Grand Ole Opry 9/2 & 9/3

Welcome to the first week of September and Labor Day weekend. Back in the day, the Opry shows over Labor Day weekend were some of the weakest as the majority of Grand Ole Opry members were out on the road, on the county fair circuit. When I look back at some of the past Opry lineups, that was certainly the case. 

So, what does Labor Day weekend 2022 have in store at the Opry. Well, Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky and John Conlee are on the schedule for both Friday and Saturday night. Craig Morgan joins that group on Friday night, while the Opry's newest member Don Schlitz is on the schedule for Saturday. 

Gary Mule Deer is the comedian this weekend and he is scheduled both nights, while there are a pair of Opry debuts this weekend with Catie Offerman debuting on Friday and We Are Messengers on Saturday. 

Rounding out the lineups are the very talented Tiera Kennedy and Dillon Carmichael on Friday night and Abby Anderson on Saturday. And no, I didn't forget as on Saturday night the Grand Master Fiddle Champions will be featured. This is the annual competition that has taken place in Nashville for decades, with the male and female winners getting invites to appear on the Opry. 

Friday September 2
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Tiera Kennedy, Dillon Carmichael, Riders In The Sky
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Catie Offerman, Gary Mule Deer, Craig Morgan

Saturday September 3
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Abby Anderson, Grand Master Fiddle Champions, John Conlee, Eric Paslay
Intermission
8:15: We Are Messengers, Gary Mule Deer, Don Schlitz, Riders In The Sky

And now, from 50 years ago, Saturday September 2, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: The 4 Guys (host); Del Wood; Leona Williams
7:00: Del Reeves (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Ray Pillow
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Karen Wheeler; Bob Luman; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stringbean
8:30: Stu Phillips (host); Marion Worth; Claude Gray; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bob and Pat Geary

2nd show
9:30: Willis Brothers (host); Del Wood; Leona Williams
10:00: Del Reeves (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Ray Pillow
10:15: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Karen Wheeler
10:45: Bob Luman (host); Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Stu Phillips (host); Diane Jordan; Bob and Pat Geary; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host); Marion Worth; Claude Gray

(Ernie Ashworth was scheduled for both shows, however he canceled on the second. For those who have been reading these lineups, over the past month I am sure many have noticed the trend that Karen Wheeler was making a series of Opry appearances, always appearing on the Roy Acuff segment, while Diane Jordan was a regular on segments hosted by Stu Phillips. Karen was the daughter of Smoky Mountain Boy Onie Wheeler, while Diane Jordan appeared regularly with Stu Phillips at Opryland).  

Looking back to Saturday September 3, 1966, Waylon Jennings made an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry that evening. It was not Waylon's Opry debut, as he had appeared on the Opry the year before. Waylon was in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career and during this period, he made several Opry appearances. Here is the running order from 56 years ago: 

6:30; Mrs. Grissoms
Charlie Louvin (host): I Don't Love You Anymore
Stringbean: Pretty Polly
Charlie Louvin: I Want a Happy Life
Del Wood: Are You from Dixie
Charlie Louvin: The Proof Is in the Kissing

6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Lord (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Dwaine Dee: I Believe
James Wilson: Yakety Axe
Bobby Lord: Life Can Have Meaning

7:00: National Life 
Roy Acuff (host): Tennessee Central No. 9
Skeeter Davis: I Wanna Be Loved By You
Tex Ritter: Bummin' Around
The Stoneman Family: Ole Slewfoot
Skeeter Davis: It Only Hurts for a Little While
Oswald: Roll On, Buddy
The Stoneman Family: Rawhide/Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Tex Ritter: Take Him Fishing'
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

7:30: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Two Glasses Joe
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Carter Family: Wildwood Flower
Minnie Pearl: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes
Ernest Tubb: A Memory (That's All You'll Ever Be to Me)
Cal Smith: Silver Dew on the Grass Tonight
Willis Brothers: Tumbling Tumbleweed
Ernest Tubb: Tomorrow Never Comes

