Grand Ole Opry 11/1 & 11/2

The Grand Ole Opry returns this weekend to the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville for the next 3 months. With the return downtown and the approaching holiday season, the Opry will return to 2 shows on Saturday night in addition to the single Friday Night Opry.

The Friday Night Opry will feature Little Big Town, and they currently are John Conlee's only guest on the final segment. Also appearing will be Josh Turner, who on October 27th celebrated his 6th year as an Opry member. Also appearing will be guest artists Jim Lauderdale and Chris Janson.

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature the return appearance of Deana Carter. She did the Opry several months back and was very impressive in her appearance and well received. Joining Deana for both shows will be The Grascals, along with Mandy Barnett. Opry member Terri Clark will appear on the 1st show only.

Friday November 1:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Sara Haze
7:30: The Whites (host); Jesse McReynolds; Josh Turner
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Jim Lauderdale; Chris Janson
8:45: John Conlee (host); Little Big Town

Saturday November 2:
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Frankie Ballard; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: The Whites (host); Terri Clark; The Grascals
8:00: George Hamilton IV (host); Jean Shepard; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee (host); Sturgill Simpson; Deana Carter

2nd show
9:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Frankie Ballard; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: The Whites (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
10:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jean Shepard; The Grascals; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee (host); Sturgill Simpson; Deana Carter

6 Opry members on Friday night with 7 for each show on Saturday night.

For this week's look back in Grand Ole Opry history, we go to 50 years ago this Saturday night as on Saturday November 2, 1963, the Opry celebrated its 38th birthday. If you remember, the early DJ Conventions were held in November, only moving to the October dates when October became recognized as "Country Music Month", which also was part of the CMA Awards show.

As you would expect, it was a loaded Opry that night with just about every Opry member present. Normally the Opry ran one show from 7:30-Midnight, however on the birthday night, it was the one show starting at 6:30. Here is the line-up and running order from that night:

6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy Newman (host): The Mover
Kitty Wells: Heartaches For A Keepsake
Johnny Wright: Oh Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine In Them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind The Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Gave My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy Newman: D.J. For A Day

7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me A Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad For You Is Good For Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In The Shadow Of The Wine

7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign The Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over The Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses

8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt & Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt & Scruggs: Flint Hill Special

8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through The Motions
Lonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Brother Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
June Carter & The Carter Family: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way Your Living

9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles An Hour (Down A Dead End Street)
The Browns: The Three Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy To Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. The D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses

10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: Model T And The Train Race
Billy Walker: Heart, Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)

10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy Newman: D.J. For A Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Apple Blossoms

10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings Of A Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)

10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host): (?)
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: Eight By Ten
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Faron Young: (?)

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo & Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam & Kirk McGee: Let's Meet At The Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I

11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James: The Minute Your Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry

I would have to go back and do some checking, but this might be the best Opry line-up I have ever posted. Considering that Brother Oswald, Howdy Forrester and Jimmy Riddle worked for Roy Acuff, the only non-Opry members on this line-up were Johnny Cash (who had moved to California by this time), Tex Ritter (who would join the Opry later) and Melba Montgomery. 25 of the acts did 2 spots that night, while 18 others appeared just one time. You can see how important the birthday shows and DJ Convention was back during that time period.

I will also mention that Saturday November 3, 1990 was Minnie Pearl's 50th anniversary show as an Opry member. I have posted the details of that night before, so here briefly, is the line-up from that night:

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Del Reeves (host); Jeannie Seely
6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Shoney's
Minnie Pearl; Gary Morris; Jimmy Dickens; Connie Smith; Grandpa Jones; Hank Snow
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff; Chet Atkins; Minnie Pearl
8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host); 4 Guys; Skeeter Davis; Jimmy C Newman; Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Pops Rite
Jim Ed Brown (host); Charlie Louvin; Jan Howard; The Whites; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Roy Drusky; Gary Morris
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host); Del Reeves
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host); Jeannie Pruett; Bill Carlisle
10:30: Pet Milk
Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow
10:45: B. C. Powder
Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb; The Whites; Mike Snider
11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown (host); 4 Guys; Charlie Louvin; Johnny Russell

Gary Morris and Chet Atkins were the only non-Opry members to appear on that night. Gary Morris did a special song for Minnie that started off the televised portion (which was the entire hour), and Chet Atkins was there because of Minnie. Also the televised portion that night featured the Opry's Hall of Famers who were present (Jimmy Dickens, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow and Roy Acuff). And as a special surprise, Dwight Yoakam had 50 dozen roses delivered to Minnie that night. A very special night in the Opry's history.

Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Tuesday Night Opry 10/29 & Opry Country Classics 10/31

The line-ups have been posted for the mid-week Opry shows and both nights look pretty good. The Tuesday Night Opry will take place at the Grand Ole Opry House, which will host its final Opry show for this year prior to moving to the Ryman Auditorium starting on Friday Night. Making a return appearance to the Opry on Tuesday will be Barry Gibb. Barry did the Opry once previously and was actually well received. He will be appearing with special guest Kelly Lang, along with Opry member Ricky Skaggs. Kelly's husband, TG Sheppard is also scheduled, as are Opry members Montgomery Gentry, Del McCoury and Larry Gatlin.

Tuesday October 29:
7:00: Maggie Rose; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Dustin Lynch; Larry Gatlin
Intermission
8:15: TG Sheppard; Montgomery Gentry
8:45: Barry Gibb w/special guest Kelly Lang; Ricky Skaggs

Charlie Daniels will be the Spotlight Artist for the final Opry Country Classics show for this year. The show will be hosted by Larry Gatlin and will also feature Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy.

Thursday October 31:
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist-Charlie Daniels Band
Also Appearing: Rebecca Lynn Howard; Charlie McCoy; Chuck Mead; Jeannie Seely

Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26

The Grand Ole Opry closes out the year at the Grand Ole Opry House this weekend before moving downtown next week to the Ryman Auditorium for the annual winter run of shows. There will be the usual one show each night and the line-ups for this weekend look very solid.

The Friday Night Opry will feature super-group Lady Antebellum. The will be joined by guest artists Love and Theft, Darryl Worley and The Isaacs. Also scheduled is Opry member Marty Stuart, who will be joined on his segment by newcomer Brandy Clark, who has impressed Opry audiences in her previous appearances.

The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night also is looking solid with Opry members Steve Wariner and Del McCoury leading the way, along with guest artists Elizabeth Cook, Chuck Wicks, Mark Wills and Mallary Hope, all of whom visit the Opry frequently.

Also scheduled are two Opry members who have been missing in recent weeks. Mike Snider is back on the schedule, along with Jimmy C Newman, who has been missing from the Opry because of a fall at the Opry House. Glad to see Jimmy C back.

Friday October 25:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Darryl Worley; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Marty Stuart (host); Connie Smith; Brandy Clark
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Lady Antebellum

Saturday October 26:
7:00: John Conlee (host); Mallary Hope; The Whites
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Chuck Wicks; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Elizabeth Cook; Del McCoury Band

Wow!! We are up to 9 Opry members on Saturday night. That is one of the higher numbers in recent weeks. The one thing I will say as the Opry prepares to move downtown to the Ryman is that the quality of the line-ups generally improve greatly during November and December as many of the Opry's members are home for the holidays or coming off of holiday tours. Along with the guest artists that are scheduled, it creates some good shows.

In what should be an outstanding Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this week, Steve Wariner will be the host. I am sure he will be playing many of his hits along with songs from his new CD. Should be a good night.

Now for this week's look back into past Grand Ole Opry line-ups, it was 40 years ago on Saturday October 27, 1973 that Jerry Clower joined the Grand Ole Opry. Jerry was the last artist to join the cast of the Opry before it left the Ryman Auditorium and moved to the Grand Ole Opry House.

He was born on September 28, 1926 in Liberty, Mississippi. After serving in World War II, he returned home and attended Mississippi State University. After finishing school, he worked as a county agent, a seed salesman and finally selling fertilizer for the Mississippi Chemical Corporation. As a salesman, he became successful and popular for his story telling and tapes of his speaking engagements eventually led to a recording contract thanks to Edwin Wilkes and Bud Andrews. Wilkes sent a copy of a tape to Grant Turner at WSM and Turner played it on the air. It was such a hit that MCA signed him to the label and his first album in 1971 "Jerry Clower from Yazoo, City, Mississippi Talkin'" reached the Top 20 and stayed on the charts for 30 weeks. Over the course of his career, he made 27 albums, all but one released on MCA.

Jerry was also known for his deep religious convictions, which played a part in many of his stories. In addition to his speaking engagements, he also co-hosted "Nashville On The Road", the popular television series hosted by Jim Ed Brown. The show aired from 1975 through 1981. He also wrote several books.

Jerry Clower was an Opry member until he died on August 24, 1998 following heart bypass surgery. He was 71. He had been married to Homerline, who played many a part in Jerry's stories, for 51 years.

