Blake Shelton Scheduled For Opry

The Grand Ole Opry has posted that Blake Shelton has been scheduled for Saturday March 2. I guess that answers the question as to what the Opry's management response would be to his remarks concerning country music and its veteran performers. I can almost guarantee that GAC will televise the show live, or tape it for replay later.

On another note regarding the March 2nd show, Scotty McCreery is also scheduled that night. Earlier that week on February 27, the Opry is doing a special show for the Country Radio Seminar that is taking place in Nashville. Scheduled for that show are Opry members Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Josh Turner and Darius Rucker, along with guest artists Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Greg Bates and Kacey Musgraves. Also scheduled is the above mentioned Scotty McCreery. While I have not heard anything offical, or even in the rumor stage, I would maybe pay attention to the show that night. There might be some interesting news coming out of it.

As far as Blake Shelton, I am happy that he is coming back to do the Opry after being gone for over a year, but I think we all know it is nothing more than a public relations stunt to get him back in good standing with country music and its fans. We will see how his appearance goes. Personally, I would love nothing more than to have Blake perform on a segment hosted by Jean Shepard. I would gather that she would not be afraid to say something to Blake and put him in his place.

In another Opry note, Jimmy Dickens will again be missing this weekend from the show. It has been since December that Jimmy last did the Opry. The word is that he is doing fine and just resting at home, getting his voice back in order. Let's hope that is all it is.

Grand Ole Opry 2/8 & 2/9

Before getting into the Grand Ole Opry line-up for this week, a couple of notes regarding some past Grand Ole Opry performers:

Richard Garratt, a partner and founding member of The Four Guys, passed away on February 3rd. There was no cause of death listed. He was part of the original group that joined the Opry on April 13, 1967. The other original members were Sam Wellington, Berl Lyons and Brent Burkett. He remained a part of The Four Guys into the early 1970s, when he left and was replaced by Dave Rowland, who would later have success with the group, "Dave & Sugar." After Dave left the group, Richard rejoined, staying for a few years until the majority of the group fired him as there were differences.

Also passing away this week was Sonny Day, who was a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys. Sonny played accordian and was instrumental in helping to create the unique Acuff sound in the 1940s. He was featured on the original recording of "Wabash Cannonball" and starred with Acuff in the movie "Night Train to Memphis." He also performed with Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, Tanya Tucker and Vince Gill. He also received a star on the Walkway of the Stars at the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1981. After the movie with Roy, Sonny left the Smoky Mountain Boys in an effort to achieve his own solo success. For a time he had a show on WEOL radio in Elyria, Ohio. After that, he worked for various people in the music history.

As far as the Opry this weekend, one of the Opry's long lost members is returning to the show and that is Lorrie Morgan, who will be hosting segments on Friday and Saturday night. I was doing a little checking and in 1985, right after she joined the Opry, she was on 130 times. By 1989, she was down to 43 appearances and by 1991, she was down to just 5, as her solo career began to finally take off. She would not it double digits again in Opry appearances until 2000 when he made 12 appearances. Last year she was on the Opry just 5 times. Hopefully 2013 will be different.

Also appearing on both shows this weekend is Ricky Skaggs. Including this weekend, there have been 12 Opry shows so far in 2013 and Ricky has been on 7 of those. That is an impressive start to the year, and it is nice to see Ricky really stepping up his Opry shows over the past several years.

In addition to Lorrie and Ricky, the Friday Night Opry will include guest appearances by The Isaacs, Kellie Pickler and Lee Greenwood, who is celebrating the 30 year anniversary of his recording of "God Bless the USA." Saturday night's show will feature frequent Opry guests Darryl Worley and Restless Heart. And no Jimmy Dickens again this weekend.

Friday February 8
7:00: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; John Conlee
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Striking Matches; Lee Greenwood
8:45: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jesse McReynolds; Kellie Pickler

Saturday February 9
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Craig Campbell; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Lorrie Morgan (host); Jimmy C Newman; Connie Smith
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; Restless Heart; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Jan Howard; Darryl Worley

This week's look back in Grand Ole Opry history goes to February 7, 1981, which is the night John Conlee joined the Opry. He will mark his 32nd year as an Opry member by appearing on Friday night. Like many of those who joined during this era, his Opry appearances were few and far between for the first dozen or so years that he was a member. However, as his touring and hit making days have slowed down, he has become more of an Opry regular, setting a good example for others from his generation.

