July Opry Highlights

Welcome to July and the heart of summer. 4th of July. While things are currently fairly quiet at the Grand Ole Opry, there have been notable events that have taken place during the month. Here are the important events, or milestones that have taken place during the month of July at the Opry, or with the Opry's members:

July 15, 1913: Lloyd Estel was born in Adams County, Ohio. Better known as Cowboy Copas, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946. He would remain an Opry member until his death in 1963 in the tragic plane crash that took the lives of Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline and Randy Hughes. Some may not realize, but in the early 60s, Cowboy Copas was the bigger star of the three. 

July 27, 1925: Former Grand Ole Opry member Annie Lou Dill was born. Along with her husband Danny, they were known as "The Sweethearts of Country Music." Annie Lou and Danny were members of the Opry from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s. They remained a popular duo into the 1960s. However, Annie Lou and Danny divorced, at which point the act became history. Annie passed away in January 1982.

July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers, led by Herman Crook, made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance. Considered one of the Opry's original members, the Crook Brothers would remain a part of the Opry until the death of Herman in June 1988. That adds up to just short of 62 years at the Opry, which puts Herman in a very select group of Opry members. 

July 7, 1927: The late Charlie Louvin was born in Section, Alabama. Charles Loudermilk was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years. Along with his brother Ira, Charlie was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Charlie passed away on January 26, 2011.

July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia. One of the true legends in bluegrass music, Jim and Jesse joined the Opry in 1964. Following the death of Jim McReynolds on December 31, 2002, Jesse continued as a solo member of the Opry, last performing on the show in March 2020. After 59 years of Opry membership, Jesse McReynolds passed away in June 2023. 

July 7, 1930: Doyle Wilburn was born in Hardy, Arkansas. Along with his brother Teddy, the Wilburn Brothers were long time members of the Opry.

July 14, 1932: The great Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Del joined the Grand Ole Opry in October 1966 and was an Opry member until his death in 2007. Del had one of the great personalities in country music and did a variety of impressions, including those of Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and Hank Snow. While primarily a country artist, Del did have a couple of chart records on the pop charts. 

July 4, 1934: Over 8,000 people showed up for an all-day Opry sponsored show in West Tennessee. The show featured Opry stars Uncle Dave Macon, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, the Gully Jumpers and the Crook Brothers. As a result of the success of this show, Opry founder George D. Hay started the Artists Service Bureau, which would become the official booking agency for Opry members. In the future, this organization would cause some issues at the Opry, and eventually would lead to several Opry members, including Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright, leaving the Opry.

July 4, 1937: Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ray came to the Opry in 1966 and was an Opry member for over 55 yeas. After several years in retirement, Ray passed away in March 2023.

July 19, 1937: The late George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. George was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 54 years before passing away in September 2014. George loved the Opry and meeting the fans and is really missed. I can tell you from personal experience that George was one of the nicest people I have ever met. 

July 1, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville. They would stay at the War Memorial for just a few years as the type of crowd that came to Opry shows was not the ones that the operators of the building wanted to see. The Opry moved to War Memorial from the Dixie Tabernacle, which held more people but was in deplorable condition. Because of the lower capacity, which was listed as 2,200, the Opry decided to charge an admission fee of 25 cents, which did not stop the crowds from coming to the show. War Memorial Auditorium still stands in Nashville and is used. In 2010, when the Grand Ole Opry House was flooded, several Opry shows were relocated there.

July 6, 1940: Jeannie Seely, known as "Miss Country Soul," was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jeannie first came to the Opry in 1966 as a guest and joined the Opry's cast in September 1967. Since then, Jeannie has appeared on the Opry over 5,000 times, more than any other Opry member in the history of the show. As far as female Opry members, Jeannie is one of the best and most weekends you can find her at the Opry. Over the past several years, she has also hosted a Sunday afternoon show on SiriusXM radio. 

July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rod was hired to replace comedian Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, on the Prince Albert portion of the show, which was broadcast on the NBC radio network. Rod was hired after Whitey got into a contract dispute with R.J. Reynolds and their advertising agency, which sponsored the segment. Rod was very successful, often teaming with fellow comedian Minnie Pearl. Rod was not only a great comedian but was also an excellent actor. He was featured in the movie, "A Face In the Crowd" which starred Andy Griffith. Rod remained a member of the Opry until passing away in September 1958.

July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced that he was running for Governor of Tennessee. He decided to run after the current Governor made some poor comments regarding country music. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, Roy really didn't stand much of a chance, and he lost the election by a wide margin. It was said that his campaign rallies drew large crowds that enjoyed the music and special guests but would leave once the political speeches started.

July 21, 1951: Left Frizzell made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Lefty would later become an Opry member, but he was gone pretty quickly. Lefty would later say that it just didn't work out and that the Opry wasn't the dream that he thought it would be.

July 5, 1952: Ralph Sloan and The Tennessee Travelers became members of the Grand Ole Opry. The group was formed in 1949 and they were originally called the Cedar Hill Square Dancers. Ralph passed away in 1980 after which his brother Melvin Sloan took over the group, changing the name to the Melvin Sloan Dancers. Melvin has since retired himself and the group is now simply called the Opry Square Dancers.

July 9, 1952: Grand Ole Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. The marriage only lasted a few years as Carl expected June to give up her career to become a full-time wife and mother. While the marriage was short, it did produce a daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known as Carlene Carter. After the marriage ended, June would go on to remarry two more times, with her final marriage being to Johnny Cash, while Carl would have a very successful marriage with Goldie Hill, who did retire from performing after being married to Carl.

July 18, 1954: Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky. Ricky joined the Opry cast in May 1982. For many of us, it is hard to believe that Ricky will be 70.

July 2, 1955: According to various reports, Patsy Cline made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Continuing to guest on the Opry, Patsy would eventually become an Opry member in 1960, after asking if she could join.

July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash made his first guest appearance on the Opry. For Johnny, it was a dream come true and a couple of weeks later Johnny would become an Opry member. 

July 28, 1956: Just three weeks after making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Johnny Cash became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny would remain an Opry member until 1958, when he left Nashville and moved to California. Even though he gave it up, Johnny was always welcomed as a guest artist whenever he was in Nashville, and he would especially appear if June Carter was around. It was during one such performance in 1965, while under the influence of drugs, that Johnny kicked out the Opry stage lights and was told not to come back. He stayed away for a few years, but by the late 1960s, he was back. Toward the end of his life, Roy Acuff reportedly asked Johnny to once again become an Opry member, but Johnny declined.

