The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the two shows this weekend and what stands out is the abundance of female hosts this weekend. On Friday night, three of the four segments will be hosted by female members, while on Saturday, all four have female hosts (considering that The Whites are a majority female group.). Pam Tillis, Jeannie Seely and Lorrie Morgan are the females hosting on Friday night, joined by Craig Morgan, while on Saturday it will be Jeannie and Pam, joined by Sharon and Cheryl White and Connie Smith. Other Opry members set to perform this weekend include Mike Snider (both nights) and Jesse McReynolds, The Whites and Josh Turner on Friday, while on Saturday Bobby Osborne is set to appear.
Guest artists this weekend are all folks who have appeared on the Opry before. Scheduled for Friday night are Smithfield, John Berry, Clare Bowen and Lorrie's son, Jesse Keith Whitley. Saturday will have Ray Scott, Carly Pearce, Mark Wills, Elizabeth Cook, Craig Wayne Boyd and Mandy Barnett gracing the Opry stage. I don't know about anyone else, but Mark and Mandy seem to be on the Opry more than most of the Opry's members.
Friday July 8
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Mike Snider; Smithfield
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan (host); The Whites; Clare Bowen
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jesse Keith Whitley; Josh Turner
Saturday July 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Ray Scott; Mike Snider
7:30: The Whites (host); Carly Pearce; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Elizabeth Cook Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Pam Tillis (host); Craig Wayne Boyd; Mandy Barnett
That comes out to 12 acts on Friday and Saturday night, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 6 Opry members on Saturday.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 8 & 9, 2011:
Friday July 8
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Edens Edge
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); John Conlee; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 9
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Joey+Rory
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; John Conlee; Kip Moore
8:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Joey+Rory
10:00: John Conlee (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Kip Moore
10:30: Pam Tillis (host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of July 7 & 8, 2006:
Friday July 7
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; T. Bubba Bechtol
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard; The Grascals
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Gary Nichols; Doyle Dykes; Vince Gill
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jeff Bates; Gene Watson
Saturday July 8
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Rockie Lynne
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; T. Bubba Bechtol
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; David Ball
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jeannie Seely; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent; Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; David Ball
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; T. Bubba Bechtol
10:30: Vince Gill (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Rockie Lynn
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jack Greene; Rhonda Vincent
Now looking back 25 years ago, to Saturday July 6, 1991:
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Justin Tubb
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Hank Locklin
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Stonewall Jackson; The Whites; Skeeter Davis
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Eddy Raven; Louise Mandrell
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); 4 Guys; Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Bill Anderson; Ray Pillow; Roy Drusky; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Eddy Raven; Bill Carlisle; Louise Mandrell
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); The Whites
10:30: Del Reeves (host); Mike Snider
10:45: Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Skeeter Davis; Connie Smith; Hank Locklin; Charlie Walker
11:30: 4 Guys (host); Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Ray Pillow
Looking back into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, it would appear that on Saturday July 8, 1972, Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. I mention that "it would appear" because that is the date I have listed on my membership list and this was the Saturday night that she was introduced as an Opry member. However, in the Opry's Picture History Books, the date listed is July 29. What brings that date in question is that Barbara did not appear on the Opry that Saturday night. Regardless of the exact date, this will be Barbara's 44th year as an Opry member.
Barbara Mandrell's first visit to the Grand Ole Opry was a career-defining moment. She had been in country music for nine years, touring with the Mandrell Family Band but had decided to take time off to enjoy her marriage to the band's drummer, Ken Dudney. "I had never been to Nashville when we went to the Opry," she remembers. "We had front-row seats in the balcony, and Dolly Parton was onstage at the moment I made that decision to return to music. I was watching her and thinking I can do this stuff. I love this stuff. I turned to my dad and said, 'Dad, if you will manage me, I want to get back into the country music business.' And he said, 'Well, okay, I'd bet my last penny on you.'"
Barbara wasted no time in signing with major label Columbia Records in 1969 after she brought her father on as manager. She released "I've Been Loving You Too Long" under the tutelage of producer Billy Sherrill. While working with Sherrill she had several Top 40 hits and a duet with Opry member David Houston. In 1978, the singer moved to ABC/Dot, where producer Tom Collins brought Barbara her first No. 1, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed." That team produced multiple hit singles and albums, including the pop crossover single "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right." It was a brilliant move for the petite blond; her father managed he throughout a career with numerous hit singles, multiple best-selling albums, a television variety series featuring her sisters, several movie roles, and an autobiography. Barbara received the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist honors twice. In 2009, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Barbara remembered the night she became an Opry member: "It was in July when Bud Wendell asked me to join the Grand Ole Opry. I was very honored. And I was introduced on the Roy Acuff segment. At the time, while I was acquainted with Mr. Acuff, I can't say we were friends. By coming to the Opry we became dear friends and now he's so special to me."
Here is the running order from Saturday July 8, 1972, the night Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Oak Ridge Boys: (?)
Billy Grammer: Peace In the Valley
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): I Don't Mind Going Under
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Pete Stamper: (?)
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
7:00: Luzianne
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow the Lilacs
Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore
Johnny Paycheck: Love Is A Good Thing
David Houston: Danny Boy
Tex Ritter: Lorena
Bobby Bare: Me & Bobby McGee
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Barbara Mandrell: Show Me
8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl On the Billboard
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Ronnie Dove: Right or Wrong
Del Reeves: The Best Is Yet to Come
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Marion Worth: For the Good Times
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Justin Tubb: Lodi
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Hank Snow: Geisha Girl
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
4 Guys: Shenandoah
David Houston: Soft, Sweet & Warm
Shoji Tabuchi: Rainbow In the Valley
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Pete Stamper: (?)
David Houston: Jambalaya
10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Johnny Paycheck: She's All I Got
Charlie Walker: I Don't Mind Going Under
10:15: Union 76
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go
10:45: Beech-Nut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Coming Down From God
Ronnie Dove: Okie From Muskogee
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
Barbara Mandrell: Tonight My Baby's Coming Home
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin' Hen
Barbara Mandrell: Satisfied
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Again
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Down In the Boondocks
Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Guitar Man
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Del Reeves: Bells of Southern Bell/A Dime At A Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield/Who Lotta Shaking Going On
Congratulations to Barbara Mandrell on 44 years of Opry membership.