8:00: Martha White
Flatt and Scruggs (host): Don't Get Above Your Raisin'
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: The Last Thing on My Mind
Justin Tubb: Looking Back to See
Cousin Jody: No Help Wanted
Flatt and Scruggs: For Lovin' Me
Crook Brothers: Layfayette
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Let Me Down Easy
Flatt and Scruggs: Cabin on the Hill
Earl Scruggs: Cannonball Blues

8:30: Stephen's
Roy Acuff (host): Please Come Back, Little Pal
Wilburn Brothers: I Can't Keep Away from You
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Waylon Jennings: Stop the World & Let Me Off
Roy Acuff: Sweeter Than the Flowers
Oswald: Columbus Stockade Blues
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Roy Acuff: I Saw the Light

8:00: Pet Milk
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
Bob Luman: You Can Take the Boy From the Country
Harden Trio: Tippy-Toeing
Del Reeves: Down in the Boondocks
Jimmy Newman: Bring Your Heart Home
The Voyagers: You Say That You're Going
Bob Luman: Come On & Sing
Opry Staff Band: Java
Jimmy Newman: Cry, Cry Darling

9:30: Kellogg's
Hank Snow (host): I've Been Everywhere
Willis Brothers: A 6 ft 2 by 4
Bobby Lord: That's All Right
Carter Family: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Hank Snow: You Pass Me By
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Walking In My Sleep
Bobby Lord: Old Enough to Die
Hank Snow: My Blue-Eyed Jane

10:00: Schick
Flatt and Scruggs (host): Why Did You Wander
Charlie Louvin: The Proof Is in the Kissin'
Del Wood: Bully of the Town
Flatt and Scruggs: Detroit City

10:15: Pure
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Bob Luman: Almost Persuaded
Stringbean: Hot Corn; Cold Corn
Larry (?): Sailor's Hornpipe

10:30: Harvey's
Jimmy Newman (host): Back Pocket Money
Waylon Jennings: For Loving Me
Del Wood: The Girl on the Billboard
Jimmy Newman: A Fallen Star

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Driving Nails in My Coffin
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Ernest Tubb: Soldier's Last Letter

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Rhumba Boogie
Bill Anderson: I Get the Fever
Cousin Jody: Television Set
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Hank Snow: I Just Stepped Over the Line
Sam McGee: Dew Drop Waltz
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar/I Love You Drops

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Loretta Lynn: You Ain't Woman Enough
Justin Tubb: Hurry, Mr. Peters
Wilburn Brothers and Loretta Lynn: Put It off Until Tomorrow
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Bouquet of Roses/Wedding Bells/Take These Chains From My Heart/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/You Know How Talk Gets Around

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 8/30 & Opry Country Classics 9/1

It is always a special night at the Grand Ole Opry when a new member is inducted, and Tuesday will be one of those nights as Don Schlitz will finally be welcomed as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Donald Alan Schlitz, Jr. on Aug. 29, 1952, and raised in Durham, N.C. He briefly attended Duke University before coming to Nashville at the age of twenty. His talent was recognized and fostered early on by greats including Bob McDill and Bobby Bare, and he emerged as an empathetic and intelligent chronicler of the human spirit. 

Don was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017 and is considered one of the most influential and beloved songwriters in the history of country music. His fifty Top Ten singles include twenty-four Number One country hits. He has won three CMA Song of the Year awards, two Academy of Country Music Song of the Year prizes, two Grammy Awards, and four consecutive (1988-91) ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year trophies. 

His chart-topping songs -- among them “The Gambler,” “On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her”, “The Greatest,” and “When You Say Nothing At All” -- are touchstones and inspirations. His works have been recorded by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, The Judds, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss, and many others. 

He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (with Bob Seger and Gordon Lightfoot) in 2012. 

When performing at the Opry on Saturday June 11, Vince Gill asked both Charlie McCoy and Don to become members of the Opry. While Charlie has already been inducted, it took a bit to get Don's scheduled. Thankfully, it is set for Tuesday night with Vince Gill scheduled to do the honors. 

Tuesday August 30
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Aaron Tippin, 49 Winchester, The War and Treaty
Intermission
8:15: Gary Mule Deer, Charlie Worsham, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill

While the night will belong to Don Schlitz, I did want to mention that it will be the Opry debut for 49 Winchester

Opry Country Classics will lead off the month of September with another show from the Grand Ole Opry House, hosted by Larry Gatlin with Opry member Crystal Gayle the Spotlight Artist. 