July 24, 1957: Grand Ole Opry member Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida.

July 15, 1961: Bill Anderson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 63rd year as an Opry member.  Bill made his first Opry appearance in 1958 and would guest several times before being asked by Opry manager Ott Devine to become a member. Currently the longest active member of the Opry's cast, and over the age of 80, Bill is still active and making regular Opry appearances. He is always well received and sounds as good as ever. An argument can be made that this Hall of Fame member is one of the greatest all-around talents in the history of country music, as he has been successful as a solo artist, duet artist, songwriter, author, game show host and television personality. Upon his 63rd anniversary as a member of the Opry, Bill will become the first member in the history of the Opry to reach that milestone and is now the longest tenured member in the history of the Opry. 

July 18, 1964: Connie Smith made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Connie joined the cast the following year and this will be her 58th year as an Opry member. Not only does Connie sound as good as every but she also has a new album that was released last year. 

July 31, 1964: Jim Reeves, along with Dean Manual, died in a plane crash just outside of Nashville. Jim was just 39. While he was not an Opry member at the time of his death, giving it up a few years earlier, Jim was very successful while an Opry member. However, as the focus of his career changed, he felt that the Opry was no longer for him.

July 31, 1964: The Osborne Brothers are told during the "Friday Night Frolics" they will join the Grand Ole Opry the following weekend. The night is also the final time the "Frolics," a Friday night version of the Opry, are held at Nashville's National Life Building.

July 10, 1965: Roy Acuff was seriously injured in a car accident near Sparta, Tennessee. Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and several broken ribs. Also injured in the crash were Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would be out of action for about a month, returning to the Opry in August.

July 31, 1965: Waylon Jennings made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Waylon would make an occasional appearance on the show. 

July 26, 1966: Opry member Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.

July 1, 1967: Dave Hooten replaced Johnny "Lonzo" Sullivan as part of Lonzo and Oscar. Johnny had recently passed away and it was agreed before his death that Roland "Oscar" Sullivan would continue with the act. David was generally considered a good replacement for Johnny.

July 8, 1967: Mother Maybelle and The Carter Sisters (June, Anita and Helen), made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. The group originally joined the Opry in May 1950 and left in order to tour full time with Johnny Cash. As with many other veteran Opry members, Maybelle Carter complained many times to management in regard to the slots they were scheduled on the show. Later, the June Carter and the Carter Sisters would make a couple of guest appearances on the Opry with Johnny Cash. 

July 14, 1967: While performing on the Friday Night Opry, burglars stole $5,000 worth of goods from Hank Snow's office. Taken are watches, cufflinks, diamond earrings, belt buckles and insurance papers, but no money.

July 25, 1970: Tom T. Hall made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He was introduced that night by Opry member Jimmy C Newman. Tom T. would continue to make Opry appearances over the next months and would become an Opry member in January 1971. 

July 24, 1971: Country and Western music legend Patsy Montana made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

July 31, 1971: A bomb scare at the Grand Ole Opry delayed the show almost 40 minutes. The call came in around 10:00 and after a quick search, the show resumed. 

July 8, 1972: Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While some accounts, including the Grand Ole Opry, list her induction date as July 29, this was actually the night that Barbara was announced as a member. Celebrating her 52nd year as an Opry member, Barbara is now retired from performing. When she made the decision to retire, he asked Opry management if she would remain a member of the Opry, of which they agreed. Without knowing it at the time, Barbara started a trend where retired members would retain their Opry membership, reversing a policy where members had to give up their Opry membership if they were no longer active.

July 15, 1972: Tanya Tucker made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. While never becoming an Opry member, Tanya would make occasional appearances on the show. 

July 14, 1973: Tompall, Chuck, and Jim, the Glaser Brothers, made their final appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry. The brothers, who often had creative differences, decided to go their separate ways. They would reunite several years later, but then broke up for good. But, at the personal invitation of Hank Snow, the brothers appeared on the Opry one final time, in January 1990 at a show honoring Hank for 40 years of Opry membership. The brothers were awesome that night and you can see the video of the performance on YouTube. That night was the final night that they would appear together.

July 21, 1973: Just over a year after Barbara Mandrell joined the Opry cast, Jeanne Pruett became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Like Barbara, Jeanne is now retired. This will be her 51st year as an Opry member. Jeanne was the last singing member of the cast to join the show before it left the Ryman Auditorium (of course, Jerry Clower joined after Jeanne, but he was known as a comedian). On the night of her induction, Dolly Parton handled the honors. Now retired, Jeanne, who was recently inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, has written an autobiography and has been known to visit the Opry now and then and even come out on stage and wave to the audience. 

July 5, 1974: Dolly Parton appeared on the Opry for the first time with her own band. Previously, Dolly had been the duet partner of Porter Wagoner and when she appeared on the Opry, she had used Porter's Wagonmasters. 

July 7, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan passed away in a Nashville hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was just 51. George joined the Opry in 1948 as the replacement for Eddy Arnold. He left the Opry in 1956 to star on a television show but returned in 1959. George's daughter Lorrie followed in his footsteps as an Opry member.

July 24, 1976: Bobby Lord made his final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bobby came to the Opry in 1960 from the Ozark Jubilee. After leaving the Opry, Bobby went into semi-retirement, living in Florida and working in real estate. He later hosted a sportsman show on TNN. Although he gave up his Opry membership, Bobby would continue to make occasional Opry appearances when he was up in the Nashville area. Bobby, who also had his own television show, passed away in 2008.

July 24, 1976: On the same day as Bobby Lord's final appearance as an Opry member, a fire broke out backstage at the Opry House that morning. The fire was discovered at 6:00 a.m. on the lighting dimmer board and was quickly put out. Damage was estimated at nearly a quarter million dollars.

July 31, 1976: Former Grand Ole Opry member Don Williams made his first Saturday night appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Don didn't stay at the Opry very long and reportedly, there were no hard feelings when he decided to move on. 

July 4, 1980: Future Diamond Rio member Dana Williams made his first Opry appearance as a bass player for Jimmy C Newman.