Congratulations to John Conlee for 32 years of Opry membership and here is the line-up from Saturday February 7, 1981, the night John Conlee joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Ernie Ashworth: Mind Your Own Business
Stonewall Jackson: Ol' Chunk of Coal

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Crazy Arms
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing It Now
Bill Carlisle: Knothole
Charlie Walker: Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ol' Slewfoot
Jimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold Tater
John Conlee: She Can't Say That Anymore/What I Had With You/Rose Colored Glasses
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love In My Heart
Porter Wagoner: What I've Always Wanted/On A Highway Headed South

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: Slippin' Away
Jim & Jesse: Truck Stops and Pretty Girls
Vic Willis Trio: Last Cheater's Waltz
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Durang's Hornpipe
Roy Acuff: That's The Man I'm Looking For

8:00: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): I Love You Drops
Skeeter Davis: The Rose
Wilburn Brothers: Making Plans
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Lonzo & Oscar: Green, Green Grass of Home
Bill Anderson: Mr. Peepers

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: Fire
Charlie Louvin: Mama's Angels
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Stu Phillips: I Will
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Bailey
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Check

2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
4 Guys: Swing Down, Chariot
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
Billy Grammer: When Your Hair has Turned to Silver
David Houston: My Lady
Two's Company: How Can I Help You Forgive Me
Porter Wagoner: On A Highway Headed South

10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host): I Need Somebody Bad Tonight
John Conlee: Back Side of Thirty/Rose Colored Glasses
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything

10:15: Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe it was True
Jan Howard: Good Hearted Woman
Bill Carlisle: Same Old Tale that the Crow Told Me
Carol Lee Singers: A Song That Holy Angels Cannot Sing
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Limerock

10:30: Martha White
Bill Anderson (host): One More Sexy Lady
Jean Shepard: You Still Have A Place in my Heart
Jim & Jesse: The Rider in the Rain
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

10:45: Beech-Nut
Charlie Louvin (host): See the Big Man Cry
Connie Smith: Love Lifted Me
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travlers: Black Mountain Rag
Charlie Louvin: She Is

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Old Shep
Skeeter Davis: Isn't It Always Love
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Stu Phillips: Born to Be A Man
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Kelly Foxton: Make the World Go Away

11:30: Bama
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Lonzo & Oscar: Blue Kentucky Home/Boogie Grass Band
Ray Pillow: Bubbles In My Beer/Too Many Memories
Opry Staff Band: Buckaroo
Roy Drusky: The Last Farewell/One Day at A Time

Again, congratulations to John Conlee!!

Country Music Hall of Fame

First, I always give credit where credit is due, and I thank David who I am sure all of you recognize from his comments on the blog, for passing this along to me. Somehow I missed it and I appreciate it.

Usually by March 1st, the Country Music Hall of Fame announces the newest inductees. Information has been posted on another website that lists 5 names in each category that David, along with myself, are assuming are the finalists in each category. If this is the case, this would be the 2nd year in a row that a leak has come out of the Hall of Fame voting. Personally, I would think that the Hall would want to announce the finalists ahead of time, and create a little excitement and news for the Hall of Fame. The major sports do it, as does the Rock Hall of Fame. Again, this is unofficial, but here are the 5 names being mentioned in each category:

Veterans' Era
(These acts are eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieved national prominence)

Dottie West
Johnny & Jack
The Browns
Hank Williams, Jr
Archie Campbell

The surprise on this list is Johnny & Jack. While deserving, their names have not come up before. Perhaps it was the deaths of Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright that have people staring to think about this duo. But I will say, that they are a longshot at best. If I was a voter, my preference would be The Browns. It is time to honor them while they are still alive and able to enjoy it. While my heart says The Browns, realistically I think it will be Dottie West. There seems to be a big push for her this year. ( I will say that I am somewhat surprised again that Bobby Bare and the Wilburn Brothers did not make this list. There had been some talk in the last part of 2012 about the Wilburn's getting consideration, and in my opinion, Bobby Bare is more than deserving to be in the Hall).

