In response to a comment on this blog, I checked with some people to see if there is any update on the Opry and GAC. As I am sure most of you know, GAC has been showing repeat episodes of the Opry on Saturday nights and have had no new live shows on since the 1st of the year. There was speculation that the contract between GAC and Gaylord had expired or was up for renewal and that talks were under way. The official explanation from GAC was that they were just showing best of Opry shows, as they received response that viewers wanted to see these shows again. I talked to an individual at Gaylord Entertainment yesterday(no names please), and she told me a couple of things. First, that GAC does have the contract to show the Opry. Secondly, she told me that the Opry management is meeting with GAC producers to set up a new production schedule and that new shows would start to air later this summer or fall. I also received an email from a source at GAC which stated; "GAC will continue to air the best of Opry live shows for the next few weeks. GAC is currently planning to begin airing new Opry live shows later this year in either summer or fall." Finally, I talked to an individual at the Scripps Network, which is the owner of GAC. She told me basically the same thing, that the Opry is a part of GAC and new shows would begin airing in the summer.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Opry Is Safe With New Gaylord Directors
From the Nashville Tennessean:
The Grand Ole Opry apparently is safe as the new major shareholders in its parent company, Gaylord Entertainment, take their seats on the company's board of directors this week.
Robert Rowling, the billionaire Texas hotel owner whose TRT Holdings, Inc. last year bought 14.9 percent of Gaylord's stock and engineered a deal for two seats on the board, said after this morning's annual shareholders' meeting that he is "huge country music fan" and doesn't intend to tamper with the Opry.
"The new board members intend to be great stewards of that asset," he said of Gaylords fabled entertainment venue, which has been a Nashville staple since it began in 1925 as a live weekly music performance on WSM radio, which also is owned by Gaylord.
When Gaylord Chairman and Chief Executive Colin V. Reed opened the floor to questions at the end of today's meeting, only one was asked, by shareholder Stacy Harris of Nashville.
She wanted to know if the board, with another two new members representing GAMCO Asset Management Inc, which bought 13.6 percent of the stock last year, would remain supportive of the Opry-which she said was her only interest in Gaylord.
"I think to a person, they revere the Grand Ole Opry and what it stands for, " Reed said of the new board members.
Reed said the board would be "looking at the overall plan" for the Opry at its September meeting, but did not indicate whether any change in direction is being considered. But during his remarks to the shareholders, he said that in spite of the bad economy, "The Opry had a decent year in 2008." He said it added a new weekly performance, and also opened a new store on Broadway in Nashville, called Opry Originals, to cater to fans of the country music showcase.
The Grand Ole Opry apparently is safe as the new major shareholders in its parent company, Gaylord Entertainment, take their seats on the company's board of directors this week.
Robert Rowling, the billionaire Texas hotel owner whose TRT Holdings, Inc. last year bought 14.9 percent of Gaylord's stock and engineered a deal for two seats on the board, said after this morning's annual shareholders' meeting that he is "huge country music fan" and doesn't intend to tamper with the Opry.
"The new board members intend to be great stewards of that asset," he said of Gaylords fabled entertainment venue, which has been a Nashville staple since it began in 1925 as a live weekly music performance on WSM radio, which also is owned by Gaylord.
When Gaylord Chairman and Chief Executive Colin V. Reed opened the floor to questions at the end of today's meeting, only one was asked, by shareholder Stacy Harris of Nashville.
She wanted to know if the board, with another two new members representing GAMCO Asset Management Inc, which bought 13.6 percent of the stock last year, would remain supportive of the Opry-which she said was her only interest in Gaylord.
"I think to a person, they revere the Grand Ole Opry and what it stands for, " Reed said of the new board members.