July 5, 1980: John Conlee made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. You can say it went over pretty well and John would become an Opry member. 

July 2, 1982: Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the WSM Barn Dance but was fired in 1941 by Opry founder George D. Hay. Various reasons were given for the firing, but it would appear that race was the major reason. While he did come back to make guest appearances in the 1940s, DeFord was very bitter about being fired by the Opry and went to great lengths to avoid the opportunity to make guest appearances. However, he did appear a couple of times and in February 1974 he returned for the annual reunion show. He was well received and would make a few more reunion shows before passing away. DeFord is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

July 1, 1983: Gaylord Broadcasting Company purchased the Grand Ole Opry, WSM radio and the entire Opryland complex from American General Corporation. Even though it was called Gaylord Broadcasting, it was actually Edward Gaylord and his wife Thelma who were the actual owners. At the time, Gaylord owned "Hee Haw" and other major media outlets. The price was rumored to have been between $250 and $350 million. The Opry was for sale at the time because of the purchase of National Life and Accident Company and the new owners, American General, had no interest in owning the Opry or Opryland. It was Roy Acuff who convinced Edward Gaylord that the Opryland properties were perfect for him to buy and add to his company. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment and is now known as Ryman Hospitality.

July 30, 1983: Former Grand Ole Opry members The Glaser Brothers returned for a guest appearance on the Opry. The brothers were having some chart success at the time with "Lovin' Her Was Easier" and had briefly reunited.

July 1, 1984: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff is diagnosed with angina and would take a break from performing. He would not return to the Opry in an active role until December. 

July 6, 1985: Johnny Russell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny would remain a very popular and loyal member of the Opry until passing away on July 3, 2001, after a period of declining health. One of the most talented performers in country music, Johnny was a singer, songwriter and comedian. After joining the Opry, Johnny would normally appear on the 11:30 segment, telling funny stories and singing serious songs. I was privileged one day to have met Johnny at Opryland and to spend a little bit of time with him.

July 29, 1989: Future Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill made his Opry debut. He had turned down his first opportunity to appear on the show due to a previous family commitment. Happily, they invited him back and he has since gone on to become one of the Opry's best members. 

July 8, 1990: The Grand Ole Opry put on a special performance in Houston, Texas for President George Bush and a number of foreign dignitaries who were attending a summit meeting. Among the artists performing were Charley Pride, The Gatlin Brothers, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe.

July 25, 1990: Grand Ole Opry staff band member Harold Weakley passed away. While primarily the drummer on the staff band, Harold also announced the Goo Goo candy segments and would occasionally step in front of the microphone and sing a song or two. 

July 3, 1993: Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 31st year as an Opry member with Garth Brooks doing the honors. At the time she joined, she was the Opry's youngest member. Alison has won more Grammy Awards than any other female country music, or bluegrass singer. Sadly, we don't see or hear much of Alison on the Opry but when she does appear it is a pleasure. I would say that as an Opry member, she has been a disappointment. 

July 10, 1999: June Carter Cash made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, in what would be her final appearance on the Opry stage. June was an Opry member in the 1950s and was known for singing with her family and for her comic skills.

July 6, 2002: Melvin Sloan, leader of the Melvin Sloan Dancers, retired. Melvin began dancing on the Opry following the death of his brother Ralph Sloan in 1980. After Melvin's retirement, the Opry took over management of the square dancers and they are now called the Opry Square Dancers. Melvin passed away earlier this year. 

July 2, 2004: Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Van Shelton made his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Now retired, Ricky joined the Opry in June 1988. Sadly, he was another one from that era that did not appear on the Opry very often. Last I heard, Ricky was doing well in retirement. From a personal standpoint, Ricky is one of those that I miss seeing. 

July 5, 2008: Ending a long-standing tradition, the start time of Saturday's early Grand Ole Opry show was changed from 6:30 to 7:00, resulting in a two-hour show. This followed the change of the late Saturday show being cut to two hours the previous January. There was no reason given for the change, and no, there was no price reduction on account of the shorter show.

July 15, 2008: Future Grand Ole Opry member Darius Rucker made his first guest appearance on the Opry, singing "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."

July 8, 2011: Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to ask the Oak Ridge Boys if they would like to become the Opry's newest members. Of course, the Oak Ridge Boys said yes, and later this year they will celebrate their 13th year as Opry members. The Oak Ridge Boys had been asked previously if they were interested in becoming Opry members, however they had declined due to their heavy touring schedule. While they are still actively touring, the group has found the time to appear on the Opry and fulfill their membership obligations.

July 16, 2011: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was honored upon his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Alison Krauss joined the celebration that evening.

July 13, 2012: Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis made his final scheduled performing appearance on the Opry. Randy would later suffer a serious stroke that would end his performing career. While that was Randy's final singing performance, he and his wife Mary have visited backstage at the Opry a number of times. 

July 16, 2012: Former Grand Ole Opry member Kitty Wells passed away. Kitty was a member of the Opry for years before being fired from the cast as part of the "Purge of 64." While never rejoining the Opry, she would make more than a few appearances since that termination. 

July 3, 2013: Alison Krauss celebrated 20 years of Opry membership. As part of the show that night, she does a duet with Jamey Johnson on "Make the World Go Away."

July 14, 2016: Sonny Osborne performed on the Grand Ole Opry, reuniting The Osborne Brothers for the first time in more than a decade. They join Mac Wiseman and Jesse McReynolds to cover Flatt & Scruggs' "'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered."

July 1, 2017: Montgomery Gentry performed "Where I Come From" on the Grand Ole Opry. It would be the final Opry appearance for Troy Gentry, who would pass away in September as the result of a helicopter crash. Since his passing, Eddie Montgomery has continued on as an Opry member.

July 20, 2018: Frequent Grand Ole Opry guest Charles Esten made his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Primarily an actor, who gained fame staring on "Nashville," he is one of the few cast members to have continued to appear on the Opry after the cancelation of the show. 

July 19, 2019: Luke Combs was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. While somewhat of a surprise, so far it has worked out pretty well as Luke has made a number of appearances. Inducting Luke that night were Vince Gill and Joe Diffie. Also lining up on stage for the ceremony were Craig Morgan, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Mark Wills and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band. Combs' first song as a member: the title track from the album "This One's For You."

