I think everyone knows by now that Bill Anderson will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as an Opry member on Saturday night. He will be hosting the final segment on both shows that evening and will be joined by Connie Smith, who's career is connected many ways to Bill's and who has had great success recording Bill Anderson's songs through the years, and Jon Randall, who has co-written many songs with Bill.
In addtion to honoring Bill on Saturday night, Ronnie Milsap returns to the Opry stage and will be hosting segments on both shows. Saturday night will also feature Darrell McCall, who will be co-hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree later that evening, James Wesley and Jimmy Wayne.
The Friday Night Opry will feature non-Opry members The Cleverlys, a bluegrass act who will be making their first Opry appearance, Randy Montana, Michael Grimm, who was featured on "America's Got Talent", and Restless Heart, along with a return appearance by Stonewall Jackson, who has made only a couple of Opry appearances so far this year.
Friday July 15:
7:00: Jeannie Seely(host); Jimmy C Newman; The Cleverlys
7:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Mike Snider; Randy Montana
INTERMISSION
8:15: George Hamilton IV(host); Stonewall Jackson; Jean Shepard; Michael Grimm
8:45: Riders In The Sky(host); Jack Greene; Restless Heart
Saturday July 16:
First Show
7:00: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; James Wesley
7:30: Mike Snider(host); Jean Shepard; Jimmy Wayne
8:00: Ronnie Milsap(host); Riders In The Sky; Darrell McCall; Opry Square Dancers
8:30: Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Jon Randall
Second Show
9:30: Jimmy Dickens(host); Jean Shepard; James Wesley
10:00: Riders In The Sky(host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
10:30: Ronnie Milsap(host); Jan Howard; Darrell McCall; Opry Square Dancers
11:00: Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Jon Randall
Here is the line up for the Tuesday Night Opry, July 19:
7:00: John Conlee; Brett Eldredge
7:30: Sunny Sweeney; Steel Magnolia
INTERMISSION
8:15: Mandy Barnett; Ricky Skaggs
8:45: Jimmy Dickens; Dierks Bentley
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Bill Anderson-50 Years As An Opry Member
This Friday night, July 15, Bill Anderson will celebrate his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. The formal activities will take place on Saturday night as Bill will be on both Opry shows that evening and there are other events scheduled involving Bill and his fans.
Bill made his first appearance as an Opry member on July 15, 1961. He had been asked to join the Opry by Opry manager Ott Devine earlier that week. I know that I have repeated the story several times, but here is how Bill was quoted as remembering the events that led to his Opry membership:
"I think what probably led to me getting on the Opry was a show I did in Panama City, Florida, in late spring of '61. Opry manager Ott Devine was down in Panama City on a fishing trip and I was booked at the auditorium there as part of a package show. Ott came over to see the show. At the time, I had the record 'Po' Folks' out and it was getting pretty hot across the country. I did it on that show in Panama City and got about two or three encores--just really stopped the show with it. Ott came backstage and seemed quite impressed. I had been a guest on the Opry a few times--the first time when I had my first record for Decca in '58. 'That's What It's Like to be Lonesome'--but I hadn't really been on that much. Ott said when he got back to Nashville he was going to call me. So I was sitting home watching the All-Star baseball game on TV and about one o'clock in the afternoon my phone rang and I thought, 'Golly, I can't believe somebody is calling me and interrupting the ball game.' But it was Ott Devine and he said, 'How would you like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?' Needless to say, I forgot the ball game."
"I was totally in awe of the Opry. It was just so hard for me to believe that I was there with all those people I had listened to and idolized all down through the years. And it took me a long time to be comfortable. Because, if anything, I was a super fan. It was very, very hard for me to relax. And not just with the stars, but with the outstanding sidemen and musicians. It was very difficult for me to go up to them and ask them to play with me on the Opry. That was the days before I had a band. To me, the Grand Ole Opry has always been the pinnacle. I mean, it's like a kid growing up who wants to be a baseball player--in my era he wanted to play in Yankee Stadium, because that was the tops. Or if a guy wanted to be in the movies, he wanted to be in Hollywood. And for somebody who wanted to be in country music, the pinnacle, the top, the ultimate was the Grand Ole Opry. And even though its role has changed somewhat in the modern concept of country music, to me it's still the pinnacle."
The All-Star game took place on Tuesday July 11, 1961 and he signed his contract to become an Opry member on July 12, which is why sometimes that date is given as his Opry anniversary date.
Many consider Bill one of the greatest all-around talents in the history of country music. He has had 37 Top-Ten singles on the Billboard chart and he has earned more than 50 BMI songwriter awards. He has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. He 1st recorded "City Lights" in 1957 and Ray Price made it a #1 hit the following year. He then was signed by Decca records, and his recording and songwriting career were well under way. Not only is he a great songwriter and performer, but he has discovered new talent, notably Connie Smith, he has written books, hosted several television game shows, has hosted several radio programs and was a host for "Backstage at the Opry'. He also was the duet partner for Jan Howard and Mary Lou Turner and in its prime, his Po Folks Band was considered one of the best around. In 2001, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he is also a member of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Even today, at the age of 73, he is one of the best songwriters around and his songs are recorded by many of the top stars in country music today.
