Happy Birthday wishes today go to Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark, who was born on August 5, 1968. Her birth name is Terri Lynn Sauson and she was born in Montreal, Quebec. She is the only Canadian female Opry member. She had some very good success in the early and mid 2000's, however he career has been pretty quiet since about 2007. She has been recording material, but with little commercial success.
On May 15, 2004, during the televised portion of the Opry, she was suprised when host Steve Wariner was joined on stage by her mother and was asked to become the Opry's newest member. She was inducted as an Opry member on June 12, 2004.
In honor of Terri Clark's birthday, here is the Opry line-up from Saturday June 12, 2004, the night Terri Clark became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
6:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Osborne Brothers
7:00: Marty Stuart(host); Terri Clark; Mel Tillis; Billy Dean
8:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Billy Walker; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C. Newman; Pam Tillis
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jim Ed Brown; Billy Dean
10:00: Pam Tillis(host); Jean Shepard; Mel Tillis
10:30: Marty Stuart(host); Hank Locklin; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson(host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy C. Newman; Terri Clark
11:30: Mike Snider(host); Billy Walker; Jack Greene; Julie Roberts
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A Couple Of Notes Regarding Charlie Louvin
I just wanted to pass along a couple of items and throughts regarding Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin, who recently celebrated his 83rd birthday and is recovering from cancer surgery. Regarding the surgery, from everything I have read and heard, he is home and recovering, although no details have been released.
On the positive side, Charlie just released a new CD called, "Hickory Wind: Live at the Gram Parsons Guitar Pull." I have listened to the CD and it is pretty good. It has a good mix of material ranging from Louvin Brothers songs, to a Roy Acuff number. He also covers Johnny Cash's, "I Still Miss Someone", along with gospel music. As the title says, it is a live album. The reviews have been generally pretty good and from listening to it, his voice is solid. The CD is released on Tompkins Square Records and if you get a chance to listen to it, I hightly recommend it.
And, if that isn't enough, word comes that Charlie has signed with a new record label and will be releasing yet another new album this fall. He has signed with a Canadian label, True North Records. They have already picked a title for the CD, "The Battle Rages On". The CD will feature not only Charlie, but special guests Del McCoury and Jamie Dailey, of Dailey & Vincent.
For a man battling cancer, Charlie is remaining very active. And, he is still planning on returning to live performances by the end of August.
On an editorial note, I cannot believe that someone this active and with the number of fans that he has, is only scheduled for about 1 Opry show a month!!! With the number of CDs that he has recorded over the past several years and the active touring schedule he has, he is one of the most active Opry members. Yet, he is hardly asked to do the Opry. He is a Hall of Famer and always well received at the Opry. He is a legend who is looked up to by many of today's country stars, most notably Emmylou Harris.
Nothing against Jimmy C. Newman, as I enjoy him a lot. But, Jimmy C. is on the Opry everyweek and has not had even close to the number of hits Charlie has had. And Jimmy basically does nothing else but the Opry. I like Jan Howard very much and she still has a great voice. Yet, she is on the Opry every week. And, like Jimmy C., Jan has not come close to the number of hit records that Charlie has had. And, all 3 are close to the same age. Jimmy C. Newman and Jan Howard should be on the Opry everyweek. And, so should Charlie Louvin!!!!
On the positive side, Charlie just released a new CD called, "Hickory Wind: Live at the Gram Parsons Guitar Pull." I have listened to the CD and it is pretty good. It has a good mix of material ranging from Louvin Brothers songs, to a Roy Acuff number. He also covers Johnny Cash's, "I Still Miss Someone", along with gospel music. As the title says, it is a live album. The reviews have been generally pretty good and from listening to it, his voice is solid. The CD is released on Tompkins Square Records and if you get a chance to listen to it, I hightly recommend it.
And, if that isn't enough, word comes that Charlie has signed with a new record label and will be releasing yet another new album this fall. He has signed with a Canadian label, True North Records. They have already picked a title for the CD, "The Battle Rages On". The CD will feature not only Charlie, but special guests Del McCoury and Jamie Dailey, of Dailey & Vincent.
