Grand Ole Opry 3/31 & 4/1 (Updated)

Coming off the big weekend in which Ronnie Milsap was honored and recognized, things get a little bit quieter this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as the Opry closes out the month of March with the Friday Night Opry and moves in April with Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. 

Looking at the Friday night show, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Bobby Osborne are on the schedule. Among the non-members are a couple of Opry favorites, Suzy Bogguss and The Bellamy Brothers. I have mentioned it before, but we are seeing more of the brothers from Florida over the past year than we have seen previously. Also on the schedule is Sierra Ferrell, Priscilla Block and making her Opry debut, Lauren Weintraub. 

Looking at the lineup for Saturday night, Opry member Steve Wariner leads the list, along with Mandy Barnett and Jeannie Seely. Comedian Brian Bates is on the schedule as is The Swon Brothers, Wylie & The Wild West and Thompson Square. Those last two groups used to be on the Opry but neither has appeared in recent time. Finally, the Cleverlys are back for another appearance. Folks, for those who haven't seen this group live, they are something else.  As The New York Times wrote, “If Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, and Spinal Tap spawned a litter of puppies, it would be the Cleverlys.” 

In addition to their appearance on the Opry, the Cleverlys will also be hosting the Midnite Jamboree on Saturday night. 

Friday March 31
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Lauren Weintraub, John Conlee, Suzy Bogguss
Intermission
8:15: Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Priscilla Block, Sierra Ferrell, The Bellamy Brothers

Saturday April 1
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, The Swon Brothers, Mandy Barnett, The Cleverlys
Intermission
8:15: Wylie & The Wild West, Brian Bates, Opry Square Dancers, Thompson Square, Steve Wariner

As mentioned, Lauren Weintraub will be making her Opry debut on Friday night. Named among American Songwriter’s all-genre shortlist of “Artists to Watch” in 2023, she is one of Nashville’s buzziest newcomers. Coming to Nashville from Boston, she recently released her debut EP, ’This Is Your Brain On Love' (11.4 via Virgin Music), which already has amassing 20.6M+ streams. With nearly half a million average monthly listeners on Spotify, alone, Lauren was named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” for 2022 and earned a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards, igniting a loyal fanbase of more than 800k+ followers across social media.


Now going back 45 years ago to Saturday April 1, 1978. This was also the night of the Grand Ole Opry's annual reunion show, often referred to as "Old-Timer's Night." 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Jambalaya
Wilma Lee Cooper: Come Walk with Me
Lonzo and Oscar: Crawdad Song
Charlie Louvin: Warm, Warm Woman
Zeke Clements: Live & Learn/Somebody's Been Beating My Time/Why Should I Cry Over You/Just A Little Lovin'/Smoke On The Water
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be Angry
Sid Harkreader: Mockingbird Breakdown
Stonewall Jackson: Waterloo

6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): You Love Takes Care of Me
Jeannie Seely: Since I Met 'Cha, Boy
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely: Sing For The Good Times

7:00: Shoney's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards/Tennessee Waltz
Billy Grammer: Bonaparte's Retreat

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball/Tennessee Central No.9/Sunshine Special
Minnie Pearl: Carless Love
Alcyone Beasley: My Wild Irish Rose
Jack Shook: Along The Santa Fe Trail
Alcyone Beasley and Jack Shook: When The Desert Sun Goes Down
Crook Brothers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Eighth of January
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Big Wind's A' Comin'
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into A Devil
Guy Willis and C.W. Mitchell: Boots & Saddle
Annie Lou and Danny Dill: Slippin Around
The 4 Guys: You've Got Me Runnin
Porter Wagoner: Katy Did/Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot

8:30: Stephen's
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Billy Walker: San Antonio Rose/You Gave Me A Mountain
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Wilburn Brothers: Trouble's Back In Town
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow: It Kinda Reminds Me of Me

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Del Reeves (host): Two Dollars In The Juke Box/A Dime At A Time
Jimmy C Newman: Colinda
Wilma Lee Cooper: Bucket To The South
Lonzo and Oscar: No Relief In Sight
Charlie Louvin: If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Ernie Ashworth: You Can't Pick A Rose In December
Del Reeves: When My Angel Turns Into A Devil

10:00: Fender
Jack Greene (host): You Love Takes Good Care Of Me
Jeannie Seely: Who Needs You
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz/Beer Barrel Polka
Roy Acuff: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

10:30: Trailblazer
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Billy Grammer: I Still Love You As I Did In Yesterday
Stonewall Jackson: Angry Words
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand/On A Highway Headed South

10:45: Beechnut
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Crook Brothers (with Sid Harkreader) and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gary Eagle

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
The 4 Guys: When Will I Be Loved/The Wurlitzer Prize
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Guy Willis: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Kirk McGee: Victory Rag/Freight Train
Hank Snow: Paper Roses

11:30: Elm Hill
Billy Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song To Baby
Stu Phillips: Let Me Love You All Over Again/Crystal Chandeliers
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine/The Light House
Billy Walker: A Legend In My Time

(Jim and Jesse, along with Marion Worth cancelled that night. Minnie Pearl appeared only on the first show, while Ernie Ashworth, Del Wood and Stu Phillips only did the late show). 

Obviously, from looking at the lineups for both shows that the early show was the one to be at. The vast majority of the former Opry members appeared on that show. 

The reunion shows began in February 1974, with the idea of bringing back the old-timer's one more time before the Opry left the Ryman Auditorium. It went over so well that it was brought back each year, before ending in the mid 1990s, as many of those former Opry members passed away, and very few of those living came back. 

1978 was certainly one of the better ones. 