In honor of Bill Anderson's 50th anniversary as an Opry member, here is the line up from the show on Saturday July 15, 1961, the night that Bill Anderson officially was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30 PET MILK
RAY PRICE
COWBOY COPAS
BILL MONROE
STRINGBEAN
TOMMY JACKSON
JAN HOWARD
8:00 MARTHA WHITE
FLATT & SCRUGGS
DICK FLOOD
BILL ANDERSON
LORETTA LYNN
CROOK BROTHERS
COUSIN JAKE
8:30 FAULTLESS STARCH
PORTER WAGONER
BOBBY LORD
ARCHIE CAMPBELL
THE JORDANAIRES
MARGIE BOWES
BOB LUMAN
9:00 JEFFERSON ISLAND SALT
ROY DRUSKY
GLASER BROTHERS
STONEWALL JACKSON
SKEETER DAVIS
FRUIT JAR DRINKERS
COUSIN JODY
9:30 STEPHENS
GEORGE HAMILTON IV
BILL MONROE
JOHNNY FORBES
LONZO & OSCAR
MARY BEE
10:00 STANDARD OIL
FLATT & SCRUGGS
JAN HOWARD
THE JORDANAIRES
10:15 ROCK CITY
BOBBY LORD
LORETTA LYNN
STRINGBEAN
10:30 ROSES
ROY DRUSKY
MARGIE BOWES
STONEWALL JACKSON
10:45 DE CON
GLASER BROTHERS
COUSIN JODY
CROOK BROTHERS
11:00 COCA-COLA
PORTER WAGONER
BOB LUMAN
GEORGE HAMILTON IV
LONZO & OSCAR
SAM & KIRK MCGEE
THE JORDANAIRES
FRUIT JAR DRINKERS
11:30 MOHAWK
BILL MONROE
BILL ANDERSON
SKEETER DAVIS
DICK FLOOD
JOHNNY FORBES
I hope that you enjoy this look back and congratulations to Bill Anderson for 50 years as an Opry member.
Bill made his first appearance as an Opry member on July 15, 1961. He had been asked to join the Opry by Opry manager Ott Devine earlier that week. I know that I have repeated the story several times, but here is how Bill was quoted as remembering the events that led to his Opry membership:
"I think what probably led to me getting on the Opry was a show I did in Panama City, Florida, in late spring of '61. Opry manager Ott Devine was down in Panama City on a fishing trip and I was booked at the auditorium there as part of a package show. Ott came over to see the show. At the time, I had the record 'Po' Folks' out and it was getting pretty hot across the country. I did it on that show in Panama City and got about two or three encores--just really stopped the show with it. Ott came backstage and seemed quite impressed. I had been a guest on the Opry a few times--the first time when I had my first record for Decca in '58. 'That's What It's Like to be Lonesome'--but I hadn't really been on that much. Ott said when he got back to Nashville he was going to call me. So I was sitting home watching the All-Star baseball game on TV and about one o'clock in the afternoon my phone rang and I thought, 'Golly, I can't believe somebody is calling me and interrupting the ball game.' But it was Ott Devine and he said, 'How would you like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?' Needless to say, I forgot the ball game."
"I was totally in awe of the Opry. It was just so hard for me to believe that I was there with all those people I had listened to and idolized all down through the years. And it took me a long time to be comfortable. Because, if anything, I was a super fan. It was very, very hard for me to relax. And not just with the stars, but with the outstanding sidemen and musicians. It was very difficult for me to go up to them and ask them to play with me on the Opry. That was the days before I had a band. To me, the Grand Ole Opry has always been the pinnacle. I mean, it's like a kid growing up who wants to be a baseball player--in my era he wanted to play in Yankee Stadium, because that was the tops. Or if a guy wanted to be in the movies, he wanted to be in Hollywood. And for somebody who wanted to be in country music, the pinnacle, the top, the ultimate was the Grand Ole Opry. And even though its role has changed somewhat in the modern concept of country music, to me it's still the pinnacle."
The All-Star game took place on Tuesday July 11, 1961 and he signed his contract to become an Opry member on July 12, which is why sometimes that date is given as his Opry anniversary date.
Many consider Bill one of the greatest all-around talents in the history of country music. He has had 37 Top-Ten singles on the Billboard chart and he has earned more than 50 BMI songwriter awards. He has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. He 1st recorded "City Lights" in 1957 and Ray Price made it a #1 hit the following year. He then was signed by Decca records, and his recording and songwriting career were well under way. Not only is he a great songwriter and performer, but he has discovered new talent, notably Connie Smith, he has written books, hosted several television game shows, has hosted several radio programs and was a host for "Backstage at the Opry'. He also was the duet partner for Jan Howard and Mary Lou Turner and in its prime, his Po Folks Band was considered one of the best around. In 2001, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he is also a member of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Even today, at the age of 73, he is one of the best songwriters around and his songs are recorded by many of the top stars in country music today.
In honor of Bill Anderson's 50th anniversary as an Opry member, here is the line up from the show on Saturday July 15, 1961, the night that Bill Anderson officially was introduced as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30 PET MILK
RAY PRICE
COWBOY COPAS
BILL MONROE
STRINGBEAN
TOMMY JACKSON
JAN HOWARD
8:00 MARTHA WHITE
FLATT & SCRUGGS
DICK FLOOD
BILL ANDERSON
LORETTA LYNN
CROOK BROTHERS
COUSIN JAKE
8:30 FAULTLESS STARCH
PORTER WAGONER
BOBBY LORD
ARCHIE CAMPBELL
THE JORDANAIRES
MARGIE BOWES
BOB LUMAN
9:00 JEFFERSON ISLAND SALT
ROY DRUSKY
GLASER BROTHERS
STONEWALL JACKSON
SKEETER DAVIS
FRUIT JAR DRINKERS
COUSIN JODY
9:30 STEPHENS
GEORGE HAMILTON IV
BILL MONROE
JOHNNY FORBES
LONZO & OSCAR
MARY BEE
10:00 STANDARD OIL
FLATT & SCRUGGS
JAN HOWARD
THE JORDANAIRES
10:15 ROCK CITY
BOBBY LORD
LORETTA LYNN
STRINGBEAN
10:30 ROSES
ROY DRUSKY
MARGIE BOWES
STONEWALL JACKSON
10:45 DE CON
GLASER BROTHERS
COUSIN JODY
CROOK BROTHERS
11:00 COCA-COLA
PORTER WAGONER
BOB LUMAN
GEORGE HAMILTON IV
LONZO & OSCAR
SAM & KIRK MCGEE
THE JORDANAIRES
FRUIT JAR DRINKERS
11:30 MOHAWK
BILL MONROE
BILL ANDERSON
SKEETER DAVIS
DICK FLOOD
JOHNNY FORBES
I hope that you enjoy this look back and congratulations to Bill Anderson for 50 years as an Opry member.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
New Opry Members---Oak Ridge Boys
Last night while listening to the Friday Night Opry, Bill Anderson was finishing up his segment and he made the statement to the crowd that there was still lots more to go and that they would be glad that they picked this night to be at the Opry. Right away, I thought, this is finally the night for the Oak Ridge Boys. And it was. After they finished their first song, "Y'All Come Back Saloon", Jimmy Dickens came out on stage with a beard to match that of William Lee Golden's. And after some laughter and much applause, Jimmy asked them to become the Opry's newest members.