Modern Era
(These acts are eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieved national prominence)

Kenny Rogers
The Oak Ridge Boys
Ronnie Milsap
Ricky Skaggs
Alan Jackson

Wow, this is a tough category. Alan Jackson will get in someday, and soon. But for now, he can wait. Kenny Rogers and Dottie West going in together would seem logical and if Dottie does get it, I would fully expect Kenny to join her. Many already think the Oak Ridge Boys are already in. Ricky Skaggs set the trend for traditional country music and bluegrass. If I was a voter, Ronnie Milsap would be my pick. His string of #1 hits is remarkable as well as overcoming his handicap. While my heart is for Ronnie, realistically I would not be surprised if it was Kenny Rogers. All are deserving.

Non-Performer, Songwriter. and / or Touring Musician active prior to 1980
(This is the rotating category, with 2013 set aside for the non-performer)

Buddy Killen
Joe Galante
Fred Foster
Jimmy Bowen
Tony Brown

I think the 3 favorites would be Buddy Killen, Fred Foster and Tony Brown. Jimmy Bowen, while influential and with an impressive record, floated around with different labels and has made some enemies along the way. The same can't be said for Tony Brown and you can probably count on Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris pushing the way for him. His work goes back to Elvis and he is well liked and popular. Buddy Killen is one of the pioneers in the publishing business and Fred Foster was head of Monument Records. I will say that I am surprised that Cowboy Jack Clement is not a finalist, but going from this list he did not make the cut. Realistically, I think any of the 3 I mentioned could go in, with my personal vote going to Tony Brown.

Those are my thoughts. I now open it up to others.

February Opry Highlights

As I do each month, here are the important and historical events that have taken place in Grand Ole Opry history during the month of February:

February 9, 1914: The legendary Ernest Tubb was born in Crisp, Texas. He came to the Grand Ole Opry in the early 1940s and opened the first Ernest Tubb Record Shop in 1947. He was one of the first members elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and in his career he probably helped more young entertainers to get their start in the business than anyone else in the history of country music. He passed away in 1984 after a long illness.

February 1, 1928: Harry Stone becomes the Grand Ole Opry's staff announcer. Harry would eventually become the general manager of WSM radio and in that position, he and the Opry's founder George D. Hay, would clash over the direction of the Opry. Judge Hay wanted to keep the show rural and as he would say, "close to the ground", while Harry Stone wanted to make the show more professional and bring on paid, full time entertainers to be on the show. We all know who won that argument. Once the Opry started down that road, it has never turned back.

February 25, 1932: Faron Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. Faron joined the Louisiana Hayride in 1951 and in 1954 he came to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry. He would remain an Opry member until December 6, 1964, when he was fired from the Opry for failing to appear the required 26 times per year. While he would not rejoin the Opry, Faron would continue to make guest appearances on the show. He passed away in 1996. Following his death, he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 5, 1938: Roy Acuff makes his second Grand Ole Opry appearance, along with his band, the Crazy Tennesseans. His first appearance had taken place several months prior and was not considered very good. On his return date, Roy sang "The Great Speckled Bird" and the listeners responded with an avalanche of mail to WSM. 2 weeks later, on February 19, 1938, he was added to the cast. With his addition, the Opry began a shift from an emphasis on instrumental music to vocal performers. When Roy first joined the Opry, he spent time touring with Uncle Dave Macon and the Delmore Brothers, who were established entertainers and knew the territory. On a final note, Harry Stone didn't like the name of Roy's band. He thought that the name "Crazy Tennesseans" was a slur on the state and he recommended to Roy that since he was from the Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee, that he adopt that name. So beginning on February 26, 1938, it was Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys, and it would remain that way until his death in November 1992.

February 18, 1939: The Andrew Brothers became regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry. They were brought in to replace the Delmore Brothers, who had left the show. The 2 brothers were known for their harmony and were from Mobile, Alabama.

February 23, 1952: Del Wood makes her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. The previous year, she had a million selling instrumental record with "Down Yonder", which featured her signature ragtime piano playing. When Del accepted the invitation to play the Opry, she turned down a two week engagement to play with Bob Crosby and his orchestra. She would reamin at the Opry as a member until her death on October 3, 1989. Those who knew Del will tell you that she was one of a kind and her ragtime piano is still missed at the Opry today.

