It has become somewhat of an Opry tradition that Lee Greenwood and Mandy Barnett are scheduled for shows around the July 4th holiday. No exception this year, as Lee is scheduled to close out the Tuesday Night Opry and Mandy will be appearing on the Wednesday night show.
Tuesday July 2
7:00: John Conlee; Micky Guyton
7:30: Eric Paslay; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Dusty Slay
8:45: Kellie Pickler; Lee Greenwood
Wednesday July 3
7:00: Riders In The Sky; David Ball
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Intermission
8:15: Sundance Head; Jim Lauderdale
8:45: Mandy Barnett; Jason Crabb
I hope everyone is safe this July 4 and be careful of those fireworks. We don't need any burnt fingers or missing limbs.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/28 & 6/29
So several weeks ago, June 11 to be exact, an artist was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Unless I missed something, and in looking at the upcoming Opry schedule through the rest of the summer, I see no official induction date announced or listed. I hope that is not an indication as to the commitment to the Opry this newest member will be.
In other news, it was posted earlier this week that Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was hospitalized and being checked out after becoming dizzy. Hopefully it is nothing to serious and the reports that were posted made it seem as if it was a precautionary measure. Jesse, who is the Opry's oldest male member, turns 90 on July 9.
Another Opry member, Connie Smith, was originally listed on the preliminary Opry schedule for this weekend, but is not on the final schedule announced. Connie has been absent from the Opry since early June and I know all of us hope she is well and will be back on the Opry very soon.
Finally, Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall was formally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Tom T., who is now 83, has had his songs recorded by dozens and dozens of artists. Johnny Cash called him his favorite song writer. In addition to this latest honor, Tom T. Hall is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
________________________________________________________________________
Now let's look at this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows. I will start it off with this comment: if you are looking for Grand Ole Opry members, the Opry this weekend will not be the place to be looking as the Friday Night Opry has just three members listed (Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely), while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has just four on the schedule (Bobby Osborne joining Snider, Riders and Seely). As a result, there are only three segments on each show.
There are some interesting names guesting this weekend including the legendary and former Grand Ole Opry member, Leroy Van Dyke, who is scheduled for Saturday night. Leroy joined the Opry in October 1962 and was terminated from the Opry several years later, via a letter from Ott Devine and mailed to Leroy, dated November 25, 1965, which stated:
Dear Leroy:
Our records show that you have been in for the Opry eighteen Saturday's this year with only five weeks remaining.
In fairness to those who have made sacrifices to meet our requirements, I must, with the greatest personal regret, inform you that we cannot include you in our plans in 1965. We can certainly appreciate your inability to be with us for the minimum number of weeks, and sincerely trust you will be understanding with our situation.
We are losing some very fine people and good friends, and it is with much sorrow that I must write this letter.
All of us at WSM wish you and yours the best of everything and hope by 1966 we can get together again.
Sincerely,
Ott Devine
(The letter was mailed on WSM letterhead, and note the wrong year on the letter, of which I have a copy of)
There have been reports that Leroy felt that he was merely suspended from the Opry and not fired. I must say, in reading the letter, that it appeared that Ott was telling Leroy that he would not be scheduled for 1965 and maybe in 1966 he could be back. Either way, Leroy never really went back except for guest appearances. To think, if he had stayed, this would be his 57th year as an Opry member.
As to the rest of the Opry line-up this weekend, Friday night will feature someone who wants to be an Opry member, Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be John King, John Schneider, Linda Davis, Town Mountain, Runaway June, and making another Opry appearance, Steve Earle & The Dukes. Finally, and making his Opry debut, Gary Burr is on the schedule.
Saturday night will feature, in addition to Leroy, Shelly Fairchild, Sam Palladio, 7eventh Time Down, Cassadee Pope, and a return appearance by Sister Sadie.
Friday June 28
7:00: Mike Snider (host); John King; John Schneider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Linda Davis; Town Mountain
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Rhonda Vincent; Gary Burr; Runaway June; Steve Earle & The Dukes
Saturday June 29
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Shelly Fairchild; Leroy Van Dyke
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Palladio
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); 7eventh Time Down; Opry Square Dancers; Sister Sadie; Cassadee Pope
As mentioned, Friday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Gary Burr. While he has appeared on the Opry previously supporting other artists, he has never had the opportunity to appear on the show to sing his own songs as a solo artist.
Gary has been around the music business for a while. While more noted as a songwriter, he also has had a career as a musician and singer. In fact, when Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League in 1982, it was Gary that took his place, remaining a member of the group until 1985.
His songs have been recorded by dozens of country music artists, among them Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, and many more. Among those songs have been "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me," (Juice Newton), "I Try to Think About Elvis," (Patty Loveless), "I Wear Your Love," (Kathy Mattea", To Be Loved By You," (Wynonna), and "Watch Me," (Lorrie Morgan). There have been many more. I am sure on Friday night he will entertain with several of those hits.
________________________________________________________________________
7eventh Time Down will be appearing on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. The group is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky and since releasing their first album, Alive in You, in September 2011, this Christian rock band has released three additional full-length albums and two Christmas EPs. Their current single "The 99" has had over one million streams on Spotify, while previously "God Is on the Move" stayed at the No. 1 spot for five weeks.
Mariah Secrest said, "it only takes about two seconds to like the band members from 7eventh Time Down. These Kentucky boys will welcome you at once with their good-natured banter and laid-back persona. But don't let them fool you. On stage, they mean business." They are "Straight up rock n' rollers, they blend classic rock tactics to make their sound aggressive with enough melodic hooks to lodge their choruses into the mind long after the show is over. They pull from the best of timeless bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Doors, AC/DC and even Johnny Cash, infusing a raucous yet carefully-crafted musical landscape with lyrics that shoot straight-from-the-hip."
Well, at the very least, they sound interesting!!
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in June 2009:
Friday June 26
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; John Anderson
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites
Saturday June 27
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; David Nail
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; David Nail; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 25, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Tim Hadley and Austin Taylor
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Hank Locklin; Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates; Rhonda Vincent; Mike Snider
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hoyt Axton; Johnny Russell; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Wilma Lee Cooper; Hoyt Axton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Sharon Skaggs
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Tim Watson and Black Creek; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Rhonda Vincent; Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker
11:30; Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jeannie Seely and Tim Atwood; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 28, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff; Stu Phillips; Johnny Darrell; Red Sovine
7:30: Billy Walker; Jim and Jesse; Martha Carson; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Billy Parker; Stringbean
8:30: Hank Snow; Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Jim and Jesse
10:00: Stu Phillips; Stringbean; Johnny Darrell
10:15: Roy Acuff; Nat Stuckey
10:30: Billy Walker; Del Wood; Red Sovine
10:45: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Billy Parker
11:00: Hank Snow; Martha Carson; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Louie Roberts
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, it appears that it was on Saturday June 27, 1981 that The Whites made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
The Whites have been a part of the Grand Ole Opry family for more than 30 years and have been showcasing their own family harmony as a professional stage act even longer. Buck's skills on the piano landed him early gigs with the Opry's Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. He married Pat Goza in 1951, and in 1962 they moved from Texas to Arkansas, where they began performing with another couple as the Down Home Folks. Their children performed as the Down Home Kids.
