I just wanted to take a moment and remember Johnny Russell. John would have turned 71 years old on Sunday January 23. He was a great songwriter and recorded several hit records himself. But more than that, Johnny was just a nice person.
I had the pleasure of not only seeing him on the Opry many times, but also saw him in concert and had the opportunity to sit and talk to him. In concert, he put on a great show. He was funny and enjoyable to listen to. I still remember the day I was at Opryland and stopped at one of the food areas for lunch. I was sitting with my daughter at a table in a pavilion when this gentleman asked if he could sit and eat his lunch with us. It was Johnny!! We sat and talked for about 30 minutes and he was the one asking the questions. Such as where we were from, were we enjoying ourselves, etc, etc. He never once came across as a big, Opry star. When we all got up to leave, he was the one thanking us for our time.
I know that John battled a lot of health problems later in his life, many of his own doing due to his weight issues. He had open heart surgery and suffered a stroke, but he always came back to the Opry. After Marty Robbins died, Johnny kind of took over the 11:30 segment. While no Marty Robbins, he really tried to make the segment his own and he did a nice job. He did not do the early Saturday show on a regular basis, but when he did, it was usually to host the televised portion on TNN.
Johnny was the one to first introduce Garth Brooks on the Opry and Garth insisted that Johnny induct him as an official member when the time came. Garth always insisted on appearing on Johnny's segment when he played the Opry.
Johnny joined the Opry in August 1985 and would remain a member until his death on July 3, 2001, from complications while suffering from diabetes. He was only 61 when he did, which was much too young. His last years were not kind and he suffered greatly. Johnny last appeared on the Opry in 2000. After his death, the 11:30 portion of the Opry on Saturday July 7, 2001 was dedicated to Johnny. As was written that night:
"Johnny Russell embodied the spirit of the Grand Ole Opry. He was a friendly, self-effacing professional who loved the camaraderie of the musicians and the laughter and applause of the crowd. And he loved being home on the late show of the Saturday night Opry. Well, Russell, the wise-cracking mountain of a man and brilliant songwriter, died this week after a long battle with diabetes and related ailments. His funeral is today at the Opry House. That's only fitting. Then Johnny Russell goes home one more time when his spirit guides his colleagues through A Salute to Johnny Russell tonight. It's the late show: 11:30-midnight---Johnny Russell time."
As Johnny said ever show, "Can you see me alright?"
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 1/21 & 1/22--Updated
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-up for the shows this weekend. Again, the Opry will be at the Ryman Auditorium for 1 show on Friday night and 1 show on Saturday night. This week, the Friday Night Opry looks like the stronger of the 2 shows, featuring Montgomery Gentry and the Oak Ridge Boys. Ralph Stanley was originally scheduled for this weekend, but as was noted previously, he had a heart pacemaker recently installed and is resting.
Friday January 21
7:00: Ricky Skaggs(host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: John Conlee(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Montgomery Gentry
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Connie Smith; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday January 22
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Thompson Square; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs(host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; The Whites
Friday January 21
7:00: Ricky Skaggs(host); Jim Ed Brown; The Whites
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: John Conlee(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Montgomery Gentry
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Connie Smith; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday January 22
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; Del McCoury Band
7:30: Riders In The Sky(host); Thompson Square; Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Holly Williams; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs(host); Jean Shepard; Jack Greene; The Whites
Monday, January 17, 2011
2010 Grand Ole Opry Appearances
I have completed the list of Grand Ole Opry appearances by Opry members in 2010. In 2010, there were a total of 188 Opry shows. The complete breakdown was 54 Friday night shows, 70 Saturday night shows, 42 Tuesday Night Oprys and 22 Opry Country Classic shows on Thursday night. Just to give everyone some comparison, in 2009, there were 200 Opry shows, with the big difference this year being 11 less Saturday shows, as the Opry has only one show on the majority of Saturday nights. Going back to 2008, before the Thursday shows started, there were 201 Opry show, with 105 of those on Saturday night. So from 2008 to 2010, the number of Saturday shows has dropped by 35!!
In listing the appearances by Opry members, I have them in order from most appearances to the least. Also, in parentheses I have how that number compares to the year before, 2009. Also, I have included all the shows. So, even though Larry Gatlin has a number of Opry appearances, all were on the Thursday night show. Theoretically, more Opry shows spread over more nights is supposed to give Opry members more opportunities to be on the show. But, as you will see, that is not necessarily happening. Also, 2010 did have the flood, which did affect the show greatly as the Opry moved between various sights.
