Opry and Pierce departed "as friends."
Pierce, who had left the Opry once before but came back, claimed that he resigned from the Opry on February 19 because of the fee payment. He claimed that the Artists Services Bureau was doing nothing to promote or help Opry artists. Pierce went on to say that he didn't think that things were running too smoothly over at the Opry and pointed to the number of artists who had left the Opry in the previous months including Carl Smith, Red Sovine, Goldie Hill, George Morgan, Anita Carter, Lew Childre, the Duke of Paducah, Moon Mulligan, Rose Maddox and Martha Carson. He went on to say that he hoped the Opry and the station would correct the conditions that caused these artists to leave, although he did not specify what those conditions were. Kilpatrick finished off the debate by asking if things were so bad at the Opry, why were new members joining? He specifically named Porter Wagoner and Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper.
D Kilpatrick only lasted as the Opry's manager for a little less than three years, resigning in 1959. Why did he leave after such a short amount of time? There was some contention at the time that Kilpatrick had crossed swords with several of the established stars. Kilpatrick also thought that he had been undercut in the WSM executive offices by Irving Waugh, who held a position of power at both the WSM radio and televison. For what it is worth, Waugh never denied that he did not care for Kilpatrick.
After hiring someone from outside WSM and the Opry previously, this time the Opry stayed in-house and hired Ott Devine, who had been WSM's program director, as the Opry's new manager. Ott would have a successful run as Opry manager, due in no small part to the fact that he knew the radio station, the Opry, and its performers.
Many times we look back at the Opry's history and forget about some of the problems that the Opry had. In many ways, D. Kilpatrick faced some of the same issues that Pete Fisher has been facing, and in many ways, the two of them are similiar. Both came from outside WSM when they received their jobs. In fact, both came from artist promotion. Both had to deal with issues concerning the age of the Opry's audience and trying to attract new members to the Opry. Both have faced issues with the membership and terminating members--Kilpatrick with the consolidation of the bands and Fisher with the 4 Guys. Both faced criticism over their moves to modernize the Opry. And both had detractors among the Opry's members. The only difference is that Fisher seems to have the support and backing of Gaylord managment, while Kilpatrick lost the backing of National Life management.
Isn't it interesting that even though this was over 50 years ago, the Opry is still battling many of the same issues today?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Remembering Roy Drusky
As I look back into Grand Ole Opry history, I want to remember one of the Opry's long time members, who had one of the smoothest voices in the business, and that is Roy Drusky, who passed away on September 23, 2004, at the age of 74 from lung cancer. (Boy, how many entertainers have died from lung cancer over the years?).
Country music has always had its crooners, whose smooth voices are devoid of any twang. With his full mellow baritone, Roy Frank Drusky, Jr. is one of the best examples. According to Drusky, music did not enter his mind until he joined the navy and met some fellow sailors who enjoyed performing. His interest piqued, Drusky purchased a guitar and taught himself to play. After his service stint he enrolled at Emory University in his hometown of Atlanta to study veterinary medicine. To make extra money he formed the Southern Ranch Boys, began to perform around the area, and soon had his own fifteen-minute radio show on WEAS in Decatur, Georgia.
Choosing music over animal husbandry, Drusky began a recording career with Starday Records in 1953 and moved to the Columbia label in 1956. Failing to hit the charts on either label, Drusky took a disc jockey position at KEVE in Minneapolis. During that tenure, his songwriting ability began to be noticed. Faron Young recorded the Drusky composition, "Alone with You." and the ballad spent thirteen weeks at #1 on the country charts. Young had two more notable hits with Drusky songs: 'That's the Way It's Gotta Be" (#11, 1959) and "Country Girl" (#1, 1959).
In the fall of 1958, Owen Bradley signed him to Decca Records and Drusky joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in June 1959. He co-wrote his first two hits, "Another" (#2, 1960) and"Anymore" (#3, 1960). After three years of hits with Decca, Drusky moved to Mercury Records, where he stepped out of character and recorded the novelty tune "Peel Me a Nanner" (#8, 1963). In 1965 "Yes, Mr. Peters," a cheating-song duet with Priscilla Mitchell (Jerry Reed's wife), became his only #1 hit. Drusky continued to place records on the charts well through 1977, racking up a total of forty-two chart hits over a seventeen-year period.
I will have to say that my favorite Roy Drusky song was, "Second Hand Rose." I always enjoyed it and thought Roy did a very nice job with it. Roy kept up a heavy Opry appearance schedule over much of his career, however over his last decade, his appearances only averaged a couple of times each year, as he settled into "senior status" at the Opry.
Roy's last Opry appearance was during the 2nd show on Saturday June 21, 2003. In memory of Roy Drusky, here is the Opry line up from that night:
1st show:
6:30
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Connie Smith
Jimmy C Newman
Billy Yates
7:00
Jim Ed Brown (host)
BR 549
Mandy Barnett
Steve Azar
Oak Ridge Boys
Helen Cornelius
8:00
Porter Wagoner (host)
Jeannie Seely
The Whites
Miranda Lambert
Opry Square Dance Band
Opry Square Dancers
8:30
Brad Paisley (host)
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jean Shepard
Hal Ketchum
2nd show:
9:30 Jimmy Dickens (host)
Connie Smith
BR 549
10:00
Porter Wagoner (host)
ROY DRUSKY
Jimmy C Newman
Steve Azar
10:30
Jean Shepard (host)
The Whites
Oak Ridge Boys
Opry Square Dance Band
Opry Square Dancers
11:00
Brad Paisley (host)
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Billy Yates
Mandy Barnett
11:30
Jeannie Seely (host)
Ray Pillow
Miranda Lambert
Roy, thanks for the memories!!