Here is the press release from the Opry:
"After the Oaks performed their hit "Y'All Come Back Saloon," 62-year Opry member Jimmy Dickens surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4'11" William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses. "All my life I've wanted to be a little bitty Oak Ridge Boy," Dickens announced to raucous laughter in the Opry House. "On August 6, I will become the newest member of the Oak Ridge Boys, and at that time, you will become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry!"
Joe Bonsall responded for the group, saying, "Jimmy, that's the funniest thing we've ever seen, first of all. This is a brotherhood and sisterhood unlike any other. We have been friends of the Opry for a long time....We will get on our bus later and let this process, and I guess we have until August 6th to let it sink in."
The group concluded its set with the classic "Elvira," then returned to join Larry Gatlin on"All the Gold in California."
The Opry got this one right. The Oaks have been Opry guests and friends for decades. Their Opry roots go back further than that. While they will not make the Opry any younger, they will bring lots of energy and excitement to the show. They appeal to all age groups. I have seen them several times on the Opry and each and every time, it has been a standing ovation. I will be curious to see who handles the actual induction of them as it could be just about any Opry member.
I have said on this blog several times that the Oak Ridge Boys have had discussions with the Opry several times about becoming Opry members, but the group felt that they would be on the road so much that they could not be serious members and give the show the commitment it should. With their careers starting to wind down, it looks like this was the time to do it. I for one, am glad that they are joining the cast.
Congratulations Oak Ridge Boys and nice job by Pete Fisher on this one!!!!!
Here is the press release from the Opry:
"After the Oaks performed their hit "Y'All Come Back Saloon," 62-year Opry member Jimmy Dickens surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4'11" William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses. "All my life I've wanted to be a little bitty Oak Ridge Boy," Dickens announced to raucous laughter in the Opry House. "On August 6, I will become the newest member of the Oak Ridge Boys, and at that time, you will become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry!"
Joe Bonsall responded for the group, saying, "Jimmy, that's the funniest thing we've ever seen, first of all. This is a brotherhood and sisterhood unlike any other. We have been friends of the Opry for a long time....We will get on our bus later and let this process, and I guess we have until August 6th to let it sink in."
The group concluded its set with the classic "Elvira," then returned to join Larry Gatlin on"All the Gold in California."
The Opry got this one right. The Oaks have been Opry guests and friends for decades. Their Opry roots go back further than that. While they will not make the Opry any younger, they will bring lots of energy and excitement to the show. They appeal to all age groups. I have seen them several times on the Opry and each and every time, it has been a standing ovation. I will be curious to see who handles the actual induction of them as it could be just about any Opry member.
I have said on this blog several times that the Oak Ridge Boys have had discussions with the Opry several times about becoming Opry members, but the group felt that they would be on the road so much that they could not be serious members and give the show the commitment it should. With their careers starting to wind down, it looks like this was the time to do it. I for one, am glad that they are joining the cast.
Congratulations Oak Ridge Boys and nice job by Pete Fisher on this one!!!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
BREAKING NEWS---OAK RIDGE BOYS INVITED TO JOIN THE OPRY!!!
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS HAVE JUST BEEN ASKED BY JIMMY DICKENS TO BECOME THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY. THEY SAID YES AND THE FORMAL INDUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY AUGUST 6. IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!
MORE TO COME.......
MORE TO COME.......
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Grand Ole Opry 7/8 & 7/9
The Grand Ole Opry has posted their line-ups for this weekend's shows. With July now upon us, the Opry is back to 2 shows on Saturday nights. I have mixed feelings about this. While I am very happy that there are 2 shows on Saturday, and the shows are somewhat different, I have also enjoyed the single shows, especially with the fact that most Friday and Saturdays, they have been running over by up to a half hour each show. There has been a bit more music, and the shows seem to be more laid back.
My big concern is the attendance. When I was down in Nashville in April and the Opry had 2 shows on Saturday night, the 2nd show that I attended couldn't of had more than 500 people there. They Opry House was virtually empty. That does not give you a great deal of confidence in the future of the show. For there to be 2 shows on Saturday, you have to have a real strong line up and a demand for tickets. In October, with Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton there, both Saturday shows sold out. Carrie Underwood has sold out 2 shows a night. But, looking at the line up for Saturday, I just don't see that. The line up is nice, but not for 2 sellouts. Until the mall gets back open and the convention center is finished, which will draw more tourists to Nashville, it will take some real special shows to sell out 2 shows on a Saturday night.
As far as this weekend, Friday night will feature opry members Pam Tillis and Larry Gatlin making appearances. They will be joined by non-members The Grascals, Edens Edge and the Oak Ridge Boys. Saturday night will feature the return of guest artists Dailey & Vincent, Joey+Rory, and Kip Moore.
