As we enter the month of July, here are the important and historical events that have taken place at the Grand Ole Opry, or in regards to Opry members, during the month of July.
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Adams County, Ohio. Although he went by the name of Cowboy, his actual name was Lloyd Estel. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in January 1946 and would remain an Opry member until his death in 1963. As mentioned, Cowboy Copas was actually from Ohio, but in many publications, including several from the Opry, he is listed as being born in Oklahoma.
July 27, 1925: Former Opry member Annie Lou Dill was born. Along with her husband Danny, they were known as "The Sweethearts of Country Music." They were a part of the Opry from 1946 until the mid 1950s. They remained a popular duo into the 1960s, when they divorced and the duo ended. Annie passed away in January 1982.
July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. The Crook Brothers, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Grand Ole Opry until the death of Herman Crook in June 1988. That covers a period of 62 years.
July 7, 1927: Charles Loudermilk, better known as Charlie Louvin, was born near Section, Alabama.
July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia. One of the true legends of bluegrass music, Jesse and his brother Jim joined the Opry in 1964. Since the death of his brother, Jesse has continued as a solo act and most weekends he is still at the Opry.
July 7, 1930: Doyle Wilburn was born in Hardy, Arkansas. Along with his brother Teddy, the Wilburn Brothers were long time members of the Opry.
July 14, 1933: One of the great personalities in the history of the Opry, Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina.
July 4, 1934: Over 8,000 people showed up for an all-day Opry sponsored show in West Tennessee. The show featured Opry stars Uncle Dave Macon, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, the Gully Jumpers and the Crook Brothers. As a result of the success of this show, George D. Hay started the Artists Service Bureau, which would become the offical booking agency for the Opry's members. In the future, this would become controversial and would eventually lead to several acts leaving the Opry, including Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright.
July 4, 1937: Opry member Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ray came to the Opry in 1966 and although his appearances are down, he remains a popular Opry member today.
July 19, 1937: George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. George was an Opry member for 54 years before passing away in September 2014.
July 11, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville. They would only stay for a few years as the Opry crowd was not the type that the operators wanted at War Memorial. The Opry moved to the Auditorium from the Dixie Tabernacle, which held more people, but was in horrible condition. Because of the lower capacity, which was listed as 2,200, the Opry decided to charge admission, which was 25 cents. War Memorial is still in use today and in fact in 2010, the Opry staged a few shows there while they moved around town after the flood.
July 6, 1940: "Miss Country Soul" Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jeannie has been an Opry member since 1967 and even at the age of 75, she can still belt out a good ballad.
July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield officially joined the Grand Ole Opry. Rod was hired to replace comedian Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, on the Prince Albert portion of the show after Whitey had a contract dispute with R.J. Reynolds and their advertising agency. Rod remained an Opry member until he passed away in September 1958. Years later, Minnie Pearl, who worked with Rod, would lead the effort to have him elected to the Hall of Fame. Rod was not only a gifted comedian, but a fine actor who had a very difficult personal life. One of his great movie roles was with Andy Griffith in "A Face in the Crowd."
July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced that he was running for Governor of Tennessee after he felt that the current Governor made some poor comments regarding country music. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, Roy didn't really have much of a chance and he lost the election by a wide margin. It was said that his campaign rallies drew large crowds that would listen to him, and others, sing and play but would leave once the speeches started.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He would become a member a year later but was gone pretty quick. Lefty said that it just didn't work out and that the Opry wasn't the dream he thought it would be.
July 5, 1952: Ralph Sloan and The Tennessee Travelers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. This group was formed in 1949 and was originally called the Cedar Hill Square Dancers. In 1980, Ralph passed away and his brother Melvin took over and the dancers became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin has since retired and the group now is simply called the Opry Square Dancers.
July 9, 1952: Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. Their marriage only lasted a few years but it did produce a daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known to her fans as Carlene Carter. Carl would go on to marry country singer Goldie Hill and June would eventually settle down with Johnny Cash.
July 18, 1954: Opry member Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky. Hard to believe that Ricky will be 61 this year. It seems just a few short years ago that Ricky, along with Vince Gill, Lorrie Morgan, Patty Loveless and Marty Stuart were considered the future of the Opry.
July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.
July 28, 1956: Johnny Cash became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Yep, it happened that fast. He would remain an Opry member only until 1958 when he left Nashville and moved to California. Even though he gave up his Opry membership, Johnny would continue to perform on the Opry whenever he was in Nashville, and especially when June Carter was around. It was during one such performance in 1965 that he kicked the Opry stage lights and was told not to come back. He stayed away for a few years but by the late 1960s he was back, making occasional appearances. Toward the end of his life, Roy Acuff had asked Johnny to become an Opry member again, but Johnny declined due to his heavy touring schedule.
