Grand Ole Opry 7/1 & 7/2

Welcome to the month of July. Who else finds it hard to believe that 2022 is already half over? 

As far as the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, there are two solid shows on the schedule with a nice assortment of artists. A lot of variety for sure this weekend. 

Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky and John Conlee are on the schedule for Friday night, while Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson and Mike Snider are listed for Saturday night. Here is my only beef with this: just two members on Friday and three on Saturday, and each night all of the members are scheduled during the first half of the show, before the intermission. I know it is July 4th weekend and I am sure a lot of the artists are out on the road, but you would hope that there would have been more members scheduled and spread out throughout the shows. 

Comedian Gary Mule Deer is scheduled for both nights. I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that Gary has guested on the Opry more than any other non-member over the past couple of years. This weekend will mark is 18th and 19th appearances in 2022. 

Also scheduled on Friday night is Brett Eldredge, Austin Burke, Callista Clark, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Lainey Wilson and making her Opry debut, Tasha Layton. Brett is a late addition to the lineup and will be opening the show. 

The non-member list for Saturday night is headed by Charles Esten, who has made over 150 guest appearances on the Opry. Cajun legend Jo-EL Sonnier, and Frank Ray are also on the schedule, as is Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, who will be making their long-awaited Opry debut. It will be very nice hearing some Cajun music on the Opry this weekend. We all know that Jimmy C Newman has been missed and not really replaced. 

Friday July 1
7:00 Brett Eldredge, Riders In The Sky, Austin Burke, John Conlee, Callista Clark
Intermission
8:15: Tasha Layton, Gary Mule Deer, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Lainey Wilson

Saturday July 2
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Frank Ray, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Jo-EL Sonnier, Gary Mule Deer, Opry Square Dancers, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Charles Esten

(Ashley McBryde was on the original schedule for Saturday night but has canceled all of her appearances over the next month due to personal reasons. That included her scheduled Opry appearance). 

As mentioned, Tasha Layton and Chris Jones will be making their Opry debuts this weekend. 

Tasha Layton appeared on Season 9 of American Idol. Her background includes serving as an instructor at the National Praise and Worship Institute at Trevecca Nazarene University. In 2020, she was named one of Billboard's Top 5 female Christian artists of the year after achieving success with her breakthrough single "Into The Sea (It's Gonna Be Ok)." 

In 2021, her hit “Look What You’ve Done" was featured on her released debut album, How Far. Tasha has been featured on ABC’s GMA3: What You Need To Know, discussing how past struggles have shaped her life and inspired her music; and she served as co-host of the 52nd GMA Dove Awards Pre-Telecast last year. 

If you listen to Sirius/XM Radio, then Chris Jones is no stranger as he has been featured on the Bluegrass channel and recently, he temporarily took over as the morning host on Willie's Roadhouse. 

Chris formed his group, The Night Drivers, in the mid-1990s, and they have become popular repeat performers at major festivals like MerleFest in North Carolina, California’s Huck Finn Jubilee, and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. They have filled a wide variety of venues around the world, touring across the U.S. and Canada, and all over Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Ireland. Together with the band and as a solo artist, Chris has released 14 albums and racked up 19 #1 songs. In addition, the group has won 16 IBMA Awards. 

Currently, his group, The Night Drivers, consists of Matt Stoffel, Marshall Wilburn and Grace Van't Hof. They recently performed at the Ralph Stanley Hills of Home Festival which I attended, and they were outstanding. I am looking forward to hearing them on the Opry on Saturday night. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 1, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host), Bill Carlisle
6:45: Lonzo and Oscar (host), Karen Wheeler
7:00: The 4 Guys (host), Stringbean, Del Wood, Dickey Lee
7:30: Roy Acuff (host), Loretta Lynn, Anthony Armstrong Jones, Crook Brothers
8:00: Grandpa Jones (host), Penny DeHaven, Jerry Clower, Johnny Russell, Stu Phillips
8:30: Hank Snow (host), Marion Worth, Harry Rusk, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips (host), Willis Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Russell
10:00: Lonzo and Oscar (host), Stringbean, Del Wood
10:15: Bill Carlisle (host), Jerry Clower
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host), Karen Wheeler, Dickey Lee, Ramona Jones
10:45: Roy Acuff (host), Anthony Armstrong Jones, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), Penny DeHaven, Harry Rusk, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host), Marion Worth, The 4 Guys

(Charlie Louvin and Jimmy C Newman were both scheduled but canceled. 

One name that stood out from that night was Anthony Armstrong Jones, whose real name was Ronnie Jones. He took the stage name of the British photographer who married Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. A former professional golfer, Jones recorded four albums for Chart Records and charted six times in the Top 40 on the Billboard country singles charts. His debut single was a No. 22-peaking cover of "Proud Mary," originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which served as the title track of his first album. Its second single was "New Orleans," originally recorded by Gary U. S. Bonds.

His second album, Take a Letter Maria, produced his biggest hit in its No. 8 title track, a cover of the pop hit for R. B. Greaves. Later that year, he released Sugar in the Flowers, which produced singles in "Lead Me Not into Temptation" and its title track. Finishing off his single releases that year was a rendition of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline," which Jones recorded on Take a Letter Maria.

He later recorded for Epic Records, where he charted three singles in 1973, including a No. 33 cover of Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown". He recorded for Homa Records in the 1970s but did not have any chart success and charted for the last time in 1986 with the No. 74 "Those Eyes" on the Air label, after which he retired from the music business. Ronnie Jones passed away in 1996. 