Friday July 8
7:00 Pam Tillis(host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
7:30 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; The Grascals
INTERMISSION
8:15 Bill Anderson(host); The Whites; Edens Edge
8:45 Larry Gatlin(host); John Conlee; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 9
1st Show
7:00 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C Newman; Joey+Rory
7:30 Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; John Conlee; Kip Moore
8:00 Pam Tillis(host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
8:30 Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
2nd Show
9:30 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Joey+Rory
10:00 John Conlee(host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Kip Moore
10:30 Pam Tillis(host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00 Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, with Elizabeth Cook and Laney Hicks as special guests.
Finally, next Saturday night will be a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry. Bill Anderson will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It will be a big weekend for Bill with lots of activities planned. The line up should be a good one and I hope that lots of Bill's friends are there for the special night. I know that Bill has been planning it for the last 6 months.
My big concern is the attendance. When I was down in Nashville in April and the Opry had 2 shows on Saturday night, the 2nd show that I attended couldn't of had more than 500 people there. They Opry House was virtually empty. That does not give you a great deal of confidence in the future of the show. For there to be 2 shows on Saturday, you have to have a real strong line up and a demand for tickets. In October, with Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton there, both Saturday shows sold out. Carrie Underwood has sold out 2 shows a night. But, looking at the line up for Saturday, I just don't see that. The line up is nice, but not for 2 sellouts. Until the mall gets back open and the convention center is finished, which will draw more tourists to Nashville, it will take some real special shows to sell out 2 shows on a Saturday night.
As far as this weekend, Friday night will feature opry members Pam Tillis and Larry Gatlin making appearances. They will be joined by non-members The Grascals, Edens Edge and the Oak Ridge Boys. Saturday night will feature the return of guest artists Dailey & Vincent, Joey+Rory, and Kip Moore.
Friday July 8
7:00 Pam Tillis(host); Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard; Mike Snider
7:30 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; The Grascals
INTERMISSION
8:15 Bill Anderson(host); The Whites; Edens Edge
8:45 Larry Gatlin(host); John Conlee; Oak Ridge Boys
Saturday July 9
1st Show
7:00 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jimmy C Newman; Joey+Rory
7:30 Mike Snider(host); Jim Ed Brown; John Conlee; Kip Moore
8:00 Pam Tillis(host); Jean Shepard; Riders In The Sky; Opry Square Dancers
8:30 Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
2nd Show
9:30 Jimmy Dickens(host); Jeannie Seely; Joey+Rory
10:00 John Conlee(host); Jack Greene; The Whites; Kip Moore
10:30 Pam Tillis(host); Jan Howard; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Opry Square Dancers
11:00 Bill Anderson(host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, with Elizabeth Cook and Laney Hicks as special guests.
Finally, next Saturday night will be a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry. Bill Anderson will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It will be a big weekend for Bill with lots of activities planned. The line up should be a good one and I hope that lots of Bill's friends are there for the special night. I know that Bill has been planning it for the last 6 months.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cause for Concern? The Aging of the Opry's Cast
Over the past week, I have received several emails from my readers asking my opinion on the Opry's cast. Specifically, if Pete Fisher would like to see the Opry become more relevant with the younger country music fans, does the Opry need to become younger? I know one of my readers even asked me if I knew the age of the Opry's members. I know I have covered this topic before, but I also know that I have some new readers, so I thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic.
Currently, the Opry has 65 members. Here is the current age of each Opry member:
90-Jimmy Dickens; Wilma Lee Cooper
85-Billy Grammer
84-Ralph Stanley
83-Jimmy C Newman
81-Jack Greene; Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds
79-George Jones; Loretta Lynn; Bobby Osborne
78-Roy Clark; Stonewall Jackson; Stu Phillip; Mel Tillis
77-Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard
75-Tom T Hall
74-Charlie Daniels; Ray Pillow; Jeanne Pruett
73-Bill Anderson; George Hamilton IV; Charlie Pride
72-Del McCoury
70-Jeannie Seely
69-Connie Smith
68-Ronnie Milsap
65-Dolly Parton
64-John Conlee; Emmylou Harris
63-Larry Gatlin; Riders In The Sky(average age); The Whites(average age)
62-Barbara Mandrell
59-Ricky Van Shelton
58-Hal Ketchum
56-Reba McEntire; Ricky Skaggs; Steve Wariner
54-Vince Gill; Patty Loveless;
53-Pam Tillis; Diamond Rio(average age)
52-Joe Diffie; Alan Jackson; Marty Stuart; Randy Travis
51-Lorrie Morgan; Mike Snider
49-Trace Adkins; Clint Black; Garth Brooks
48-Travis Tritt
46-Trisha Yearwood
45-Montgomery Gentry(average age); Craig Morgan
44-Martina McBride
42-Terri Clark
39-Alison Krauss
38-Brad Paisley
35-Dierks Bentley; Blake Shelton
33-Josh Turner
28-Carrie Underwood
The average age of an Opry member is just over 62.
To further break it down, 12% of the Opry's members are over the age of 80; 40% are over the age of 70 and 52% of it's members are over the age of 60. Just under 10% of the Opry's members are under the age of 40.
That's considering all of the Opry's members. Now, let's consider the Opry's most active members in terms of appearances so far this year. Here is how they rank, along with their age:
1. 63-Jimmy Dickens (90)
2. 46-Bill Anderson (73)
3. 42-Riders In The Sky (63)
4. 37-The Whites (63)
5. 33-Jim Ed Brown (77); Jimmy C Newman (83)
6. 32-Mike Snider (51)
7. 31-Jeannie Seely (70); Connie Smith (69)
8. 29-John Conlee (64); Bobby Osborne (79); Jean Shepard (77)
9. 24-Jack Greene (81); Jesse McReynolds (81)
Average age of this group is 73. It does not print a pretty picture for the future of the Opry.
