Grand Ole Opry 7/29 & 7/30

The big news at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend will be the 50th anniversary of Barbara Mandrell as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. There are two shows on the schedule for Saturday night to honor Barbara, with Opry member Carrie Underwood leading the lineup. While not on the schedule, Barbara Mandrell will be in attendance for both shows and I am sure, will be introduced on stage at some point. 

In addition to Carrie Underwood, Grand Ole Opry members Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett are also on the schedule to honor Barbara, while CeCe Winans, Janelle Arthur, Linda Davis and Suzy Bogguss will also be performing. 

I'm not going to dwell on Barbara's 50th all that much as there are a lot of opinions out there regarding whether or not she should be honored, based on the fact that she has been retired for several decades and her last Opry appearance was 25 years ago. But regardless, 50 years is still something special and Barbara has always held the Opry in high standards and has expressed her love of the Opry on numerous occasions. With that said, congratulations to Barbara Mandrell. 

While Barbara will be honored on Saturday night, there is also the Friday Night Opry this weekend. Grand Ole Opry members John Conlee, Mike Snider and Charlie McCoy are on the schedule, along with guest artists John Berry, comedian Killer Beaz, bluegrass star Dan Tyminski and making his Opry debut, Edwin McCain. 

Friday July 29
7:00: 
Intermission
8:15: 
(As this is posted, the final lineup has not been completed). 

Saturday July 30
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Janelle Arthur, Connie Smith, Mandy Barnett
8:00: Linda Davis, Suzy Bogguss, CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood 

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Mandy Barnett, Carrie Underwood
10:30: CeCe Winans, Jeannie Seely, Linda Davis, Janelle Arthur, Suzy Bogguss

Interesting that the Saturday show consists of all female artists. This might be the first time we have seen this at the Opry, and as it looks right now, the Friday show could be an all-male lineup. And while there has been no live Opry show on Circle the past several weeks, the final hour on Saturday will be televised and streamed live. 

As mentioned, Edwin McCain is making his Opry debut this weekend. Edwin was born in Charleston and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. At the age of 48, this singer/songwriter is most famous for "I'll Be," and "I Could Not Ask For More." He is also known as the co-founder of Euphoria. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 29, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host), Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host), Del Wood
7:00: Bill Anderson (host), Jan Howard, Charlie Louvin & Diane McCall, Jimmy Gately
7:30: Roy Acuff (host), Bobby Lord, Billy Grammer, Crook Brothers
8:00: Del Reeves (host), Charlie Walker, Stu Phillips, The 4 Guys
8:30: Hank Snow (host), Wilburn Brothers, Marion Worth, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host), Charlie Louvin and Diane McCall, Del Wood
10:00: Bill Anderson (host), Jan Howard
10:15: Jim Ed Brown (host), Stu Phillips
10:30: Roy Acuff (host), Billy Grammer
10:45: Del Reeves (host). Bobby Lord, Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), Charlie Walker, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Wilburn Brothers (host), Marion Worth, The 4 Guys

(Ernie Ashworth was only scheduled on the 1st show)

Tompall & The Glaser Brothers were Grand Ole Opry members from 1960 until they broke up and gave up their membership, last appearing on the Opry as members on July 14, 1973. In the early 1980's the brothers (Tompall, Jim and Chuck) were back together and had chart success with "Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)." The song went to #2 on the Country Charts, while the album by the same name made it into the Top 40. It was their first Top 10 single since "Rings" in 1971 and would be the last Top 10 single of their career. 

After they left the Opry in 1973, the assumption was that they never returned until the night 1990 when they returned at the invitation of Hank Snow, to honor Hank upon his 40th anniversary as an Opry member. However, in doing some research, I have found that they actually returned to the Opry on July 30, 1983, during the brief period that they were back together, recording and touring. 