July 22, 2019: Sally Williams, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, announced her resignation from Ryman Hospitality. While she was at the company for over 20 years, she had only been in charge of the Opry since 2017, following the resignation of Pete Fisher. Sally left to go to Live Nation and in her current role she is also involved in the management of Old Crow Medicine Show. 

July 6, 2020: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels passed away, a huge lost for country music. Not only was Charlie a great performer but he was also a fine humanitarian who was involved in a number of charitable causes. 

July 21, 2020: WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs announced his retirement. Eddie, who normally announced the Friday Night Opry and the 2nd show on Saturday night, was the 3rd longest Opry announcer in the history of the show. Since his retirement, Eddie has very rarely been seen or heard from. 

July 17, 2021: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was honored upon his 60th anniversary as a member of the Opry's cast. Bill is one of the very few to have reached that milestone. Vince Gill, among others, celebrated the evening with Bill. 

July 13, 2022: Charlie McCoy was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It was a long overdue honor for Charlie, who has appeared on the Opry many times. 

July 30, 2022: Grand Ole Opry member Barbara Mandrell was honored with two shows in recognition of her 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Among those appearing that evening to honor Barbara, who was in attendance and took the stage to thank those attending, were Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Linda Davis, Suzy Bogguss and Janelle Arthur. 

July 21, 2023: Grand Ole Opry member Jeanne Pruett was honored upon her 50th anniversary as member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

July 22, 2023: Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson was honored upon his 62nd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was recognized as the longest-tenured member in the history of the show, passing Herman Crook. 

July 27, 2024: Steven Curtis Chapman was invited by Opry member Ricky Skaggs to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. 

There you have it for this month. Another busy one at the Opry.

Grand Ole Opry 6/28 & 6/29

A lot of us have been wondering what has happened to Sara Evans. She joined the Grand Ole Opry back in October of last year as part of the Opry's 98th birthday weekend. And that is the last we have seen her at the Opry. It really makes me wonder why she is an Opry member as she has gone over nine months since joining the cast without making an appearance. Obviously, this is not a good start to her Opry membership. Well, guess what? Sara Evans is on the schedule for the Friday Night Opry this weekend. Regardless of the circumstances, I am happy to see Sara back at the Opry. 

Joining Sara on the Friday Night Opry will be Opry members Gene Watson, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky, and someone who should be an Opry member, Kathy Mattea. I have heard that somewhere down the line, back during the peak of her career, that Kathy was a possibility to become an Opry member, however it never happened. I hope it is not too late for her and that someday she will join the cast. 

Also scheduled to appear is the very popular Neal McCoy, along with Kelsey Hart and Feist, both of whom will be making their Opry debuts. 

A couple of very popular Opry members will be appearing on Saturday night as Old Crow Medicine Show and Chris Janson return. They will be joined by Don Schlitz and Jeannie Seely. While not a solo Opry member, Charles Kelly, who is a member of Lady A, will be making an appearance, along with Jon Reep and Denitia, who will be making her Opry debut. 

Friday June 28
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Gene Watson, Feist, Neal McCoy
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Kathy Mattea, Kelsey Hart, Sara Evans

Saturday June 29
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Denitia, Jon Reep, Don Schlitz
Intermission
8:15: Charles Kelley, Opry Square Dancers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Chris Janson

Leslie Feist, known as Feist, is a Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter and guitarist, performing both as a solo artist and as a member of the indie rock group Broken Social Scene. During her career she has released 10 singles and 6 studio albums, the first in 1999. She has also made a number of television and film appearances. She has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won a number of Juno Awards, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. 

Kelsy Hart is celebrating the release of his debut album, Life With You, which was recently released on Curb Records. He co-wrote nine of the album’s 15 tracks, including the viral title track, which not only served as his first dance song at his wedding but also stands as his current radio single. “Life With You” immediately resonated with fans, garnered tens of millions of views, and attracted thousands of new followers within days. The title track was released as a single last November, debuting in the Top 10 on Billboard's Country Digital Songs Chart and reached the No. 1 position on Sirius XM The Highway's Top 30 Weekend Countdown. 

As to his Opry debut, Kelsey said “I can’t even put into words how I felt when I got the call that this was gonna happen. In 2012, I watched my first Opry show, and I told myself one day I would stand in that circle. Here we are 12 years later, and it’s actually happening! I can’t wait to mark this one off the bucket list. Hope to see y’all there!

Denitia Grand is one of CMT's 2024 Next Women of Country and has been named an artist to watch by Nashville Scene. She was also named an Artist to Watch by NPR after earning one of five spots in the Black Opry and WXPN’s 2023 residency, was a member of Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Class of 2023, was one of three artists in CMT and mtheory’s 2023 Equal Access cohort, was a 2023 AmericanaFest Showcasing Artist, and had her “I Want To Live” music video premiere on CMT’s Times Square billboard.

From 50 years ago, Saturday June 29, 1974, which featured a guest appearance by future Grand Ole Opry member Roy Clark, along with the Governor of Tennessee Wilfred Dunn. 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Little Red Wagon
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special/Mansion In The Sky
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres

6:45: Rudy's
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Billy Grammer, Jr.: Orange Blossom Special
Billy Grammer: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

7:00: Rudy's
The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Louie Roberts: The End Of The World
The 4 Guys: Country Lullaby
Bill Carlisle: I've Waited Too Long
Louie Roberts: Where Did My True Love Go
The 4 Guys: Fall Away/Let Me Be There

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Back In The Country
Stu Phillips: Catfish John
Roy Clark: John Hardy/I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Chicken Reel
Stu Phillips: Why Me Lord

8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): I'm Gonna Keep On Loving You
Connie Eaton: Born To Lose
Brian Collins: White Lightening
Billy Walker: You Gave Me A Mountain
Connie Eaton: Let Me Be There
Brian Collins: Sweet Memories
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes

8:30: Stephens
Jack Greene (host): You Love Takes Good Care Of Me
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Hugh X Lewis: Behind Closed Doors
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Jack Greene: Sing For The Good Times
Jeannie Seely: I Miss You
Hugh X Lewis: She Thinks I Still Care

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Stu Phillips (host): If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Connie Eaton: Welcome To My World
Stu Phillips: Catfish John
Willis Brothers: Hillbilly Heaven
Connie Eaton: Let Me Be There
Stu Phillips: Why Me Lord