Just looking at the members under the age of 40, here are their appearances so far this year:
6-Carrie Underwood
4-Josh Turner
3-Blake Shelton
2-Dierks Bentley; Alison Krauss; Brad Paisley
Now, of the Opry's 65 cast members, there are a number who do not appear on the show, either through retirement or illness. Those members include Wilma Lee Cooper; Billy Grammer; Hal Ketchum; Barbara Mandrell; Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton. That accounts for 7 members, which brings the active number of Opry members to 58. Of those 58, there are several who choose not to appear on the Opry, for whatever reason.
In the past year, the Opry has lost 2 of its members, Charlie Louvin and Mel McDaniel. Several of the Opry's members have had health issues over the past several years and just with the age of many of the Opry's members, we can expect some more of the Opry's members to pass away in the coming year or two.
I do not mean this as any criticism of any of the Opry's older members. The majority of the legends and veterans do not travel any more and are available for most of the Opry's shows. And, the vast majority of them still sound and look great. I personally enjoy seeing them on the Opry's stage. At the same time, I understand that the Opry's younger members have strong careers going and are on the road a lot making personal appearances. But at the very least, I would like to see these younger stars making the 10 appearances per year that is asked of them. And to be fair, the majority do. It is the artists in the 40 to 60 age range that are causing most of the appearance issues, and that is due to the fact that when they joined, there was basically nothing asked of them as far as appearing on the show. I know that seems strange, but that is the way Hal Durham and Bob Whitaker set it up. At least Pete Fisher has tried to change that, and has been getting a commitment from those he has asked to support the show. But, some of the various media outlets have also reported that Pete Fisher has implied many times that he wanted to make the Opry younger and more relevant to today's country music fan.
And Pete Fisher has invited many non-Opry members to appear at the show. And, most of these have been younger acts or newcomers to the business. Here is a fact for you that I found amazing. So far this year, there has been a total of 89 Opry shows. Of the Opry's 65 members, 48 of them have made at least 1 Opry appearance this year. In addition to those 48, 132 non-Opry members have appeared on the show, a few of them more than once. That is a total of 180 different performers for the 89 shows. Talk about variety. At least he is trying to make each show somewhat different.
We all know what the solutions are and that is to bring on new Opry members who will support the show and help to draw a younger crowd to the Opry. When you bring on the younger performers, the younger fans will come. I have seen it many times. At the Opry's birthday celebration last year, Taylor Swift was there for both shows on Saturday night. Both of the shows were sell-outs and the younger fans loved Taylor (I have to admit, so did I). And for the older fans, Dolly Parton was on the same show. So you had something for the moms and dads and for their sons and daughters. That is how the Opry should be booked every week.
I know that when you mention bringing on more of the younger artists, the first thing the older fans say is that you are shoving the legends aside. There is room for both and most shows do have a good mix. But, attendance is down, the age of the artists are increasing and measures need to be taken for the long term survival of the Opry. I know that each time I write something like this, I always say that now is the time to act and add new members. And as we continue to lose more Opry members, I will continue to write and promote the same message.
Currently, the Opry has 65 members. Here is the current age of each Opry member:
90-Jimmy Dickens; Wilma Lee Cooper
85-Billy Grammer
84-Ralph Stanley
83-Jimmy C Newman
81-Jack Greene; Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds
79-George Jones; Loretta Lynn; Bobby Osborne
78-Roy Clark; Stonewall Jackson; Stu Phillip; Mel Tillis
77-Jim Ed Brown; Jean Shepard
75-Tom T Hall
74-Charlie Daniels; Ray Pillow; Jeanne Pruett
73-Bill Anderson; George Hamilton IV; Charlie Pride
72-Del McCoury
70-Jeannie Seely
69-Connie Smith
68-Ronnie Milsap
65-Dolly Parton
64-John Conlee; Emmylou Harris
63-Larry Gatlin; Riders In The Sky(average age); The Whites(average age)
62-Barbara Mandrell
59-Ricky Van Shelton
58-Hal Ketchum
56-Reba McEntire; Ricky Skaggs; Steve Wariner
54-Vince Gill; Patty Loveless;
53-Pam Tillis; Diamond Rio(average age)
52-Joe Diffie; Alan Jackson; Marty Stuart; Randy Travis
51-Lorrie Morgan; Mike Snider
49-Trace Adkins; Clint Black; Garth Brooks
48-Travis Tritt
46-Trisha Yearwood
45-Montgomery Gentry(average age); Craig Morgan
44-Martina McBride
42-Terri Clark
39-Alison Krauss
38-Brad Paisley
35-Dierks Bentley; Blake Shelton
33-Josh Turner
28-Carrie Underwood
The average age of an Opry member is just over 62.
To further break it down, 12% of the Opry's members are over the age of 80; 40% are over the age of 70 and 52% of it's members are over the age of 60. Just under 10% of the Opry's members are under the age of 40.
That's considering all of the Opry's members. Now, let's consider the Opry's most active members in terms of appearances so far this year. Here is how they rank, along with their age:
1. 63-Jimmy Dickens (90)
2. 46-Bill Anderson (73)
3. 42-Riders In The Sky (63)
4. 37-The Whites (63)
5. 33-Jim Ed Brown (77); Jimmy C Newman (83)
6. 32-Mike Snider (51)
7. 31-Jeannie Seely (70); Connie Smith (69)
8. 29-John Conlee (64); Bobby Osborne (79); Jean Shepard (77)
9. 24-Jack Greene (81); Jesse McReynolds (81)
Average age of this group is 73. It does not print a pretty picture for the future of the Opry.
