Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Here you go, the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry November 22:
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Coffey Anderson, George Birge, David Phelps
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Terry Bradshaw, Rachel Bradshaw, Jamey Johnson
It will be the Opry debut for George Birge. Other than that, a pretty nice Tuesday Night Opry.
Tis the weekend before Thanksgiving and while everyone will be finishing up their Turkey buying before the holiday, the Grand Ole Opry will be putting on a pair of shows, the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry.
Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills is scheduled for both nights. He will be joined on Friday night by Opry members John Conlee, Connie Smith, and closing out the show, the Oak Ridge Boys.
Saturday night, in addition to Mark, has Jeannie Seely, Bobby Osborne, Don Schlitz and Lauren Alaina listed on the lineup.
One of the bigger duos in country music, Brothers Osborne head up the non-member list on Friday, joined by Emily Ann Roberts, and making his Opry debut, Jason Eady. Saturday night as Tony Trischka on the schedule, along with Alexandra Kay, who will be making her Opry debut.
For those who might be familiar with Tony Trischka, he is one of the finest banjo players alive, and in fact, has been called the "Father of Modern Bluegrass." His last album, Shall We Hope, was released in January 2021. Ahead of its release, a video of the album’s “Christmas Cheer (This Weary Year)” landed on a Rolling Stone best-of list and was described by Jon Parales (New York Times) as having “virtuosic picking… with a coda of elegant string-band counterpoint." Now over the age of 70 and continuing a career that began in the early 70s, Tony is still relevant in today's musical environment. He's been on the Opry before, and it is great to see him back.
Friday November 18
7:00: Mark Wills, Emily Ann Roberts, John Conlee, Brothers Osborne
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Jason Eady, Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday November 19
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills, Alexandra Kay, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top x-Press
Intermission
8:15: Tony Trischka, Opry Square Dancers, Don Schlitz, Lauren Alaina
Just seven acts each night, with no live TV this week on Circle as they will be showing two hours of performances from the 50th anniversary show of Bass Pro Shops that took place at the Opry earlier this month.
So, as mentioned, there are a pair of artists making their Opry debut this weekend, Jason Eady and Alexandra Kay.
Jason Eady grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and has been influenced by bluegrass, Don Williams and Willie Nelson. He is married to, and frequently collaborates with, Texas singer-songwriter Courtney Patton. Jason collaborated with Kevin Welch on his last three albums, AM Country Heaven from 2012, Daylight and Dark from 2014, and his self-titled album from 2017. AM Country Heaven debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 9 on the Top Heatseekers chart.
Highway Prayer: A Tribute to Adam Carroll, released on Austin-based Eight 30 Records in late 2016, featured Eady's take on Carroll's "Errol's Song." Additionally, Eight 30 Records' Floater: A Tribute to the Tributes to Gary Floater featured Eady's version of "Stand Back Boys I'm Fixing to Care.
Alexandra Kay grew up in Missouri and began writing songs at the age of 15. She started working in the entertainment business at a young age by booking commercials and voice-over work. While performing in multiple musical theater productions, Alexandra decided to try her luck as a contestant on American Idol in 2011.
Alexandra Kay started working in hip hop and R&B in early 2012. Using the platform Nelly created, Alexandra sewed herself into the St. Louis music scene. Working with notable STL artists such as Nelly and Huey Alexandra created enough buzz to sign an independent record deal with Nettwork Entertainment in 2013. Her first single “No More” was a radio hit spending three weeks at #1 on the New Music Weekly Top 40 pop chart, also scoring at the top of Hot AC and Hot 100 charts.
Starting her country music career independently at 22, Alexandra began recording cover videos of many 90’s country music favorites and posting them on her Facebook fan page, going viral dozens of times. quickly drew a dedicated fan base on Facebook, which has grown to over 1.4 million followers to date.
Alexandra Kay has recently captivated a new audience of country music lovers with 272,000 followers on Instagram. On TikTok Alexandra Kay’s following has grown to over 3.2 million followers and generated over 44.3 million likes. Alexandra Kay has gained over 45 million collective streams on Spotify and Apple Music through independent releases:
Now, from 50 years ago, Saturday November 18, 1972:
1st show
6:30: Billy Walker (host); Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Billy Grammer (host); Justin Tubb; Norma Gallant
7:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean; Ray Pillow
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Bobby Bare; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Archie Campbell; Jimmy C Newman
8:30: Charlie Louvin (host); Charlie Walker; The 4 Guys; Marion Worth; Diane McCall; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); Willis Brothers; Jan Howard; Ernie Ashworth; Charley Pride
10:00: Stonewall Jackson (host); Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Stringbean
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Billy Grammer; Justin Tubb and Norma Gallant
10:30: Bobby Bare (host); Charlie Walker
10:45: Archie Campbell (host); Ray Pillow; Crook Brothers
11:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); Charlie Louvin; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Diane McCall; Sam McGee
11:30: Stu Phillips (host); Marion Worth; The 4 Guys
(Billy Walker appeared only on the first show)
Del Wood joined the Grand Ole Opry on 13, 1953. On Friday November 18, 1988 she celebrated her 35th anniversary as a member of the Opry.
Del Wood was known for her rollicking piano style, which was best demonstrated on her million selling instrumental, "Down Yonder."
Polly Adelaide Hendricks was born in 1920 on her family's farm in Nashville. Prior to beginning her career in music, she worked in the stage Public Health Department. According to Del, "L. Wolfe Gilbert's old-time ragtime tune liberated me from the typewriter keys to the 88s after "Down Yonder" shot up the charts. Actually, it was a bigger hit on the pop charts than it was in country. I was originally booked by MCA with acts like Tony Bennett, Guy Mitchell and The Four Aces. You name 'em, I worked with 'em."
Del first appeared on the Opry in February 1952 and took the stage name of Del Wood to make it easier for radio programmers. Her stage name was created by combining part of her middle name with part of her married name (Hazelwood).
Del recorded a number of albums and played a number of different songs on the Opry, but "Down Yonder" was her only #1 record.
Del passed away in October 1989.
