With the move to the Ryman Auditorium for the winter months, the Wednesday Night Opry and Opry Country Classics will take some time off, leaving just the Tuesday Night Opry for the rest of the year.
For a while, I was not even sure there was going to be an Opry member on this week's show, however earlier today John Conlee was added, so that gives us one.
Tuesday November 5
7:00: John Conlee; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Bobby Bones; Michael Ray
Intermission
8:15: The SteelDrivers; The Carter Family
8:45: Russell Dickerson; Sawyer Brown
Now obviously, this is not the original Carter Family that will be on Tuesday night, but the latest generation of the Carters. They will be appearing in support of the new album: The Carter Family, Across Generations.
The generation of the Carter Family credited with the “big bang” that started the genre that would come to be known as country music with four successive generations of Carter kin, including “Carter Girls” Helen, June and Anita as well as Carlene Carter and John Carter Cash are heard on The Carter Family – Across Generations. The album project has been the focus of producer John Carter Cash’s efforts for the past few years and is available now from Reviver Entertainment Group’s Legacy label on LP, CD and across digital platforms.
Carlene Carter noted, “It’s a wonderful blessing to be able to have the technology today to have so many people who have passed and to be able to sing with them. As a child, I was told ‘when we’re all passed away, you have to carry this on and that’s what we’ve done.’” John Carter Cash, her brother adds, “We were charged with this,” suggesting, “It’s not just about fame and power, it’s about the music” with his sister chiming in, “And the love.”
Reflecting on his family’s role in music history, John Carter Cash suggests, “You show me ten songs and I’ll show you nine that have direct influence from The Carter Family. The Carter Family touched many people,” he notes and the album, in a very tangible way, keeps that tradition moving forward. After hearing the finished album, Carlene commented, “It’s very authentic, it’s just who they are and when I hear it, I get very emotional because all I wanted to do was protect that legacy and you truly hear that ‘Carter thing.’”
The Carter Sisters, also known as the Carter Girls, were the daughters of Sara’s cousin Maybelle who had married Ezra Carter, A.P.’s brother. With their mother, they kept the Carter Family tradition thriving from the 1940s into the 1990s. Anita, June and Helen toured and recorded with Maybelle during those years, ultimately becoming part of The Johnny Cash Show. Cash would marry June in 1968 and had already made the Carter Family an integral part of his in-concert presentation. His inclusion of the Carters enabled many to witness, both in concert and on TV, and to be influenced by “the Carter Scratch,” Mother Maybelle’s innovative guitar technique.
Carlene, June’s daughter by country great Carl Smith, was part of the group as was as Lorrie Carter Bennet, Anita’s daughter, who is also heard on the album. Carlene, of course, went on to country stardom in her own right while John Carter Cash, sole offspring of the marriage from Johnny Cash and June Carter, became a noted Nashville-based producer and recording artist.
Now, with Across Generations, things have come full circle with original recordings on which original Carter Family members are heard with contributions from later generations. Members of the fifth generation are heard with their great-great grandparents in a melodic version of time travel. Song selections range from Carter Family standards “Worried Man Blues,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”) to “Maybelle”, a composition by Danny and David Carter, written in 1978 upon the passing of their grandmother, to a newly discovered original autoharp recording simply titled “Maybelle’s New Tune.”
Tape sources included a just discovered home recorded tape that was used to convey news and music to family members in lieu of letters, unreleased tracks by June Carter, as well as long-forgotten and never previously released recordings by Helen and Anita. The “first family of country music” broke through nationally after the legendary Bristol Sessions in the summer of 1927. It was then that A.P., Sara and her cousin Maybelle traveled across the Tennessee line from the their homestead in Hiltons, VA, nestled at the foot of Clinch Mountain, in the heart of Appalachia. In Bristol, they were recorded by pioneering producer Ralph Peer. Years later, he recalled that first encounter with the three Carters. “He’s dressed in overalls… they looked like hillbillies. But as soon as I heard Sara’s voice, that was it. I knew it was going to be wonderful.” During those initial sessions, the still teen aged Maybelle’s ability of playing melody and rhythm on guitar simultaneously, later known as ‘the Carter scratch,’ was noted.
The records they recorded at that time and afterwards would go on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies for the Victor Talking Machine Company. The Carter Family thereafter became a sensation on “border radio,” broadcasting from XERA, an ultra-high wattage station located in Ciudad Acuna, on the Mexican side of the border across from Del Rio, TX. Its powerful signal, across the entirety of the United States, propelled the Carter Family to legendary status. They were the first musical group to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.
The Carter tradition made it to Nashville through the good graces of Maybelle and her daughters, regulars on the Grand Ole Opry. The tradition continued with the births of fourth generation Carter Family members including the children of Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash, Dale Jett, David Carter Jones and Danny Carter Jones. Children of June Carter Cash, Carlene and John Carter perform on the album. In turn, their offspring make appearances, as well as numerous other descendants of A.P., Sara, Ezra, Maybelle and their progeny.
The release of The Carter Family – Across Generations literally and figuratively brings The Carter Family legacy full circle and continues to be unbroken over the course of more than 90 years.
There you have it for Tuesday night. And by the way, how does everyone feel about the updated Opry website?
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Stonewall Jackson
It was 63 years ago today, November 3, 1956, that the legendary Stonewall Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is the last member of the current cast who joined the Opry prior to 1960. While he joined the Opry 63 years ago, it should be noted that he was fired from the Opry in December 1964 and rejoined in May 1969, thus an actual Opry member just over 58 years.
Stonewall's last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was honored upon his 60th year of joining the Opry. While he has been battling health issues, he was at the Country Music Hall of Fame several weeks ago, attending the induction of the newest members. From the picture, he looked pretty good and happy that he is still out an about.
Here is a wonderful clip of Stonewall on the Opry, introduced by Roy Acuff.
Stonewall's last Opry appearance was in November 2016 when he was honored upon his 60th year of joining the Opry. While he has been battling health issues, he was at the Country Music Hall of Fame several weeks ago, attending the induction of the newest members. From the picture, he looked pretty good and happy that he is still out an about.
Here is a wonderful clip of Stonewall on the Opry, introduced by Roy Acuff.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 11/1 & 11/2
The Grand Ole Opry moves back down to the Ryman Auditorium for the next three months, and for the next six weeks will be running two shows on both Friday and Saturday nights. Remember the days when the Opry would switch up the line-ups and the running order of the shows on those Friday and Saturday nights when there were two shows? Well, not so much anymore, as with just a couple of minor exceptions, both shows each night are very similar. Same artists. Same hosts. Same running order. In fact, the only exception on the Friday Night Opry this week is Bobby Osborne only scheduled to do the first show, while on Saturday night, the only change is Mike Snider on just the early show.
As to the rest of Opry members scheduled this weekend, John Conlee and Connie Smith are the only two members scheduled for all four shows. Mike Snider is scheduled for three of the four (both Friday shows and the early Saturday show), while Riders In The Sky are down for both Friday shows and Jesse McReynolds and The Whites set for both Saturday shows.
There is a wide variety of guest artists scheduled this weekend. On the Friday Night Opry, younger artists Adam Hambrick and Erin Enderlin are scheduled, along with Temecula Road, who will be making their Opry debut. Also scheduled are veteran artists Shenandoah and the legendary Gene Watson, along with John Schneider and Russell Moore & III Tyme Out, who will add some bluegrass to the night.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have comedians Williams & Ree, the all-female group Sister Sadie returning, The Steel Woods, Hall of Fame songwriter Don Schlitz, The Swon Brothers, and making his Opry debut, Dylan Schneider.
Friday November 1
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Temecula Road
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Gene Watson; Shenandoah
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Gene Watson; Temecula Road
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Shenandoah
Saturday November 2
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
8:00: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds; The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
10:30: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie
____________________________________________________________________
As mentioned, Temecula Road and Dylan Schneider will be making their Opry debuts this weekend.
Comprised of sisters Emma (20, vocals/mandolin) and Maddie Salute (18, vocals), and long-time friend Dawson Anderson (20, vocals/guitar) — Temecula Road are known for their trademark harmonies and their covers which have earned praise from Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, and Brett Eldredge.
Named after the California town where they grew up, the trio just released their new single “Never Knew I Needed You,” a Rolling Stone “10 Best Country Song To Hear Now.” The vibey new track—written by the trio’s Dawson Anderson, along with Ben Goldsmith and Lindsay Rimes and produced by Andrew DeRoberts (Devin Dawson, Kip Moore, Eli Young Band, Jillian Jacqueline)—is their second new song of the summer, a follow-up to “Fades” which hit No. 3 on Radio Disney Country’s Top 50 Chart.
