The Grand Ole Opry begins its series of Wednesday night shows this week, which will continue for about a month. This week's Wednesday Night Opry will feature Vince Gill, who will get the last segment to himself. The Wednesday night show appears to be structured the same way as the Tuesday Night Opry, as far as four, half-hour segments. And speaking of the Tuesday Night Opry, they have changed the format a bit for this weeks show as they are going with 2, hour long segments. I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.
I have received a few questions asking my thoughts regarding the Opry adding a Wednesday night show. I really don't have much of an issue with it as this is something the Opry has done before. If you remember, and for those who are to young to remember, when Opryland opened and was going strong, the Opry was having matinee shows most of the days of the week. I found some old schedules, and in the spring of 1974, right after the Opry moved to Opryland, there was 1 show on Friday night, a Saturday matinee, 2 Saturday night shows and a Sunday Grand Ole Gospel show.
By the spring of 1976, there was a Friday matinee, a Friday night show, a Saturday matinee, 2 Saturday night shows and a Sunday matinee. By 1978, in addition to the shows listed for 1976, the Opry was up to 2 shows on Friday night, for a total of 7 shows. And I know that they were also running a matinee or two during the week. By the 1980s, the Friday matinee was dropped and the Sunday show was only run during the peak season. So really, the Opry having multiple shows during the week is really nothing new.
I often worried that having more week night shows would take away from the Friday and Saturday night shows, which were considered the "big" shows during the week. At this point, and the way the Opry is being run today, it doesn't seem to matter. While Saturday will always be the night most associated with the Opry, I see nothing wrong with promoting the Opry brand through other shows. And it gives those missing Opry members, or those who tour on the weekends, more opportunity to appear at the Opry. And many of the Opry's members seem to be taking advantage of those chances. In the coming weeks, the Tuesday and Wednesday shows will feature Opry members Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Marty Stuart and Lorrie Morgan. As long as they don't forget about the weekend shows, I am fine with it.
It has also been noticed that Opry seems to have lost a couple of their sponsors in recent weeks. Bass Pro Shops appears to be gone, while Cracker Barrel has been missing from the Friday Night Opry. Currently the Opry is using the Country Music Hall of Fame as a sponsor on Friday night, which brings them back as sponsors, and Opry Backstage Grill, which is owned and operated by Gaylord. It will be interesting to see what the Opry does for sponsorship in the coming months. Could Marriott be coming aboard, now that they are operating the Gaylord hotel properties? Or possibly a former sponsor such as Martha White or Coke? Or maybe someone like Southwest Airlines, who does a lot of cross-promotion with the Opry.
Tuesday Night Opry, June 17:
7:00: Oak Ridge Boys; Lee Brice; Jimmy Dickens
Intermission
8:15: Brantley Gilbert; Kevin Costner & Modern West; Lily Costner; Charlie Daniels Band
Wednesday June 18:
7:00: John Conlee; Dustin Lynch
7:30: The Whites; Mark Wills
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson; Point of Grace
8:45: Vince Gill
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 7/13 & 7/14
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend, 1 on Friday night and the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. There is a good mix of entertainment this weekend, with the Friday Night Opry being highlighted by the return of Opry member Randy Travis to the Opry stage. Randy is another of those Opry members who joined in the 1980s and can't seem to find where the Opry House is located these days. This will be Randy's 1st Opry appearance this year, after making just 1 appearance in 2010. Joining Randy on Friday night will be guest artists Jimmy Wayne, Sarah Darling and Will Hoge. All 3 have made frequent Opry appearances over the past year.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature non-Opry members Chuck Wicks, Sam Bush, Casey James and Sunny Sweeney. I had the chance to see Sunny at the Opry in February, and not only is she a very nice looking young lady, she has a solid country voice. She will be featured in the segment hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin, who is always a pleasure to have at the Opry.
Friday July 13
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Brett Eldredge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling; Will Hoge
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Randy Travis
Saturday July 14
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Wicks
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Casey James; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Sunny Sweeney; Sam Bush Band
With still 1 spot to fill Friday and Saturday night, there are 12 artists on each show, with 8 Opry members on Friday night and 7 Opry members on Saturday night. Regarding Larry Gatlin, I find it interesting that many times when he is on the Opry he is with his brothers, while other times he appears solo. I do know that he, along with his brothers, are making personal appearances. Just an observation on my part.
Randy Travis joined the Grand Ole Opry on December 20, 1986. Just for the fun of it, I thought I would post the line-up from the night Randy joined the Opry, 26 years ago this year, to compare it to the line-up that we have this Saturday night.