Here was the Friday Night Opry line-up from Friday November 18, 1988:
7:30: Grandpa Jones, Del Reeves, Lorrie Morgan, Justin Tubb, Jan Howard
8:00: Porter Wagoner, Stonewall Jackson, Jeanne Pruett, Wilma Lee Cooper
8:30: Roy Acuff, Jean Shepard, Ray Pillow
9:00: Hank Snow, Charlie Louvin, Connie Smith, Del Wood
9:30: Jack Greene, The 4 Guys, Skeeter Davis, Carlisles, Osborne Brothers
10:00: Jimmy C Newman, Vic Willis Trio, Ernie Ashworth, Teddy Wilburn
10:30: Jimmy Dickens, Charlie Walker, Jeannie Seely, Johnny Russell
11:05: Grand Ole Gospel w/Jimmy Snow
(Those Friday night shows were the best. As you can see, there were 29 acts that night, and 3 hours and 30 minutes of music).
While Del only appeared on the Friday Night Opry, here is the running order from Saturday November 19, 1988:
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jimmy Dickens (host): Sleepin' At the Foot of the Bed
The 4 Guys: Fox on the Run
Jimmy Dickens: I'm Just Blue Enough to Do Most Anything
6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Bill Carlisle: Elvira
Grandpa Jones: Cold Winds A' Blowin'
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up, Jacob
Jeannie Seely: Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me Alone
Osborne Brothers: Georgia Mules & Country Boys/Rank Strangers
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin' the Blues
Jan Howard: Heartaches By The Number
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind
Glenda Faye Kniphfer: Black Mountain Rag
7:30: Standard Candy
Charlie Walker (host): Who Will Buy the Wine
Jerry Fricke: Please Help Me I'm Falling/She's Single Again
Forrester Sisters: Sincerely/(?)
Ricky Van Shelton: I'll Leave This World Loving You/From A Jack to A King
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back to Tulsa
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/Statue of a Fool
Charlie Louvin: Loving Arms
Jennifer O'Brien: He Taught Me How to Yodel
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sugar in the Goard
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Music Valley Drive
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jean Shepard: At The Time
Jimmy C Newman: Thibodeaux & His Cajun Band
Roy Drusky: Time Has Made a Change in Me
Hank Snow: Crying Time
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Janie Fricke: Please Help Me I'm Falling/She's Single Again
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Forrester Sisters: Sincerely
Porter Wagoner: Forty Miles From Poplar Bluff
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Mountain Dew
Osborne Brothers: Your Love is Like a Flower
Connie Smith: The Keys in the Mailbox
Grandpa Jones: Gathering Flowers From the Hillside
10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob Arkansas
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day/He Will Set Your Fields on Fire
10:30: Pet Milk
Jimmy Dickens (host): John Henry
Jimmy C Newman: (?)
Jimmy Dickens: I Leaned Over Backwards for You
10:45: B. C. Powder
Jack Greene (host): Wanting You but Never Having You
Jeanne Pruett: Back To Back
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally Goodin
Jack Greene: All The Time/There Goes My Everything
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Forever+1; Forever +2
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Roy Drusky: Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy
Tommy Hunter: Ragged but Right
Hank Snow: The Governor's Hand
11:30: Creamette
Jim Ed Brown: Southern Loving
The 4 Guys: Tennessee
Charlie Louvin: Buried Alive
Jean Shepard: Too Many Rivers
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Jim Ed Brown: Scarlet Ribbons
(Of note, Minnie Pearl only did the first show, while Ricky Van Shelton was scheduled for the late show but canceled his spot. There were several other Opry members who only appeared on one of the shows that night).
A final word on Del Wood: She was one of the Opry's members who did not care for the "new breed" of Opry members that were joining the Opry toward the end of her career. She felt that they were not dedicated to the Opry and not appearing as often as they should. She was also one of those who were not happy about her spots being cut. She was pretty vocal in her feelings. To finish up that thought, and relative to the recent passing of Jerry Lee Lewis, when Jerry Lee first appeared on the Opry, he specifically mentioned that the only Opry member who was nice to him was Del Wood. I am sure that sharing the love of the piano, there was a mutual respect between the two.
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.
Here is the lineup for the upcoming Tuesday Night Opry:
Tuesday November 15
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Josh Ward, The Whites, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Red Steagall, Wade Bowen, Kelsea Ballerini
Nice to see that the lineup includes a majority of Opry members: Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Don Schlitz, The Gatlins and Kelsea Ballerini. Also, good to see Kelsea back at the Opry and especially nice so see The Whites back again after making their 2022 debut a couple of weeks ago.
The name that stands out is the legendary western singer Red Steagall.
Here is the rundown that the Opry posted on their website:
Red Steagall's recording, songwriting and broadcasting career has spanned the globe for the last 50 years.
Recognitions for his art have been numerous. In 1991, Steagall was selected by the Texas State Legislature as the official Cowboy Poet of Texas. In 2006, that same legislature selected Red as the Poet Laureate. He was inducted in the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 2003 and has received a total of 14 Wrangler Awards from the museum to date. The following year he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Steagall continued this series of honors in 2007 when he was selected for induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. He also received the Golden Spur Award from the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech in 2018.
In addition to his concert career, he is the host of Cowboy Corner, a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast in 150 markets, now in its 29th year of operation. Steagall also hosts his own television show, Somewhere West of Wall Street, on RFD TV and has been doing so for the past 14 years. Four of the Wrangler awards he received from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum were for this show.
A nice mid-week show
A couple of interesting shows at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend featuring a nice group of Grand Ole Opry members.
The Friday Night Opry has Jeannie Seely, Riders In The Sky and Dailey & Vincent on the schedule, while Saturday's Grand Ole Opry has Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Ricky Skaggs and Craig Morgan scheduled to appear.
Circle TV will be televising the final hour on Saturday night, featuring Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Lainey Wilson.
Lainey Wilson is one of the artists who has really made a name for herself in country music in the past year. In addition to being one of the Opry's Next Stage Artists, Lainey was also the ACM New Female of the Year for 2022, and that was after being named Billboard's Top New Country Artist of 2021. To top it off, Lainey is the top nominated artist for this year's CMA Awards (broadcast on Wednesday night), with six nominations including Album of the Year. Her other nominations include Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. She is only the fourth artist to earn six nods in their first year being nominated in CMA Awards history. Glen Campbell, Brad Paisley and Kacey Musgraves are the other singers. And to think, this is the first year she has been nominated for any CMA award.
Looking at the other non-members on the schedule, there are a couple of Opry debuts this weekend as Tyler Hubbard will make his debut on Friday night, and, hard to believe, John Ford Coley will debut on Saturday night.
