The Grand Ole Opry has posted the schedule for the 2 shows this weekend. There are a couple of headlines regarding the Opry for this weekend. First, Jimmy Dickens is on the schedule for both nights. This will be his first shows since December 2012 and I will be very interested in how he looks and sounds. I know he has been battling a cold and throat issues and I think he just wanted to get through winter before returning. The second headline is Opry member Alan Jackson will be returning to the Opry this weekend. Since joining the Opry, Alan has only appeared once or twice per year, so this might be it for him in 2013. I hope not, but we will see. Alan is promoting a new album, "Precious Memories-Vol 2", so I am sure that is one of the reasons he has scheduled an Opry appearance this weekend. Joining Alan on Friday night will be one of the Opry's newest members, the Oak Ridge Boys, along with frequent Opry guests Dailey & Vincent.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will feature the Opry debut of Kayla Sloan. Who is Kayla you might ask? She is the 21 year old singing Walmart cashier from West Virginia, who has become a sensation on Facebook and YouTube. She has received a lot of mention and the publicity has resulted in an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Joining her on Saturday night will be the Marshall Tucker Band, who has made several Opry appearances, along with Charles Esten, from "Nashville." And on another note, Ricky Skaggs continues his strong string of Opry performances in 2013, as he is scheduled for both shows this weekend.
Friday March 22:
7:00: John Conlee (host); Connie Smith; Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); George Hamilton IV; Oak Ridge Boys
Intermission
8:15: Ricky Skaggs (host);
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Alan Jackson
Saturday March 23:
7:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Kristen Kelly; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Kayla Sloan; Jean Shepard; Marshall Tucker Band
Intermission
8:15: John Conlee (host); Jan Howard; Charles Esten; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); The Whites
I would assume they are going to add a guest or two for Ricky's segment on Friday night. It doesn't make sense for him to do the entire half hour. I also would have thought that if you were going to have a segment with just one guest, it would have been with Alan Jackson. I would also assume an additional performer for Ricky's segment on Saturday night also.
For this week's look back in Grand Ole Opry history, I want to go back 33 years ago, as it was on Saturday night March 22, 1980 that Marion Worth made her final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marion joined the Opry in 1963 and was a regular performer on the show up until her retirement. While she never had a #1 country hit, she did place 12 songs on the country charts along with 4 albums. She first hit the charts in 1959, and by the 1980s, her recording days had just about ended. Among her biggest hits was "Shake Me I Rattle", which she sang frequently on the Opry. After Marion left the Opry, she continued to perform, although her appearances decreased each year. She passed away on December 19, 1999 at the age of 69. Like so many others of her generation, she died of emphysema.
Here is the line-up from Saturday March 22, 1980, Marion Worth's final appearance as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. What is interesting about this show is that it was also the Grand Ole Opry's annual reunion show, or "Old-Timers" night as it was sometimes called.
1st show:
6:00: Vietti
Charlie Louvin (host): Will You Visit Me On Sundays
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Lonzo & Oscar: Rocky Top
Billy Grammer: Indian Love Call
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Charlie Louvin: Apartment No. 9
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Roy Drusky (host): Second Hand Rose
Vic Willis: Faded Love/Maiden's Prayer
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Roy Drusky: Strangers
6:45: Rudy's
Justin Tubb (host): You Nearly Loss Your Mind
Jim & Jesse: Let Me Wisper
Justin Tubb: What's Wrong With the Way that We're Doing it Now
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Connie Smith: When I Need Jesus, He's There
Wilburn Brothers: It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Zeke Clements: Just A Little Lovin/Why Should I Cry Over You/Smoke on the Water
Porter Wagoner: I've Enjoyed As Much of this As I Can Stand/Everything I've Always Wanted/Tennessee Saturday Night
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Ball Knob, Arkansas
Wilma Lee Cooper: Poor Ellen Smith
Sid Harkreader: Sally Goodin/Amazing Grace
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among the Gold/Little Shoes
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Layfayette
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:00: Martha White
Bill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner Blues
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry/Washed My Hands in Muddy Water
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down/Don't Sing Me No Songs About Texas
Bill Carlisle: Shanghai Rooster
Bill Monroe: Just A Little Talk With Jesus
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Hello, Love
4 Guys: Hangin On
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule/Mockingbird
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Stop Me From Loving You
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Sugarfoot Rag
Charlie Louvin: Who's Gonna Love Me Now
Lonzo & Oscar: Fox on the Run
Billy Grammer: Am I Blue
Skeeter Davis: It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Porter Wagoner: A Satisfied Mind/I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name/Your Old Love Letters
10:00: Little Debbie
Jim & Jessie (host): Sleepy-Eyed John
Vic Willis: Beer-Barrel Polka
Del Wood: Keep on the Firing Line
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Justin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203
Roy Drusky: Welcome Home
Roy Acuff: Lord, Don't Give Up On Me
10:30: Trailblazer
Bill Monroe (host): It's Mighty Dark For Me to Travel/Blue Moon of Kentucky
Connie Smith: Sing, Sing, Sing
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
Bill Monroe: My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darling
10:45: Beechnut
Wilburn Brothers (host): Release Me
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Gray Eagle
Wilburn Brothers: The Light House/God Bless America Again
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): There's A Fool Such As I
Bill Carlisle: Same Ol' Tale that the Crow Told Me
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Kirk McGee: Railroad Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Hasn't It Been Good Togther
11:30: Budweiser
Stonewall Jackson (host): Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
4 Guys: Let Your Love Flow/Daddy's Little Cowboy
Marion Worth: Someone is Looking for Someone Like You
Curly Fox: Alabama Jubilee
Stonewall Jackson: Why I'm Walkin/Waterloo
Finally, it was on Saturday March 27, 1971 that Jan Howard joined the Grand Ole Opry. This week will be her 42nd year as an Opry member, although she has performed on the show for a much longer time as for several years she was part of Bill Anderson's show.