July 24, 1957: Opry member Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida. She is, of course, the daughter of fellow Opry member Mel Tillis.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 54th year as an Opry member. Bill made his first Opry appearance in 1958 and the Opry continued to invite him back. Ott Devine was the Opry manager that invited Bill to join the cast.
July 18, 1964: Future Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith made her Grand Ole Opry debut. She joined the following year.
July 31, 1964: Former Opry member Jim Reeves, along with Dean Manuel, died in a plane crash just outside of Nashville. Jim was just 39. While he had given up his Opry membership, he was still a beloved figure at the Opry. Thanks to some forward thinking by Jim, there were many new recordings of Jim for fans to enjoy for many years after his death.
July 10, 1965: Roy Acuff was seriously injured in a car accident near Sparta, Tennessee. Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and broken ribs. Also injured in the accident were Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry stage in August.
July 26, 1966: Opry member Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 8, 1972: Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Although retired, this will be her 43rd year as an Opry member. Once in a while, Barbara visits backstage to visit friends and sometimes will even walk out on the stage and wave to the audience.
July 14, 1973: The Glaser Brothers made their final appearance as Grand Ole Opry members. After they left the cast, they would make only one more visit and that was on the night Hank Snow celebrated 40 years as a member of the Opry in January 1990.
July 21, 1973: Almost a year after Barbara Mandrell joined the cast, Jeanne Pruett became an Opry member. Like Barbara, Jeanne is now retired and she also will visit the Opry once in a while. This will be her 42nd year as an Opry member. 2001 was her last performance as an active member, although on her 40th Opry anniversary she did appear on stage. Jeanne was the last singing member to join the cast prior to the Opry's move to the new Grand Ole Opry House.
July 7, 1975: Opry member George Morgan died in a Nashville hospital after suffering a heart attack. He had been an Opry member since 1948. George did leave the Opry in 1956 to star in a television show, but returned in 1959. He had originally suffered his first heart attack in May but had returned to the Opry a month later, prior to leaving for heart surgery. There were complications that led to his death. He would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
July 24, 1976: Opry member Bobby Lord made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby came to the Opry in 1960 from the Ozark Jubilee. After leaving the Opry, Bobby went into semi-retirement and began working in real estate insurance. In the 1980s, he hosted a Sportsman show on TNN.
July 4, 1980: Future Diamond Rio member Dana Williams makes his first Opry appearance as a bass player for Jimmy C Newman.
July 5, 1980: John Conlee made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 2, 1982: Former Opry member, and Hall of Famer, DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was on of the first members of the Opry, but was fired in 1941 by George D. Hay. Various reasons were given, but over the years it would appear that race was the major issue. He refused invitations to return to the Opry for guest appearances until February 23, 1974 when he returned for the annual Old-Timer's Night. He was well received and would make a few more Opry appearances before he passed away, with the final one coming on April 3, 1982.
July 1, 1983: Gaylord Broadcasting Company purchased the Grand Ole Opry, WSM radio and the entire Opryland complex from American General Corporation. Even though it was called Gaylord Broadcasting, it was actually Edward Gaylord and his wife Thelma who were the actual owners. At the time, the Gaylords owned the television show "Hee Haw" and other media outlets. The price was rumored to be between $250 and $300 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment and go from a private company to a public company. The focus of the company would also change from broadcasting and entertainment to resort and hotel management. The company is now known as Ryman Hospitalities.
July 6, 1985: Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny would remain a very popular Opry member until he passed away on July 3, 2001 after a long illness. Johnny was always funny, but he was also a talented singer and songwriter who wrote some pretty serious songs. After joining the Opry, he would normally appear during the final segment on the 2nd show, trying to follow the pattern of Marty Robbins. Having had the opportunity to meet Johnny and share lunch with him, I can tell you he was a great person to meet.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 19th year as an Opry member. At the time she joined, she was the Opry's youngest member and was inducted into the cast by Garth Brooks.
July 5, 2008: Ending a long tradition, the start time for Saturday's 1st Grand Ole Opry show was changed from 6:30 to 7:00, resulting in a 2 hour show. This followed a change that had already been made for the 2nd Saturday night which was reduced to 2 hours the previous January. And no, there was no reduction in ticket prices.
July 15, 2008: Future Opry member Darius Rucker made his Opry debut, singing " Don't Think I Don't Think About It."
July 8, 2011: Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance on the stage of the Opry to ask the Oak Ridge Boys if they would like to become the Opry's newest members. Of course they accepted.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Mid-Week Opry Shows 6/30 & 7/1
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, June 30:
7:00: Larry Gatlin; Will Hoge
7:30: Aaron Tippin; Audio Adrenaline
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
8:45: Kelsea Ballerini; Diamond Rio
Nice to see that 4 of the 8 artists scheduled are Opry members and I would say that the Bill Anderson/Lorrie Morgan half hour will be the best of the night.