For a man battling cancer, Charlie is remaining very active. And, he is still planning on returning to live performances by the end of August.
On an editorial note, I cannot believe that someone this active and with the number of fans that he has, is only scheduled for about 1 Opry show a month!!! With the number of CDs that he has recorded over the past several years and the active touring schedule he has, he is one of the most active Opry members. Yet, he is hardly asked to do the Opry. He is a Hall of Famer and always well received at the Opry. He is a legend who is looked up to by many of today's country stars, most notably Emmylou Harris.
Nothing against Jimmy C. Newman, as I enjoy him a lot. But, Jimmy C. is on the Opry everyweek and has not had even close to the number of hits Charlie has had. And Jimmy basically does nothing else but the Opry. I like Jan Howard very much and she still has a great voice. Yet, she is on the Opry every week. And, like Jimmy C., Jan has not come close to the number of hit records that Charlie has had. And, all 3 are close to the same age. Jimmy C. Newman and Jan Howard should be on the Opry everyweek. And, so should Charlie Louvin!!!!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
August Opry Highlights
The month of August is upon us and as I always do, I want to review the historical moments that have taken place in Grand Ole Opry history during the month.
During the month of a August, several Opry members joined the Opry:
Jimmy Dickens is credited with becoming an Opry member of August 1, 1948 (62 years), although the exact date that Jimmy joined seems to have been lost to history. At the age of 89, is is the oldest Opry member.
Jimmy C. Newman became an Opry member of August 1, 1956 (54 years).
Bobby & Sonny, the Osborne Brothers, joined the Opry on August 8, 1964 (46 years). Although Sonny is now retired from active performing, Bobby continues as an Opry member, headlining his own group the Rocky Top X-Press.
Vince Gill became a member of October 10, 1991 (19 years). He was introduced on stage by Roy Acuff.
Jim Ed Brown became an Opry member on August 12, 1963 (47 years). He actually joined as part of the Browns, which included his sisters Maxine and Bonnie. A few years later, Jim Ed would go solo, although his sisters would continue to make appearances with him on the Opry.
Roy Clark became an Opry member on August 22, 1987 (23 years). Roy had been asked several times in the past to became an Opry member, but he told the Opry management that while he would love to become an Opry member, he could not guarantee that he could fulfill the membership requirements. The Opry finally said that was fine, they would welcome him as a member with that understanding. At least he was honest with the management regarding his appearances, which is more than can be said for some of the current members.
Trace Adkins joined the Opry on August 23, 2003 (7 years). While Jimmy Dickens invited Trace to become an Opry member, Ronnie Milsap did the actual induction honors when he joined.
Pam Tillis became an Opry member on August 26, 2000 (10 years). Pam always thought it was odd that she was a member and not her Dad. It was through a lot of her efforts, that Mel Tillis was finally made an Opry member in 2007.
Among the historical moments in Opry history in August, we have:
August 11, 1952, Hank Williams was fired from the Opry. He would spend what little time he had left trying make good and getting himself reinstated as an Opry member. That reinstatement would never come.
August 25, 1956, George Jones joined the Grand Ole Opry. He would later leave and rejoin the show in 1973. It is kind of funny how the Opry writes it's history. Both George and Jimmy Dickens left the show for a period of time, yet George's Opry induction date is officially considered the date he rejoined the show in 1973, while Jimmy's induction date is still considered his original date in 1948.
August 4, 1959, Skeeter Davis joined the Opry.
August 28, 1965, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry for the first time since he was involved in a serious traffic accident on his way to a show in Terrell, North Carolina. In the accident that seriously injured several members of his band, Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and broken ribs. One result of the accident was that June Stearns, part of his show at the time, no longer appeared with the Smoky Mountain Boys again. Shot Jackson was the most seriously hurt of his band members.
August 17, 1967, Charlie Walker became a member of the Opry.