Here is the running order from Saturday July 30, 1983, the night in which Tompall & The Glaser Brothers returned to the Grand Ole Opry: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Ray Pillow (host): Too Many Memories
Wilma Lee Cooper: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
Ray Pillow: All You Have to Do Is to Come Back Home

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Walker (host): Detour
Skeeter Davis: I Ain't Never
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain

7:00: Shoney's
Jack Greene (host): There's a Whole Lot About a Woman That a Man Don't Know
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours/Back-to-Back
Billy Grammer: I Was Born in Renfro Valley
Teddy Wilburn: If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right
Jack Greene: Midnight Tennessee Woman/There Goes My Everything

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Southern Fried
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Charlie Louvin: No Relief in Sight
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Bill Anderson: From Rock N' Roll to The Rock of Ages

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vic Willis Trio: Faded Love/Colorado
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Sing, Sing, Sing

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Movin' On
The 4 Guys: Made in The USA
David Houston: E.T. Means Ernest Tubb to Me
Tompall & The Glaser Brothers: Lovin' Her Was Easier Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Hank Snow: Oahu Rose

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
The 4 Guys: New Looks from An Old Love Again
Skeeter Davis: How Could I Make You Love Me
Ray Pillow: Julie Loves Boston More Than Me
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisey a Day
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling for Loving Me

10:00: Little Debbie
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Man's Woman
Billy Walker: Behind Closed Doors

10:15: Sunbeam
Jack Greene (host): Happy Tracks
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver
Jack Greene: The Rock I'm Leaning On

10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Sunshine Special
Charlie Louvin: Love At Home
Teddy Wilburn: Ain't Your Memory Got No Pride at All
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:45: Beechnut
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Connie Smith: Because I Love You. That's Why
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gray Eagle
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Forever and One Day
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow: Bluebird Island

11:30: Hardee's
George Hamilton IV (host): Break My Mind
Vic Willis Trio: American Trilogy
Bill Carlisle: Leave That Liar Alone
Tompall & The Glaser Brothers: Release Me/Then I Turned & Walked Slowly Away/Many Tears Ago/You Win Again/Bouquet of Roses
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young

As you would have expected, the appeared-on Hank Snow's portion on the early show, while they appeared on the closing segment on the second show and did a melody of songs that they were famous for. 

There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting and congratulations again to Barbara Mandrell, as she will be honored this weekend in celebration of her 50th anniversary aa a member of the Grand Ole Opry. I will be in Nashville this weekend and will be attending both shows on Saturday night as well as the Friday Night Opry. As always, I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Tuesday Night Opry 7/26 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/27

Here are the lineups for the mid-week Opry shows: 

Tuesday July 26
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Breland, Maggie Rose, Earls of Leicester
Intermission
8:15: Wade Bowen, Dusty Slay, Lorrie Morgan, Jamey Johnson

Wednesday July 27
7:00: Mandy Barnett, Zach Top, Mike Snider, Tom Douglas
Intermission
8:15: Kelsey Waldon, Charlie McCoy, Easton Corbin, The Isaacs

Three Opry members on Tuesday and four on Wednesday. Nice to see Earls of Leicester back on the Opry. It has been a while since they last appeared. 

Grand Ole Opry 7/22 & 7/23

It's another summer weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the lineups have been posted for all three shows this weekend as in addition to the Friday and Saturday night shows, the Opry once again has a Sunday show on the schedule. 

Looking specifically at the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Connie Smith and Dailey & Vincent are listed on the schedule. It is especially nice to see Connie listed as she has been missing for the past several weeks, and in fact, canceled her last scheduled appearance. 

Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Bill Anderson, Rhonda Vincent and Craig Morgan, who will be closing out the show. 

Guesting on Friday will be Jessica Willis Fisher, the legendary Dale Watson, Bobby Bones, and making his Opry debut, Corey Asbury. Debuting on the Opry Saturday night is Riley Clemmons, who will be appearing along with Texas Hill, and Billy Dean. There was a time when Billy was on the Opry quite a few times and it is nice to see him back on the Opry again.