By the mid-'60s, the family was well known in bluegrass circles, and when the younger Whites decided they wanted to sing professionally, the family moved to Nashville in 1971. During their first years in Nashville, they performed as the Down Home Folks and recorded several bluegrass albums.
In 1973, mother Pat retired from the group, and in 1975, The Whites played a Washington, D.C., show with Emmylou Harris. That association led to Sharon and Cheryl providing background vocals on Harris' 1978 Blue Kentucky Girl album. "She just opened so many doors for us and put us in front of people who had never seen us before," Sharon told interviewer Paul Edward Joyce.
In 1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs, a one-time member of Emmylou's Hot Band who also co-produced The Whites' major-label debut, Old Familiar Feeling. The album yielded four Top 10 hits including "You Put the Blue in Me," and "Hangin' Around." Other albums by The Whites, which blended country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel sounds include Forever you, Ain't No Binds, and Doin' It by the Book.
In 2000, The Whites appeared in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performing the Carter Family classic, "Keep on the Sunny Side," picking up a Grammy for their efforts. The Whites were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the same year their collaboration with Ricky, Salt of the Earth, also won a Grammy award.
And now, here is the running order from 38 years ago, Saturday June 27, 1981:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Billy Walker: You Don't Know Me
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years; 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late/Red, Red Wine
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Jean Shepard: Chime Bells
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
George McCormick: Y'All Come
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Satisfied/Sing; Sing; Sing
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Buck White and The White Sisters (Sharon and Cheryl): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Things
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
The Four Guys: I'm Almost Ready
Jeannie Seely: Make the World Go Away
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick a Rose in December
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident; Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): Faded Love
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Charlie Louvin: She Is
10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klide
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Stonewall Jackson: Full Moon; Empty Pockets/Life to Go
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Roy Drusky: Remember Me (I'm the One Who Loves You)
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The First Hurt is the Worst Hurt of All
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Ray Pillow: Even the Bad Times are Good
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Buck White and The White Sisters: Follow the Leader/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
David Houston: After All
The Whites officially became Grand Ole Opry members on March 2, 1984. Hard to believe that the family has been Opry members for just over 35 years.
That covers it for this week. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
In other news, it was posted earlier this week that Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was hospitalized and being checked out after becoming dizzy. Hopefully it is nothing to serious and the reports that were posted made it seem as if it was a precautionary measure. Jesse, who is the Opry's oldest male member, turns 90 on July 9.
Another Opry member, Connie Smith, was originally listed on the preliminary Opry schedule for this weekend, but is not on the final schedule announced. Connie has been absent from the Opry since early June and I know all of us hope she is well and will be back on the Opry very soon.
Finally, Grand Ole Opry member Tom T. Hall was formally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13. Tom T., who is now 83, has had his songs recorded by dozens and dozens of artists. Johnny Cash called him his favorite song writer. In addition to this latest honor, Tom T. Hall is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
________________________________________________________________________
Now let's look at this weekend's Grand Ole Opry shows. I will start it off with this comment: if you are looking for Grand Ole Opry members, the Opry this weekend will not be the place to be looking as the Friday Night Opry has just three members listed (Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky, Jeannie Seely), while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has just four on the schedule (Bobby Osborne joining Snider, Riders and Seely). As a result, there are only three segments on each show.
There are some interesting names guesting this weekend including the legendary and former Grand Ole Opry member, Leroy Van Dyke, who is scheduled for Saturday night. Leroy joined the Opry in October 1962 and was terminated from the Opry several years later, via a letter from Ott Devine and mailed to Leroy, dated November 25, 1965, which stated:
Dear Leroy:
Our records show that you have been in for the Opry eighteen Saturday's this year with only five weeks remaining.
In fairness to those who have made sacrifices to meet our requirements, I must, with the greatest personal regret, inform you that we cannot include you in our plans in 1965. We can certainly appreciate your inability to be with us for the minimum number of weeks, and sincerely trust you will be understanding with our situation.
We are losing some very fine people and good friends, and it is with much sorrow that I must write this letter.
All of us at WSM wish you and yours the best of everything and hope by 1966 we can get together again.
Sincerely,
Ott Devine
(The letter was mailed on WSM letterhead, and note the wrong year on the letter, of which I have a copy of)
There have been reports that Leroy felt that he was merely suspended from the Opry and not fired. I must say, in reading the letter, that it appeared that Ott was telling Leroy that he would not be scheduled for 1965 and maybe in 1966 he could be back. Either way, Leroy never really went back except for guest appearances. To think, if he had stayed, this would be his 57th year as an Opry member.
As to the rest of the Opry line-up this weekend, Friday night will feature someone who wants to be an Opry member, Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be John King, John Schneider, Linda Davis, Town Mountain, Runaway June, and making another Opry appearance, Steve Earle & The Dukes. Finally, and making his Opry debut, Gary Burr is on the schedule.
Saturday night will feature, in addition to Leroy, Shelly Fairchild, Sam Palladio, 7eventh Time Down, Cassadee Pope, and a return appearance by Sister Sadie.
Friday June 28
7:00: Mike Snider (host); John King; John Schneider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Linda Davis; Town Mountain
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Rhonda Vincent; Gary Burr; Runaway June; Steve Earle & The Dukes
Saturday June 29
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Shelly Fairchild; Leroy Van Dyke
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Sam Palladio
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); 7eventh Time Down; Opry Square Dancers; Sister Sadie; Cassadee Pope
As mentioned, Friday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Gary Burr. While he has appeared on the Opry previously supporting other artists, he has never had the opportunity to appear on the show to sing his own songs as a solo artist.
Gary has been around the music business for a while. While more noted as a songwriter, he also has had a career as a musician and singer. In fact, when Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League in 1982, it was Gary that took his place, remaining a member of the group until 1985.
His songs have been recorded by dozens of country music artists, among them Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, and many more. Among those songs have been "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me," (Juice Newton), "I Try to Think About Elvis," (Patty Loveless), "I Wear Your Love," (Kathy Mattea", To Be Loved By You," (Wynonna), and "Watch Me," (Lorrie Morgan). There have been many more. I am sure on Friday night he will entertain with several of those hits.
________________________________________________________________________
7eventh Time Down will be appearing on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. The group is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky and since releasing their first album, Alive in You, in September 2011, this Christian rock band has released three additional full-length albums and two Christmas EPs. Their current single "The 99" has had over one million streams on Spotify, while previously "God Is on the Move" stayed at the No. 1 spot for five weeks.
Mariah Secrest said, "it only takes about two seconds to like the band members from 7eventh Time Down. These Kentucky boys will welcome you at once with their good-natured banter and laid-back persona. But don't let them fool you. On stage, they mean business." They are "Straight up rock n' rollers, they blend classic rock tactics to make their sound aggressive with enough melodic hooks to lodge their choruses into the mind long after the show is over. They pull from the best of timeless bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Doors, AC/DC and even Johnny Cash, infusing a raucous yet carefully-crafted musical landscape with lyrics that shoot straight-from-the-hip."
Well, at the very least, they sound interesting!!