Going back a little further, Saturday July 2, 1955, was the first Saturday night that Patsy Cline appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. There are some who believe that she appeared the night before on the Friday Night Frolics, however I cannot substantiate that fact. 

Here is the running order as listed in the program from that night 67 years ago: 

7:30: Federal Fertilizer
Carl Smith: There She Goes
Fiddle Tune: Ragtime Annie
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Cowboy Copas: Gone and Left Me Blues
Fiddle Tune: Wake Up Susan

7:45: American Ace
Carl Smith: Back Up Buddy
Ray Price: If You Don't Somebody Else Will
Wilburn Brothers: I Wanna-Wanna-Wanna
Carl Smith: Old Lonesome Times
Fiddle Tune: Fisher's Horn Pipe

8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb: Kansas City Blues
Ferlin Husky: I'll Baby Sit with You
Flatt and Scruggs: Salty Dog Blues
Patsy Kline: A Church, A Courtroom and Then Goodbye
Possum Hunters: Fire In The Mountain
Ernest Tubb: The Lonely World
Carlisles: Bargain Day
Flatt and Scruggs: Flint Hill Special
Ferlin Husky: Cuz You're So Sweet
Ernest Tubb: Daisy May
Fiddle Tune: Turkey In The Straw

8:30: Prince Albert
Faron Young: Live Fast, Love Hard, and Die Young
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: Why Don't You Leave This Town
Fiddle Tune: Grey Eagle
Faron Young: Gold Bless God
Moon Mullican: When Love Dies, Where Does It Go
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Hawkshaw Hawkins: How Can Anything So Pretty Be So Doggone Mean
Grandpa Jones: Good Old Mountain Dew
Faron Young: All Right
Fiddle Tune: Old Joe Clark

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Love Somebody
Johnny and Jack: I Get So Lonely
George Morgan: The Best Mistake I Ever Made
Kitty Wells: As Long As I Live
Jug Band: Shot Gun Boogie
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Roy Acuff: Glory Bound Train
Oswald: Curly Headed Baby
Roy Acuff: Green Back Dollar

9:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Carl Smith: Love Talk
Jimmy Dickens: When I Play The Fiddle
Eddie Hill: Same Old Dreams
Lew Childre: Southern Hospitality
Goldie Hill: Please Don't Betray Me
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Carl Smith: Kisses Don't Lie
Jordanaires: Will You Be Ready
Chet Atkins: Bye, Bye Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Conscience Set Me Free
Fiddle Tune: 8th of January

10:00: Wall-Rite
George Morgan: I'd Like To Know
Bill Monroe: My Rose of Old Kentucky
Carlisles: It's Bed Time Bill
George Morgan: I Think I'm Gonna Cry
Fiddle Tune: Sleepy Lou

10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Ray Price: Let Me Talk To You
Grandpa Jones: Herd of Turtles
Patsy Kline: Goodbye and So Long To You
Ray Price: One Broken Heart
Fiddle Tune: Wake Up Susan

10:30: Hester Battery
Ernest Tubb: You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
Jimmy Dickens: Black-Eyed Joe
Goldie Hill: Cry, Cry Darling
Ernest Tubb: I Know My Baby Loves Me
Fiddle Tune: Ricketts Horn Pipe

10:45: D Con
Ferlin Husky: She's Always There
Moon Mullican: Pipeliner
Bennie Martin: Ice Cold Love
Gully Jumpers: Bully of The Town
Ferlin Husky: I Feel Better All Over

11:00: W. E. Stephens
Carl Smith: I Just Don't Care Anymore
Hawkshaw Hawkins: One White Rose
Eddie Hill: Smack Dab In The Middle
Kitty Wells: Making Believe
Carl Smith: More Than Anything Else In The World
Crook Brothers: Pretty Little Polly
Johnny and Jack: No One Dear but You
Annie Lou and Danny: Satisfied Mind
Hawkshaw Hawkins: I'll Take The Chance
Carl Smith: No, I Don't Believe I Will
Fiddle Tune: Mississippi Sawyer

11:30: Delited
Faron Young: If That's The Fashion
Cowboy Copas: Gone and Left Me Blues
Lew Childre: Snow White Horse
Sam and Kirk: Freight Train Blues
Faron Young: Forgive Me Dear
Fruit Jar Drinkers: I Don't Love Nobody
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Wilburn Brothers: Let Me Be The One
Cowboy Copas: Man Upstairs
Faron Young: If You Ain't Loving, You Ain't Living
Fiddle Tune: Sally Goodin

So, before anyone jumps on me for misspelling Patsy's last name, that is the way it was printed in the program that night. 

It would take a few more years and many more guest appearances, but Patsy would eventually become an Opry member, just by asking. 

That covers it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

(And yes, the mid-year recap is coming)

Tuesday Night Opry 6/28 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/29

So, what does everyone think of the redesign of the Opry's website? Probably like most, it will take a bit to get used to. What I do like is that fact that when posting the pictures of those scheduled for upcoming shows, they are identifying those who are Opry members. That was missing from the old site. 

Looking at the upcoming mid-week shows, Grand Ole Opry member Carly Pearce is scheduled for the Tuesday Night Opry, joined by members Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. Wednesday night has Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky and Mandy Barnett scheduled.

Also on the schedule Wednesday night is William Lee Golden, who everyone knows is a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. However, he will be appearing with his sons, who perform under the name of The Goldens. 