Friday July 22
7:00: Mandy Barnett, John Conlee, Jessica Willis Fisher, Dale Watson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Bobby Bones, Cory Asbury, Dailey & Vincent

Saturday July 23
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Texas Hill, Mike Snider, Billy Dean
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Riley Clemmons, Opry Square Dancers, Rhonda Vincent, Craig Morgan

Cory Asbury began singing in church at the age of 14 and was a full-time performer by the time he turned 21. His 2009 independent release, Let Me See Your Eyes, officially launched his recording career, leading to a contract with Bethel Music Collective in 2015. That alliance produced Asbury’s seminal album Reckless Love, a 2018 project that landed on the top of the Billboard Christian Albums chart, leading Asbury to two Dove Awards and a 2019 Grammy nomination. The title track spent 18 weeks at #1, earning Asbury Billboard, ASCAP, and BMI Christian Song of the Year honors. Currently, the title track has been certified Double Platinum with over 2.8 million equivalent units. Later in 2019, Asbury released his follow-up LP, To Love A Fool, featuring the single “The Father’s House,” which has now been certified Gold with more than 676,000 equivalent units. To date, Asbury has generated 871.76 million domestic U.S. streams, 37.6 million video views, 2.1 million monthly Spotify listeners, and 1.6 billion audience impressions.

Riley Clemmons has accumulated over 210 million global streams and 50 million YouTube video views since the beginning of her almost decade long career. After spending years honing her craft in writers’ rooms, Riley sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 Capitol CMG debut single “Broken Prayers,” which has generating over 30 million global streams since its release. Her 2018 self-titled debut quickly entered the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart, debuting at No. 13. Her latest single, “Keep On Hoping,” has become Riley’s fastest growing single, garnering over 5 million streams across digital platforms in its first 8 weeks and climbing the radio airplay and Billboard charts.

In 2021, she was nominated as Female Artist of the Year at the 9th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, marking a first in her career in addition to becoming the youngest nominee in the show’s history.

As mentioned, the Opry has scheduled a couple of Sunday night shows. The show this week will feature Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Connie Smith, while Sara Evans and LOCASH are also on the schedule, as is guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and comedian Henry Cho. 

Sunday July 24
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Jordan Davis, Connie Smith, Tommy Emmanuel
Intermission
Sara Evans, Henry Cho, LOCAH

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 22, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Burgess: Misty Blue
Billy Grammer: Under the Double Eagle/Peace in the Valley

6:45: Rudy's
George Morgan (host): Too Young
Peggy Sue: Bread Upon the Water
George Morgan: Easy Loving
Joe Edwards and Leon Rhodes: Freight Train

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Anderson (host): I Got the Fever
Jan Howard: Let Him Have It
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Bill Anderson and Jan Howard: I Thank God for You
Jimmy Gately: Sweet, Sweet Loving
The 4 Guys: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Bill Anderson: All the Lonely Women in the World

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Connie Smith: Just For What I Am
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Roy Acuff: Stream Line Cannonball
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: There's a Higher Power
Connie Smith: Farther Along

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): What Ain't to Be Just Might Happen
Dolly Parton: Touch Your Woman
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Lost Forever in Your Kisses
Dolly Parton: Joshua
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob
Wagonmasters: Mockingbird
Mac Magaha: Orange Blossom Special

8:30: Stephens
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): There's a Big Wheel
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking in My Sleep
Brush Arbors: Proud Mary
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Wilma Burgess: Help Me Make It Through the Night
Billy Grammer: Guitar Polka/He Touched Me
Wilma Burgess: Make the World Go Away
Harold Weakley: Where No One Stands Alone
Billy Grammer: Detroit City

10:00: Fender
George Morgan (host): Easy Loving
Connie Smith: Too Much to Gain to Lose
George Morgan: Too Young

10:15: Union 76
Bill Anderson (host): But You Know I Love You
Jan Howard: Love is Like a Spinning Wheel
Jimmy Gately: Sweet, Sweet Loving
Bill Anderson: Quits

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): What Ain't to Be Just Might Happen
Dolly Parton: Mule Skinner Blues
Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton: Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man
Speck Rhodes: Long Handle Time in Tennessee

10:45: Beechnut
The 4 Guys (host): Cotton Fields/Mariah
Peggy Sue: Bread Upon the Water
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
The 4 Guys: On the Other Side