And for Wednesday July 1:
7:00: The Whites; Holly Williams
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Ashley Monroe
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee; The Willis Clan
8:45: Thompson Square; Ricky Skaggs
Much like the Tuesday show, Wednesday night will also have 4 Opry members, all different from the night before.
Enjoy!!
7:00: Larry Gatlin; Will Hoge
7:30: Aaron Tippin; Audio Adrenaline
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Lorrie Morgan
8:45: Kelsea Ballerini; Diamond Rio
Nice to see that 4 of the 8 artists scheduled are Opry members and I would say that the Bill Anderson/Lorrie Morgan half hour will be the best of the night.
And for Wednesday July 1:
7:00: The Whites; Holly Williams
7:30: Riders In The Sky; Ashley Monroe
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee; The Willis Clan
8:45: Thompson Square; Ricky Skaggs
Much like the Tuesday show, Wednesday night will also have 4 Opry members, all different from the night before.
Enjoy!!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Grand Ole Opry 6/26 & 6/27
Here is the Grand Ole Opry line-ups for this weekend:
Friday June 26
7:00: Connie Smith (host); The Farm; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Rhett Akins; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Sundy Best
8:45: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes featuring The Booth Brothers
Saturday June 27
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Shelley Skidmore; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Rhett Akins; Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Exile; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Elizabeth Cook; Gene Watson
The interesting name this weekend is Warren Haynes. For those who do not know Warren, he comes from the Southern Rock tree of the Allman Brothers and is associated with a number of Jambands, such as the Grateful Dead. My wife is a big follower of Warren and his group, Gov't Mule. I, along with her, have seen Warren in concert several times and he does an awesome job. But he is just not someone I associate as being on the Opry. But then, the more I think about it, he is probably more country and bluegrass oriented then many of those who perform on the Opry today.
As far as the rest of the weekend line-up, while it is solid, I would say that it is not one of the best weekends of the year. As far as Opry members, both nights will feature Connie Smith, Mike Snider, The Whites and Bill Anderson, while on Friday they will be joined by Riders In The Sky, Diamond Rio and Bobby Osborne, while on Saturday it will be Jesse McReynolds appearing.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, June 25 & 26, 2010. Both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday June 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Randy Kohrs
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Jack Greene; Sunny Sweeney
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds; Joey+Rory
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Raul Malo
Saturday June 26
7:00: The Whites (host); Connie Smith; Sam Bush
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Sarah Jarosz
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Loretta Lynn
And from ten years ago, the weekend of June 24 & 25, 2005:
Friday June 24
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Robbie Fulks
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Trent Willmon
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Rebecca Lynn Howard
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Cory & Jarrod Walker; Jon Randall
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; David Lee Murphy
Saturday June 25
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Kathleen Edwards
7:00: Brad Paisley (host); Diamond Rio; Nanci Griffith; Earl Scruggs
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Billy Yates; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Reflections Ridge
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Brad Paisley
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel; Earl Scruggs
10:30: Diamond Rio (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Yates; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Reflection Ridge
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Billy Walker; Kathleen Edwards
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, it was on Saturday June 24, 1989 that Garth Brooks made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Later this year, Garth will celebrate his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he joined the cast on October 6, 1990. From all indications, Garth will be making an Opry appearance later this year to celebrate his anniversary.
On the night that Garth made his Opry debut, he was introduced on the 1st show by Johnny Russell. After that night, when Garth would come to the Opry he would ask to be scheduled on Johnny's segment as a connection and friendship had formed between the two of them. And on the night Garth became a member, it was Johnny who did the honors.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 24, 1989, the night Garth Brooks first appeared on the Opry:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me Again
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Jean Shepard: Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco/Charlie's Shoes
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Ray Pillow: Til the Best Comes Along
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
The Whites: Blue Letters/Follow the Leader
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
7:30: Standard Candy
Johnny Russell: In A Mansion Stands My Love
4 Guys: Turn Around, Look At Me/Cocktails
Garth Brooks: I'm Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old/If Tomorrow Never Comes
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle/Elvira
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove/One Day At A Time
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Oswald: Black Smoke's A Risin
8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): The Call of the Wild
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Jimmy C Newman: LaCajun Band
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Mike Snider: Ground Speed
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
4 Guys: I'm All Tied Up
Billy Walker: A Million and One
The Whites: Hangin' Around/Doing It By the Book
Jack Greene: The Last Letter
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Walker (host): A Way to Free Myself
Jean Shepard: A Home In San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Roly Poly
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country/I'll Fly Away
10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Garth Brooks: I'm Much Too Young to Feel this Damn Old/If Tomorrow Never Comes
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
10:45: B.C. Powder
Roy Drusky (host): Too Old to Die Young
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Dance All Night
Roy Drusky: Mansion Over the Hilltop
11:00: Coca-Cola
Ray Pillow (host): Too Many Memories
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home/Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me Alone
Mike Snider: Look What They've Done to the Dominica Chicken
Ray Pillow: I'll Break Out Again Tonight
11:30: Creamettes
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now For Going Home
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door/Why Don't You Love Me
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Buried Alive
Johnny Russell: Me and Bobbi McGee
The other item about that night was after Hank Snow completed his segment, he drove home and was going to come back to host the 11:00 segment on the 2nd show. The problem was that he was involved in a car accident and was not able to get back. As you saw, Ray Pillow ended up hosting the segment for Hank. You never can tell what will happen on any given night at the Opry
Back to the vacation. I just wanted to take a quick moment and post this weekend's shows.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!