Saturday December 20, 1986
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Riders In The Sky
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Lorrie Morgan; Jim & Jesse; Randy Travis
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Crook Brothers/ Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); The Whites; Stonewall Jackson; Archie Campbell; Connie Smith
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Boxcar Willie; Osborne Brothers; Mel McDaniel
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Del Reeves; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Randy Travis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); George Hamilton IV
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Charlie Louvin
10:45: Archie Campbell (host); Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers/ Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Charlie Walker; Mel McDaniel
11:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Osborne Brothers; Connie Smith
On the 1st show there were 20 artists and 21 on the 2nd show, and all were Opry members, Just interesting to look back.
This week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Justin Trevino.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature non-Opry members Chuck Wicks, Sam Bush, Casey James and Sunny Sweeney. I had the chance to see Sunny at the Opry in February, and not only is she a very nice looking young lady, she has a solid country voice. She will be featured in the segment hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin, who is always a pleasure to have at the Opry.
Friday July 13
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Brett Eldredge
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Jimmy Wayne
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling; Will Hoge
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Ray Pillow; Randy Travis
Saturday July 14
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Chuck Wicks
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jeannie Seely; Holly Williams
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jean Shepard; Casey James; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Larry Gatlin (host); Sunny Sweeney; Sam Bush Band
With still 1 spot to fill Friday and Saturday night, there are 12 artists on each show, with 8 Opry members on Friday night and 7 Opry members on Saturday night. Regarding Larry Gatlin, I find it interesting that many times when he is on the Opry he is with his brothers, while other times he appears solo. I do know that he, along with his brothers, are making personal appearances. Just an observation on my part.
Randy Travis joined the Grand Ole Opry on December 20, 1986. Just for the fun of it, I thought I would post the line-up from the night Randy joined the Opry, 26 years ago this year, to compare it to the line-up that we have this Saturday night.
Saturday December 20, 1986
1st show
6:30: Del Reeves (host); Skeeter Davis
6:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Riders In The Sky
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); Lorrie Morgan; Jim & Jesse; Randy Travis
7:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Crook Brothers/ Melvin Sloan Dancers
8:00: Bill Monroe (host); The Whites; Stonewall Jackson; Archie Campbell; Connie Smith
8:30: Hank Snow (host); Boxcar Willie; Osborne Brothers; Mel McDaniel
2nd show
9:30: Porter Wagoner (host); 4 Guys; Del Reeves; Jan Howard; Billy Walker
10:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Randy Travis
10:15: Roy Acuff (host); George Hamilton IV
10:30: Bill Monroe (host); Charlie Louvin
10:45: Archie Campbell (host); Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers/ Melvin Sloan Dancers
11:00: Hank Snow (host); Jean Shepard; Justin Tubb; Charlie Walker; Mel McDaniel
11:30: Boxcar Willie (host); Osborne Brothers; Connie Smith
On the 1st show there were 20 artists and 21 on the 2nd show, and all were Opry members, Just interesting to look back.
This week's Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree will be hosted by Justin Trevino.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Barbara Mandrell
It was 40 years ago today, on July 8, 1972 that Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Here is what Barbara remembered about joining the Opry: "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. You know what I recall most about the old Ryman? It's dressing and getting made up and all in the toilet, which was the women's dressing room. That was really close, and warm and friendly, sharing the crowded space with Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith and Dolly Parton and Jeannie Seely. I'm so thankful I became a member of the Opry just before we moved into the big, beautiful Opry House. We would all be perspiring so bad and it was so hot in there. But we were full of love and passion for our music and the people who would come to see us." Barbara went on, "When I was asked to become a member I asked the question, 'What must one do to be able to host a segment of the Opry?' and I was told , 'You must have gained enough status and you must be a man.'"
Barbara Mandrell had started in show business at a young age, as a member of the Mandrell Family Band. She first appeared on television in 1961. In 1969 she signed with Columbia Records as a solo act, and began regarding with Billy Sherrill as her producer. She also did a duet with David Houston. In 1978, she had her first #1 record, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed" and from there on, Barbara was a major star. In 1980, her hit NBC television show began, which lasted until 1982. Several years after that came the famous car accident that almost took her life and literally ended her career. While she did come back from the accident, she never again acheived the success that he had before the accident and many of her fans viewed her differently after that. In 2009 she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Her final appearance took place in 1997 and then retired.
In looking at Barbara's career, I do give her credit for retiring while she was still in top form. So many times we see entertainers continue to go on well past their prime and watch them age and their voices go away. She left her fans with a good memory of her. My other observation is that like so many of the Opry's members, once she hit it big, she made very few Opry appearances. When she joined, she was still an 'up and coming' artist, looking for that 1st #1 record. And once she got it, her career took her to other places. In her later years, when she appeared on the Opry, if Roy Acuff was performing on the show, it was always on his segment. And Barbara was always well received. It's too bad that she did not make more appearances over the years, because I think the Opry would have been better off in seeing her more.