Bluegrass group Po' Ramblin' Boys, who I saw make their Opry debut last year, will appear on Friday night, along with Carter Faith, The McCrary Sisters and Mickey Guyton.
Friday November 11
7:00: Jeannie Seely, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Carter Faith, Riders In The Sky, The McCrary Sisters
Intermission
8:15: Lindsay Ell, Tyler Hubbard, Mickey Guyton, Dailey & Vincent
Saturday November 12
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, John Ford Coley, John Conlee
8:00: Lainey Wilson, Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan
I was really surprised when I saw that this will be the Grand Ole Opry debut for John Ford Coley, who is probably best known for his partnership as England Dan & John Ford Coley.
At age 74, John Edward Colley was born in Dallas, Texas and he said that he grew up listening to not only rock and roll music, but also the Grand Ole Opry. His classmate in school was Dan Seals, and while they were part of another band, they began their own acoustic act as Colley and Wayland, later renaming themselves England Dan & John Ford Coley. Signed to A&M Records, their big break came in 1972 with the international hit "Simone." The record, however, did not do well in the United States and after three unsuccessful albums, were released by the label.
Two years later, they acquired another record deal from Atlantic Records subsidiary Big Tree Records and released the song "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight". Overall, they had four top-ten hits and two top-twenty hits. They were nominated for a Grammy Award, received triple-platinum and gold records and released eight albums; additionally, other recordings were released abroad. In 1980, the duo disbanded.
John Ford formed another group that released an album on A&M Records: Leslie, Kelly and John Ford Coley (featuring sisters Leslie and Kelly Bulkin). He acted in teen films in the 1980s, acquired a small ranch in the 1990s, and wrote songs for film and television. He returned to touring in 1996 and has played with groups and artists including Ambrosia and Terry Sylvester (formerly of The Hollies), Three Dog Night, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Christopher Cross, Poco, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart, Edgar Winter and others.
In 1996, he made a trip south for Tin Pan South and began making trips to Nashville to be part of the music community. He moved his family and horses across country to Tennessee in 1999.
From 50 years ago, Saturday November 11, 1972:
1st show
6:30: Osborne Brothers (host); Del Wood; Jeanne Pruett
6:45: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jimmy C Newman; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
7:00: Roy Drusky (host); Charlie Louvin; Ivory Joe Hunter; Jerry Whitehurst
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Willis Brothers; Bailes Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Ernest Tubb (host); Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis; Grandpa Jones
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Justin Tubb; Stu Phillips; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Roger Miller
2nd show
9:30: Billy Walker (host); Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper; Jimmy C Newman
10:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Osborne Brothers; Cates Sisters
10:15: Charlie Louvin (host) and Diane McCall; Del Wood; Jeanne Pruett; Bobby Osborne
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Skeeter Davis; Bailes Brothers
10:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Stonewall Jackson; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Grandpa Jones; Justin Tubb; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Stu Phillips (host); Louie Roberts; Reggie Alley
(Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but canceled. Roy Drusky only appeared on the first show while Billy Walker was on just the late show, while Roger Miller and Ivory Joe Hunter guested on the first show).
Here is the actual running order from that night:
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Osborne Brothers (host): Midnight Rider
Del Wood: Up A Lazy River
Jeanne Prutt: Lily of the Valley
Osborne Brothers: Love's Gonna Live Here
6:45: Rudy's
Jim Ed Brown (host): Mariah
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be Moved
Jim Ed Brown: Unbelievable Love
7:00: Rudy's
Roy Drusky (host): Alone with You
Charlie Louvin: She Just Wants to Be Needed
Ivory Joe Hunter: Since I Met You Baby/Empty Arms/Worried Mind
Roy Drusky: The Last Time I Called Somebody Darling
Charlie Louvin: (?)
Jerry Whitehurst: Cajun Hop
Roy Drusky: Red, Red Wine
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Willis Brothers: A 6ft 2 by 4
Bailes Brothers: Remember Me/Jesus, Hold My Hand
Crook Brothers: Turkey Knob
Willis Brothers: Blue River
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Baby, It's So Hard to Be Good
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Skeeter Davis: Hillbilly Song
Grandpa Jones: Darby's Ram
Ernest Tubb: Mr. Jukebox
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walking
Skeeter Davis: Rocky Top
Grandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning
Ernest Tubb: Walkin' The Floor Over You
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Stu Phillips: I Hear Your Name
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Lost Indian
Roger Miller: Dang Me/You Don't Want My Love/King of the Road
Hank Snow: The Governor's Hand
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Billy Walker (host): Charlie's Shoes/Heartaches By The Numbers
Willis Brothers: I Still Do
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Nobody's Darling but Mine
Jimmy C Newman: Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues
Billy Walker: Sing Me a Love Song to Baby
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper: Me & Jesus
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
10:00: Fender
Jim Ed Brown (host): Morning
Osborne Brothers: Fireball Mail
Cates Sisters: What's a Little Love
Jim Ed Brown: Looking Back to See
10:15: Union 76
Charlie Louvin (host) and Diane McCall: Baby, What's Wrong with Us
Del Wood: Cajun Stripper
Jeanne Pruett: Love Me
Charlie Louvin and Bobby Osborne: Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Skeeter Davis: Hillbilly Song
Bailes Brothers: How Do You Talk to a Baby
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
10:45: Beech-nut
Ernest Tubb (host): A Million Miles from Here
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Ernest Tubb: Say Something Nice to Sara
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Miller's Cave
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Sam McGee: Victor's Rag
Hank Snow: So, Goes My Heart
11:30: Elm Hill
Stu Phillips (host): Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/You Win Again/Release Me
Louie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet of Roses
Reggie Alley: Bill Bailey
Louie Roberts: Hey, Good Looking/The Richest Man in the World
Stu Phillips: Welcome to My World
Ivory Joe Hunter was an interesting name from that night. He was known as a rhythm-and-blues singer, pianist, as well as being a noted songwriter. His nickname was The Baron of the Boogie. His big hit was "Since I Met You Baby," from 1956, a song that he did sing on the Opry that night. What is interesting about Ivory Joe is that besides his R&B success, later in his career, as his star power began to decline, he was also known for his country success.
Starting in the late 1960s, he began making appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and recorded an album titled "I've Always Been Country. Sonny James issued a version of "Since I Met You Baby", which topped the country charts in 1969, paving the way for Hunter's album The Return of Ivory Joe Hunter and his appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival. The album was recorded in Memphis with a band that included Isaac Hayes, Gene "Bowlegs" Miller and Charles Chalmers. Jerry Lee Lewis recorded a cover version of the song in 1969.