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in June 2009:
Friday June 26
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Mark Wills
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Ray Pillow; John Anderson
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim Ed Brown; Tracy Byrd
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Whites
Saturday June 27
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; David Nail
8:00: Steve Wariner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Jamie O'Neal
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Connie Smith; Steve Wariner
10:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; David Nail; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Billy Yates; Wynonna
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 25, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Tim Hadley and Austin Taylor
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Hank Locklin; Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Charlie Louvin and Bob Bates; Rhonda Vincent; Mike Snider
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Hoyt Axton; Johnny Russell; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jeannie Seely; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jean Shepard; Wilma Lee Cooper; Hoyt Axton
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Sharon Skaggs
10:30: Stonewall Jackson (host); Jeanne Pruett
10:45: Mike Snider (host); Tim Watson and Black Creek; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Rhonda Vincent; Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker
11:30; Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jeannie Seely and Tim Atwood; Johnny Russell
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 28, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff; Stu Phillips; Johnny Darrell; Red Sovine
7:30: Billy Walker; Jim and Jesse; Martha Carson; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Billy Parker; Stringbean
8:30: Hank Snow; Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky; The Four Guys; Jim and Jesse
10:00: Stu Phillips; Stringbean; Johnny Darrell
10:15: Roy Acuff; Nat Stuckey
10:30: Billy Walker; Del Wood; Red Sovine
10:45: Ernest Tubb; Loretta Lynn; Crook Brothers; Billy Parker
11:00: Hank Snow; Martha Carson; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Hank Locklin; Margie Bowes; Louie Roberts
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back into the history of the Grand Ole Opry, it appears that it was on Saturday June 27, 1981 that The Whites made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
The Whites have been a part of the Grand Ole Opry family for more than 30 years and have been showcasing their own family harmony as a professional stage act even longer. Buck's skills on the piano landed him early gigs with the Opry's Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and others. He married Pat Goza in 1951, and in 1962 they moved from Texas to Arkansas, where they began performing with another couple as the Down Home Folks. Their children performed as the Down Home Kids.
By the mid-'60s, the family was well known in bluegrass circles, and when the younger Whites decided they wanted to sing professionally, the family moved to Nashville in 1971. During their first years in Nashville, they performed as the Down Home Folks and recorded several bluegrass albums.
In 1973, mother Pat retired from the group, and in 1975, The Whites played a Washington, D.C., show with Emmylou Harris. That association led to Sharon and Cheryl providing background vocals on Harris' 1978 Blue Kentucky Girl album. "She just opened so many doors for us and put us in front of people who had never seen us before," Sharon told interviewer Paul Edward Joyce.
In 1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs, a one-time member of Emmylou's Hot Band who also co-produced The Whites' major-label debut, Old Familiar Feeling. The album yielded four Top 10 hits including "You Put the Blue in Me," and "Hangin' Around." Other albums by The Whites, which blended country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel sounds include Forever you, Ain't No Binds, and Doin' It by the Book.
In 2000, The Whites appeared in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performing the Carter Family classic, "Keep on the Sunny Side," picking up a Grammy for their efforts. The Whites were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the same year their collaboration with Ricky, Salt of the Earth, also won a Grammy award.
And now, here is the running order from 38 years ago, Saturday June 27, 1981:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Full Moon; Empty Pockets
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Word Games
Jeannie Seely: You Don't Need Me, But You Will
Billy Walker: You Don't Know Me
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Charlie Louvin: Ten Years; 3 Kids; 2 Loves Too Late/Red, Red Wine
Jimmy Dickens: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Wilma Lee Cooper: I'm Going Home on the Morning Train
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home/On A Highway Headed South
7:30: Standard Candy
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Jean Shepard: Chime Bells
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Lafayette
George McCormick: Y'All Come
Grandpa Jones: Fallen Leaves
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Satisfied/Sing; Sing; Sing
Vic Willis Trio: Colorado
Roy Drusky: If the Whole World Stopped Loving
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Gonna Find Me a Bluebird
The Four Guys: Cottonfields/Mariah
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Buck White and The White Sisters (Sharon and Cheryl): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Things
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
The Four Guys: I'm Almost Ready
Jeannie Seely: Make the World Go Away
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick a Rose in December
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot/Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident; Green, Green Grass of Home
10:00: Little Debbie
Charlie Louvin (host): Faded Love
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Charlie Louvin: She Is
10:15: Sunbeam
Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty Klide
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn
Grandpa Jones: Nashville on My Mind
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Stonewall Jackson: Full Moon; Empty Pockets/Life to Go
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-Nut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Roy Drusky: Remember Me (I'm the One Who Loves You)
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): The First Hurt is the Worst Hurt of All
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Ray Pillow: Even the Bad Times are Good
Kirk McGee: St. James Infirmary
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Buck White and The White Sisters: Follow the Leader/Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
David Houston: After All
The Whites officially became Grand Ole Opry members on March 2, 1984. Hard to believe that the family has been Opry members for just over 35 years.
That covers it for this week. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Monday, June 24, 2019
Tuesday Night Opry 6/25 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/26
It was on June 23, 2009 that Montgomery Gentry, comprised of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Eddie Montgomery, along with Montgomery Gentry, is scheduled to appear on this week's Tuesday Night Opry, will he will be recognized upon his 10th anniversary as an Opry member. Sadly, Troy Gentry passed away in 2017 in a tragic helicopter accident.
Tuesday June 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Charley Crockett
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Eddie Montgomery w/Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Kalie Shorr; Aaron Watson
8:45: Home Free; Dustin Lynch
Tuesday night will also be the Opry debut for Charley Crockett. Charley is described as an "American blues, country and Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter." He has released five albums since 2015 with his most recent, "Lil G.L.'s Blue Bonanza" peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Charley, who is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, was born in San Benito, Texas. His mother later relocated to Dallas, while Charley spent his summers with an uncle in New Orleans. After leaving high school at the age of 17, and with a guitar that his mother bought for him at a local pawn shop, he decided to travel with his guitar. His career has taken him across the United States and to foreign countries.
Only 35, in January he underwent open-heart surgery. It was discovered that he had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart condition and that his heart had only two valves. Backed by his band, the Blue Drifters, Charley continues to tour in support of his latest album, released in late 2018.
Wednesday June 26
7:00: The Gatlin Brothers; Mitchell Tenpenny
7:30: Ben Haggard; Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Carly Pearce
8:45: Kristian Bush; Randy Houser
Tuesday June 25
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Charley Crockett
7:30: Jeannie Seely; Eddie Montgomery w/Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Kalie Shorr; Aaron Watson
8:45: Home Free; Dustin Lynch
Tuesday night will also be the Opry debut for Charley Crockett. Charley is described as an "American blues, country and Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter." He has released five albums since 2015 with his most recent, "Lil G.L.'s Blue Bonanza" peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Charley, who is a distant relative of Davy Crockett, was born in San Benito, Texas. His mother later relocated to Dallas, while Charley spent his summers with an uncle in New Orleans. After leaving high school at the age of 17, and with a guitar that his mother bought for him at a local pawn shop, he decided to travel with his guitar. His career has taken him across the United States and to foreign countries.
Only 35, in January he underwent open-heart surgery. It was discovered that he had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart condition and that his heart had only two valves. Backed by his band, the Blue Drifters, Charley continues to tour in support of his latest album, released in late 2018.