August 10, 2002, the Dixie Chicks performed as guests on the Opry. During their performance on the televised portion of the show, they made the announcement that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the case of both of these performers, especially Porter, it was long overdue. Many people felt that it was an injustice that Dolly Parton had been elected to the Hall of Fame before Porter.
In honor of Trace Adkins becoming an Opry member, here is the line-up from Saturday August 23, 2003, the night he officially became an Opry member:
6:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Jimmy C. Newman; Osborne Brothers
7:00: Lorrie Morgan(host); Del McCoury Band; Ronnie Milsap; Trace Adkins
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jean Shepard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Squre Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); Mike Snider; Patty Loveless
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Ronnie Milsap
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Osborne Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Trace Adkins
11:30: John Conlee(host); Doyle Dykes; Del McCoury Band
In honor of Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle, here is the line-up from the Opry on Saturday August 10, 2002, the night they were officially announced as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame:
6:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Bering Strait
7:00: Brad Paisley(host); Jamie O'Neal; Lee Greenwood; Dixie Chicks
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Bill Carlisle; Jeannie Seely; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Hal Ketchum
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Hal Ketchum; Charlie Walker; Dixie Chicks
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Brad Paisley
10:30: Jean Shepard(host); Holly Dunn; Lee Greenwood; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Jamie O'Neal
11:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Connie Smith; Bering Strait
I hope you enjoy this look back.
During the month of a August, several Opry members joined the Opry:
Jimmy Dickens is credited with becoming an Opry member of August 1, 1948 (62 years), although the exact date that Jimmy joined seems to have been lost to history. At the age of 89, is is the oldest Opry member.
Jimmy C. Newman became an Opry member of August 1, 1956 (54 years).
Bobby & Sonny, the Osborne Brothers, joined the Opry on August 8, 1964 (46 years). Although Sonny is now retired from active performing, Bobby continues as an Opry member, headlining his own group the Rocky Top X-Press.
Vince Gill became a member of October 10, 1991 (19 years). He was introduced on stage by Roy Acuff.
Jim Ed Brown became an Opry member on August 12, 1963 (47 years). He actually joined as part of the Browns, which included his sisters Maxine and Bonnie. A few years later, Jim Ed would go solo, although his sisters would continue to make appearances with him on the Opry.
Roy Clark became an Opry member on August 22, 1987 (23 years). Roy had been asked several times in the past to became an Opry member, but he told the Opry management that while he would love to become an Opry member, he could not guarantee that he could fulfill the membership requirements. The Opry finally said that was fine, they would welcome him as a member with that understanding. At least he was honest with the management regarding his appearances, which is more than can be said for some of the current members.
Trace Adkins joined the Opry on August 23, 2003 (7 years). While Jimmy Dickens invited Trace to become an Opry member, Ronnie Milsap did the actual induction honors when he joined.
Pam Tillis became an Opry member on August 26, 2000 (10 years). Pam always thought it was odd that she was a member and not her Dad. It was through a lot of her efforts, that Mel Tillis was finally made an Opry member in 2007.
Among the historical moments in Opry history in August, we have:
August 11, 1952, Hank Williams was fired from the Opry. He would spend what little time he had left trying make good and getting himself reinstated as an Opry member. That reinstatement would never come.
August 25, 1956, George Jones joined the Grand Ole Opry. He would later leave and rejoin the show in 1973. It is kind of funny how the Opry writes it's history. Both George and Jimmy Dickens left the show for a period of time, yet George's Opry induction date is officially considered the date he rejoined the show in 1973, while Jimmy's induction date is still considered his original date in 1948.
August 4, 1959, Skeeter Davis joined the Opry.
August 28, 1965, Roy Acuff returned to the Opry for the first time since he was involved in a serious traffic accident on his way to a show in Terrell, North Carolina. In the accident that seriously injured several members of his band, Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and broken ribs. One result of the accident was that June Stearns, part of his show at the time, no longer appeared with the Smoky Mountain Boys again. Shot Jackson was the most seriously hurt of his band members.
August 17, 1967, Charlie Walker became a member of the Opry.