February 26, 1955: The Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira, became members of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2001, the Louvin Brothers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and some of the greatest songs in country music history came from this duo. Ira passed away on June 20, 1965, the result of a terrible head-on automobile accident. Charlie continued as an Opry member until his death in January 2011. In his later years, Charlie was bitter over the treatment given to him by the Opry's management and the reduction in the number of his Opry appearances. On a side note, some publications give the Louvin's Opry date induction date as February 10, however that was not on a Saturday night. (As many of us know, the Opry is famous for playing with dates).

February 23, 1957: Porter Wagoner joins the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. He would be one of the Opry's most colorful and popular members until his death on October 28, 2007, shortly after being honored for 50 years of Opry membership. Porter made his first appearance at the Opry the year before, in 1956 and he would later write about that night. "The first night I appeared on the Opry, I came off the stage and went back to the little dressing room area, and I met Roy Acuff in the hallway there. And he came up to me and he said, 'Porter, I'm awful glad that you're becoming a part of the Grand Ole Opry. We need more of your kind of people here.'" It is ironic that after Roy died in 1992, Porter would replace him as the face of the Opry. The first night he was on the Opry, he was introduced by Carl Smith, who would later become one of Porter's good friends. During his time as an Opry member, he brought Norma Jean, Mel Tillis and Dolly Parton to the Opry, along with James Brown.

February 27, 1959: The late Billy Grammer joined the Grand Ole Opry. Billy remained an Opry member until his death in April 2011. On the Grand Ole Opry the week after his death, Vince Gill opened the show by singing Billy's signature song, "Gotta Travel On", paying tribute to one of the finest singers and guitar players the Opry has known.

February 4, 1960: Billy Walker, the "Tall Texan" joined the Grand Ole Opry. Billy would have a long career in country music and remained an Opry member until his death on May 21, 2006, the result of a car accident as he was returning to Nashville from a show in Alabama. On the night he joined the Opry, he was introduced by Ernest Tubb.

February 6, 1960: George Hamilton IV becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 53rd year as an Opry member, although for a period of time George left Nashville and gave up his Opry membership. George has traveled all over the world, bringing country music to millions of fans, and still tours overseas. I can tell you from personal experience that George is one of the nicest and most sincere members of the Grand Ole Opry.

February 23, 1963: Opry member Patsy Cline makes her final Grand Ole Opry appearance. Less than 2 weeks later, she would die in a plane crash, along with fellow Opry members Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas. Randy Hughes also passed away in the crash. Patsy was an inspiration to a generation of female country singers including Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Jeannie Seely. Patsy was later elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 8, 1975: After an absence of 18 years, Jimmy Dickens rejoined the cast of the Opry. Hank Snow introduced him that night by saying, "Jimmy is one of the greatest showmen of all time. It's like replacing the most important spoke in a wheel to have him back on the Opry. We need more Jimmy Dickenses." That night, Jimmy sang "Family Reunion" and later said, "I thought it was appropriate. It's hard to put in words and say how you feel about being back in the family. It's been so long." Unlike the first time Jimmy joined the Opry in 1948, this time he stayed around and is still an Opry member today.

February 6, 1976: Ronnie Milsap joins the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 37th year as an Opry member. Sorry to say, but Ronnie has not taken full advantage of his Opry membership, and his appearances have been few and far in-between. But whenever he plays the Opry, this future Hall of Fame member always receives a great ovation.

February 7, 1981: John Conlee joins the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 32nd year as an Opry member. I am sure all of you know that John was a licensed funeral director in his home state of Kentucky. He has one of the most distinctive voices in country music and his hit, "Rose Colored Glasses" is one of the great classics in country music history. After first appearing on the Opry, John was quoted as saying, "I made sure to stand on the circle from the stage of the old Ryman. That circle has been so important to me because so many big stars had stood on that wooden flooring." Early on as an Opry member, John made few appearances. But over the years, as his touring has slowed down, John has become one of the Opry's more dependable members. He has set an example for others of his generation who should be taking advantage of the Opry as their active recording and touring years have concluded. My favorite John Conlee story comes from last year when I was walking from my car to the Opry's stage door at the back of the Opry House and not paying attention, I almost got hit by a tour bus. As I looked up, I was surprised to see that the driver of the bus was John Conlee. I got a honk and a wave.