________________________________________________________________________
Dylan Schneider is wise beyond his years, especially when it comes to his songwriting. But perhaps even more impressive is Schneider’s ability and willingness to connect with fans on a personal level. “I used to freak out if an artist would respond or interact with me. It’s incredibly important to me that I do the same with my fans.”
A typical, small-town kid with dreams of playing baseball in the big leagues, Schneider’s direction shifted when he began listening to and connecting with country music. His love and understanding for music was instilled by his family. After receiving a guitar as an early Christmas present, he went to a meet-and-greet for country artist Brett Eldredge, who told Schneider, “keep playing until your fingers bleed – I believe in you. Never give up and always keeps jamming.”
Though the early (and now signed) Christmas present soon took a safer place on the wall, Schneider’s parents bought him a second guitar, which he immediately took to playing relentlessly. In high school, Schneider started a band with some friends. “It was fun for a while - but it became apparent my friends weren’t as into the whole music thing as I was.” Unwilling to relent, Schneider continued to pursue music solo. “I played out locally quite a bit. Playing acoustic sets for people was always much more fun than having a real job like most kids my age.” Schneider also began shooting cover videos for his YouTube channel and building his social following. “It was a slow build at first. But eventually my videos were getting 20,000-30,000 views each.” Schneider and his fans have taken over the country music conversation digitally, with a rapidly growing 130 million total streams on Spotify and over 50 million video views. Each release finds Schneider surpassing his peers and connecting with his listeners in a meaningful way, strengthening the foundation he has been building for years.
The progress was enough to catch the attention of Interscope Records who proceeded to sign Schneider in 2017. After the release of single “No Problem,” GRAMMY Award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line joined forces with Interscope via their newly established Round Here Records to further invest in Schneider, offering him a support spot on their “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country” Tour. On August 23rd, Schneider released his latest EP Whole Town Talk. As he continues to work on new music, content and tour dates for 2020, Schneider’s focus remains the importance of the fan. “When I write, I’m thinking, ‘how is this song going to sing live, and how will the audience react and identify?’ What I do, most importantly, is for my fans. My job is to connect and show them a good time.”
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of October 30 & 31, 2009. One show each night and it was the final weekend that the Opry was at the Grand Ole Opry House as beginning in November the Opry moved to its winter home, the Ryman Auditorium
Friday October 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; David Nail
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Keith Urban
Saturday October 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Blake Shelton
From 25 years ago, Saturday October 29, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Brother Oswald
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Mike Snider; Jan Howard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bill Monroe; Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Eddie Rabbit
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Ray Pillow; The Four Guys
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); James Monroe; Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Eddie Rabbit
10:45: Jeanne Pruett (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 1, 1969:
1st show
6:30: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
6:45: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood; Ben Shaw
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Red Sovine
7:30: Stu Phillips (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Harden Trio; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber
8:00: Billy Walker (host); Liz Anderson; Duke of Paducah; Louis Roberts
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Billy Parker
2nd show
9:30: Justin Tubb (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); The Four Guys; Red Sovine
10:30: Stu Phillips (host); Del Wood; Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Harden Trio; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle; Duke of Paducah; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Liz Anderson; Louis Roberts
___________________________________________________________________
Looking back, here are two line-ups for you. The first is from November 2, 1963, which was the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 38th Birthday Celebration:
6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy Newman (host): The Mover
Kitty Wells: Heartaches for a Keepsake
Johnny Wright: O Baby Mine
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine in them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Have My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day
7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoy as Much of This as I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me a Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad for You is Good for Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In the Shadow of the Wine
7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign the Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over the Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses
8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt and Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through the Motions
Lonzo and Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Brother Oswald: Roll on, Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks's A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Poly
June Carter and The Carters: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way You're Living
9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles an Hour Down a Dead End Street
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy to Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's a Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. the D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses
10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: T Model & A Train
Billy Walker: Heart, Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)
10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck on the Highway
Howdy Forrester and Jimmy Riddle: Apple Blossoms
10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings of a Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)
10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host): (?)
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: Eight by Ten
Faron Young: (?)
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo and Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam and Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By the Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's a Fool Such as I
11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James; The Minute You're Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry
Well, that was a full night. Wasn't It!!
The second one is from Saturday November 1, 2003, which was the night in which Holly Dunn appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time.
Holly Dunn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1989, and was best known for her hit "Daddy's Hands." Except for a brief period of time in which she moved to Detroit and worked as a morning disc jockey, Dolly was a pretty loyal member of the Opry's cast. During her career, Holly had 19 songs that made it on to the country charts (eight of which made the Top 10) and released 10 albums. She had two #1 hits, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going."
However, after a career that lasted almost 25 years, Holly made the decision to walk away from the music business and moved to New Mexico to follow her passion of art. But, after two years of being gone from Nashville, Holly received a phone call telling her that she was being fired as an Opry member.
"They like to keep the Opry roll at about 70 people who are actively performing," Dunn said at the time of the Opry's call explaining their decision. "I knew they'd been adding people since I left. But it hurt. Because I loved the Opry. And I still love the Opry. And I had really participated as a younger member. I hosted the TV show and backstage show for two years. I was Bill Anderson's substitute host when he couldn't be there. And I did commercials for them and radio for them. I loved the Opry and what it stood and stands for."
Holly said that while she understood the need for keeping the cast fresh, she wishes the rules could be eased a bit out of respect for the older artists.
"I have some amazing memories. I wish there was a way, though -- just to make a suggestion to them -- to keep a list of folks that were members in the past. This whole total expunging you from the list is sort of a little harsh, I think," she notes. "There are people on that list that I know for a fact might make it once a year if they're lucky. It's a little subjective. That's my only gripe."
Holly, who passed away in November 2016, insisted that she has no second thoughts about retiring from music.
Here is the running order from Saturday November 1, 2003, the final night in which Holly appeared on the Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory/Rocky Top
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner and Penny DeHaven: Milwaukee, Here I Come
7:00: Rutledge Hill Press/Standard Candy
Sara Evans: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth/Out Behind the Barn
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?) Rock on the Deep/A Phone Call Away
Sara Evans: Perfect/On the Back Seat of a Greyhound Bus
Buddy Jewel: Help Pour out the Rain/Abilene on Her Mind
8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Mandy Barnett: Mansion on the Hill
Brad Paisley: Happy Birthday Bill/Celebrity
Bill Anderson: Still
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
The Whites: Pins and Needles/Keep on the Sunny Side
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:00: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Osborne Brothers: Fastest Grass Alive/Rocky Top
Sara Evans: Perfect/The Suds in the Bucket
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
10:30: Dreamworks
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Cross the Brazos at Waco
Buddy Jewell: Sweet Southern Comfort/Help Pour Out the Rain
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Opry Square Dance Band: (?)
11:00: Cingular Wireless
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?)/The Moundsville Pen
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Bill Anderson: Happy Birthday to Me
11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning that Old Memory
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mandy Barnett: No One Will Ever Know/Who Could It Be
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again
Without going into all the reasons and speculation, I found it sad that Holly was terminated as an Opry member. While it is true that others have retired or stopped appearing on the Opry, Holly was the only member let go. (Yes, I know that The Four Guys were fired also, but that was a different circumstance). I don't think it would have done the Opry any harm to have kept her as a member. After all, Ricky Van Shelton, among a dozen others, is still listed.
Holly always accepted her termination with class and dignity and choose to remember the good times that she had in Nashville and from being a part of the Opry's cast.
As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
As to the rest of Opry members scheduled this weekend, John Conlee and Connie Smith are the only two members scheduled for all four shows. Mike Snider is scheduled for three of the four (both Friday shows and the early Saturday show), while Riders In The Sky are down for both Friday shows and Jesse McReynolds and The Whites set for both Saturday shows.
There is a wide variety of guest artists scheduled this weekend. On the Friday Night Opry, younger artists Adam Hambrick and Erin Enderlin are scheduled, along with Temecula Road, who will be making their Opry debut. Also scheduled are veteran artists Shenandoah and the legendary Gene Watson, along with John Schneider and Russell Moore & III Tyme Out, who will add some bluegrass to the night.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will have comedians Williams & Ree, the all-female group Sister Sadie returning, The Steel Woods, Hall of Fame songwriter Don Schlitz, The Swon Brothers, and making his Opry debut, Dylan Schneider.