Ivory Joe Hunter passed away from lung cancer in 1974 at the age of 60.
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.
Here is the lineup for the Tuesday Night Opry:
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Bryan White, Jeannie Seely, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Intermission
8:15: Mike Ryan, Henry Cho, Maggie Rose, Lee Brice
A pretty good Tuesday lineup featuring Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Jeannie Seely. Jeannie stayed home over the weekend with a bit of a sore throat, so not sure at this point if she will make the Tuesday show or not.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has been on tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which was released in November 1972 and is one of the landmark albums in the history of country music. The original album featured Earl Scruggs, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, Jimmy Martin, Brother Oswald, Merle Travis and a host of others.
While not all of the original members of the band have been touring/performing together, they will all be a part of a couple of shows at the Country Music Hall of Fame in early December, along with a number of special guests.
This will be the Opry debut for Mike Ryan, who is a singer/songwriter out of Texas. And nice to see Bryan White back at the Opry.
I wanted to share this news. I know some have already heard, but in case......
Jerry Whitehurst, longtime pianist for “Hee Haw,” Ralph Emery’s “Nashville Now,” and the Grand Ole Opry staff band, died at the age of eighty-four on October 30.
A native Nashvillian, Whitehurst got his first break playing piano part-time in the Grand Ole Opry backing band in 1961 in his early twenties, when he was working by day for a trucking firm. While continuing to play weekends at the Opry, he became a staff pianist for WSM radio and TV, including for WSM’s “Bobby Lord Show” on syndicated TV.
Whitehurst’s resume quickly mushroomed from there. His musical skill and easy-going demeanor landed him one long-running job after another in Nashville: the “Hee Haw” house band, starting with the show’s CBS-TV debut in 1969; Ralph Emery’s local WSM early-morning TV show in Nashville, which led to becoming the musical director as well as pianist for Emery’s “Nashville Now” talk show on The Nashville Network (though Whitehurst continued doing Emery’s WSM show).
Whitehurst was so in demand that by the late 1980s he was doing about 500 TV episodes per year, according to an article in “The Tennessean.” The “Nashville Now” staff band he led won the Academy of Country Music’s Non-Touring Band of the Year award five years in a row, from 1985 to 1989.
Somehow over the years, Whitehurst also found time to play on occasional Nashville recording sessions for Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Paycheck, Connie Smith, Marty Robbins, and others. But playing for a live audience at the Opry and on “Nashville Now” was always his preference, even over celebrity “Hee Haw” tapings. “I had much rather do live performances,” he told the “Nashville Banner.” “That’s why I enjoy our daily TV shows so much. There’s a feeling a musician gets from a live audience that you don’t find while taping a show.”
I will always remember Jerry playing the "Cannonball" for Roy.
Now to this week, as it looks like a fairly quiet weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as they end the October string of two Saturday night shows, at least until Ashley McBryde's induction on December 10. While I wouldn't call the lineups for this weekend spectacular, I will say that they are pretty solid.
Starting with the Friday Night Opry, Opry members Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz and Connie Smith are listed on the schedule. Representing bluegrass music will be The Grascals. At one time, the group was making fairly regular Opry appearances, and there was some talk that they could have been considered future members, but over the past couple of years, their appearances have been few and far between.
Also scheduled for Friday night is Madeline Edwards, Zach Top, Stephanie Quayle and making his Opry debut, Bailey Zimmerman.
Looking at Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, Opry members Jeannie Seely and John Conlee are on the schedule, along with a return appearance by Riders In The Sky, as the "cowboys" are making it a two-show weekend.
A couple of regular and popular guest artists are on the schedule as Charlie Worsham and Darin & Brooke Aldridge are set to appear. Kaitlin Butts will be making her Opry debut, while Neon Union and Jessica Willis Fisher fill out the lineup.
Friday November 4
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Zach Top, Stephanie Quayle, The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Madeline Edwards, Connie Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, Don Schlitz
Saturday November 5
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Neon Union, Jessica Willis Fisher, Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Opry Square Dancers, Kaitlin Butts, Charlie Worsham, Riders In The Sky
As mentioned, Bailey Zimmerman and Kaitlin Butts are making their Opry debuts this weekend.
Bailey Zimmerman records for Warner Music Nashville / Elektra Music Group. His song “Fall In Love” is currently racing up the Billboard Hot 100 chart after climbing all the way to #1 on Apple Music’s Top Country Songs chart. The song has had more than 380 million global streams to date and an average of more than 10 million global streams a week. His most recent release, “Rock and A Hard Place,” debuted atop multiple charts as the highest non-Morgan Wallen country song premiere of the year upon release. The emphatic power debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs and Country Digital Song Sales charts, #2 on their Hot Country Songs chart and #24 on their all-genre Hot 100 chart.
Kaitlin Butts is a singer/songwriter from Oklahoma. Her new album, What Else Can She Do find the emerging songwriter delivering a collection of delicate, strong, and gallant characters and transformative storytellers. What Else Can She Do is a visceral display of just how raw and mighty words and actions can be–and how sometimes, knowing when to walk away can be just as compelling. Following up her delightful debut Same Hell, Different Devil and a diverse run of singles–the cosmic dancer “Marfa Lights,” haunting murder ballad “White River,” and the sweet tranquility of “How Lucky Am I,”–What Else Can She Do finds the Oklahoma songwriter in full blossom. Released in April, What Else Can She Do rose to top 10 Albums on the Americana Albums Chart and continues to receive widespread critical acclaim:
Now from 50 years ago, Saturday November 4, 1972:
1st show
6:30: Tex Ritter (host), Ernie Ashworth
6:45: Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper (host), Del Wood, George McCormick
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host), Dolly Parton, Osborne Brothers
7:30: Jimmy C Newman (host), Justin Tubb, Willis Brothers, Crook Brothers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host), The Nashville Grass, Lonzo and Oscar, Stu Phillips, Marty Stuart
8:30: Hank Snow (host), Tompall and The Glaser Brothers, The 4 Guys, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Marion Worth
2nd show
9:30: Tex Ritter (host); Willis Brothers, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper
10:00: Osborne Brothers (host), Ernie Ashworth, Del Wood
10:15: Roy Acuff (host), Brother Oswald, Onie Wheeler, Jimmy Riddle
10:30: Lester Flatt (host), Justin Tubb, Marty Stuart and Roland White, Paul Warren
10:45: Jimmy C Newman (host), Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host), The 4 Guys, Stu Phillips, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Tompall (host) and The Glaser Brothers, Marion Worth, Lonzo and Oscar
(Billy Walker and Charlie Walker were scheduled for both shows but canceled. Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton were scheduled for the second show, however they canceled. Porter and Dolly did appear on the first show. In an odd twist, Roy Acuff was scheduled for the first show, however he was late getting back to Nashville after an appearance in North Carolina. He appeared briefly during the 8:00 segment and said a few words from the stage. He did appear on the second show).