1. 126-Jimmy Dickens(145 in 2009)
2. 99-Mike Snider(121)
3. 82-The Whites(108)
4. 81-Jeannie Seely(81)
5. 79-Jim Ed Brown(95)
6. 78-Jimmy C. Newman(96)
7. 73-Jean Shepard(93)
8. 71-Bill Anderson(96)
9. 70-Connie Smith(98)
10. 68-John Conlee(51)
11. 66-Jack Greene(63)
12. 63-Riders In The Sky(63)
13. 49-Jan Howard(43)
14. 48-Bobby Osborne(47)
15. 45-Jesse McReynolds(53)
16. 39-George Hamilton IV(30)
17. 28-Del McCoury(32)
18. 27-Stonewall Jackson(27)
19. 23-Marty Stuart(34)
20. 19-Ricky Skaggs(37)
21. 17-Vince Gill(32)
22. 13-Diamond Rio(9)
23. 12-Ray Pillow(11), Charlie Daniels(13)
24. 11-Joe Diffie(10)
25. 10-Larry Gatlin(9), Charlie Louvin(12), Craig Morgan(10), Mel Tillis(9), Steve Wariner(13)
26. 9-Blake Shelton(0)
27. 8-Trace Adkins(10), Terri Clark(5), Emmylou Harris(2), Charley Pride(7)
28. 7-Montgomery Gentry(9), Lorrie Morgan(16), Stu Phillips(10)
29. 6-Dierks Bentley)5), Ralph Stanley(10), Pam Tillis(12), Josh Turner(7), Carrie Underwood(10)
30. 5-Roy Clark(3)
31. 4-Loretta Lynn(3), Brad Paisley(3)
32. 3-Martina McBride(6), Dolly Parton(0)
33. 2-Mel McDaniel(16), Ronnie Milsap(3), George Jones(1)
34. 1-Wilma Lee Cooper, Alan Jackson(0), Hal Ketchum(20), Patty Loveless(3), Randy Travis(0), Trisha Yearwood(2)
35. 0-Clint Black(0), Garth Brooks(0), Billy Grammer(2), Tom T. Hall(0), Alison Krauss(5), Barbara Mandrell(0), Reba McEntire(1), Jeanne Pruett(0), Ricky Van Shelton(0), Travis Tritt(0)
Currently there are 67 Grand Ole Opry members. I did include appearances by Wilma Lee Cooper and Mel McDaniel, because they were on the Opry stage during actual Opry numbers. It is hard to believe that only 25 of the Opry's members appeared at least 10 times in 2010.
It was disturbing to see a number of the Opry's popular veterans have reduced appearances in 2010, after really supporting the show the year before. Those would include Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis and Hal Ketchum. I feel some of the reduction had to do with less Saturday night shows as a number of the artists listed mostly appeared on Saturday nights and would do both shows. Also, I think the show moving around did not help. It was nice to see a jump in appearances by Emmylou Harris and John Conlee.
Most of the Opry's legends saw either a slight reduction in appearances or about the same number as the year before. Again with the legends, most of this is by management's choice, not the artists. Most every legend would do every Opry show if they were asked.
All of Blake Shelton's appearances took place before he became a member. And, it should be noted that a number of the Opry members with no appearances, have either retired or do not appear do to health reasons. Those would include Billy Grammer, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton.
As far as non-Opry members who appeared the most in 2010? Here are the top ones:
1. 16-Holly Williams, Chris Young
2. 15-Dailey & Vincent, Darryl Singletary
3. 14-Mandy Barnett
4. 12-Emily West
5. 11-Restless Heart, Rebecca Lynn Howard
6. 9-Jimmy Wayne, The Grascals, Elizabeth Cook, Joey+Roey
7. 8-Chuck Mead, Cherryholmes
8. 6-Point Of Grace, Sam Bush, Gene Watson, Eric Church
And, as always, I have tried to make sure the list is accurate. However, there is the possibility that I may have missed an appearance by someone. But, I think it is overall correct. Hope you enjoy this little look back.
In listing the appearances by Opry members, I have them in order from most appearances to the least. Also, in parentheses I have how that number compares to the year before, 2009. Also, I have included all the shows. So, even though Larry Gatlin has a number of Opry appearances, all were on the Thursday night show. Theoretically, more Opry shows spread over more nights is supposed to give Opry members more opportunities to be on the show. But, as you will see, that is not necessarily happening. Also, 2010 did have the flood, which did affect the show greatly as the Opry moved between various sights.
1. 126-Jimmy Dickens(145 in 2009)
2. 99-Mike Snider(121)
3. 82-The Whites(108)
4. 81-Jeannie Seely(81)
5. 79-Jim Ed Brown(95)
6. 78-Jimmy C. Newman(96)
7. 73-Jean Shepard(93)
8. 71-Bill Anderson(96)
9. 70-Connie Smith(98)
10. 68-John Conlee(51)
11. 66-Jack Greene(63)
12. 63-Riders In The Sky(63)
13. 49-Jan Howard(43)
14. 48-Bobby Osborne(47)
15. 45-Jesse McReynolds(53)
16. 39-George Hamilton IV(30)
17. 28-Del McCoury(32)
18. 27-Stonewall Jackson(27)
19. 23-Marty Stuart(34)
20. 19-Ricky Skaggs(37)
21. 17-Vince Gill(32)
22. 13-Diamond Rio(9)
23. 12-Ray Pillow(11), Charlie Daniels(13)
24. 11-Joe Diffie(10)
25. 10-Larry Gatlin(9), Charlie Louvin(12), Craig Morgan(10), Mel Tillis(9), Steve Wariner(13)
26. 9-Blake Shelton(0)
27. 8-Trace Adkins(10), Terri Clark(5), Emmylou Harris(2), Charley Pride(7)
28. 7-Montgomery Gentry(9), Lorrie Morgan(16), Stu Phillips(10)
29. 6-Dierks Bentley)5), Ralph Stanley(10), Pam Tillis(12), Josh Turner(7), Carrie Underwood(10)
30. 5-Roy Clark(3)
31. 4-Loretta Lynn(3), Brad Paisley(3)
32. 3-Martina McBride(6), Dolly Parton(0)
33. 2-Mel McDaniel(16), Ronnie Milsap(3), George Jones(1)
34. 1-Wilma Lee Cooper, Alan Jackson(0), Hal Ketchum(20), Patty Loveless(3), Randy Travis(0), Trisha Yearwood(2)
35. 0-Clint Black(0), Garth Brooks(0), Billy Grammer(2), Tom T. Hall(0), Alison Krauss(5), Barbara Mandrell(0), Reba McEntire(1), Jeanne Pruett(0), Ricky Van Shelton(0), Travis Tritt(0)
Currently there are 67 Grand Ole Opry members. I did include appearances by Wilma Lee Cooper and Mel McDaniel, because they were on the Opry stage during actual Opry numbers. It is hard to believe that only 25 of the Opry's members appeared at least 10 times in 2010.