Comedian Gary Mule Deer is back, not only for the two mid-week shows, but he will also be on both shows this weekend, while The Cleverlys will be making their Opry debut on Tuesday Night. 

Tuesday June 28
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Dillon Carmichael, Mary Gauthier, The Cleverlys
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Josh Abbott, Gary Mule Deer, Carly Pearce

Wednesday June 29
7:00: Mark Wills, Adam Doleac, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: Kameron Marlowe, Gary Mule Deer, Tom Douglas, William Lee Golden & The Goldens

Grand Ole Opry 6/24 & 6/25

This week the Grand Ole Opry finishes up the last weekend in June with the usual Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Looking at the schedule for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members The Isaacs, Dailey & Vincent and Riders In The Sky are scheduled for both nights. For the Riders In The Sky, it will be the start of their 41st year as Opry members as last Saturday they were honored for their 40th. Joining that trio on the Friday Night Opry will be members Jeannie Seely and Mike Snider, while on Saturday night John Conlee is on the schedule. 

The name on the Friday night schedule that some might not be familiar with is Bowen Young, who as a duo will be making their Opry debut. Also listed is Tim Dugger and Maddie & Tae. 

Songwriter Tom Douglas, who made his Opry debut back in March, is back for a return appearance on Saturday night, along with Waylon Payne, Hannah Dasher and making his Opry debut, Shy Carter. 

Friday June 24
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Bowen Young, Riders In The Sky, Tim Dugger
Intermission
8:15: Dailey & Vincent, Mike Snider, Maddie & Tae, The Isaacs

Saturday June 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Waylon Payne, Hannah Dasher, John Conlee
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky, Shy Carter, Opry Square Dancers, Tom Douglas, The Isaacs

I am sure some are wondering who is Bowen Young? Well, it is actually a duo consisting of Clare Bowen, who gain famed as one of the stars of "Nashville," and Brandon Robert Young, who in real life are a married couple. 

Brandon Robert Young moved to Nashville in 2000 and since then has been working on his songwriting, collaborating with names such as Emmylou Harris, John Carter Cash, Buddy Miller, and of course, Clare Bowen. His music was featured in "Nashville" along with a number of other television shows. 

In 2018, after "Nashville" completed it's run, Clare Bowen, along with Brandon, nabbed a coveted spot on Sugarland’s “Still The Same Tour”. She then set out on a headlining tour in support of the international release of her eponymous album with sold-out shows across the UK, Germany and Australia. The album made its highly anticipated debut in the US and the rest of the world in Summer 2019.

The couple just completed their first album and are planning a future tour.

As mentioned, Shy Carter is also making his Opry debut this weekend. He is a 2022 CMT “Listen Up” artist and was previously named an artist to watch by Amazon Music, MusicRow magazine, Pandora, Sounds Like Nashville and more. This songwriter/producer has worked in the past with artists such as Kane Brown and Keith Urban. Named to Variety’s 2018 Hitmakers list, he has also worked with Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly and more. In other words, he is not strictly a country artist. 

There are not very many former Grand Ole Opry members who are still living, but one of them is Willie Nelson. Willie was an Opry member in the mid-60s and when he decided to leave Nashville, he left the Opry behind. His final appearance on the Opry, as a member, took place on Saturday June 25, 1966. Here is the running order from that show 56 years ago: 

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Ernie Ashworth (host) (?)
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Ernie Ashworth: (?)

6:45: Rudy's
Bill Anderson (host): Po' Folks
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jimmy Gately: Old Faithful
Bill Anderson: I Love You Drop

7:00: National Life & Accident
Osborne Brothers (host): Up This Hill & Down
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Connie Smith: If I Talk to Him
Roy Drusky: Rainbows & Roses
Osborne Brothers: (?)
Roy Drusky: Alone with You
Connie Smith: Even Tho
Billy Walker: Down to My Last Cigarette
Osborne Brothers: I'll Be Alright Tomorrow
Jerry Byrd: The Married Man

7:30: Luzianne
George Morgan (host): No Man Should Hurt as Bad as I Do
Dottie West: Would You Hold It Against Me
Del Wood: Rainbow
Chuck Wagon Gang: I'm Getting Ready
George Morgan: Almost
Stu Phillips: Mansion on the Hill
Dottie West: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
George Morgan: Who, at My Door, Is Standing

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Osborne Brothers: Up This Hill & Down
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sally Goodin
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
Porter Wagoner: I Dreamed I Saw America on Her Knees
George McCormick: Where the Old Red River Flows
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Mac McGaha: Katy Hill

8:30: Stephens
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Glasses Joe
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Willie Nelson: I Love You Because
Ernest Tubb: Letters Have No Arms
Loretta Lynn: Before I'm Over You
Wilburn Brothers and Loretta Lynn: Put It Off Until Tomorrow
Willie Nelson: I'm Still Not Over You
Ernest Tubb: Give Me a Little Old-Fashioned Love

9:00: Pet Milk
Hank Locklin (host): Cryin' Time
Jean Shepard: Ain't You Ashamed
Ray Pillow: Common Cold & A Broken Heart
Bill Carlisle: Take This Country Music & Shove It
Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Dwaine Dee: Danny Boy
Ray Pillow and Jean Shepard: I'll Take the Dog
Bill Carlisle: The Great Snowman
Hank Locklin: Y'all Come