Glen Campbell was never a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and actually made very few appearances on the show. It is somewhat surprising that Glen didn't make his first appearance on the Opry until November 5, 1983, when he was well into his career. But then again, when you think about it, probably not as Glen was based in Southern California and rarely made the trip to Nashville.
Here is the running order from Saturday November 5, 1983, the night Glen Campbell made his Grand Ole Opry debut:
1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Billy Walker (host): Detour
Jeanne Pruett: We Came So Close
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
6:45: Rudy's
Stonewall Jackson (host): Muddy Water
Skeeter Davis: I Want You Bad
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/Waterloo
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jim and Jesse: Are You Tired of Me, My Darling
Teddy Wilburn: If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong, Do It Right
Roy Drusky: Wings of a Dove
Citico Creek: Midnight Flyer
Porter Wagoner: That Was Then; This Is Now
7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Jean Shepard: For the Good Times
Charlie Louvin and Danny Henson: Nobody's Darling but Mine
Lonzo and Oscar: Way Down Deep in My Soul
Charlie Walker: My Window Faces the South
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Sugar in the Goard
Bill Monroe: Travelin' This Lonesome Road
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jan Howard: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Connie Smith: I'm Only in It for the Love/Sing, Sing, Sing
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Right or Wrong
The 4 Guys: Sweet Ruby Red
Mel Tillis: In The Middle of the Night/I'll Take as Much As I Can Get
Glen Campbell: Gentle on My Mind/A Letter to Home
Hank Snow: My Happiness
2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
The 4 Guys: My Special Angel
Jeannie Seely: When Will I See You Again
Billy Walker: You Gave Me a Mountain
Citico Creek: Bye, Bye Love/Midnight Flyer
Porter Wagoner: The Cowboy's Hat
10:00: Little Debbie
Roy Drusky (host): Mississippi
Jean Shepard: If Teardrops Were Silver
Vic Willis Trio: Always on My Mind
Roy Drusky: Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy
10:15: Sunbeam
Bill Monroe (host): In Despair
Wilma Lee Cooper: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Bill Monroe: Old Dangerfield
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Night Train to Memphis
Stu Phillips: Blue Canadian Rockies
Bill Carlisle: Oh, What a Party
Mark O'Connor: (?)/Chicken Reel
10:45: Beech-Nut
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Connie Smith: You've Got Me Right Where You Want Me
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gray Eagle
Cajun Country: Dixi-Cajun
11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Hello Love
Charlie Louvin: Now It's Food Stamps & Calvin Klein Jeans
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Jim and Jesse: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues/Never On Sunday
Hank Snow: Among My Souvenirs
11:30: Hardee's
Jack Greene (host): Midnight Tennessee Woman
Jan Howard: Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Mel Tillis: Take Me Back to Tulsa
Mel Tillis and Glen Campbell: Slow Night
Glen and Shorty Campbell: I Can't Stand This Loneliness
Glen Campbell: El Paso/A White Sport Coat/Devil Woman/I'll Go On Alone/You Gave Me a Mountain
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
As you can see, Glen did a tribute to Marty Robbins during the 11:30 segment that Marty had made his own over the years.
There you have it for this week. As always, thanks for reading and commenting. Tell your friends and I hope everyone enjoys the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
Hard to believe but November is upon us. Many consider the months of November, December, January and February the "winter" months, as the cold wind from the North starts blowing. And let's not forget that November brings the start of the holiday season.
November is another busy month at the Opry, so here are the historical and important moments that took place during the month of November in relation to the Grand Ole Opry, or with its members.
November 9, 1895: The man who started it all, George D. Hay was born on this date in Attica, Indiana. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he came to Nashville and WSM in 1925 and in November of that year started the WSM Barn Dance, later to be named the Grand Ole Opry. As his influence at WSM and the Opry declined as the years went on, he would eventually leave Nashville and move to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he passed away in 1968.
November 11, 1899: Kirk McGee, one of the Opry's original performers, was born in Franklin, Tennessee. Kirk, along with his brother Sam, would perform on the Opry with a variety of performers and often backed up the square dancers. Kirk would remain with the Opry until his death in 1983.
November 28, 1912: Early Grand Ole Opry member Robert Lunn was born in Franklin, Tennessee. He was nicknamed the "Original Talking Blues Man." Robert first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry on March 31, 1934, and he stayed with the Opry until he retired in 1958. What is interesting is that he was known for his "Talking Blues" yet he never recorded the song until 1947. He was very popular and did many early Opry tent shows, often appearing with Roy Acuff.
November 6, 1925: Uncle Dave Macon, Sid Harkreader and Dr. Humphrey Bate performed a show at the Ryman Auditorium that was broadcast on WSM radio. This is considered the first country music concert to have been broadcast on WSM and actually predates the Opry.
November 9, 1925: George D. Hay began working at WSM radio in Nashville, with the title of "Radio Director." Later in the month, he would put Uncle Jimmy Thompson in front of a WSM microphone on a Saturday night, which was the beginning of the WSM Barn Dance, later renamed the Grand Ole Opry.
November 28, 1925: At 8:00 p.m. and originating from the fifth-floor studio at the National Life and Accident Insurance Company's headquarters in downtown Nashville, George D. Hay stepped up to a microphone and introduced Uncle Jimmy Thompson on WSM radio. This is considered as the birth of the Grand Ole Opry. The first tune played by Uncle Jimmy was "Tennessee Wagoner," after which Uncle Jimmy continued for the next hour.
November 2, 1926: Former Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Walker was born in Texas. This former disc jockey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and would remain a member of the Opry until his death in 2008. Each of the occasions that I had the opportunity to speak to Charlie, I always found him friendly and interesting.