Thursday September 1
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Crystal Gayle
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Erin Kinsey, Zach Top

Again, congratulations to Don Schlitz upon his induction as the Opry's newest member.

So, who will be next? 

Grand Ole Opry 8/26 & 8/27

As I sit here thinking what to write about the Grand Ole Opry shows this weekend, there is nothing that jumps to the front of my mind. Not that the shows are bad, in fact both nights look pretty solid, it's just that coming off of last weekend where we had Carrie Underwood and Trace Adkins, there is nothing special that stands out. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Opry member Steve Wariner returns. Joining Steve will be members Riders In The Sky and, after being away for a few weeks, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press. 

Darin & Brooke Aldridge are back for another guest appearance, along with comedian Brad Upton. Americana/Bluegrass artist Jim Lauderdale is on the schedule, as is Frank Ray and King Calaway. As with most shows, there will be an Opry debut as Kimberly Kelly is scheduled. 

Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry has members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, and Hall of Fame members Bill Anderson and Connie Smith are on the schedule. Comedian Brad Upton is doing double duty this weekend as he is also scheduled for Saturday. Becky Buller Band will bring along some bluegrass, while A Thousand Horses and Madison Kozak round out the schedule. 

Friday August 26
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jim Lauderdale, Frank Ray, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: King Calaway, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Kimberly Kelly, Brad Upton, Steve Wariner

Saturday August 27
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, A Thousand Horses, Mike Snider, Madison Kozak, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:15: Brad Upton, Becky Buller Band, Opry Square Dancers, ERNEST, Connie Smith

And now, from 50 years ago, Saturday August 26, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Charlie Walker (host); Stringbean; Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Willis Brothers; Diane Jordan
7:00: Billy Grammer (host); Connie Smith; Stan Hitchcock; Singing Rambos
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Karen Wheeler; Crook Brothers
8:00: The 4 Guys (host); Dottie West; New Kingston Trio; Louie Roberts
8:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Marion Worth; Don Gibson; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Willis Brothers (host); Dottie West; Charlie Walker; Louie Roberts
10:00: Stu Phillips (host); Stan Hitchcock; Diane Jordan
10:15: Billy Grammer (host); Stringbean; Singing Rambos
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Grandpa Jones; Connie Smith
10:45: The 4 Guys (host); Jeanne Pruett; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tompall (host); & The Glaser Brothers; New Kingston Trio; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Wilburn Brothers (host); Marion Worth; Don Gibson; Jimmy Helms

(Tompall & The Glaser Brothers appeared only on the late show. Also, as a reminder, Jeanne Pruett was not an Opry member at this time. She would join the cast the following year). 

An interesting group that was on that night were the New Kingston Trio. This was another version of the Kingston Trio, which form in 1954. As with many other groups, the membership of the group would change over the years. In 1967, the original group took a break and disbanded, leading to, what would become, The New Kingston Trio. This version began performing in 1969 and would continue through the mid-70s, when the membership of this group changed, and thanks to some legal maneuvering, the original name was restored, and the group was reformed. The Kingston Trio continues to tour with musicians who licensed the name and trademark in 2017.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dolly Parton joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, thanks to her own success and also from her association with Porter Wagoner. During her years with Porter, Dolly appeared pretty regularly on the Opry, the majority of time with Porter. However, after she broke away from Porter and went out on her own, she became a super-star and her Opry appearances greatly diminished. In fact, there were a number of years in which Dolly did not appear at the Opry at all. 