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): The Count Down
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
George Morgan: No Man Should Hurt as Bad as I Do
Grandpa Jones: Kitty Clyde
Hank Snow: I've Cried a Mile
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing
Grandpa Jones: Nobody Knows but Me
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore

10:00: Schick
Bill Anderson (host): You Don't Want My Love
Dottie West: Would You Hold It Against Me
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease Heart
Bill Anderson: Bright Lights & Country Music

10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
George McCormick: There's A Woman
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging/I've Enjoyed as Much of This as I Can Stand/Misery Loves Company/Sorrow on the Rock
Buck Trent and Mac McGaha: Turkey In the Straw

10:30: Harvey's
Ray Pillow (host): Thank You Ma'am
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Del Wood: Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Thanks A Lot
Hank Locklin: I Can't Stop Loving You
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Mississippi Sawyer
Ernest Tubb: Mr. Juke Box

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away From You
Fruit Jar Drinkers: (?)
Hank Snow: Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Sam McGee: Victory Rag
Loretta Lynn: How Great Thou Art
Osborne Brothers: Hard Time
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On

11:30: Lava
Bobby Lord (host): That's All Right
Dwaine Dee: Take Good Care of Her
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: Diamonds on Your Hands
Chuck Wagon Gang: Cabin on the Hill
Bobby Lord: Lonely Street
Cousin Jody: Mocking Bird
Bobby Lord: Hawkeye

As you can see, on that final night for Willie, he performed just one spot. Once Willie left Nashville and the Opry, he rarely has come back. Just a handful of appearances at most. 

To finish up the month of June, let's go back to Saturday June 24, 1989, when some guy by the name of Garth Brooks made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry:

1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host): Jeannie Seely
6:45: Billy Walker (host): Jean Shepard
7:00: Jack Greene (host): Ray Pillow; Del Wood; The Whites
7:30: Johnny Russell (host): The 4 Guys; Garth Brooks
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Bill Carlisle; Roy Drusky; Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Charlie Louvin; Jimmy C Newman; Stonewall Jackson; Mike Snider

2nd show
9:30: Jack Greene (host): The 4 Guys; Billy Walker; The Whites
10:00: Charlie Walker (host): Jean Shepard
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Bill Carlisle
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host): Garth Brooks
10:45: Roy Drusky (host): Opry Square Dance Band; The Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Ray Pillow (host): Jeannie Seely; Mike Snider
11:30: Johnny Russell (host): Connie Smith; Charlie Louvin

(Del Wood, Stonewall Jackson and Hank Snow only appeared on the first show, while Connie Smith only appeared on the second show. And speaking of Hank Snow, he was scheduled to host the 11:00 segment on the second show, however, he was in a car accident between shows and did not make it back to the Opry. Hank had a habit of driving back to his house, The Rainbow Ranch, between Opry shows and staying there instead of backstage in his dressing room. He lived only about 10 minutes from the Opry House, so it was an easy drive for him. However, on this particular night, it did not work out for him). 

Garth Brooks appeared on the segment hosted by Johnny Russell on the first show, which was also the televised segment. Garth never forgot the kindness Johnny showed to him and afterwards, he would insist that, if possible, he was to be scheduled on Johnny's segment. When Johnny's health declined and he was facing large medical bills, Garth was one of the first performers to sign up for the benefit concert that took place to help Johnny out. 

There you have it for this week. Next week, I will offer a quick recap of the first half of 2022, specifically detailing some information as to appearances by various members of the Opry. 

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 6/21 & Wednesday Night Opry 6/22

The Grand Ole Opry has posted that Charlie McCoy's official induction date to become the newest member of the Opry will be Wednesday July 13. I am sure it will be a great evening as among those scheduled, are Opry members Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, along with Lorrie Morgan. 

Speaking of new Opry members, Jamey Johnson, who became an Opry member last month, is scheduled for both the Tuesday Night Opry and the Wednesday Night Opry this week. It is certainly nice to see him on the Opry's schedule so soon after his induction. 

Opry members Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs and Bill Anderson join Jamey on Tuesday night, while Mike Snider, Mandy Barnett, along with Jeannie, are on the schedule for Wednesday night. I would have to look, but it has been a pretty long time since Mike has done a mid-week Opry show. 

Carter Faith and Andy Statman will be making their Opry debuts this week, while comedian Henry Cho is also on the schedule. Maggie Rose is back as is Kristian Bush. 

Tuesday June 21
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Everett, Carter Faith, Ricky Skaggs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Henry Cho, Maggie Rose, Jamey Johnson

Wednesday June 22
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Kristian Bush, Mike Snider, The Quebe Sisters
Intermission
8:15: Restless Road, Mandy Barnett, Andy Statman, Jamey Johnson

Grand Ole Opry 6/17 & 6/18

I am sure many of you saw the posting by the Opry today that they are going to honor Barbara Mandrell on Saturday July 30th, to celebrate her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. There are going to be two shows that night with Carrie Underwood listed as the headliner for both shows, with more to be added. 

I am under the impression that Barbara, who is retired and has been for several decades, will the there that night in a non-performing role. This is one of those deals that some will have a hard time buying into. As a member, Barbara last appeared on the Opry in 1997, prior to her retirement. That's 25 years ago. Early in her career, before she hit it big, Barbara was pretty good at making appearances on the Opry, however, like others, once she hit it big, she was seldom seen at the Opry. In my mind, it's not like honoring a Bill Anderson on his 60th, for example, as he is someone still performing on the Opry and has made the Opry a major part of his life. They are recognizing someone who hasn't been around the Opry for decades. 