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Little Pal
Minnie Pearl: Careless Love
Governor Winfield Dunn: Lovesick Blues
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Duke of Paducah: If You Knew Susie
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose

11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Jeanne Pruett: Hold to My Unchanging Love
Brush Arbors: Oklahoma Hearts
Stu Phillips: Me & Bobby McGee/That's A Chance I'll Have to Take

(As with the week before, Hank Snow canceled. He was scheduled to host the 8:30 and 11:00 segments that. Speaking of the 11:00 segment, that turned into something special with Roy Acuff hosting, and Minnie Pearl making an appearance, along with the Governor of Tennesse and a couple of the Opry's old-timers. Definitely something special). 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 7/19 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/20

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to be a guest on a podcast hosted by Barry Miller, who is a regular reader of the blog. (Just to clarify, this is not the same Barry that many of you see offering comments on the blog). Barry and I spent an hour talking about the Opry and sharing memories. I think many of you would enjoy it. I have copied the link below if anyone wishes to check it out. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dwS54OFJj1A&list=FLpMne6XvWW3LVzpEXV5c--A&index=1&t=271s

If that doesn't work, on YouTube, if you search for Barry's Country Corner, you will find not only the podcast that I was a guest on, but other interviews that Barry has done, including Dallas Wayne and William Lee Golden, with more to come. 

I highly recommend that if you have time to check it out, and hopefully thanks to the positive response we have received thus far, we will do it again soon. 

Now looking at the mid-week Opry shows for this coming week, the Tuesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Jeannie Seely, John Conlee and Rhonda Vincent, while the Wednesday night show has Dailey & Vincent, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Gary LeVox and Jamey Johnson on the schedule. 

Tuesday July 19

7:00: Jeannie Seely, Chase Bryant, Brittney Spencer, Zach Williams
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Kylie Morgan, Brian Bates, Rhonda Vincent

Wednesday July 20

7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Runaway June, Riders In The Sky, Michael Ray

Intermission

8:15: Mandy Barnett, Gary LeVox, William Lee Martin, Jamey Johnson

Looks like two solid shows this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 7/15 & 7/16

The "Dog Days of Summer" continue and with it, another weekend at the Grand Ole Opry. This weekend, in addition to the Friday and Saturday night shows, the Opry has added a Sunday Night Opry, which is on the schedule for the next several weeks. With songwriter Tom Douglas doing a residency in the Circle room on Thursday night, that leaves on Monday night with nothing happening at the Opry House. 

Looking at the shows for this weekend, specifically Friday and Saturday night, Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne and Lauren Alaina are on the schedule for Friday night, while Jeannie returns on Saturday night, along with members Ricky Skaggs and Mandy Barnett. 

The Friday night show is being advertised as a Salute to the 90s, and among the non-members scheduled to appear are Billy Ray Cyrus, who we all know was huge in the 90s, with his signature song "Achy Breaky Heart" staying #1 for weeks on the Country chart and a Top 5 song on the Billboard 200. A string of hits followed. 

Also on the schedule for the Friday night Opry are Rhett Akins, Coffee Anderson, Erin Kinsley and making his Opry debut, Tauren Wells, while Saturday night will feature Christian recording artist Jason Crabb. Also on the schedule is Eric Paslay, Neon Union, Bowen Young and making her Opry debut, Julie Cole. 

Friday July 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Erin Kinsey, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Tauren Wells
Intermission
8:15: Billy Ray Cyrus, Rhett Akins, Coffee Anderson, Lauren Alaina

Saturday July 16
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely. Eric Paslay, Bowen Young, Jason Crabb
Intermission
8:15: Mandy Barnett, Neon Union, Opry Square Dancers, Julia Cole, Ricky Skaggs

No live TV this week on Circle and sadly, only 3 Opry members each night. 

As mentioned, Tauren Wells will be making his Opry debut on Friday night. Tauren may not be known to many country fans; however, he is a 10-time Grammy nominee, whose 2021 duet with H.E.R., “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” is currently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song and who also received a Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. He also just wrapped up a tour in which he was the headliner. As a recording artist and songwriter, his songs have amassed over one billion combined global streams and he has charted six No. 1 radio singles and toured with legends like Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey. His songs try to convey a message and he hopes that people want to hear that message. 