To remember Barbara Mandrell on her Opry anniversary, here is the line-up from Saturday night, July 8, 1972, when she officially joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Oak Ridge Boys: (?)
Billy Grammer: Peace In the Valley
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): I Don't Mind Going Under
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
7:00: Luzienne
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow The Lilacs
Bobby Bare: The Streets Of Baltimore
Johnny PayCheck: Love Is A Good Thing
David Houston: Danny Boy
Tex Ritter: Lorena
Bobby Bare: Me & Bobby McGee
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
BARBARA MANDRELL: SHOW ME
8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl On The Billboard
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Ronnie Dove: Right Or Wrong
Del Reeves: The Best Is Yet To Come
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Marion Worth: For The Good Times
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Justin Tubb: Lodi
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Hank Snow: Giesha Girl
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
4 Guys: Shenendoah
David Houston: Soft, Sweet, & Warm
Shoji Tabuchi: Rainbow In the Valley
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
David Houston: Jambalaya
10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Johnny PayCheck: She's All I Got
Charlie Walker: I Don't Mind Going Under
10:15: Union 65
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go
10:45: Beechnut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Coming Down From God
Ronnie Dove: Okie From Muskogee
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
BARBARA MANDRELL: TONIGHT MY BABY'S COMING HOME
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin Hen
BARBARA MANDRELL: SATISFIED
Stu Phillips: A Castle, A Cabin
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Once Again
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Down In The Boondocks
Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Guitar Man/Heartbreak Hotel
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Del Reeves: The Bells Of Southern Bell/A Dime At A Time/Looking At The World Through A Windshield/Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On
A pretty interesting line-up for this summer show. I know Barbara is now retired from performing, but I would have expected the Opry to have done something to honor Barbara for 40 years of Opry membership. Even if the Opry failed to mention it, I wanted to.
Of course, maybe the Opry is waiting until July 29th to celebrate Barbara's 40th anniversary. I mention that date because in the current edition of the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book, that is the date listed for her induction as a new member. We have commented before about the Opry's poor record keeping. This looks like another example of that. Regardless, congratulations to Barbara Mandrell.
Here is what Barbara remembered about joining the Opry: "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. You know what I recall most about the old Ryman? It's dressing and getting made up and all in the toilet, which was the women's dressing room. That was really close, and warm and friendly, sharing the crowded space with Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith and Dolly Parton and Jeannie Seely. I'm so thankful I became a member of the Opry just before we moved into the big, beautiful Opry House. We would all be perspiring so bad and it was so hot in there. But we were full of love and passion for our music and the people who would come to see us." Barbara went on, "When I was asked to become a member I asked the question, 'What must one do to be able to host a segment of the Opry?' and I was told , 'You must have gained enough status and you must be a man.'"
Barbara Mandrell had started in show business at a young age, as a member of the Mandrell Family Band. She first appeared on television in 1961. In 1969 she signed with Columbia Records as a solo act, and began regarding with Billy Sherrill as her producer. She also did a duet with David Houston. In 1978, she had her first #1 record, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed" and from there on, Barbara was a major star. In 1980, her hit NBC television show began, which lasted until 1982. Several years after that came the famous car accident that almost took her life and literally ended her career. While she did come back from the accident, she never again acheived the success that he had before the accident and many of her fans viewed her differently after that. In 2009 she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Her final appearance took place in 1997 and then retired.
In looking at Barbara's career, I do give her credit for retiring while she was still in top form. So many times we see entertainers continue to go on well past their prime and watch them age and their voices go away. She left her fans with a good memory of her. My other observation is that like so many of the Opry's members, once she hit it big, she made very few Opry appearances. When she joined, she was still an 'up and coming' artist, looking for that 1st #1 record. And once she got it, her career took her to other places. In her later years, when she appeared on the Opry, if Roy Acuff was performing on the show, it was always on his segment. And Barbara was always well received. It's too bad that she did not make more appearances over the years, because I think the Opry would have been better off in seeing her more.
To remember Barbara Mandrell on her Opry anniversary, here is the line-up from Saturday night, July 8, 1972, when she officially joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms
Billy Grammer (host): Wabash Cannonball
Oak Ridge Boys: (?)