I know there were reasons why Barbara retired from performing and that I understand. Actually, I admire her for retiring when she was still on top and in good form, unlike some artists who hang on well past their prime. I should also note that when Barbara did retire, she specifically asked Opry management if she could continue her Opry membership as the custom at the time was if you retired from performing, you have up your Opry membership. She basically started the trend that continues to this day.

This is not meant to criticize Barbara in any way. She had a wonderful career, is a superstar, and is a well-deserved member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has stated many times that she is proud to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry and considers that honor one of the highlights of her career. And from a personal standpoint, I like her and enjoy much of her music. 

I know it will be a wonderful night for her and for the Opry, and I know it will be a great show. I congratulate Barbara for being an Opry member for 50 years and I probably will be there that night to take it all in. 

Now, looking ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, it is going to be pretty hard to top what took place last Saturday night as Vince Gill invited Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Looking at the Opry shows for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky are on the schedule for both nights. They will be joined on the Friday Night Opry by The Isaacs, and after being absent from the Opry for the past several weeks, Bobby Osborne. On Saturday night, the Riders will be joined by Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely and Mark Wills. 

Richie Furay will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. Also scheduled to appear is comedian Killer Beaz, Eric Paslay, Jillian Jacqueline, Filmore, and in what is an annual tradition, the ACM Lifting Lives Campers. Saturday night, Wendy Moten is back, along with Smithfield, Sam Williams and making her Opry debut, Katy Nichole. 

Friday June 17
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Eric Paslay, Jillian Jacqueline, Richie Furay
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Filmore, ACM Lifting Lives Campers, Killer Beaz, The Isaacs

Saturday June 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Dailey & Vincent, Jeannie Seely, Smithfield, Wendy Moten
Intermission
8:15: Sam Williams, Katy Nichole, Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky

As mentioned, both Richie Furay and Katy Nichole will be making their Opry debuts this weekend. 

Richie Furay is a legend whose career has lasted over 60 years and has included being a member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Richie has also released several solo albums in his career, including his newest album, In The Country, where he focuses on his love of country music. His new album includes songs originally done by artists like Keith Urban, John Denver, Alabama, Rick Nelson, Marc Cohn, George Strait and John Berry, among others. 

Katy Nichole began early, singing in her church choir. By 14, she was writing songs and leading worship. Having served as both an ambassador for the Shriners Hospitals for Children® and as a volunteer for Musicians On Call, Nichole, at the invitation of Josh Havens, lead singer for The Afters, began leading worship at The Grove in Phoenix, AZ. Havens saw something in Nichole she couldn’t even see in herself at the time. She began writing, recording and posting her music online, which eventually led to her making a move to Nashville and landing a label home with Centricity Music.

Good luck to both on their Opry debuts. 

Looking back 55 years ago, the Grand Ole Opry welcomed a new member as Stu Phillips joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Stu Phillips was born on January 19, 1933 in St. Eustace, near Montreal, Quebec, In his early teens, his father moved the family to Calgary. He learned to play guitar and worked on various jobs until eventually being hired by CFRN Edmonton as a newsreader, general handyman and engineer. When a disc jockey failed to show Phillips, without authority, deputised singing some of his own songs. Although reprimanded, it led to Stu For Breakfast, an early morning show which launched his career. Realizing there were not many Canadian songs, he began to write and gained his inspiration from books on Canadian folklore. 

In 1956, after spells at CJIB Vernon, British Columbia and CHED Edmonton, he began presenting live television shows on the newly opened CHCT-TV in Calgary. Soon after Don Cameron, the regional director of CBC, offered him a CBC radio show singing folk and children’s songs as the Travelling Balladeer. This proved so successful it also led to him presenting The Outrider, a network weekly television show. He also became involved with the Calgary Stampede and presented the prime-time CBC television Red River Jamboree.

Stu made his first recordings for Rodeo Records in Halifax and later recorded for London Records and Columbia Records (Canada) gaining some success with ‘Squaws Along The Yukon’. In spite of Canadian stardom, he wished to emulate his fellow Canadian Hank Snow and join Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. After visiting Nashville, in the early 60s, where Chet Atkins signed him to RCA Records, he finally relocated there in 1965. 

He worked his own morning show on WSIX-TV with his band comprising Jimmy Capps, Jerry Reed and Henri Strzelecki. He gained his first Billboard hits in 1966 with ‘Bracero’ and ‘The Great El Tigre’. He toured to England in 1967 and on his return, and after making over 20 guest appearances, he became a member of the Opry. Between 1967 and 1968, he registered six further hits the biggest being ‘Juanita Jones’ (number 13) and ‘Vin Rose’ (number 21). After ‘Bring Love Back Into Our World’ (number 68), he left RCA and recorded for Capitol Records but had no single releases or further chart entries.

In the 70s, he toured and presented his own television series Music Place from WAVE-TV Kentucky. In the early 80s, he began to study to become a minister of the Episcopalian church, which saw him cut back drastically on his personal appearances but he still performed at the some major venues including the Calgary Stampede and London’s Wembley Festival. In the 90s, he continued to live in Nashville and maintained his popularity with the Opry audiences while also fulfilling his church duties. He made further recordings for Broadland and, in 1994, Bear Family Records issued a 35-track CD, which represented a reissue (minus one track) of three Rodeo albums, which contained some of the songs he wrote of Canadian folklore early in his career.