It was disturbing to see a number of the Opry's popular veterans have reduced appearances in 2010, after really supporting the show the year before. Those would include Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis and Hal Ketchum. I feel some of the reduction had to do with less Saturday night shows as a number of the artists listed mostly appeared on Saturday nights and would do both shows. Also, I think the show moving around did not help. It was nice to see a jump in appearances by Emmylou Harris and John Conlee.
Most of the Opry's legends saw either a slight reduction in appearances or about the same number as the year before. Again with the legends, most of this is by management's choice, not the artists. Most every legend would do every Opry show if they were asked.
All of Blake Shelton's appearances took place before he became a member. And, it should be noted that a number of the Opry members with no appearances, have either retired or do not appear do to health reasons. Those would include Billy Grammer, Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton.
As far as non-Opry members who appeared the most in 2010? Here are the top ones:
1. 16-Holly Williams, Chris Young
2. 15-Dailey & Vincent, Darryl Singletary
3. 14-Mandy Barnett
4. 12-Emily West
5. 11-Restless Heart, Rebecca Lynn Howard
6. 9-Jimmy Wayne, The Grascals, Elizabeth Cook, Joey+Roey
7. 8-Chuck Mead, Cherryholmes
8. 6-Point Of Grace, Sam Bush, Gene Watson, Eric Church
And, as always, I have tried to make sure the list is accurate. However, there is the possibility that I may have missed an appearance by someone. But, I think it is overall correct. Hope you enjoy this little look back.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Mel McDaniel/Wilma Lee Cooper/Ricky Van Shelton/Tex Ritter
I wanted to offer congratulations to a couple of Grand Ole Opry members. Mel McDaniel on Tuesday January 11, celebrated his 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Mel has been a solid Opry member since joining the cast and he also co-wrote with Bob Morrison the great Opry tribute song, "The Grandest Lady of Them All." Amazingly, they wrote the song back in 1976. We all know that Mel had a serious heart attack several years back, and it has been a struggle. But it was great to see him on stage again at the Opry during the grand reopening of the Opry House and during the Opry's 85th anniversary show. Hopefully, it won't be long until Mel actually is able to perform again on the stage.
Congratulations also go to Wilma Lee Cooper, who on January 12 will be celebrating her 54th year as an Opry member. Wilma suffered a career ending stroke in 2001 and has been unable to perform since. But, she has made several appearances on the Opry stage, including in 2007 to be honored as a 50 year Opry member and again this past September at the reopening of the Opry House. She had kept the mountain music alive and well on the Opry and she is missed.
Congratulations go to Ricky Van Shelton, who today, January 12, is celebrating his 59th birthday. Ricky joined the Opry on June 10, 1988, just one day prior to Patty Loveless becoming a member. Hal Durham was the Opry manager at the time and this was during the period when the Opry was adding members and basically asking no committment from them as to appearances on the show. Sorry to say, Ricky would become one of those members who would make very infrequent appearances on the show over the years. In 2000, he made 7 appearances on the show, but from then until he retired in 2006, he only made a total of 3 more appearances. Even the year he became a member in 1988, he was only on the show 2 times. I always thought Ricky had a great voice and he could have been a real asset to the Opry. Like I mentioned, he retired in May 2006 from the music business, but as a retired artist, he was allowed to retain his Opry membership.
Finally, I want to mention the great Tex Ritter. Today we celebrate what would have been Tex's 106th birthday. He was born on January 12, 1905. He was a great singing cowboy star who made his way to Nashville and the Opry somewhat later in his career. In 1964, he became the 2nd living person to be elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and just the 4th individual overall. He came to Nashville to work at WSM radio and he became an Opry member on June 12, 1965. When he joined, there was some discussion among other Opry members on how loyal Tex would be to the show, but he ended up as one of the Opry's most beloved members, and he became very active in the Country Music Association, serving two years as president of the group. Tex would remain an Opry member until his death on January 2, 1974. Although his time at the Opry was relatively short, he had a great influence on the show. There is an older video that is out in the market called, "The Nashville Sound", and it covers a night at the Opry, and Tex is featured hosting one of the segments and singing. A great piece history.