Friday June 26
7:00: Connie Smith (host); The Farm; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Rhett Akins; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Sundy Best
8:45: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes featuring The Booth Brothers
Saturday June 27
7:00: Connie Smith (host); Shelley Skidmore; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Rhett Akins; Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth
Intermission
8:15: The Whites (host); Exile; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Elizabeth Cook; Gene Watson
The interesting name this weekend is Warren Haynes. For those who do not know Warren, he comes from the Southern Rock tree of the Allman Brothers and is associated with a number of Jambands, such as the Grateful Dead. My wife is a big follower of Warren and his group, Gov't Mule. I, along with her, have seen Warren in concert several times and he does an awesome job. But he is just not someone I associate as being on the Opry. But then, the more I think about it, he is probably more country and bluegrass oriented then many of those who perform on the Opry today.
As far as the rest of the weekend line-up, while it is solid, I would say that it is not one of the best weekends of the year. As far as Opry members, both nights will feature Connie Smith, Mike Snider, The Whites and Bill Anderson, while on Friday they will be joined by Riders In The Sky, Diamond Rio and Bobby Osborne, while on Saturday it will be Jesse McReynolds appearing.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, June 25 & 26, 2010. Both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday June 25
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Randy Kohrs
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Jack Greene; Sunny Sweeney
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Stu Phillips; Jesse McReynolds; Joey+Rory
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Raul Malo
Saturday June 26
7:00: The Whites (host); Connie Smith; Sam Bush
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Sarah Jarosz
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Loretta Lynn
And from ten years ago, the weekend of June 24 & 25, 2005:
Friday June 24
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); John Conlee; Robbie Fulks
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Trent Willmon
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Rebecca Lynn Howard
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Cory & Jarrod Walker; Jon Randall
9:30: Mike Snider (host); Mel McDaniel; David Lee Murphy
Saturday June 25
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Kathleen Edwards
7:00: Brad Paisley (host); Diamond Rio; Nanci Griffith; Earl Scruggs
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Billy Yates; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Reflections Ridge
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); John Conlee; Brad Paisley
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel; Earl Scruggs
10:30: Diamond Rio (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Yates; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Emmylou Harris (host); The Whites; Reflection Ridge
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Billy Walker; Kathleen Edwards
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, it was on Saturday June 24, 1989 that Garth Brooks made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Later this year, Garth will celebrate his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry as he joined the cast on October 6, 1990. From all indications, Garth will be making an Opry appearance later this year to celebrate his anniversary.
On the night that Garth made his Opry debut, he was introduced on the 1st show by Johnny Russell. After that night, when Garth would come to the Opry he would ask to be scheduled on Johnny's segment as a connection and friendship had formed between the two of them. And on the night Garth became a member, it was Johnny who did the honors.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 24, 1989, the night Garth Brooks first appeared on the Opry:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Does Ft. Worth Every Cross Your Mind
Jeannie Seely: Tell Me Again
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Ashes of Love/Blue Moon of Kentucky/That's All Right
Jean Shepard: Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me
Billy Walker: Cross the Brazos at Waco/Charlie's Shoes
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): There's A Whole Lot About A Woman A Man Don't Know
Ray Pillow: Til the Best Comes Along
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
The Whites: Blue Letters/Follow the Leader
Jack Greene: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
7:30: Standard Candy
Johnny Russell: In A Mansion Stands My Love
4 Guys: Turn Around, Look At Me/Cocktails
Garth Brooks: I'm Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old/If Tomorrow Never Comes
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle/Elvira
Roy Drusky: Wings of A Dove/One Day At A Time
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Oswald: Black Smoke's A Risin
8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): The Call of the Wild
Charlie Louvin: Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Jimmy C Newman: LaCajun Band
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Mike Snider: Ground Speed
Hank Snow: I Almost Lost My Mind
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
4 Guys: I'm All Tied Up
Billy Walker: A Million and One
The Whites: Hangin' Around/Doing It By the Book
Jack Greene: The Last Letter
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Walker (host): A Way to Free Myself
Jean Shepard: A Home In San Antone/Time Changes Everything/Roly Poly
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country/I'll Fly Away
10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy C Newman (host): Colinda
Garth Brooks: I'm Much Too Young to Feel this Damn Old/If Tomorrow Never Comes
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
10:45: B.C. Powder
Roy Drusky (host): Too Old to Die Young
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Dance All Night
Roy Drusky: Mansion Over the Hilltop
11:00: Coca-Cola
Ray Pillow (host): Too Many Memories
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home/Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me Alone
Mike Snider: Look What They've Done to the Dominica Chicken
Ray Pillow: I'll Break Out Again Tonight
11:30: Creamettes
Johnny Russell (host): Got No Reason Now For Going Home
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door/Why Don't You Love Me
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel/Buried Alive
Johnny Russell: Me and Bobbi McGee
The other item about that night was after Hank Snow completed his segment, he drove home and was going to come back to host the 11:00 segment on the 2nd show. The problem was that he was involved in a car accident and was not able to get back. As you saw, Ray Pillow ended up hosting the segment for Hank. You never can tell what will happen on any given night at the Opry
Back to the vacation. I just wanted to take a quick moment and post this weekend's shows.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!