Friday November 1
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
8:00: Connie Smith (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Temecula Road
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Gene Watson; Shenandoah
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Adam Hambrick; Russell Moore & III Tyme Out
10:00: Mike Snider (host); Erin Enderlin; John Schneider
10:30: Connie Smith (host); Gene Watson; Temecula Road
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Shenandoah
Saturday November 2
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
8:00: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); The Swon Brothers; Jesse McReynolds; The Steel Woods; Don Schlitz
10:30: The Whites (host); Williams & Ree; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Dylan Schneider; Sister Sadie
____________________________________________________________________
As mentioned, Temecula Road and Dylan Schneider will be making their Opry debuts this weekend.
Comprised of sisters Emma (20, vocals/mandolin) and Maddie Salute (18, vocals), and long-time friend Dawson Anderson (20, vocals/guitar) — Temecula Road are known for their trademark harmonies and their covers which have earned praise from Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, and Brett Eldredge.
Named after the California town where they grew up, the trio just released their new single “Never Knew I Needed You,” a Rolling Stone “10 Best Country Song To Hear Now.” The vibey new track—written by the trio’s Dawson Anderson, along with Ben Goldsmith and Lindsay Rimes and produced by Andrew DeRoberts (Devin Dawson, Kip Moore, Eli Young Band, Jillian Jacqueline)—is their second new song of the summer, a follow-up to “Fades” which hit No. 3 on Radio Disney Country’s Top 50 Chart.
________________________________________________________________________
Dylan Schneider is wise beyond his years, especially when it comes to his songwriting. But perhaps even more impressive is Schneider’s ability and willingness to connect with fans on a personal level. “I used to freak out if an artist would respond or interact with me. It’s incredibly important to me that I do the same with my fans.”
A typical, small-town kid with dreams of playing baseball in the big leagues, Schneider’s direction shifted when he began listening to and connecting with country music. His love and understanding for music was instilled by his family. After receiving a guitar as an early Christmas present, he went to a meet-and-greet for country artist Brett Eldredge, who told Schneider, “keep playing until your fingers bleed – I believe in you. Never give up and always keeps jamming.”
Though the early (and now signed) Christmas present soon took a safer place on the wall, Schneider’s parents bought him a second guitar, which he immediately took to playing relentlessly. In high school, Schneider started a band with some friends. “It was fun for a while - but it became apparent my friends weren’t as into the whole music thing as I was.” Unwilling to relent, Schneider continued to pursue music solo. “I played out locally quite a bit. Playing acoustic sets for people was always much more fun than having a real job like most kids my age.” Schneider also began shooting cover videos for his YouTube channel and building his social following. “It was a slow build at first. But eventually my videos were getting 20,000-30,000 views each.” Schneider and his fans have taken over the country music conversation digitally, with a rapidly growing 130 million total streams on Spotify and over 50 million video views. Each release finds Schneider surpassing his peers and connecting with his listeners in a meaningful way, strengthening the foundation he has been building for years.
The progress was enough to catch the attention of Interscope Records who proceeded to sign Schneider in 2017. After the release of single “No Problem,” GRAMMY Award-winning duo Florida Georgia Line joined forces with Interscope via their newly established Round Here Records to further invest in Schneider, offering him a support spot on their “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country” Tour. On August 23rd, Schneider released his latest EP Whole Town Talk. As he continues to work on new music, content and tour dates for 2020, Schneider’s focus remains the importance of the fan. “When I write, I’m thinking, ‘how is this song going to sing live, and how will the audience react and identify?’ What I do, most importantly, is for my fans. My job is to connect and show them a good time.”
________________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 10 years ago, the weekend of October 30 & 31, 2009. One show each night and it was the final weekend that the Opry was at the Grand Ole Opry House as beginning in November the Opry moved to its winter home, the Ryman Auditorium
Friday October 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; David Nail
8:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Keith Urban
Saturday October 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Blake Shelton
From 25 years ago, Saturday October 29, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Jack Greene (host); Brother Oswald
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Charlie Louvin; Mike Snider; Jan Howard
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Bill Monroe; Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Billy Grammer; Jean Shepard; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Jeannie Seely; Riders In The Sky; Eddie Rabbit
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Jimmy C Newman; Osborne Brothers; Ray Pillow; The Four Guys
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Charlie Louvin
10:15: Bill Monroe (host); James Monroe; Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Eddie Rabbit
10:45: Jeanne Pruett (host); Charlie Walker; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
11:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Del Reeves; Mark Collie
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 1, 1969:
1st show
6:30: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
6:45: Justin Tubb (host); Del Wood; Ben Shaw
7:00: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Red Sovine
7:30: Stu Phillips (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis; Harden Trio; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber
8:00: Billy Walker (host); Liz Anderson; Duke of Paducah; Louis Roberts
8:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Billy Parker
2nd show
9:30: Justin Tubb (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); The Four Guys; Red Sovine
10:30: Stu Phillips (host); Del Wood; Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Harden Trio; Crook Brothers
11:00: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle; Duke of Paducah; Crook Brothers; Glen Barber; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Liz Anderson; Louis Roberts
___________________________________________________________________
Looking back, here are two line-ups for you. The first is from November 2, 1963, which was the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 38th Birthday Celebration:
6:30: Rudy's
Jimmy Newman (host): The Mover
Kitty Wells: Heartaches for a Keepsake
Johnny Wright: O Baby Mine
Stringbean: There Will Be Moonshine in them Old Kentucky Hills
Bobby Lord: Out Behind the Barn
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Kitty Wells: I Have My Wedding Dress Away
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day
7:00: Delited
Porter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoy as Much of This as I Can Stand
Roy Drusky: Peel Me a Nanner
Carl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross Over
Melba Montgomery: What's Bad for You is Good for Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Billy Walker: The Morning Paper
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Porter Wagoner: In the Shadow of the Wine
7:30: Kellogg's
George Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign the Papers
Marion Worth: (?)
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Willis Brothers: Private
Bill Anderson: Still
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Tex Ritter: Boll Weevil
Square Dancers: Soap Suds Over the Fence
George Morgan: One Dozen Roses
8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): New York Town
Ferlin Husky: Gone
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Flatt and Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow It
Billy Grammer: (?)
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bill Monroe: John Henry
Ray Price: San Antonio Rose
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Sonny James: Going Through the Motions
Lonzo and Oscar: There's A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Brother Oswald: Roll on, Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks's A Lot
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Johnny Cash: (?)
Stringbean: Pretty Poly
June Carter and The Carters: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Margie Bowes: Our Things
Ernest Tubb: The Way You're Living
9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow (host): Ninety Miles an Hour Down a Dead End Street
The Browns: The 3 Bells
Faron Young: Yellow Bandana
Jean Shepard: (?)
Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love Letters
Leroy Van Dyke: Happy to Be Unhappy
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's a Big Wheel
Stonewall Jackson: B.J. the D.J.
Hank Snow: Blue Roses
10:00: Gates Rubber
Billy Grammer (host): (?)
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Curly Fox: T Model & A Train
Billy Walker: Heart, Be Careful
Billy Grammer: (?)
10:15: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Del Wood: Columbus Stockade Blues
Jimmy Newman: DJ for a Day
Roy Acuff: Wreck on the Highway
Howdy Forrester and Jimmy Riddle: Apple Blossoms
10:30: Harvey's
Ferlin Husky (host): Wings of a Dove
Louvin Brothers: (?)
Tex Ritter: (?)
Simon Crum: (?)
10:45: Ford
Faron Young (host): (?)
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Bill Anderson: Eight by Ten
Faron Young: (?)
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Skeeter Davis: Something Precious
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose
The Browns: Oh, No
Lonzo and Oscar: Hand Holding
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March
Sam and Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By the Old Oaken Bucket
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Love Somebody
Hank Snow: There's a Fool Such as I
11:30: SSS Tonic
Marty Robbins (host): Devil Woman
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Hank Locklin: Flying South
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild Wind
Margie Bowes: Judge Not
Sonny James; The Minute You're Gone
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry
Well, that was a full night. Wasn't It!!
The second one is from Saturday November 1, 2003, which was the night in which Holly Dunn appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time.
Holly Dunn became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1989, and was best known for her hit "Daddy's Hands." Except for a brief period of time in which she moved to Detroit and worked as a morning disc jockey, Dolly was a pretty loyal member of the Opry's cast. During her career, Holly had 19 songs that made it on to the country charts (eight of which made the Top 10) and released 10 albums. She had two #1 hits, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" and "You Really Had Me Going."