Billy Grammer: Peace In the Valley
6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): I Don't Mind Going Under
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
7:00: Luzienne
Tex Ritter (host): Green Grow The Lilacs
Bobby Bare: The Streets Of Baltimore
Johnny PayCheck: Love Is A Good Thing
David Houston: Danny Boy
Tex Ritter: Lorena
Bobby Bare: Me & Bobby McGee
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Just A Friend
4 Guys: Turn Your Radio On
Stu Phillips: I'd Rather Be Sorry
Crook Brothers: Lost Indian
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
BARBARA MANDRELL: SHOW ME
8:00: Martha White
Del Reeves (host): Girl On The Billboard
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Doin' My Time
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Ronnie Dove: Right Or Wrong
Del Reeves: The Best Is Yet To Come
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: White Dove
Del Reeves: Philadelphia Fillies
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I Don't Hurt Anymore
Bob Luman: When You Say Love
Marion Worth: For The Good Times
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Blackberry Blossom
Justin Tubb: Lodi
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Hank Snow: Giesha Girl
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Billy Grammer (host): Lonesome Road Blues
4 Guys: Shenendoah
David Houston: Soft, Sweet, & Warm
Shoji Tabuchi: Rainbow In the Valley
Billy Grammer: What A Friend
David Houston: Jambalaya
10:00: Fender
Charlie Walker (host): Little Old Wine Drinker Me
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Johnny PayCheck: She's All I Got
Charlie Walker: I Don't Mind Going Under
10:15: Union 65
Tex Ritter (host): High Noon
Bobby Bare: Come Sundown
Tex Ritter: Fall Away
10:30: Trailblazer
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man
Roy Acuff: Where Could I Go
10:45: Beechnut
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Coming Down From God
Ronnie Dove: Okie From Muskogee
Crook Brothers: Chicken Reel
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Golden Rocket
BARBARA MANDRELL: TONIGHT MY BABY'S COMING HOME
Stu Phillips: Crystal Chandeliers
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cracklin Hen
BARBARA MANDRELL: SATISFIED
Stu Phillips: A Castle, A Cabin
Sam McGee: Wheels
Hank Snow: I'm Glad I Got To See You Once Again
11:30: Elm Hill
Del Reeves (host): Down In The Boondocks
Bob Luman: When You Say Love/Guitar Man/Heartbreak Hotel
Marion Worth: Faded Love
Mel Street: Borrowed Angel
Del Reeves: The Bells Of Southern Bell/A Dime At A Time/Looking At The World Through A Windshield/Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On
A pretty interesting line-up for this summer show. I know Barbara is now retired from performing, but I would have expected the Opry to have done something to honor Barbara for 40 years of Opry membership. Even if the Opry failed to mention it, I wanted to.
Of course, maybe the Opry is waiting until July 29th to celebrate Barbara's 40th anniversary. I mention that date because in the current edition of the Grand Ole Opry History Picture Book, that is the date listed for her induction as a new member. We have commented before about the Opry's poor record keeping. This looks like another example of that. Regardless, congratulations to Barbara Mandrell.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Grand Ole Opry 7/6 & 7/7
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend, 1 on Friday night and 1 on Saturday night. Some interesting artists are appearing this weekend including Pure Prairie League and Old Crow Medicine Show, both of whom will be appearing on both shows. Pure Prairie League has been around for a long, long time with a variety of line-ups. Of course their big hit was "Amie." The group has disbanded over the years and has gotten back together at different times. And at one time, Vince Gill was a member of the group. From what I can tell, Vince is not scheduled for any shows this weekend, so it is possible that he might pop in with the group.
Old Crow Medicine Show is a string band that has been around since the late 1990s, and have been very popular and have a nice sound to them. They have been at the Opry on numerous occasions over the years. Joining these two on Friday night will be Darius Rucker, along with Mandy Barnett, while on Saturday night, they will be joined by Andy Gibson and Billy Dean.
Friday July 6
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Pure Prairie League
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Darius Rucker
Saturday July 7
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Andy Gibson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Pure Prairie League
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Billy Dean; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Old Crow Medicine Show
Over all, not a bad couple of shows. 12 artist on Friday night and 13 on Saturday night, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 9 Opry members on Saturday.
Old Crow Medicine Show is a string band that has been around since the late 1990s, and have been very popular and have a nice sound to them. They have been at the Opry on numerous occasions over the years. Joining these two on Friday night will be Darius Rucker, along with Mandy Barnett, while on Saturday night, they will be joined by Andy Gibson and Billy Dean.
Friday July 6
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Jim Ed Brown; Mandy Barnett
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jesse McReynolds; Pure Prairie League
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); The Whites; Old Crow Medicine Show
8:45: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Darius Rucker
Saturday July 7
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jeannie Seely; Andy Gibson
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Pure Prairie League
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jan Howard; Billy Dean; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Old Crow Medicine Show
Over all, not a bad couple of shows. 12 artist on Friday night and 13 on Saturday night, with 8 Opry members on Friday and 9 Opry members on Saturday.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Death of the Grand Ole Opry/Can Garth & Reba Save It?
While I was at my local grocery store today, I happened to look at the various celebrity magazines that are for sale by the cash registers and the headline printed above was on the cover of the "National Examiner" July 9th edition. Naturally that caught my eye, so I am reprinting the article below with my comments at the end. The article was written by Roger Hitts.