The line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry July 12 is as follows:
7:00: The Whites; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Pam Tillis; Tommy Emmanuel & Richard Smith
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Cam
8:45: Ricky Skaggs; Justin Moore
Finally, for those who are interested, Leona Williams will be the host for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree this weekend. That should be a good show.
Enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!!
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Mid-Week Opry Shows 7/5 & 7/6
Here are the line-ups for the mid-week Opry shows:
Tuesday July 5
7:00: John Conlee; Jackie Lee
7:30: Kalisa Ewing; Flatt Lonesome
Intermission
8:15: John Berry; Point Of Grace
8:45: William Michael Morgan; Steve Wariner
Wednesday July 6
7:00: Jeannie Seely; JT Hodges
7:30: Wade Hayes; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Jimmy Wayne; Shelly; Skidmore
8:45: TG Sheppard; Chris Janson
Another guest appearance by Chris Janson, who appears on the Opry more than a majority of the Opry's members. And speaking of Opry members, just one on Wednesday night.
Tuesday July 5
7:00: John Conlee; Jackie Lee
7:30: Kalisa Ewing; Flatt Lonesome
Intermission
8:15: John Berry; Point Of Grace
8:45: William Michael Morgan; Steve Wariner
Wednesday July 6
7:00: Jeannie Seely; JT Hodges
7:30: Wade Hayes; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Jimmy Wayne; Shelly; Skidmore
8:45: TG Sheppard; Chris Janson
Another guest appearance by Chris Janson, who appears on the Opry more than a majority of the Opry's members. And speaking of Opry members, just one on Wednesday night.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
July Opry Highlights
Welcome to July and the heart of summer. Here are the historical facts and interesting notes regarding the Grand Ole Opry, or Opry members, that have taken place in the month of July:
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Adams County, Ohio. Although he went by the name "Cowboy" his actual name was Lloyd Estel. Cowboy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946 and would remain an Opry member until his death in 1963.
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 Grand Ole Opry from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s. They remained a popular duo into the 1960s when Annie Lou and Danny divorced and the act was history. Annie passed away in January 1982.
July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers, led by Herman Crook, made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. The Crook Brothers, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry until the death of Herman in June 1988. That covers a period of 62 years.
July 7, 1927: The late Charles Loudermilk, better known as Charlie Louvin, was born in Section, Alabama. Charlie was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and in 2001 he, along with his brother Ira, were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia. One of the true legends in bluegrass music, Jesse, along with his brother Jim, joined the Opry in 1964. Since the death of Jim, Jesse has remained on the Opry and at the age of 87 he sounds as good as ever.
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, 1932: The great Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Del had one of the great personalities in country music and had a string of hit records through the 1960s and 1970s.
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 official 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: Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ray came to the Opry in 1966 and recently celebrated 50 years as an Opry member. Ray is considered one of the real nice guys in country music.
July 19, 1937: The late 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 at War Memorial for a few years as the Opry crowd was not the type that the operators of the auditorium wanted at their building. 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 an admission fee of 25 cents, which did nothing to stop the crowds from coming to the Opry. War Memorial still stands in Nashville and is still in use. In fact, in 2010 when the Opry House was flooded, several Opry shows were relocated there.
July 6, 1940: "Miss Country Soul" Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jeannie will celebrate her 50th year as an Opry member in 2017 and at the age of 76, she remains a crowd favorite.
July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield became a member of 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 was an Opry member until he passed away in September 1958. Rod was not only a great comedian but a fine actor with one of his most famous 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. He decided to run after he felt that the current Governor had made some poor remarks 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 enjoyed the music but would leave once the political speeches started.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He would later become a member but was gone pretty quick. Lefty would later say 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 they were originally called the Cedar Hill Square Dancers. In 1980, Ralph passed away and his brother Melvin Sloan took over and the dancers became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin has since retired and the group is simply called the Opry Square Dancers.
July 9, 1952: Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. The marriage only lasted a couple of years but it did produce a daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known as Carlene Carter. After the marriage ended, June would remarry two more times, with the final marriage being to Johnny Cash, while Carl Smith would find happiness with Goldie Hill.
July 18, 1954: Opry member Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky.
July 2, 1955: According to various accounts, Patsy Cline made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 28, 1956: Just three weeks after his first appearance on the Opry, Johnny Cash became an Opry member. Johnny would remain an Opry member only until 1958 when he left Nashville and moved to California. Even though he gave it up, Johnny was always welcomed as a guest artist at the Opry whenever he was in Nashville, and he would appear especially if June Carter was around. It was during one such performance in 1965 that in a drug induced state that Johnny kicked the Opry stage lights out and was told not to come back. He stayed away for a few years, but by the late 1960s, he was back. Toward the end of his life, Roy Acuff reportedly asked Johnny to become an Opry member again, but Johnny declined.
July 24, 1957: Opry member Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 55th year as an Opry member. Bill made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and would appear as a guest until Opry manager Ott Devine asked Bill to become a member.
July 18, 1964: Connie Smith made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Connie would join the cast the following year.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole 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, Jim was still a beloved figure at the Opry.
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 crash were Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry in August.
July 26, 1966: Opry member Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 24, 1971: Country & Western music legend Patsy Montana made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 8, 1972: Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 44th year as an Opry member. Though retired, Barbara will show up occasionally backstage to visit friends and has even been known to walk out on stage and wave to the fans.
July 14, 1973: The Glaser Brothers made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. After they left the show, they would make just one more appearance and that was in January 1990, the night Hank Snow celebrated 40 years as an Opry member.
July 21, 1973: Just over a year after Barbara Mandrell joined the cast, Jeanne Pruett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Like Barbara, Jeanne is now retired. This will be her 43rd year as an Opry member. Jeanne was the last singing member of the Opry to join the cast before the Opry moved to the Grand Ole Opry House. Of course, Jerry Clower joined after Jeanne, but he was known for his comedy.
July 7, 1975: Opry member George Morgan passed away in a Nashville hospital after suffering a heart attack. George first joined the Opry in 1948, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold. He left the Opry in 1956 to star in a television show, but returned in 1959.
July 24, 1976: 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. He later hosted a Sportsman show on TNN. Although he gave up his Opry membership, Bobby would continue to make occasional Opry appearances.