November 30, 1931: Teddy Wilburn was born. Teddy, along with his brother Doyle, were longtime members of the Grand Ole Opry. After Doyle's death, Teddy remained as a solo artist on the Opry, until his death in 2003. There are many who make the argument that the Wilburn Brothers deserve a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and I can't say that I disagree with them.
November 1, 1937: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was born. Bill became an Opry member in 1961 and is still an active member today. Not only has the Country Music Hall of Fame member have numerous hit records to his credit, but he is also considered one of the great songwriters in the history of country music and this past year he was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Hard to believe that Bill will be 85 this year and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for just over 61 years.
November 30, 1940: Minnie Pearl made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Minnie would become one of the most beloved members in the history of the Grand Ole Opry and would be an Opry member for over 50 years.
November 2, 1948: Roy Acuff was defeated in his campaign to become the Governor of Tennessee. While Roy would remain a big supporter of Republican candidates, Roy himself would never run for public office again. Roy's campaign mixed country music and politics. He would usually start off his appearances with music, then get into the political speeches. By then, most of the crowd would begin to filter out.
November 6, 1948: While official records are many times hard to come by it would appear that this was the date that Jimmy Dickens first became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy was an Opry member until leaving in 1957, however he returned to the cast in 1975. Jimmy then stayed with the Opry until his death in January 2015. Known primarily for his comedy and silly songs, Jimmy was also one of the best ballad singers during his time.
November 13, 1949: The Grand Ole Opry sponsored its first overseas tour, as a group of Opry performers traveled to England, Germany and the Azores as part of a USO sponsored tour. Among the Opry stars making the trip were Roy Acuff, Rod Brasfield, Jimmy Dickens, Red Foley, Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams.
November 22, 1952: The first Country Music Disc Jockey convention took place in Nashville. Among the activities that took place was the Grand Ole Opry birthday celebration, the first time a formal event was held to recognize the Opry's anniversary. The DJ convention would continue to grow, eventually growing into such events as Country Music Month and Fan Fair. While the DJ meetings would move to February, the Opry still celebrates his birthday/anniversary each fall, now usually taking place the first or second weekend in October.
November 13, 1953: Del Wood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Del was known for her ragtime piano playing, and her #1 record, "Down Yonder." Del would remain as a member until her death in October 1989.
November 14, 1953: Bill Carlisle joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. Bill was an Opry member for just over 49 years, until passing away on March 17, 2003, the same year that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. At times, Bill, along with his daughter Sheila and son Bill, Jr., would be listed on the Opry program as The Carlisles.
November 28, 1953: Future Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin made his first guest appearance on the show.
November 19, 1954: After returning to Nashville from the Army, Faron Young made his first Opry appearance on the Friday Night Frolics. Faron would eventually join the Opry, staying until being fired in 1964 for a lack of appearances.
November 20, 1954: Western singer and television star Gene Autry made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Gene, who was one of the early members elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, was based out west and didn't venture to Nashville very often. He was on the Prince Albert portion that night and of course sang "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer."
November 21, 1955: Jean Shepard became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean, who passed away in 2016, was an Opry member for over 60 years, the first female to achieve that accomplishment. Not only was November 21 the date that Jean joined the Opry, but it was also her birthday and wedding anniversary. It should be noted that after Jean joined the Opry in 1955, she never left.
November 3, 1956: The great Stonewall Jackson originally joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. While it is now over 65 years since Stonewall originally joined, it should be noted that Stonewall was fired from the Opry in 1964 for failing to make the required number of annual appearances. He rejoined the cast in 1969. Stonewall's last appearance on the Opry was several years ago when he was recognized upon his 60th anniversary of joining the Opry. Sadly, Stonewall had some serious health problems later in his life and passed away in December 2021. And yes, even with his time away from the Opry, Stonewall made it to 60 years as an Opry member.
November 10, 1956: The Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle, became official members of the Grand Ole Opry. Teddy and Doyle, along with other family members, originally came to the Opry in the 1940s, however due to child labor laws, they were sent packing. Thankfully, with the help of Roy Acuff and Webb Pierce, the brothers returned and became one of the most successful brothers acts in the history of country music.
November 9, 1960; Hank Locklin accepted an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Hank had made his first Opry guest appearance on November 28, 1953. Over the years, he would continue to guest until finally becoming an Opry member. Hank would remain an Opry member until his death in March 2009, 6 month short of 50 years as an Opry member. (Hank's first actual appearance as a member would take place on November 12.
November 3, 1961: The Country Music Association announced the first class of inductees to the new Country Music Hall of Fame. In that first class were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams. Roy Acuff would join that group the following year to become the first living inductee into the Hall.
November 25, 1961: Former Grand Ole Opry announcer, and WSM air personality, Eddie Stubbs was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Before joining WSM, Eddie was a fiddle player with the Johnson Mountain Boys, and then later he was a part of Kitty Wells' band. Eddie retired from WSM in 2020 and has apparently left Nashville behind in his rear-view mirror.
November 29, 1961: A group of Opry members, which included Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline and Grandpa Jones, performed before a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in New York.
November 7, 1964: Minnie Pearl performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the final time before taking a leave of absence from the show. If not for taking the leave, Minnie would have been dismissed from the Opry the following month as part of the Purge of 1964. Minnie was just so busy traveling and doing television shows that she wasn't around Nashville all that often. Minnie would return to the Opry on February 12, 1966.
November 28, 1964: Willie Nelson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Willie was an Opry member for just several years, as Nashville was tough on him and he eventually left Music City, returning to his native Texas and reinventing his career. While at the Opry, Willie would constantly complain about the low pay and having to give up every Saturday night to be there.
November 25, 1965: Leroy Van Dyke was fired/suspended as a member of the Grand Ole Opry for failing to meet the Opry's attendance requirements. Leroy had joined the Opry's cast a few years earlier. While Leroy never returned as an Opry member, he has made many guest appearances on the show. According to people I have spoken to over the years, Leroy still feels that he should be considered an Opry member.
November 25, 1967: Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed on the Grand Ole Opry together for the first time. Dolly's first Opry appearance since 1959 was the previous month, however on that show, Porter and Dolly did not do a duet. The song they performed that night was "The Last Thing on My Mind." While not an Opry member at the time, Dolly would join the cast in January 1969.
November 23, 1968: Tennessee native, Dinah Shore, made a surprise guest appearance on the Opry. While she was born in Tennessee, Dinah found success during the Big Band period of the 40s and was one of the top vocalists of that decade.