August 10, 2002, the Dixie Chicks performed as guests on the Opry. During their performance on the televised portion of the show, they made the announcement that Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the case of both of these performers, especially Porter, it was long overdue. Many people felt that it was an injustice that Dolly Parton had been elected to the Hall of Fame before Porter.
In honor of Trace Adkins becoming an Opry member, here is the line-up from Saturday August 23, 2003, the night he officially became an Opry member:
6:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Jimmy C. Newman; Osborne Brothers
7:00: Lorrie Morgan(host); Del McCoury Band; Ronnie Milsap; Trace Adkins
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jean Shepard; Doyle Dykes; Opry Squre Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); Mike Snider; Patty Loveless
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); The Whites; Ronnie Milsap
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Osborne Brothers; Lorrie Morgan
10:30: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Patty Loveless; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Trace Adkins
11:30: John Conlee(host); Doyle Dykes; Del McCoury Band
In honor of Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle, here is the line-up from the Opry on Saturday August 10, 2002, the night they were officially announced as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame:
6:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Jim Ed Brown; Bering Strait
7:00: Brad Paisley(host); Jamie O'Neal; Lee Greenwood; Dixie Chicks
8:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Bill Carlisle; Jeannie Seely; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: John Conlee(host); George Hamilton IV; Jean Shepard; Hal Ketchum
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Hal Ketchum; Charlie Walker; Dixie Chicks
10:00: Porter Wagoner(host); Jan Howard; Billy Walker; Brad Paisley
10:30: Jean Shepard(host); Holly Dunn; Lee Greenwood; Opry Square Dance Band; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Jack Greene; Jamie O'Neal
11:30: George Hamilton IV(host); Connie Smith; Bering Strait
I hope you enjoy this look back.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday Night Opry 8/3
Here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, August 3. The show will be at the Ryman Auditorium.
7:00: John Conlee; Josh Tompson
7:30: Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Connie Smith; Joey+Rory
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Diamond Rio
7:00: John Conlee; Josh Tompson
7:30: Jack Greene; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Connie Smith; Joey+Rory
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Diamond Rio
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 7/30 & 7/31
Before I get to the line-up at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, I know that I have not posted as much as normal the past several weeks. Like I said, I have been taking some vacation time, and also, there just has not been much Opry news to report. The usual slow period in late summer. But, several of you have been emailing me with questions about the Opry and comments, and I always enjoy hearing from like-minded Opry fans. Feel free to email me anytime with any comments or questions regarding the Opry, or classic country music in general.
Just to show I know more music than just country, I do want to say that several weeks ago I went to see Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Futhur Fest. If you are a Grateful Dead fan, you will know what I am talking about. And then last week, I saw Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp, who were just great. Now, enough of that and back to country music.
With August starting this weekend, I will be back in full time action, which also means more regular updates, classic Opry line-ups and more Opry news. And I am sure there will be lots of Opry news in the next several weeks as the plans are announced for the re-opening of the Grand Ole Opry House. That could be the most exciting Opry news in a while.
Now, for the line-ups for this weekend. The will again be one show on Friday night and one show on Saturday night, both at the Ryman Auditorium. Vince Gill returns for both shows this weekend, along with an appearance by Ray Stevens on Saturday night.
Friday July 30
7:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); John Cowan; Jan Howard
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless Heart
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Connie Smith; The Isaacs
Saturday July 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jean Shepard; Tim O'Brien
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Ray Stevens; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Whites
Georgette Jones will be the host this week for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Wouldn't it be great if George would make a guest appearance. That would just make the night.
And finally, Charlie Louvin had his cancer surgery last week. From what I ready, everything went ok and he is home recovering. God Bless!!!
Just to show I know more music than just country, I do want to say that several weeks ago I went to see Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Futhur Fest. If you are a Grateful Dead fan, you will know what I am talking about. And then last week, I saw Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp, who were just great. Now, enough of that and back to country music.