July 4, 1980: Future Diamond Rio member Dana Williams made his first appearance on the Opry as a bass player for Jimmy C Newman.
July 5, 1980: John Conlee made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
July 2, 1982: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Opry, but was fired in 1941 by George D. Hay. Various reasons were given but it would appear that race was the major reason. He refused numerous invitations to return to the Opry until February 1974 when he returned for the annual reunion show. He was well received and would make a few more reunion show appearances, with the final one coming in April 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, Gaylord owned "Hee Haw" and other major media outlets. The price was rumored to be around $250 to $350 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment, and now is known as Ryman Hospitalities.
July 6, 1985: Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny would remain a very popular and loyal member of the Opry until he passed away on July 3, 2001 after a period of declining health. Johnny was very funny, but he was also a talented songwriter and singer who wrote some pretty serious songs. After joining the Opry, Johnny would normally appear on the final segment of the 2nd show, following the pattern set by Marty Robbins.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 20th year as an Opry member. At the time she joined the cast, she was the Opry's youngest member.
July 5, 2008: Ending a long standing tradition, the start time of Saturday's first Grand Ole Opry show was changed from 6:30 to 7:00, resulting in a two hour show. This followed a change that had already been made regarding the 2nd Saturday night show which had been reduced to 2 hours the previous January. And no, there was no reduction in ticket price for the shorter shows.
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 Grand Ole Opry members. Of course, the Oak Ridge Boys accepted and later this year will celebrate 5 years as Opry members.
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Adams County, Ohio. Although he went by the name "Cowboy" his actual name was Lloyd Estel. Cowboy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946 and would remain an Opry member until his death in 1963.
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 Grand Ole Opry from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s. They remained a popular duo into the 1960s when Annie Lou and Danny divorced and the act was history. Annie passed away in January 1982.
July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers, led by Herman Crook, made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. The Crook Brothers, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry until the death of Herman in June 1988. That covers a period of 62 years.
July 7, 1927: The late Charles Loudermilk, better known as Charlie Louvin, was born in Section, Alabama. Charlie was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years and in 2001 he, along with his brother Ira, were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia. One of the true legends in bluegrass music, Jesse, along with his brother Jim, joined the Opry in 1964. Since the death of Jim, Jesse has remained on the Opry and at the age of 87 he sounds as good as ever.
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, 1932: The great Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Del had one of the great personalities in country music and had a string of hit records through the 1960s and 1970s.
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 official 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: Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ray came to the Opry in 1966 and recently celebrated 50 years as an Opry member. Ray is considered one of the real nice guys in country music.
July 19, 1937: The late 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 at War Memorial for a few years as the Opry crowd was not the type that the operators of the auditorium wanted at their building. 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 an admission fee of 25 cents, which did nothing to stop the crowds from coming to the Opry. War Memorial still stands in Nashville and is still in use. In fact, in 2010 when the Opry House was flooded, several Opry shows were relocated there.
July 6, 1940: "Miss Country Soul" Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jeannie will celebrate her 50th year as an Opry member in 2017 and at the age of 76, she remains a crowd favorite.
July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield became a member of 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 was an Opry member until he passed away in September 1958. Rod was not only a great comedian but a fine actor with one of his most famous 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. He decided to run after he felt that the current Governor had made some poor remarks 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 enjoyed the music but would leave once the political speeches started.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He would later become a member but was gone pretty quick. Lefty would later say 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 they were originally called the Cedar Hill Square Dancers. In 1980, Ralph passed away and his brother Melvin Sloan took over and the dancers became known as the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin has since retired and the group is simply called the Opry Square Dancers.
July 9, 1952: Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. The marriage only lasted a couple of years but it did produce a daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known as Carlene Carter. After the marriage ended, June would remarry two more times, with the final marriage being to Johnny Cash, while Carl Smith would find happiness with Goldie Hill.
July 18, 1954: Opry member Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky.
July 2, 1955: According to various accounts, Patsy Cline made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 28, 1956: Just three weeks after his first appearance on the Opry, Johnny Cash became an Opry member. Johnny would remain an Opry member only until 1958 when he left Nashville and moved to California. Even though he gave it up, Johnny was always welcomed as a guest artist at the Opry whenever he was in Nashville, and he would appear especially if June Carter was around. It was during one such performance in 1965 that in a drug induced state that Johnny kicked the Opry stage lights out and was told not to come back. He stayed away for a few years, but by the late 1960s, he was back. Toward the end of his life, Roy Acuff reportedly asked Johnny to become an Opry member again, but Johnny declined.
July 24, 1957: Opry member Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 55th year as an Opry member. Bill made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and would appear as a guest until Opry manager Ott Devine asked Bill to become a member.
July 18, 1964: Connie Smith made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Connie would join the cast the following year.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole 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, Jim was still a beloved figure at the Opry.
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 crash were Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry in August.
July 26, 1966: Opry member Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 24, 1971: Country & Western music legend Patsy Montana made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
July 8, 1972: Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 44th year as an Opry member. Though retired, Barbara will show up occasionally backstage to visit friends and has even been known to walk out on stage and wave to the fans.
July 14, 1973: The Glaser Brothers made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. After they left the show, they would make just one more appearance and that was in January 1990, the night Hank Snow celebrated 40 years as an Opry member.
July 21, 1973: Just over a year after Barbara Mandrell joined the cast, Jeanne Pruett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Like Barbara, Jeanne is now retired. This will be her 43rd year as an Opry member. Jeanne was the last singing member of the Opry to join the cast before the Opry moved to the Grand Ole Opry House. Of course, Jerry Clower joined after Jeanne, but he was known for his comedy.
July 7, 1975: Opry member George Morgan passed away in a Nashville hospital after suffering a heart attack. George first joined the Opry in 1948, as the replacement for Eddy Arnold. He left the Opry in 1956 to star in a television show, but returned in 1959.
July 24, 1976: 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. He later hosted a Sportsman show on TNN. Although he gave up his Opry membership, Bobby would continue to make occasional Opry appearances.
July 4, 1980: Future Diamond Rio member Dana Williams made his first appearance on the Opry as a bass player for Jimmy C Newman.