Just looking at the members under the age of 40, here are their appearances so far this year:
6-Carrie Underwood
4-Josh Turner
3-Blake Shelton
2-Dierks Bentley; Alison Krauss; Brad Paisley
Now, of the Opry's 65 cast members, there are a number who do not appear on the show, either through retirement or illness. Those members include Wilma Lee Cooper; Billy Grammer; Hal Ketchum; Barbara Mandrell; Jeanne Pruett and Ricky Van Shelton. That accounts for 7 members, which brings the active number of Opry members to 58. Of those 58, there are several who choose not to appear on the Opry, for whatever reason.
In the past year, the Opry has lost 2 of its members, Charlie Louvin and Mel McDaniel. Several of the Opry's members have had health issues over the past several years and just with the age of many of the Opry's members, we can expect some more of the Opry's members to pass away in the coming year or two.
I do not mean this as any criticism of any of the Opry's older members. The majority of the legends and veterans do not travel any more and are available for most of the Opry's shows. And, the vast majority of them still sound and look great. I personally enjoy seeing them on the Opry's stage. At the same time, I understand that the Opry's younger members have strong careers going and are on the road a lot making personal appearances. But at the very least, I would like to see these younger stars making the 10 appearances per year that is asked of them. And to be fair, the majority do. It is the artists in the 40 to 60 age range that are causing most of the appearance issues, and that is due to the fact that when they joined, there was basically nothing asked of them as far as appearing on the show. I know that seems strange, but that is the way Hal Durham and Bob Whitaker set it up. At least Pete Fisher has tried to change that, and has been getting a commitment from those he has asked to support the show. But, some of the various media outlets have also reported that Pete Fisher has implied many times that he wanted to make the Opry younger and more relevant to today's country music fan.
And Pete Fisher has invited many non-Opry members to appear at the show. And, most of these have been younger acts or newcomers to the business. Here is a fact for you that I found amazing. So far this year, there has been a total of 89 Opry shows. Of the Opry's 65 members, 48 of them have made at least 1 Opry appearance this year. In addition to those 48, 132 non-Opry members have appeared on the show, a few of them more than once. That is a total of 180 different performers for the 89 shows. Talk about variety. At least he is trying to make each show somewhat different.
We all know what the solutions are and that is to bring on new Opry members who will support the show and help to draw a younger crowd to the Opry. When you bring on the younger performers, the younger fans will come. I have seen it many times. At the Opry's birthday celebration last year, Taylor Swift was there for both shows on Saturday night. Both of the shows were sell-outs and the younger fans loved Taylor (I have to admit, so did I). And for the older fans, Dolly Parton was on the same show. So you had something for the moms and dads and for their sons and daughters. That is how the Opry should be booked every week.
I know that when you mention bringing on more of the younger artists, the first thing the older fans say is that you are shoving the legends aside. There is room for both and most shows do have a good mix. But, attendance is down, the age of the artists are increasing and measures need to be taken for the long term survival of the Opry. I know that each time I write something like this, I always say that now is the time to act and add new members. And as we continue to lose more Opry members, I will continue to write and promote the same message.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July Opry Highlights
As I do each month, I want to take a moment to look back and review the important and historical events that have taken place at the Opry during the current month. With July upon us, let's look back during the month of July and see what has happened during the month:
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Although he went by the name Cowboy, his mother named him Lloyd Estel Copas.
July 27, 1925: Former Grand Ole Opry member Annie Lou Dill was born.
July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance Show. The Crook Brothers would remain a part of the show for the next 62 years.
July 7, 1927: Charlie Louvin was born. The Country Music Hall of Famer was born Charles Loudermilk, near Section, Alabama.
July 9, 1929: Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia.
July 7, 1930: Former Opry member Doyle Wilburn was born in Hardy, Arkansas.
July 14, 1933: Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina.
July 4, 1937: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.
July 19, 1937: George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. George has been an Opry member for 51 years and is known as "The International Ambassador of Country Music", for his world-wide travels to promote country. Even today, George continues to make numerous concert appearances in England and Ireland.
July 5, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. It's previous home was the Dixie Tabernacle.
July 6, 1940: Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
July 15, 1944: Rod Brasfield joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain an Opry member until September 1958, when he died of a heart attack in Nashville. Years later, thanks to efforts by Minnie Pearl, Rod would be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Minnie and Rod would become famous for their comedy routines on the Prince Albert show. Rod joined the show after Whitey Ford left the show after a contract dispute with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and its advertising agency. Whitey stayed on the Opry, but was no longer on the network portion of the show.
July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced he was running for Governor of the state of Tennessee. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, he did not stand much of a chance, and lost the election by a wide margin.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Opry. He would become a regular in 1952, but as Lefty would admit, it just didn't work. "I just didn't like the Opry. It wasn't the dream I thought it would be."
July 9, 1952: Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. Their marriage would only last several years, but it did produce one daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known to her fans as Carlene Carter.
July 18, 1954: Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky.
July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash joined the Grand Ole Opry. He would only remain a member until 1958, when he relocated to California. In 1965, after he was no longer an Opry member, he appeared on the Opry and in a fit of rage, he kicked out the Opry stage lights. He was told by Opry management that he was no longer welcomed at the Opry. He did stay away for several years, but after his marriage to June Carter he started to appear again at the Opry, although on an irregular basis. He would later be asked by Roy Acuff to once again become an Opry member, but he turned it down, due to his heavy touring schedule.