Wednesday June 26
7:00: The Gatlin Brothers; Mitchell Tenpenny
7:30: Ben Haggard; Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Carly Pearce
8:45: Kristian Bush; Randy Houser
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/21 & 6/22
I want to start out by mentioning, for those who are interested, that this week's Opry encore show on RFD-TV is from July 6, 1985, which was the night that Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The segment was hosted by Porter Wagoner and also features Dottie West. This will be one of the older shows they have shown and I remember it as a very good one.
As far as the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, the line-up for this weekend has been posted, Looking at Grand Ole Opry members, there are four scheduled for both nights: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. On Friday night, that quartet will be joined by members Diamond Rio, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. On Saturday night it will be Jesse McReynolds and Steve Wariner appearing.
Guesting on Friday night will be comedian Chonda Pierce, who seems to be making regular appearances on the Opry. She will be joined by Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, along with Levon.
Saturday night looks very interesting. One artist, Anna Vaus, will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule. But the rest of the names are established artists. John Berry, one of the fine ballad singers, will be appearing. Rockabilly artist Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys are also scheduled, along with bluegrass artists The SteelDrivers. Finally, Junior Brown is scheduled to appear. Many consider Junior a Texas country music legend and every time I have seen Junior on the Opry, he has been outstanding.
Friday June 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Levon; Mike Snider
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie McCoy; Charles Esten
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
Saturday June 22
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Mo Pitney; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Anna Vaus; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Junior Brown; The SteelDrivers
Charlie McCoy will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis will be visiting the Opry on Friday night, signing copies of his new autobiography. Additionally on Saturday night, Chuck Mead will be signing copies of his new album.
As mentioned, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Anna Vaus. Anna, who is from California, released her debut EP last fall and as a newcomer, she has already made a name for herself. In 2016, she was chosen by Miranda Lambert as the first recipient of the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund, which awards a female singer/songwriter a scholarship to attend Belmont University. Later that year, she was featured in Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase. In 2017, Anna signed a publishing deal with Black River Entertainment. Anna has also been named of one of CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2019. She has toured and opened for numerous country artists including Lee Ann Womack, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion and Hunter Hayes, as well as playing various Nashville venues including The Bluebird Cafe. On Saturday night, she can add the Grand Ole Opry to her list.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 18, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeanne Pruett; Brother Oswald; Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: The Whites (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Vince Gill; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Hank Locklin; The Four Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Vince Gill
10:15: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard
10:45: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow; Del Reeves
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); The Whites; Hank Locklin; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips: Norma Jean; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth; Jack Greene
7:00: Hank Locklin; Grandpa Jones; Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
7:30: Bobby Lord; Bob Luman; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith
8:30: Bill Anderson; Osborne Brothers; Jan Howard; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bobby Lord; Stu Phillips; Norma Jean; Del Wood
10:00: Bob Luman; Grandpa Jones; Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Jack Greene; Loretta Lynn
10:30: Bill Anderson; Jan Howard; Stringbean
10:45: Lester Flatt; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
11:00: Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Osborne Brothers; Margie Bowes; Ronnie Robbins
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was Saturday June 21, 2003 that Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final Opry appearance.
Roy Drusky was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 1930. As a child, Roy was more focused on sports, especially baseball, than music. His mother, who was a church organist, kept pushing Roy to try music. After serving in the Navy, where Roy first began singing, he attended Emory University, during which time he also played country music with a group he founded, the Southern Ranch Boys. Besides his performing with his band, Roy also worked as a disc jockey.
In 1953 he signed with Starday Records. His first single was "Such a Fool." He later recorded for Columbia Records, however as with Starday, he had limited success. In 1960, after signing with Decca Records, where he worked with producer Owen Bradley, the single "Another" was released. The song, which was co-written by Roy, reached No. 2 on the country charts. That song was followed by "Anymore" which peaked at No. 3.
Roy's only No. 1 hit was a duet recorded with Priscilla Mitchell, "Yes Mr. Peters," which was released in 1965. However, he had a number of Top 10 hits including "Three Hearts in a Tangle," "I Went Out of My Way (To Make You Happy)," "Second Hand Rose," "Peel Me a Nanner," "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," "Such a Fool," "Long Long Texas Road," and "All My Hard Times," which was his final Top 10 record and was released in 1970.
Roy was also a very successful songwriter, having written a number of songs that became hits for others including "Alone With You," and "Country Girl," both recorded by Faron Young. He also appeared in movies and television.
Roy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 and continued as a member until he passed away on September 23, 2004 from lung cancer.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 21, 2003, the final appearance by Roy Drusky on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Connie Smith: Where Is My Castle
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Billy Yates: I'm Country/Choices
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: WSM online.com/Standard Candy
BR5-49: Nuts/I'll Be Yours & You'll Be Mine
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Mandy Barnett: Believe Me
Chuck Mead and Mandy Barnett: Jackson
Steve Azar: I'm the Under Dog/(?)
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors/Elvira
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Opry Square Dance Band: Snowflake Reel
8:30: Tootsie's
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: As Long As I Live
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever
Brad Paisley: Is It Raining at Your House
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Hal Ketchum (host): The Point of Rescue
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/I'm Looking for a Reason Not to Love You
BR5-49: She Ain't Talking to Me
Shotgun Boogie
Hal Ketchum: Dreams of Martina
10:00: Shotgun Red.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Steve Azar: The End of Indianola: Hey, Baby
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: WSM online.com
Jean Shepard (host): Head Over Heels In Love with You
The Whites: Move it On Over
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jean Shepard: Satin Sheets
11:00: Singular Wireless
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: Fiddle Patch
Billy Yates: Country
Mandy Barnett: Faded Love
Brad Paisley and Billy Yates: Farther Along
11:30: Opry.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart/I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
I always thought that Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music.
Let's not forget another date as it was 39 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1980 that Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston; Vic Willis Trio; Lulu Roman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; The Four Guys; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kelly Foxton
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Four Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Vic Willis Trio
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee; Kelly Foxton
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
Boxcar Willie became an immediate hit on the Grand Ole Opry, and a crowd favorite. He was also a personal favorite of Roy Acuff, which helped when it came to becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Boxcar did on February 21, 1981, at the age of 49. Boxcar would remain an Opry member until he passed away on April 12, 1999.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
As far as the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, the line-up for this weekend has been posted, Looking at Grand Ole Opry members, there are four scheduled for both nights: Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and Riders In The Sky. On Friday night, that quartet will be joined by members Diamond Rio, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. On Saturday night it will be Jesse McReynolds and Steve Wariner appearing.
Guesting on Friday night will be comedian Chonda Pierce, who seems to be making regular appearances on the Opry. She will be joined by Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy and frequent Opry guest Charles Esten, along with Levon.
Saturday night looks very interesting. One artist, Anna Vaus, will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Mo Pitney is also on the schedule. But the rest of the names are established artists. John Berry, one of the fine ballad singers, will be appearing. Rockabilly artist Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll Boys are also scheduled, along with bluegrass artists The SteelDrivers. Finally, Junior Brown is scheduled to appear. Many consider Junior a Texas country music legend and every time I have seen Junior on the Opry, he has been outstanding.