10:00: Fender
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): There's A Big Wheel
Bill Carlisle: Elvira/Same Old Tale That The Crow Told Me
Stoney Cooper: Black Mountain Rag

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Governor Winfield Dunn, Minnie Pearl & Roy Acuff: Lovesick Blues

10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Grammer (host): Detroit City
Roy Clark: A Pain In My Heart (& Blues On My Mind)
Roy Clark & Minnie Pearl: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Roy Clark: A Sweet Bunch of Daisies/John Hardy

10:45: Beechnut
Jack Greene (host): It's Time To Cross That Bridge
Jeannie Seely: Lucky Ladies
Crook Brothers & The Tennessee Travelers: Ida Red
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

11:00: Coca Cola
Billy Walker (host): Things/Oh, Lonesome Me
Hugh X Lewis: Behind Closed Doors
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Hugh X Lewis: She Thinks I Still Care
Sam McGee: Under The Double Eagle
Deana Walker: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

11:30: Elm Hill
The 4 Guys (host): Down By The Lazy River
Louie Roberts: Make The World Go Away
The 4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Brian Collins: Statue Of A Fool
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A Dove

To finish it up, let's go back to June 29, 1963, which was the final night that Jim Reeves appeared as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Here is the running order from that night 61 years ago: 

7:30: Kellogg's
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time
Bill Anderson: You Made It Look Easy
Bill Monroe: Goodbye Old Pal
Loretta Lynn: (?)
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Del Wood: Georgia Blues
Billy Walker: Storm Of Love
Bill Monroe: Careless Love
Bill Anderson: Still
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Satisfied

8:00: Martha White
Roy Drusky: Anymore
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Johnny Bond: My Darling Cora Lee
June Carter: Comedy
Roy Drusky: You Never Cried, When You Were Mine
Carter Family: (?)
Crook Brothers: Cotton Eyed Joe
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Roy Drusky: Second Hand Rose

8:30: Stephens
Jim Reeves: Little Old You
The Browns: A Scarlet Letter
Bobby Lord: Out Behind The Barn
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Jim Reeves: Guilty
Curly Fox: Carol County Blues
Margie Bowes: Right Or Wrong
Blue Boys: Red River Rock
Jim Reeves: I'm Going To Change Everything

9:00: Jefferson Island Salt
Roy Acuff: Y'all Come
Skeeter Davis: The End Of The World
Cousin Jody: Don't Make Love In A Buggy
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Fire On The Mountain
Roy Acuff: Lonely Mound Of Clay
Jug Band: They Cut Down The Old Pine Tree
June Stearn: Release Me
Brother Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
Roy Acuff: Drifting Too Far From The Shore
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Jesse Polka

9:30: Pet Milk
Hank Snow: I've Been Everywhere
Glaser Brothers: Tracking Me Down
Marion Worth: Crazy Arms
Lonzo & Oscar: (?)
Hank Snow: The Man Who Robbed The Bank At Santa Fe
Stringbean: Wake Up, Little Betty
Dave Dudley: Six Days On The Road
Glaser Brothers: Sweeter Than The Flowers
Hank Snow: The Wreck Of The Old 97

10:00: Gates Rubber
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Bill Monroe: White House Blues
Loretta Lynn: (?)
Stoney Cooper: Sally Goodin
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Gloryland March

10:15: Luzianne
Jim Reeves: Pride Goes Before A Fall
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Jim Reeves: Welcome To My World

10:30: Harvey's
Bill Anderson: (?)
Skeeter Davis: I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
The Browns: The Three Bells
Bill Anderson: (?)

10:45: Ford
Roy Acuff: Sunshine Special
Stringbean: 20 Cent Cotton & 90 Cent Meat
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Brother Oswald: John Hardy
Roy Acuff: Waltz Of The Wind

11:00: Coca Cola
Hank Snow: Jamaica Farewell
Glaser Brothers: Where No One Stands Alone
Bobby Lord: Cry, Cry Darling
Lonzo & Oscar: (?)
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
Sam & Kirk McGee: I Left My Girl On The Mountain
Margie Bowes: Think It Over
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Sally Johnson
Glaser Brothers: Stand Beside Me
Hank Snow: Caribbean

11:30: SSS Tonic
Roy Drusky: Anymore
Marion Worth: Tennessee Teardrops
Archie Campbell: Fool's Side Of Town
Cousin Jody: Lady Cop
Roy Drusky: (?)
Curly Fox: 50 Years Ago
Marion Worth: I Can't Stop Loving You
Roy Drusky: Another

Jim Reeves, who was born and raised in Texas, was perhaps the biggest male star to emerge from the Nashville sound. While he was capable of singing hard country, he made his biggest impact as a country crossover artist. 

Jim Reeves started singing at an early age, inspired by Jimmie Rodgers. Jim also loved baseball and spent several years in professional ball. After a failed attempt at a baseball career, (due to an injured ankle), he turned his attention to the music business. During this time, he began singing as an amateur, appearing both as a solo artist and as the frontman for Moon Mullican's band. While trying to establish himself in the music business, he also did radio work that included the Louisiana Hayride. Late in 1952, Hank Williams failed to make an appearance on the show, and Reeves sang in his place. His performance was enthusiastically received, and Abbott Records immediately signed him to a record contract. "Mexican Joe" was Reeves' debut single for Abbott, and it quickly climbed to number one in the spring of 1953, spending nine weeks at the top of the charts. It was followed by another number one hit, "Bimbo," later in 1953, after which he became a member of the Louisiana Hayride.

In 1955 he with RCA. At RCA, he began to develop the distinctively smooth, lush, and pop-oriented style of country that made him a superstar and earned him the nickname Gentleman Jim. Peaking at number four, "Yonder Comes a Sucker" was his first Top Ten hit for RCA in the summer of 1955. It kicked off a remarkable streak of 40 hit singles, most of which charted in the Top Ten. Many of his singles also became pop crossovers.

Throughout the '50s and early '60s, Reeves racked up a number of major hits and country classics, like "Four Walls" (number one for eight weeks, 1957), "Anna Marie" (1958), "Blue Boy" (number two, 1958), "Billy Bayou" (number one for five weeks, 1959), "He'll Have to Go" (number one for 14 weeks, 1960), "Adios Amigo" (number two, 1962), "Welcome to My World" (number two, 1964), and "I Guess I'm Crazy" (number one for seven weeks, 1964). "Four Walls" was the turning point in his career, proving to both Reeves himself and his producer, Chet Atkins, that his main source of success would come from ballads. 