Monday, June 22, 2015
Grand Ole Opry This Week
Good Evening To All:
I just wanted to let those who read the blog know that I will be on vacation for a few days and not sure if I will be able to post this week's Grand Ole Opry line-up in a timely manner. I will do my best, but just to cover the high points if I am a day or two late:
Scheduled for the Friday Night Opry this week are Opry members Diamond Rio, along with guest artists The Farm, Rhett Akins and Russell Moore and III Tyme Out.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have Elizabeth Cook, Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth, Exile, Gene Watson and a return appearance by Rhett Akins. Interesting that no Opry members are listed on the scheduled to appear list, even though a number of Opry members will be appearing.
And just to recap last weekend at the Opry, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood made a surprise appearance on Friday night and sang a number of classic duets, including several made famous by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. It was nice to hear Garth and Trisha back on the Opry. For Garth, it was his first appearance on the Opry since May 2008 when he inducted Carrie Underwood as the Opry's newest member, while it was his first singing Opry appearance since October 2005 when he appeared during the Opry's 80th birthday bash. Way too long for someone who says that being an Opry member is one of the most important honors of his career.
Just to recap, here is the Opry line-up from his last appearance, Saturday October 15, 2005:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Travis Tritt; Garth Brooks; Diamond Rio
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Jeannie Seely; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Josh Turner; Ralph Stanley
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Travis Tritt
10:30: Diamond Rio (host); Stu Phillips; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Garth Brooks
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Josh Turner
As someone who was there that weekend, it was obviously a very good night at the Opry. While Garth was on the televised portion during the first show, he shared the stage with Porter Wagoner, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Dickens.
Hopefully we will see more of Garth before 2015 is out.
I just wanted to let those who read the blog know that I will be on vacation for a few days and not sure if I will be able to post this week's Grand Ole Opry line-up in a timely manner. I will do my best, but just to cover the high points if I am a day or two late:
Scheduled for the Friday Night Opry this week are Opry members Diamond Rio, along with guest artists The Farm, Rhett Akins and Russell Moore and III Tyme Out.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have Elizabeth Cook, Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth, Exile, Gene Watson and a return appearance by Rhett Akins. Interesting that no Opry members are listed on the scheduled to appear list, even though a number of Opry members will be appearing.
And just to recap last weekend at the Opry, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood made a surprise appearance on Friday night and sang a number of classic duets, including several made famous by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. It was nice to hear Garth and Trisha back on the Opry. For Garth, it was his first appearance on the Opry since May 2008 when he inducted Carrie Underwood as the Opry's newest member, while it was his first singing Opry appearance since October 2005 when he appeared during the Opry's 80th birthday bash. Way too long for someone who says that being an Opry member is one of the most important honors of his career.
Just to recap, here is the Opry line-up from his last appearance, Saturday October 15, 2005:
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Jimmy C Newman
7:00: Steve Wariner (host); Travis Tritt; Garth Brooks; Diamond Rio
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Louvin; Jeannie Seely; The Whites; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Josh Turner; Ralph Stanley
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Travis Tritt
10:30: Diamond Rio (host); Stu Phillips; Ralph Stanley; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Garth Brooks
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Josh Turner
As someone who was there that weekend, it was obviously a very good night at the Opry. While Garth was on the televised portion during the first show, he shared the stage with Porter Wagoner, Bill Anderson and Jimmy Dickens.
Hopefully we will see more of Garth before 2015 is out.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Mid-Week Opry Shows 6/23 & 6/24
Here are the line-ups for this week's mid-week Opry shows:
Tuesday June 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Corey Smith
Intermission
8:15: Hunter Hayes; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Very nice to see another appearance by one of the Opry's newest members, Rascal Flatts. Hunter Hayes makes another guest appearance and each year, the performance by the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers is always a highlight.