When Jerry joined the Opry, Hal Durham mentioned that there had not been a new "straight comic" signed in years and immediately saw the potential for Jerry to be a part of the Opry. Jerry said of his Opry membership, "It's undescribable, because, you see, I had prayed as a little boy that at the end of a crop year we'd clear enough money for us to go see the Grand Ole Opry. And we never did make it. Now, here I was on it! Grand Ole Opry star Jerry Clower! Woooo!"

Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up and running order from Saturday October 27, 1973, the night Jerry Clower joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Osborne Brothers (host): Fireball Mail
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal Is This
Sonny Osborne: Earl's Breakdown
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top

6:45: Rudy's
Willis Brothers (host): Chant of the Plains
Louie Roberts: Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues
Willis Brothers: Cool Water

7:00: Rudy's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die
Jim & Jesse: A Bird With Broken Wings Can't Fly
Hank Wada: Columbus Stockade Blues
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes
Jim & Jesse: Ashes of Love
Hank Wada: Jambalaya
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be Moved

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Crook Brothers: Gray Eagle
Harold Weakley: Is Anybody Going to San Antone
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man
Mac McGaha: Mockingbird/Orange Blossom Special
Porter Wagoner: What Ain't To Be Just Might Happen

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Klide
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Jerry Clower: I'm That Country
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Bobby Bare: Ride Me Down Easy
Ray Pillow: Excuse Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Ray Pillow: I Wish Somebody Loved Me That Much
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Osborne Brothers (host): Rocky Top
Willis Brothers: Pretty Diamonds
Louie Roberts: Way Out There
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Osborne Brothers: You Win Again/Today I Started Loving You Again
Willis Brothers: Bob
Osborne Brothers: Ruby

10:00: Fender
Jim & Jesse (host): I've Been Everywhere
Bill Carlisle: Jack of All Trades
Jim & Jesse: Johnny  B. Goode

10:15: Union 76
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Coming
Dolly Parton: My Tennessee Mountain Home
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: We Found It/If Tear Drops Were Pennies

10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields/Night Train to Memphis
Grandpa Jones: Banjo Sam
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Larry McNeely: Breakaway

10:45: Beech-Nut
Bobby Bare (host): Detroit City
Jerry Clower: The Coon Hunt
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
Ray Pillow: She's Doing It To Me Again
Hank Wada: Columbus Stockade Blues
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Old Hen Cackle
Hank Snow: Black Diamond
Sam McGee: Worry, Worry Blues
Hank Snow: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Mary Lou Turner: Slipping Away/Poor Sweet Baby
Marty Mitchell: Washed My Hands In Muddy Water/You Gave Me A Mountain
Marty Robbins: Love Me/Big Boss Man/Don't Worry/It's Not Love/El Paso

I have said before that comedy is a lost art at the Opry. Country comedy that is. And that is what Jerry Clower brought to the Opry. Some of his stories were classics and while he didn't appear at the Opry as often as many would have liked, he was always proud of his Opry membership and a good loyal Opry member.

Tuesday Night Opry 10/22 & Opry Country Classics 10/24

The Grand Ole Opry will honor breast cancer awareness on Tuesday October 22, as the Opry will do the annual "Opry Goes Pink" Tuesday Night Opry. Unlike past years, this year it will be an all-female line-up and a pretty good one:

7:00: Mandisa; Lorrie Morgan; Pam Tillis
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely; Natalie Grant
8:45: Amy Grant; LeAnn Rimes

A nice mixure of talent on what will probably be a sold-out show.

Meanwhile, Opry Country Classics continues its run with Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare as the spotlight artist this week. I saw Bobby at Jim Ed Brown's 50th anniversary show in August, said hi to him, and he looks fine and sounded great.

Appearing with him will be Daryle Singletary, Joanna Smith and The Whites, with Larry Gatlin the host. Just on his own, Bobby is worth the price of admission.

Grand Ole Opry 50th & 75th Birthday Celebrations

Two of the most important anniversaries in the history of the Grand Ole Opry were the 50th, which took place in 1975, and the 75th, which took place in 2000. The 50th anniversary show took place the weekend of October 17th & 18th, with 1 show on Friday Night and 2 shows on Saturday night. As you would expect, Saturday was the big night of the weekend as in those days the Friday night show was not considered in the same class as Saturday's. In fact, many of the Opry's stars, including Hank Snow, would not do the Friday show.