With August starting this weekend, I will be back in full time action, which also means more regular updates, classic Opry line-ups and more Opry news. And I am sure there will be lots of Opry news in the next several weeks as the plans are announced for the re-opening of the Grand Ole Opry House. That could be the most exciting Opry news in a while.
Now, for the line-ups for this weekend. The will again be one show on Friday night and one show on Saturday night, both at the Ryman Auditorium. Vince Gill returns for both shows this weekend, along with an appearance by Ray Stevens on Saturday night.
Friday July 30
7:00: Jim Ed Brown(host); The Whites; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); John Cowan; Jan Howard
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jean Shepard(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless Heart
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Connie Smith; The Isaacs
Saturday July 31
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Daryle Singletary
7:30: Jim Ed Brown(host); Jean Shepard; Tim O'Brien
INTERMISSION
8:15: Jeannie Seely(host); Jack Greene; Ray Stevens; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; The Whites
Georgette Jones will be the host this week for the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree. Wouldn't it be great if George would make a guest appearance. That would just make the night.
And finally, Charlie Louvin had his cancer surgery last week. From what I ready, everything went ok and he is home recovering. God Bless!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 7/23 & 7/24
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for this weekend. Friday night will feature the Opry debut of Randy Montana, along with Vince Gill and Cherryholmes. Saturday night features Patty Loveless and Heidi Newfield, along with Vince Gill and Marty Stuart. Both shows are at the Ryman Auditorium and there is one show each night.
Friday July 23
7:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Randy Montana
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Cherryholmes
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Chuck Mead
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
Saturday July 24
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); John Conlee; Chuck Mead
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; Heidi Newfield
INTERMISSION
8:15: Marty Stuart(host); Stonewall Jackson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Patty Loveless
The Opry has also announced the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry on July 27. This show will also be at the Ryman Auditorium and will feature Rhonda Vincent and Carrie Underwood.
Tuesday July 27
7:00: Diamond Rio; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Steel Magnolia; Rhonda Vincent
INTERMISSION
8:15: Eric Church; Jimmy Dickens
8:45: Carrie Underwood
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, that is now taped at 10:00pm at the Music Valley Drive Shop, will be hosted by Charlie McCoy. The taped broadcast at Midnight will be hosted by Bill Anderson.
Friday July 23
7:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Randy Montana
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Cherryholmes
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jack Greene; Chuck Mead
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Connie Smith
Saturday July 24
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); John Conlee; Chuck Mead
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; Heidi Newfield
INTERMISSION
8:15: Marty Stuart(host); Stonewall Jackson; Connie Smith; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Patty Loveless
The Opry has also announced the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry on July 27. This show will also be at the Ryman Auditorium and will feature Rhonda Vincent and Carrie Underwood.
Tuesday July 27
7:00: Diamond Rio; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: Steel Magnolia; Rhonda Vincent
INTERMISSION
8:15: Eric Church; Jimmy Dickens
8:45: Carrie Underwood
The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, that is now taped at 10:00pm at the Music Valley Drive Shop, will be hosted by Charlie McCoy. The taped broadcast at Midnight will be hosted by Bill Anderson.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Random Opry Thoughts
Good Evening, and sorry for the lack of posts this week. I am taking some vacation time and hopefully will be headed to the Carter Fold this weekend for the Saturday night show. I will post the weekly Opry line-up tomorrow, along with my thoughts, but I wanted to take a few minutes and just give my opinion on a couple of Opry items that have been on my mind:
Is is just me, or has everyone else noticed that since they had the Tuesday Night Opry with Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner to kick of the Opry's 85th birthday celebration, there has been basically nothing else said? Also, as of today, still no artists announced for the Opry's birthday weekend in October.
Also, the birthday concert this year will feature Mike Snider and T. Bubba Bechtol. After having artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan and The Gatlins the past several years, this is a comedown. This used to be one of the best bargins of the weekend, but know, I don't know.
I am becoming more and more concerned with the health of Jimmy Dickens. We all know that he is week-to-week, but his voice has been pretty bad the past several weeks. I just remember how it ended for Roy Acuff and would hate to see it happen the same way for Jimmy.