Reed said the board would be "looking at the overall plan" for the Opry at its September meeting, but did not indicate whether any change in direction is being considered. But during his remarks to the shareholders, he said that in spite of the bad economy, "The Opry had a decent year in 2008." He said it added a new weekly performance, and also opened a new store on Broadway in Nashville, called Opry Originals, to cater to fans of the country music showcase.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Grand Ole Opry Line-up 5/8 & 5/9
Here is the line-up for this week's Grand Ole Opry shows:
Friday May 8
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Kate & Kacey
7:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Daryle Singletary; Mountain Heart
8:30: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Aaron Tippin
Saturday May 9
7:00: Jim Ed Brown(host) w/ Helen Cornelius; Jimmy C. Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Stonewall Jackson; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum(host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene
9:00: Reba McEntire
A couple of comments regarding the shows:
>It looks like a few of the regulars are out of town and on the road. I know that Bill Anderson is in Canada with a big tour. No Jimmy Dickens this weekend and Jeannie Seely only on Friday. Regarding the legends, nice to see Jean Shepard hosting a segment.
>They will add another artist on the Friday 7:30 show.
>Aaron Tippin makes another appearance. He has been appearing more and more on a regular basis. Also, Darryl Worley is back on for another appearance.
>I have no idea who Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is. Also, I have heard the name Kate & Kacey, just cannot picture them. Again, the use of unknown or little known artists.
>Reba McEntire, as advertised, gets her own segment. She has the full half hour, which normally would allow for 6 songs. However, it is being reported that she will sing 4 songs. Either she is going to do a lot of talking between songs, or perhaps, she will bring on a special guest or two. We will see.
Finally, Bobby Osborne is the host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree at the record shop. It should be another good show and I am sure Bobby will be showcasing songs from his new CD.
Friday May 8
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Kate & Kacey
7:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
8:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Daryle Singletary; Mountain Heart
8:30: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Aaron Tippin
Saturday May 9
7:00: Jim Ed Brown(host) w/ Helen Cornelius; Jimmy C. Newman; James Otto
7:30: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Stonewall Jackson; Darryl Worley; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Hal Ketchum(host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene
9:00: Reba McEntire
A couple of comments regarding the shows:
>It looks like a few of the regulars are out of town and on the road. I know that Bill Anderson is in Canada with a big tour. No Jimmy Dickens this weekend and Jeannie Seely only on Friday. Regarding the legends, nice to see Jean Shepard hosting a segment.
>They will add another artist on the Friday 7:30 show.
>Aaron Tippin makes another appearance. He has been appearing more and more on a regular basis. Also, Darryl Worley is back on for another appearance.
>I have no idea who Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is. Also, I have heard the name Kate & Kacey, just cannot picture them. Again, the use of unknown or little known artists.
>Reba McEntire, as advertised, gets her own segment. She has the full half hour, which normally would allow for 6 songs. However, it is being reported that she will sing 4 songs. Either she is going to do a lot of talking between songs, or perhaps, she will bring on a special guest or two. We will see.
Finally, Bobby Osborne is the host of this week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree at the record shop. It should be another good show and I am sure Bobby will be showcasing songs from his new CD.
News Involving Gaylord Entertainment
I am posting this because Gaylord Entertainment is the owner of the Grand Ole Opry and their financial condition is important to the success of the show, especially with Gaylord stock "in play" at this time, in regards to the majority ownership of the company.
Gaylord Entertainment reported Tuesday a $3.4 million profit in its first quarter, despite an increase in room cancellations and groups booking fewer participants than expected. Some analysts pointed to continued challenges ahead for the Nashville based company as corporations and meeting groups-Gaylord's prime customers-continue to closely monitor how money is spent. The company's earnings were helped by cancellation and attrition fees as well as cost-savings initiatives that Gaylord had put in place, including 350 layoffs earlier this year, analysts said.
The company will hold its annual shareholders meeting on Thursday, with shareholders voting on proposals including whether they approve four new board members proposed by major shareholder TRT Holdings Inc. and money manager Gamco Asset Management Inc.
(Courtesy of the Tennessean).