However, after a career that lasted almost 25 years, Holly made the decision to walk away from the music business and moved to New Mexico to follow her passion of art. But, after two years of being gone from Nashville, Holly received a phone call telling her that she was being fired as an Opry member.
"They like to keep the Opry roll at about 70 people who are actively performing," Dunn said at the time of the Opry's call explaining their decision. "I knew they'd been adding people since I left. But it hurt. Because I loved the Opry. And I still love the Opry. And I had really participated as a younger member. I hosted the TV show and backstage show for two years. I was Bill Anderson's substitute host when he couldn't be there. And I did commercials for them and radio for them. I loved the Opry and what it stood and stands for."
Holly said that while she understood the need for keeping the cast fresh, she wishes the rules could be eased a bit out of respect for the older artists.
"I have some amazing memories. I wish there was a way, though -- just to make a suggestion to them -- to keep a list of folks that were members in the past. This whole total expunging you from the list is sort of a little harsh, I think," she notes. "There are people on that list that I know for a fact might make it once a year if they're lucky. It's a little subjective. That's my only gripe."
Holly, who passed away in November 2016, insisted that she has no second thoughts about retiring from music.
Here is the running order from Saturday November 1, 2003, the final night in which Holly appeared on the Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Porter Wagoner (host): I'm Gonna Act Right
The Whites: Keep on the Sunny Side
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory/Rocky Top
Jean Shepard: A Phone Call Away
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
Porter Wagoner and Penny DeHaven: Milwaukee, Here I Come
7:00: Rutledge Hill Press/Standard Candy
Sara Evans: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: Me & My Big Loud Mouth/Out Behind the Barn
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?) Rock on the Deep/A Phone Call Away
Sara Evans: Perfect/On the Back Seat of a Greyhound Bus
Buddy Jewel: Help Pour out the Rain/Abilene on Her Mind
8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Pride
Holly Dunn: Daddy's Hands
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
8:30: Tootsie's
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jim Ed Brown: The Old Lamplighter
Mandy Barnett: Mansion on the Hill
Brad Paisley: Happy Birthday Bill/Celebrity
Bill Anderson: Still
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
The Whites: Pins and Needles/Keep on the Sunny Side
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: What Will I Do Then
10:00: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Osborne Brothers: Fastest Grass Alive/Rocky Top
Sara Evans: Perfect/The Suds in the Bucket
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
10:30: Dreamworks
Jean Shepard (host): Second Fiddle
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain/Cross the Brazos at Waco
Buddy Jewell: Sweet Southern Comfort/Help Pour Out the Rain
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Opry Square Dance Band: (?)
11:00: Cingular Wireless
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
IIIrd Tyme Out: (?)/The Moundsville Pen
Pat Boone: Love Letters in the Sand/Under God
Bill Anderson: Happy Birthday to Me
11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning that Old Memory
Ray Pillow: I Wonder Who's Missing You Now
Holly Dunn: You Really Had Me Going
Mandy Barnett: No One Will Ever Know/Who Could It Be
Jeannie Seely: Today I Started Loving You Again
Without going into all the reasons and speculation, I found it sad that Holly was terminated as an Opry member. While it is true that others have retired or stopped appearing on the Opry, Holly was the only member let go. (Yes, I know that The Four Guys were fired also, but that was a different circumstance). I don't think it would have done the Opry any harm to have kept her as a member. After all, Ricky Van Shelton, among a dozen others, is still listed.
Holly always accepted her termination with class and dignity and choose to remember the good times that she had in Nashville and from being a part of the Opry's cast.
As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Mid-Week Opry Shows
While last weekend was the final weekend in which the Grand Ole Opry will be at the Opry House, there are a couple of mid-week shows that will take place there before the Opry's move to the Ryman Auditorium on Friday night.
Tuesday October 29
7:00: John Conlee; Jimmie Allen
7:30: The Whites; Thompson Square
Intermission
8:15: Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
8:45: Maggie Rose; Lee Brice
Wednesday October 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Exile
7:30: Rhonda Vincent; Charlie Worsham
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho; Ricky Skaggs; Chris Janson
Opry Country Classics will finish up its fall run of shows on Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium. Overall, the fall run has produced some very good shows, and attendance has been way up, with several of the shows sold-out.
Thursday October 31
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Lucas Hoge, Jim Lauderdale, Riders In The Sky
Tuesday October 29
7:00: John Conlee; Jimmie Allen
7:30: The Whites; Thompson Square
Intermission
8:15: Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
8:45: Maggie Rose; Lee Brice
Wednesday October 30
7:00: Jeannie Seely; Exile
7:30: Rhonda Vincent; Charlie Worsham
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho; Ricky Skaggs; Chris Janson
Opry Country Classics will finish up its fall run of shows on Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium. Overall, the fall run has produced some very good shows, and attendance has been way up, with several of the shows sold-out.
Thursday October 31
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Lucas Hoge, Jim Lauderdale, Riders In The Sky
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 10/25 & 10/26
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate its final weekend for 2019 at the Grand Ole Opry House as next weekend the Opry will begin its three month winter run at the Ryman Auditorium. To close it out, there will be one show on Friday night and two shows Saturday.
There are a trio of Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing both nights, and that list includes Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky and John Conlee. Joining that trio on the Friday Night Opry will be members The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Crystal Gayle. Crystal will be meeting fans and signing copies of her new CD after the show.
On Saturday night, joining Mike, John and the Riders, will be members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, and the newly married Trace Adkins. Jesse McReynolds, who has been missing for the past month, is scheduled for just the first show. Hopefully he is well enough and strong enough to appear. He is missed on the Opry.
Look at those on the guest list for Friday night, there are a couple of names that stand out. It is nice to see the Malpass Brothers on the schedule. They have been on the Opry a couple of times and have impressed. Also scheduled is Pure Prairie League and Sons of the Pioneers, who at this point you could probably call the Grandsons of the Pioneers. (I know, bad joke). While the members of this group have changed, they are still out there singing those western songs and are a popular attraction, especially in the west. Also scheduled to appear are William Michael Morgan and Emily West. By the way, the Friday Night Opry is sold out.
Saturday night has another of those artists who I think would make a very good Opry member, and that is Suzy Bogguss. I just enjoy her very much. Allison Moorer hasn't been on the Opry in some time, and she is also scheduled, along with the young and popular Hunter Hayes, and making her Opry debut, Madison Kozak.
Friday October 25
7:00: Mike Snider (host); William Michael Morgan; Malpass Brothers
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Emily West; Sons of the Pioneers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Pure Prairie League
8:45: The Whites (host); Crystal Gayle
Saturday October 26
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Allison Moorer; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Madison Kozak; Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Hunter Hayes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Trace Adkins
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Allison Moorer; Hunter Hayes
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Suzy Bogguss
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Madison Kozak; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Trace Adkins
As mentioned, Saturday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Madison Kozak.
To rising country singer, songwriter, and musician Madison Kozak, it feels fitting that her debut, “First Last Name,” pays tribute to a father-daughter relationship. Not only did the touching ballad kickstart her career by leading to a publishing deal with powerhouse company Big Loud, but it also feels meaningful because it was Madison's dad who taught the Nashville-based artist everything she knows and loves about country music. Growing up the seventh child in a family of eight siblings in rural Ontario, Kozak treasured precious time with her father, who introduced her to the greats — Loretta Lynn (Kozak’s first concert), Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash — and also taught her to play guitar when he discovered she loved to sing.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in October 2009:
Friday October 23
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Ashton Shepherd
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Emily West
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky; The Whites
Saturday October 24
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mallary Hope
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Montgomery Gentry
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Oak Ridge Boys
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mallary Hope
10:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Montgomery Gentry
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Oak Ridge Boys
From 25 years ago, Saturday October 22, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Connie Smith
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Clinton Gregory; The Four Guys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Ronna Reeves; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Del McCoury Band; Jan Howard; Brother Oswald
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Clinton Gregory
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Ronna Reeves; Mel McDaniel
11:30: The Four Guys (host); Charlie Walker; The Whites
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday October 25, 1969:
1st show
6:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Del Wood; Wilma Burgess
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); George Morgan; Jan Howard; Billy Grammer
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Jim and Jesse; Crook Brothers; Charlie Daniels
8:00: Del Reeves (host); Charlie Walker; The Four Guys; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Bill Monroe (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Bobby Lewis; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: George Morgan (host); The Four Guys; Del Wood
10:15: Del Reeves (host); Jim and Jesse
10:30: Charlie Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Ray Pillow
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Crook Brothers
11:00: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Carlisle; Wilma Burgess; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Don Winters
_______________________________________________________________________
To finish it up, it was 16 years ago, Saturday October 25, 2003 that Del McCoury became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
"My dad always had the Grand Ole Opry radio broadcasts on every Saturday night, and Bill [Monroe] was my favorite on that show." - Del McCoury
When Delano Floyd McCoury was young, his family relocated from North Carolina to just north of the Mason Dixon Line in York County, Pennsylvania. Del's older brother, G.C., introduced the young boy to bluegrass through the music of Flatt & Scruggs. Before long, he had taken up the banjo, and by the early 1960s he was playing bluegrass in the honky tonks of the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area. In 1963, Del made his first Grand Ole Opry appearances when he was recruited by Bill Monroe to join his Blue Grass Boys. Though he was hired as a banjo player, Bill soon made him into a guitar player and lead singer.