On August 26, 1995, after being away from the Opry for 7 years, Dolly returned and here is the running order from that night 27 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: DHS Strings
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol' Rattler Left Us Years Ago
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Grandpa Jones: Apple Jack

6:45 Country Music Hall of Fame
Jean Shepard (host) w/Skeeter Davis: Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Jean Shepard: I'm Walkin' the Dog

7:00: Shoney's
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take an Old Cold Tater
Jan Howard: Oh, Lonesome Me
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Billy Walker: Adam's Side/Charlie's Shoes
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind the Barn

7:30: Standard Candy
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Ken Mellons: Rub-a-Dubbin'
Dolly Parton: Jolene/Something Special
Vince Gill and Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Porter Wagoner: Sugarfoot Rag

8:00: Martha White
Jeannie Seely (host): Burning That Old Memory
Jimmy C Newman: Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road
Ray Pillow: Someone Had to Teach You
Mike Snider: Soldiers Joy/Angeline the Baker/Old Molly Hare
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

8:30: Kraft
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Connie Smith: Once A Day
Charlie Walker: Smoke; Smoke; Smoke
Del Reeves: She Thinks I Still Care/Bad News
Hank Snow: Tangled Mind

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Freight Train Boogie
Jeanne Pruett: Back-to-Back
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Ken Mellons: I Saw the Light/Juke Box Junkie
Colleen Walters: Ain't 'Cha Even Gonna Cry
Porter Wagoner: Big Wind

10:00: Goody Headache Powder
Jeannie Seely (host): Bubbles in My Beer
Wilma Lee Cooper: Gathering Flowers from the Hillside
Jeannie Seely: Too Far Gone

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Cooper's
Grandpa Jones (host): Fix Me a Pallet Down on the Floor
Roy Drusky: Have I Stayed Away Too Long
Grandpa Jones: Four Stone Walls & A Ceiling

10:30: Gruhn Guitar
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Jimmy C Newman: Allons ah Layfayette
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

10:45: Fairfield
Jean Shepard (host): I Don't See How I Can Make It with You Gone
Stu Phillips: Colorado
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Acorn Hill
Jean Shepard: Farewell Party

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Ramblin' Rose
Connie Smith: Sing; Sing; Sing
Charlie Walker: My Life's Been a Pleasure
Del Reeves: Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
Hank Snow: Jack to a King
Tommy Vaden: Lee Highway Blues

11:30: Loreal
Mike Snider (host): Foggy Moutain Chimes
Barry and Holly Tashian: Running Wild/I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain/Word Games/Singing the Blues
Mike Snider: Waiting' on Ed to Call

Dolly Parton (along with Vince Gill) only appeared on the first show that night, which was the televised portion. And while Porter Wagoner hosted the segment, he did not sing with Dolly. Dolly did sing with Vince, as at the time their duet of "I Will Always Love You" was out on radio. 

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 8/23 & Opry Country Classics 8/25

It's a full lineup this week for the Tuesday Night Opry with three Grand Ole Opry members headlining the show. Connie Smith, Del McCoury and Carly Pearce are all on the schedule, along with future Opry member Don Schlitz, who will be formally inducted next Tuesday night, August 30. 

Also, on the Tuesday night schedule are comedian John Crist, Tyler Braden, frequent Opry guest Maggie Rose, and Steven Curtis Chapman. 

Tuesday August 23
7:00: Connie Smith, Tyler Braden, Maggie Rose, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Don Schlitz, John Crist, Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce

Opry Country Classics is once again at the Opry House on Thursday night, hosted by Larry Gatlin and featuring Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens as the Spotlight Artist

Opry Country Classics, Thursday August 25:

Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Ray Stevens
Also Appearing: Gatlin Brothers, Shenandoah, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Hannah Dasher

Grand Ole Opry 8/19 & 8/20

We have talked before about Carrie Underwood and her commitment to the Grand Ole Opry. That commitment will be on display again this weekend as Carrie returns for all three shows this weekend: the Friday Night Opry and two shows on Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. For Carrie, these three appearances, coming off a couple of appearances just a few weeks ago, will be her 6th, 7th and 8th appearances of the year. When adding up the numbers and looking at the entire list of 70 Opry members, only 14 members will have appeared on the Opry more often than Carrie thus far this year. 

Carrie is one of the biggest stars in country music. She has released a new album and has a big tour coming up in the fall. Yet, as we have mentioned before, she finds time for the Opry. Not only does she appear, she also has expressed her love for the Opry and what Opry membership means to her and her career. She has set the example for her contemporaries, most of whom seem not to be able to find the time to appear on the Opry. We should all be fortunate that Carrie takes being an Opry member seriously and we can only hope that the other missing Opry members will wake up and realize how important the Opry has been to country music and make an effort to get over to 2804 Opryland Drive and make an appearance or two on the show. 