Julia Cole is also making her Opry debut this weekend. Julia has surpassed 75 million cumulative streams of her music, has been named a 2022 CMT Next Woman of Country. Her focus on encouraging empowerment and self-worth through honest, raw, and often humorous songwriting has helped millions take a glass-half-full view of dodging a bad-relationship bullet with breakup anthems like “Side Piece,” “Thank God We Broke Up,” and “Best Worst Ex” (with Alexandra Kay) Meanwhile, love song duets like “Things I Can’t Say” (with Spencer Crandall) and “Worst Day” (with Charles Esten) have encouraged millions to pull their special someone even closer. Julia has also been heavily involved in fund-raising for women's sports initiatives. Julia has opened for acts like Dan + Shay, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, and Kenny Chesney. Additionally, she hosts “The Julia Cole Show” on YOCO 96.7FM and a new TV series, “The Ultimate Fanfest” on Circle TV (to air in the Fall of 2022). 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday July 15, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host), Bill Carlisle
6:45: Tex Ritter (host), Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, Del Wood
7:00: Roy Acuff (host), Dottie West, Stu Phillips, Brother Oswald
7:30: Bill Anderson (host), Jan Howard, The 4 Guys, Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host), Stringbean, Justin Tubb, Tanya Tucker
8:30: Bobby Lord (host), Jeannie C. Riley, Johnny Carver, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host), The 4 Guys, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, Del Wood
10:00: Bill Anderson (host), Jan Howard
10:15: Tex Ritter (host), Johnny Carver, Reggie Alley
10:30: Roy Acuff (host), Justin Tubb
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host), Stringbean, Crook Brothers
11:00: Stu Phillips (host), Tanya Tucker, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Bobby Lord (host), Bill Carlisle, Jeannie C. Riley

(Hank Snow was scheduled to host the 8:30 and 11:00 segments but canceled. Tanya Tucker was at the very beginning of her career and sang "Delta Dawn" on both shows). 

Recently, Keith Whitley was announced as being elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Keith passed away in May 1989. What some may not remember is that Keith made numerous guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in the late 1980s and in fact, it has been reported that he was going to be invited as a member of the Opry, however he passed away before the invitation could be given. One of those appearances took place 34 years ago on Saturday July 16, 1988. Here is the running order of the Opry from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
The 4 Guys (host): Tennessee
Jeannie Seely: When Your Heart's Been Stepped On
The 4 Guys: The Last Train to Glory

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): Satisfaction
Jean Shepard: I'll Said My Ship Alone
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

7:00: Shoney's
Bill Monroe (host): Stay Away From Me; You're Causing Me Trouble
Charlie Walker: There's Not a Cow in Texas
Charlie Louvin: What About You
The Whites: No One Has to Tell Me What Love Is/It's Not What You Know, But Who You Know
Bill Monroe: The Old Crossroads is Waiting/The Long Bow

7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
George Hamilton IV: The Farmer's Dream Plowed Under
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Keith Whitley: Miami, My Amy/Don't Close Your Eyes
Jimmy Dickens: Take Me As I Am, Or Let Me Go

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
Roy Drusky: Take Good Care of Her/One Day at a Time
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Durham's Bull
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): We'll Never Say Goodbye; Just Say So Long
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Ray Pillow: Don't We All Have the Right
Connie Smith: Walkin' After Midnight
Hank Snow: The Prisoner's Song

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Jimmy Dickens (host): Family Reunion
The 4 Guys: Shut the Door; Keep Out the Devil
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Keith Whitley: Don't Close Your Eyes
Charlie Louvin: Don't It Seem to Rain a Lot in Our Loves
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You

10:00: Little Debbie
Bill Monroe (host): John Henry
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Bill Monroe: Lord, Let the Gates Swing Wide for Me

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Wilma Lee Cooper: The White Rose/He Will Set Your Fields on Fire
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
Jack Greene (host): Walking on New Grass
Lorrie Morgan: Silver Wings & Golden Rings
Jack Greene: The Last Letter