Music city movers and shakers have rallied in a desperate bid to save the Grand Ole Opry from being shut down by greedy corporate wheeling and dealing. "Someone needs to breathe new life into Opry's heart and soul," a country music source tells The Examiner. Nashville insiders have launched a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to convince country music's biggest stars to rescue the historic venue from extinction. "We're talking the likes of Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, along with some of the younger stars like Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, who have played the Opry," says the insider. "If they pooled their resources, they could keep the Opry alive."
The loyal supporters of the Opry also hope to recruit stars as diverse as Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones and Keith Urban, because Opry lovers fear the time-honored venue may end up on the chopping block. Gaylord Entertainment, a resort and entertainment company which has owned the Opry since 1983, may soon cut a deal to merge with a hotel giant. According to the published reports about the deal, Gaylord would still own and operate the Opry. But insiders are afraid the corporation will eventually unload the Opry under pressure to boost stock prices. "If the Opry falls into the wrong hands, it will die a tragic death," veteran country music promoter Marty Martel tells The Examiner. "It would be a godsend to have one or a group of major stars purchase the Opry as a lifesaver." The source adds: "There are some folks who feel Gaylord hasn't been the greatest steward for our beloved Opry. And there's fear of the unknown. If Gaylord gets taken over, whoever buys it could decide it's not a cost-beneficial operation and mothball it entirely."
Launched in November 1925, the Nashville-based barn-dance show was beamed to more than 30 states during its heyday, thanks to the freedom afforded to old-time AM radio stations. Over the 90 years, the Opry has helped the careers of legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Clark and Minnie Pearl. The show has also hosted contemporary stars like the Dixie Chicks, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Devoted fans call it The Mother Church of Country Music. But the beloved symbol of Americana has increasingly suffered under the onslaught of FM radio, cable television, the Internet and wireless devices like iPads. The program has been kept alive by a devoted group of legendary stars like Jean Shepard, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, Jimmy C Newman, Jack Greene and Stonewall Jackson.
But the Opry needs modern star power to survive, say Music City insiders. The Opry has inducted more than 100 artists, only to see many of them skip out on their agreement to perform at least 10 shows on the hallowed stage. These artists prefer to book tours at major venues that pay more than the Opry. "The artists inducted need to hold true to their promise of taking care of The Mother Church of Country Music," says Martel, "not to give lip service, but to make regular appearances so that they can breathe new life into the heart and soul of the Opry."
Now for my thoughts and comments:
First, you have to remember that this is the National Examiner and as you can tell by reading the article, they have a few facts wrong. And they are known to sensationalize a story. While Gaylord has had some issues and is working on an operating agreement with Marriott for the resort and convention business, there is nothing new to report on the Opry. Gaylord has said they are not selling it and will continue to operate the show and nothing has changed since they made that statement.
I do find it amusing that the artists they list as those who should buy the Opry are members who never appear or support the show now. Garth Brooks? Alan Jackson? Reba McEntire? Later in the article it mentions about the lack of support from the various members who do not appear 10 times each year. If these artists really cared about the Opry, they would be there. Let's face it, if Garth, Alan and Reba actually appeared at the Opry, there would be no need for this discussion. As far as the non-Opry members listed, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift have appeared several times on the show. It's not like they are regular performers.
Now, I will say it is open to debate whether or not Gaylord has been good stewards of the Opry. Early on, they were. While the Gaylord family was actively involved with the management of the company, and folks like Bud Wendell were still around, the Opry was operated just fine. But when you have current management doing things like cutting show lengths, ridiculously raising ticket prices, cutting sponsors and reducing the number of acts per show, you have to question how much they really think of the history and tradition of the show.
Marty Martel does a great job with the legends of country music. He does a lot of promoting of shows and really does care about the Opry and the history of the show. But, he also has had his differences with Gaylord and how he feels the legends have been treated. He is right in the fact taht if the Opry ends up in the wrong hands, it could be worse than what it is now. But the last sentence in the story, which is a quote from Marty, is right on, "The artists inducted need to hold true to their promise to take care of The Mother Church of Country Music, not to give lip service, but to make regular appearances so that they can breathe new life into the heart and soul of the Opry."
I couldn't agree more.
Music city movers and shakers have rallied in a desperate bid to save the Grand Ole Opry from being shut down by greedy corporate wheeling and dealing. "Someone needs to breathe new life into Opry's heart and soul," a country music source tells The Examiner. Nashville insiders have launched a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to convince country music's biggest stars to rescue the historic venue from extinction. "We're talking the likes of Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, along with some of the younger stars like Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, who have played the Opry," says the insider. "If they pooled their resources, they could keep the Opry alive."