A couple of observations and comments from what I have heard on the streets:
>Nowhere in the press release from Gaylord is there any mention of the Opry or its properties, including WSM. Obviously some of the cost cutting that Gaylord did, involved the Opry, including cuttting the Saturday night 2nd show during parts of the year, and in having fewer artists and band members performing on stage. In addition, the cost cutting did involve WSM radio.
>From what I have heard, TRT is not interested in the entertainment part of Gaylord, but the hotel and convention business. They are the owners of the Omni hotel chain and that is the business they know. They tried to take control of Gaylord earlier this year, but now they are settling for board seats. The Opry is apparently safe as long as Gaylord is the owner of WSM. If WSM is sold, then all bets are off.
As an interested observer in Gaylord and the Opry, we will continue to follow this story and report information as necessary.
Gaylord Entertainment reported Tuesday a $3.4 million profit in its first quarter, despite an increase in room cancellations and groups booking fewer participants than expected. Some analysts pointed to continued challenges ahead for the Nashville based company as corporations and meeting groups-Gaylord's prime customers-continue to closely monitor how money is spent. The company's earnings were helped by cancellation and attrition fees as well as cost-savings initiatives that Gaylord had put in place, including 350 layoffs earlier this year, analysts said.
The company will hold its annual shareholders meeting on Thursday, with shareholders voting on proposals including whether they approve four new board members proposed by major shareholder TRT Holdings Inc. and money manager Gamco Asset Management Inc.
(Courtesy of the Tennessean).
A couple of observations and comments from what I have heard on the streets:
>Nowhere in the press release from Gaylord is there any mention of the Opry or its properties, including WSM. Obviously some of the cost cutting that Gaylord did, involved the Opry, including cuttting the Saturday night 2nd show during parts of the year, and in having fewer artists and band members performing on stage. In addition, the cost cutting did involve WSM radio.
>From what I have heard, TRT is not interested in the entertainment part of Gaylord, but the hotel and convention business. They are the owners of the Omni hotel chain and that is the business they know. They tried to take control of Gaylord earlier this year, but now they are settling for board seats. The Opry is apparently safe as long as Gaylord is the owner of WSM. If WSM is sold, then all bets are off.
As an interested observer in Gaylord and the Opry, we will continue to follow this story and report information as necessary.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Grand Ole Opry Line-up-Weekend of August 14, 1976
Here is another in our series of classic Grand Ole Opry line-ups from the past. This week we go back to the weekend of August 14, 1976, when the Opry had shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This would have been during the middle of the peak tourist season at Opryland. Enjoy!!!
Friday August 13-Matinee
5:00: Lonzo & Oscar; Bob Luman
5:30: Jimmy C. Newman; Charlie Louvin
6:00: George Hamilton IV; The Carlisles
6:30: David Houston; The Wilburn Brothers
Friday August 13
8:00: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; The Four Guys; The Promenadors
8:30: Roy Acuff(host); The Wilburn Brothers; Del Wood
9:00: David Houston(host); Bob Luman; The Willis Brothers; The Promenadors
9:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper(host); Skeeter Davis; The Carlisles
10:00: Charlie Louvin(host); Lonzo & Oscar; George Hamilton IV
10:30: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Marion Worth; Jim & Jesse
11:05: Grand Ole Gospel: Rev. Jimmy R. Snow; Evangel Temple Choir; Special Guest
Saturday August 14-Matinee
3:00: Skeeter Davis; The Four Guys
3:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; George Hamilton IV
4:00: The Carlisles; Bob Luman
4:30: Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky
Saturday August 14-First Show
6:30: The Wilburn Brothers(host); Bob Luman
6:45: Roy Drusky(host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; The Willis Brothers; The Carlisles
7:30: Roy Acuff(host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Jimmy C. Newman; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Dottie West; The Four Guys; Del Wood
8:30: Charlie Louvin(host); George Hamilton IV; Stuart Hamblen; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Marion Worth
Saturday August 14-Second Show
9:30: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; Bob Luman; Roy Drusky
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); The Wilburn Brothers; Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff(host); The Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Dottie West; Del Wood
10:45: The Four Guys(host); Debbie Brown; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
11:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Marion Worth; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin(host); The Carlisles: Ronny Robbins
Sunday August 15-Matinee
2:00: The Wilburn Brothers; Skeeter Davis
2:30: Charlie Louvin; The Willis Brothers
3:00: Bob Luman; The Carlisles
3:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys
Wow!! Lot's of entertainment. A couple of interesting items: Several of the acts did all the shows over the weekend. Also, Roy Acuff did not do any of the matinee shows. In his later years, he would do everyshow over a weekend. Also, on the matinee shows, they used the 2 performers per half hour format that is used today on the Tuesday Night Opry shows. Like today, quite a few of the stars were missing on the shows-Hank Snow, Bill Anderson, Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins, Jim Ed Brown to name a few. On a final note, you see Kirk McGee in his usual spot, being the last performer on the 11:00 segment, dispite his asking to get on an earlier spot.