July 24, 1957: Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida. The Grand Ole Opry member is the daughter of Mel Tillis.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This year will be his 50th year as an Opry member. Bill had made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and had made several appearances over the years. Ott Devine was the Opry manager at the time and was impressed with Bill after seeing him in concert. In fact, Ott was at a Bill Anderson concert in Panama City and told Bill he would call him when he got back in town. As Bill told the story, "So I was home watching the All-Star baseball game on TV adn about one o'clock in the afternoon my phone rang and I thought, 'Golly, I can't believe somebody is calling me and interrupting the ball game.' But it was Ott Devine and he said, 'How would you like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?' Needless to say, I forgot the ball game."
July 8, 1964: Dottie West joined the Grand Ole Opry.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves died in a plane crash in Nashville. Also killed in the crash was one of his band members, Dean Manuel.
July 10, 1965: Roy Acuff was seriously injured in a car accident in Sparta, Tennessee. Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and broken ribs. Also injured in the accident was band member Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry stage in August. June Stearns decided to no longer tour and never appeared with the Smoky Mountain Boys again.
July 29, 1966: Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 29, 1972: Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be the 39th year as an Opry member. She is retired as a performer, but has shown up at various Opry events from time to time. Barbara remembers when she became an Opry member, "It was in July when Bud Wendell asked me to join the Grand Ole Opry. I was very honored. And I was introduced on the Roy Acuff segment. At the time, while I was acquainted with Mr. Acuff, I can't say we were friends. By coming to the Opry we became dear friends and now he's so special to me." In the years before Roy Acuff died and Barbara was scheduled to appear on the Opry, she would always insist on being on Roy's segment.
July 21, 1973: Jeanne Pruett joined the Grand Ole Opry. Although she retired from performing several years ago, she has maintained her Opry membership. This will be her 38th year as an Opry member. She made her last Opry appearance in 2001. Before becoming a successful singer, Jeanne was a songwriter for Marty Robbins Enterprises. Prior to her induction, Jeanne called herself "the only semiregular who was not a cast member." She had been appearing on the show since the early 1960's. As far as her membership, she said, "Actually, as it turned out, I had been a member of the Opry for almost a year before I could get inducted. Dolly Parton wanted so badly to introduce me as the new member of the Opry, but her schedule and mine conflicted and we just couldn't seem to find a time to arrange the induction. Anyway, I joined on July 21, 1973. And Dolly did introduce me." She was the last singing artist to join the Opry before it left the Ryman Auditorium for the new Opry House. Jerry Clower would later join before the Opry moved.
July 7, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan died in Nashville, after suffering a heart attack. He had been an Opry member since 1948, and would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. When George joined the Opry, he was considered the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Candy Kisses." It was the success of this song that led him to the Opry. He actually left the Opry in 1956 to star in his own television show, but returned to the Opry in 1959. In May 1975, he suffered a heart attack at his Nashville home. He returned to the Opry in June, but he needed open heart surgery. He had the surgery in early July, but there were complications that led to his death.
July 2, 1982: Country Music Hall of Famer and former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Opry, but he was fired from the Opry in 1941, by George D. Hay. Deford was very bitter about his firing and would remain so for many years. However, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry stage for the Opry's "Old Timer's Night. Many said he was the highlight of that night, as he performed his harmonica songs, "Pan American" and "Fox Chase." His final appearance at the Opry was on April 3, 1982, during that year's "Old Timer's Night" at the Opry.
July 1, 1983: Gaylord Broadcasting Company of Dallas, Texas purchased the Grand Ole Opry from American General Corporation of Houston, Texas. Even though it was called Gaylord Broadcasting, it was actually Edward Gaylord and his wife, Thelma, who were the owners of the Opry. At the time, the Gaylords were also the owners of "Hee Haw." When they purchased the Opry, they also bought the entire Opryland complex and everything associated with it. The purchase price was rumored to be between $250 and $300 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment, and would go from a privately held company to a publicly traded company, and it's primary focus would change from broadcasting to resort and hotel management. It is hard to believe that Gaylord has owned the Opry for 28 years.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss becomes an Opry member. At the time, she was the Opry's youngest member. Garth Brooks was the member who officially inducted her, and with her induction she was the first bluegrass artist to join the Opry in 19 years.
July 3, 2001: Johnny Russell died in Nashville after a long illness. After he joined the Opry, he would often host the final segment, much as Marty Robbins had done. He was famous for saying, "Can You See Me Ok?". Not only was he a great performer, he was an even better songwriter. He had joined the Opry on July 6, 1985.
There you have it. I hope that you enjoy this look back.
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Although he went by the name Cowboy, his mother named him Lloyd Estel Copas.
July 27, 1925: Former Grand Ole Opry member Annie Lou Dill was born.
July 24, 1926: The Crook Brothers made their first appearance on the WSM Barn Dance Show. The Crook Brothers would remain a part of the show for the next 62 years.
July 7, 1927: Charlie Louvin was born. The Country Music Hall of Famer was born Charles Loudermilk, near Section, Alabama.
July 9, 1929: Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia.
July 7, 1930: Former Opry member Doyle Wilburn was born in Hardy, Arkansas.
July 14, 1933: Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina.
July 4, 1937: Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.
July 19, 1937: George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. George has been an Opry member for 51 years and is known as "The International Ambassador of Country Music", for his world-wide travels to promote country. Even today, George continues to make numerous concert appearances in England and Ireland.
July 5, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. It's previous home was the Dixie Tabernacle.
July 6, 1940: Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
July 15, 1944: Rod Brasfield joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain an Opry member until September 1958, when he died of a heart attack in Nashville. Years later, thanks to efforts by Minnie Pearl, Rod would be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Minnie and Rod would become famous for their comedy routines on the Prince Albert show. Rod joined the show after Whitey Ford left the show after a contract dispute with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and its advertising agency. Whitey stayed on the Opry, but was no longer on the network portion of the show.