Finally, some have asked if I would post the lineup from Saturday April 30, 1966, the night Ray Pillow became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is that lineup from 57 years ago: 

7:30: Luzianne
Billy Walker (host): How Do You Ask Someone To Love You
George Hamilton IV: Big Steel Railroad
The Homesteaders: Flowers On The Wall
Cousin Jody: Steel Guitar Rag
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Curly Fox: Won't 'Cha Come Home Bill Bailey
George Hamilton IV: Write Me A Picture
The Homesteaders: Going Down The Mountain
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

8:00: Martha White
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Grandpa Jones: Cabin Just Over The Hill
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs: I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Grandpa Jones: Old Rattler
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

8:30: Stephen's
Roy Acuff (host): Tennessee Central No. 9
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Marion Worth: One Has My Name, The Other My Heart
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Roy Acuff: Wreck On The Highway
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back In Town
Brother Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On

9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Jealous Lovin' Heart
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
Ray Pillow: Common Colds & Broken Hearts
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroys My Plans
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Teardrops 'Til Dawn
Ray Pillow: Even The Bad Times Are Good
Leon Rhodes: Leon's Guitar Boogie

9:30: Kellogg's
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
The Carter Family: It Ain't Me Babe
Waylon Jennings: Time To Bum Again
June Carter: Tall Loverman
Willis Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Harold Weakley: To Mommy, In Care of God
The Carter Family: Wildwood Flower
Skeeter Willis: A Maiden's Prayer

10:00: Schick
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Cousin Jody: Wabash Blues
Billy Walker: Cattle Call

10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Del Wood: Night Train To Memphis
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me
Don Helms: The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise

10:30: Harvey's
Bobby Bare (host): A Man of Constant Sorrow
Grandpa Jones: I Don't Love Nobody
Bobby Bare: 500 Miles Away From Home
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles To Louisville
Bobby Bare: It Ain't Me, Babe/The Answer Is Blowing In The Wind/Worried Man Blues

10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): 'Til My Getup Has Got Up & Gone
Jack Greene: Born To Lose
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Ernest Tubb: Half A Mind

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Tompall and The Glaser Brothers: Same Old Memories
Margie Bowes: Big City
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Sam McGee: Wheels
Ray Pillow: Thank You, Ma'am
Onie Wheeler: Too Hot To Handle

11:30: Lava
Willis Brothers (host): Gonna Swing 'Til My Rope Breaks
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Waylon Jennings: Anita, You're Dreaming
Archie Campbell: The Men In My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: A 6 Ft 2 By 4
Marion Worth: Cryin' Time
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Willis Brothers: God Walks These Hills with Me

It was certainly a great lineup at the Grand Ole Opry the night Ray Pillow became a member. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 3/28 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/29

Before getting into the lineups for the mid-week Opry shows, there is news and observations to share. 

Sadly, Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow passed away on Sunday morning. Here is his obituary that was published earlier today: 

Herbert Raymond "Ray" Pillow, 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Ray Pillow was born on July 4, 1937, in Lynchburg, Virginia where he began his life with his wife of 66 years, Joanne Pillow, and their three children and eventually their six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ray was a Veteran of the United States Navy and went on to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry as a country singer and songwriter. Ray celebrated 50 years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry in April 2016. He represented many musicians in Nashville and charted 18 times himself on the Billboard Country Single Chart. His last charted single was in 1981 with Jean Shepherd. He started Sycamore Records and later worked in the Arts and Repertoire department of Capitol Records while still playing on Friday and Saturday nights at the Opry until retiring in 2018.

Ray enjoyed being surrounded by his family, traveling, and catching up with his buddies when he could.

Ray is predeceased by his eldest son Ronnie "Dale" Pillow who passed last month on February 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Pillow, his daughter, Selena (Joe) Malone, his son, Daryl Ray (Barbara) Pillow, and his daughter-in-law, Julie (Dale) Ewers. Grandchildren: Cory Pillow, Zachary Ray (Telia) Balthrop, Brody Pillow, Ali Ray (Cody) Gaertner, Darby Pillow, Landis Pillow, and great-grandson, Bowden Ray Balthrop.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date by the family.

I know many of us had the opportunity to have seen Ray Pillow perform, either in concert or at the Grand Ole Opry. While Ray never had a "major" hit, he was influential behind the scenes. Many country music stars owe some measure of their success to Ray. What I always liked about Ray was that he featured the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band each time he was at the Opry, mentioning the members by name and giving them the opportunity to share the spotlight. 

My favorite memory of Ray was Grandpa Jones always introducing him as "Ray Piller." Not in disrespect, just that Grandpa seemed to have trouble with the "ow" at the end of Ray's name. 

Our thoughts and prayers go to his widow Joanne, along with his children, other family members and his friends and business associates. 



Now to my observation as this past weekend I was in Nashville and attended both Opry shows. Both shows were sold out, with standing room only, and the crowds were very enthusiastic. Friday, in particular, as the Opry House was hosting a national choir competition and many of the high school choirs, and their chaperones/parents/family members and supporters were in attendance. Among the highlights: a standing ovation to Woody Paul after his wonderful fiddle performance; Junior Brown (although I wished he had sung "Highway Patrol"; Darius Rucker and maybe the highlight of the night, Sean Dietrich. He received a standing ovation not only when he was finished, but also when he was introduced. I will admit I had never heard of him before seeing him listed on the Opry lineup, but Sean was the "real deal" as they say. 

Saturday night belonged to Ronnie Milsap. Each artist who was on the schedule did at least one Ronnie Milsap number, while Mark Wills did two. During each number, there were pictures of Ronnie on the Opry's video screens from various points of his career. Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett and Don Schlitz performed during the first hour. The second hour began with Trace Adkins, followed by Little Big Town. Trace did four songs while Little Big Town did five, finishing with "Girl Crush." Ronnie closed out the show with four songs, only two of which were his. The final number was a Rolling Stones song "Honky Tonk Women", that included Trace, Little Big Town and Mark Wills on stage with Ronnie. I know Ronnie had recorded that song, would sing it in concert, however I just never associated the song among the hits that Ronnie has had. 

I know that Ronnie has had some health issues over the past several years and has lost his wife and son. Overall, I thought Ronnie looked pretty good, better than I had expected. He did seem engaged. I thought his voice was "ok." He started strong but did faulter a little bit on the next two. Nothing bad, but just a little off. The finish was strong. Ronnie had his entire band with him, and they were very good. His band did include an additional piano player. 

I went into the show not knowing what to expect, but overall was pleased with Ronnie's performance. At the age of 80, I admire him for still being out there. I also thought that this might be the last time to see Ronnie, either in concert or at the Opry. I am glad I was able to be there to see this living legend, who has been an Opry member for 47 years. 


Finally to the Opry shows for this week. Two Opry members, Riders In The Sky, and The Whites on Tuesday night, while three: Jeannie Seely, Del McCoury Band and Don Schlitz are on the schedule for Wednesday. 