Jim Reeves was at the height of his career when his private plane crashed outside of Nashville on July 31, 1964. Thinking to the future, Jim had recorded a number of songs that were never released while he was living, thus for years after his death, Jim Reeves records would continue to appear on the charts. In 1967 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Jim joined the Grand Ole Opry on October 22, 1955. By the time he left in 1963, his appearances on the Opry had dropped steadily and he was recording more pop-oriented songs rather than straight country. Like so many others who had joined the Opry during this time period, he felt that the Opry was hampering his success, and he was ready to move on. Once he left, he never came back. 

Finally, there will be a Sunday Night Opry this week, headlined by Opry member Rhonda Vincent. Joining Rhonda will be T. Graham Brown, Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. Comedian Brian Bates, along with RaeLynn, The Time Jumpers and Darryl Worley round out the lineup. The Sunday night shows will continue through the month of July. 

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. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows June 25, 26 & 27

The last week of June will once again feature a full week of Opry shows, beginning with the Tuesday Night Opry. 

There are five Grand Ole Opry members listed for the Tuesday Night Opry, and the list includes Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Riders In The Sky, John Conlee and Rhonda Vincent. Guesting will be Shenandoah, Dillon Carmichael and Katie Pruitt. 

The Wednesday Night Opry will feature Opry members Del McCoury Band, Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz and Charlie McCoy. Guesting will be Taylor Hicks, Larry Fleet, and Karly Scott Collins, who will be making her Opry debut. Her invitation to appear was extended by Opry member Keith Urban and comes on the heels of their recent collaboration on her "Write One" EP.

Karley shared the exhilarating news with her fans through a heartfelt video on Instagram, captioning it, "I’m playing at the Grand Ole Opry😭 this is the real definition of a dream come true for me. Everyone I’ve ever looked up to has played on that stage, and I’m so grateful to the Opry for giving me the opportunity to join them and stand in that circle on June 26th. I will not be sleeping until then😅 also getting this call from @keithurban was literally the best surprise ever!!!"

Finally, the Thursday Night Opry will feature members Dailey & Vincent, along with Eddie Montgomery. Sam Williams, Kelly Lang, Jimmy Fortune, Alex Miller and Brennley Brown are also on the schedule. In the case of Brennley, this will be her Opry debut. 

On Thursday, May 16th, Brennley Brown, the talented country singer who first stole our hearts on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2017, shared some thrilling news with her fans. In a heartfelt video message from none other than the legendary Dolly Parton, Brennley learned that she will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 27th. This announcement is a significant milestone in Brennley’s career, marking her transition from a rising star to a recognized name in the country music world. Dolly Parton’s message was filled with warmth and encouragement, congratulating Brennley on this well-deserved opportunity and expressing her excitement for Brennley’s debut at the Opry.

“There once was a little girl with a song in her heart and dreams so big that people would chuckle, sigh, and give a roll of the eye. When she was 11 years old she picked out a dress that she thought would be perfect for her Opry debut. That dress stayed in the corner of her closet for 12 years and stood as a reminder to never give up. That little girl is me.

I’ve worked incredibly hard and withstood plenty of rejection and defeat that this crazy business has thrown at me, but I never lost sight of the song, dream, and calling that God placed in my heart. I don’t feel worthy of this great honor. But as I step into ‘THE CIRCLE’ I will give God all the glory and honor for allowing this little girl’s dream to come true.

There you have it for the shows this week.

Grand Ole Opry 6/21 & 6/22

Taking a quick look back at last Saturday night, in case anyone missed the news, the Grand Ole Opry presented a surprise birthday cake to Opry member Gary Mule Deer in honor of his upcoming induction into the Comedy Hall of Fame. I checked out the Hall of Fame website and was pretty impressed with the Hall and all that they offer. Congratulations to Gary Mule Deer on his upcoming induction. 

Now looking ahead to this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, it seems like a "thin" week for Opry members. The Friday Night Opry lists Rides In The Sky, Connie Smith and Don Schlitz on the schedule, while on Saturday night Bill Anderson, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely and Rhonda Vincent are the members who will be performing. While thin in numbers, there is a lot of talent among those scheduled. 

Filling out the Friday schedule is Jon Wolfe and Michael Ray, along with a couple of Opry NextStage artists: Anne Wilson and Madeline Edwards. Finally, making his Opry debut will be Hubby Jenkins. 

There is another Opry debut on Saturday night as Country Gongbang will be appearing. Joining that group will be Americana artist Jim Lauderdale, Mae Estes and Home Free. 

Friday June 21
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Jon Wolfe, Hubby Jenkins, Anne Wilson
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith, Madeline Edwards, Michael Ray, Don Schlitz

Saturday June 22
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, Jim Lauderdale, Country Gongbang
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, Mae Estes, Opry Square Dancers, Home Free, Rhonda Vincent

Hubby Jenkins, who is making his Opry debut on Friday night, is a talented multi-instrumentalist, guitar, banjo and bones, who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. He was an integral part of the Grammy award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops from 2010 to 2014. Since 2015 to 2018 he was active in touring and recording member in the Rhiannon Giddens band. Since then, he has pursued a solo career with performances around the world.

Country GongBang is a South Korean bluegrass group that was selected to receive the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2023 International Band Performance Grant. This annual award is given to an especially promising act from outside the United States to help assist with travel expenses and Visa difficulties The group plays a very tasty form of contemporary bluegrass, writing and singing in both English and Korean, which has been well received internationally via YouTube and other online venues.

From 50 years ago, Saturday June 22, 1974

1st show
6:30: Bill Monroe (host): Willis Brothers
6:45: Charlie Walker (host): Ernie Ashworth, Mel Street
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Bill Carlisle, Minnie Pearl, Justin Tubb
7:30: Ernest Tubb (host): The 4 Guys, Del Wood, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa Jones, Ray Pillow, Curly Seckler, Paul Warren, Marty Stuart
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Louie Roberts

2nd show
9:30: Bill Monroe (host): Willis Brothers, Ernie Ashworth, Mel Street
10:00: Ernest Tubb (host): Charlie Walker, Wayne Hammond
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Justin Tubb
10:30: Lester Flatt (host): Grandpa Jones, Bill Carlisle, Marty Stuart
10:45: Ray Pillow (host): Del Wood, Crook Brothers, Tennessee Travelers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: The 4 Guys (host): Sherry Bryce, Louie Roberts

(Marion Worth was scheduled for both shows but cancelled. Minnie Pearl only appeared on the early show). 