Just to point that out, here is the line-up from Friday October 17, 1975, the night before the actual 50th anniversary show:

7:00: Cracker Barrel
Charlie Louvin (host); Skeeter Davis; Jim & Jesse
7:30: Varallo
Lester Flatt (host); Dottie West; Ray Pillow; 4 Guys
8:00: Odom Sausage/U.S. Borax
Del Reeves (host); The Carlisles; Willis Brothers
8:30: Kroger/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; The Promenaders
9:00: Baltz Bros./Schlitz
David Houston (host); Tammy Wynette; Roy Drusky
9:30: Acme Boot/Beech-Nut
Charlie Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Barbara Mandrell
10:00: Cee Bee/Schlitz
Archie Campbell (host); Marion Worth; Hank Locklin
10:30: Shoney's
Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett; Wilburn Brothers; Del Wood

Not really a bad line up, but compare that to the birthday celebration that took place the following night, Saturday October 18, 1975, 38 years ago this weekend. Here is that line-up:

1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Billy Grammer: Family Man
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Hush the Wind
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
Jimmy Gately: The Angel of the Bar Room
Bill Anderson: Thanks

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Jack Greene (host): He Little Thing'd Her Out Of My Arms
Jeannie Seely: Take My Hand
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A Dove

6:45: Rudy's
Del Reeves (host): Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
Barbara Mandrell: I Know My Lord Will Lead Me Home
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Jimmy C Newman: When The Saints Go Marching In

7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): In The Jailhouse Now
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jim & Jesse: The Magic Little Garden
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Willis Brothers: Country Honey
Wayne Hammond: Release Me
Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads and Golden Needles

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: I'm A Believer
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Don Gibson: Oh, Lonesome Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie/Down Yonder/There's A Big Wheel
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: The Seeker
David Houston: Almost Persuaded
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilma Lee Cooper: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Say Forever You'll Be Mine
Porter Wagoner: Indian Creek

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Roy Drusky: Sunrise
Willis Brothers: Cimarron
Marion Worth: For The Good Times
Ray Pillow: Roll On Truckers
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

2nd show:
9:30: Kelloggs
Ernest Tubb (host): If You Don't Quit Checking On Me
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Connie Smith: How Can You Refuse Him Now
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Barbara Mandrell: Johnny B. Goode
Stu Phillips: Only You Can Hush The Wind
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me
Jim & Jesse: Paradise

10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Country DJ
Jean Shepard: I'm A Believer
Del Reeves: Half A Mind/I'm Moving On/Chug-A-Lug/Hillbilly Heaven
Skeeter Davis: On The Way Home
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Cottonfields
Roy Clark & Family: Sweet Bunch of Daisies/A Pain In My Heart/Blues On My Mind/John Henry
Minnie Pearl: I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes
Tammy Wynette: Clap Your Hands
Charlie Louvin: American Trilogy
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Indian Creek
Dolly Parton: We Used To
4 Guys: Down By The Lazy River
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely & Dottie West: Don't Touch Me
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Say Forever You'll Be Mine
Dolly Parton: The Seeker

10:45: Beech-Nut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Dottie West & Jeannie Seely: Here Comes My Baby
Wilburn Brothers: Country Honey
Susan Raye: He Gives Me Something To Forgive Him For
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Jeanne Pruett& Dottie West & Jeannie Seely: Satin Sheets
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Del Wood: Keep On The Firing Line
Kirk McGee: Freight Train
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I

11:30: Elm Hill
Roy Drusky (host): Sunrise
David Houston & Calvin Crawford: Sweet Molly
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Ray Pillow: Roll On Truckers
Roy Drusky: I Really Don't Want to Know/I'm Throwing Rice/Four Walls

Wow, what a show!! The first show actually ran pretty much on time, while the 2nd show ended at 1:15 a.m. and that was with Hank Snow's segment lasting 25 minutes and Roy Drusky's just 20. Roy Acuff's segment, that was supposed to last 15 minutes, actually took 50. It was during that segment that the birthday cake was rolled out and all the speeches made. Also, Minnie Pearl had just been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier that week and she received a long, standing ovation. And, for those counting, that was over 40 acts on the 1st show and 42 acts on the 2nd show, all but Roy Clark and Susan Raye being Opry members. (if I counted right)

After the 2nd show ended, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree took place, lasting 2 hours. The guests included, in addition to Ernest, Moe Bandy, Willie Nelson, Jimmie Skinner, Lois Johnson, Justin Tubb, Brian Collins, Barbara Fairchild, Atlanta James and The Tumbleweeds.

Moving ahead to 2000,  when the Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 75th anniversary with 2 shows each on Friday and Saturday night. Most of the Opry's members were scheduled for at least one of the shows that weekend and as you would expect, each of the shows were sold out. One of the things that I thought was nice about these shows was the mixure of veterans and new acts, including Garth Brooks doing all 4 shows that weekend.