There are a trio of Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing both nights, and that list includes Mike Snider, Riders In The Sky and John Conlee. Joining that trio on the Friday Night Opry will be members The Whites, Bobby Osborne and Crystal Gayle. Crystal will be meeting fans and signing copies of her new CD after the show.
On Saturday night, joining Mike, John and the Riders, will be members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, and the newly married Trace Adkins. Jesse McReynolds, who has been missing for the past month, is scheduled for just the first show. Hopefully he is well enough and strong enough to appear. He is missed on the Opry.
Look at those on the guest list for Friday night, there are a couple of names that stand out. It is nice to see the Malpass Brothers on the schedule. They have been on the Opry a couple of times and have impressed. Also scheduled is Pure Prairie League and Sons of the Pioneers, who at this point you could probably call the Grandsons of the Pioneers. (I know, bad joke). While the members of this group have changed, they are still out there singing those western songs and are a popular attraction, especially in the west. Also scheduled to appear are William Michael Morgan and Emily West. By the way, the Friday Night Opry is sold out.
Saturday night has another of those artists who I think would make a very good Opry member, and that is Suzy Bogguss. I just enjoy her very much. Allison Moorer hasn't been on the Opry in some time, and she is also scheduled, along with the young and popular Hunter Hayes, and making her Opry debut, Madison Kozak.
Friday October 25
7:00: Mike Snider (host); William Michael Morgan; Malpass Brothers
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Emily West; Sons of the Pioneers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Pure Prairie League
8:45: The Whites (host); Crystal Gayle
Saturday October 26
1st show
7:00: John Conlee (host); Allison Moorer; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Madison Kozak; Suzy Bogguss
8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Mike Snider; Hunter Hayes; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Trace Adkins
2nd show
9:30: John Conlee (host); Allison Moorer; Hunter Hayes
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Mike Snider; Suzy Bogguss
10:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Madison Kozak; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Trace Adkins
As mentioned, Saturday night will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for Madison Kozak.
To rising country singer, songwriter, and musician Madison Kozak, it feels fitting that her debut, “First Last Name,” pays tribute to a father-daughter relationship. Not only did the touching ballad kickstart her career by leading to a publishing deal with powerhouse company Big Loud, but it also feels meaningful because it was Madison's dad who taught the Nashville-based artist everything she knows and loves about country music. Growing up the seventh child in a family of eight siblings in rural Ontario, Kozak treasured precious time with her father, who introduced her to the greats — Loretta Lynn (Kozak’s first concert), Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash — and also taught her to play guitar when he discovered she loved to sing.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the final weekend in October 2009:
Friday October 23
7:00: Jean Shepard (host); Jimmy C Newman; Ashton Shepherd
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Emily West
8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Riders In The Sky; The Whites
Saturday October 24
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Mallary Hope
7:30: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Montgomery Gentry
8:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jack Greene; Oak Ridge Boys
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Mallary Hope
10:00: Mike Snider (host); The Whites; Montgomery Gentry
10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Trace Adkins; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jack Greene; Oak Ridge Boys
From 25 years ago, Saturday October 22, 1994:
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Connie Smith
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Bill Carlisle
7:00: Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin; Jan Howard; Mel McDaniel
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Clinton Gregory; The Four Guys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Ronna Reeves; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman; Mike Snider
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Del McCoury Band; Jan Howard; Brother Oswald
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Mike Snider
10:15: Jack Greene (host); Hank Locklin
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Clinton Gregory
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Ronna Reeves; Mel McDaniel
11:30: The Four Guys (host); Charlie Walker; The Whites
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday October 25, 1969:
1st show
6:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Bobby Lewis
6:45: Willis Brothers (host); Del Wood; Wilma Burgess
7:00: Bill Anderson (host); George Morgan; Jan Howard; Billy Grammer
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Jim and Jesse; Crook Brothers; Charlie Daniels
8:00: Del Reeves (host); Charlie Walker; The Four Guys; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Bill Monroe (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Ray Pillow; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Willis Brothers; Bobby Lewis; Wilma Lee Cooper
10:00: George Morgan (host); The Four Guys; Del Wood
10:15: Del Reeves (host); Jim and Jesse
10:30: Charlie Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Ray Pillow
10:45: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Crook Brothers
11:00: Bill Monroe (host); Bill Carlisle; Wilma Burgess; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Lonzo and Oscar; Don Winters
_______________________________________________________________________
To finish it up, it was 16 years ago, Saturday October 25, 2003 that Del McCoury became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
"My dad always had the Grand Ole Opry radio broadcasts on every Saturday night, and Bill [Monroe] was my favorite on that show." - Del McCoury
When Delano Floyd McCoury was young, his family relocated from North Carolina to just north of the Mason Dixon Line in York County, Pennsylvania. Del's older brother, G.C., introduced the young boy to bluegrass through the music of Flatt & Scruggs. Before long, he had taken up the banjo, and by the early 1960s he was playing bluegrass in the honky tonks of the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area. In 1963, Del made his first Grand Ole Opry appearances when he was recruited by Bill Monroe to join his Blue Grass Boys. Though he was hired as a banjo player, Bill soon made him into a guitar player and lead singer.
"The first time I played the Opry," recalls Del, "I wasn't in the union yet, and you had to belong to the local union in Nashville to be able to play. You could sing, but you couldn't play. So, my first night on the Opry with Bill, I sang and I didn't play. After that, Bill got me in the union. It's funny — Bill could do that. I guess he had a lot of pull here in this town."
When Del left the band the following year, he continued as a lead singer — first during a brief stint in California with the Golden State Boys, and then back in Pennsylvania with his own band, the Dixie Pals.
For the next quarter of a century, Del was a part-time musician, working as a logging truck driver to support his growing family while playing at bluegrass festivals on the weekends. Though he couldn't devote himself entirely to music, his reputation as a singer of unsurpassed intensity grew steadily.
Del's son Ronnie began playing with the band on a part-time basis in 1981 at age 14. Six years later, Robbie McCoury made his debut with the band. At the beginning of the '90s, Del and his family moved to Nashville to pursue music full-time as The Del McCoury Band. With Mike Bub (since replaced by Alan Bartram) on bass and Jason Carter on fiddle, the group quickly developed into one of the finest units to ever grace a bluegrass stage, and by the end of the decade they had become the top winner at the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual awards.
Throughout the '90s and into the new millennium, The Del McCoury Band — a nine-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award — has embodied bluegrass' best qualities. In 2003, the group established its own record label, McCoury Music, and, two years later, won a Best Bluegrass Album Grammy for The Company We Keep.
Today, the Del McCoury Band enjoys the praise of traditional bluegrass lovers and tie-dyed clad "Del-Heads" alike. Their current dates range from performing arts centers to hardcore bluegrass festivals. After years of playing hip, youth-oriented jamfests such as Bonnaroo and High Sierra, Del launched his own in 2008 — the popular four-day DelFest in Cumberland, Maryland. Spreading the bluegrass gospel wherever he goes, Del has proven not to be a relic of bluegrass music's past, but an architect of its future.