Now going back to Saturday June 22, 1968, to a show that featured Tammy Wynette, Martha Carson and Jimmy Dickens, each of whom was a future or former Grand Ole Opry member. Here is the 2nd show from that night: 

9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): I Got The Fever
The 4 Guys: Walking In The Sunshine
Johnny Darrell: With Pen In Hand
Wilma Burgess: Don't Touch Me
Bill Anderson: No One's Gonna Hurt You Anymore
The 4 Guys: Why Can't We Act Like Little Children
Bill Anderson: Wild Weekend

10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Truck Driving Man
Lorrane Mann: The Dark End Of The Street
Johnny Carver: I Still Didn't Have The Sense To Go
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon

10:15: Pure
Grandpa Jones (host): Eight More Miles To Louisville
Penny DeHaven: Crazy
Jimmy Dickens: Out Behind The Barn
Grandpa Jones: Any Old Time

10:30: Buckley's
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Border
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Tammy Wynette: D-I-V-O-R-C-E
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass Of Home

10:45: Kent
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightening Express
Rhodes Sisters: I Wanna Live
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Roy Drusky: Strangers

11:00: Coca Cola
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Wilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Brother Oswald: We Buried Her Beneath The Willow
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: You Win Again
Wilma Lee Cooper: Pirate King
Sam McGee: I Don't Love Nobody
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird

11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Martha Carson: Let The Light Shine On Me
Pete Drake: I'm Just A Guitar (Everybody Picks On Me)
The Hardens: Good Old Boy
Don Winters: Jambalaya
Pete Sayers: Busted
Martha Carson: When Morning Comes
Marty Robbins: Begging To You/Don't Worry/Ribbon Of Darkness/They'll Never Ever Take her Love From Me/I Started Loving You Again/El Paso

Martha Carson's Opry career is interesting. Martha first came to the Opry in 1951 from Knoxville, Tennessee, where she was featured on the "Midday Merry-Go-Round." She also at the time had the huge hit "Satisfied," one of the great upbeat gospel songs of all time. From the reports and articles that I have seen, she was very popular and a huge hit at the Opry. 

After joining the Opry, she was on regularly until her first child was born in 1957 and then she took a leave of absence, which included working in New York for a year. According to Martha, "I got a leave of absence from the Opry. I didn't quit and I wasn't fired. When I came back to Nashville, Opry manager Ott Devine said there were no openings. Then, I never did go back. I never even got to be a guest."

She went on with her memory of working the Opry: "It was like a singer's or an entertainer's dream heaven. That was really what it was. Although the old Ryman was hot and uncomfortable, it has such a friendliness to it. Everybody loved everybody. It seemed that had time for one another. It was just an experience like you'd never find anywhere else."

Just my opinion, but what a poor decision by Ott Devine. One of those that is hard to understand. While Martha said in that interview that she never even got to come back as a guest was obviously wrong as for the remainder of her life, she would appear occasionally on the Opry, and also on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree. I think that the closest voice on the Opry today that you could compare to Martha Carson is Connie Smith, who will occasionally do "Satisfied" on the Opry. 

A bit of trivia for you: The female voice you hear on Bill Carlisle's early recording of "Too Old To Cut The Mustard" is Martha Carson. 

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. If anything, Saturday night looks very interesting. As always, stay safe and take care. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows June 18th, 19th & 20th.

As the Grand Ole Opry rolls through June, there is another week full of shows. 

Taking a look first, at the Tuesday Night Opry, the show will feature a great group of Opry members, including an appearance by one of the newest members, Carly Pearce. Carly will be joined by Bill Anderson, Craig Morgan, Don Schlitz and Jeannie Seely. In fact, the only non-members will be comedian Aaron Weber and American Patchwork Quartet, who will be making their Opry debut. 

Moving now to Wednesday night, Opry member Ashley McBryde returns to the Opry stage, along with members Riders In The Sky. Joining them will be Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens. along with Clay Walker, Tigirlily Gold, RVSHVD and Appalachian Road Show. 

Finally, to close out the week, the Thursday Night Opry has Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz and Rhonda Vincent on the schedule. Very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten is back, as is comedian Aaron Weber. Shane Profitt, Carter Faith, and a name from the past, Terri Gibbs will out the lineup. 

Tuesday June 18
7:00: Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely, Don Schlitz, Carly Pearce
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson, American Patchwork Quartet, Aaron Weber. Carly Pearce

Wednesday June 19
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Tigirlily Gold, RVSHVD, Ray Stevens
Intermission
8:15: Clay Walker, Appalachian Road Show, Ashley McBryde

Thursday June 20
7:00: Rhonda Vincent, Shane Profitt, Charlie McCoy, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Terri Gibbs, Aaron Weber, Carter Faith, Don Schlitz

Yes, Carly will be doing two sets on Tuesday night to celebrate the release of her new album hummingbird, which is her fourth studio album. 

Grand Ole Opry 6/14 & 6/15

I think we can all agree that last weekend was a special one at the Grand Ole Opry. Beginning on Friday night with the induction of Lainey Wilson as the newest member of the Opry, with Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks doing the honor. That was followed up on Saturday night with the 40th anniversary of Lorrie Morgan as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Lorrie looked and sounded great as Jeannie Seely was a surprise guest that introduced Lorrie and welcomed her to the "Veterans" club of Opry members. 

While there are no special events taking place at the Opry this weekend, there are two very good shows on the schedule. 

Looking at the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart returns for another Opry appearance. Joining Marty will be members Connie Smith, The Isaacs, Gary Mule Deer and Riders In The Sky. Wyatt Ellis, who made a very good impression on his last Opry appearance, will be guesting on Friday night, along with Alex Hall and, making their annual June appearance, the ACM Lifting Lives Campers. Always a highlight!!

Gary Mule Deer and The Isaacs return on Saturday night, where they will be joined by Mandy Barnett, Jeannie Seely and John Conlee. Guesting will be Gary Burr, Sam Palladio, formally from "Nashville" and making her Opry debut, Dasha. 