February 21, 1981: Boxcar Willie joined the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar became a star late in life, thanks to his hobo character and his late night television commercials promoting his album of train songs. He made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance on June 19, 1980, at the age of 49. He was "discovered" while performing in England by Wesley Rose, who encouraged him to head to Nashville as he knew his partner Roy Acuff would love to meet him. He got to Nashville, met Roy, and the rest is history as Roy immediately got Boxcar a guest slot on the Opry. Boxcar was also one of the first country music star to put a theater in Branson.

February 20, 1988: The Opry honored Roy Acuff for 50 years of Opry membership. TNN devoted a one hour segment to Roy that featured Minnie Pearl and Loretta Lynn. The previous evening, Johnny Cash and June Carter were scheduled to appear with Roy on the Friday Night Opry, but cancelled their appearances. On an additional note, during the Saturday segment following Roy's televised show, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton reunited on the Opry stage for the first time in 14 years.

February 24, 1991: Webb Pierce passed away in Nashville. Webb came to Nashville from the Louisiana Hayride in 1952 and made his first Grand Ole Opry appearance as a guest on the "The Prince Albert Show." When he joined the Opry in 1953, he was considered the replacement for Hank Williams. Webb was considered one of the biggest stars in country music in the 1950s, but he did not say as an Opry member for long. As he later said, "You had to be there every Saturday night and that was too much, because, you see, most of our money, we made it on Saturday night. Of course, we'd be on a tour and then we'd have to turn around at the end of the week and be back at the Opry. I don't care if you was in Podunk, Canada." In 2001, Webb was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

February 29, 1992: Travis Tritt joins the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 21st year as an Opry member. While still an Opry member, Travis has not appeared on the Opry since 2007. It was on this same night that Trisha Yearwood made her first Opry appearance.

February 21, 1998: The Opry honored long-time Opry member Grandpa Jones, who had passed away earlier in the week from complications after suffering a stroke in January while at the Opry. Grandpa's close friend and neighbor Bill Carlisle, along with Vince Gill, Ramona Jones and Grandpa's children, led the cast in the singing of the great Grandpa Jones song, "Falling Leaves."

February 17, 2001: Brad Paisley joins the Grand Ole Opry. This will be his 12th year as a Grand Ole Opry member. On the night that Brad was inducted as a member, he wore the bright yellow jacket that Buck Owens, one of his idols, wore on the cover of the 1966 Live at Carnegie Hall album.

February 16, 2002: Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams, Jr., performed on the Opry in tribute to Waylon Jennings, who had passed away earlier that week. Porter Wagoner would call it "the most exciting night I can ever remember on the Opry." The 3 entertainers, along with Porter, spend an hour on stage singing Waylon hits.

February 18, 2003: Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Paycheck passed away following a long illness. After a career as an "outlaw" country artist and time in jail, Johnny joined the Opry on November 8, 1997. The cemetary plot that he was buried at in Nashville was donated by George Jones. He was 64 years old when he died.

February 26, 2005: Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Louvin was recognized for 50 years of Grand Ole Opry membership. He appeared on both shows that night and on the first show, he was featured in a segment hosted by Jim Ed Brown. Later that night, he hosted the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree.

There you have it.

Grand Ole Opry 2/1 & 2/2

After spending the winter months at the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry returns to the Grand Ole Opry House this weekend with what is being called the Opry Homecoming. The line-up is pretty solid as on Friday night, Grand Ole Opry member Carrie Underwood is scheduled. Also on the line-up are the Blue Sky Riders, which includes Kenny Loggins. They have performed at the Opry before. Nashville television show star Charles Esten will also be making another Opry appearance as the cross-promotion continues. Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry will feature guest artists Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry, along with The Henningsens and Kristen Kelly.