The Opry is still saying that they will return to the Opry House on October 1, but I am starting to wonder. I know they don't want to make definite plans until they know for sure, but at some point, they have to announce something. I still hope that somehow it gets pushed back to the birthday weekend.
And, speaking again of the birthday weekend, it looks like it could be a weak line-up unless they pull something out of their hat. From looking at various websites, many of the Opry's big guns have scheduled tour dates for that weekend, including of all people, Jimmy Dickens. I guess that the birthday weekend doesn't hold the attention like it used to.
It looks like to me that the Opry is going to have just one show on Saturday night from this point on, except for some special weekends. I have to admit that I do enjoy hearing the archive shows on WSM after the live Opry. Last week, the segment featured Ernest Tubb as the host.
But, it just doesn't seem right on Saturday night to have the Opry ending at 9:00.
I am concerned with the lower attendance for the Opry shows at the Ryman. I know that the tourist and convention business in Nashville is way down, but I would have expected the Opry to do a bit more marketing than it has been doing. They can't survive for long with only 1,000 people for each show.
And, speaking of the Opry House, it looks like that if the Opry House opens in October as planned, the Opry will only be there for one month, and then it will be back to the Ryman for its winter run. I am sure they will work hard to cash in that month.
Best of wishes to Charlie Louvin on his surgery. It will be rough, but he is committed to returning to the stage in August. Hopefully, they caught it in time. And, speaking of Charlie, it is still shameful that he only did one song during his last Opry appearance.
I am encouraged that Carrie Underwood continues to make regular Opry appearances. Also, it's nice to see more of Joe Diffie and Emmylou Harris at the Opry this year. But, it is still missing in action for Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Tom T. Hall, Alison Krauss, Reba and Dolly, all who haven't found the Opry yet this year.
As much as I hate the change, I kind of enjoyed the Midnight Jamboree being taped at 10pm. I watched the live webcast as it was being taped last Saturday, with Bill Anderson as the host and I have got to say that the quality of the broadcast was pretty good. And, Bill looked and sounded great. I really enjoy his new CD, Songwriter.
I saw that Hal Ketchum is scheduled for an upcoming Opry show. He had announced that he was taking the year off, but I am glad he is coming back for the Opry. He has really supported the show over the past several years.
Oh, and have you noticed that Carrie Underwood gets a full half hour again on Tuesday night? That almost is a given anymore.
Have you noticed that since Craig Morgan became an Opry member, his appearances have really dropped?
Also, is it just me, or are there others who are getting tired of Mike Snider hosting segments on almost every Opry show he is on? I like Mike and he is funny, but I would love to see some other Opry members as a host. Ray Pillow did a fine job several weeks ago. And, have you noticed that Jimmy C. Newman seems to have been dropped out of the rotation of hosts?
Don't you think it is time for a new Opry member? I think Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson or the Oak Ridge Boys would make great additions. But, why do I think Pete Fisher will choose Darius Rucker or Chris Young as the next member?
And, don't you just hate it when the Opry and their website go out of the way to promote a new CD or product by a non-Opry member, such as Darius Rucker this week, while ignoring great new CD's by current Opry members, such as Charlie Louvin's new project that is getting great reviews by everyone?
It just seems like Opry membership is not as important as it once was to be on the Opry. Many non-members seem to be on many more times as current members. Can we say Chris Young or Mandy Barnett?
I am glad to see Vince Gill and Patty Loveless back on the Opry this weekend. I have to admit that Vince is one of my favorite male singers. I don't think anyone does a ballad better than Vince. And, Patty is just awesome. What a voice she has. I wish she would do the Opry more.
Until next time...........
Is is just me, or has everyone else noticed that since they had the Tuesday Night Opry with Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner to kick of the Opry's 85th birthday celebration, there has been basically nothing else said? Also, as of today, still no artists announced for the Opry's birthday weekend in October.