Friday June 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky, Wyatt Ellis, Connie Smith, The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Alex Hall, Gary Mule Deer, ACM Lifting Lives Campers, Marty Stuart

Saturday June 15
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Jeannie Seely, Sam Palladio, Gary Burr, Mandy Barnett
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee, Opry Square Dancers, Gary Mule Deer, Dasha, The Isaacs 

As mentioned, singer/songwriter Dasha will be making her Opry debut on Saturday night.  Being called a country/pop sensation, she is set to perform her smash single "Austin" as well as music from her 2024 album What Happens Now? 

“I’ve been thinking about the moment that I might get my chance to step into the Opry circle since I came to Nashville for the first time when I was 13,” Dasha explains. “To be asked to be a small part of country music culture, where so many artists I look up to have stood, is such an honor.” 

Beyond tallying over 10 billion views on TikTok, Dasha has quietly cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with in country music without comparison. “Austin” has vaulted to #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and staked out a spot in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #28. Meanwhile, she scaled the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart to #2 with What Happens Now? simultaneously peaking at #141 on the Billboard 200. 

Now from 50 years ago, Saturday June 15, 1974: 

1st show
6:30: Willis Brothers (host): Bob Luman
6:45: Wilburn Brothers (host): Jan Howard
7:00: Roy Acuff (host): Loretta Lynn, Del Wood, Kenny Starr
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): The 4 Guys, Lonzo & Oscar, Crook Brothers, Mary Lou Turner
8:00: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton, Grandpa Jones, Charlie McCoy
8:30: Roy Drusky (host): Jeanne Pruett, Bill Carlisle, Fruit Jar Drinkers

2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Willis Brothers, Mary Lou Turner
10:00: The 4 Guys (host): Lonzo & Oscar
10:15: Roy Acuff (host): Loretta Lynn
10:30: Grandpa Jones (host): Jan Howard, Bill Carlisle
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host): Dolly Parton, Crook Brothers, Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Wilburn Brothers (host): Del Wood, Fruit Jar Drinkers, Sam McGee
11:30: Roy Drusky (host): Jeanne Pruett, Ronnie Robbins, Charlie McCoy

(Bob Luman appeared only on the early show). 

Here is the actual running order from that night: 

1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Let Me Make The Bright Lights Shine
Willis Brothers: For The Good Times

6:45: Rudy's
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel/Loving Him For The Last Time
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me

7:00: Rudy's
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore
Del Wood: The Entertainer
Kenny Starr: The Highway Of Love
Roy Acuff: Back In The Country
Loretta Lynn: Love Is The Foundation/Coal Miner's Daughter
Del Wood: Beer Barrel Polka

7:30: Standard Candy
Bill Anderson (host): Bright Lights & Country Music
The 4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A Dove
Lonzo & Oscar: Any Old Wind That Blows
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Mary Lou Turner: All That Keeps Me Going
The 4 Guys: Top Of The World
Bill Anderson: Can I Come Home To You

8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Wake Up Jacob
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Grandpa Jones: Make Me A Pallet Down On The Floor
Charlie McCoy: T. D. Boogie Woogie
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: Just Someone I Used To Know
Porter Wagoner: (?)
Grandpa & Ramona Jones: Orange Blossom Special
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You

8:30: Stephens
Roy Drusky (host): Alone With You
Jeanne Pruett: Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldier's Joy
Roy Drusky: A Satisfied Mind
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Weldon Myrick, Sonny Burnette & Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Roy Drusky: One Day At A Time

2nd show
9:30: Kellogg's
Bill Anderson (host): I Get The Fever
Willis Brothers: Cimarron
Mary Lou Turner: If You Love Me, Let Me Know
Bill Anderson: Can I Come Home To You
Willis Brothers: Ghost Riders In The Sky
Mary Lou Turner: All The Keeps Me Going
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

10:00: Fender
The 4 Guys (host): She's All I Got
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
The 4 Guys: Fall Away

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Old Time Sunshine Song
Loretta Lynn: They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore/One's On The Way

10:30: Trailblazer
Grandpa Jones (host): Old Blue
Jan Howard: Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel
Bill Carlisle: Have A Drink On Me
Grandpa Jones: Uncle Eph's Got The Coon

10:45: Beechnut
Porter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed South
Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You
Crook Brothers & The Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Last Thing On My Mind

11:00: Coca Cola
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like The Sun's Gonna Shine
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Take Me Back To Tulsa
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Sam McGee: Railroad Blues/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms

11:30: Elm Hill
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Jeanne Pruett: Hold To My Unchanging Love/Love Me/You Don't Need To Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Ronnie Robbins: Baby, Let The Music Play
Charlie McCoy: Today I Started Loving You Again/Orange Blossom Special
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want To Go Home

And 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. Take care and stay safe. 

Mid-Week Opry Shows June 11th, 12th & 13th.

Summer is upon us, and CMA Festival Week is finished. It was certainly a busy and news filled week. Looking ahead at the Opry, the month of June will see Opry shows taking place Tuesday-Saturday nights, with Sunday night shows added in the month of July. 

Starting with the Tuesday Night Opry, Grand Ole Opry members Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz and comedian Gary Mule Deer head up the list. A couple of Opry NextStage artists are on the schedule: Priscilla Block and Travis Denning. Rounding out the list are Drew Baldridge, Sierra Hull and Kim Richey. 

Looking ahead to Wednesday night, Gary Mule Deer is back, joined by T. Graham Brown. Opry NextStage artist 40 Winchester is scheduled to appear, along with very frequent Opry guest Charles Esten. Rounding out Wednesday night is Shelly Fairchild, Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland, Wendy Moten and finally, Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Smith, who will be making his Opry debut. 

Finally, on Thursday night, Gary Mule Deer returns, along with Crystal Gayle, Rhonda Vincent and Charlie McCoy. George Birge and Paul McDonald are on the schedule, as are a couple of artists who will be making their Opry debuts, Jenny Lewis, who cancelled out on her previous scheduled appearance, and Shawna Thompson, who will be making her solo Opry debut. If that name sounds familiar, it is because she was one of the co-founders of Thompson Square, who appeared on the Opry numerous times. 

That covers the mid-week shows for the coming week. Solid lineups each night.