November 20, 1968: While not specific to the Grand Ole Opry, the first televised Country Music Association Awards show was televised on NBC. While the awards started in 1966, it took several years to find a network interested in airing it. The show was televised from the Ryman Auditorium with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans as the hosts. As a side note, the show was taped and played at a later date as network executives were not sure how the country performers would act on live television.
November 12, 1971: Construction officially started on the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland USA. It was a massive project, taking until March 1974 to complete. While there were initial worries about the Opry leaving downtown and the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry has done just fine in its new home.
November 27, 1971: Grand Ole Opry member Margie Bowes made her final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. Margie, who came to the Opry in the late 1950s, would return a couple of times for guest appearances but when she left the Opry, she basically moved away from the music business. Margie passed away in October 2020.
November 10, 1973: David Akeman, known professionally as Stringbean, made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Later that night, when he and his wife Estelle returned home, they were ambushed and murdered by two men who were waiting in their home to rob them. The bodies were found the following morning by their neighbor and good friend, Grandpa Jones, who had come to pick up Stringbean for a fishing trip. Nashville, and the Opry, was shaken by the murders, with many Opry members, led by Roy Acuff, calling for the death penalty. Grandpa Jones left Nashville for a number of years, moving to Arkansas and opening his own dinner theater. The killers were quickly caught and convicted. One died in prison and the other is out on parole.
November 24, 1975: One of the Opry's early members, Asher Sizemore, passed away at the age of 69. Asher appeared on the Opry with his son, known as "Little Jimmie." While there is some confusion as to when they started on the Opry, the date appears to be September 24, 1932. They were on the Opry for most of the 1930s, leaving the Opry in 1942. Years after they left the Opry, the pair would continue to perform on various radio stations, primarily in the Midwest.
November 29, 1975: This would appear to be the final date that Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed on the Opry together. While they would both be scheduled to work the show, they would appear on separate segments. The popular duo would not get back together again until the night of Roy Acuff's 50th anniversary as an Opry member in February 1988.
November 1, 1978: Tanya Tucker made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. According to reports, Tanya was not very well received as she didn't stick to country music during her performance.
November 18, 1978: Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood was recognized upon her 25th anniversary as a member of the Opry's cast. Del, known as the "Queen of the 88's" was one of the few instrumentalists to have recorded a No. 1 record.
November 5, 1983: Glen Campbell made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He performed a melody of his hits.
November 21, 1985: Reba McEntire officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Reba had actually joined the show earlier when she was asked to join during a taping of the Opry's 60th anniversary show. Since the show was taped for later broadcast, news of her Opry membership was kept under wraps. Reba, whose Opry appearances have become few and far between, has been an Opry member for 37 years.
November 3, 1990: Minnie Pearl was honored as an Opry member for 50 years. She joined the cast in 1940. As a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, this comedian is considered one of the great stars in the history of the Grand Ole Opry. As part of the celebration, Dwight Yoakam sent 50 dozen roses to Minnie.
November 15, 1992: The Grand Ole Opry radio program was inducted into the Museum of Broadcast Communication's Hall of Fame.
November 23, 1992: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff passed away in Nashville, just one month after his final appearance on the Opry. His influence at the Opry, and with country music in general, cannot be overstated. Thanks in large part to Acuff-Rose Publishing, Nashville became the home of country music. Roy was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, and for many years he was the Opry's most popular member. There are many who feel that his death was the first nail in the coffin that had led to the many changes that have taken place at the Opry over the past several decades.
November 28, 1992: Marty Stuart became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be Marty's 30th year as an Opry member. Marty joined the Opry's cast the week after Roy Acuff passed away and I thought Marty would be great addition to the Opry. Sadly, Marty seems to have gone in a different direction and he seldom appears on the show. On a happier note, it was announced in 2020 that Marty had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
November 27, 1993: Joe Diffie became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2020 from Covid. He left us much too early.
November 6, 1993: Grand Ole Opry member David Houston made his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
November 30, 1993: Just weeks after his final Opry appearance, David Houston passed away at the age of 57. David, who came to Nashville and the Opry from the Louisiana Hayride, had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music with "Almost Persuaded." David had joined the Opry in 1972. In addition to his solo career, David also toured and recorded with Barbara Mandrell.
November 30, 1995: Martina McBride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Martina joined during a CBS television special that celebrated the Opry's 70th anniversary. This will be her 27th year as an Opry member. Loretta Lynn, who Martina said was a big influence on her while she was learning the business, did the formal induction. Regarding Martina, I love this story that I have repeated several times: She actually appeared on the Opry as part of the 70th anniversary birthday bash that was televised by TNN. She was the last performer on the televised segment before the cake was to be brought out, along with the cast singing "Happy Birthday Grand Ole Opry" which always concluded the televised segment. During her portion, she sang two ballads that ran long, causing the cake and singing to be delayed until the next segment, which was not televised. There were many unhappy viewers at home who missed this Opry tradition, and many unhappy Opry members, who missed the chance to be onstage during the televised segment. Martina was very upset afterwards, believing that her mistake on the timing of her songs, cost her a chance of becoming an Opry member, something she always dreamed of. She apologized to everyone she could fine that night, and dreams do come true as the following month, she became an Opry member.
November 23, 1996: Trace Adkins made his first appearance as a guest on the Opry. 7 years later, in August 2003, he would become an Opry member. Trace has told the story several times that on the night of his first appearance, Grandpa Jones, who was hosting the segment, forgot his name. Not unusual for Grandpa.
November 8, 1997: Johnny Paycheck became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. For Johnny, this came pretty late in his life, and after several years of trying to rebuild his image and career after some series legal issues that included prison. Johnny Russell did a lot of work behind the scenes to help Johnny become a member, convincing Opry management that Johnny had cleaned up his act. Sadly, Johnny became ill a few years after joining the show. On a side note, this was also the night that future Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark made her Opry debut.
November 7, 1998: Jimmy Dickens was honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Jimmy, who originally joined the Opry in 1948, was joined that night by Waylon Jennings, Bill Anderson, Carl Smith and Bobby Bare. Nashville also honored Jimmy by proclaiming the day as "Jimmy Dickens" day in the city.