Here is the line-up from Friday October 13, 2000:

1st show:
6:30: Gibson Musical Instruments
Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites; Hal Ketchum; Jack Greene
7:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Jeanne Pruett; Diamond Rio
7:30: Cracker Barrel
Steve Wariner (host); Holly Dunn; Del Reeves; Ronnie Milsap
8:00: Dickie's Workwear/Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce
Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Alison Krauss
8:30: Johnny Walker Tours/Fiddlers Inn/MCA
Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Martina McBride; Garth Brooks

2nd show:
9:30: RCA
Porter Wagoner (host); Jim Ed Brown; Billy Walker; Jack Greene; Diamond Rio
10:00: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host); Hal Ketchum; Ernie Ashworth; Del Reeves; Connie Smith
10:30: Shoney's
Steve Wariner (host); Osborne Brothers; Charlie Louvin; Jeanne Pruett; Alison Krauss
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host); Jimmy C Newman; Hank Locklin; Garth Brooks
11:30: Opry Picture History Book/Opry 75th Merchandise
Charlie Walker (host); Stu Phillips; Holly Dunn; Mel McDaniel

Here is the Opry show from Saturday October 14, 2000, the night of the 75th birthday celebration, which included the birthday cake on both shows, with the 7:00 hour televised.

1st show:
6:30: WSMonline.com/Patio Tex-Mex Dinners
Jeannie Seely (host): You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Connie Smith: I Love Charlie Brown
Bill Carlisle: Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Lorrie Morgan: Opry Walls/Crazy

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor, Howdy
Marty Stuart: Rock Island Line
Travis Tritt: Best of Intentions
Marty Stuart & Travis Tritt: The Whiskey Ain't Working Anymore/Here's A Quarter
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Roundup/You've Got A Friend In Me

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens & Pam Tillis: Out Behind the Barn
Trisha Yearwood: She's In Love With Boy/Till I Can Get It Right
Loretta Lynn: Country In My Genes/Coal Miner's Daughter
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry
Porter Wagoner: Y'All Come

8:00: Martha White
Vince Gill (host): The Key to Life
Alison Krauss: Ghost In The House/Carry Me Across the Mountain
Dolly Parton: Train, Train/Coat of Many Colors
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers
Vince Gill & Alison Krauss: High Lonesome Sound

8:30: Physican's Mutual Insurance
Jean Shepard (host): Slippin' Away
Ricky Van Shelton: Matchbox/I Got A Hole In My Pocket
Steve Wariner: (?)/I'm Already Taken
Garth Brooks: Two Of A Kind
Garth Brooks & Steve Wariner: Long Neck Bottle
Garth Brooks: Make You Feel My Love

2nd show:
9:30: WSMonline.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Katy Did
Marty Stuart: Just To Satisfy You
Connie Smith: Wayfaring Stranger
Wilma Lee Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Alison Krauss: Baby, Now That I've Found You
Porter Wagoner: She Burned the Little Roadside Tavern Down

10:00: Local Lincoln Mercury Dealers/The Restaurants at the Opryland Hotel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater
Pam Tillis: Ophelia/How Strange/Heart Over Mind
Ronnie Milsap: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me/All is Fair In Love and War
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:30: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover/Jogging In A Jug
Vince Gill (host): The Key to Life
Ralph Stanley: If I Lose
Lorrie Morgan: Good Lovin'/Standing Tall
Jack Greene: Highway To The Sky
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry

11:00: Coca-Cola
Riders In The Sky (host): How the Yodel Was Born
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz
Ricky Van Shelton: Matchbox/I Got A Hole In My Pocket
Ricky Van Shelton & Jack Greene: Statue Of A Fool
Steve Wariner: Holes In The Floor of Heaven
Riders In The Sky: Rawhide

11:30: Grand Ole Opry Cruise
Johnny Russell (host): Truck Driving Man
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way To Treat My Heart
Charlie Walker: Home In San Antone
Garth Brooks: Two Of A Kind/It's What I Didn't Do
Garth Brooks & Steve Wariner: Long Neck Bottle
Garth Brooks: Til The River Runs Dry/Friends In Low Places/The Dance

When you look at the 75th line-up, it is hard to believe that this was just 13 years ago and Pete Fisher/Steve Buchanan had just taken over at the Opry. And it is hard to think that in just the last 13 years, the Opry members we have lost that were there for the 75th. Stars such as Porter Wagoner, Johnny Russell, Charlie Walker, Jack Greene, Wilma Lee Cooper, Bill Carlisle, Billy Walker, Del Reeves, Hank Locklin, Ernie Ashworth, Mel McDaniel and Charlie Louvin. Such great veterans. And of course, when you compare the 2013 birthday show to the 2000 show, the only Opry members who appeared then and now were Jan Howard, Steve Wariner, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown and The Whites. Just 8. My, things have changed at the Opry in the last decade and you can really tell the difference as you go back and look at these great birthday celebrations from the past.