The loyal supporters of the Opry also hope to recruit stars as diverse as Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones and Keith Urban, because Opry lovers fear the time-honored venue may end up on the chopping block. Gaylord Entertainment, a resort and entertainment company which has owned the Opry since 1983, may soon cut a deal to merge with a hotel giant. According to the published reports about the deal, Gaylord would still own and operate the Opry. But insiders are afraid the corporation will eventually unload the Opry under pressure to boost stock prices. "If the Opry falls into the wrong hands, it will die a tragic death," veteran country music promoter Marty Martel tells The Examiner. "It would be a godsend to have one or a group of major stars purchase the Opry as a lifesaver." The source adds: "There are some folks who feel Gaylord hasn't been the greatest steward for our beloved Opry. And there's fear of the unknown. If Gaylord gets taken over, whoever buys it could decide it's not a cost-beneficial operation and mothball it entirely."
Launched in November 1925, the Nashville-based barn-dance show was beamed to more than 30 states during its heyday, thanks to the freedom afforded to old-time AM radio stations. Over the 90 years, the Opry has helped the careers of legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Clark and Minnie Pearl. The show has also hosted contemporary stars like the Dixie Chicks, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Devoted fans call it The Mother Church of Country Music. But the beloved symbol of Americana has increasingly suffered under the onslaught of FM radio, cable television, the Internet and wireless devices like iPads. The program has been kept alive by a devoted group of legendary stars like Jean Shepard, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, Jimmy C Newman, Jack Greene and Stonewall Jackson.
But the Opry needs modern star power to survive, say Music City insiders. The Opry has inducted more than 100 artists, only to see many of them skip out on their agreement to perform at least 10 shows on the hallowed stage. These artists prefer to book tours at major venues that pay more than the Opry. "The artists inducted need to hold true to their promise of taking care of The Mother Church of Country Music," says Martel, "not to give lip service, but to make regular appearances so that they can breathe new life into the heart and soul of the Opry."
Now for my thoughts and comments:
First, you have to remember that this is the National Examiner and as you can tell by reading the article, they have a few facts wrong. And they are known to sensationalize a story. While Gaylord has had some issues and is working on an operating agreement with Marriott for the resort and convention business, there is nothing new to report on the Opry. Gaylord has said they are not selling it and will continue to operate the show and nothing has changed since they made that statement.
I do find it amusing that the artists they list as those who should buy the Opry are members who never appear or support the show now. Garth Brooks? Alan Jackson? Reba McEntire? Later in the article it mentions about the lack of support from the various members who do not appear 10 times each year. If these artists really cared about the Opry, they would be there. Let's face it, if Garth, Alan and Reba actually appeared at the Opry, there would be no need for this discussion. As far as the non-Opry members listed, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift have appeared several times on the show. It's not like they are regular performers.
Now, I will say it is open to debate whether or not Gaylord has been good stewards of the Opry. Early on, they were. While the Gaylord family was actively involved with the management of the company, and folks like Bud Wendell were still around, the Opry was operated just fine. But when you have current management doing things like cutting show lengths, ridiculously raising ticket prices, cutting sponsors and reducing the number of acts per show, you have to question how much they really think of the history and tradition of the show.
Marty Martel does a great job with the legends of country music. He does a lot of promoting of shows and really does care about the Opry and the history of the show. But, he also has had his differences with Gaylord and how he feels the legends have been treated. He is right in the fact taht if the Opry ends up in the wrong hands, it could be worse than what it is now. But the last sentence in the story, which is a quote from Marty, is right on, "The artists inducted need to hold true to their promise to take care of The Mother Church of Country Music, not to give lip service, but to make regular appearances so that they can breathe new life into the heart and soul of the Opry."
I couldn't agree more.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
July Opry Highlights
Here are the historical and important events that took place in Grand Ole Opry history during the month of July:
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Although he went by the name of Cowboy, his mother named him Lloyd Estel.
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, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry for the next 62 years.
July 7, 1927: Charles Loudermilk, better know as Charlie Louvin, was born near Section, Alabama.
July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia.
July 7, 1930: The late 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 a Grand Ole Opry member for 52 years and is known as the "International Ambassador of Country Music" for his world-wide travels to promote the music. George continues to travel and has made recent tours to Canada, England and Ireland.
July 5, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville. They would only stay at War Memorial for a few short years as the type of people who came to see the Opry were not the type that were wanted at War Memorial. The Opry moved to this facility from the Dixie Tabernacle, which while able to hold more people, was basically a barn.
July 6, 1940: Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain an Opry member until his death in September 1958. Years later, Minnie Pearl would lead the effort to have Rod elected to the Hall of Fame. Minnie and Rod would become famous for their comedy routines on the Prince Albert show. Rod joined the show to replace comedian Whitey Ford, who left the show after a contract dispute with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and it's advertising agency. Whitey stayed on the Opry but was no longer a part of the network portion of the show. Rod was not only a gifted comedian, but a fine actor who sorry to say led a troubled personal life.