Wednesday June 24
7:00: Craig Campbell; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Striking Matches; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Michael Ray; Bill Anderson
8:45: EmiSunshine; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Tuesday June 23
7:00: Jeannie Seely; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Del McCoury Band; Corey Smith
Intermission
8:15: Hunter Hayes; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers
8:45: Rascal Flatts
Very nice to see another appearance by one of the Opry's newest members, Rascal Flatts. Hunter Hayes makes another guest appearance and each year, the performance by the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers is always a highlight.
Wednesday June 24
7:00: Craig Campbell; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Striking Matches; Tracy Lawrence
Intermission
8:15: Michael Ray; Bill Anderson
8:45: EmiSunshine; Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Grand Ole 6/19 & 6/20
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two weekend shows, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
In looking at Opry members scheduled this weekend, the highlight would be Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who is hosting the final segment each night. I have previously mentioned that Vince has really picked up his Opry appearances so far in 2015. Counting this coming weekend, Vince will have made 13 Opry appearances, compared to 17 for all of 2014. And he has more scheduled. Joining Vince both nights as segment hosts will be Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky, who will be celebrating their 33rd year as Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry will feature members Connie Smith and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers. Much as Vince has picked up on his Opry appearances, so has Larry and his brothers. For Larry, this will mark his 30th appearance of 2015, and for Steve and Rudy, they will be making their 25th appearance. Considering that Steve and Rudy have been basically missing from the Opry for a decade, that is great to see. For Larry, who made 23 appearances in 2014, it is nice to see his increased participation in the show.
In addition to those already mentioned, Saturday night will also include Opry members Bobby Osborne, Jan Howard, Mike Snider and Ray Pillow, who will be hosting a segment.
As far as guest artists this weekend, both nights will feature frequent Opry guest Jimmy Wayne, while on Friday night he will be joined by Restless Heart, TG Sheppard, Lauren Alaina, Pure Prairie League and a return appearance by Carly Pearce. Vince Gill is a former member of Pure Prairie League so don't be surprised if Vince stays on stage and picks with them. Saturday night's guests include Mandy Barnett, Darryl Worley, Cedar Hill and another appearance by Ray Stevens.
Friday June 19
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Restless Heart
7:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Jimmy Wayne; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); TG Sheppard; Lauren Alaina
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Pure Prairie League
Saturday June 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy Wayne; Mike Snider
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Cedar Hill; Ray Stevens
Cedar Hill is a traditional bluegrass band that has been around since 1967. It's members consist of Frank Ray, Jim Bunch, Pete Brown, Patti LaFleur and Shannon Cox and they work out of Missouri and Arkansas. They record for Blue Circle Records. I personally have never seen or heard the group so I am looking forward to see what they bring to the Opry this weekend.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of June 18 & 19, 2010: The shows both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday June 18
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Chuck Mead
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Leroy Parnell; Joey+Rory
8:45: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Charlie Daniels Band
Saturday June 19
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Robert David Hall; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Jo Dee Messina
And from ten years ago, the weekend of June 17 & 18, 2005:
Friday June 17
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; The Derailers
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Green; Little General Cloggers; Gene Watson
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Mel McDaniel; Chely Wright
9:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Osborne Brothers
9:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
Saturday June 18
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Shawn Camp
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Mel McDaniel; Sherrie Austin
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Matt Jenkins
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Sherrie Austin
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Mel McDaniel; Matt Jenkins
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Stu Phillips; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Ray Pillow; Charlie Nagatani; Shawn Camp
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, it was 33 years ago this weekend, June 19, 1982 that the Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
From the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book:
Though they carry on a comedic tradition that harkens back to Grand Ole Opry humorists of the 1930s like the Duke of Paducah, Riders In The Sky's four members are also masterful musicians who became the first Opry cast members to fully represent the cowboy stylings that helped to put the "Western" in "Country & Western." The group got their start in 1977, when guitarist Doug "Ranger Doug" Green, a one-time member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys and country music journalist and historian, invited bassist Fred "Too Slim" Labour to join him for a gig at a Nashville nightclub. With Paul "Woody Paul" Chrisman on fiddle, the trio dubbed themselves Riders In The Sky. Their recorded debut, "Three on the Trail" (1979), showcased impeccable vocal and instrumental work in the mold of such Western music heroes, and Country Music Hall of Fame members, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers, while their live shows added a strong dose of broad, quick-witted humor that had them poking gentle fun at one another and at aspects of the movie cowboy image. This combination led to their induction into the Opry's cast in 1982.
For the Riders, who became a quartet when they "promoted" longtime accordionist Joey "The Cowpolka King" Miskulin to full membership, the mission of keeping the cowboy style alive has led to exhaustive touring, a long-running radio show, and a long string of popular recordings, including two soundtrack companion CDs (Wood's Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky, for Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc.:Scream Factory Favorites) that earned the group Grammy awards in 2001 and 2003. Along the way, Riders In The Sky have earned multiple awards, including six Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year trophies and membership in the organization's Hall of Fame, the Academy of Western Artists' Western Music Group of the Year award (five times), and a presence on both the Country Music Foundation's Walkway of Stars and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California.