Here is the running order from Saturday October 25, 2003, the night Del McCoury became a member of the Grand Ole Opry:
1st show
6:30: Tennessee Pride
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
The Whites: Hangin' Around
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew
7:00: WSM online.com/Standard Candy
Emerson Drive: Dreaming About You/Waiting on Me
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Drivin' Man
Rodney Atkins: My Old Man/Honesty
Del McCoury Band: The Red Head Girl/Hillcrest Drive
Patty Loveless and Del McCoury; I'm Working on a Building
George Hamilton IV: Abilene/We Will Meet Again
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Jimmy C Newman: Allons ah Lafayette
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Opry Square Dance Band: Snow Flake Reel
Porter Wagoner: Suppertime
8:30: Tootsie's
Mike Snider (host): Shuckin' the Corn
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: Darling, Are You Ever Coming Home
Hal Ketchum: Awaiting Redemption/Stay Forever
Mike Snider: If My Nose was Runnin'
2nd show
9:30: Coca-Cola
Jimmy Dickens (host): Me and My Big Loud Mouth
The Whites: Makin' Believe/Swing Down Chariot
Mel McDaniel: Louisiana Saturday Night/Stand Up
Jimmy Dickens: I'd Rather Sleep in Peace
10:00: Caribbean Cruise
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jan Howard: The One You Slip Around With
Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You
Emerson Drive: Falling to Me/Fishing in the Dark
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand
10:30: Dreamworks
Hal Ketchum (host): Without Your Love
Stu Phillips: If Loving You Means Anything
Connie Smith: I'll Come Runnin' to You/You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Opry Square Dance Band: Whiskey Before Breakfast
Hal Ketchum: It's a 5 O'Clock World
11:00: Cingular Wireless
Jean Shepard (host): Gone, Gone, Gone
Billy Walker: Word Games
Jimmy C Newman; Diggy Liggy Lo/Cajun Stripper
Del McCoury Band: I'll Dry My Tears/A Cheap Love Affair
Jean Shepard: Together Again
11:30: Merle Haggard CD
Mike Snider (host): Acorn Hill/Crazy Creek
Rodney Atkins: My Old Man/Honesty
Jack Greene: Walking the Floor Over You/Night Life
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. And as always, I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Mid-Week Opry Shows
Remember when Luke Bryan said he would like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry? If not, let me refresh it for you:
“I’ve got to put in some good word with them, maybe I can be a member one day."
He then indicated that he may make more of an effort to get that “Opry nod” himself.
“You know, me and my managers sit down and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get my butt out to the Opry and play more’,” Luke admits, “So, Opry, save me some dates I’m comin’.”
For those keeping count, he made those comments back in September 2018 when Dustin Lynch was inducted as the Opry's newest member. And, for those who are interested, he and his managers must not have been in touch with the Opry about saving him some dates, because since he made that statement, he has not been back to the Opry.
But that all changes this Tuesday night as Luke Bryan is scheduled for both shows that night as the "Opry Goes Pink" for their annual night to honor breast cancer survivors. W=
While there is nothing to indicate that he will be offered Opry membership on Tuesday night, and it would be a surprise and disappointment if he was, I am happy that he is coming back to do the show as it has been several years since he has been on.
Joining Luke on the Tuesday Night Opry will be Opry members Craig Morgan, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie and the Oak Ridge Boys, Guesting will be Sara Evans and Anita Cochran.
Tuesday October 22
1st show
7:00: Craig Morgan; Travis Tritt
7:30: Anita Cochran; Joe Diffie
8:00: Sara Evans; Oak Ridge Boys
8:30: Luke Bryan
2nd show
9:30: Craig Morgan; Travis Tritt
10:00: Luke Bryan
10:30: Sara Evans; Joe Diffie
11:00: Anita Cochran; Oak Ridge Boys
On Wednesday night, Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town will be celebrating their 5th anniversary as Opry members. Also appearing will be one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame as Ray Stevens, fresh off his formal induction on Sunday night, will be appearing.
Wednesday October 23
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Kristian Bush
7:30: Jimmie Allen; Ray Stevens
Intermission
8:15: Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Ashley Ray
8:45: Little Big Town.
Opry Country Classics
Thursday October 24
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Charlie McCoy, Waylon Payne, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
“I’ve got to put in some good word with them, maybe I can be a member one day."
He then indicated that he may make more of an effort to get that “Opry nod” himself.
“You know, me and my managers sit down and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get my butt out to the Opry and play more’,” Luke admits, “So, Opry, save me some dates I’m comin’.”
For those keeping count, he made those comments back in September 2018 when Dustin Lynch was inducted as the Opry's newest member. And, for those who are interested, he and his managers must not have been in touch with the Opry about saving him some dates, because since he made that statement, he has not been back to the Opry.
But that all changes this Tuesday night as Luke Bryan is scheduled for both shows that night as the "Opry Goes Pink" for their annual night to honor breast cancer survivors. W=
While there is nothing to indicate that he will be offered Opry membership on Tuesday night, and it would be a surprise and disappointment if he was, I am happy that he is coming back to do the show as it has been several years since he has been on.
Joining Luke on the Tuesday Night Opry will be Opry members Craig Morgan, Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie and the Oak Ridge Boys, Guesting will be Sara Evans and Anita Cochran.
Tuesday October 22
1st show
7:00: Craig Morgan; Travis Tritt
7:30: Anita Cochran; Joe Diffie
8:00: Sara Evans; Oak Ridge Boys
8:30: Luke Bryan
2nd show
9:30: Craig Morgan; Travis Tritt
10:00: Luke Bryan
10:30: Sara Evans; Joe Diffie
11:00: Anita Cochran; Oak Ridge Boys
On Wednesday night, Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town will be celebrating their 5th anniversary as Opry members. Also appearing will be one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame as Ray Stevens, fresh off his formal induction on Sunday night, will be appearing.
Wednesday October 23
7:00: Riders In The Sky; Kristian Bush
7:30: Jimmie Allen; Ray Stevens
Intermission
8:15: Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Ashley Ray
8:45: Little Big Town.
Opry Country Classics
Thursday October 24
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Charlie McCoy, Waylon Payne, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Grand Ole Opry 10/18 & 10/19
Coming off the Grand Ole Opry's 94th Birthday Bash and Dolly Week, it appears that it will be a pretty quiet weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as things get back to normal. For this weekend, there will be one show on Friday night and two shows on Saturday.
There are several Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing on all three shows this weekend: Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee and Old Crow Medicine Show, who by the way, will be signing copies of their new album "Love at the Ryman" on both nights.
Joining that group on the Friday Night Opry will be members Mark Wills, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Joining the trio for both shows on Saturday will be Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Connie Smith, along with Mike Snider and The Whites. Jeannie Seely is set for the first show while Riders in The Sky are scheduled for the late show.
Ingrid Andress will be making her Opry debut on Friday night, while Fred Eaglesmith will be making his debut on Saturday night. Other guest artists on Friday night include Dee White, Sawyer Brown and Bobby Bones. Saturday night the list includes Caylee Hammack and John Crist.
Friday October 18
7:00: Mark Wills (host); Dee White; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ingrid Andress; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Bones; Sawyer Brown
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky
Saturday October 19
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show
2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
10:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show
___________________________________________________________________
As mentioned Ingrid Andress and Fred Eaglesmith are set to make their Opry debuts this weekend.
“A country pop rookie who can write a chorus like Sia,” (PAPER), Ingrid Andress is chipping away at expectations of herself and her sound with debut single “More Hearts Than Mine.” Praised by HITS magazine for its “honesty and vulnerability virtually absent on Country radio,” the recently named iHeartCountry On The Verge artist performed her “elegantly written song” (NY Times) on NBC’s TODAY a week after it became the most-added new single at country radio.
The Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist made her first national TV appearance earlier this year on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing her major-label debut, “Lady Like,” only two months after its release.
With several co-writer credits to her name, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and Fletcher’s “About You,” the Colorado-native first honed her skills writing with heavy hitters in the music community such as Sam Hunt and Alicia Keys and has received additional critical acclaim from People, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vulture, and many more.
With the release of her latest tracks “Both” and “We’re Not Friends,” Andress’ new music continues to prove her as one of the most unique and moving vocalists in the country space and beyond; one that is thrillingly honest, raw, and refreshing in a way rarely seen emanating from Music City.