Congratulations also go to Wilma Lee Cooper, who on January 12 will be celebrating her 54th year as an Opry member. Wilma suffered a career ending stroke in 2001 and has been unable to perform since. But, she has made several appearances on the Opry stage, including in 2007 to be honored as a 50 year Opry member and again this past September at the reopening of the Opry House. She had kept the mountain music alive and well on the Opry and she is missed.
Congratulations go to Ricky Van Shelton, who today, January 12, is celebrating his 59th birthday. Ricky joined the Opry on June 10, 1988, just one day prior to Patty Loveless becoming a member. Hal Durham was the Opry manager at the time and this was during the period when the Opry was adding members and basically asking no committment from them as to appearances on the show. Sorry to say, Ricky would become one of those members who would make very infrequent appearances on the show over the years. In 2000, he made 7 appearances on the show, but from then until he retired in 2006, he only made a total of 3 more appearances. Even the year he became a member in 1988, he was only on the show 2 times. I always thought Ricky had a great voice and he could have been a real asset to the Opry. Like I mentioned, he retired in May 2006 from the music business, but as a retired artist, he was allowed to retain his Opry membership.
Finally, I want to mention the great Tex Ritter. Today we celebrate what would have been Tex's 106th birthday. He was born on January 12, 1905. He was a great singing cowboy star who made his way to Nashville and the Opry somewhat later in his career. In 1964, he became the 2nd living person to be elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and just the 4th individual overall. He came to Nashville to work at WSM radio and he became an Opry member on June 12, 1965. When he joined, there was some discussion among other Opry members on how loyal Tex would be to the show, but he ended up as one of the Opry's most beloved members, and he became very active in the Country Music Association, serving two years as president of the group. Tex would remain an Opry member until his death on January 2, 1974. Although his time at the Opry was relatively short, he had a great influence on the show. There is an older video that is out in the market called, "The Nashville Sound", and it covers a night at the Opry, and Tex is featured hosting one of the segments and singing. A great piece history.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 1/14 & 1/15
The Grand Ole Opry is getting an early jump in announcing this weekends line-ups. And, I can see why, as both Friday night and Saturday night have solid line-ups. Friday night, Charley Pride and Vince Gill are the highlights and they are joined on Saturday by Joe Diffie and a special appearance by rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson and Jack White.
Here are the line-ups:
Friday January 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Jean Shepard; Lee Brice
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C. Newman; Rodney Atkins
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Charley Pride
Saturday January 15
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Mike Snider; Joe Diffie
7:30: Charley Pride(host); The Whites; Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Wanda Jackson featuring Jack White
Here are the line-ups:
Friday January 14
7:00: Riders In The Sky(host); Jean Shepard; Lee Brice
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Connie Smith; Del McCoury Band
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Jan Howard; Jimmy C. Newman; Rodney Atkins
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Charley Pride
Saturday January 15
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Mike Snider; Joe Diffie
7:30: Charley Pride(host); The Whites; Riders In The Sky; Connie Smith
INTERMISSION
8:15: Bill Anderson(host); Jeannie Seely; Del McCoury Band; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill(host); Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press; Wanda Jackson featuring Jack White
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Grand Ole Opry Line-Up 1/7 & 1/8----Update #2
Another change. Jesse McReynolds has cancelled out for tonight. No new addition, they moved George Hamilton IV over a slot.
Hold the presses!!!!!! The Opry has filled out the line-up for this weekend and has made a couple of changes in the line-up. Frankie Ballard (?) and The Grascals have been added for this weekend. Frankie Ballard you ask? Another newcomer to Nashville that we will probably not hear from again in a year. Meanwhile we have The Whites, Jan Howard, Jimmy C. Newman, Connie Smith, George Hamilton IV, all of whom are doing only 1 show this weekend and Ray Pillow and Stonewall Jackson, who are not doing any shows, available for only a phone call. I am sure any of these would see as many extra tickets as Frankie Ballard.
Before I get into the line-ups for this weekend's Opry shows, I wanted to make a couple of general comments and get a few items off my chest.
The Grand Ole Opry recently ran a contest on their website and on facebook for a chance to meet Keith Urban at the Opry, at some future date. Ok, so the winner gets a chance to meet Keith, but the winner doesn't know when that will be. In looking at the Opry's calendar of upcoming shows, Keith Urban is not listed. Hopefully the winner will get to see Keith at the Opry sometime, in say, the next year. Which brings up another point and that is why does the Opry, with 67 members, feel the need to run a contest to meet a non-member who very rarely plays the Opry? There are plenty of "big name" Opry stars that fans would love to meet. I could name Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson among others. Of course the way things are at the Opry these days, Keith could be a member by the time the winner finally gets to see him.
And on the same vein, on the Opry website they are now running advertisements for the ACM Showcase at the Opry, hosted by Luke Bryan. Taking part in this Opry sponsored show later this month will be Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Randy Houser, the JaneDear girls, The Band Perry and Steel Magnolia. Again, as with the Keith Urban promotion, none of these individuals are Opry members. Granted, all but the JaneDear girls have played the Opry in the past, and several of them have played the Opry more than many of the Opry members, but we have again a big promotion and sponsorship of a concert by the Opry and no Opry members taking part in it.