Enjoy the Opry!!

Grand Ole Opry 10/18 & 10/19

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-up for the two shows this weekend, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.

Let's start with Saturday night, which looks like the stronger of the two. American Idol star Scotty McCreery will be making another Opry appearance. I have seen him several times on the Opry and he has done a nice job each time. Also guesting will be The Willis Clan, very talented and popular stars from their GAC show, along with former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune. This week's guest from the "Nashville" show will be Charles Esten. I have seen that the ratings are way down for this show, so I have to be wondering if this will be the final year, which would seem to mean more openings on the Opry's schedule as they have been scheduling pretty heavy from the tv show. And, for the 2nd time this year, Stu Phillips is on the schedule. I hope he is in good voice.

Friday's show has guest artists Greg Bates, Danny Gokey, Restless Heart and Joanna Smith scheduled, all familar to Opry audiences, along with comedian Henry Cho. We have commented before how comedy seems to have disappeared from the Opry. There use to be such great comedians as Opry members, but outside of Mike Snider, who seems to be focusing more on his music, there is not much to laugh about on the show.

Friday October 18:
7:00: John Conlee (host); Greg Bates; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Connie Smith (host); The Whites; Henry Cho
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Danny Gokey
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Joanna Smith; Restless Heart

Saturday October 19:
7:00: The Whites (host); Katie Armiger; Jimmy Fortune
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Willis Clan
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stu Phillips; Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Exile; Scotty McCreery

7 Opry members on Friday night and just 6 on Saturday. Shameful!! And is it just me, or have others noticed that Bill Anderson seem to really be cutting back on his Opry appearances? I know he has been working on a new CD, a book and taking some vacation time, but it used to be that if Bill did not have a tour date, you could count on him at the Opry.

And, a few have noticed on the scheduling of upcoming Opry appearances, but Hal Ketchum is scheduled for the Tuesday Night Opry on November 19. Good for Hal and good for the Opry. I am looking forward to his return and am very interested in how he sounds. He has been missed at the Opry and I am glad he is well enough to come back.

Looking back into Grand Ole Opry history, and sticking with the theme of the month, which is past Opry birthday/DJ conventions, I want to post the line-up from Saturday October 18, 1969, which was the Opry's 44th birthday. What makes this show so interesting is that parts of it were filmed and included in a CD that is available called, "The Nashville Sound." If you have not seen this CD, I would recommend getting it as it is a real nice view of the Opry and Nashville from that era.

1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Glaser Brothers: Wicked California
Skeeter Davis: Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific
4 Guys: My Special Angel
Justin Tubb: Be Glad
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Bill Carlisle: Polka Salad Annie
Bill Anderson: This Land Is Your Land

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Tex Ritter (host): Growing Up
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud

6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Mel Tillis: Ruby, Don't Take Your Guns to Town
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Someone I Used to Know

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Stonewall Jackson: Ship in the Bottle
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Walking the Floor Over You
Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker
Loretta Lynn: To Make A Man
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Dottie West: Clinging to My Baby's Hands
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
George Morgan: Molly Darling
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Ray Pillow: Proud Mary
Lester Flatt: Folsom Prison Blues

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Del Reeves: Women Do Funny Things to Me/Girl on the Billboard/There Wouldn't Be A Lonely Heart in Town
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Bob Luman: Memphis
Jim & Jesse: My Baby's Gone
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Right to Love What's Left
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On

2nd show:
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/A Boy Named Sue
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
4 Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Mel Tillis: These Lonely Hands of Mine
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Someone I Used to Know

10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Diane McCall: Ready Made Home
Bobby Lord: Rainbow Girl
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:15: Pure
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Jeannie C Riley: Harper Valley PTA
Bill Anderson: This Land Is Your Land

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Tex Ritter: High Noon
George Morgan: You Gave Me A Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Lester Flatt: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Loretta Lynn: Your Squaw Is On The Warpath
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once For Me

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush is Over/Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride

11:30: Lava
Bill Monroe (host): Fireball Mail
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Monroe: Body & Soul
Ray Pillow: Heart Over Mind
Bill Monroe: I Haven't Seen Mary In Years/Blue Moon of Kentucky

Every segment hosted by a current or future Hall of Famer. As far as the timing of the show, the 2nd show ended at 1:00am, and that was with Hank Snow's segment lasting only 25 minutes and Bill Monroe getting on and off in 20. The only Opry members missing were Ernie Ashworth, Billy Grammer, Lonzo & Oscar, Norma Jean, Marty Robbins, Stringbean, Marion Worth, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Finally, when you watch the DVD, you will notice that the acts are out of sequence to how they appeared on the actual show and the film shows Charley Pride performing on the Opry, yet he did not appear on this particular night. And as good as the first show was, the 2nd show included Johnny Cash and Jeannie C Riley!!