Tuesday Night Opry March 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Travis Denning, The Whites, Alana Springsteen
Intermission
8:15: Della Mae, Niko Moon, The Malpass Brothers, Maggie Rose

Wednesday Night Opry March 29
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Cooper Alan, Jillian Jacqueline, Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Restless Road, Chonda Pierce, The French Family Band, Don Schlitz

(Both shows are subject to change)

I want to specifically mention The French Family Band, who will be making their Opry debut on Wednesday night, with a very special performance. 

Hopefully, they won't mind if I share parts of their bio from their website: 

Country music just sounds better when a family sings it. That’s where it all began: mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all huddled together, picking and singing on a porch in the twilight. That’s why when The French Family launch into the bittersweet ache of a classic or the startling tenderness of one of their self-penned original songs, the hairs on country music loving necks stand up, and we instinctively––sometimes tearfully––recognize this father, mother, and son as the real thing.

“We’ve just got to stay true to who we are and what we do,” mother Camille French says. “We’ve always done that––and we won’t change.” Camille is reflecting on a two-decade long career with her husband Stuie at the family’s new home in Nashville, oceans away from their childhood worlds where they both fell in love with country music and ultimately, mastered it. 

Touring over the last almost 20 years as Camille and Stuie, the duo became beloved in Australia. They earned three Australian Golden Guitar Awards––that country’s equivalent to the CMAs. The Golden Guitars have recognized both their singing and playing: In 2013, the couple earned their first trophy together for Best Alternative Country Album of the Year, while in 2017, Stuie received Best Instrumental Album honors for his stunning Axe to Swing. Now as the French Family Band they earned their first Golden Guitar Award for Instrumental of the Year from their album "Me and Dad". Two of the pair’s original songs––“Gone for All Money” and “Pretty Katalina” ––were also featured on the wildly popular Australian television drama A Place to Call Home and in 2022 the French Family were featured in a National Holiday Season television campaign for the JC Penney Department store chain.

Nashville noticed. Grammy-winning Western Swing maestros The Time Jumpers invited Stuie and Camille to sit in at the group’s 3rd & Lindsley residency. That night, grinning widely and dazzling both a crowd already accustomed to greatness and their fellow musicians on stage, Stuie and Camille realized dreams that had begun in grade school.

Stuie grew up in Tasmania. He felt drawn to the guitar and his father and big brother’s old Johnny Cash records. “The guitar was so prominent and dominant on those records that I just wanted to learn it,” Stuie says. “We had an old Yahama acoustic guitar. Then in the mid-70s, my brother went and bought me an electric. He was a mechanic and didn’t have much money, but he bought me a guitar.” 

Stuie became a monster player with chops that sublimely meld the virtuosity and instinct of jazz with the clear tone and restraint of American hillbilly roots music. Also a fine singer, his vocals nod to the gentle ease of Western swing greats such as Tommy Duncan. Stuie’s prodigious skill led to high-profile sideman gigs with Australia’s top touring artists, as well as recognition from his own heroes including Tommy Emmanuel, who asked Stuie to serve as a tutor at the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp Australia, and Les Paul, who invited Stuie on stage to play with him in New York. Stuie also toured and jammed with his idol Merle Haggard on the latter’s Australian tour as a member of the opening band.

Camille, née Camille Te Nahu, was raised in New Zealand. A Maori whose mother was also part Samoan, Camille grew up immersed in a tight-knit familial culture that encouraged singing and dancing. Her voice, somehow both crisply expressive and immeasurably rich and smooth, can sit back to soothe in a pocket before jumping out to thrill. “I fell in love with country music,” Camille says. “From a very early age, I just knew it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Camille made her way to Australia, where gigs as a backup vocalist for established greats including Kasey Chambers family soon followed. She never forgot her roots––and they never forgot her. Years later, New Zealand television series Unsung Heroes of Maori Musicwould devote an entire episode to Camille.

Stuie and Camile toured as sidemen for top Australian acts and often opened those shows together for two years before deciding to go out on their own, as a pair. “Once we got together, I always thought he was too good to be in the background––and he thought I was too good to be in the background,” Camille says with a laugh. “So we joined forces just to see where it took us.” 

Now performing as The French Family, Camille, Stuie, and Sonny are acclimating to life stateside––deep roots in tow. “I love being able to share our family music with people,” says Camille. “I think people crave it. They come up and tell me how much they love seeing the love among our family and what we do––and I love being able to share that with everybody.”

Stuie agrees, adding, “We hope our music takes people back to a time when the essence of country music was twangy guitars, honest songs, and vocals that tear your heart out.” 

I am looking forward to hearing them this week on the Opry. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/24 & 3/25

This weekend I will be in Nashville and looking forward to attending the Grand Ole Opry where I anticipate a wonderful weekend as on Saturday night the Grand Ole Opry will be honoring Opry member Ronnie Milsap, in recognition of his recent 80th birthday. 

Ronnie Milsap was born in a poor region of North Carolina. He attended Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh, where he was given strict classical training. But late at night he listened to his favorite country, gospel, and R&B broadcasts. 

Ronnie studied pre-law at Young Harris Junior College near Atlanta, eventually earning a scholarship to Emory. Instead of continuing with law, he threw himself into music, forming his own band. During the mid-’60s, he landed a stint with J.J. Cale and session work with producer Chips Moman, notably on Elvis Presley’s “Kentucky Rain” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.”

In 1973, Ronnie moved from Memphis to Nashville. Before one could say “overnight success,” he was signed by RCA and released the two-sided hit, “All Together Now (Let’s Fall Apart)” and “I Hate You.” He followed with “That Girl Who Waits on Tables” and “Pure Love.”

A year later, he had three No. 1 songs. The flood of hits wouldn’t let up for 15 years: “Daydreams About Night Things,” “(I’m A) Stand by My Woman Man,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night),” “How Do I Turn You On” and “Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me” all stormed the charts.

“Before I joined the Opry in 1976, Jeanne Pruett was always getting me to come out here and guest,” Ronnie recalls. “Eventually she said, ‘I think you need to join the Grand Ole Opry.’ And I said, ‘Well, how do you do that?’