Friday August 13-Matinee
5:00: Lonzo & Oscar; Bob Luman
5:30: Jimmy C. Newman; Charlie Louvin
6:00: George Hamilton IV; The Carlisles
6:30: David Houston; The Wilburn Brothers
Friday August 13
8:00: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; The Four Guys; The Promenadors
8:30: Roy Acuff(host); The Wilburn Brothers; Del Wood
9:00: David Houston(host); Bob Luman; The Willis Brothers; The Promenadors
9:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper(host); Skeeter Davis; The Carlisles
10:00: Charlie Louvin(host); Lonzo & Oscar; George Hamilton IV
10:30: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Marion Worth; Jim & Jesse
11:05: Grand Ole Gospel: Rev. Jimmy R. Snow; Evangel Temple Choir; Special Guest
Saturday August 14-Matinee
3:00: Skeeter Davis; The Four Guys
3:30: Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; George Hamilton IV
4:00: The Carlisles; Bob Luman
4:30: Charlie Louvin; Roy Drusky
Saturday August 14-First Show
6:30: The Wilburn Brothers(host); Bob Luman
6:45: Roy Drusky(host); Skeeter Davis
7:00: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; The Willis Brothers; The Carlisles
7:30: Roy Acuff(host); Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Jimmy C. Newman; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Dottie West; The Four Guys; Del Wood
8:30: Charlie Louvin(host); George Hamilton IV; Stuart Hamblen; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Marion Worth
Saturday August 14-Second Show
9:30: Jack Greene(host); Jeannie Seely; Bob Luman; Roy Drusky
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); The Wilburn Brothers; Skeeter Davis
10:15: Roy Acuff(host); The Willis Brothers; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper
10:30: Jimmy C. Newman(host); Dottie West; Del Wood
10:45: The Four Guys(host); Debbie Brown; The Crook Brothers; The Tennessee Travelers
11:00: George Hamilton IV(host); Marion Worth; The Fruit Jar Drinkers; Kirk McGee
11:30: Charlie Louvin(host); The Carlisles: Ronny Robbins
Sunday August 15-Matinee
2:00: The Wilburn Brothers; Skeeter Davis
2:30: Charlie Louvin; The Willis Brothers
3:00: Bob Luman; The Carlisles
3:30: Stu Phillips; The Four Guys
Wow!! Lot's of entertainment. A couple of interesting items: Several of the acts did all the shows over the weekend. Also, Roy Acuff did not do any of the matinee shows. In his later years, he would do everyshow over a weekend. Also, on the matinee shows, they used the 2 performers per half hour format that is used today on the Tuesday Night Opry shows. Like today, quite a few of the stars were missing on the shows-Hank Snow, Bill Anderson, Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins, Jim Ed Brown to name a few. On a final note, you see Kirk McGee in his usual spot, being the last performer on the 11:00 segment, dispite his asking to get on an earlier spot.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tuesday Night Opry 5/5 & Opry Country Classics 5/7
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry on May 5th:
7:00: Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart
7:30: Mel McDaniel; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Jean Shepard; Rodney Atkins
8:30: Jimmy Dickens; Joe Diffie
Only comment is that usually there is 1 Opry member and 1 guest artist per half hour and this week there are several more Opry members performing than guests.