A little more than 31 years after joining the Grand Ole Opry, Stu Phillips became an American citizen. Having lived in the U.S. longer than in his native Canada, Stu celebrated American citizenship with his wife, Aldona, on the Opry stage on the Fourth of July weekend in 1998.

While the Opry lists June 1st as Stu's induction date, his first appearance as a member took place on Saturday June 17. Here is the running order of late-night portion of the Opry from that night: 

9:30: Kellogg's
Charlie Louvin (host): See The Big Man Cry
Willis Brothers: Somebody Knows My Dog
Bob Luman: Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Charlie Louvin: How Great Thou Art
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning
Charlie Louvin: Off & On

10:00: Schick
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Del Wood: Under The Double Eagle
Stringbean: The Big 'Um Got Away
Billy Grammer: Detroit City

10:15: Pure
Justin Tubb (host): You Nearly Lose Your Mind
Osborne Brothers: Roll, Muddy River
Cousin Jody: On Top Of Old Smokey
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday

10:30: Buckley's
Jim Ed Brown (host) w/The Browns: Where Does The Good Times Go
Stu Phillips: (?)
Jim Ed Brown w/The Browns: All Of Me Belongs To You/The Fugitive

10:45: Newport
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: The Birds Are Back To Sing
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

11:00: Coca Cola
Bob Luman (host): Let's Think About Living
Marion Worth: Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire On The Mountain
Duke of Paducah: Four-Leaf Clover
Bob Luman: Memphis
Sam McGee: Amos Johnson Rag
Marion Worth: He Thinks I Still Care
Bob Luman: You Can Take The Boy From The Country

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): No Tears Milady
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Wilma Burgess: There Goes My Everything
Don Winters: Chime Bells
Marty Robbins: Tonight Carmen
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Begging To You/Bouquet of Roses/I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You/You Know How Talk Gets Around/Lovesick Blues/El Paso

Stu Phillips, who is now 89, last appeared on the Opry five years ago, upon his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. In my opinion, Stu was one of the great, underrated ballad singers of all time, and upon last word, is doing well in retirement. 

Finally, a look back to Saturday June 17, 1995, the night in which the Opry welcomed Eddie Stubbs as their newest announcer. Here is the running order from that night, 27 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: GHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Little Pink
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Grandpa Jones: Four Stoned Walls & A Ceiling

6:45: Country Music Hall of Fame
Jeanne Pruett (host): Temporarily Yours
Oswald: Dobro Chimes
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

7:00: Shoney's
The 4 Guys (host): It's All Right To Have A Good Time
Wilma Lee Cooper: On The Evening Train
Charlie Louvin: In The Pines
Jean Shepard: Wabash Cannonball
The 4 Guys: Amazing Grace/How Married Are You Mary Ann/May You Always

7:30: Standard Candy
Opry Square Dance Band: Durango's Hornpipe
Mike Snider (host): Cotton Eyed Joe/Sourwood Mountain/Mississippi Sawyer
Billy Dean: Tennessee Stud
The Whites: It's Not What You Know; It's Who You Know
Mike Snider: Snuff Dipper

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Hank Locklin: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
Carol Lee Singers: Give Me One More Chance
Charlie Walker: That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine
Colleen Walters: Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Stu Phillips: You Win Again/Release Me
Tim Watson and Black Creek: Alabama Fire Breathing Fiddle Man
Jeannie Seely: Burning That Old Memory/When He Leaves You
Hank Snow: These Hands

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come
Hank Locklin: Country Hall Of Fame
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
The Whites: Blue Letters
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/Big Wind/On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Goody's
Grandpa Jones (host): How Many Biscuits Can You Eat
Wilma Lee Cooper: West Virginia Polka
Grandpa Jones: T For Texas

10:15: Kerns' Bakery/Tennessee Pride
Jean Shepard (host): Are You Teasing Me
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Jean Shepard: I'll Sail My Ship Alone

10:30: Gruhn Guitars
Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues
Charlie Louvin: A Candle In The Wind
Bob Clark: Rawhide

10:45: Fairfield
The 4 Guys (host): Swing Down Chariot
Oswald: The End Of The World
Opry Square Dance Band: Acorn Hill
The 4 Guys: Thank You For Being A Friend

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin
Charlie Walker: That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine
Billy Dean: That's What I Like About Love/Yesterday
Hank Snow: That Lucky Old Sun

11:30: Loreal Hair Care
Jeannie Seely (host): Bubbles In My Beer
Carol Lee Singers: Ashes of Love
Charlie Nagatani: Bouquet Of Roses
Tim Watson and Black Creek: Alabama Fire Breathing Fiddling Man/Louisiana Saturday Night/Diggy Liggy Lo/Jambalaya/Big Mamou
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging/Don't Touch Me

Eddie remained an Opry announcer until he left WSM in July 2020. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 6/14; Wednesday Night Opry 6/15 & 2 New Opry Members

I have been listening and following the Grand Ole Opry since the early 1970s, and last night was a first as Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz were both asked to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry cast, with Vince Gill doing the formal invites. 

While there have been cases where several members were added or inducted the same night, (Connie Smith and Bob Luman come to mind), this is the first time in my memory that two were asked to join on the same night. Of course, this concept of doing an invitation to join, and then having a formal induction weeks or months later, is a fairly new concept that has evolved over the past several decades.