Also, the birthday concert this year will feature Mike Snider and T. Bubba Bechtol. After having artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan and The Gatlins the past several years, this is a comedown. This used to be one of the best bargins of the weekend, but know, I don't know.
I am becoming more and more concerned with the health of Jimmy Dickens. We all know that he is week-to-week, but his voice has been pretty bad the past several weeks. I just remember how it ended for Roy Acuff and would hate to see it happen the same way for Jimmy.
The Opry is still saying that they will return to the Opry House on October 1, but I am starting to wonder. I know they don't want to make definite plans until they know for sure, but at some point, they have to announce something. I still hope that somehow it gets pushed back to the birthday weekend.
And, speaking again of the birthday weekend, it looks like it could be a weak line-up unless they pull something out of their hat. From looking at various websites, many of the Opry's big guns have scheduled tour dates for that weekend, including of all people, Jimmy Dickens. I guess that the birthday weekend doesn't hold the attention like it used to.
It looks like to me that the Opry is going to have just one show on Saturday night from this point on, except for some special weekends. I have to admit that I do enjoy hearing the archive shows on WSM after the live Opry. Last week, the segment featured Ernest Tubb as the host.
But, it just doesn't seem right on Saturday night to have the Opry ending at 9:00.
I am concerned with the lower attendance for the Opry shows at the Ryman. I know that the tourist and convention business in Nashville is way down, but I would have expected the Opry to do a bit more marketing than it has been doing. They can't survive for long with only 1,000 people for each show.
And, speaking of the Opry House, it looks like that if the Opry House opens in October as planned, the Opry will only be there for one month, and then it will be back to the Ryman for its winter run. I am sure they will work hard to cash in that month.
Best of wishes to Charlie Louvin on his surgery. It will be rough, but he is committed to returning to the stage in August. Hopefully, they caught it in time. And, speaking of Charlie, it is still shameful that he only did one song during his last Opry appearance.
I am encouraged that Carrie Underwood continues to make regular Opry appearances. Also, it's nice to see more of Joe Diffie and Emmylou Harris at the Opry this year. But, it is still missing in action for Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Tom T. Hall, Alison Krauss, Reba and Dolly, all who haven't found the Opry yet this year.
As much as I hate the change, I kind of enjoyed the Midnight Jamboree being taped at 10pm. I watched the live webcast as it was being taped last Saturday, with Bill Anderson as the host and I have got to say that the quality of the broadcast was pretty good. And, Bill looked and sounded great. I really enjoy his new CD, Songwriter.
I saw that Hal Ketchum is scheduled for an upcoming Opry show. He had announced that he was taking the year off, but I am glad he is coming back for the Opry. He has really supported the show over the past several years.
Oh, and have you noticed that Carrie Underwood gets a full half hour again on Tuesday night? That almost is a given anymore.
Have you noticed that since Craig Morgan became an Opry member, his appearances have really dropped?
Also, is it just me, or are there others who are getting tired of Mike Snider hosting segments on almost every Opry show he is on? I like Mike and he is funny, but I would love to see some other Opry members as a host. Ray Pillow did a fine job several weeks ago. And, have you noticed that Jimmy C. Newman seems to have been dropped out of the rotation of hosts?
Don't you think it is time for a new Opry member? I think Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson or the Oak Ridge Boys would make great additions. But, why do I think Pete Fisher will choose Darius Rucker or Chris Young as the next member?
And, don't you just hate it when the Opry and their website go out of the way to promote a new CD or product by a non-Opry member, such as Darius Rucker this week, while ignoring great new CD's by current Opry members, such as Charlie Louvin's new project that is getting great reviews by everyone?
It just seems like Opry membership is not as important as it once was to be on the Opry. Many non-members seem to be on many more times as current members. Can we say Chris Young or Mandy Barnett?
I am glad to see Vince Gill and Patty Loveless back on the Opry this weekend. I have to admit that Vince is one of my favorite male singers. I don't think anyone does a ballad better than Vince. And, Patty is just awesome. What a voice she has. I wish she would do the Opry more.
Until next time...........
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