July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced he was running for Governor of the state of Tennessee, after he felt that the current Governor had made some poor comments regarding country music. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, he did not stand much of a chance and lost the election by a wide margin. It was said that his campaign rallies drew large crowds that would listen to him sing and play, then would begin to leave after he began speaking.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He would become a regular in 1952, but as Lefty would later 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. Carl would go on to marry Goldie Hill, while June would eventually settle down with Johnny Cash.
July 18, 1954: Grand Ole Opry member 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 but still appearing on the show, he kicked out the Opry stage lights during a performance. He was told by Opry management that he was no longer welcomed at the Opry. He did stay away for several years, but would later begin to make guest appearances on the show. At one point, he was asked by Roy Acuff to return to the show as a member, but he declined 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 another Opry member, Mel Tillis.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 51st year as an Opry member. Bill had made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and would guest on the show over the next several years. Ott Devine was the Opry manager at the time and he was impressed with Bill after seeing him perform in concert in Panama City, Florida. He told Bill he would call him later when he got back to Nashville and he did, and Bill was asked to join the Opry.
July 8, 1964: The late Dottie West joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves, along with Dean Manuel, died in a plane crash just outside of Nashville.
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 were band members Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry stage in August, while June decided to no longer tour with the Smoky Mountain Boys.
July 29, 1966: Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 29, 1972: Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry. Although currently retired from the music business, Barbara will be celebrating her 40th year as an Opry member, as she was allowed to keep her Opry membership after she retired. Barbara remembered 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 passed away 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. Like Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne is retired from the music business but was allowed to continue as an Opry member. This will be her 39th year as an Opry member and while she no longer appears on the show performing, once in a while she will show up backstage to visit and watch the show. Her last Opry appearance was in 2001. Before becoming successful herself, she was a songwriter for Marty Robbins Enterprise and after joining the Opry, she would normally appear on the final segment with Marty. She was the last singing artist to join the Opry before it left the Ryman Auditorium and move to the Grand Ole Opry House. Of course, the last Opry member to join the show while it was still at the Ryman was Jerry Clower.
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. At the time, George was coming off his monster hit, "Candy Kisses." George 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 July, but there were complications that led to his death.
July 2, 1982: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Grand Ole Opry but was fired from the show in 1941 by George D. Hay. There were various reasons and excuses given on why DeFord was fired, but over the years it became apparent that race played an issue. DeFord was very bitter about his firing and would remain so for many years. He resisted invitations to appear on the show, but finally on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry stage as part of the annual "Old Timer's Night." Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl made sure he was treated with the respect he deserved and many said his performance was the highlight of the night. He performed "Pam American" and "Fox Chase." His final appearance on the Opry was on April 3, 1982, during that year's reunion show.
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 owned the television show, "Hee Haw." When they purchased the Opry, they also bought the entire Opryland complex and everything associated with it. The price was rumored to be between $250 and $300 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become known as Gaylord Entertainment and would go from a privately held company to a publicly traded one and it's primary focus would change from broadcasting to resort and hotel management. It is hard to believe that Gaylord has now owned the Opry for 29 years.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss becomes a Grand Ole Opry member. At the time, she was the youngest member of the cast. Garth Brooks was the member who officially inducted her that night and she was the first bluegrass artist to join the show in 19 years. This will be her 16th year as an Opry member.
July 3, 2001: Johnny Russell died in Nashville after a long illness. After he joined the Opry, he began to follow the tradition of Marty Robbins and either appear on, or host the final segment on Saturday nights. Not only was he a good performer, but he was an even better songwriter. Johnny had joined the Opry on July 6, 1985. I had the opportunity to meet Johnny and share a lunch table with him at Opryland, and he was one of the nicest individuals I had ever met.
July 15, 1913: Cowboy Copas was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Although he went by the name of Cowboy, his mother named him Lloyd Estel.
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, in one form or another, would remain a part of the Opry for the next 62 years.
July 7, 1927: Charles Loudermilk, better know as Charlie Louvin, was born near Section, Alabama.
July 9, 1929: Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds was born in Coeburn, Virginia.
July 7, 1930: The late 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 a Grand Ole Opry member for 52 years and is known as the "International Ambassador of Country Music" for his world-wide travels to promote the music. George continues to travel and has made recent tours to Canada, England and Ireland.
July 5, 1939: The Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville. They would only stay at War Memorial for a few short years as the type of people who came to see the Opry were not the type that were wanted at War Memorial. The Opry moved to this facility from the Dixie Tabernacle, which while able to hold more people, was basically a barn.