July 5, 1980: John Conlee made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
July 2, 1982: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Opry, but was fired in 1941 by George D. Hay. Various reasons were given but it would appear that race was the major reason. He refused numerous invitations to return to the Opry until February 1974 when he returned for the annual reunion show. He was well received and would make a few more reunion show appearances, with the final one coming in April 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, Gaylord owned "Hee Haw" and other major media outlets. The price was rumored to be around $250 to $350 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment, and now is known as Ryman Hospitalities.
July 6, 1985: Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny would remain a very popular and loyal member of the Opry until he passed away on July 3, 2001 after a period of declining health. Johnny was very funny, but he was also a talented songwriter and singer who wrote some pretty serious songs. After joining the Opry, Johnny would normally appear on the final segment of the 2nd show, following the pattern set by Marty Robbins.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 20th year as an Opry member. At the time she joined the cast, she was the Opry's youngest member.
July 5, 2008: Ending a long standing tradition, the start time of Saturday's first Grand Ole Opry show was changed from 6:30 to 7:00, resulting in a two hour show. This followed a change that had already been made regarding the 2nd Saturday night show which had been reduced to 2 hours the previous January. And no, there was no reduction in ticket price for the shorter shows.
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 Grand Ole Opry members. Of course, the Oak Ridge Boys accepted and later this year will celebrate 5 years as Opry members.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Grand Ole Opry 7/1 & 7/2
Welcome to the July 4th weekend!! I hope everyone enjoys the fireworks and have a fun and safe weekend.
As far as the Grand Ole Opry, there are two very nice shows this weekend. Looking first at the Friday Night Opry, there is a solid group of Opry members scheduled including Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Mike Snider, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne, Vince Gill, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky and Diamond Rio. As far as Saturday night, Mike, Ricky, Bill, Vince and the Riders will be there, along with members Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Connie Smith and Jesse McReynolds. That comes out to 9 Opry members for each night, which in today's world is a pretty good number.
As far as guest artists, Friday night will have Love and Theft making another Grand Ole Opry appearance, joined by Amanda Shires, Jim Lauderdale and Jordan Rager. Saturday night, semi-Opry regular Mark Wills is slated, joined by Mandy Barnett and one of my personal favorites, T. Graham Brown.
Friday July 1
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Amanda Shires; Jim Lauderdale
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jordan Rager
8:45: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Riders In The Sky; Diamond Rio
That comes out to 13 acts on Friday night and 12 on Saturday, and as previously mentioned, 9 Opry members each night.
Saturday July 2
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; T. Graham Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Mandy Barnett
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 1 & 2, 2011:
Friday July 1
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jesse McReynolds; theJaneDear girls
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Isaacs; Rodney Atkins
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Darius Rucker; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers
Saturday July 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Troy Olsen
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy C Newman; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner (host); Jack Greene; Riders In The Sky; North American Irish Dance Champions
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Joe Diffie
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of June 30 & July 1, 2006:
Friday June 30
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mel McDaniel; Megan Mullins
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Restless Heart
9:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
Saturday July 1
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Darrell Scott
7:00: John Conlee (host); Del McCoury Band; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chely Wright; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mel McDaniel; Mandy Barnett; Barry Scott
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; John Conlee; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Darrell Scott; Chely Wright
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett; Barry Scott
Finally, from fifteen years ago, the weekend of June 29 & 30, 2001:
Friday June 29
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Bill Carlisle; Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys; Jim & Jesse
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Osborne Brothers; Charlie Walker; David Ball
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Del Reeves; Hot Club of Cowtown; Mel McDaniel
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider; Chris Cagle
9:30: John Conlee (host); Daryle Singletary; Eddy Raven
Saturday June 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Bill Carlisle; David Ball
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Del Reeves; Jack Greene; Blake Shelton
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Steve Holy; Jim & Jesse; Tammy Cochran
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Chalee Tennison
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Jean Shepard; David Ball
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Blake Shelton
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Hank Locklin; Tammy Cochran; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Mike Snider; Chalee Tennison
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Steve Holy; Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys
Friday July 1, 1988 was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as Johnny Cash made a guest appearance. Johnny was an Opry member in the 1950s, however he left the show after several years of membership. After leaving the Opry, he would return and make guest appearances on the show, as it did on this particular night. Here is the line-up from July 1, 1988 and Saturday July 2, 1988:
Friday July 1
1st show
6:30: Oscar Mayer
Bill Anderson (host); 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
7:00: GMC Trucks
Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Del Reeves
7:30: Cracker Barrel
Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Jim & Jesse; Randy Travis
8:00: Nabisco/Music Country Radio Network
Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Osborne Brothers
8:30: Kroger/Hamburger Helper
Hank Snow (host); Lorrie Morgan; Billy Walker; Hank Locklin; Bill Carlisle
2nd show
9:30: Music Valley Drive Merchants
Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Ray Pillow; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:00: Goody's Headache Powder
Bill Anderson (host); 4 Guys; Charlie Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper; Justin Tubb
10:30: Pillsbury Hungry Jack Biscuits
Roy Acuff (host); Jim & Jesse; Johnny Cash
11:00: Luck's Foods
Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Dickens; The Whites
11:30: Heinz
Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Osborne Brothers; Johnny Russell
Saturday July 2
6:30: Mrs. Grissom's Salads/Bonanza Family Restaurants
Melvin Sloan Dancers; 4 Guys (host); Lorrie Morgan
6:45: Rudy's Farm
Billy Walker (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host); Connie Smith; Jim & Jesse; Hank Locklin; Coon Creek Girls
7:30: Standard Candy Co.
Hank Snow (host); Lynn Anderson; Webb Pierce
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Music Valley Drive Merchants
Charlie Walker (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Melvin Sloan Dancers; Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Ray Pillow; Wilma Lee Cooper; Lynn Anderson
10:00: Little Debbie Snack Cakes
Stonewall Jackson (host); 4 Guys
10:15: Sunbeam Bread
Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Dan Kelly
10:30: Pet, Inc
Jim & Jesse (host); Bill Carlisle
10:45: BC Powder
Roy Drusky (host); Webb Pierce; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; Justin Tubb; Hank Locklin; Del Reeves
11:30: Creamette Pasta
Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Louvin; Skeeter Davis; Cotton Ivy
Nice to see former Opry member Webb Pierce returning for a guest appearance on Saturday night and appearing on the televised segment with Lynn Anderson.