July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced he was running for Governor of the state of Tennessee. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, he did not stand much of a chance, and lost the election by a wide margin.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Opry. He would become a regular in 1952, but as Lefty would admit, it just didn't work. "I just didn't like the Opry. It wasn't the dream I thought it would be."
July 9, 1952: Opry members Carl Smith and June Carter were married. Their marriage would only last several years, but it did produce one daughter, Rebecca Carlene Smith, better known to her fans as Carlene Carter.
July 18, 1954: Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky.
July 7, 1956: Johnny Cash joined the Grand Ole Opry. He would only remain a member until 1958, when he relocated to California. In 1965, after he was no longer an Opry member, he appeared on the Opry and in a fit of rage, he kicked out the Opry stage lights. He was told by Opry management that he was no longer welcomed at the Opry. He did stay away for several years, but after his marriage to June Carter he started to appear again at the Opry, although on an irregular basis. He would later be asked by Roy Acuff to once again become an Opry member, but he turned it down, due to his heavy touring schedule.
July 24, 1957: Pam Tillis was born in Plant City, Florida. The Grand Ole Opry member is the daughter of Mel Tillis.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This year will be his 50th year as an Opry member. Bill had made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and had made several appearances over the years. Ott Devine was the Opry manager at the time and was impressed with Bill after seeing him in concert. In fact, Ott was at a Bill Anderson concert in Panama City and told Bill he would call him when he got back in town. As Bill told the story, "So I was home watching the All-Star baseball game on TV adn about one o'clock in the afternoon my phone rang and I thought, 'Golly, I can't believe somebody is calling me and interrupting the ball game.' But it was Ott Devine and he said, 'How would you like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?' Needless to say, I forgot the ball game."
July 8, 1964: Dottie West joined the Grand Ole Opry.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves died in a plane crash in Nashville. Also killed in the crash was one of his band members, Dean Manuel.
July 10, 1965: Roy Acuff was seriously injured in a car accident in Sparta, Tennessee. Roy suffered two pelvic fractures, a broken collarbone and broken ribs. Also injured in the accident was band member Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry stage in August. June Stearns decided to no longer tour and never appeared with the Smoky Mountain Boys again.
July 29, 1966: Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 29, 1972: Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry. This will be the 39th year as an Opry member. She is retired as a performer, but has shown up at various Opry events from time to time. Barbara remembers when she became an Opry member, "It was in July when Bud Wendell asked me to join the Grand Ole Opry. I was very honored. And I was introduced on the Roy Acuff segment. At the time, while I was acquainted with Mr. Acuff, I can't say we were friends. By coming to the Opry we became dear friends and now he's so special to me." In the years before Roy Acuff died and Barbara was scheduled to appear on the Opry, she would always insist on being on Roy's segment.
July 21, 1973: Jeanne Pruett joined the Grand Ole Opry. Although she retired from performing several years ago, she has maintained her Opry membership. This will be her 38th year as an Opry member. She made her last Opry appearance in 2001. Before becoming a successful singer, Jeanne was a songwriter for Marty Robbins Enterprises. Prior to her induction, Jeanne called herself "the only semiregular who was not a cast member." She had been appearing on the show since the early 1960's. As far as her membership, she said, "Actually, as it turned out, I had been a member of the Opry for almost a year before I could get inducted. Dolly Parton wanted so badly to introduce me as the new member of the Opry, but her schedule and mine conflicted and we just couldn't seem to find a time to arrange the induction. Anyway, I joined on July 21, 1973. And Dolly did introduce me." She was the last singing artist to join the Opry before it left the Ryman Auditorium for the new Opry House. Jerry Clower would later join before the Opry moved.
July 7, 1975: Grand Ole Opry member George Morgan died in Nashville, after suffering a heart attack. He had been an Opry member since 1948, and would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. When George joined the Opry, he was considered the replacement for Eddy Arnold, who had recently left the show. George had one of the biggest hits in the history of country music, "Candy Kisses." It was the success of this song that led him to the Opry. He actually left the Opry in 1956 to star in his own television show, but returned to the Opry in 1959. In May 1975, he suffered a heart attack at his Nashville home. He returned to the Opry in June, but he needed open heart surgery. He had the surgery in early July, but there were complications that led to his death.
July 2, 1982: Country Music Hall of Famer and former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Opry, but he was fired from the Opry in 1941, by George D. Hay. Deford was very bitter about his firing and would remain so for many years. However, on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry stage for the Opry's "Old Timer's Night. Many said he was the highlight of that night, as he performed his harmonica songs, "Pan American" and "Fox Chase." His final appearance at the Opry was on April 3, 1982, during that year's "Old Timer's Night" at the Opry.
July 1, 1983: Gaylord Broadcasting Company of Dallas, Texas purchased the Grand Ole Opry from American General Corporation of Houston, Texas. Even though it was called Gaylord Broadcasting, it was actually Edward Gaylord and his wife, Thelma, who were the owners of the Opry. At the time, the Gaylords were also the owners of "Hee Haw." When they purchased the Opry, they also bought the entire Opryland complex and everything associated with it. The purchase price was rumored to be between $250 and $300 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become Gaylord Entertainment, and would go from a privately held company to a publicly traded company, and it's primary focus would change from broadcasting to resort and hotel management. It is hard to believe that Gaylord has owned the Opry for 28 years.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss becomes an Opry member. At the time, she was the Opry's youngest member. Garth Brooks was the member who officially inducted her, and with her induction she was the first bluegrass artist to join the Opry in 19 years.
July 3, 2001: Johnny Russell died in Nashville after a long illness. After he joined the Opry, he would often host the final segment, much as Marty Robbins had done. He was famous for saying, "Can You See Me Ok?". Not only was he a great performer, he was an even better songwriter. He had joined the Opry on July 6, 1985.
There you have it. I hope that you enjoy this look back.
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