For those who did not listen last night, Charlie McCoy closed out the first half of the show with "Orange Blossom Special." Vince then came out, making a joke about Mike Terry being temporarily unavailable, then talking to Charlie about his career, ending with the invite. While Don Schlitz was performing, Vince was out on stage with him, then they kind of joked around for a few minutes, ending with Vince doing the invite. I got the sense that Don was very surprised and had to ask a few times if this was real or not. It was. 

Both Charlie and Don have supported the Opry over the past few years with their many guest appearances and I know both will continue to appear on the show. As I have stated before, I really like what Dan Rogers and his team are doing at the Opry as they continue to add to the cast artists that understand what being an Opry member is all about and will actually appear on the Opry. 

I was asked last night if Charlie is the oldest person to become an Opry member. Doing a quick check, Brother Oswald joined in January 1995, which would have made him 83, while Bobby Bare was the same age when he rejoined in April 2018 (if I did my quick math correctly, Oswald was maybe 3 weeks older). Charlie comes in at 81. 

A well deserved honor for both of these Hall of Fame members and each actually adds a different dynamic to the show, with Charlie known for his musician skills, while Don adds his great songwriting talent. Congratulations to both and we now await their formal induction dates. 

As to the upcoming mid-week shows, in addition to the Tuesday Night Opry, the Wednesday Night Opry returns this week. 

The Tuesday show will feature Opry members Riders In The Sky, Rhonda Vincent and Dailey & Vincent, while Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett and Ricky Skaggs will be appearing on Wednesday night. 

Tuesday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Skip Ewing, Rhonda Vincent, Matt Stell
Intermission
8:15: Niko Moon, Leanne Morgan, Lindsay Ell, Daily & Vincent

Wednesday June 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Easton Corbin, Mandy Barnett, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Tenille Towns, Dusty Slay, Michael Ray, Ricky Skaggs

Again, congratulations to both Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz

Grand Ole Opry 6/10 & 6/11

So, who else misses the old Fan Fair? So many memories of the fairgrounds where it really had the down-home country feeling. Like many others, I remember the free shows and the long lines for the autographs and pictures (I am sure there are many who still remember the Garth Brooks marathon!). With the CMA now in control, lots has changed, but we should still be thankful for the artists who still host fan club parties, picnics, etc., and take the time to meet the fans. Sadly, many of the big names no longer do that. However, I still have my memories, as to others, of the earlier days of Fan Fair, where there really was a connection between the artists and the fans. 

Fan Fair week once gave us great Opry shows and many surprises. So many of the Opry's members were in town that the weekend schedule was "loaded." You never knew who would appear unannounced. Sadly, as you will see when looking at the schedule for this weekend, it seems to be no longer the case. There are the usual eight artists scheduled each night as it seems that the Opry continues to take a back seat to the stadium shows downtown. 

Looking at the artists who are on the schedule for this weekend, Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill is listed for both nights. It is nice to see Vince back on the Opry schedule. There was a time when Vince was almost an Opry regular, appearing 20-25 times a year. Now with his commitment to The Eagles and with his own tour coming up, he rarely appears on the Opry stage. 

Joining Vince on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky and Mike Snider. Along with Vince, Bill Anderson is back on Saturday night, joined by Craig Morgan. That's it, just three members on Saturday night. 

With five Opry members on the schedule for Friday night, the only non-members listed are Steven Curtis Chapman, Mickey Guyton and Caitlyn Smith. Saturday night has a pair of Hall of Fame members on the schedule as Charlie McCoy and Don Schlitz head up the list, with a return appearance by Jelly Roll, along with Caroline Jones and Ray Fulcher. 

Opry Country Classics will be presenting a special Saturday matinee show at the Ryman Auditorium, headed up by Larry Gatlin and Spotlight Artist Sara Evans. 

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Sara Evans
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, John Berry, Billy Yates and The Frontmen. 

Saturday June 11, 1949 was one of the most significant nights in the history of the Grand Ole Opry as it was this night, 73 years ago, in which Hank Williams made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

As I do each year, here is the posted Opry lineup from that night: 

7:30: American Ace
Roy Acuff: Low and Lonely
Tommy Magness: Black Mountain Rag
Dot & Smokey: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Jimmy Riddle: Dill Pickle Rag
Roy and Oswald: Eye From on High
Uncle Dave Macon and Dorris: Take Me Back to My Old Carolina Home
Jug Band: Johnson's Old Grey Mule
Roy Acuff: Unclouded Day
Joe Zinkas: 12th Street Rag
Dot & Smokey: Are You Tired of Me Darling
Rachel & Oswald: Jesse James

8:00: Purina Show
Cowboy Copas: Dolly Dear
Uncle Dave Macon: Chewing Gum
George Morgan: Candy Kisses
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Girl I Left Behind Me
Cowboy Copas: Careless Hands
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The News
George Morgan: Rainbow in My Heart
Robert Lunn: Talking Blues
Hank Garland: Short Creek Shuffle
Cowboy Copas: One Step More

8:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley: Tennessee Polka
Tommy Wakeley: Try To Understand
Fowler Quartet: Ole Blind Bartimaeus
Red Foley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Jimmy Wakeley: Someday You'll Call My Name and I Won't Answer
Old Hickory Quartet: In The Good Ole Summertime
Red Foley: I'm Throwing Rice at the Girl I Love
Square Dance: Stony Point