To remember Jan Howard's Opry anniversary, here is the line-up from Saturday March 27, 1971:
1st show:
6:30: Billy Walker (host); Ray Pillow; Del Wood
6:45: Jack Greene (host); Jeannie Seely;
7:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Ernie Ashworth; James Monroe; Bill Carlisle
7:30: Bill Anderson (host); Grandpa Jones; Jan Howard; George Morgan; Crook Brothers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host); Loretta Lynn; Tex Ritter; Willis Brothers; Lonzo & Oscar
8:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stringbean; Tom T Hall; Hank Locklin; Fruit Jar Drinkers
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host); Willis Brothers; Jan Howard; Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper; Ray Pillow
10:00: Bill Monroe (host); Earl Scruggs Revue; Bill Carlisle; Del Wood
10:15: Billy Walker (host); Ernie Ashworth
10:30: Roy Acuff (host); Jack Greene; Jeannie Seely
10:45: Porter Wagoner (host); Dolly Parton; Stringbean; Crook Brothers
11:00: Tex Ritter (host); Loretta Lynn; Hank Locklin; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Marty Robbins (host); Lonzo & Oscar; Ronnie Robbins
There you have it for this weekend. I will be in Nashville and at the Opry on Friday and Saturday night. I will have a full report and some observations next week. I am especially interested in the veterans and am looking forward to the weekend in Nashville.
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Just Thinking.....
With the passing of another Grand Ole Opry legend in Jack Greene, it got me doing some thinking regarding the number of Opry legends we have recently lost. Over the last 10 years Johnny Paycheck, Bill Carlisle, Don Gibson, Skeeter Davis, Roy Drusky, Billy Walker, Del Reeves, Porter Wagoner, Charlie Walker, Ernie Ashworth, Hank Lockin, Charlie Louvin, Mel McDaniel, Billy Grammer, Wilma Lee Cooper and Jack Greene have all passed away. That comes out to 16 Opry members in that short time. 2011 was a particular brutal with 4 members passing away in a relatively short amount of time.
In that same 10 year span, the Opry has added 15 members, with Trace Adkins, Del McCoury, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley, Mel Tillis, Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Oak Ridge Boys, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Darius Rucker all joining the cast.
I have to ask the question, was the Opry better off before losing these legends, or is it better with the new members it has added?
When you look at who has passed away, with the exception of Don Gibson, all of those legends were pretty active members of the Opry. Johnny Paycheck, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves, Mel McDaniel, Billy Grammer, Wilma Lee Cooper and Jack Greene had health issues toward the end of their lives that ended their Opry careers before their deaths. Roy Drusky, Ernie Ashworth and Hank Lockin were in semi-retirement. Bill Carlisle, Billy Walker, Porter Wagoner and Charlie Walker were active with the Opry right up until they died, while Charlie Louvin would have done the Opry more if someone had called.
Of those 15 who joined the Opry in the last decade, the most active member is Del McCoury. But then again, he is one of the veterans who understands what the Opry is all about. Of the others, Mel Tillis, Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys give the Opry some appearances, while Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Rascal Flatts have given the show limited time. Blake Shelton has been a zero, while the jury is still out on Keith Urban and Darius Rucker.
So it goes back to my question, is the Opry better off with what we have?
My personal opinion is no. The Opry still needs to come up with a group of members who will support the show and stay with the show. I am particulary pleased with the increased appearances by Ricky Skaggs so far this year. But more members need to follow.
When you look at the Opry's membership, who knows how long Jimmy Dickens has left. Jean Shepard has had her health issues and Hal Ketchum has been unable to do the Opry for a number of years. Stonewall Jackson has had a few issues, as has Stu Phillips. And we have not even covered the Opry members over the age of 80 who are in pretty good health, such as Jan Howard, Bobby Osborne, Jimmy C Newman, Jesse McReynolds and Buck White.
As always, there is cause for concern. Like I said at the start, I was just thinking........
In that same 10 year span, the Opry has added 15 members, with Trace Adkins, Del McCoury, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley, Mel Tillis, Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Oak Ridge Boys, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Darius Rucker all joining the cast.