Today, the Riders continue to delight audiences at the Opry House and elsewhere, more than justifying Billboard jounalist Jim Bessman's characterization of them as one of "the most historically significant acts in the history of American music."
Congratulations to the Riders In The Sky for 33 years of Opry membership and here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky officially became members of the Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Back on My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling/What'll I Do With the Baby-O
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo & Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You & That's Enough For Me
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin/Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer & Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo Is the Instrument For Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's A Grave in the Wave of the Ocean
10:15: Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Yours For the Taking/There Goes My Everything
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In the Center of the Opry Stage/I Saw the Light
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Lonzo & Oscar/Eldridge Brothers: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Bama
4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle/Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: Have A Drink on Me/In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do Is Comeback Home/Remember Me
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this Saturday night will be hosted by former Opry Staff Band member Tim Atwood. He has been working on various side projects with a number of country music artists. The taping starts at 10:00 for broadcast at Midnight on WSM. Next week the scheduled host is Connie Smith.
Congratulations to the Riders In The Sky and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
In looking at Opry members scheduled this weekend, the highlight would be Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who is hosting the final segment each night. I have previously mentioned that Vince has really picked up his Opry appearances so far in 2015. Counting this coming weekend, Vince will have made 13 Opry appearances, compared to 17 for all of 2014. And he has more scheduled. Joining Vince both nights as segment hosts will be Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky, who will be celebrating their 33rd year as Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry will feature members Connie Smith and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers. Much as Vince has picked up on his Opry appearances, so has Larry and his brothers. For Larry, this will mark his 30th appearance of 2015, and for Steve and Rudy, they will be making their 25th appearance. Considering that Steve and Rudy have been basically missing from the Opry for a decade, that is great to see. For Larry, who made 23 appearances in 2014, it is nice to see his increased participation in the show.
In addition to those already mentioned, Saturday night will also include Opry members Bobby Osborne, Jan Howard, Mike Snider and Ray Pillow, who will be hosting a segment.
As far as guest artists this weekend, both nights will feature frequent Opry guest Jimmy Wayne, while on Friday night he will be joined by Restless Heart, TG Sheppard, Lauren Alaina, Pure Prairie League and a return appearance by Carly Pearce. Vince Gill is a former member of Pure Prairie League so don't be surprised if Vince stays on stage and picks with them. Saturday night's guests include Mandy Barnett, Darryl Worley, Cedar Hill and another appearance by Ray Stevens.
Friday June 19
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Restless Heart
7:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Jimmy Wayne; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); TG Sheppard; Lauren Alaina
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Pure Prairie League
Saturday June 20
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy Wayne; Mike Snider
7:30: Ray Pillow (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Cedar Hill; Ray Stevens
Cedar Hill is a traditional bluegrass band that has been around since 1967. It's members consist of Frank Ray, Jim Bunch, Pete Brown, Patti LaFleur and Shannon Cox and they work out of Missouri and Arkansas. They record for Blue Circle Records. I personally have never seen or heard the group so I am looking forward to see what they bring to the Opry this weekend.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of June 18 & 19, 2010: The shows both nights took place at the Ryman Auditorium.
Friday June 18
7:00: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Chuck Mead
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Leroy Parnell; Joey+Rory
8:45: Mike Snider (host); George Hamilton IV; Charlie Daniels Band
Saturday June 19
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jan Howard; Robert David Hall; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Stonewall Jackson; Jack Greene; Jo Dee Messina
And from ten years ago, the weekend of June 17 & 18, 2005:
Friday June 17
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; The Derailers
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Green; Little General Cloggers; Gene Watson
8:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Mel McDaniel; Chely Wright
9:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); T. Bubba Bechtol; Osborne Brothers
9:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
Saturday June 18
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Shawn Camp
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Mel McDaniel; Sherrie Austin
7:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Matt Jenkins
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Charlie Walker; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Sherrie Austin
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Mel McDaniel; Matt Jenkins
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Stu Phillips; T. Bubba Bechtol; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Radney Foster
11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Ray Pillow; Charlie Nagatani; Shawn Camp
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, it was 33 years ago this weekend, June 19, 1982 that the Riders In The Sky became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
From the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book:
Though they carry on a comedic tradition that harkens back to Grand Ole Opry humorists of the 1930s like the Duke of Paducah, Riders In The Sky's four members are also masterful musicians who became the first Opry cast members to fully represent the cowboy stylings that helped to put the "Western" in "Country & Western." The group got their start in 1977, when guitarist Doug "Ranger Doug" Green, a one-time member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys and country music journalist and historian, invited bassist Fred "Too Slim" Labour to join him for a gig at a Nashville nightclub. With Paul "Woody Paul" Chrisman on fiddle, the trio dubbed themselves Riders In The Sky. Their recorded debut, "Three on the Trail" (1979), showcased impeccable vocal and instrumental work in the mold of such Western music heroes, and Country Music Hall of Fame members, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers, while their live shows added a strong dose of broad, quick-witted humor that had them poking gentle fun at one another and at aspects of the movie cowboy image. This combination led to their induction into the Opry's cast in 1982.