9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Possum Hunters: Widow McGraw
Roy Acuff: Tennessee Central No. 9
Jamup & Honey: Jokes
Jimmy Riddle: Wabash Blues
Jimmy Dickens: Cold Tater
Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Lonzo & Oscar: I Wish I Had a Nickle
Rachel & Oswald: Rabbit in the Log
Roy Acuff: Waiting For My Call To Glory
Bradley Kincaid: Won't You Come Over To My House
Tommy Magness: Leather Britches

9:30: Warren Paint
Lew Childre: My Mammy
Ernest Tubb: I'm Biting My Finger Nails Thinking of You
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Hank Williams: Lovesick Blues
Crook Brothers: Old Joe Clark
Ernest Tubb: Daddy When is Mommy Coming Home
String Beans: Cross Eyed Girl
Mel & Stan: I'll Gladly Take You Back Again
Bill Monroe: To Be Announced
Ernest Tubb: I Hung My Head and Cried

10:00: Wallrite
Bill Monroe: Kitty Clyde
Bradley Kincaid: When I Was A Boy From The Mountains
Blue Grass Quartet: A Beautiful Life
Bill Monroe: Goodbye Old Pal
Shenandoah Balley: Live and Let Live

10:15: Gaylark
Milton Estes: John Henry
Jimmy Dickens: Bible on The Table
Jimmy Selph: A Petal From A Faded Rose
Milton Estes: Build Me A Cabin in Glory

10:30: Royal Flour
Roy Acuff: Coming From The Ball
Uncle Dave Macon & Dorris: Kissing On The Sly
Roy Acuff: Poem
Roy and Gang: Farther Along
Tommy Magness: Cackling Hen

10:45: Dr. Le Gear
Cowboy Copas: Package of Lies Tied in Blue
Mel & Stan: Two Little Rose Buds
Lazy Jim Day: Singing The News
Cowboy Copas: Waltzing With Tears in My Eyes
Red Herron: Sally Goodin

11:00: Allen Manufacturing Co. 
George Morgan: Need You
Hank Williams: Mind Your Own Business
Velma: That Little Kid Sister of Mine
George Morgan: Put All Your Love In A Cookie Jar
Gully Jumpers: Going Cross The Sea

11:15: Sustaining
Ernest Tubb: Don't Rob Another Man's Castle
Lew & String Bean: Darling Nelly Gray
Butter Ball: I Can't Go For That
Ernest Tubb: Frankie & Johnny

11:30: Sustaining
Jimmy Dickens: The Rose From The Brides Bouquet
Lonzo & Oscar: Sour Wood Mountain
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Jimmy Dickens: Pennies For Papa
Zeb Turner: (?)

11:45: Sustaining
Wally Fowler: Lead Me To That Rock
Robert Lunn: Corina
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Alabama Jubilee
Wally Fowler: May The Circle Be Unbroken
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Leather Britches
Wally Fowler: Get On Board

Enough has been written about that night thus I don't feel I need to add anything more. But I will add that on Hank's first night, he was not on the Prince Albert portion of the Opry. However, due to the response, the following week, he was. 

To finish it up for this week, on Saturday June 10, 2006, future Grand Ole Opry member Chris Young made his Opry debut. 

Here is the running order from that night 16 years ago:

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Jambalaya
Charley Pride: Kiss An Angel Good Morning/Kawliga
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Tootsie's/Martha White
Montgomery Gentry: If You Ever Stop Loving Me
Pam Tillis: Band in the Window/That Was a Heartache
Keith Anderson: Every Time I Hear Your Name/Picking Wildflowers
Opry Staff Band: Pork Chop Stomp
Gretchen Wilson: California Girls/Red Neck Woman
Chris Young: Drinking Me Lonely Tonight
Montgomery Gentry: She Don't Tell Me To/Hillbilly Shoes
Pam Tillis: A Train Without A Whistle

8:00: Opry.com
Porter Wagoner (host) and Ralph Stanley: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Ralph Stanley: Distant Land to Roam
George Hamilton IV: A Rose & A Baby Ruth
Mel Tillis: Good Woman Blues/I Got the Hoss; You Got the Saddle/Heart Over Mind
Opry Square Dance Band: Cherokee Shuffle

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Riders In The Sky: Ghost Riders in the Sky
Mark Wills: Red Necks Anonymous/Nineteen Hundred Something
Bill Anderson: Whisky Lullaby

2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn
Mel McDaniel: Stand Up
Jimmy C Newman: Allons Ah Lafayette
Montgomery Gentry: Something to Be Proud Of/My Town
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:00: Sirius Radio
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol Slewfoot
Jan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little Rock/Evil on Your Mind
Ralph Stanley: Worried Man Blues
Nathan Stanley: Sandy Ridge
Chris Young: Girl, You're Gonna Love Me/Drinking Me Lonely

10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Pam Tillis (host): Shake the Sugar Tree
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Mel Tillis: Coca Cola Cowboy/There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Pam and Mel Tillis: Waiting on the Wind
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Pam Tillis: Ring of Fire

11:00: Gaylord Productions
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Keith Anderson: Every Time I Hear Your Name/Picking Wild Flowers
Bill Anderson: A Death in the Family

11:30: Gaylord Attractions
Riders In The Sky (host): Back in the Saddle
Charlie Louvin: Blue Skies & Sunshine
Mark Wills: Entertain the Angels
Riders In The Sky: Wahoo, Wahoo, Wahoo/Happy Trails to You

Chris Young would turn out to be a popular guest and on October 17, 2017, he would become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Overall, he has been a good member. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.