Also regarding the Opry, January through April used to be some of the biggest months at the Opry. Not so much by attendance, but by the quality of the shows. Many of the Opry's members do not tour in the winter and are in town recording, and were ususally available and wanting to play the Opry. Again, looking at the schedule of upcoming shows at the Opry, it is pretty empty of anyone, much less the major Opry members. Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Terri Clark, Del McCoury and some others are listed for upcoming shows, but there are many, many weeks when nobody is listed. Is the Opry having that much trouble attracting stars to perform? It could be that or that the Opry management is just slow in updating the site. Many fans have gotten used to looking at the upcoming schedule to see who is coming and planning their trips. To me, it would help the Opry to be promoting the winter shows a little bit more.
Of course, in looking at this week's line-up, they haven't even filled that out, with a slot available on Friday and Saturday night. While the line-up is "ok", it is certainly not the strongest one we have seen in recent years. Friday night features Dailey & Vincent and Rodney Atkins. Dailey & Vincent have become regular visitors at the Opry in recent weeks. Saturday features Suzy Bogguss, Brett Eldredge and James Wesley, along with the Opry members. Here are the line-ups:
Friday January 7
7:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Frankie Ballard
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); George Hamilton IV; Chris Young
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky(host); Jim Ed Brown; Dailey & Vincent
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Connie Smith; Rodney Atkins
Saturday January 8
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; James Wesley
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Suzy Bogguss
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brett Eldredge; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee(host); The Whites; The Grascals
On a final note, the Ernest Tubb Record Shops have announced that there will be no Midnight Jamboree tapings (or new shows) in January and February. The first two weeks of January they will play previously recorded shows that have not aired as of yet, featuring David Frizzell this week, Norma Jean next week and then a show with Rhonda Vincent, from what it looks like, New York. After that, who knows. If nothing else, hopefully they will play some of the older shows that featured Ernest Tubb. But, regardless, it is still a sad day when the Midnight Jamboree takes a hiatus. I know that things have been tough over there, especially since the flood. But for over 60 years, the show has gone on. And that included the years when the shop was still downtown and the Opry had moved to the new Opry House. For a while, they were doing the show from the now-closed shop by the former location of the Hall of Fame. And yes, on some Saturday nights the crowd was pretty sparse.
I know that the flood and the moving of the Opry really has hurt. The crowds were way down and there are costs associated with the show. Whenever I go to Nashville, I always go to the Midnight Jamboree and yes, in the winter months, the attendance was really down. I can remember one show in January with Charlie Louvin as the host and only about a dozen people were there. And back about 20 years ago, I remember a show hosted by Justin Tubb and there were 6 people in the audience. But I also remember a couple of years ago Marty Stuart hosting a February show and it was standing room only and it was the same when Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent did the show a few years back.
The point is that if they were to keep the quality of the hosts up, the people will come and be loyal to the show. I have noticed over the past several years that there seemed to be more and more people hosting the show that had Texas connections, such as James Hand, Justin Trevino, and Curtis Potter. These are all good entertainers but they do not have much name recognition in Nashville.
I remember when the Wheeling Jamboree, which was the 2nd longest running radio show next to the Opry, went to taped archive shows years ago. And, it was just a matter of time until the Jamboree totally went out of business (yes, it is making a comeback thanks to Brad Paisley), and I would hate to see the same thing happen to the Midnight Jamboree.
That does it for me. I did not forget my year end review and as soon as I get all the numbers tabulated, I will print the information.
Hold the presses!!!!!! The Opry has filled out the line-up for this weekend and has made a couple of changes in the line-up. Frankie Ballard (?) and The Grascals have been added for this weekend. Frankie Ballard you ask? Another newcomer to Nashville that we will probably not hear from again in a year. Meanwhile we have The Whites, Jan Howard, Jimmy C. Newman, Connie Smith, George Hamilton IV, all of whom are doing only 1 show this weekend and Ray Pillow and Stonewall Jackson, who are not doing any shows, available for only a phone call. I am sure any of these would see as many extra tickets as Frankie Ballard.
Before I get into the line-ups for this weekend's Opry shows, I wanted to make a couple of general comments and get a few items off my chest.
The Grand Ole Opry recently ran a contest on their website and on facebook for a chance to meet Keith Urban at the Opry, at some future date. Ok, so the winner gets a chance to meet Keith, but the winner doesn't know when that will be. In looking at the Opry's calendar of upcoming shows, Keith Urban is not listed. Hopefully the winner will get to see Keith at the Opry sometime, in say, the next year. Which brings up another point and that is why does the Opry, with 67 members, feel the need to run a contest to meet a non-member who very rarely plays the Opry? There are plenty of "big name" Opry stars that fans would love to meet. I could name Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson among others. Of course the way things are at the Opry these days, Keith could be a member by the time the winner finally gets to see him.
And on the same vein, on the Opry website they are now running advertisements for the ACM Showcase at the Opry, hosted by Luke Bryan. Taking part in this Opry sponsored show later this month will be Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Randy Houser, the JaneDear girls, The Band Perry and Steel Magnolia. Again, as with the Keith Urban promotion, none of these individuals are Opry members. Granted, all but the JaneDear girls have played the Opry in the past, and several of them have played the Opry more than many of the Opry members, but we have again a big promotion and sponsorship of a concert by the Opry and no Opry members taking part in it.