“All of a sudden, one night I was over here, and Mr. Roy Acuff came up to me in the hall and said, ‘Hey, Ronnie, you want to be a member of the Opry?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘Okay, then, you’re going to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.’” And on February 6, 1976, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Along with his multiple gold and platinum albums, Ronnie has earned six Grammys and many CMA and ACM Awards. He's a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The ebullient performer and original stylist changed the face of country music, but he has never forgotten his own difficult road to stardom and his good fortune along the way. In 1986, he established the Ronnie Milsap Foundation to aid the blind and visually impaired. “In some way it’s a blessing that I was born blind,” he once said. “If I had been born sighted in western North Carolina ... I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

Over the past several years, Ronnie has had some setbacks and health issues. His wife, Joyce, passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, and their son had died in 2019. More recently, he has had a few health issues that has caused him to miss some shows. With that in mind, it is wonderful that Ronnie will be back at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night for an evening of great music. 

Joining Ronnie on Saturday night will be Grand Ole Opry members Little Big Town, Mandy Barnett, Trace Adkins, Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz and Mark Wills. For Trace, who Ronnie inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and Little Big Town, it will be their first Opry appearances of 2023. 

Saturday March 25
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Trace Adkins, Little Big Town, Ronnie Milsap

Yes, you are reading that correctly. A Saturday night with only Grand Ole Opry members. While Circle TV will not be live on Saturday, they are taping the final hour for a future broadcast. 

While all of the attention will be focused on Saturday night, there is also a pretty good Friday Night Opry this weekend, highlighted by an appearance by Grand Ole Opry member Darius Rucker. Joining Darius will be Opry members Riders In The Sky, Mark Wills, John Conlee. 

Heading the list of non-members will be Junior Brown. Junior is a legend based out of Texas, who has appeared on the Opry several times and is known for his singing, songwriting and his fine instrumentation skills. Also scheduled is Ashley Cooke and making his Opry debut, Sean Dietrich. 

Friday March 24
7:00: Mark Wills, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, Junior Brown
Intermission
8:15: Sean Dietrich, Ashley Cooke, Darius Rucker

Nice to see five Opry members on Friday night and for those who might be wondering, this will be the first Opry show of the year for Darius. 

Sean Dietrich, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is considered a master storyteller in the tradition of Will Rogers, Mark Twain, and Lewis Grizzard. His one-man shows have earned him a cult-like following in the southeastern United States and among closeted accordion players worldwide. Formally from Florida, and now based in Alabama, he is known for his podcast "Sean of the South" and his work has appeared in Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, and he has authored fifteen books. 

And now, from 45 years ago, Saturday March 25, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Guy Willis
6:45: Billy Walker (host); Billy Grammer; Charlie Louvin
7:00: Bob Luman (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Justin Tubb
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jan Howard; Stu Phillips; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host); Stonewall Jackson; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Ernie Ashworth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Billy Walker; Guy Willis
10:00: Bob Luman (host); Charlie Louvin; Billy Grammer
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Woody Paul; Howdy Forrester; Oswald
10:30: Lester Flatt (host); Jan Howard; Justin Tubb
10:45: Stonewall Jackson (host); Ernie Ashworth; Crook Brothers; Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); The 4 Guys; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Bill Carlisle; Kirk McGee
11:30: Stu Phillips (host); Marion Worth; Louie Robers

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled. Del Reeves, along with Lonzo and Oscar also cancelled. Lester Flatt was on both shows but did not sing and Vic Willis was ill, thus Guy Willis performed as a solo act). 


In the mid 1950's, Hank Thompson was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Some dates are harder to come by than others, but the best estimate is that he joined in 1955. 

Hank Thompson, who came out of the Southwest, was noted for his "honky-tonk/Western Swing" music, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills. His backup band, The Brazos Valley Boys, were just as famous as Hank, as it was one of the top bands around. 

1952 brought his first number-one single, "The Wild Side of Life", which contained the memorable line, "I didn't know God made honky-tonk angels". (This line inspired songwriter J. D. "Jay" Miller to write the 1952 answer song "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", which became the first hit single for pioneer female country vocalist Kitty Wells.) Other hits followed. 

From 1947 to 1964, he recorded for Capitol Records, then joined Warner Bros. Records, where he remained from 1966 through 1967. From 1968 through 1980, he recorded for Dot Records and its successors, ABC Dot and MCA Records. In 1997, Thompson released Hank Thompson and Friends, a collection of solo tracks and duets with some of country music's most popular performers. In 2000, he released a new album, Seven Decades, on the Hightone label. The title reflected his recording history from the 1940s to 2000s.

While his time as an Opry member was fairly short, he did return on occasion to make guest appearances. One of those took place on Saturday March 25, 1989. 

Here is the running order from that night 34 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Bonanza
Jim Ed Brown (host): Looking Back to See
Hank Thompson: Wild Side of Life/Humpty Dumpty Heart
Jim Ed Brown: I Heard the Bluebird Sing

6:45: Rudy's
Grandpa Jones (host): Uncle Eph's Got the Coon
Roy Drusky: Family Bible
Jeannie Seely: The Divorce Song
Grandpa and Mark Jones: Arkansas Traveler

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): 'Ol Slewfoot
Connie Smith: Walk Me to the Door
Billy Grammer: When It's Darkness On the Delta
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Jan Howard: Heartaches By the Numbers
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can Stand

7:30: Standard Candy
John Conlee (host): Fellow Travelers
Vic Willis Trio: Sioux City Sue
George Hamilton IV: The Old Rugged Cross
Charlie Louvin: Every Time You Leave/The Precious Jewel
John Conlee: The Old School

8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): The Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chuck of Coal
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/Jole Blon
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lady of the Lake
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:30: Music Valley
Hank Snow (host): Bummin' Around
The Whites: Doing It By The Book
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Dottie West: We've Got Tonight
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: Easter Parade

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Ray Pillow: I Guess He Knows Something I Don't Know
Jeannie Seely: That May Be All I Need To Know
Roy Drusky: Too Old To Die Young
Billy Grammer: I Was Born In Renfro Valley/Gotta Travel On/Detroit City
Porter Wagoner: I'm Gonna Act Right

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host)
George McCormick: Y'all Come
Connie Smith: I've Got My Baby On My Mind
Ray Kirkland: The Old Man On The Mountain's Coming Home