Friday June 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Levon; Mike Snider
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Chonda Pierce
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Charlie McCoy; Charles Esten
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
Saturday June 22
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Mo Pitney; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Anna Vaus; John Berry
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
8:45: Steve Wariner (host); Junior Brown; The SteelDrivers
Charlie McCoy will be the host of the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree on Saturday night and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis will be visiting the Opry on Friday night, signing copies of his new autobiography. Additionally on Saturday night, Chuck Mead will be signing copies of his new album.
As mentioned, this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Anna Vaus. Anna, who is from California, released her debut EP last fall and as a newcomer, she has already made a name for herself. In 2016, she was chosen by Miranda Lambert as the first recipient of the Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund, which awards a female singer/songwriter a scholarship to attend Belmont University. Later that year, she was featured in Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase. In 2017, Anna signed a publishing deal with Black River Entertainment. Anna has also been named of one of CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2019. She has toured and opened for numerous country artists including Lee Ann Womack, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion and Hunter Hayes, as well as playing various Nashville venues including The Bluebird Cafe. On Saturday night, she can add the Grand Ole Opry to her list.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 19 & 20, 2009:
Friday June 19
7:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Emily West
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Tracy Byrd
8:00: Marty Stuart (host); Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; Connie Smith
8:30: Vince Gill (host); John Conlee; Alison Krauss
Saturday June 20
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Hal Ketchum; Point Of Grace
8:00: John Conlee (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Jim Ed Brown; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Rhonda Vincent
10:00: Vince Gill (host); Mike Snider; Point Of Grace
10:30: John Conlee (host); Hal Ketchum; Sammy Johns; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Alison Krauss; The Whites
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 18, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Ray Pillow
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jeanne Pruett; Brother Oswald; Jan Howard; Stonewall Jackson
7:30: The Whites (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Vince Gill; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Hank Locklin; The Four Guys
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Gold City Quartet; J. D. Sumner; Jake Hess
10:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Jeanne Pruett; Vince Gill
10:15: Bill Anderson (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
10:30: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard
10:45: The Whites (host); Stonewall Jackson; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Walker; Ray Pillow; Del Reeves
11:30: Johnny Russell (host); The Whites; Hank Locklin; Connie Smith
And from 50 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips: Norma Jean; Del Wood; Ernie Ashworth; Jack Greene
7:00: Hank Locklin; Grandpa Jones; Loretta Lynn; Stringbean
7:30: Bobby Lord; Bob Luman; Margie Bowes; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith
8:30: Bill Anderson; Osborne Brothers; Jan Howard; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bobby Lord; Stu Phillips; Norma Jean; Del Wood
10:00: Bob Luman; Grandpa Jones; Ernie Ashworth
10:15: Jack Greene; Loretta Lynn
10:30: Bill Anderson; Jan Howard; Stringbean
10:45: Lester Flatt; Hank Locklin; Crook Brothers
11:00: Glaser Brothers; Hank Williams, Jr; Jerry Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Osborne Brothers; Margie Bowes; Ronnie Robbins
________________________________________________________________________
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was Saturday June 21, 2003 that Grand Ole Opry member Roy Drusky made his final Opry appearance.
Roy Drusky was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 1930. As a child, Roy was more focused on sports, especially baseball, than music. His mother, who was a church organist, kept pushing Roy to try music. After serving in the Navy, where Roy first began singing, he attended Emory University, during which time he also played country music with a group he founded, the Southern Ranch Boys. Besides his performing with his band, Roy also worked as a disc jockey.
In 1953 he signed with Starday Records. His first single was "Such a Fool." He later recorded for Columbia Records, however as with Starday, he had limited success. In 1960, after signing with Decca Records, where he worked with producer Owen Bradley, the single "Another" was released. The song, which was co-written by Roy, reached No. 2 on the country charts. That song was followed by "Anymore" which peaked at No. 3.
Roy's only No. 1 hit was a duet recorded with Priscilla Mitchell, "Yes Mr. Peters," which was released in 1965. However, he had a number of Top 10 hits including "Three Hearts in a Tangle," "I Went Out of My Way (To Make You Happy)," "Second Hand Rose," "Peel Me a Nanner," "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers," "Such a Fool," "Long Long Texas Road," and "All My Hard Times," which was his final Top 10 record and was released in 1970.
Roy was also a very successful songwriter, having written a number of songs that became hits for others including "Alone With You," and "Country Girl," both recorded by Faron Young. He also appeared in movies and television.
Roy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 and continued as a member until he passed away on September 23, 2004 from lung cancer.
Here is the running order from Saturday June 21, 2003, the final appearance by Roy Drusky on the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Connie Smith: Where Is My Castle
Jimmy C Newman: Big Mamou
Billy Yates: I'm Country/Choices
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: WSM online.com/Standard Candy
BR5-49: Nuts/I'll Be Yours & You'll Be Mine
Jim Ed Brown: You Can Have Her
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Mandy Barnett: Believe Me
Chuck Mead and Mandy Barnett: Jackson
Steve Azar: I'm the Under Dog/(?)
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors/Elvira
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Want to Have to Marry You
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Lost All My Money
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Opry Square Dance Band: Snowflake Reel
8:30: Tootsie's
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: As Long As I Live
Jean Shepard: Secret Love
Hal Ketchum: Stay Forever
Brad Paisley: Is It Raining at Your House
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Hal Ketchum (host): The Point of Rescue
Connie Smith: Ribbon of Darkness/I'm Looking for a Reason Not to Love You
BR5-49: She Ain't Talking to Me
Shotgun Boogie
Hal Ketchum: Dreams of Martina
10:00: Shotgun Red.com
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun's Dream
Steve Azar: The End of Indianola: Hey, Baby
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
10:30: WSM online.com
Jean Shepard (host): Head Over Heels In Love with You
The Whites: Move it On Over
Oak Ridge Boys: I'm Glory Bound/Colors
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jean Shepard: Satin Sheets
11:00: Singular Wireless
Brad Paisley (host): Celebrity
Jesse McReynolds: Fiddle Patch
Billy Yates: Country
Mandy Barnett: Faded Love
Brad Paisley and Billy Yates: Farther Along
11:30: Opry.com
Jeannie Seely (host): Anytime
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart/I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Miranda Lambert: Honky-Tonk Blues/The Greyhound Bound for Nowhere
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away from Coming Home
I always thought that Roy had one of the smoothest voices in country music.
Let's not forget another date as it was 39 years ago, Saturday June 21, 1980 that Boxcar Willie made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
1st show
6:30: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood
6:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Ernie Ashworth
7:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston; Vic Willis Trio; Lulu Roman
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host); Stu Phillips; Bill Carlisle; Wilma Lee Cooper
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Ray Pillow; The Four Guys; Roy Drusky; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kelly Foxton
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); The Four Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood
10:00: Billy Walker (host); David Houston
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Vic Willis Trio
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Connie Smith; Boxcar Willie
10:45: Roy Drusky (host); Justin Tubb; Crook Brothers; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee; Kelly Foxton
11:30: Ray Pillow (host); Stu Phillips; Wilma Lee Cooper
Boxcar Willie became an immediate hit on the Grand Ole Opry, and a crowd favorite. He was also a personal favorite of Roy Acuff, which helped when it came to becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Boxcar did on February 21, 1981, at the age of 49. Boxcar would remain an Opry member until he passed away on April 12, 1999.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend!!