For the big "Homecoming" there are only 11 acts scheduled each night, with 7 Opry members on Friday night and only 6 members on Saturday night. Originally Jimmy Dickens and Roy Clark were scheduled to appear this weekend, but both have cancelled out. For Jimmy, he has been missing from the Opry since December, and he is listed as returning next weekend. Also, you will notice that there is no Blake Shelton again this week. I assume he is still an Opry member as the publicity from his recent comments has died out. I think it can be safely assumed that the Opry is not going to do anything regarding Blake's Opry membership.

Friday February 1:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); The Whites; Charles Esten
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Sarah Darling; Gloriana
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr)
8:45: John Conlee (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Carrie Underwood

Saturday February 2:
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kristen Kelly; Connie Smith
7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; The Band Perry
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Holly Williams; The Henningsens; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Scotty McCreery

The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree returns to live shows this Saturday night/Sunday morning with Rhonda Vincent as the host. Too bad that the Opry didn't invite Rhonda to perform on Saturday night. I would have thought they could have made some room for her.

For the look back at Opry history for this week, I go to Saturday February 2, 1980, which was 33 years ago this Saturday night. There were 2 shows on that Saturday night.

1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
David Houston (host): Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
Justin Tubb: Take A Letter Miss Gray
David Houston: My Elusive Dreams

6:45: Rudy's
Charlie Walker (host): Don't Play Me No Songs About Texas
Billy Grammer: Rose of Old Pawnee
Del Wood: 12th St. Rag
Charlie Walker: San Antonio Rose

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Wilma Lee Cooper: As Long As I Live
Lonzo & Oscar: Up This Hill and Down
Vic Willis: American Trilogy
Ernie Ashworth: There's No Place I'd Rather Be Tonight
Porter Wagoner: Everything I've Always Wanted
Porter Wagoner: Cold Hard Facts of Life/Carroll County Accident/Green, Green Grass of Home

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jean Shepard: I Think I'll Go Somewhere & Cry Myself to Sleep/Slippin Away
Jim & Jesse: Let Me Whisper
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Gray Eagle
Roy Acuff: Carry Me Back to the Mountains/I Saw the Light

8:00: Martha White
Billy Walker (host): When A Man Loves A Woman
Connie Smith: When I Need Jesus He's There/Sing, Sing, Sing
Ray Pillow: Hungry Man's Dreams
Stu Phillips: Oh, Canada
Billy Walker: You Turn My Love Light On

8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets/Back to Back
4 Guys: Mama Rocked Us To Sleep With Country Music
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin Hen
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Hasn't It Been Good Together

2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Tennessee Saturday Night
Lonzo & Oscar: Family Bible
David Houston: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
Del Wood: Ballin' the Jack
Porter Wagoner: Satisfied Mind/I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Your Old Love Letters
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot/Everything I've Always Wanted

10:00: Little Debbie
Billy Grammer (host): My Little Snow Deer/Silver Bells/Rainbow
Wilma Lee Cooper: A Daisy A Day
Ernie Ashworth: Each Moment Spent With You
Billy Grammer: Columbus Stockade Blues

10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Meeting in the Air
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Roy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Jesse Polka
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away

10:30: Trailblazer
Billy Walker (host): Don't Stop in My World
Jean Shepard: Slippin Away
Vic Willis: You Feel Good All Over
Billy Walker: You Turn My Love Light On

10:45: Beech-nut
Ray Pillow (host): Super Lady
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Lafayette
Ray Pillow: Another Day; Another Dollar

11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): My Nova Scotia Home
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love Into My Heart
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Justin Tubb: Travelin' Singing Man
Kirk McGee: Blue Night
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: After The Love Is Gone

11:30: Tennessee Pride
4 Guys (host): Let Your Love Flow
Jeanne Pruett: Break My Mind/Back to Back
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigrae/Crystal Chandeliers
4 Guys: Daytime Friends/Fire

The Grand Ole Opry Needs To Fire Blake Shelton

As many of you are aware of, Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton made some very disparaging remarks about traditional country fans in a recent interview with GAC as part of their Backstory series. Here is the direct quote from Blake:

"If I am 'Male Vocalist of the Year' that must mean that I'm one of those people now that gets to decide if it moves forward or if it moves on. Country music has to evolve in order to survive. Nobody wants to listen to their grandpa's music. And I don't care how many of these old farts around Nashville going, 'My God, that ain't country!' Well that's because you don't buy records anymore, jackass. The kids do, and they don't want to buy the music you were buying."