For the 2nd line-up, I want to go to Saturday October 16, 1971, 42 years ago this week and other DJ convention show. This line-up was certainly impressive and included the Opry debut of Freddie Hart, who at the time had his great #1 hit, "Easy Lovin'", which in my view is one of the all time classic hits in country music history. Last year, Freddie was on the "Marty Stuart Show", and considering that he is over 80, he looked good and could still hit the notes. And yes, he did "Easy Lovin'".

1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Tex Ritter (host): Just Beyond the Moon
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Roy Drusky: Long, Long Texas Road
Willis Brothers: Women's Liberation
Tex Ritter: Fall Away

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Bill Anderson (host) & Jan Howard: Dissatisfied
Jan Howard: Hurt All Over
Ray Pillow: Haven't You Heard
Ernie Ashworth: A Bottle of the Blues
Bill Anderson: Quits

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Monroe (host): I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Bill Monroe: Katy Hill

7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down From God
Tom T Hall: I Remember the Year that Clayton Delaney Died
Del Wood: Gloryland March
Howdy Forrester: Sally Goodin
George Morgan: Gentle Rains of Home
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Answer the Phone
Loretta Lynn: Put Your Hand in the Hand
Charlie Louvin & Melba Montgomery: Something to Brag About
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: All Right, I'll Sign the Papers
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Ernest Tubb: Shenandoah Waltz

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Will You Be Loving Another Man
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Dottie West: Country Girl
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
Justin Tubb: Big Fool of the Year
Lester Flatt: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): Sea Shores of Old Mexico
Wilburn Brothers: That She's Leaving Feeling
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Bob Luman: Today I Started Loving You Again/Honky Tonk Man
4 Guys: Shenandoah
Hank Snow: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On

2nd show:
9:30: Kelloggs
Tex Ritter (host): Fall Away
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Dolly Parton: Coat of Many Colors
Jim Ed Brown: She's Leaving
Roy Drusky: I Love the Way That You've Been Loving Me
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jimmy C Newman: Louisiana Dirty Rice
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie

10:00: Fender
Bill Anderson (host): Quits
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard: Dissatisfied
Grandpa Jones: Mountain Dew
Ray Pillow: The Waitress

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
George Morgan: Gentle Rains of Home
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): The Bluebirds Singing for Me
Tom T Hall: I Remember the Year That Clayton Delaney Died
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Lester Flatt: Orange Blossom Special

10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Lead Me On
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Snowbird
Earl Scruggs Revue: T for Texas
Jack Greene: There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Del Reeves: Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On/Hound Dog
Freddie Hart: Easy Lovin/My Hangup is You
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose

11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Wilburn Brothers: That She's Leaving Feeling
Connie Smith: Just One Time
4 Guys: Let The Sun Keep Shining
Bob Luman: Getting Back to Norma
Marty Robbins: I Walk Alone/Begging to You/Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/They'll Never Take Her Love From Me/Singing The Blues/El Paso

At 12:58, they were finally done!! This is what I call a Grand Ole Opry show. Again, every segment hosted by a either a current or future Hall of Fame member. And, Porter Wagoner, Glaser Brothers, Jim & Jesse and Coz. Jody were also scheduled but cancelled out, while Bill Monroe was also scheduled for the 2nd show and did not appear. The only Opry members who did not appear on this show were Bobby Bare, Margie Bowes, Archie Campbell, Skeeter Davis, Billy Grammer, Hank Locklin, Lonzo & Oscar, Bobby Lord, Osborne Brothers, Jean Shepard, Stringbean, Marion Worth and George Hamilton IV.

I think it is safe to say that this year's Opry birthday bash didn't measure up to either of these shows!!!

Disc Jockey Convention/Opry's Birthday Weekend

As most of the Grand Ole Opry's annual birthday celebrations have taken place during the month of October, I thought it would be nice to take a few moments and review the history of the event and how it grew into what takes place each year.