One of those who has not appeared on the show thus far in 2022 will be appearing this weekend as Trace Adkins is scheduled for both shows on Saturday night. Another of those who has been missing in 2022 is Darius Rucker. He was listed on the Opry website as "scheduled to appear," however he is now off the schedule due to a scheduling conflict. 

Besides Carrie Underwood and Trace Adkins this weekend, Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Mike Snider, Connie Smith and Ricky Skaggs are on the schedule for Friday night, while Riders In The Sky will join Carrie and Trace on the early show Saturday night, with Mandy Barnett set for the late show. 

Comedian Aaron Weber is scheduled for all three shows. Guesting with Aaron on Friday night will be Nicolle Galyon and veteran country artist Jo Dee Messina. Saturday night will have Caitlyn Smith, Matthew West and Restless Road appearing in addition to Aaron. 

Friday August 19
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Nicolle Galyon, Mike Snider, Jo Dee Messina
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Aaron Weber, Ricky Skaggs, Carrie Underwood

Saturday August 20
1st show
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Caitlyn Smith, Restless Road, Aaron Weber
8:00: Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood

2nd show
9:30: Opry Square Dancers, Mandy Barnett, Restless Road, Carrie Underwood
10:30 Caitlyn Smith, Aaron Weber, Trace Adkins

Even with Carrie and Trace on the Opry this Saturday, there is no live Circle TV

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday August 19, 1972: 

1st show
6:30: Roy Drusky (host); Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Diane Jordan
7:00: Earl Scruggs Revue (host); Connie Smith; Charlie Walker; Johnny Paycheck
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Karen Wheeler; Crook Brothers
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stringbean
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Roy Drusky (host); The Willis Brothers; Jimmy C Newman; Joe and Rose Lee Maphis
10:00: Roy Acuff (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Charlie Walker
10:15: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton
10:30: Bill Anderson (host); Stu Phillips
10:45: Bill Anderson (host); Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Louie Roberts; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Don Winters

(On the first show, Charlie Walker was scheduled to host the 7:00 segment, however Earl Scruggs ended up the host. Ernie Ashworth and Del Wood were scheduled for the first show but canceled. Connie Smith was scheduled for just the first show, while Jimmy C Newman and Bill Anderson, who hosted a double segment, were only scheduled for the second). 

On August 19, 1967, Charlie Walker was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Charlie Walker is best remembered for the 1958 honkytonk classic "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," a song also responsible for launching the career of its composer, then-unknown Harlan Howard. Born in Copeville, TX, on November 2, 1926, Walker began performing in his teens. In 1943, he signed on as a singer and guitarist with Bill Boyd's Cowboy Ramblers, but enlisted in the U.S. Army the following year, serving in Tokyo as a disc jockey for the American Forces Radio Network. Following World War II Walker settled in San Antonio, where he was hired as an on-air personality with local radio outlet KMAC. He remained with the station for a decade and grew so popular and influential that in 1981 he was inducted into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

Even with his success as a DJ, Charlie continued performing, and in 1952 he signed to Imperial Records, cutting a series of little-noticed singles including "I'm Looking for Another You," "Out of My Arms," and "Stay Away from My Head." The label cut him loose in mid-1953, and a year later he resurfaced on Decca, scoring a regional hit that summer with "Tell Her Lies and Feed Her Candy." In late 1955 he reached the national country charts with "Only You, Only You," but the remainder of his Decca output failed to enjoy comparable success, and he parted ways with the label in 1957, landing at Mercury long enough to release two additional singles, "Dancing Mexican Girl" and "I'll Never Let It Show."

Upon signing with Columbia in mid-1958, Walker was assigned "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," penned by aspiring songwriter Howard, at that time a forklift driver at a California printing factory. With its insistent shuffle rhythm and memorable turn-of-phrase title, the single became an immediate hit, entering the country Top Five and establishing the careers of both men. But while Howard emerged as one of the most prolific and successful composers in Nashville history, Walker never again achieved the same commercial heights -- follow-up singles like "I'll Catch You When You Fall," "When My Conscience Hurts the Most," and "Who Will Buy the Wine" still charted but following 1963's "There's Where Katie Waits," Columbia cut its losses. It took more than a year for Walker to resurface on record via the Epic-label effort "Close All the Honky Tonks."