Monday, June 17, 2019
Tuesday Night Opry 6/18 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/19
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, June 18:
7:00: John Conlee; Travis Denning
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Morgan Evans
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan; Michael Ray; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers; Charlie Daniels Band
Pretty nice line-up for the Tuesday show. Always a special treat for the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers to perform on the Opry.
As far as the Wednesday Night Opry for June 19, no official line-up has been issued as of yet, but one of the Opry's newest members, Dustin Lynch is scheduled to appear. Along with Dustin, there will be a guest appearance by Rhonda Vincent. Others on the schedule include Riders In The Sky, Sawyer Brown, Clare Dunn, Dan Tyminski and Levi Hummon.
7:00: John Conlee; Travis Denning
7:30: Mandy Barnett; Morgan Evans
Intermission
8:15: Craig Morgan; Michael Ray; ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers; Charlie Daniels Band
Pretty nice line-up for the Tuesday show. Always a special treat for the ACM Lifting Lives Music Campers to perform on the Opry.
As far as the Wednesday Night Opry for June 19, no official line-up has been issued as of yet, but one of the Opry's newest members, Dustin Lynch is scheduled to appear. Along with Dustin, there will be a guest appearance by Rhonda Vincent. Others on the schedule include Riders In The Sky, Sawyer Brown, Clare Dunn, Dan Tyminski and Levi Hummon.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 6/14 & 6/15
I have spent today reading the various postings, text messages and responses to the invitation extended to Luke Combs, inviting him to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. As you would expect, it is a mixed bag, with those who are fine with Luke and those who believe that there are others more deserving. From a personal standpoint, I am fine with Luke, as he has had an amazing career at this point, and of his contemporaries, he might be the most country sounding of that group.
Several comments were in regards to how committed Luke would be to the Opry, as in their opinion, he hasn't made many guest appearances. I did some checking, and in 2016, the year that Luke debuted on the Opry, he made two appearances. That increased to three in 2017 and nine in 2018. His appearance on Tuesday night was his first for 2019, and as I write this, there has been no date established for his formal induction. With the Opry asking each member to commit to ten appearances, I am hopeful that Luke will meet that standard.
The addition of Luke Combs to the Opry's cast continues the rapid growth of the Opry's cast. Since Sally Williams became the Opry's general manager, those added to the cast have included Dailey & Vincent (3/11/17); Chris Janson (3/20/18); Bobby Bare (4/7/18); Dustin Lynch (9/18/18); Mark Willis (1/11/19); and Kelsea Ballerini (4/16/19). With the addition of Luke, that will make seven new members in just over two years, a much stronger pace then we saw in the final years of Pete Fisher's reign as the Opry's manager. In many ways, it replicates the period of the late 1980s and early 1990s when a dozen new members were added, for many of the same reasons as today.
So why the rush to add new members? The answer to that question is to take a look at the Opry's current cast. Of the 66 Grand Ole Opry members, 15 are over the age of 80. (Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charlie Daniels, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Del McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Charley Pride, Jeanne Pruett and Buck White). And while a number of those are still active and contributing members, lets be honest. The life expectancy of those over the age of 80 is not that long.
To take it a step further, of the current 66 Opry members, 12 are either retired or not performing due to health issues. (Bobby Bare, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton). And let's not even get into the discussion of the Opry members who are healthy and active, but do not come out and support the show. In the business world, those members would be considered dead weight.
Adding new members who will support the show will help to keep the Opry going as it heads toward it's 100th anniversary. A question was asked if the Opry is adding too many members? I don't think so. I know in the early 1990s, the membership was just over 70. And really, does there need to be a limit on the number of members? In my opinion, there is still room for growth and I wouldn't be surprised to see that cast get back up to 70 members. If the trend continues, I would expect the next member to be a veteran artist as the mix of members continues.
Bottom line: congratulations to Luke Combs as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member and as with every new Opry member, I hope that he will support the show and continue to push the growth of the Grand Ole Opry.
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Now, let's look at the line-ups for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, with one show each on Friday and Saturday night.
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and John Conlee. Joining that quartet on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. Saturday night has Jesse McReynolds and Vince Gill on the schedule.
Guesting on Friday night will be Smithfield, Shovels and Rope, T. Graham Brown, Restless Heart, and making his Opry debut, Filmore. Saturday night has William Michael Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Striking Matches, and making his Opry debut, Austin Jenckes.
Friday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Smithfield; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Filmore; Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Shovels and Rope; T. Graham Brown
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday June 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); William Michael Morgan; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; The Swon Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Austin Jenckes
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Anita Stapleton, one of my personal favorites.
As mentioned, two artists will be making their Opry debuts this weekend, Filmore on the Friday Night Opry and Austin Jenckes on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Tyler Filmore, who goes by the stage name Filmore, has been in the music business for a few years. He started as a band then moved to a solo career before forming a duo and finally settling on being a solo artist once again. He chose to chop his first name from his branding because, "there's a lot of Tylers in country music so why not just go by my last name?" "Slower" is his most popular song to date, with over five million streams on Spotify, while "Headlights" and "You Know You Wanna" have each topped one million streams. He spent the previous week in Nashville performing at various CMA Festival events.
Austin Jenckes grew up in Duvall, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. He moved to Nashville six years ago to focus on being an artist and his songwriting. Previously named one of Rolling Stones Country's
Artist You Need To Know," he has performed with Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, The Cadillac Three and Ashley McBryde. This past December, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award in Country, in honor of his songwriting.
On May 31, Austin released his debut album, "If You Grew Up Like I Did." He wrote or co-wrote every song on the album with the exception of one. He just finished his first UK tour and returned stateside to perform a number of shows during CMA Fest, and to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
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And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2009:
Friday June 12
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Emerson Drive
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Stu Phillips; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Collin Raye
Saturday June 13
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
10:30: Mel Tillis (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 11, 1994
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Four Guys; Hank Locklin; Ricky Skaggs; Jack Greene
7:30: Roy Clark (host); Ray Pillow; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Brother Oswald; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Whitstein Brothers; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30; Porter Wagoner (host); Loretta Lynn; Roy Clark
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); The Four Guys
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Whitstein Brothers; Hank Locklin; Rhonda Vincent; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
From 50 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Bill Monroe
7:00: Billy Grammer; The Glaser Brothers; Archie Campbell; Del Wood
7:30: Billy Walker; Stringbean; Harold Weakley; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Dottie West; Johnny and Jonie Mosby; Bobby Lewis
8:30: Hank Snow; Lonzo and Oscar; Jimmy Dickens; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Wayne Kemp; Justin Tubb
10:00: Archie Campbell; Lonzo and Oscar; Pete Sayers
10:15: Billy Grammer; Stringbean; Del Wood
10:30; Bill Monroe; Dottie West
10:45: Billy Walker; Johnny and Joni Mosby; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow; Doug Kershaw; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Margie Bowes; Bobby Lewis; Bobby Bishop
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was 22 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1997 that Barbara Mandrell made her final performing appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry's cast on July 29, 1972. This summer she will celebrate her 47th year as a member. Early on, she made many Opry appearances, however, once her career took off, like others, her Opry appearances were fewer and fewer. When she did appear on the Opry during Roy Acuff's lifetime, she always insisted on appearing on the segments that he hosted.