November 5, 1999: In a stunning move, Opry General Manager Pete Fisher announced a reorganization of the Opry Staff Band, which resulted a several of the band members being dismissed. Included in that list were Buddy Harman, Leon Rhodes, Joe Edwards, Ralph Davis and Ray Johnston. According to Pete Fisher, "After several months of observing what was going on with the staff band, I made a decision to restructure it, not only to achieve efficiency, but also to upgrade the quality so that we're providing the best service we can." Personally, I did not think there was any issue with the quality of the staff band and neither did Vince Gill, who was quoted as saying, "Leon Rhodes can play circles around most guitar players, and Buddy Harman can play circles around most drummers. The sad thing is, younger ain't better." It sure didn't take Pete Fisher long to begin making changes at the Opry.
November 23, 2000: Dolly Parton and Vince Gill hosted a CBS televised special celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. The special had been taped a week after the Opry's actual 75th celebration in October.
November 24, 2000: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Russell made his final appearance on the Friday Night Opry, thus ending his performing career as ill health forced his retirement. Johnny's final Saturday night appearance had taken place the previous week, on Saturday November 18. Johnny passed away several years later after a period of declining health.
November 8, 2002: The Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the first time on Sirius satellite radio. For many, it was the first time that they were able to listen to an entire Opry show, while for others, it was the first time to enjoy the show without static.
November 23, 2002: Jim & Jesse McReynolds performed on the Opry for the final time. Jim McReynolds, who was in the final stages of an illness that would lead to his death on December 31, sang and played his guitar while sitting. The brothers had been Opry members since 1964, with Jesse still actively performing on the Opry.
November 30, 2002: Tim McGraw made his first guest appearance on the Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Tim would appear on the Opry stage a few more times.
November 1, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn made her final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Holly made the decision to give up her musical career and moved to New Mexico to pursue her passion as an artist. Sadly, and unlike a few other Opry members who retired from performing, Holly was fired as an Opry member several years later in a move that made absolutely no sense.
November 17, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Don Gibson passed away in Nashville. Don was one of the greatest songwriters in the history of country music and in 2001 he had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Don joined the Opry on May 20, 1958 but was fired in December 1964 for failing to meet the required number of Opry appearances. He rejoined the show several years later, but even after coming back, his appearances were few. His last Opry show was on March 16, 1996.
November 24, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Teddy Wilburn passed away. Teddy had been in declining health and had not performed on the Opry in several years. He, along with his brother Doyle, joined the Opry's cast in the 1950s and were instrumental in the early career of Loretta Lynn.
November 14, 2005: Following in the footsteps of Porter Wagoner, Trisha Yearwood rang the bell to open the trading day on the New York Stock Exchange in honor of the Opry's 80th anniversary.
November 14, 2005: The Grand Ole Opry returned to Carnegie Hall in New York for just the 3rd time in its history, this time to promote the Opry's 80th anniversary. The show included performances by Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Ricky Skaggs and Trisha Yearwood.
November 26, 2005: Grand Ole Opry member Jean Shepard was honored upon her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Jean had joined the Opry's cast in November 1955. Sadly, Jean's recognition did not take place during the televised segment that evening.
November 11, 2006: The Academy of Country Music presented its Pioneer Award to Little Jimmy Dickens during a Grand Ole Opry performance at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The honor was announced six months prior.
November 18, 2006: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree and was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, due to Stonewall's lawsuit against Gaylord and the Opry, he did not appear on the Opry to commemorate the occasion.
November 24, 2006: Longtime Grand Ole Opry Staff Band member Jimmy "Spider" Wilson quit. He had been a member of the Staff Band for over 50 years and reportedly quite due to being kept off the televised portion of the Opry.
November 2, 2007: Lady A (as they are now called) made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. It would take a while but in 2021, the trio became members of the Grand Ole Opry, in an induction that took place during the Opry's 95th special.
November 19, 2007: During Charlie Daniel's 11th annual Christmas For Kids benefit at the Ryman Auditorium, Opry member Martina McBride surprised Charlie on stage with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Charlie, who passed away last year, always said that being an Opry member was one of the highest honors he had achieved in his life.
November 8, 2008: Actor Kevin Costner and his country and western band, Modern West, performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.
November 14, 2009: The Grand Ole Opry streamed part of its show on MySpace. The segment featured Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Jake Owen and Rodney Atkins. This was the first time that the Opry attempted a broadcast like this and despite numerous technical issues, the Opry considered it a success.
November 9, 2010: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin made his final Opry appearance, in a show that took place at the Ryman Auditorium. Charlie was an Opry member for over 50 years and like Jean Shepard, Charlie always made it a point of telling folks that once he joined the Opry with his brother Ira, he never left.
November 10, 2012: Charles Esten, star of the ABC-TV series "Nashville" made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Over the decade, Charles has appeared on the Opry over 150 times. He has been the one star of the now cancelled series that continues to appear on the Opry.
November 21, 2015: Jean Shepard celebrated her 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She appeared in a segment hosted by Bill Anderson, her first Opry appearance in a year. During the show, she announced her retirement and this was Jean's final appearance on the Opry.
November 5, 2016: Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson was recognized and honored upon his 60th anniversary of when he first joined the Grand Ole Opry. This was also Stonewall's last appearance on the show.
November 15, 2016: During a guest appearance on the Tuesday Night Opry, Carrie Underwood surprised Crystal Gayle during a guest appearance, with an invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Crystal's official induction took place the following January.
November 24, 2016: Former Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn passed away in New Mexico from ovarian cancer. Holly joined the Opry's cast in October 1989 and was a member of the Opry until she was fired in the 2000's, after leaving Nashville and moving to New Mexico. In addition to her Opry duties, Holly also was a regular host of the Opry Backstage show.
November 19, 2017: Grand Ole Opry member, and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Mel Tillis passed away in Florida after an extended illness. Mel had joined the Opry in June 2007 after a very successful career as a singer, songwriter and actor.
November 15, 2018: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark passed away. The Country Music Hall of Fame member had joined the Opry's cast in 1987 and while he did not appear often, it was always a treat to see Roy on the Opry.
November 6, 2020: The Friday Night Opry returned after being suspended in March due to the Covid pandemic.
November 23, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum passed away after a period of declining health. Hal came to Nashville and the Opry via New York and always did an amazing job when performing on the show.
November 2, 2021: Mandy Barnett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mandy had been surprised late in September with an invitation to join the cast, delivered by Connie Smith. Mandy had been a guest on the Opry hundreds of times and her membership was well deserving and well received.
There you have it for this month. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.