Country music has always had its crooners, whose smooth voices are devoid of any twang. With his full mellow baritone, Roy Frank Drusky, Jr. is one of the best examples. According to Drusky, music did not enter his mind until he joined the navy and met some fellow sailors who enjoyed performing. His interest piqued, Drusky purchased a guitar and taught himself to play. After his service stint he enrolled at Emory University in his hometown of Atlanta to study veterinary medicine. To make extra money he formed the Southern Ranch Boys, began to perform around the area, and soon had his own fifteen-minute radio show on WEAS in Decatur, Georgia.
Choosing music over animal husbandry, Drusky began a recording career with Starday Records in 1953 and moved to the Columbia label in 1956. Failing to hit the charts on either label, Drusky took a disc jockey position at KEVE in Minneapolis. During that tenure, his songwriting ability began to be noticed. Faron Young recorded the Drusky composition, "Alone with You." and the ballad spent thirteen weeks at #1 on the country charts. Young had two more notable hits with Drusky songs: 'That's the Way It's Gotta Be" (#11, 1959) and "Country Girl" (#1, 1959).
In the fall of 1958, Owen Bradley signed him to Decca Records and Drusky joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in June 1959. He co-wrote his first two hits, "Another" (#2, 1960) and"Anymore" (#3, 1960). After three years of hits with Decca, Drusky moved to Mercury Records, where he stepped out of character and recorded the novelty tune "Peel Me a Nanner" (#8, 1963). In 1965 "Yes, Mr. Peters," a cheating-song duet with Priscilla Mitchell (Jerry Reed's wife), became his only #1 hit. Drusky continued to place records on the charts well through 1977, racking up a total of forty-two chart hits over a seventeen-year period.
I will have to say that my favorite Roy Drusky song was, "Second Hand Rose." I always enjoyed it and thought Roy did a very nice job with it. Roy kept up a heavy Opry appearance schedule over much of his career, however over his last decade, his appearances only averaged a couple of times each year, as he settled into "senior status" at the Opry.
Roy's last Opry appearance was during the 2nd show on Saturday June 21, 2003. In memory of Roy Drusky, here is the Opry line up from that night:
1st show:
6:30
Jimmy Dickens (host)
Connie Smith
Jimmy C Newman
Billy Yates
7:00
Jim Ed Brown (host)
BR 549
Mandy Barnett
Steve Azar
Oak Ridge Boys
Helen Cornelius
8:00
Porter Wagoner (host)
Jeannie Seely
The Whites
Miranda Lambert
Opry Square Dance Band
Opry Square Dancers
8:30
Brad Paisley (host)
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jean Shepard
Hal Ketchum
2nd show:
9:30 Jimmy Dickens (host)
Connie Smith
BR 549
10:00
Porter Wagoner (host)
ROY DRUSKY
Jimmy C Newman
Steve Azar
10:30
Jean Shepard (host)
The Whites
Oak Ridge Boys
Opry Square Dance Band
Opry Square Dancers
11:00
Brad Paisley (host)
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Billy Yates
Mandy Barnett
11:30
Jeannie Seely (host)
Ray Pillow
Miranda Lambert
Roy, thanks for the memories!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Line Up 9/23 & 9/24
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for this weekend's shows. The highlight this weekend will be the return of Opry member Dolly Parton to the Opry stage. Dolly, who is usually good for 1 or 2 appearances each year, will be making her first appearance of 2011 on Saturday night. Joining her will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. For the "youngsters" among the Opry's fans, Holly Willams and Bradley Gaskin will be featured.
The Friday Night Opry will feature frequent Opry visitors Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills and Point Of Grace. All of these non-members have performed many times at the Opry over the past year. It seems that every weekend the Opry is featuring a newcomer and this week's candidate is Katie Armiger, who will also be on the Friday show. So far in her career, she has released 3 albums, of which only 1 has made the charts. She has also charted 2 singles.
Finally, as of Thursday evening, Jimmy Dickens is scheduled to be back this weekend. He missed last weekend's shows, along with the Tuesday Night Opry.
Friday September 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Katie Armiger
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Point Of Grace
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mark Wills
Saturday September 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Bradley Gaskin
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie McCoy; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds; Dolly Parton
For those keeping track at home, both the Friday and Saturday shows have 12 acts each, with 8 Opry members scheduled each night.
Finally, here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, September 27:
7:00: The Whites; Brett Eldredge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Terri Clark
INTERMISSION
8:15: Larry Gatlin; Charlie Daniels Band
8:45: Rascal Flatts
A pretty good show for a Tuesday night.
The Friday Night Opry will feature frequent Opry visitors Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills and Point Of Grace. All of these non-members have performed many times at the Opry over the past year. It seems that every weekend the Opry is featuring a newcomer and this week's candidate is Katie Armiger, who will also be on the Friday show. So far in her career, she has released 3 albums, of which only 1 has made the charts. She has also charted 2 singles.
Finally, as of Thursday evening, Jimmy Dickens is scheduled to be back this weekend. He missed last weekend's shows, along with the Tuesday Night Opry.
Friday September 23
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Katie Armiger
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Point Of Grace
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mark Wills
Saturday September 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Connie Smith; Bradley Gaskin
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie McCoy; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jesse McReynolds; Dolly Parton
For those keeping track at home, both the Friday and Saturday shows have 12 acts each, with 8 Opry members scheduled each night.
Finally, here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, September 27:
7:00: The Whites; Brett Eldredge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens; Terri Clark
INTERMISSION
8:15: Larry Gatlin; Charlie Daniels Band
8:45: Rascal Flatts
A pretty good show for a Tuesday night.
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