Have a nice 4th of July and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
As far as the Grand Ole Opry, there are two very nice shows this weekend. Looking first at the Friday Night Opry, there is a solid group of Opry members scheduled including Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Mike Snider, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson, Bobby Osborne, Vince Gill, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky and Diamond Rio. As far as Saturday night, Mike, Ricky, Bill, Vince and the Riders will be there, along with members Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Connie Smith and Jesse McReynolds. That comes out to 9 Opry members for each night, which in today's world is a pretty good number.
As far as guest artists, Friday night will have Love and Theft making another Grand Ole Opry appearance, joined by Amanda Shires, Jim Lauderdale and Jordan Rager. Saturday night, semi-Opry regular Mark Wills is slated, joined by Mandy Barnett and one of my personal favorites, T. Graham Brown.
Friday July 1
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Love and Theft; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Amanda Shires; Jim Lauderdale
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jordan Rager
8:45: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Riders In The Sky; Diamond Rio
That comes out to 13 acts on Friday night and 12 on Saturday, and as previously mentioned, 9 Opry members each night.
Saturday July 2
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; T. Graham Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Riders In The Sky; Mandy Barnett
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago, the weekend of July 1 & 2, 2011:
Friday July 1
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jesse McReynolds; theJaneDear girls
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Isaacs; Rodney Atkins
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; The Whites; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Marty Stuart (host); Darius Rucker; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers
Saturday July 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers; Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Troy Olsen
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy C Newman; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: Steve Wariner (host); Jack Greene; Riders In The Sky; North American Irish Dance Champions
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Joe Diffie
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of June 30 & July 1, 2006:
Friday June 30
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Mel McDaniel; Megan Mullins
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Riders In The Sky; Restless Heart
9:30: John Conlee (host); Charlie Louvin; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Craig Morgan
Saturday July 1
1st show
6:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Darrell Scott
7:00: John Conlee (host); Del McCoury Band; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene; Jim Ed Brown; Chely Wright; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Mel McDaniel; Mandy Barnett; Barry Scott
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; John Conlee; Del McCoury Band
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Darrell Scott; Chely Wright
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jack Greene; Mandy Barnett; Barry Scott
Finally, from fifteen years ago, the weekend of June 29 & 30, 2001:
Friday June 29
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); The Whites; Bill Carlisle; Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys; Jim & Jesse
8:00: Jean Shepard (host); Osborne Brothers; Charlie Walker; David Ball
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Del Reeves; Hot Club of Cowtown; Mel McDaniel
9:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider; Chris Cagle
9:30: John Conlee (host); Daryle Singletary; Eddy Raven
Saturday June 30
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Bill Carlisle; David Ball
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Del Reeves; Jack Greene; Blake Shelton
7:30: Jean Shepard (host); Steve Holy; Jim & Jesse; Tammy Cochran
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys; Mike Snider; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Osborne Brothers; Chalee Tennison
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; Jean Shepard; David Ball
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Blake Shelton
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Hank Locklin; Tammy Cochran; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Mike Snider; Chalee Tennison
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Steve Holy; Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys
Friday July 1, 1988 was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as Johnny Cash made a guest appearance. Johnny was an Opry member in the 1950s, however he left the show after several years of membership. After leaving the Opry, he would return and make guest appearances on the show, as it did on this particular night. Here is the line-up from July 1, 1988 and Saturday July 2, 1988:
Friday July 1
1st show
6:30: Oscar Mayer
Bill Anderson (host); 4 Guys; Jeannie Seely; Roy Drusky; Skeeter Davis
7:00: GMC Trucks
Porter Wagoner (host); Jeanne Pruett; Stonewall Jackson; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith; Del Reeves
7:30: Cracker Barrel
Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Jim & Jesse; Randy Travis
8:00: Nabisco/Music Country Radio Network
Jimmy Dickens (host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Osborne Brothers
8:30: Kroger/Hamburger Helper
Hank Snow (host); Lorrie Morgan; Billy Walker; Hank Locklin; Bill Carlisle
2nd show
9:30: Music Valley Drive Merchants
Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Ray Pillow; Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
10:00: Goody's Headache Powder
Bill Anderson (host); 4 Guys; Charlie Walker; Wilma Lee Cooper; Justin Tubb
10:30: Pillsbury Hungry Jack Biscuits
Roy Acuff (host); Jim & Jesse; Johnny Cash
11:00: Luck's Foods
Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Dickens; The Whites
11:30: Heinz
Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Osborne Brothers; Johnny Russell
Saturday July 2
6:30: Mrs. Grissom's Salads/Bonanza Family Restaurants
Melvin Sloan Dancers; 4 Guys (host); Lorrie Morgan
6:45: Rudy's Farm
Billy Walker (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host); Connie Smith; Jim & Jesse; Hank Locklin; Coon Creek Girls
7:30: Standard Candy Co.
Hank Snow (host); Lynn Anderson; Webb Pierce
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Music Valley Drive Merchants
Charlie Walker (host); Skeeter Davis; Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky; Jeannie Seely
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General Stores
Melvin Sloan Dancers; Jack Greene (host); Jeanne Pruett; Ray Pillow; Wilma Lee Cooper; Lynn Anderson
10:00: Little Debbie Snack Cakes
Stonewall Jackson (host); 4 Guys
10:15: Sunbeam Bread
Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Dan Kelly
10:30: Pet, Inc
Jim & Jesse (host); Bill Carlisle
10:45: BC Powder
Roy Drusky (host); Webb Pierce; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host); Jan Howard; Justin Tubb; Hank Locklin; Del Reeves
11:30: Creamette Pasta
Charlie Walker (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Louvin; Skeeter Davis; Cotton Ivy
Nice to see former Opry member Webb Pierce returning for a guest appearance on Saturday night and appearing on the televised segment with Lynn Anderson.
Have a nice 4th of July and enjoy the Opry this weekend!!!
Monday, June 27, 2016
Tuesday Night Opry 6/28 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/29
The Tuesday Night Opry will have two shows this week, thanks to the presence of Grand Ole Opry members Rascal Flatts. They will be joined by Opry members Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, and Bill Anderson. Also appearing on the first show will be the ACM Lifting Lives Campers.