For the Riders, who became a quartet when they "promoted" longtime accordionist Joey "The Cowpolka King" Miskulin to full membership, the mission of keeping the cowboy style alive has led to exhaustive touring, a long-running radio show, and a long string of popular recordings, including two soundtrack companion CDs (Wood's Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky, for Toy Story 2, and Monsters Inc.:Scream Factory Favorites) that earned the group Grammy awards in 2001 and 2003. Along the way, Riders In The Sky have earned multiple awards, including six Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year trophies and membership in the organization's Hall of Fame, the Academy of Western Artists' Western Music Group of the Year award (five times), and a presence on both the Country Music Foundation's Walkway of Stars and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California.
Today, the Riders continue to delight audiences at the Opry House and elsewhere, more than justifying Billboard jounalist Jim Bessman's characterization of them as one of "the most historically significant acts in the history of American music."
Congratulations to the Riders In The Sky for 33 years of Opry membership and here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry from Saturday June 19, 1982, the night Riders In The Sky officially became members of the Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Ernest Tubb (host): Letters Have No Arms
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Bobby Lord: Fall Away
Riders In The Sky: How the Yodel Was Born/Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Jack Leonard: Back on My Mind Again
Ernest Tubb: Rainbow at Midnight
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Cryin' My Heart Out Over You/Slipping Away
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling/What'll I Do With the Baby-O
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Lonzo & Oscar: All the Gold in California
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Connie Smith: I Just Had You On My Mind/Once A Day
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Ray Pillow: She's Doing it to Me Again
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow: I Have You & That's Enough For Me
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Have You Ever Been Lonely
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Del Wood: Just Because/Bill Bailey/Beer Barrel Polka
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin/Ol' Chunk of Coal
Jack Leonard: Lone Star Beer & Bob Wills Music
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): The Banjo Is the Instrument For Me
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Temporarily Yours
Grandpa Jones: There's A Grave in the Wave of the Ocean
10:15: Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Try A Little Kindness
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
Jack Greene: Yours For the Taking/There Goes My Everything
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Down in Union County
Riders In The Sky: (?)/Turkey in the Straw/Chicken Reel/Devil's Dream
Roy Acuff: In the Center of the Opry Stage/I Saw the Light
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Connie Smith: Lovin' You Baby
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Roy Drusky: Blues in My Heart
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
Jean Shepard: Alabama Jubilee
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Wilburn Brothers: Release Me
Lonzo & Oscar/Eldridge Brothers: Little Cabin Home on the Hill
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me
11:30: Bama
4 Guys (host): I Think About Your Loving All the Time
Bill Carlisle/Sheila & Bill Carlisle, Jr: Have A Drink on Me/In the Pines
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do Is Comeback Home/Remember Me
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this Saturday night will be hosted by former Opry Staff Band member Tim Atwood. He has been working on various side projects with a number of country music artists. The taping starts at 10:00 for broadcast at Midnight on WSM. Next week the scheduled host is Connie Smith.
Congratulations to the Riders In The Sky and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Mid-Week Opry Shows
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for this week's Tuesday Night Opry, along with the Wednesday Night Opry, which begins this week for most of the summer. The Wednesday night show replaces the Opry Country Classics show, which will return in the fall.
Tuesday June 16
7:00: Terri Clark; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Keith Anderson; Nathan Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Cam; The Steeldrivers
8:45: John Conlee; Chris Janson
Well, they did manage to round up two Opry members for this show. Cam gets a return appearance after her debut a few weeks back. And another show featuring Chris Janson
Wednesday June 17
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Greg Bates
7:30: Jeannie Seely; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Emily West; Marty Stuart
8:45: Trace Adkins
Nice to see Marty Stuart and Trace Adkins back at the Opry, even with a mid-week appearance. And Larry, Steve and Rudy continue their string of Opry appearances in 2015.
Tuesday June 16
7:00: Terri Clark; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Keith Anderson; Nathan Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Cam; The Steeldrivers
8:45: John Conlee; Chris Janson
Well, they did manage to round up two Opry members for this show. Cam gets a return appearance after her debut a few weeks back. And another show featuring Chris Janson
Wednesday June 17
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; Greg Bates
7:30: Jeannie Seely; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Emily West; Marty Stuart
8:45: Trace Adkins
Nice to see Marty Stuart and Trace Adkins back at the Opry, even with a mid-week appearance. And Larry, Steve and Rudy continue their string of Opry appearances in 2015.
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