10:45: B. C. Powder
Stonewall Jackson (host): Ol' Chunk of Coal
Ray Pillow: I Guess He Only Knows Something I Don't Know
Opry Square Dance Band & The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Grey Eagle
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Tangled Mind
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby on My Mind
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's a Sunday
Jan Howard: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Roy Drusky: As Long as I Live
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs/Tammy

11:30: Creamette
George Hamilton IV (host): Abilene
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: Worried Man Blues
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know/You'll Be Back Every Night in My Dreams
George Hamilton IV & The Moody Brothers: I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away

(Jimmy C Newman was scheduled for both shows but canceled. Jeannie Seely, Charlie Walker and Skeeter Davis only appeared on the first show, while Wilma Lee Cooper, Lorrie Morgan, Justin Tubb and Johnny Russell only appeared on the late show. Keith Whitley was the only non-member scheduled that night). 

34 years doesn't seem that long ago, yet of all of the Opry members who performed that night, only Jeannie Seely, The Whites, Melvin Sloan, Jeanne Pruett, Connie Smith, Ray Pillow, Lorrie Morgan, and Sam Wellington and other members of The 4 Guys are still living. Of that group, only Jeannie, Connie and Lorrie are still actively performing on the Opry today. Time never stands still. 

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 7/12 & Wednesday Night Opry 7/13

The big news this week at the Grand Ole Opry is the official induction of Charlie McCoy as the Opry's newest member. That will take place during the Wednesday Night Opry on July 13. 

Before getting to Wednesday night, taking a look at the Tuesday Night Opry, Opry members Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Del McCoury and Dustin Lynch are on the schedule. Guesting will be Jimmie Allen, comedian Henry Cho and Dylan Scott. A pretty strong line-up for this mid-week show. 

Tuesday July 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Dylan Scott, Bill Anderson, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Jimmie Allen, Henry Cho, Dustin Lynch

Now, looking at the Wednesday Night Opry, in addition to Charlie McCoy being inducted as the newest Opry member, he will be joined by Opry members Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mike Snider and Lorrie Morgan. Aaron Weber will be the comedian that night, along with popular and frequent guest Charlie Worsham. Finishing out the line-up will be songwriter Tom Douglas and guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. 

Wednesday July 13
7:00: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Charlie Worsham, Mike Snider, Tom Douglas
Intermission
8:15: Tommy Emmanuel, Aaron Weber, Lorrie Morgan, Charlie McCoy

Congratulations to Charlie and I know we are all looking forward to Wednesday night. 

Grand Ole Opry 7/8 & 7/9

Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous comments regarding Grand Ole Opry members and appearances as some have commented that it appears that the same core group of Opry members are on the schedule each weekend. I thought I would just do a quick mid-year check on the numbers and pass on some of the information that I have. 

Taking a look at the Opry through the month of June, Jeannie Seely and Riders In The Sky have made the most Opry appearances, each appearing 37 times. Those two are followed by John Conlee and Connie Smith (20 each), Bill Anderson (18), Bobby Osborne (16), Dailey & Vincent and Mandy Barnett (15), Rhonda Vincent and Mark Wills (13), and The Isaacs and Ricky Skaggs (11 each). I think we all see the pattern. Of those 12 artists, 5 are among the Opry's newest members, while the other 7 are veteran members. 

On the flip side, Trace Adkins, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis and Travis Tritt have not appeared on the Opry at all in 2022. Yes, Brad is scheduled for an upcoming appearance in September, and Dolly isn't really touring, but the rest have been out on the road. It is really disappointing to see Trace, Pam and Old Crow on this list as in the past they have generally supported the Opry, while the Opry has used Martina in some of their marketing. Then there is the dozen who have made just one or two appearances, and that list includes Vince Gill, who used to be one of the more dependable Opry members. 

I know that some of it is scheduling, and I am absolutely sure that the Opry has reached out to each of those members, but at the end of the day, it is those members that need to make the decision as to whether or not they wish to perform on the Opry or not. 