In mid-1965, he scored a minor hit with "Wild as a Wildcat," and two years later earned some notoriety for the novelty effort "Don't Squeeze My Sharmon," inspired by toilet paper brand Charmin's commercial catch phrase. After spending several years headlining, the Las Vegas casino, the Golden Nugget, Walker was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, and his rowdy, witty songs made him a perennial fan favorite throughout his four-decade stint with the Opry. He also continued recording throughout the 1970s, charting for the last time with 1974's Capitol release "Odds and Ends." A few months after colon cancer forced him to end his performing career, Charlie Walker died on September 12, 2008.

From a personal standpoint, Charlie was one of the nicest Opry members that I have met. We had a mutual friend that was a radio DJ in Ohio, and each time I saw Charlie he never failed to ask how his friend was doing. 

While Charlie's induction date is listed as August 17, it was a few nights later, Saturday August 19, 1967, that Charlie was introduced as the Opry's newest member. Here is the running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: (?)
6:45: (?)

7:00: Luzianne
Hank Locklin (host): Please Help Me I'm Falling
The 4 Guys: Walking in the Sunshine
June Stearns: Habit; Not Desire
Pete Drake: I Just A Guitar (Everybody Picks on Me)
Hank Locklin: Hasta Luego
Bobby Barnette: Down Came the World
The 4 Guys: Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Jerry Whitehurst: (?)
Hank Locklin: Jambalaya

7:30: Cordite
Billy Walker (host): Let's Think About Living
Del Wood: 12th Street Rag
Mel Tillis: Goodbye Wheeling
Margie Singleton: Ode to Billy Joe
Billy Walker: Bear with Me a Little Longer
Leon Ashley: Laura
Del Wood: Are You From Dixie
Mel Tillis: Life Turned Her That Way
Billy Walker: Del Rio

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Jim and Jesse: The Ballad of Thunder Road
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Crook Brothers: Layfayette
Loretta Lynn: If You're Not Gone Too Long
Larry McNeely: (?)
Roy Acuff: Cabin in Gloryland

8:30: Stephens
Ray Pillow (host): Thank You Ma'am
Marion Worth: If I Kiss You, Will You Go Away
Jerry Greene: Sally Was a Good Old Girl
Bobby Jenkins: Lovesick Blues
Ray Pillow: I Just Want to Be Alone
Curtis McPeak: The World is Waiting for the Sunrise
Johnny Carver: It's Such a Pretty World Today
Marion Worth: You're Good Girls Gonna Go Bad
Ray Pillow: Take Your Hands Off My Heart

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos at Waco
Willis Brothers: Somebody Knows My Dog
Pete Sayers: Wash My Face in the Morning Dew
Del Wood: Ballin' the Jack
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

10:00: Schick
Ray Pillow (host): If' Is a Mighty Big World
Margie Singleton: Ode to Billy Joe
Leon Ashley: Laura
Ray Pillow: Six Days on the Road

10:15: Pure
George Morgan (host): I Couldn't See
Mel Tillis: The Fugitive
Loretta Lynn: Don't Come Home a Drinkin'
George Morgan: You're the Only Good Thing

10:30: Buckley's
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Harold Weakley: Almost Persuaded
Roy Acuff: Put My Little Shoes Away

10:45: Kent
Hank Locklin (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Hank Locklin: Release Me

11:00: Coca Cola
Bill Anderson (host): I Got the Fever/Get While's the Getting's Good
The 4 Guys: Roll, Muddy River
Jimmy Gately: Crying Don't Pay
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire on the Mountain
Bill Anderson: Papa
Sam McGee: Spanish Two Step
The 4 Guys: Shenandoah
Bill Anderson: No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Singing the Blues
Marion Worth: Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed
Jerry Greene: Danny Boy
Jim and Jessie: Diesel on My Tail
Bobby Sykes: Living a Lie
Don Winters: Chime Bells
Marion Worth: A Legend in My Time
Marty Robbins: Tonight Carmen/Begging to You/Ribbon of Darkness/Don't Worry/The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight

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 8/16 & Opry Country Classics 8/18

The Tuesday Night Opry this week will feature an appearance by Opry member Gene Watson. Gene has been busy touring and hasn't been around the Opry much this past year, thus it is great to have him back this week. Also appearing will be members Rhonda Vincent and Dailey & Vincent, along with comedian Jeff Allen, Pure Prairie League and making her Opry debut, Kylie Morgan

Tuesday August 16
7:00: Rhett Akins, Kylie Morgan, Dailey & Vincent, Pure Prairie League
Intermission
8:15: Lindsay Ell, Gene Watson, Jeff Allen, Rhonda Vincent

Opry Country Classics will feature Opry members Lorrie Morgan, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, and of course, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers. 

Thursday August 18
Host: Larry Gatlin
Also Appearing, Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Tim Dugger

Another solid classic show

Grand Ole Opry 8/12 & 8/13

Before reviewing the Grand Ole Opry shows for this weekend, I did want to post this press release from last week, as printed in Music Row Magazine: 

Jeannie Seely has made history as the artist with the most appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in the 97-year history of the beloved show. Thanks to the research of independent Opry historian Byron Fay, Seely will celebrate the historic achievement during her 55th Opry anniversary on Sept. 17.

Since her debut in 1966, Seely has become an Opry mainstay with more than 5,000 performances to her name. While Opry membership performance requirements have changed over the course of Seely’s 55 years with the show, her commitment has not–building continuity, a sense of family, and an unmatched performance record.

“Jeannie Seely’s commitment to the Grand Ole Opry is truly remarkable,” shares Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “I’ve been affiliated with the Opry less than half of her time as an official member, and even in those two decades I’ve witnessed so many examples of her dedication to this show we love: performing in borrowed clothes on the first Opry show after the 2010 flood inundated both the Opry House and her own home, making her way to the show in staff members’ vehicles after a major snowstorm, and simply being here night after night to lend her voice to this one-of-a-kind show.”

He adds, “I believe I speak for staff members past and present, for her fellow Opry members, and for Opry fans around the globe when I say thank you to her for her incredibly impressive dedication to the show and that we look forward to commemorating both her unmatched commitment and 55 years of Opry membership on Sept. 17.”

“The Opry is a way of life, my way of life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! This is where my heart is,” Seely explains. “In September, I will have been here 55 years, but it’s not long enough!”

When I was asked by those associated with Jeannie Seely if I would undertake this research, I had no idea where it would lead. As Jeannie was approaching her 55th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, we all knew that Jeannie had been on the Opry a lot, we just didn't know how many times. And it is safe to say that nobody thought that the number would be over 5,000. Congratulations to Jeannie Seely and I am definitely looking forward to many more appearances by Jeannie on the Opry. 

And speaking of Jeannie Seely, she will be kicking off both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry this weekend, as she adds to her appearance total. Joining Jeannie both nights will be 61-year Opry member Bill Anderson. Dustin Lynch is on the schedule to close out the show on Friday night, while Mike Snider and Rhonda Vincent are listed for Saturday. 

There will be a couple of Opry debuts this weekend. For KING & COUNTRY is scheduled for Friday night, while Madeline Edwards is set for Saturday. The designated comedian this weekend is Gary Mule Deer, scheduled for both nights. Additional non-members listed are Rissi Palmer and Anne Wilson on Friday, with Wade Bowen and Darin & Brooke Aldridge down for Saturday. 

Friday August 12
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Rissi Palmer, Bill Anderson, Anne Wilson
Intermission
8:15: For KING & COUNTRY, Gary Mule Deer, Dustin Lynch

Saturday August 13
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Wade Bowen, Mike Snider, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Madeline Edwards, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Rhonda Vincent

50 years ago, Saturday August 12, 1972 was a special night at the Grand Ole Opry as David Houston became the newest member: 

1st show
6:30: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Stu Phillips (host); Diane Jordan
7:00: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean; Del Wood
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bill Carlisle; Karen Wheeler; Crook Brothers
8:00: Tex Ritter (host); Davis Houston; Shoji Tabuchi
8:30: Billy Grammer (host); Ray Pillow; The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Stu Phillips (host); Ernie Ashworth; Del Wood; Diane Jordan
10:00: Billy Walker (host); Stringbean
10:15: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host); Ray Pillow
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Karen Wheeler
10:45: Billy Grammer (host); Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); David Houston; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); The 4 Guys; Ronnie Robbins

(Connie Smith was scheduled for both shows but canceled). 