As an article that I read stated, Blake Shelton's comments are not only hurtful to classic and traditional country fans, they are incorrect. According to a study of country radio conducted by Edison Research and released during last year's Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, listeners actually want more classic country on radio, and the lack of it has been given credit for the contraction being experienced in the radio format. Blake's comments also specifically mentions "records," but the statistics show that older country music listeners are the ones that still buy music in physical formats, while younger listeners tend to download music illegally, stream it at very low margins for artists and their labels, or purchase individual songs.

Furthermore, Blake Shelton brought up the common misconception that classic and traditional country fans do not want country music to evolve. Though this may be true for some traditional fans, as Saving Country Music pointed out in a piece titled "Progress Vs Traditionalism in Country Music," the progression of country music while still keeping it tied to its roots is the foundation of Americana which has benefited from tremendous growth over the last few years.

This is not the first time that Blake Shelton has landed in hot water over some of this comments. In May 2011 he was accused of advocating violence against gays by re-writing the words to a Shania Twain song. He also is noted for the use of fowl language on his twitter account.

Since this morning, a number of country music stars have spoken out against Blake and his comments, including Ray Price, Ray Stevens and Dale Watson. Since then, some comments have been taken down from Blake's facebook page and there are reports of at least several radio stations pulling his songs out of their play rotations.

While he responded to Ray Price and tried to say that he didn't mean to offend anyone, he did not take back any of his comments and tried to justify that statements by saying he is doing the same thing that Ray did when he recorded "For The Goodtimes."

Blake Shelton is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was asked to join the cast in September 2010. You can tell how he feels about the Opry based on the fact that he made no Opry appearances last year. Since the Opry is built on the foundation of traditional country music, and most of their members sing traditional country music in some form, I really don't think Blake will have the guts to show himself around the Opry anytime soon. But if I were Pete Fisher, I would not give Blake the chance. I would fire Blake Shelton from the Opry immediately!!!! Think about it. Those that he is calling "old farts and jackass" are the ones purchasing the tickets to the show. Many of the artists appearing on the Opry set the table for him to succeed in country music. I wonder how his friend Trace Adkins feels about his comments?

Blake Shelton would not be the first artist to have been fired or not invited to appear on the Opry. We all know about Hank Williams III and his insult that he directed to the Opry. I put Blake's comments in that same class.

Many of us wondered why Pete Fisher asked him to join the Opry and questioned the decision at the time. I think many of us were correct in our thoughts. It is time for Pete to admit his mistake and to terminate Blake as an Opry member.

Grand Ole Opry 1/25 & 1/26

The Grand Ole Opry concludes the winter run at the Ryman Auditorium this weekend with 2 shows. The Friday Night Opry has the usual 12 performers while the Grand Ole Opry has only 9 listed. It will be interesting to see if any other artists are scheduled, but like last weekend, I doubt if they will be Opry members.

While the Saturday show is low on numbers, the talent level is pretty good as Opry members Ronnie Milsap and the Oak Ridge Boys will be on. On February 6, Ronnie will be celebrating 37 years as an Opry member, so perhaps some mention will be made during the show. Each week it seems like someone from the cast of "Nashville" is on, and this weekend it will be Sam Palladio making a return visit. I will say that at least several of the stars of the television show do have talent and good voices and have added to the Opry.

The Friday Night Opry will feature another Opry visit from Ricky Skaggs. Ricky has been on the majority of Opry shows so far in 2013. Joining Ricky will be guest artists Sunny Sweeney, Joey+Rory, and a personal favorite of mine, Sarah Darling. I think Sarah is one of the bright new artists in the business. It is also nice to see The Isaacs making another Opry visit. And, as it has been since the 1st of the year, there is no Jimmy Dickens again this weekend. With the flu going around, and Tennessee among the states hard it, Jimmy is being very careful, as he should be at the age of 92. I would not be surprised to see him back next weekend, when the Opry returns to the Grand Ole Opry House.