Also regarding the Opry, January through April used to be some of the biggest months at the Opry. Not so much by attendance, but by the quality of the shows. Many of the Opry's members do not tour in the winter and are in town recording, and were ususally available and wanting to play the Opry. Again, looking at the schedule of upcoming shows at the Opry, it is pretty empty of anyone, much less the major Opry members. Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Terri Clark, Del McCoury and some others are listed for upcoming shows, but there are many, many weeks when nobody is listed. Is the Opry having that much trouble attracting stars to perform? It could be that or that the Opry management is just slow in updating the site. Many fans have gotten used to looking at the upcoming schedule to see who is coming and planning their trips. To me, it would help the Opry to be promoting the winter shows a little bit more.
Of course, in looking at this week's line-up, they haven't even filled that out, with a slot available on Friday and Saturday night. While the line-up is "ok", it is certainly not the strongest one we have seen in recent years. Friday night features Dailey & Vincent and Rodney Atkins. Dailey & Vincent have become regular visitors at the Opry in recent weeks. Saturday features Suzy Bogguss, Brett Eldredge and James Wesley, along with the Opry members. Here are the line-ups:
Friday January 7
7:00: John Conlee(host); Jeannie Seely; Frankie Ballard
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); George Hamilton IV; Chris Young
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky(host); Jim Ed Brown; Dailey & Vincent
8:45: Mike Snider(host); Connie Smith; Rodney Atkins
Saturday January 8
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C. Newman; James Wesley
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; Suzy Bogguss
INTERMISSION
8:15: Riders In The Sky(host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Brett Eldredge; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee(host); The Whites; The Grascals
On a final note, the Ernest Tubb Record Shops have announced that there will be no Midnight Jamboree tapings (or new shows) in January and February. The first two weeks of January they will play previously recorded shows that have not aired as of yet, featuring David Frizzell this week, Norma Jean next week and then a show with Rhonda Vincent, from what it looks like, New York. After that, who knows. If nothing else, hopefully they will play some of the older shows that featured Ernest Tubb. But, regardless, it is still a sad day when the Midnight Jamboree takes a hiatus. I know that things have been tough over there, especially since the flood. But for over 60 years, the show has gone on. And that included the years when the shop was still downtown and the Opry had moved to the new Opry House. For a while, they were doing the show from the now-closed shop by the former location of the Hall of Fame. And yes, on some Saturday nights the crowd was pretty sparse.
I know that the flood and the moving of the Opry really has hurt. The crowds were way down and there are costs associated with the show. Whenever I go to Nashville, I always go to the Midnight Jamboree and yes, in the winter months, the attendance was really down. I can remember one show in January with Charlie Louvin as the host and only about a dozen people were there. And back about 20 years ago, I remember a show hosted by Justin Tubb and there were 6 people in the audience. But I also remember a couple of years ago Marty Stuart hosting a February show and it was standing room only and it was the same when Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent did the show a few years back.
The point is that if they were to keep the quality of the hosts up, the people will come and be loyal to the show. I have noticed over the past several years that there seemed to be more and more people hosting the show that had Texas connections, such as James Hand, Justin Trevino, and Curtis Potter. These are all good entertainers but they do not have much name recognition in Nashville.
I remember when the Wheeling Jamboree, which was the 2nd longest running radio show next to the Opry, went to taped archive shows years ago. And, it was just a matter of time until the Jamboree totally went out of business (yes, it is making a comeback thanks to Brad Paisley), and I would hate to see the same thing happen to the Midnight Jamboree.
That does it for me. I did not forget my year end review and as soon as I get all the numbers tabulated, I will print the information.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
January Opry Highlights
Happy New Year to all my readers!! I hope that 2011 is the best year that you will ever have. I also hope that 2011 will be the best year for the Grand Ole Opry, especially after all the problems in 2010. We shall see.
As I do each month, I want to review the historical and important events that have taken place in Opry history during the month of January
A number of Grand Ole Opry members joined the show during this month:
>Tom T. Hall became an Opy member on January 1, 1971 (40 years).
>Dolly Parton joined the Opry on January 4, 1969 (42 years).
>Clint Black became an Opry member on January 11, 1991 (20 years).
>Mel McDaniel joined the Opry on January 11, 1986 (25 years).
>Wilma Lee Cooper joined the Opry on January 12, 1957 (54 years)..
>Ralph Stanley became an Opry member on January 15, 2000 (11 years).
>Charlie Daniels became an Opry member on January 19, 2008 (3 years).
>Hal Ketchum joined the Opry on January 22, 1994 (17 years).
>Emmylou Harris became an Opry member on January 25, 1992 (19 years).
A few of the names on the January list are "questionable" Opry members at best. Why in the world is Tom T. Hall a member of the Opry? He hasn't been on the Opry in over 15 years!!! And, he has been active during that time, doing some personal appearances and song writing. He doesn't really associate himself with the Opry, and even after he first joined, he had questionable attendance. In 1971, the year he joined the Opry, he appeared 14 times on the show, and that was his high point. In 1972, it was 11 appearances, 8 in 1973, 3 in 1974, and then 0 in 1975, 1977, 1978 and 1979, and then in 1980, he appeared 4 times, and then back to 0 in 1982. In the mid-to-late 1980's, he made a comeback, with 9 appearances in 1985, 11 in 1988 and then back down to 9 in 1990. From that point on, the appearances were very infrequent. When Tom T. joined the Opry, it was on the recommendation of Ernest Tubb. On his first night at the Opry, he was introduced by Roy Acuff as "Tom P. Hay".