July 6, 1940: Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
July 15, 1944: Country Music Hall of Fame member Rod Brasfield joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain an Opry member until his death in September 1958. Years later, Minnie Pearl would lead the effort to have Rod elected to the Hall of Fame. Minnie and Rod would become famous for their comedy routines on the Prince Albert show. Rod joined the show to replace comedian Whitey Ford, who left the show after a contract dispute with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and it's advertising agency. Whitey stayed on the Opry but was no longer a part of the network portion of the show. Rod was not only a gifted comedian, but a fine actor who sorry to say led a troubled personal life.
July 24, 1948: Roy Acuff announced he was running for Governor of the state of Tennessee, after he felt that the current Governor had made some poor comments regarding country music. As a Republican in Tennessee in 1948, he did not stand much of a chance and lost the election by a wide margin. It was said that his campaign rallies drew large crowds that would listen to him sing and play, then would begin to leave after he began speaking.
July 21, 1951: Lefty Frizzell made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He would become a regular in 1952, but as Lefty would later 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. Carl would go on to marry Goldie Hill, while June would eventually settle down with Johnny Cash.
July 18, 1954: Grand Ole Opry member 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 but still appearing on the show, he kicked out the Opry stage lights during a performance. He was told by Opry management that he was no longer welcomed at the Opry. He did stay away for several years, but would later begin to make guest appearances on the show. At one point, he was asked by Roy Acuff to return to the show as a member, but he declined 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 another Opry member, Mel Tillis.
July 12, 1961: Bill Anderson becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 51st year as an Opry member. Bill had made his first Opry appearance in 1958, and would guest on the show over the next several years. Ott Devine was the Opry manager at the time and he was impressed with Bill after seeing him perform in concert in Panama City, Florida. He told Bill he would call him later when he got back to Nashville and he did, and Bill was asked to join the Opry.
July 8, 1964: The late Dottie West joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.
July 31, 1964: Former Grand Ole Opry member Jim Reeves, along with Dean Manuel, died in a plane crash just outside of Nashville.
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 were band members Shot Jackson and June Stearns. Roy would return to the Opry stage in August, while June decided to no longer tour with the Smoky Mountain Boys.
July 29, 1966: Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas.
July 29, 1972: Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry. Although currently retired from the music business, Barbara will be celebrating her 40th year as an Opry member, as she was allowed to keep her Opry membership after she retired. Barbara remembered 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 passed away 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. Like Barbara Mandrell, Jeanne is retired from the music business but was allowed to continue as an Opry member. This will be her 39th year as an Opry member and while she no longer appears on the show performing, once in a while she will show up backstage to visit and watch the show. Her last Opry appearance was in 2001. Before becoming successful herself, she was a songwriter for Marty Robbins Enterprise and after joining the Opry, she would normally appear on the final segment with Marty. She was the last singing artist to join the Opry before it left the Ryman Auditorium and move to the Grand Ole Opry House. Of course, the last Opry member to join the show while it was still at the Ryman was Jerry Clower.
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. At the time, George was coming off his monster hit, "Candy Kisses." George 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 July, but there were complications that led to his death.
July 2, 1982: Country Music Hall of Fame member, and former Opry member DeFord Bailey died in Nashville at the age of 82. DeFord was one of the first members of the Grand Ole Opry but was fired from the show in 1941 by George D. Hay. There were various reasons and excuses given on why DeFord was fired, but over the years it became apparent that race played an issue. DeFord was very bitter about his firing and would remain so for many years. He resisted invitations to appear on the show, but finally on February 23, 1974, he returned to the Opry stage as part of the annual "Old Timer's Night." Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl made sure he was treated with the respect he deserved and many said his performance was the highlight of the night. He performed "Pam American" and "Fox Chase." His final appearance on the Opry was on April 3, 1982, during that year's reunion show.
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 owned the television show, "Hee Haw." When they purchased the Opry, they also bought the entire Opryland complex and everything associated with it. The price was rumored to be between $250 and $300 million. Over time, Gaylord Broadcasting would become known as Gaylord Entertainment and would go from a privately held company to a publicly traded one and it's primary focus would change from broadcasting to resort and hotel management. It is hard to believe that Gaylord has now owned the Opry for 29 years.
July 3, 1996: Alison Krauss becomes a Grand Ole Opry member. At the time, she was the youngest member of the cast. Garth Brooks was the member who officially inducted her that night and she was the first bluegrass artist to join the show in 19 years. This will be her 16th year as an Opry member.
July 3, 2001: Johnny Russell died in Nashville after a long illness. After he joined the Opry, he began to follow the tradition of Marty Robbins and either appear on, or host the final segment on Saturday nights. Not only was he a good performer, but he was an even better songwriter. Johnny had joined the Opry on July 6, 1985. I had the opportunity to meet Johnny and share a lunch table with him at Opryland, and he was one of the nicest individuals I had ever met.
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