As mentioned before, David Houston came to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry from the Louisiana Hayride, where he was a very popular performer. His big hit came in 1966 as "Almost Persuaded" went to the top of the country charts, as would five additional singles, "With One Exception," "You Mean the World to Me," "Have a Little Faith," Already It's Heaven," and "Baby, Baby (I Know You're a Lady)." He also had a number of additional Top 10 hits. David had one of those smooth voices that stood out and I always enjoyed seeing and hearing him on the Opry. Sadly, David passed away in November 1993. 

To finish it up, on Saturday August 12, 2006, Grand Ole Opry member Jimmy C Newman was recognized and honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy came to the Opry in 1956 as Jimmy Newman, without the "C." However, over time, and as more and more of the Cajun sound was featured in Jimmy's appearances, he became known as Jimmy C Newman. Jimmy passed away in June 2014 and sadly, Cajun music has largely been gone from the Opry since his death. 

Here is the running order from Saturday August 12, 2006:

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): Geraldine
Mel McDaniel: Let It Roll/Stand Up
Billy Joe Shaver: In The Good Old USA/Georgia On A Fast Train
Jimmy Dickens: Mountain Dew

7:00: Tootsie's/Martha White
Martina McBride: This One's For The Girls
Larry Gatlin: Houston/Swing Down Chariot/Power In The Blood/When We All Get to Heaven/I'll Fly Away
Julie Roberts: The Girl Next Door/Smile
Opry Staff Band: Panhandle Rag
Martina McBride: Today I Started Loving You Again/Heartaches By The Numbers/Wrong Again
Lee Roy Parnell: On The Road/Daddy's & Daughters/My Saving Grace
Larry Gatlin: All The Gold In California

8:00: Opry House Backstage Tours
Jim Ed Brown (host): Southern Loving
Jan Howard: My Heart Skips a Beat
The Whites: Swing Down Chariot
Jean Shepard and Jan Howard: Love's Gonna Live Here
Opry Staff Band: Snowflake Reel
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: I Don't Wanna Have to Marry You

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Jeannie Seely (host): What A Way to Live
Alicia Nugent: God Knows What
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cry, Cry Darling/Jambalaya
Jeannie Seely: Happy Birthday Porter/Don't Touch Me

2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel
Jimmy Dickens (host): May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Bobby Osborne: Mansions for Me/Try A Little Kindness
Lee Roy Parnell: Old Soul/Hearts Desire
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

10:00: 2007 Opry Cruise
Jean Shepard (host): Slippin' Away
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda/Cajun Stripper
Julie Roberts: Men & Mascara/Break Down Here
Jean Shepard: Tennessee Waltz

10:30: Johnny Walker Tours
Larry Gatlin (host): Houston
Jesse McReynolds: Childish Love
The Whites: Making Believe
Opry Square Dance Band: Rachel
Larry Gatlin: All The Gold in California

11:00: Celebration 2006
Jim Ed Brown (host): Pop A Top
Jack Greene: Walking the Floor Over You/This One Belongs to Me
Billy Joe Shaver: Ol' Chunk of Coal/If At First You Don't Succeed, Try & Try Again
Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius: Lyin' In Love with You/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

11:30: World of Bluegrass
Jeannie Seely (host): Hey, Good Lookin'
John England and The Western Singers: It's Your Turn to Cry/The Kind of Love I Can't Forget
Alicia Nugent: Breaking New Ground/Somewhere Else to Fall/Can't You Hear Me Calling
Jeannie Seely: Make The World Go Away

(During the first show, Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher came out and presented Jimmy C Newman with the traditional railroad gold watch).

2006 was only 16 years ago, yet, of the Opry members listed, only Martina McBride, Larry Gatlin, The Whites, Jesse McReynolds, Jeannie Seely and Bobby Osborne are still living, and of that group, only Martina, Larry, Jeannie and Bobby are still active.

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.