1st show
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; LOCASH
7:30: Frankie Ballard; Henry Cho
8:00: Bill Anderson; Parker Milsap
8:30: Rascal Flatts; ACM Lifting Lives Campers
2nd show
9:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; LOCASH
10:00: Rascal Flatts
10:30: Frankie Ballard; Henry Cho
11:00: Bill Anderson; Parker Milsap
And here is the line-up for Wednesday June 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Emily West; Randy Rogers Band
Intermission
8:15: The Whites; Mary Sarah
8:45: Parmalee; Ray Stevens
1st show
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; LOCASH
7:30: Frankie Ballard; Henry Cho
8:00: Bill Anderson; Parker Milsap
8:30: Rascal Flatts; ACM Lifting Lives Campers
2nd show
9:30: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers; LOCASH
10:00: Rascal Flatts
10:30: Frankie Ballard; Henry Cho
11:00: Bill Anderson; Parker Milsap
And here is the line-up for Wednesday June 29
7:00: Riders In The Sky; The Swon Brothers
7:30: Emily West; Randy Rogers Band
Intermission
8:15: The Whites; Mary Sarah
8:45: Parmalee; Ray Stevens
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Ralph Stanley
The Grand Ole Opry has lost another member as Ralph Stanley has passed away after a long battle with skin cancer. Dr. Ralph was 86 and was the last of the first generation of bluegrass stars still alive.
Ralph Edmund Stanley was born on February 25, 1927 in Dickinson County, Virginia, where he lived his entire life. With his brother Carter, the Stanley Brothers formed the Clinch Mountain Boys shortly after World War II. After Carter's death in 1966, Ralph Stanley continued on with his solo career. Considered a part of the first generation of bluegrass performers, Ralph was a member of the International Bluegrass Hall of Honor, elected in 1992.
While he first achieved recognition as a member of one of country music's best loved brother duos, Dr. Ralph Stanley's long solo career has earned him critical acclaim and the devotion of generations of fans. Born in the Clinch Mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Ralph's mother taught him the basics of the old time clawhammer style of banjo playing when he was young, around the time he and his older brother Carter were learning to sing in church.
After returning from military service at the end of World War II, Ralph and Carter formed the clinch mountain boys, and made their first record for Rich-R-Tone label in 1947. The Stanley Brothers, with their signature mournful duets, went on to record for Columbia Records, Mercury and King, introducing what are now some of the most loved songs in the country and bluegrass repertoire.
After Carter's death in 1966, Ralph began emphasizing a more mature, rural sound, build around his distinguished tenor singing and simple-but-driving, "Stanley style," banjo playing. Over the decades his band has included many promising young talents including Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Larry Sparks, grandson Nathan Stanley, and son Ralph Stanley II, all of whom eventually graduated to distinguished solo careers. A wider audience embraced Ralph's music in the '90s when he invited acclaimed artists such as Vince Gill, George Jones, and Bob Dylan to be guests on his albums. In 2002, he earned a Grammy award for his acapella performance of "Oh Death" from the award-winning "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. Among Ralph's many other honors are the Library of Congress's Living Legend Award and two honorary degrees (Lincoln Memorial University and Yale University) that led to his universal recognition as "Doctor Ralph." From his 2015 album "Man of Constant Sorrow," co-produced by Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, the likes of Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Josh Turner, and Dierks Bentley joined him, further affirming that Dr Ralph Stanley is an American treasure.
Ralph Stanley joined the Grand Ole Opry on January 15, 2000, with Patty Loveless and Porter Wagoner doing the induction, an induction that was well deserved.
In addition to seeing Ralph Stanley on the Opry numerous times, I also had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a few years ago when he came up to Ohio. After the show, he did a meet and greet, where he signed his autobiography for me, along with a Stanley Brothers CD. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word who never forgot where his roots were.
Prayers and thoughts go to the family and friends of Ralph Stanley.
Ralph Edmund Stanley was born on February 25, 1927 in Dickinson County, Virginia, where he lived his entire life. With his brother Carter, the Stanley Brothers formed the Clinch Mountain Boys shortly after World War II. After Carter's death in 1966, Ralph Stanley continued on with his solo career. Considered a part of the first generation of bluegrass performers, Ralph was a member of the International Bluegrass Hall of Honor, elected in 1992.
While he first achieved recognition as a member of one of country music's best loved brother duos, Dr. Ralph Stanley's long solo career has earned him critical acclaim and the devotion of generations of fans. Born in the Clinch Mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Ralph's mother taught him the basics of the old time clawhammer style of banjo playing when he was young, around the time he and his older brother Carter were learning to sing in church.
After returning from military service at the end of World War II, Ralph and Carter formed the clinch mountain boys, and made their first record for Rich-R-Tone label in 1947. The Stanley Brothers, with their signature mournful duets, went on to record for Columbia Records, Mercury and King, introducing what are now some of the most loved songs in the country and bluegrass repertoire.
After Carter's death in 1966, Ralph began emphasizing a more mature, rural sound, build around his distinguished tenor singing and simple-but-driving, "Stanley style," banjo playing. Over the decades his band has included many promising young talents including Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Larry Sparks, grandson Nathan Stanley, and son Ralph Stanley II, all of whom eventually graduated to distinguished solo careers. A wider audience embraced Ralph's music in the '90s when he invited acclaimed artists such as Vince Gill, George Jones, and Bob Dylan to be guests on his albums. In 2002, he earned a Grammy award for his acapella performance of "Oh Death" from the award-winning "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. Among Ralph's many other honors are the Library of Congress's Living Legend Award and two honorary degrees (Lincoln Memorial University and Yale University) that led to his universal recognition as "Doctor Ralph." From his 2015 album "Man of Constant Sorrow," co-produced by Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, the likes of Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Josh Turner, and Dierks Bentley joined him, further affirming that Dr Ralph Stanley is an American treasure.
Ralph Stanley joined the Grand Ole Opry on January 15, 2000, with Patty Loveless and Porter Wagoner doing the induction, an induction that was well deserved.
In addition to seeing Ralph Stanley on the Opry numerous times, I also had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a few years ago when he came up to Ohio. After the show, he did a meet and greet, where he signed his autobiography for me, along with a Stanley Brothers CD. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word who never forgot where his roots were.
Prayers and thoughts go to the family and friends of Ralph Stanley.