Clint Black is another "non-active" member. His last Opry appearance was in 2007, when he appeared 2 times. Prior to that, he was last seen on the Opry stage in 2003. And then you have Mel McDaniel who is doing whatever he can to get himself physically well enough to get back on the stage and do the show. I have said it before, if you are going to be an Opry member, be on the show. If you are not going to appear and give the Opry "lip" service, then please resign your membership. I think Opry membership still means something to most of the Opry members.
The following historical events took place in Opry history in January:
January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb makes his first appearance as a member of the Opry. Of course, he would bring a completely new sound to the Opry stage and would become one of the Opry's most loyal members. He would also become one of the Opry's most influential members. The story goes that Ernest was on the road so much that at the start of each year, he would give the Opry the list of dates that he could appear at the Opry for that year, and he would make sure he got in his required appearances. Probably no one in country music history toured more than Ernest.
January 7, 1950: Hank Snow becomes a member of the Opry. In a rarity, this was also Hank's very first Grand Ole Opry performance and the first time that he had ever performed in Nashville. He had been trying, with the help of Ernest Tubb, to get to Nashville and the Opry for a number of years, and Ernest's influence at the Opry finally came through for Hank. He would remain a very active Opry member until his death in 1999.
January 1, 1953: Former Opry member Hank Williams is found dead in the back seat of his car in West Virginia. He was on his way to Canton, Ohio for a New Year's Day show.
January 19, 1953; Marty Robbins makes his first Grand Ole Opry appearance.
January 1, 1960: Billy Walker, the "Tall Texan", became a member of the Opry. He would remain an Opry member until his death in an auto accident in May 2006.
January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline becomes a member of the Opry. The way the story goes, Patsy had been a guest on the Opry for a number of years, and she finally asked Ott Devine, the Opry general manager at the time, if she could one day become a member of the Opry. Ott's response was, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."
January 7, 1967: Charley Pride makes his first Opry appearance and in doing so, becomes the first black solo artist to sing on the Opry. (Of course, DeFord Bailey was the first black Opry member). Ernest Tubb introduced him and soon after, he was asked if he wanted to join the Opry. He did not at the time, but would eventually join in 1993.
January 27, 1970: Marty Robbins undergoes heart bypass surgery in Nashville. He was one of the first people in the country to have this operation. (I have heard that he was the 7th, but I can't confirm that for sure). He would return to the Opry in March of that year.
January 2, 1974: Tex Ritter passed away from a heart attack in Nashville. He was getting ready to leave on tour and had to go to the jail to bail out one of his band members. He was sitting in the office, when he suddenly slumped over and died instantly. Tex joined the Opry late in his life and became one of the Opry's most loyal and popular members. He also co-hosted the all night radio show on WSM with Ralph Emery.
January 27, 1979: Loretta Lynn was joined on stage at the Opry by actress Sissy Spacek, who would play Loretta in the film, "Coal Miner's Daughter". They were introduced by Ernest Tubb and would appear later that night on the Midnight Jamboree.
January 3, 1998: Grandpa Jones makes his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. After he performed on the 2nd show that Saturday night, Grandpa suffered a stroke and was taken directly from the Opry House to the hospital. He would suffer several more strokes over the next month, eventually passing away on February 19, 1998.
January 15, 1999: For the first time since 1974, the Opry returns to the newly renovated Ryman Auditorium for the shows for that weekend. Porter Wagoner was the first artist out on Friday night and received a huge ovation from the crowd. The Ryman Auditorium looked and sounded great. Since that first weekend back, the Opry has returned to the Ryman Auditorium each winter since. As someone who was at all 3 shows that weekend, it was a great experience to be back at the Ryman. And, it was much more comfortable.
January 16, 1999: While at the Ryman Auditorium, Trisha Yearwood was asked by Ricky Skaggs if she would like to become the Opry's newest member. She did and she would officially join the cast in March.
January 4, 2003: Hank Williams, Jr, along with his son, Hank III, performed at the Opry to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Several years ago, Hank III recorded the song, "The Grand Ole Opry Ain't So Grand Anymore', and since then he has not been asked to do the Opry. If you have not, you might want to listen to the song and you will see why. A warning: it is not a PG rated song.
Hope you enjoy.
As I do each month, I want to review the historical and important events that have taken place in Opry history during the month of January
A number of Grand Ole Opry members joined the show during this month:
>Tom T. Hall became an Opy member on January 1, 1971 (40 years).
>Dolly Parton joined the Opry on January 4, 1969 (42 years).
>Clint Black became an Opry member on January 11, 1991 (20 years).
>Mel McDaniel joined the Opry on January 11, 1986 (25 years).
>Wilma Lee Cooper joined the Opry on January 12, 1957 (54 years)..
>Ralph Stanley became an Opry member on January 15, 2000 (11 years).
>Charlie Daniels became an Opry member on January 19, 2008 (3 years).
>Hal Ketchum joined the Opry on January 22, 1994 (17 years).
>Emmylou Harris became an Opry member on January 25, 1992 (19 years).