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
Jan Howard: You Belong To Me/Where No One Stands Alone
Connie Smith and The Carolee Singers: Sing, Sing, Sing

10:30: Pet Milk
Jim Ed Brown (host): Everyday People
George Hamilton IV: The Old Rugged Cross
Jim Ed Brown: A Child Is Born

10:45: B.C. Powder
John Conlee (host): Fellow Travelers
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Opry Square Dance Band and The Melvin Sloan Dancers: Rachel
John Conlee: Common Man

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Between Fire & Water
Jean Shepard: A Tear Dropped By
Justin Tubb: Coronation Day
The Whites: It's Not What You Know; It's Who You Know
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Hank Snow: On The Old Hawaiian Shore with You

11:30: Creamette
Jimmy C Newman (host): Diggy Liggy Lo
Dottie West: Every Time Fools Collide
Charlie Walker: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
Johnny Russell: Me & Bobby McGee
Wade B. Landry: Orange Blossom Special

Hank Thompson was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. He continued touring until early 2007. In October of that year, he was diagnosed with lung cancer on November 6, 2007, at the age of 82. 

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. It sounds like Saturday will be a special night. 

Tuesday Night Opry 3/21 & Wednesday Night Opry 3/22

Once again, we get a change in the mid-week schedule at the Grand Ole Opry as the coming week has just the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows on the schedule. The spring run of Opry Country Classics is interrupted for one week as there is no classics show scheduled. 

The Tuesday Night Opry offers a solid lineup with Opry members Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Henry Cho, Carly Pearce and Chris Janson on the schedule. After the lack of Opry members on the mid-week shows the previous week, it is nice to see a solid group of Opry members back on the schedule. 

Rhonda Vincent makes it a two-show week as she returns the next night for the Wednesday Night Opry, joined by The Whites and Don Schlitz. Really nice to see The Whites seemingly back in the rotation. 

As far as non-members this week, Steven Curtis Chapman returns on Tuesday, while Jelly Roll stands out on Wednesday, along with the award-winning bluegrass legend Larry Sparks. 

In my mind, it has been a while since Larry has been on the Opry. As to the awards he has won, Larry has won the Male Vocalist of the Year Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association, along with past Album of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year. He is also an inductee in the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame. 

Also scheduled this week is comedian, and frequent Opry guest, Killer Beaz and Drew Parker. Carter Faith is also scheduled, making up for the appearance she had been scheduled for on the Wednesday Night Opry from a few weeks back that was cancelled. 

Tuesday Night Opry March 21
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, John Conlee, Boy Named Banjo, Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Henry Cho, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson

Wednesday Night Opry March 22
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Drew Parker, The Whites, Brit Taylor, Jelly Roll
Intermission
8:15: Larry Sparks, Carter Faith, Killer Beaz, Don Schlitz

As what seems to have become a normal occurrence, two acts, Boy Named Banjo and Brit Taylor will be making their Opry debuts. 

Boy Named Banjo is actually from Nashville, and they play a variety of contemporary country, Americana, Folk-Rock, with a touch of bluegrass. The band, which has been together in some iteration since members were in high school, is comprised of Barton Davies (banjo), Ford Garrard (bass/upright bass), Sam McCullough (drums) Willard Logan (mandolin, acoustic/electric guitar) and William Reames (acoustic guitar/harmonica). During the pandemic, when there careers were on hold, they were signed by Universal Music Group Nashville. In 2021 they released their debut CD, Circles. Boy Named Banjo spent 2022 on the road playing some of country music’s largest festivals including Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks and Country Jam, Kip Moore’s Fire on Wheels Tour, they made their CMA Fest debut playing at the Ascend Amphitheatre Nighttime Concert, and played a sold-out hometown show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl. The band is now embarking on an 11-city headlining tour. Last year, Boy Named Banjo released the tracks “Heart In Motion” and “Heart Attack.”  The first release of 2023 will be “Whiskey Dreams.”

Britt Taylor, who is from Eastern Kentucky, is a singer/songwriter, who late last year released her debut album, Real Me. She started young, debuting on the Kentucky Opry at the age of seven. After graduating from high school, she moved to Tennessee. Her four early-release singles from the album have earned positive reviews from numerous outlets including Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter, Music Row and others. All songs have found their places on playlists from Spotify, Apple and Amazon, including Spotify's Pulse of Americana, Emerging Americana, Indigo and New Nashville. She has been voted No. 2 on the CMT 12-Pack Countdown and the No. 2 most added album on AMA/CDX Radio Chart, tying with Waylon Payne.

There you have it for this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/17 & 3/18

St. Patrick's Day is on Friday and in celebration of the day, the Friday Night Opry will be led off by the Nashville Irish Stepdancers, in what has traditionally been an annual appearance. 

Appearing at events all across Music City, the Nashville Irish Step Dancers have performed at the Nashville Predators' half-time show, Fan Fair, Fest De Ville, Summer Lights, AM Nashville, Talk of the Town, Crook and Chase and Primetime Country. They also have had the esteemed privilege of dancing alongside Celtic country music legends such as The Chieftains, Ric Blair and the Celts, and Grand Ole Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris.

Besides this wonderful group of dancers, the Friday Night Opry will also include Opry members Crystal Gayle, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs and Mandy Barnett. 

Jeannie Seely returns on Saturday night, where she will be joined by members John Conlee and Lauren Alaina. Lauren continues to show why she was a good choice to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There are four acts that will be making their Opry debuts this weekend. Rory Makem and Eileen Ivers are on the schedule for Friday night, while Clare Cunningham and JigJam are on the Saturday schedule. 

Also on the Friday Night Opry will be Charles Esten, who has guested on the Opry close to 150 times and was one of those on the schedule for the recently canceled Wednesday night show. Rounding out the list for Saturday night is Morgan Evans, Opry Next Stage artist Jameson Rodgers and Steve Earle. 

Friday March 17
7:00: Nashville Irish Stepdancers, Mandy Barnett, Rory Makem, Jeannie Seely, Craig Morgan
Intermission
8:15: Crystal Gayle, Eileen Ivers, Charles Esten, Ricky Skaggs

Saturday March 18
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Morgan Evans, John Conlee, Clare Cunningham, Steve Earle
Intermission
8:15: Jameson Rodgers, JigJam, Lauren Alaina

As mentioned, there are four acts who will be making their Opry debut this weekend: Rory Makem, Eileen Ivers, Clare Cunningham and JigJam. 