There is still half a year to go, so there is plenty of opportunity for the missing Opry members, and those with just a handful of appearances, to appear on the Opry and show their support of the show. And with shows pretty much every night of the week, there are plenty of chances. 

(Oh, as an FYI, Gary Mule Deer has made more guest appearances than any non-member, while, if I have the right count, 44 artists have made their Opry debuts thus far in 2022). 
_______________________________________________________________

So now taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry for this weekend, let's start with the Friday Night Opry, which will feature Opry members John Conlee, Mandy Barnett and Rhonda Vincent. Also, on the schedule is T. Graham Brown, one of those who has been mentioned in the past as a possible future Opry member. Darin & Brooke Aldridge are back on the schedule, as Everett, Tyler Braden, and a name that hasn't been on the Opry schedule in a while, comedian Chonda Pierce. 

John Conlee is also on the Saturday night schedule, along with members Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs, and making his first appearance of the year, Eddie Montgomery. In addition to her Friday night appearance, Chonda Pierce is also on the Saturday night schedule, joined by frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose, Lee Roy Parnell, and making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Warren Zeiders. 

Friday July 8 (Final lineups TBD)

Saturday July 9 (Final lineups TBD)

Singer/Songwriter Warren Zeiders, who is making his Opry debut this weekend, is from Hershey, Pennsylvania. His original solo acoustic version of “Ride The Lightning” became an instant hit with fans and racked up over 657 million global views on TikTok alone and has just been certified gold sales status in the US in late January 2022. The track has impacted the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts as his audience continues to grow week by week due to the consistent influx of millions of new streams. Warren Zeiders’ first live tour, The 717 Tapes Tour, sold out 15 dates within 72 hours, with more dates added. His latest single, “Wild Horse,” and debut video for the tune are available now.

_______________________________________________________________

Now going back 50 years to Saturday July 8, 1972. This was a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry as it would appear that Barbara Mandrell made her first appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. 

Somewhere down the line, her induction date has been listed as July 29, but what is interesting is that she did not appear on the Opry that particular night, nor any other date in July, except for the July 8th date. In fact, after July 8, she did not appear on the Opry again until October. 

Here is what Barbara said regarding the night she joined: "It was in July when Bud Wendell asked me to join the Grand Ole Opry. I was very honored. And I was introduced on the Roy Acuff segment. At the time, while I was acquainted with Mr. Acuff, I can't say we were friends. By coming to the Opry, we became dear friends and now he's so special to me." 

As Barbara's career continued to grow, whenever she appeared on the Opry, she would request to appear on Roy Acuff's segments. 

So, here is the running order from Saturday July 8, 1972, the night that it would appear Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry (and you will notice that she did indeed appear on Roy Acuff's segment):

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Oak Ridge Boys: (?)
Billy Grammer: Peace In The Valley

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): I Don't Mind Going Under
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Pete Stamper: (?)
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

7:00: Luzianne

Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow the Lilacs

Bobby Bare: The Streets of Baltimore

Johnny Paycheck: Love Is a Good Thing

David Houston: Danny Boy

Tex Ritter: Lorena

Bobby Bare: Me & Bobby McGee

7:30: Standard Candy

Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend

The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On

Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry

Crook Brothers: Lost Indian

Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

Barbara Mandrell: Show Me

8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl on the Billboard

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time

Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips

Ronnie Dove: Right or Wrong

Del Reeves: The Best is Yet to Come

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: White Dove

Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies

8:30: Stephens

Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore

Bob Luman: When You Say Love

Marion Worth: For The Good Times

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom

Justin Tubb: Lodi

Mel Street: Borrowed Angel

Hank Snow: Geisha Girl

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's

Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues

The 4 Guys: Shenandoah

David Houston: Soft, Sweet & Warm

Soji Tabuchi: Rainbow in the Valley

Billy Grammer: What A Friend
Pete Stamper: (?)