A few of the names on the January list are "questionable" Opry members at best. Why in the world is Tom T. Hall a member of the Opry? He hasn't been on the Opry in over 15 years!!! And, he has been active during that time, doing some personal appearances and song writing. He doesn't really associate himself with the Opry, and even after he first joined, he had questionable attendance. In 1971, the year he joined the Opry, he appeared 14 times on the show, and that was his high point. In 1972, it was 11 appearances, 8 in 1973, 3 in 1974, and then 0 in 1975, 1977, 1978 and 1979, and then in 1980, he appeared 4 times, and then back to 0 in 1982. In the mid-to-late 1980's, he made a comeback, with 9 appearances in 1985, 11 in 1988 and then back down to 9 in 1990. From that point on, the appearances were very infrequent. When Tom T. joined the Opry, it was on the recommendation of Ernest Tubb. On his first night at the Opry, he was introduced by Roy Acuff as "Tom P. Hay".
Clint Black is another "non-active" member. His last Opry appearance was in 2007, when he appeared 2 times. Prior to that, he was last seen on the Opry stage in 2003. And then you have Mel McDaniel who is doing whatever he can to get himself physically well enough to get back on the stage and do the show. I have said it before, if you are going to be an Opry member, be on the show. If you are not going to appear and give the Opry "lip" service, then please resign your membership. I think Opry membership still means something to most of the Opry members.
The following historical events took place in Opry history in January:
January 16, 1943: Ernest Tubb makes his first appearance as a member of the Opry. Of course, he would bring a completely new sound to the Opry stage and would become one of the Opry's most loyal members. He would also become one of the Opry's most influential members. The story goes that Ernest was on the road so much that at the start of each year, he would give the Opry the list of dates that he could appear at the Opry for that year, and he would make sure he got in his required appearances. Probably no one in country music history toured more than Ernest.
January 7, 1950: Hank Snow becomes a member of the Opry. In a rarity, this was also Hank's very first Grand Ole Opry performance and the first time that he had ever performed in Nashville. He had been trying, with the help of Ernest Tubb, to get to Nashville and the Opry for a number of years, and Ernest's influence at the Opry finally came through for Hank. He would remain a very active Opry member until his death in 1999.
January 1, 1953: Former Opry member Hank Williams is found dead in the back seat of his car in West Virginia. He was on his way to Canton, Ohio for a New Year's Day show.
January 19, 1953; Marty Robbins makes his first Grand Ole Opry appearance.
January 1, 1960: Billy Walker, the "Tall Texan", became a member of the Opry. He would remain an Opry member until his death in an auto accident in May 2006.
January 9, 1960: Patsy Cline becomes a member of the Opry. The way the story goes, Patsy had been a guest on the Opry for a number of years, and she finally asked Ott Devine, the Opry general manager at the time, if she could one day become a member of the Opry. Ott's response was, "Patsy, if that's all you want, you are on the Opry."
January 7, 1967: Charley Pride makes his first Opry appearance and in doing so, becomes the first black solo artist to sing on the Opry. (Of course, DeFord Bailey was the first black Opry member). Ernest Tubb introduced him and soon after, he was asked if he wanted to join the Opry. He did not at the time, but would eventually join in 1993.
January 27, 1970: Marty Robbins undergoes heart bypass surgery in Nashville. He was one of the first people in the country to have this operation. (I have heard that he was the 7th, but I can't confirm that for sure). He would return to the Opry in March of that year.
January 2, 1974: Tex Ritter passed away from a heart attack in Nashville. He was getting ready to leave on tour and had to go to the jail to bail out one of his band members. He was sitting in the office, when he suddenly slumped over and died instantly. Tex joined the Opry late in his life and became one of the Opry's most loyal and popular members. He also co-hosted the all night radio show on WSM with Ralph Emery.
January 27, 1979: Loretta Lynn was joined on stage at the Opry by actress Sissy Spacek, who would play Loretta in the film, "Coal Miner's Daughter". They were introduced by Ernest Tubb and would appear later that night on the Midnight Jamboree.
January 3, 1998: Grandpa Jones makes his final Grand Ole Opry appearance. After he performed on the 2nd show that Saturday night, Grandpa suffered a stroke and was taken directly from the Opry House to the hospital. He would suffer several more strokes over the next month, eventually passing away on February 19, 1998.
January 15, 1999: For the first time since 1974, the Opry returns to the newly renovated Ryman Auditorium for the shows for that weekend. Porter Wagoner was the first artist out on Friday night and received a huge ovation from the crowd. The Ryman Auditorium looked and sounded great. Since that first weekend back, the Opry has returned to the Ryman Auditorium each winter since. As someone who was at all 3 shows that weekend, it was a great experience to be back at the Ryman. And, it was much more comfortable.
January 16, 1999: While at the Ryman Auditorium, Trisha Yearwood was asked by Ricky Skaggs if she would like to become the Opry's newest member. She did and she would officially join the cast in March.
January 4, 2003: Hank Williams, Jr, along with his son, Hank III, performed at the Opry to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams. Several years ago, Hank III recorded the song, "The Grand Ole Opry Ain't So Grand Anymore', and since then he has not been asked to do the Opry. If you have not, you might want to listen to the song and you will see why. A warning: it is not a PG rated song.
Hope you enjoy.
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