Grand Ole Opry 6/24 & 6/25
The Grand Ole Opry is set to roll for another Friday and Saturday night and the line-ups have been posted. Some interesting names are listed, with the most prominent being that of Hall of Famer, and Grand Ole Opry member, Roy Clark. It is nice to see Roy back on the Opry for the second time this year.
He is set to appear on Friday night, along with fellow Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky. Jeannie, John, Mike and Riders are also scheduled for Saturday night, where they will be joined by Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, The Whites and Bobby Osborne.
Among the guest artists this weekend, Friday night will feature a return appearance by Shenandoah. They had previously made an Opry appearance earlier this year, after being away from the Opry for decades. They sounded great and were very well received. Joining them will be another group that I really enjoy and that is Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band. I saw this group when they were performing at the Opry Plaza during last year's 90th birthday weekend, and they are really great. Carson is a very talented young man and his family does a great job backing him up. Also set for Friday is Carly Pearce and Darryl Worley, both of whom have made frequent Opry appearances.
Saturday night will feature a couple of newcomers to the Opry stage, Brett Young and Town Mountain. For Town Mountain, this will be their Grand Ole Opry debut and they should fit right in, being a string band from North Carolina. Both will be joined by Smithfield, Keith & Kristyn Getty and Mandy Barnett.
Friday June 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Roy Clark
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band; Darryl Worley
Saturday June 25
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Smithfield; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Keith & Kristyn Getty
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brett Young; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Town Mountain; Mandy Barnett
That comes out to 11 acts on Friday night, of whom 7 are Opry members, and 12 acts on Saturday night, again with 7 members of the Opry.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, June 24 & 25, 2011:
Friday June 24
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Buddy Jewell
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Bucky Covington; Del McCoury Band
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Crystal Gayle
Saturday June 25
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Frankie Ballard
7:30: The Whites (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Foster & Lloyd; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of June 23 & 24, 2006:
Friday June 23
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; George Canyon
9:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp Performers; Rodney Atkins
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jeff Bates
Saturday June 24
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; John Cowan
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Eddy Raven; Old Crow Medicine Show
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rodney Atkins; Mountain Heart
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Walker; Alecia Nugent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jennifer Hanson; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Old Crow Medicine Show
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Eddy Raven; Mountain Heart
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Yates; Alecia Nugent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Rodney Atkins
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jennifer Hanson; John Cowan
Finally, from fifteen years ago, the weekend of June 22 & 23, 2001:
Friday June 22
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; The Derailers
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Hal Ketchum
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; David Ball
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin; Leslie Satcher; Jimmy C Newman
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
Saturday June 23
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Danni Leigh; Mike Snider
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); David Ball; Hal Ketchum
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Mandy Barnett
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky; Hal Ketchum
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Del Reeves; Jimmy C Newman; David Ball
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Hank Locklin; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Charlie Nagatani; Danni Leigh
For this week's featured Opry line-up, it was 50 years ago Saturday night, as on June 25, 1966 Willie Nelson performed his final time as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Willie had joined the Opry in November 1964. It has been written and documented many times that Willie felt that Nashville and the Opry were just not right for him, as his career as a singer was not going anywhere. Willie made the decision to return to the Austin, Texas area, and the rest is history. Here is the running order from Willie's final night as an Opry member.
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Ernest Ashworth (host) (?)
(?)
6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jimmy Gately: Old Faithful
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:00:
Osborne Brothers (host): Up This Hill & Down
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: If I Talk to Him
Roy Drusky: Rainbows & Roses
Osborne Brothers: (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone with You
Connie Smith: Even Tho
Billy Walker: Down to My Last Cigarette
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be Alright Tomorrow
Jerry Byrd: The Married Man
7:30: Luzianne
George Morgan (host): No Man Should Hurt As Bad As I Do
Dottie West: Would You Hold It Against Me
Del Wood: Rainbow
Chuck Wagon Gang: I'm Getting Ready
George Morgan; Almost
Stu Phillips: Mansion on the Hill
Dottie West: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
George Morgan: Who, At My Door Is Standing
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Osborne Brothers: Up this Hill & Down
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Porter Wagoner: I Dreamed I Saw America on Her Knees
George McCormick: Where the Old Red River Flows
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Mack MaGaha: Katy Hill
8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Glasses Joe
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away From You
Willie Nelson: I Love You Because
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Wilburn Brothers & Loretta Lynn: Put It Off Until Tomorrow
Willie Nelson: I'm Still Not Over You
Ernest Tubb: Give Me A Little Old Fashioned Love
9:00: Pet Milk
Hank Locklin (host): Crying Time
Jean Shepard: Ain't You Ashamed
Ray Pillow: Common Cold & A Broken Heart
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream on
Duane Dee: Danny Boy
Jean Shepard & Ray Pillow: I'll Take the Dog
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Hank Locklin: Y'All Come
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
George Morgan: No Man Should Hurt As Bad As I Do
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Grandpa Jones: Nobody Knows But Me
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): You Don't Want My Love
Dottie West: Would You Hold it Against Me
Ernest Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights and Country Music
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
George McCormick: There's A Woman
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging/I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/Misery Loves Company/Sorrow on the Rock
Mac MaGaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
10:30: Harvey's
Ray Pillow (host): Thank You Ma'am
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Del Wood: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Ernest Tubb: Mr. Juke Box
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away From You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Loretta Lynn: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
11:30: Lava
Bobby Lord (host): That's All Right
Duane Dee: Take Good Care of Her
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Diamonds On Your Hands
Chuck Wagon Gang: Cabin on the Hill
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Cousin Jody: Mocking Bird
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye
The name that some of you may not recognize from the Opry that night was Duane Dee.
He is set to appear on Friday night, along with fellow Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, John Conlee, Jesse McReynolds, Connie Smith and Riders In The Sky. Jeannie, John, Mike and Riders are also scheduled for Saturday night, where they will be joined by Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, The Whites and Bobby Osborne.
Among the guest artists this weekend, Friday night will feature a return appearance by Shenandoah. They had previously made an Opry appearance earlier this year, after being away from the Opry for decades. They sounded great and were very well received. Joining them will be another group that I really enjoy and that is Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band. I saw this group when they were performing at the Opry Plaza during last year's 90th birthday weekend, and they are really great. Carson is a very talented young man and his family does a great job backing him up. Also set for Friday is Carly Pearce and Darryl Worley, both of whom have made frequent Opry appearances.