When Barbara announced her retirement, she asked the Opry's management to allow her to continue to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first member to make that specific request, which the Opry granted. Since Barbara retired, she has made several backstage visits to the Opry, and one night Bill Anderson introduced her on stage, which she seemed to do reluctantly.
Here is the running order from Barbara Mandrell's final night performing on the Grand Ole Opry, June 14, 1997:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Woman's Man
The Four Guys: Amazing Grace
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Speer Family: After Awhile; I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him
Barbara Mandrell: I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool/Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Speer Family: The Dearest Friend I Every Had
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Eddie Stubbs and the Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Wake Up Susan
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Clifty Farm
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Mike Snider: Born to Shop
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Speer Family: I Remember the Day/I'm Building a Bridge/Surely I Will/What a Day that Will Be/I'll Meet You in the Morning
Barbara Mandrell: Sleeping Single in a Double Bed/Night Life
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie
10:00: Massey Ferguson
Charley Pride (host): Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Heartaches by the Number/Kaw-Liga
10:15: White by MTD
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Together Again
Grandpa Jones: Some Little Bug is Gonna Find You Someday
10:30: Purnell's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
The Four Guys: How Married are You Mary Ann
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:45: Quality Certified Homes
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Eddie Stubbs and The Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Pretty Poly
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Connie Smith: Once a Day
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Anderson: That's What Made Me Love You
11:30: Opry Book/Ryman Auditorium
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Charlie Nagatani: Eddie's Song
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Johnny Paycheck: I've Loved a Lot More Than I've Hurt/The Old Violin
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
A couple of notes from that night. First, it was Roy Drusky's 38th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Secondly, the 2nd segment on the 2nd show featured only Charley Pride. I have a tape of the show from that night and when Eddie Stubbs introduced Charley, he mentioned that it was the first time that an Opry segment was scheduled to feature just one artist. Finally, Eddie played fiddle that night with the Opry Square Dance Band.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and following and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers out there!!
Several comments were in regards to how committed Luke would be to the Opry, as in their opinion, he hasn't made many guest appearances. I did some checking, and in 2016, the year that Luke debuted on the Opry, he made two appearances. That increased to three in 2017 and nine in 2018. His appearance on Tuesday night was his first for 2019, and as I write this, there has been no date established for his formal induction. With the Opry asking each member to commit to ten appearances, I am hopeful that Luke will meet that standard.
The addition of Luke Combs to the Opry's cast continues the rapid growth of the Opry's cast. Since Sally Williams became the Opry's general manager, those added to the cast have included Dailey & Vincent (3/11/17); Chris Janson (3/20/18); Bobby Bare (4/7/18); Dustin Lynch (9/18/18); Mark Willis (1/11/19); and Kelsea Ballerini (4/16/19). With the addition of Luke, that will make seven new members in just over two years, a much stronger pace then we saw in the final years of Pete Fisher's reign as the Opry's manager. In many ways, it replicates the period of the late 1980s and early 1990s when a dozen new members were added, for many of the same reasons as today.
So why the rush to add new members? The answer to that question is to take a look at the Opry's current cast. Of the 66 Grand Ole Opry members, 15 are over the age of 80. (Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charlie Daniels, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Del McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby Osborne, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Charley Pride, Jeanne Pruett and Buck White). And while a number of those are still active and contributing members, lets be honest. The life expectancy of those over the age of 80 is not that long.
To take it a step further, of the current 66 Opry members, 12 are either retired or not performing due to health issues. (Bobby Bare, Tom T Hall, Jan Howard, Stonewall Jackson, Hal Ketchum, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Stu Phillips, Ray Pillow, Jeanne Pruett, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton). And let's not even get into the discussion of the Opry members who are healthy and active, but do not come out and support the show. In the business world, those members would be considered dead weight.
Adding new members who will support the show will help to keep the Opry going as it heads toward it's 100th anniversary. A question was asked if the Opry is adding too many members? I don't think so. I know in the early 1990s, the membership was just over 70. And really, does there need to be a limit on the number of members? In my opinion, there is still room for growth and I wouldn't be surprised to see that cast get back up to 70 members. If the trend continues, I would expect the next member to be a veteran artist as the mix of members continues.
Bottom line: congratulations to Luke Combs as the Grand Ole Opry's newest member and as with every new Opry member, I hope that he will support the show and continue to push the growth of the Grand Ole Opry.
_________________________________________________________________________
Now, let's look at the line-ups for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, with one show each on Friday and Saturday night.
Grand Ole Opry members scheduled for both nights include Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, The Whites and John Conlee. Joining that quartet on Friday night will be Riders In The Sky, Bobby Osborne and Ricky Skaggs. Saturday night has Jesse McReynolds and Vince Gill on the schedule.
Guesting on Friday night will be Smithfield, Shovels and Rope, T. Graham Brown, Restless Heart, and making his Opry debut, Filmore. Saturday night has William Michael Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Striking Matches, and making his Opry debut, Austin Jenckes.
Friday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Smithfield; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Filmore; Mike Snider
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Shovels and Rope; T. Graham Brown
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart
Saturday June 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); William Michael Morgan; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; The Swon Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Austin Jenckes
The host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be Anita Stapleton, one of my personal favorites.
As mentioned, two artists will be making their Opry debuts this weekend, Filmore on the Friday Night Opry and Austin Jenckes on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Tyler Filmore, who goes by the stage name Filmore, has been in the music business for a few years. He started as a band then moved to a solo career before forming a duo and finally settling on being a solo artist once again. He chose to chop his first name from his branding because, "there's a lot of Tylers in country music so why not just go by my last name?" "Slower" is his most popular song to date, with over five million streams on Spotify, while "Headlights" and "You Know You Wanna" have each topped one million streams. He spent the previous week in Nashville performing at various CMA Festival events.
Austin Jenckes grew up in Duvall, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. He moved to Nashville six years ago to focus on being an artist and his songwriting. Previously named one of Rolling Stones Country's
Artist You Need To Know," he has performed with Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, The Cadillac Three and Ashley McBryde. This past December, he was awarded the ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award in Country, in honor of his songwriting.