Originally known as the DJ (Disc Jockey) Convention, it was organized to honor the Grand Ole Opry while consolidating Nashville's role in the country music industry. The event, which originally commemorated the Grand Ole Opry's Birthday Celebration, was suggested in 1951 by Harianne Moore of WSM's advertising department. The idea was for the country music artists to thank the disc jockeys for playing their records and promoting their concerts, while giving the disc jockeys the opportunity to meet the stars and to tape spots with the artists to be played on their local stations.

The first event took place in November 1952 and involved about 100 DJs, who were invited from a list that was furnished by Acuff-Rose Publications, which kept a national list of disc jockeys. They were welcomed to WSM radio and treated to a Grand Ole Opry show. The first year was considered enough of a success that it was repeated the following year and extended over two days, with record companies and publishers hosting receptions and BMI giving its first country music awards for radio airplay. In addition, DJs organized the Country Music Disc Jockeys Association, precursor to the CMA. By 1958 attendance had grown to over 2,000 with more and more entertainers taking part. In addition to the formal and informal parties, there were now panels on industry issues.

That same year the CMDJ disbanded and the CMA was organized. Since then, the CMA has taken over the event. In 1963, thanks to a push by the CMA, October was declared Country Music Month and the event, which had taken place in November, switched to October to take advantage of the better weather. As attendance continued to grow, the CMA organized their own awards show, along with ASCAP and SESAC, both industry publishing houses. In 1969, the first Country Radio Broadcasters seminar was held and the CRB soon established their own organization.

Because so many country music fans had begun coming to Nashville for the DJ Convention week, the CMA created a festival for just the fans, which was named Fan Fair. Fan Fair still exists today, but has been renamed the CMA Music Festival, while the Country Radio Broadcasters hold their own event.

While the DJ convention no longer exists as it once did, the Opry's Birthday Celebration, which was one of the primary reasons for the convention starting, continues. The birthday celebration grew into such a big event because the majority of Opry members would be in town for the event. That was how important the DJs were to their careers. However, as time goes on, and while the birthday celebration continues, it is not the primary event that it used to be.

As the Opry's birthday month continues, so do the line-ups from past birthday celebrations. On October 13, 1979, the 54th birthday show took place as part of the DJ convention. Here is the line-up from that year's show:

1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Skeeter Davis: Isn't It Always Love/The Old Rugged Cross
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays/Love Don't Care
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag

6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Ray Pillow (host): Hungry Man's Dream
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Ray Pillow: Super Lady

6:45: Rudy's
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose In December
Tinker Tubb: Good Hearted Woman
Ronnie Dale: Sweet Memories

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Jan Howard: I Will Survive
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way That We're Doing it Now
Susan McCann: Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Virginia/Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stonewall Jackson: Come on Home
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Roy Acuff: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me/I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Grandpa Jones (host): Cindy
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On/Danny Boy
Vic Willis & Curtis Young: Shenendoah
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Grandpa Jones: I'll Meet You in the Morning

8:30: Acme
George Hamilton IV (host): Early Morning Rain
4 Guys: Mama Rocked Us to Sleep with Country Music/When Will I Be Loved
Stu Phillips: Thank God She's Mine
Marion Worth: Take These Chains From My Heart
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

2nd show:
9:30: Kelloggs
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Skeeter Davis: Just When I Needed You Most
Billy Grammer: Steel Guitar Rag
Charlie Louvin: That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Wilma Lee Cooper: As Long As I Live
Ray Pillow: Super Lady
Ernest & Justin Tubb: Blue Eyed Elaine

10:00: Fender
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Ernie Ashworth: The DJ Cried
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Washed My Hands in Muddy Water

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Jan Howard: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Roy Acuff & Cast: Happy Birthday, Honey
Lamar Alexander & Roy Acuff: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Roy Acuff & Jan Howard: I Saw the Light

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Jean Shepard: Virginia
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

10:45: Beech-Nut
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Vic Willis & Curtis Young: Last Cheater's Waltz
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
Crook Brothers: Durango's Hornpipe

11:00: Coca-Cola
4 Guys (host): Mama Rocked Us to Sleep with Country Music
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Marion Worth: Someone is Looking for Someone Like You
4 Guys: Fire

11:30: Little Debbie
Marty Robbins (host): El Paso City
Jeanne Pruett: Please Sing Satin Sheets for Me/Break My Mind
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol Tale That the Crow Told Me
Marty Robbins: All Around Cowboy/Don't Worry/Buenos Dios Argentina/Touch Me With Majic/Love Me/Muddy Water/Among My Souvenirs

Another fine birthday show