David Houston: Jambalaya

10:00: Fender

Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me

Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted

Johnny Paycheck: She's All I Got

Charlie Walker: I Don't Mind Going Under

10:15: Union 76

Tex Ritter (host): High Noon

Bobby Bare: Come Sundown

Tex Ritter: Fall Away

10:30: Trailblazer

Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball

Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man

Roy Acuff: Where Do I Go

10:45: Beechnut

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host): Coming Down From God

Ronnie Dove: Okie From Muskogee

Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel

Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You

11:00: Coca Cola

Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket

Barbara Mandrell: Tonight My Baby's Coming Home

Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers

Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen

Barbara Mandrell: Satisfied

Stu Phillips: A Castle; A Cabin

Sam McGee: Wheels

Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got to See You Once Again

11:30: Elm Hill

Del Reeves (host): Down in the Boondocks

Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Guitar Man/Heartbreak Hotel

Marion Worth: Faded Love

Mel Street: Borrowed Angel

Del Reeves: Balls of Fire/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through a Windshield/Whole Lotta Shaking Going On 

Regardless of the exact date, this will be Barbara's 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry will honor her on Saturday July 30. Now retired, she last appeared on the Opry on June 14, 1997. So, while this is Barbara's 50th, she really hasn't been around the Opry for several decades. 

For those who are interested, here is the running order from Barbara's last Opry appearance, 25 years ago: 

1st show

6:30: GHS Strings
Jimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun Band
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith

Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo/Cajun Stripper

6:45: Jogging In a Jug
Grandpa Jones (host): Banjo Sam

Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long

Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

7:00: Shoney's

Bill Anderson (host): Get A Little Dirt on Your Hands

Jeanne Pruett: A Poor Man's Woman

The 4 Guys: Amazing Grace

Jeannie Seely: Speaking of the Devil

The Whites: Hangin' Around

Bill Anderson: I Love You Drops

7:30: Standard Candy

Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy

Speer Family: After a While/I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him

Barbara Mandrell: I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool/Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho

Speer Family: The Dearest Friend I Ever Had

Jimmy Dickens: I Love Lucy Brown

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Howdy, Neighbor, Howdy
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World

Stonewall Jackson: Side Stepping the Blue

Del Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime at a Time/Looking at the World Through A Windshield

Opry Square Dance Band w/Eddie Stubbs and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Wake Up Susan

Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home

8:30: Clifty Farm

Mike Snider (host): (?)

Roy Drusky: Alone with You

Jean Shepard: Farewell Party

Charley Pride: Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning

Mike Snider: Born to Shop

2nd show

9:30: Dollar General 

Porter Wagoner (host): Y'all Come

Speer Family: I Remember the Day/Surely, I Will/What A Day That Will Be/I'' Meet You in the Morning

Barbara Mandrell: Sleeping Single in a Double Bed/Night Life

Porter Wagoner: Freight Train Boogie

10:00: Massey Ferguson

Charley Pride (host): Crystal Chandeliers/Kiss an Angel Good Morning/Heartaches By the Number/Kawliga

10:15: White By MTD

Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack

Jean Shepard: Together Again

Grandpa Jones: Some Little Bug is Gonna Find You Someday

10:30: Purnell's

Jimmy Dickens (host): Out Behind the Barn

The 4 Guys: How Married Are You Mary Ann

Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn

10:45: Quality Certified Manufactured Homes

Mike Snider (host): Lonesome Road Blues

Opry Square Dance Band w/Eddie Stubbs and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Pretty Polly Ann

Mike Snider: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

11:00: Coca Cola

Bill Anderson (host): Did She Mention My Name

Connie Smith: Once A Day

Stu Phillips: Heart Over Mind

Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up on Your Way Down

Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets

Bill Anderson and Liana Manus: That's What Made Me Love You

11:30: Opry Book/Ryman

Johnny Russell (host): Good Hearted Woman

Charlie Nagatani: Eddie's Song

Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me

Jeannie Seely: When He Leaves You

Johnny Paycheck: I've Loved a Lot More Than I've Hurt/The Old Violin

Johnny Russell: Act Naturally

(Johnny Paycheck was not on the schedule for that night and was a surprise addition. Also, Charley Pride was scheduled for the entire 15-minute segment on the late show). 

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.