On May 31, Austin released his debut album, "If You Grew Up Like I Did." He wrote or co-wrote every song on the album with the exception of one. He just finished his first UK tour and returned stateside to perform a number of shows during CMA Fest, and to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
_________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2009:
Friday June 12
7:00: Pam Tillis (host); Jimmy C Newman; Riders In The Sky; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jean Shepard
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Emerson Drive
8:30: Charley Pride (host); Stu Phillips; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Collin Raye
Saturday June 13
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Whites; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Charley Pride (host); Connie Smith; Jim Ed Brown; Mike Snider
8:00: Mel Tillis (host); Charlie Louvin; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Connie Smith; Mandy Barnett
10:00: Charley Pride (host); Jeannie Seely; George Hamilton IV; Mike Snider
10:30: Mel Tillis (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Pam Tillis; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Ray Pillow; Jean Shepard; Tracy Byrd
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday June 11, 1994
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host); The Four Guys; Hank Locklin; Ricky Skaggs; Jack Greene
7:30: Roy Clark (host); Ray Pillow; Loretta Lynn
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Walker; The Whites; Brother Oswald; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jimmy C Newman; Whitstein Brothers; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30; Porter Wagoner (host); Loretta Lynn; Roy Clark
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); The Four Guys
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Whitstein Brothers; Hank Locklin; Rhonda Vincent; Jeannie Seely
11:30: Jack Greene (host); Jimmy C Newman; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
From 50 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1969:
1st show
6:30/6:45: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Bill Monroe
7:00: Billy Grammer; The Glaser Brothers; Archie Campbell; Del Wood
7:30: Billy Walker; Stringbean; Harold Weakley; Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt; Dottie West; Johnny and Jonie Mosby; Bobby Lewis
8:30: Hank Snow; Lonzo and Oscar; Jimmy Dickens; Margie Bowes; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys; Ray Pillow; Wayne Kemp; Justin Tubb
10:00: Archie Campbell; Lonzo and Oscar; Pete Sayers
10:15: Billy Grammer; Stringbean; Del Wood
10:30; Bill Monroe; Dottie West
10:45: Billy Walker; Johnny and Joni Mosby; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow; Doug Kershaw; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins; Margie Bowes; Bobby Lewis; Bobby Bishop
Looking back at past Grand Ole Opry dates, it was 22 years ago, Saturday June 14, 1997 that Barbara Mandrell made her final performing appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry's cast on July 29, 1972. This summer she will celebrate her 47th year as a member. Early on, she made many Opry appearances, however, once her career took off, like others, her Opry appearances were fewer and fewer. When she did appear on the Opry during Roy Acuff's lifetime, she always insisted on appearing on the segments that he hosted.
When Barbara announced her retirement, she asked the Opry's management to allow her to continue to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, becoming the first member to make that specific request, which the Opry granted. Since Barbara retired, she has made several backstage visits to the Opry, and one night Bill Anderson introduced her on stage, which she seemed to do reluctantly.
Here is the running order from Barbara Mandrell's final night performing on the Grand Ole Opry, June 14, 1997:
1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Cajun Country: Cajun Stripper
6:45: Jogging In A Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time
7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Woman's Man
The Four Guys: Amazing Grace
Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Speer Family: After Awhile; I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him
Barbara Mandrell: I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool/Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Speer Family: The Dearest Friend I Every Had
Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy Neighbor Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Stonewall Jackson: Side-Steppin' the Blues
Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield
Eddie Stubbs and the Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Wake Up Susan
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Clifty Farm
Mike Snider (host): (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone With You
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party
Charley Pride: Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning
Mike Snider: Born to Shop
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
Speer Family: I Remember the Day/I'm Building a Bridge/Surely I Will/What a Day that Will Be/I'll Meet You in the Morning
Barbara Mandrell: Sleeping Single in a Double Bed/Night Life
Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie
10:00: Massey Ferguson
Charley Pride (host): Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Heartaches by the Number/Kaw-Liga
10:15: White by MTD
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Jean Shepard: Together Again
Grandpa Jones: Some Little Bug is Gonna Find You Someday
10:30: Purnell's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
The Four Guys: How Married are You Mary Ann
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
10:45: Quality Certified Homes
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Eddie Stubbs and The Opry Square Dance Band w/The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Pretty Poly
Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name
Connie Smith: Once a Day
Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Anderson: That's What Made Me Love You
11:30: Opry Book/Ryman Auditorium
Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman
Charlie Nagatani: Eddie's Song
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Johnny Paycheck: I've Loved a Lot More Than I've Hurt/The Old Violin
Johnny Russell: Act Naturally
A couple of notes from that night. First, it was Roy Drusky's 38th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Secondly, the 2nd segment on the 2nd show featured only Charley Pride. I have a tape of the show from that night and when Eddie Stubbs introduced Charley, he mentioned that it was the first time that an Opry segment was scheduled to feature just one artist. Finally, Eddie played fiddle that night with the Opry Square Dance Band.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and following and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all of the Fathers out there!!
Monday, June 10, 2019
Mid-Week Opry Shows: 6/11; 6/12; 6/13
Upcoming this week, the Grand Ole Opry has three mid-week shows as in addition to the Tuesday Night Opry, the Wednesday Night Opry returns and, for the second year in a row, the Opry will be taking its show on the road, to the Bonnaroo Music Festival on Thursday night.
Tuesday June 11
7:00: John Conlee; Paul Cauthen
7:30: Henry Cho; Randy Houser
Intermission
8:15: The Isaacs w/Terry Bradshaw; Chris Janson
8:45: Craig Morgan; Luke Combs
A very solid show with good variety. Always enjoy an appearance by Terry Bradshaw along with The Isaacs. And another Opry appearance by Chris Janson. It is nice to see that after becoming an Opry member, he is still supporting the show. For Chris, this will be his 13th Opry show of 2019.
Wednesday June 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Waylon Payne
7:30: Rachel Wammack; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Shenandoah; Matt Stell
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show has undergone a line-up change this year and Charlie Worsham is now part of the group. And as Old Crow has cut back on touring in 2019, they have increased their Opry appearances. This will be their 8th Opry show in 2019, with several more on the schedule.
Thursday June 13
(At Bonnaroo)
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ricky Skaggs
Riders In The Sky
Steve Earle and The Dukes
Morgan Evans
Ashley Monroe
Molly Tuttle
Wendy Moten
Like last year, a very solid line-up featuring three of the Opry's more popular members, along with a guest list that should appeal to the Bonnaroo crowd. This show takes place under a tent, and last year's show was considered a great success. Nice to see a return appearance by Riders In The Sky, whom the crowd loved.
Tuesday June 11
7:00: John Conlee; Paul Cauthen
7:30: Henry Cho; Randy Houser
Intermission
8:15: The Isaacs w/Terry Bradshaw; Chris Janson
8:45: Craig Morgan; Luke Combs
A very solid show with good variety. Always enjoy an appearance by Terry Bradshaw along with The Isaacs. And another Opry appearance by Chris Janson. It is nice to see that after becoming an Opry member, he is still supporting the show. For Chris, this will be his 13th Opry show of 2019.
Wednesday June 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Waylon Payne
7:30: Rachel Wammack; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Shenandoah; Matt Stell
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show has undergone a line-up change this year and Charlie Worsham is now part of the group. And as Old Crow has cut back on touring in 2019, they have increased their Opry appearances. This will be their 8th Opry show in 2019, with several more on the schedule.
Thursday June 13
(At Bonnaroo)
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ricky Skaggs
Riders In The Sky
Steve Earle and The Dukes
Morgan Evans
Ashley Monroe
Molly Tuttle
Wendy Moten
Like last year, a very solid line-up featuring three of the Opry's more popular members, along with a guest list that should appeal to the Bonnaroo crowd. This show takes place under a tent, and last year's show was considered a great success. Nice to see a return appearance by Riders In The Sky, whom the crowd loved.
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