Here is the line-up for the Opry Country Classics on Thursday May 7th:
John Conlee(host)
Laura Cantrell
Jennifer Hanson
Opry Square Dancers
Riders In The Sky
Jeannie Seely
Daryle Singletary
Rhonda Vincent
This Week's Theme: A salute to the music of Eddy Arnold
At this point, no Spotlight artist is listed.
7:00: Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart
7:30: Mel McDaniel; Del McCoury Band
8:00: Jean Shepard; Rodney Atkins
8:30: Jimmy Dickens; Joe Diffie
Only comment is that usually there is 1 Opry member and 1 guest artist per half hour and this week there are several more Opry members performing than guests.
Here is the line-up for the Opry Country Classics on Thursday May 7th:
John Conlee(host)
Laura Cantrell
Jennifer Hanson
Opry Square Dancers
Riders In The Sky
Jeannie Seely
Daryle Singletary
Rhonda Vincent
This Week's Theme: A salute to the music of Eddy Arnold
At this point, no Spotlight artist is listed.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May Opry Notes
Taking a look at Opry history for the month of May:
There are several Grand Ole Opry members that are celebrating Opry anniversaries in the month of May:
Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry of May 1, 1993
Carrie Underwood celebrates her 1st anniversary as an Opry member of May 10th
Steve Warnier joined the Opry on May 11, 1996
Ricky Skaggs joined the Opry on May 15, 1982
Congratulations to all 4 of these Grand Ole Opry members
Over the years, several Opry moments took place in the month of May:
>On May 1, 1954, Andy Griffith made his first Opry appearance. He would appear several more times through his life.
>On May 8, 1968, the Solemn Old Judge and Opry founder George D. Hay passed away in Virginia. He had left the Opry years before and was elected as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
>On May 11, 1957, the Everly Brothers made their Opry debut. They joined the Opry during the period when rock and roll was putting a big hurt on the Opry and there was concerned that the Opry would even continue. Stories are told that on the nights that the Everly Brothers performed, that there would only be several hundred in the Opry house, but when it came time for the Everly Brothers to take the stage, hundreds of teenage fans would run into the Opry house to see their spot, but as soon as they did their songs, their fans would leave.
>On May 13, 1967, Merle Haggard made his first Opry appearance.
>On May 29, 1950, "Mother" Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters(June, Anita and Helen) joined the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, just Mother Maybelle remained an official, but unappreciated member, as she received less than desireable spots.
There are several Grand Ole Opry members that are celebrating Opry anniversaries in the month of May:
Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry of May 1, 1993
Carrie Underwood celebrates her 1st anniversary as an Opry member of May 10th
Steve Warnier joined the Opry on May 11, 1996
Ricky Skaggs joined the Opry on May 15, 1982
Congratulations to all 4 of these Grand Ole Opry members
Over the years, several Opry moments took place in the month of May:
>On May 1, 1954, Andy Griffith made his first Opry appearance. He would appear several more times through his life.
>On May 8, 1968, the Solemn Old Judge and Opry founder George D. Hay passed away in Virginia. He had left the Opry years before and was elected as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
>On May 11, 1957, the Everly Brothers made their Opry debut. They joined the Opry during the period when rock and roll was putting a big hurt on the Opry and there was concerned that the Opry would even continue. Stories are told that on the nights that the Everly Brothers performed, that there would only be several hundred in the Opry house, but when it came time for the Everly Brothers to take the stage, hundreds of teenage fans would run into the Opry house to see their spot, but as soon as they did their songs, their fans would leave.
>On May 13, 1967, Merle Haggard made his first Opry appearance.
>On May 29, 1950, "Mother" Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters(June, Anita and Helen) joined the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, just Mother Maybelle remained an official, but unappreciated member, as she received less than desireable spots.
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