Fred Eaglesmith can talk to you about almost anything. Chances are, he’s had that car, tractor, job, relationship, idea, and hat. But throughout his life and experiences there is always one thing that has remained the same: his undeniable gift for writing a song. Aspiring songwriters and performers of all ages call and write Fred with questions on how to have a career like his. And what can he say? Start writing songs when you’re 10 years old. Grow up with poverty, agriculture, religion, and eight siblings. Run away from home. Hop freight trains. Start a business. Lose a business. Struggle to get any gig. Drive to Nashville with no money and pockets full of songs. Get a record deal. Lose a record deal. Win a Juno Award. Break down on the side of the road everyday for days on end. Become a cult hero and amass a following of self-proclaimed “Fred Heads.” Tour relentlessly. Become everyone’s favorite. Becomes nobody’s favorite. Follow your gut. Smarten up. Don’t care what anybody thinks. Be fair. Be loyal no matter what. Keep going. Soften up. Give people a break. Expect nothing. Give everything. Keep going. Allow yourself to be happy. Find out who you are and deal with that. Don’t stay in fancy hotels. Write good songs.
After all these years touring the United States, Canada, and Europe, having his songs covered by some of the biggest names in music, and appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman – the enigmatic, countrified, Rock ’n’ Roll troubadour, Fred Eaglesmith, is carrying on with musical wife Tif Ginn.
Eaglesmith is a veteran of the music industry and at the same time is about as far away from actually participating in today’s music industry as one could be. Never operating within anyone’s boundaries, he continues to set the standard for independent artists everywhere.
Tif Ginn is a gutsy, amazing singer and a transcendent songwriter who has spent most of her life touring and playing music. Her impressive, sultry vocals and glorious harmonies with Fred, along with her multiple instrument additions to the show will have you in awe. This girl has it all, including Fred.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the third weekend in October 2009:
Friday October 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Riders In The Sky; Whitney Duncan
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown
Saturday October 17
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Sam Bush
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Louvin; Sam Bush
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday October 15, 1994. This was also the weekend of the Grand Ole Opry's 69th Birthday celebration. What was special about this celebration was during the televised portion, the Opry's Hall of Fame members were seated on stage and honored by other members. Among those on stage were Jimmy Dickens, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow and Bill Monroe.
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle; Jimmy Dickens
7:00: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Brother Oswald; Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Jeannie Seely; The Bluegrass Boys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker; The Whites
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Justin Tubb; Jeanne Pruett; Del Reeves
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Four Guys
10:45: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Walker; Johnny Russell
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1969. This was also the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 44th Birthday celebration:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Glaser Brothers: Wicked California
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific
The Four Guys: My Special Angel
Justin Tubb: Be Glad
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Bill Carlisle: Poke Salad Annie
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Tex Ritter (host): Growing Up
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Mel Tillis: Ruby, Don't Take You Guns to Town
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me on Sundays/What Are Those Things
Stonewall Jackson: Ship in the Bottle
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Tennessee Hound Dog/Rocky Top
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker
Loretta Lynn: To Make a Man
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Dottie West: Clinging to My Baby's Hands
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
George Morgan: Molly Darling
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Ray Pillow: Proud Mary
Lester Flatt: Folsom Prison Blues
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Del Reeves: Woman Do Funny Things to Me/Bells of Southern Bell/ Girl on the Billboard/There Wouldn't Be a Lonely Heart in Town
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Bob Luman: Memphis
Jim and Jesse: My Baby's Gone
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Right to Come What's Left
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/A Boy Named Sue
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
The Four Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Mel Tillis: These Lonely Hands of Mine
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Diane McCall: Ready Made Home
Bobby Lord: Rainbow Girl
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:15: Pure
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Jeannie C Riley: Harper Valley PTA
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Tex Ritter: High Noon
George Morgan: You Gave Me a Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Lester Flatt: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Loretta Lynn: Your Squaw is on the Warpath
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush is Over/The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
11:30: Lava
Bill Monroe (host): Fireball Mail
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Monroe: Body & Soul
Ray Pillow: Heart Over Mind
Bill Monroe: I haven't Seen Mary in Years/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Now, that is how to have a birthday celebration. Of course, back in those days the Opry's birthday weekend was tied into the annual Disc Jockey Convention and as you can tell by the line-up, pretty much anyone associated with the Opry was on that night. In fact, the only Grand Ole Opry members missing were Ernie Ashworth, Billy Grammer, Lonzo and Oscar, Norma Jean, Marty Robbins, Stringbean, Marion Worth, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
The 2nd show finished up at 1:00 am., and that was with the closing segment lasting just 20 minutes.
Finally, in what was a very rare occurrence, the Grand Ole Opry was filmed that night and some of the performances were included in the video "The Nashville Sound" which gave viewers a great look at the Grand Ole Opry. If you have not watch that video, I highly recommend it. It is very interesting and includes not only the Opry, but other activities that took place during the DJ Convention that year.
_____________________________________________________________________
To finish it up for this week, let's do one more Opry Birthday celebration, this one from 39 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1980, the night of the Opry's 55th anniversary:
1st show
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo and Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle; Bottle
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All the Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Finders
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up on Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song
8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That the Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore/When the Tingle Becomes a Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N Roll to the Rock of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Four Guys: Lovin' Up a Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
The Four Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo and Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
10:00: Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love in My Heart
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton and the Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry/God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chuck of Coal
10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
10:45: Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'em In the Morning Blues
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back to Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You
Bill Jr., and Sheila Carlisle: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want that Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down to Georgia
While not as impressive as the Opry's 44th birthday show 11 years earlier, still a very nice Opry birthday with many of the Opry's members appearing.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
There are several Grand Ole Opry members who will be appearing on all three shows this weekend: Dailey & Vincent, John Conlee and Old Crow Medicine Show, who by the way, will be signing copies of their new album "Love at the Ryman" on both nights.
Joining that group on the Friday Night Opry will be members Mark Wills, Bobby Osborne, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky. Joining the trio for both shows on Saturday will be Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Connie Smith, along with Mike Snider and The Whites. Jeannie Seely is set for the first show while Riders in The Sky are scheduled for the late show.
Ingrid Andress will be making her Opry debut on Friday night, while Fred Eaglesmith will be making his debut on Saturday night. Other guest artists on Friday night include Dee White, Sawyer Brown and Bobby Bones. Saturday night the list includes Caylee Hammack and John Crist.
Friday October 18
7:00: Mark Wills (host); Dee White; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Ingrid Andress; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Bobby Bones; Sawyer Brown
8:45: Old Crow Medicine Show (host); Riders In The Sky
Saturday October 19
1st show
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
8:00: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show
2nd show
9:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Caylee Hammack; Mike Snider
10:00: Bill Anderson (host); Fred Eaglesmith; Dailey & Vincent
10:30: John Conlee (host); The Whites; John Crist; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Connie Smith (host); Old Crow Medicine Show
___________________________________________________________________
As mentioned Ingrid Andress and Fred Eaglesmith are set to make their Opry debuts this weekend.
“A country pop rookie who can write a chorus like Sia,” (PAPER), Ingrid Andress is chipping away at expectations of herself and her sound with debut single “More Hearts Than Mine.” Praised by HITS magazine for its “honesty and vulnerability virtually absent on Country radio,” the recently named iHeartCountry On The Verge artist performed her “elegantly written song” (NY Times) on NBC’s TODAY a week after it became the most-added new single at country radio.
The Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist made her first national TV appearance earlier this year on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing her major-label debut, “Lady Like,” only two months after its release.
With several co-writer credits to her name, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and Fletcher’s “About You,” the Colorado-native first honed her skills writing with heavy hitters in the music community such as Sam Hunt and Alicia Keys and has received additional critical acclaim from People, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vulture, and many more.
With the release of her latest tracks “Both” and “We’re Not Friends,” Andress’ new music continues to prove her as one of the most unique and moving vocalists in the country space and beyond; one that is thrillingly honest, raw, and refreshing in a way rarely seen emanating from Music City.
Fred Eaglesmith can talk to you about almost anything. Chances are, he’s had that car, tractor, job, relationship, idea, and hat. But throughout his life and experiences there is always one thing that has remained the same: his undeniable gift for writing a song. Aspiring songwriters and performers of all ages call and write Fred with questions on how to have a career like his. And what can he say? Start writing songs when you’re 10 years old. Grow up with poverty, agriculture, religion, and eight siblings. Run away from home. Hop freight trains. Start a business. Lose a business. Struggle to get any gig. Drive to Nashville with no money and pockets full of songs. Get a record deal. Lose a record deal. Win a Juno Award. Break down on the side of the road everyday for days on end. Become a cult hero and amass a following of self-proclaimed “Fred Heads.” Tour relentlessly. Become everyone’s favorite. Becomes nobody’s favorite. Follow your gut. Smarten up. Don’t care what anybody thinks. Be fair. Be loyal no matter what. Keep going. Soften up. Give people a break. Expect nothing. Give everything. Keep going. Allow yourself to be happy. Find out who you are and deal with that. Don’t stay in fancy hotels. Write good songs.