Rory Makem is not a newcomer to the music business as he spent several decades touring and performing with The Makem Brothers, Makem and Spain Brothers and with his father, Tommy Makem. He has played sold-out venues, festivals, and theaters throughout the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and Ireland. He has also recorded with some luminaries of modern folk music; Tom Paxton, Noel Paul Stookey, Bill Staines, Eric Weissberg, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mallett, Gordon Bok, Jonathan Edwards, Rick and Ron Shaw, and Schooner Fare. Through more than 34 years of plying his craft, Rory has established himself as one of the leading forces in the song tradition of Irish music.

Eileen Evers is a 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion. She is a Grammy Award winner and has performed with Sting, ‘Fiddlers 3’ with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Regina Carter, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola and The Chieftains. During her 30+ year career, she has covered many roles: performer, composer, songwriter, band leader, educator, and multi-instrumentalist. Her recent CD, Beyond the Bog Road, reached #1 on the Alt-Country Roots Music Chart. 

Clare Cunningham, who is also from Ireland, is an independent award-winning singer/songwriter who was named Artist of the Year at the 2022 Josie Music Awards. She is a previous winner of the Folk/Americana Artist of the Year. Her latest EP called ‘Mercy’ was released in 2022 and has been helping her listeners with suicide prevention, addiction awareness and all things encompassing mental health. She plans to release a memoir in early 2023 which will give her listeners an insight as to why her songs are so real, raw and fueled with the need to help others. She wants to be a voice of inspiration and hope. Previous to that release she put out a collection of songs in an EP called "Dear Ireland’ in 2021 which pays a beautiful ode to her culture and heritage.

JigJam is also from Ireland and have been making a career playing bluegrass, Americana and American Folk music. Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ the group has been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival.’ The group is made up of founding members from Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro). They were joined by Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016, and this year by Calum Morrison (Double Bass) and Danny Hunter (Fiddle).

Safe to say that both the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature a heavy variety of Irish music in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 

And from 45 years ago, Saturday March 18, 1978: 

1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Ernest Tubb (host); Stonewall Jackson, Charlie Louvin
7:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Skeeter Davis; Wilburn Brothers; David Houston; Stu Phillips; Philomena Begley and Bryan Coll
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Willis Brothers; Crook Brothers
8:00: Jimmy C Newman (host); The 4 Guys; Billy Grammer; Del Wood; Bill Carlisle
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Roy Drusky; Hank Locklin; Marion Worth; Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Ernest Tubb (host); Del Reeves; Charlie Louvin; Stonewall Jackson; Skeeter Davis
10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Wilma Lee Cooper; Wilburn Brothers
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Stu Phillips; Brother Oswald
10:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); Justin Tubb; Willis Brothers
10:45: David Houston (host); The 4 Guys; Crook Brothers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Charlie Walker; Billy Grammer; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Del Wood; Kirk McGee
11:30: Roy Drusky (host); Hank Locklin; Marion Worth; Bill Carlisle

A pair of Irish singers, Philomena Begley and Bryan Coll made guest appearances on the first show. 

Philomena Begley, who is from Northern Ireland, appeared on the Opry at the personal invitation of Porter Wagoner. She began her career as a singer with the Old Cross Céilí Band. The group soon became known as the Old Cross Bandshow and released three records in Ireland in 1968 and 1969, but none made an impression in the chart. In September 1970, the band changed its name to The Country Flavour. Her first record following this became her first chart hit when "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" reached number seven in the Irish chart. In 1974, she formed the Ramblin' Men. 

She regularly toured with Ray Lynam from 1975 and they recorded many duets together, probably their most popular being "My Elusive Dreams." In 1975, she had a hit with her version of Billie Jo Spears' hit song "Blanket on the Ground" which took her to number five in the Irish chart. Spears also released the song in the United Kingdom and in Ireland at the same time, but in Ireland, Begley's version received the highest sales, as Spears' version only went to number 11. Begley occasionally performed with Spears and later recorded a tribute song to her after the American star's death in 2011.

By 1977, she was undertaking a major tour of the United States, and in 1978, she was invited to sing at the Grand Ole Opry by Porter Wagoner. Since then, she has returned annually to Nashville, been a guest of honor at the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City and has sung at both the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. 

At the age of 80, Philamena resides in Northern Ireland. 

Byran Coll had singing career Brian Coll had a singing career that spanned more than half a century and played with bands such as The Polka Dots and The Plattermen. He formed The Buckaroos in 1968, and they toured both at home and abroad, In 1969 they played New York's Carnegie Hall on a bill that included American country superstars Johnny Cash and Buck Owens.

Coll’s singing style was often compared to American country star Slim Whitman, and in 1970 he shared a stage with Whitman when he played the National Stadium in Dublin.

Bryan Coll passed away in 2020 after suffering a fatal heart attack. 

In 2005, Carrie Underwood was the winner of American Idol. Shortly after, Carrie made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance on June 10, 2005, introduced by Bill Anderson. After that initial appearance, Carrie would continue to guest on the Opry before eventually becoming on May 10, 2008. 

One of those guest appearances took place on March 18, 2006, and here is the running order from that date 17 years ago: 

1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel
Jeannie Seely (host): Here Comes My Baby
Jimmy C Newman: La Cajun Band/A Fallen Star
Connie Smith: Once A Day/Walking After Midnight
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me/It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels

7:00: Tootsie's/Opry.com
Carrie Underwood: Jesus, Take The Wheel
Lorrie Morgan: It's A Woman Thing/I Didn't Know My Own Strength
Danielle Peck: Why Haven't I Heard From You/Finding A Good Man
Lee Ann Womack: I'm Not Lisa/20 Years & 2 Husbands Ago
Carrie Underwood: Stand By Your Man/Don't Forget Your Memory/Right Now
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
John Conlee: They Also Served
Jesse McReynolds: Everybody's Reaching Out For Someone
Rebecca Lynn Howard: Coal Miner's Daughter/Everybody's Got To Love Somebody
Hoot Hester and Charlie Collins: Sally Goodin
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind

8:30: Tennessee Pride
Ricky Skaggs (host): Black Eyed Susie
Riders In The Sky: Woody's Roundup/Jesse, The Yodeling Cowgirl/You've Got A Friend In Me/Teardrops In My Heart
The Whites: Come Walk with Me/If It Ain't Love
Ricky Skaggs: Keep On The Sunny Side

2nd show
9:30: Crackel Barrel
Lorrie Morgan (host): It's A Woman Thing
Mel McDaniel: Help Me Make It Through The Night/Stand Up
Connie Smith: Back In Baby's Arms/Love's Not Everything
Lorrie Morgan: Crazy

10:00: Opry Visa
Porter Wagoner (host): My Long Journey Home
John Conlee: Rose Colored Glasses
Jim Ed Brown: Pop A Top
Danielle Peck: Why I Haven't Heard From You/Finding A Good Man
Porter Wagoner: House of Gold

10:30: Johnnie Walker Tours
Jeannie Seely (host): Here Comes My Baby
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo
Vince Gill: If You Ever Have Forever On Your Mind/Look At Us
Hoot Hester and Charlie Collins: Bill Cheatham
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me

11:00: Gaylord Attractions
Ricky Skaggs (host): How Mountain Girls Can Love
The Whites: Come Walk with Me/If It Ain't Love
Carrie Underwood: Stand By Your Man/Don't Forget Your Memory/Jesus, Take The Wheel
Ricky Skaggs: Keep On The Sunny Side

11:30: Night At The Opry
Riders In The Sky (host): How The Yodel Was Born
Jesse McReynolds: Drifting & Dreaming of You/Sitting On Top of The World
Rebecca Lynn Howard: Coal Miner's Daughter/Everybody's Gotta Love Somebody
Riders In The Sky: The Arms of My Love/Happy Trails To You

Finishing up, once again congratulations go to the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Gary Mule Deer. It was a wonderful presentation last Friday evening as Vince Gill did his usual fine job inducting Gary. I think we all look forward to more appearances by Gary, along with Henry Cho, at the Opry. 

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

Tuesday Night Opry 3/14; Wednesday Night Opry 3/15; Opry Country Classics 3/16

Last week, there was no Tuesday Night Opry and the Wednesday night Opry was cancelled. Opry Country Classics did take place and it was a wonderful show. This week, in addition to Opry Country Classics, the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows are back on the schedule. 

Tuesday March 14
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Chase Matthews, Riders In The Sky, Chapel Hart
Intermission
8:15: Joshua Ray Walker, Crystal Gayle, The Mavericks

Always a treat to see that The Mavericks are on the Opry schedule. Also, a return appearance by Chapel Hart. As far as Opry members are concerned, nice to see Crystal Gayle back on the schedule, along with an additional appearance this Friday night. 

Chase Matthews will be making his Opry debut. His debut album, Born For This was released earlier this year. His current single is "She Loves Jesus."

Wednesday March 15
7:00: Jeannie Seely, Randall King, Julia Coke, Sister Sadie
Intermission
8:15: Blanco Brown, Kassi Aston, Brandley Gilbert

Overall, I don't think Wednesday is the strongest show this week. Jeannie Seely is the only Opry member on the schedule, while Kassi Aston will be making her Opry debut. She records for UMG Nashville and her current release is "California, Missouri," which is also where she is from. She is a favorite of our friend Bobby Bones. 

Opry Country Classics Thursday March 16
Host: Larry Gatlin
Spotlight Artist: Oak Ridge Boys
Also Appearing: The Gatlin Brothers, Elizabeth Cook, Dailey & Vincent, Shane Hennessy

It has been said, and I do believe it, that Elizabeth Cook has guested on the Opry more than any other non-member. I enjoy her and it is nice to see her back at the Opry, even if it is for the classics show. Shane Hennessey, who will be making his Opry debut, is an Irish guitarist/songwriter who has been highly praised by Tommy Emmanuel. 

A little light on Opry members this week. 

Grand Ole Opry 3/10 & 3/11

It will be a big weekend at the Grand Ole Opry as Gary Mule Deer officially becomes an Opry member. 

Gary Mule Deer was born and raised in Deadwood and Spearfish, SD.  Starting his career at the Buffalo Bar in Deadwood with some Johnny Cash songs, then locally with his band The Vaqueros, he headed to Los Angeles in 1964 and joined the folk music group The Back Porch Majority (also the Tennessee Ernie Ford Singers), performing nationwide, then the rock groups The New Society on RCA Victor and Bandanna on Paramount Records.

Adding more comedy with his music, he formed the popular comedy and music duo Muledeer and Moondogg with Dennis Flannigan, performing across the U.S. and on Network TV shows like The John Byner Comedy Hour on CBS, and NBC’s In Concert and The Midnight Special, and David Frost’s Madhouse 90.

In 1975 Gary Mule Deer went out on his own.  He was one of six comedians, along with Jay Leno, to star on the very first HBO Comedy Special, began appearing on The Tonight Show, was comedy host of Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert for four years on NBC and a series regular on Make Me Laugh.  He became a regular performer on TNN for over ten years, appearing often on Nashville Now, and was a Hee Haw cast member in its last two years.

In a nearly 60-year career, he has shared stages with more than a hundred country, pop and rock music icons, including everyone from Merle Haggard, Dolly, Reba, the Everly Brothers and Tammy Wynette, to Roger Miller, Ray Charles, Glen Campbell, The Doobie Brothers, John Denver, and most recently, Vince Gill, Brooks and Dunn, and The Zac Brown Band.  He has also toured as Special Guest with Johnny Mathis and the orchestra since 1994 in major venues across the U.S., Canada and England. Gary is featured on the DVDs Jeff Foxworthy’s Comedy Classics and The World’s Greatest Stand-up Comedy Collection and is one of the most played comedians on Sirius XM’s Laugh USA Pandora and Sound Scan.

Gary Mule Deer’s storied career is currently the subject of a documentary by VIA Productions of Memphis., that will include interviews with David Letterman, Steve Martin, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Johnny Mathis, and rock’s Alice Cooper.  He was also featured on the recent five-part Showtime series The History of The Comedy Store.