Saturday night will feature a couple of newcomers to the Opry stage, Brett Young and Town Mountain. For Town Mountain, this will be their Grand Ole Opry debut and they should fit right in, being a string band from North Carolina. Both will be joined by Smithfield, Keith & Kristyn Getty and Mandy Barnett.
Friday June 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Carly Pearce; Mike Snider
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds; Shenandoah
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Roy Clark
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Fiddlin' Carson Peters Band; Darryl Worley
Saturday June 25
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers (host); Smithfield; Mike Snider
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Keith & Kristyn Getty
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brett Young; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Town Mountain; Mandy Barnett
That comes out to 11 acts on Friday night, of whom 7 are Opry members, and 12 acts on Saturday night, again with 7 members of the Opry.
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from five years ago this weekend, June 24 & 25, 2011:
Friday June 24
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Buddy Jewell
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Bucky Covington; Del McCoury Band
8:45: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Crystal Gayle
Saturday June 25
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Frankie Ballard
7:30: The Whites (host); Jimmy C Newman; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Ray Pillow (host); Foster & Lloyd; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Now from ten years ago, the weekend of June 23 & 24, 2006:
Friday June 23
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Mel McDaniel; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; George Canyon
9:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; The Vanderbilt Kennedy Music Camp Performers; Rodney Atkins
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jeff Bates
Saturday June 24
1st show
6:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; John Cowan
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Eddy Raven; Old Crow Medicine Show
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Rodney Atkins; Mountain Heart
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Charlie Walker; Alecia Nugent; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jennifer Hanson; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Old Crow Medicine Show
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); w/Helen Cornelius; Eddy Raven; Mountain Heart
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Yates; Alecia Nugent; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Rodney Atkins
11:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jennifer Hanson; John Cowan
Finally, from fifteen years ago, the weekend of June 22 & 23, 2001:
Friday June 22
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; The Derailers
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Stu Phillips; Hal Ketchum
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jan Howard; Charlie Walker; David Ball
9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Louvin; Leslie Satcher; Jimmy C Newman
9:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
Saturday June 23
1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Connie Smith; Bill Carlisle; Danni Leigh; Mike Snider
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); David Ball; Hal Ketchum
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Del Reeves; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Mandy Barnett
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; Roy Drusky; Hal Ketchum
10:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Del Reeves; Jimmy C Newman; David Ball
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Hank Locklin; Mandy Barnett; Opry Square Dance Band; Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Ray Pillow; Charlie Nagatani; Danni Leigh
For this week's featured Opry line-up, it was 50 years ago Saturday night, as on June 25, 1966 Willie Nelson performed his final time as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Willie had joined the Opry in November 1964. It has been written and documented many times that Willie felt that Nashville and the Opry were just not right for him, as his career as a singer was not going anywhere. Willie made the decision to return to the Austin, Texas area, and the rest is history. Here is the running order from Willie's final night as an Opry member.
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Ernest Ashworth (host) (?)
(?)
6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Po Folks
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jimmy Gately: Old Faithful
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:00:
Osborne Brothers (host): Up This Hill & Down
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: If I Talk to Him
Roy Drusky: Rainbows & Roses
Osborne Brothers: (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone with You
Connie Smith: Even Tho
Billy Walker: Down to My Last Cigarette
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be Alright Tomorrow
Jerry Byrd: The Married Man
7:30: Luzianne
George Morgan (host): No Man Should Hurt As Bad As I Do
Dottie West: Would You Hold It Against Me
Del Wood: Rainbow
Chuck Wagon Gang: I'm Getting Ready
George Morgan; Almost
Stu Phillips: Mansion on the Hill
Dottie West: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
George Morgan: Who, At My Door Is Standing
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Osborne Brothers: Up this Hill & Down
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Porter Wagoner: I Dreamed I Saw America on Her Knees
George McCormick: Where the Old Red River Flows
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Mack MaGaha: Katy Hill
8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Glasses Joe
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away From You
Willie Nelson: I Love You Because
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Wilburn Brothers & Loretta Lynn: Put It Off Until Tomorrow
Willie Nelson: I'm Still Not Over You
Ernest Tubb: Give Me A Little Old Fashioned Love
9:00: Pet Milk
Hank Locklin (host): Crying Time
Jean Shepard: Ain't You Ashamed
Ray Pillow: Common Cold & A Broken Heart
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream on
Duane Dee: Danny Boy
Jean Shepard & Ray Pillow: I'll Take the Dog
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Hank Locklin: Y'All Come
9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
George Morgan: No Man Should Hurt As Bad As I Do
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Hank Snow: I've Cried A Mile
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
George Morgan: You're The Only Good Thing
Grandpa Jones: Nobody Knows But Me
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): You Don't Want My Love
Dottie West: Would You Hold it Against Me
Ernest Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights and Country Music
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
George McCormick: There's A Woman
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging/I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/Misery Loves Company/Sorrow on the Rock
Mac MaGaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
10:30: Harvey's
Ray Pillow (host): Thank You Ma'am
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Del Wood: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Ernest Tubb: Mr. Juke Box
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away From You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Loretta Lynn: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
11:30: Lava
Bobby Lord (host): That's All Right
Duane Dee: Take Good Care of Her
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Diamonds On Your Hands
Chuck Wagon Gang: Cabin on the Hill
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Cousin Jody: Mocking Bird
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye
The name that some of you may not recognize from the Opry that night was Duane Dee.
Duane Dee is an American country singer known for his many guest appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and also for a series of minor hits on the country charts, sometimes with songs that went on to be major hits for other artists.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dee signed a contract with Capitol Records, and his second single was "Before the Next Teardrop Falls", which spent several months on the country charts before reaching #44 in early 1968. (In 1975 Freddy Fender's version topped the pop and country charts.) Later in 1968 Dee's original version of "True Love Travels on a Gravel Road" reached #58 on the country charts; Elvis Presley's 1969 version is probably now better known. Moving to Cartwheel Records, Dee had more minor country hits in 1971 with "I've Got to Sing" (#71) and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?" (#36; a country version of a #1 hit by The Bee Gees). In 1972 he recorded "Sweet Apple Wine" (#64). Moving to ABC Records, Dee had one more minor hit in 1974 with "Morning Girl" (#88).
I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!!!
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