After all these years touring the United States, Canada, and Europe, having his songs covered by some of the biggest names in music, and appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman – the enigmatic, countrified, Rock ’n’ Roll troubadour, Fred Eaglesmith, is carrying on with musical wife Tif Ginn.
Eaglesmith is a veteran of the music industry and at the same time is about as far away from actually participating in today’s music industry as one could be. Never operating within anyone’s boundaries, he continues to set the standard for independent artists everywhere.
Tif Ginn is a gutsy, amazing singer and a transcendent songwriter who has spent most of her life touring and playing music. Her impressive, sultry vocals and glorious harmonies with Fred, along with her multiple instrument additions to the show will have you in awe. This girl has it all, including Fred.
_______________________________________________________________________
And now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from ten years ago, the third weekend in October 2009:
Friday October 16
7:00: John Conlee (host); Riders In The Sky; Whitney Duncan
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; T. Graham Brown
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jean Shepard; Keith Anderson
8:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jeannie Seely; Jim Ed Brown
Saturday October 17
1st show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Sam Bush
8:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Stonewall Jackson; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill
2nd show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Holly Williams
10:00: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Louvin; Sam Bush
10:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Steel Magnolia; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jesse McReynolds; Vince Gill
Now from 25 years ago, Saturday October 15, 1994. This was also the weekend of the Grand Ole Opry's 69th Birthday celebration. What was special about this celebration was during the televised portion, the Opry's Hall of Fame members were seated on stage and honored by other members. Among those on stage were Jimmy Dickens, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow and Bill Monroe.
1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
6:45: Grandpa Jones (host); Bill Carlisle; Jimmy Dickens
7:00: The Four Guys (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Brother Oswald; Jeanne Pruett; Opry Square Dance Band
7:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Mike Snider; Jeannie Seely; The Bluegrass Boys
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jack Greene (host); Jean Shepard; Charlie Walker; The Whites
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Jim Ed Brown; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Justin Tubb; Jeanne Pruett; Del Reeves
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Stonewall Jackson
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host); Jean Shepard
10:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); The Four Guys
10:45: The Whites (host); Jan Howard; Opry Square Dance Band; The Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jeannie Seely; Charlie Walker; Mike Snider
11:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Billy Walker; Johnny Russell
Finally, from 50 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1969. This was also the night of the Grand Ole Opry's 44th Birthday celebration:
1st show
6:00: Vietti
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Glaser Brothers: Wicked California
Skeeter Davis: Going Down the Road Feeling Bad
George Hamilton IV: Canadian Pacific
The Four Guys: My Special Angel
Justin Tubb: Be Glad
Margie Bowes: Understand Your Gal/Big City
Bill Carlisle: Poke Salad Annie
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Tex Ritter (host): Growing Up
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Jack Greene: Statue of a Fool
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
6:45: Rudy's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Willis Brothers: Buying Popcorn
Mel Tillis: Ruby, Don't Take You Guns to Town
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
7:00: Luzianne
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Earl Scruggs Revue: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me on Sundays/What Are Those Things
Stonewall Jackson: Ship in the Bottle
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Tennessee Hound Dog/Rocky Top
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
7:30: Standard Candy
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Grandpa Jones: Old Dan Tucker
Loretta Lynn: To Make a Man
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Archie Campbell: The Cockfight
Crook Brothers: Eighth of January
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka
8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt (host): Little Maggie
Hank Locklin: Country Hall of Fame
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Dottie West: Clinging to My Baby's Hands
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
George Morgan: Molly Darling
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
Ray Pillow: Proud Mary
Lester Flatt: Folsom Prison Blues
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Roy Drusky: Strangers
Del Reeves: Woman Do Funny Things to Me/Bells of Southern Bell/ Girl on the Billboard/There Wouldn't Be a Lonely Heart in Town
Jean Shepard: Seven Lonely Days
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Dance All Night
Bob Luman: Memphis
Jim and Jesse: My Baby's Gone
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Right to Come What's Left
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind
Dolly Parton: My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues/A Boy Named Sue
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Jimmy C Newman: Alligator Man
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
The Four Guys: Turn Around; Look at Me
Mel Tillis: These Lonely Hands of Mine
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used to Know
10:00: Fender
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Earl Scruggs Revue: Girl From the North Country
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Diane McCall: Ready Made Home
Bobby Lord: Rainbow Girl
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:15: Pure
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Bob Luman: Guitar Man
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Stu Phillips: Little Tin God
Jeannie C Riley: Harper Valley PTA
Bill Anderson: This Land is Your Land
10:30: Trailblazer
Lester Flatt (host): Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Tex Ritter: High Noon
George Morgan: You Gave Me a Mountain
Dottie West: Here Comes My Baby
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Lester Flatt: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
10:45: Beech-Nut
Ernest Tubb (host): Waltz Across Texas
Loretta Lynn: Your Squaw is on the Warpath
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Wilburn Brothers: Hurt Her Once for Me
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Charlie Walker: Moffitt, Oklahoma
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Gal
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such as I
Sam McGee: Steel Guitar Rag
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush is Over/The Wreck of the Old 97/One More Ride
11:30: Lava
Bill Monroe (host): Fireball Mail
Ray Pillow: Working Man Blues
Bill Monroe: Body & Soul
Ray Pillow: Heart Over Mind
Bill Monroe: I haven't Seen Mary in Years/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Now, that is how to have a birthday celebration. Of course, back in those days the Opry's birthday weekend was tied into the annual Disc Jockey Convention and as you can tell by the line-up, pretty much anyone associated with the Opry was on that night. In fact, the only Grand Ole Opry members missing were Ernie Ashworth, Billy Grammer, Lonzo and Oscar, Norma Jean, Marty Robbins, Stringbean, Marion Worth, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
The 2nd show finished up at 1:00 am., and that was with the closing segment lasting just 20 minutes.
Finally, in what was a very rare occurrence, the Grand Ole Opry was filmed that night and some of the performances were included in the video "The Nashville Sound" which gave viewers a great look at the Grand Ole Opry. If you have not watch that video, I highly recommend it. It is very interesting and includes not only the Opry, but other activities that took place during the DJ Convention that year.
_____________________________________________________________________
To finish it up for this week, let's do one more Opry Birthday celebration, this one from 39 years ago, Saturday October 18, 1980, the night of the Opry's 55th anniversary:
1st show
6:00 Vietti
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Lonzo and Oscar: Georgia Pineywoods
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Jim and Jesse: Freight Train
Jim Ed Brown: Bottle; Bottle
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Connie Smith: He Was There All the Time
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jan Howard: You Don't Know Me
Del Wood: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Wilburn Brothers: Because He Lives
Billy Walker: Love Is Slippin' Through Our Finders
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up on Me
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Black Mountain Rag
Onie Wheeler: Lucian's Song
8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
George Hamilton IV: Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That the Crow Told Me
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore/When the Tingle Becomes a Chill
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Bill Anderson: From Rock N Roll to the Rock of Ages
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
The Four Guys: Lovin' Up a Storm
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Saturday Night Hop
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Ernest Tubb (host): Walkin' the Floor Over You
Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter
The Four Guys: Swing Down Chariot
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Lonzo and Oscar: The Old Home Place
Ernie Ashworth: This Old Boy Ain't Gonna Walk Your Line No More
Wilma Lee Cooper: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
10:00: Little Debbie
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
The Browns: The Three Bells
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love in My Heart
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Mayor Fulton and the Grand Ole Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry/God Bless America
Stonewall Jackson: Old Chuck of Coal
10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
10:45: Beech-Nut
George Hamilton IV (host): Corn Bread; Beans & Sweet Potato Pie
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Crook Brothers: Mississippi Sawyer
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such as I
Billy Grammer: Blue Water
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Roy Drusky: I'll Hold You In My Heart
Kirk McGee: Milk 'em In the Morning Blues
Hank Snow and Kelly Foxton: Check
11:30: Bama
Bill Anderson (host): Wild Weekend
Jeanne Pruett: It's Too Late/Back to Back
Vic Willis Trio: Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You
Bill Jr., and Sheila Carlisle: White Lightening
Bill Anderson: I Want that Feeling Again/Po' Folks
Po' Folks Band: The Devil Went Down to Georgia
While not as impressive as the Opry's 44th birthday show 11 years earlier, still a very nice Opry birthday with many of the Opry's members appearing.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)