In addition to his well-known comedy, Gary is a talented singer and musician, always performing classic country and rockabilly, and especially the music of Johnny Cash since the ‘60s. Great instrumental tracks of his Duck and Cover Band are a big part of his show, featuring some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including Randy Hart, Eddie Bayers, Larry Paxton and Danny Parks of the Opry band, plus Steve Wariner, Willie Weeks, David Hungate and Dan Tyminski.  The popularity of Gary Mule Deer’s clean comedy and music cuts across all ages and demographics.

Gary Mule Deer, along with Henry Cho, were invited by Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart back in January, to become members of the Opry. Henry, who was inducted last month, was the first comedian to join the Opry since Jerry Clower in 1973. This weekend, it is Gary Mule Deer's turn to be inducted, and he will celebrate by appearing on both Opry shows this weekend. 

Gary Mule Deers induction will take place during the Friday Night Opry, where he will be joined by Grand Ole Opry members Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, John Conlee, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett. Looking at the schedule, it would appear that Vince will be handling the welcoming duties. 

Guesting on Friday will be Erin Enderlin and The Bellamy Brothers. Both have guested on the Opry numerous times, with the Bellamy Brothers appearing more often in recent years. In fact, they have another Opry appearance already listed on the upcoming schedule. 

Vince Gill, John Conlee and Gary Mule Deer will be back on Saturday night, joined by Opry members Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan and Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press. While Ashley appeared with Dierks Bentley last Friday night, this will be her first scheduled appearance of the year. 

Guesting on Saturday will be Jessie James Decker & Billy Currington. Both have appeared on the Opry before, but this will be their first appearance as a collaboration. They recently recorded a new duet, "I Still Love You," that apparently has received good reviews. 

This is a return engagement for these two as the last time they were in the studio together, it was to record the track “Good Night” for Currington’s 2015 album, Summer Forever. This project features several fan favorites including “Don’t It,” “Do I Make You Wanna,” “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” and “Drinkin’ Town with a Football Problem.”

Friday March 10
7:00: Ricky Skaggs, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, The Bellamy Brothers
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Erin Enderlin, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

Saturday March 11
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Craig Morgan, John Conlee, Jessie James Decker and Billy Currington, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Ashley McBryde, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Vince Gill

Some really good lineups this weekend with a nice group of Opry members on stage. Five members on Friday night and six on Saturday, where Gary Mule Deer will do his first show as an official member. 

Continuing with the look back at the Opry from 45 years ago, here is the running order from Saturday March 11, 1978: 

1st show
6:00: Vietti
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Bayou
Charlie Louvin: My Baby's Gone
Lonzo and Oscar: When The Fields In The Valley Turn Green
Ray Pillow: Texas
Billy Grammer: Maiden's Prayer/Faded Love
Jimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy Lo

6:45: Mrs. Grissoms
Bill Monroe (host) On & On
Willis Brothers: Cimarron
Wilma Lee Cooper: Where Is America Going
Bill Monroe: Rocky Road Blues

6:45: Rudy's
Archie Campbell (host): Make Friends
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back In Town
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Phil Campbell: Foggy Mountain Breakdown

7:00: Shoney's
David Houston (host): No Tell Motel
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels/Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Justin Tubb: As Long As There's A Sunday/What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Jim and Jesse: The Voice of My Darling
David Houston: Almost Persuaded

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain/I Don't See How I Can Make It with You Gone
Stonewall Jackson: Life To Go
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Katy Hill
Brother Oswald: Mountain Dew
Roy Acuff: I Saw The Light

8:00: Martha White
Jack Greene (host): The Life of A Rodeo Cowboy
Jeannie Seely: Since I Met 'Cha, Boy
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Stu Phillips: She Thinks I Still Care
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale That The Crow Told Me
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): With This Ring I Thee Wed
Billy Walker: San Antonio Rose/You Gave Me A Mountain
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Marion Worth: We'll Sing In The Sunshine
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' Hen
Hank Snow: Tammy

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Jimmy C Newman (host): Big Mamou
Archie and Phil Campell: That's Good; No, That's Bad
Charlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those Things
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of The Dogwood Tree
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Willis Brothers: Home On The Rang
Bessyl Duhon: Instrumental Bayou

10:00: Fender
Bill Monroe (host): Wicked Path of Sin
Lonzo and Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Skeeter Davis: Give All Into Love
Ray Pillow: Texas

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting In The Air
Jean Shepard: I Love You Because
Wilburn Brothers: Country Kind of Feelings
Roy Acuff: Farther Along

10:30: Trailblazer
Jack Greene (host): My Home In San Antone
Jeannie Seely: Make The World Go Away
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong with The Way That We're Doing It Now
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight

10:45: Beech-nut
Jerry Clower (host): Comedy
Jim and Jesse: Paradise
David Houston: No Tell Motel
Crook Brothers and The Tennessee Travelers: Liberty
Jerry Clower: Neugene Lied About The Dog

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow (host): Merry Go Round of Love
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo/Angry Words
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Stu Phillips: Learning To Lean
Kirk McGee: While I'm Away
Hank Snow: Storms Never Last

11:30: Elm Hill
Billy Walker (host): Cross The Brazos At Waco
Hank Locklin: Please Help Me I'm Falling
Marion Worth: Just A Little Lovin'
Bill Carlisle: Rusty Old Halo
Boys From Indiana: Harley's Dream
Billy Walker: How Great Thou Art

(Porter Wagoner was scheduled to host the 7:00 and 9:30 segments but cancelled). 

On the last segment that night, The Boys From Indiana performed. 

The Boys From Indiana were a traditional bluegrass group, originating from Milan, Indiana. They formed in 1973 by brothers Aubrey and Jerry Holt, their Uncle Harley Gabbard, and Middletown, Ohio radio host and fiddle player Paul “Moon” Mullins, along with banjo player Noah Crase. The Boys recorded an all-Gospel album, as their first project, but success came a few years later, in 1975, after they recorded “Atlanta is Burning”. The song gained them national attention and they began touring heavily throughout the United States and Canada.

Paul Mullins played with the Burns Brothers, who issued a few 45’s in the early 1960’s. Aubrey Holt and Harley Gabbard played with the Logan Valley Boys on two singles released in the late 1950’s.

The group, which released several albums, was active through the mid 1990s. 

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.