Friday January 25:
7:00: Diamond Rio (host); Jimmy C Newman; Sunny Sweeney
7:30: John Conlee (host); Jean Shepard; Joey+Rory
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sarah Darling
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites; The Isaacs

Saturday January 26:
7:00: Diamond Rio (host); Connie Smith
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Ronnie Milsap
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds; Sam Palladio; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Oak Ridge Boys

Like I said, while light on numbers, there are 2 pretty good shows this weekend.

For this week's look back in Opry history, I have Saturday January 25, 1992. It was on this night 21 years ago that Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. I have to say that I enjoy Emmylou and she has done some great things in her career, but her commitment to the Opry is not one of them. When she joined the cast, I really thought that as someone who really understood the history of country music and the Opry, along with her love of the Louvin Brothers, she would be there more often. But like many others of her generation, she makes very few appearances. I find that sad as she lives in Nashville and is always around town. She does not tour as much as she used to. When she does appear on the Opry, it is usually when the show is at the Ryman Auditorium. When she does do the Orpy she is very well received and she seems to enjoy herself. I can remember one night a few years back when I was at the Ryman for an Opry show and Emmylou hosted a segment. She stayed on stage and backed up each group and danced with the square dancers. It was a fun segment. I think I speak for a lot of fans when I say that we need to see more of Emmylou at the Opry.

Here is the line-up from Saturday January 25, 1992, the night Emmylou Harris joined the Opry.

1st show
6:30: Opry Tours
Boxcar Willie (host): Train Melody
Jeanne Pruett: Temporarily Yours
Boxcar Willie: Cowboys & Horses; Hobos & Trains

6:45: Hall of Fame
Grandpa Jones (host): Apple Jack
4 Guys: Tennessee
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World

7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): You Gotta Have A License
John Conlee: I Don't Remember Loving You
Osborne Brothers: Nearer My God to Thee
Lorrie Morgan: Except for Monday/Autumns Not That Cold
Porter Wagoner: Wake Up Jacob

7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Vince Gill: Take Your Memory With You/When I Call Your Name/Drifting Too Far From the Shore
Emmylou Harris: Walls of Time/Blue Kentucky Girl

8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Jimmy Dickens: John Henry
The Whites: Doing it By the Book
Del Reeves: There She Goes
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Bill Cheatham
Bill Monroe: Body and Soul

8:30: Opryland
Bill Anderson (host): Don't She Look Good
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jimmy C Newman: (?)
Riders In The Sky: Blue Shadows on the Trail
Jean Shepard: Gospel Melody
Bill Anderson: Still

2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
John Conlee: Friday Night Blues
Emmylou Harris: Guitar Town
Emmylou Harris & Vince Gill: If You Needed Me
Porter Wagoner: Misery Loves Company

10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Ol Rattler
Charlie Louvin: The Precious Jewel
Wilma Lee Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last Night
Grandpa Jones: Arkansas Traveler

10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): Once More
Ray Pillow: Please Don't Leave Me Anymore
George Hamilton IV: I'm Using My Bible For a Roadmap/Cabin in Gloryland
Dan Kelly: Sally Goodin

10:30: Pet Milk
Bill Monroe (host): True Life Blues
Roy Drusky: Too Old to Die Young
Boxcar Willie: Hobo Heaven
Bill Monroe: I'm Working on a Building

10:45: B.C. Powder
Jimmy Dickens (host): Take An Old Cold Tater and Wait
Vince Gill & Patty Loveless: When I Call Your Name
Opry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Lafayette
Jimmy Dickens: Life Turned Her That Way

11:00: Coca-Cola
Bill Anderson (host): You Can Have Her
Osborne Brothers: Low and Lonely
Jeannie Seely: Go Down Swinging
Stonewall Jackson: Side Steppin the Blues
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut the Mustard
Bill Anderson: Golden Guitar

11:30: Creamette
Charlie Walker (host): Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Riders In The Sky: How Does He Yodel
The Whites: Swing Down, Chariot
Johnny Russell: No One Will Ever Know
Charlie Walker: Take Me Back To Tulsa

There you have it. And yes, all Opry members!! And 11 of the artists on the 2nd show did not do the 1st show, while 7 on the 1st show did not do the 2nd. That gave both shows good variety.

Congratulations to Emmylou Harris and 21 years of Opry membership.