I have to ask the question, was the Opry better off before losing these legends, or is it better with the new members it has added?
When you look at who has passed away, with the exception of Don Gibson, all of those legends were pretty active members of the Opry. Johnny Paycheck, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves, Mel McDaniel, Billy Grammer, Wilma Lee Cooper and Jack Greene had health issues toward the end of their lives that ended their Opry careers before their deaths. Roy Drusky, Ernie Ashworth and Hank Lockin were in semi-retirement. Bill Carlisle, Billy Walker, Porter Wagoner and Charlie Walker were active with the Opry right up until they died, while Charlie Louvin would have done the Opry more if someone had called.
Of those 15 who joined the Opry in the last decade, the most active member is Del McCoury. But then again, he is one of the veterans who understands what the Opry is all about. Of the others, Mel Tillis, Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys give the Opry some appearances, while Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry and Rascal Flatts have given the show limited time. Blake Shelton has been a zero, while the jury is still out on Keith Urban and Darius Rucker.
So it goes back to my question, is the Opry better off with what we have?
My personal opinion is no. The Opry still needs to come up with a group of members who will support the show and stay with the show. I am particulary pleased with the increased appearances by Ricky Skaggs so far this year. But more members need to follow.
When you look at the Opry's membership, who knows how long Jimmy Dickens has left. Jean Shepard has had her health issues and Hal Ketchum has been unable to do the Opry for a number of years. Stonewall Jackson has had a few issues, as has Stu Phillips. And we have not even covered the Opry members over the age of 80 who are in pretty good health, such as Jan Howard, Bobby Osborne, Jimmy C Newman, Jesse McReynolds and Buck White.
As always, there is cause for concern. Like I said at the start, I was just thinking........
Friday, March 15, 2013
Jack Greene
Late last night we received the news that Grand Ole Opry legend Jack Greene had passed away. Jack has been battling Alzheimer's for a number of years, so while his passing was not a surprise, it was still a shock to hear. While Jack's last Opry appearance was in December 2011, his last public appearance was at his 83rd birthday party in January and he surprised those attending by performing and sharing the stage with Jeannie Seely, among others.
Jack Henry Greene was born in Maryville, Tennessee on January 7, 1930. He started in radio in 1947 on WGAP in Maryville. He was initially a singer-guitarist who played bass and drums in various groups, both in Eastern Tennessee and in Georgia with the Peachtree Cowboys. For a time he owned a downtown Atlanta club, the Covered Wagon, while working a day job for a glassmaker. He was working the Dixie Jubilee in East Point, Georgia when Ernest Tubb came through in late 1961, saw Jack play, and hired him six months later. For the next five years, he was the band's "big-eared singing drummer," as Ernest liked to call him.
He sang "The Last Letter" on the first Texas Troubadours album, and it was popular enough for Decca Records to issue it as a single and offer him his own recording contract in 1964. Jack's release of "There Goes My Everything" made him a star. The record topped Billboard's chart for seven weeks, and Ernest Tubb persuaded Greene to leave the band and build his own career in May 1967.
Between then and 1969 Greene was at the top of his career, scoring seven more Top Five country hits including "All the Time" "You Are My Treasure" "What Locks the Door" and the majestic "Statue of a Fool." At the first CMA Awards event in 1967, Jack was Single of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, to become the CMA's first single-year multiple award winner. From 1969 through the mid-1970s Decca Records paired him and Jeannie Seely on a series of successful duets, the first and most popular of which was "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You."
Jack Greene joined the Grand Ole Opry on December 23, 1967 and remained a loyal Opry member until his death. Even in the last appearance that I saw of Jack at the Opry,which was in October 2011, and while he had some trouble with the words, his voice was strong and solid. The audience gave him a standing ovation as he nailed, "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool."
There are many who feel that Jack should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. I will leave that to others to decide, but what I do know is that Jack Greene was one of the legends of country music and the Grand Ole Opry. And he was about the nicest man you would ever meet.
In memory of Jack Greene, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from December 23, 1967, the night Jack joined the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightning Express
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Opry Staff Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness In A Man
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: The Branded Man
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Archie Campbell: Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A Comin
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
9:30: Kelloggs
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Jangle Bells/Frosty the Snowman
4 Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime at a Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants
10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows on the Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stringbean: Run Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Katy Hill
10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like a Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough To Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene: What Locks the Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging To You/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso
The Grand Ole Opry spotlight will be shining a little less brighter tonight as we have lost another of our stars, but we all have the great memories of Jack Greene that will always stay with us.
Jack Henry Greene was born in Maryville, Tennessee on January 7, 1930. He started in radio in 1947 on WGAP in Maryville. He was initially a singer-guitarist who played bass and drums in various groups, both in Eastern Tennessee and in Georgia with the Peachtree Cowboys. For a time he owned a downtown Atlanta club, the Covered Wagon, while working a day job for a glassmaker. He was working the Dixie Jubilee in East Point, Georgia when Ernest Tubb came through in late 1961, saw Jack play, and hired him six months later. For the next five years, he was the band's "big-eared singing drummer," as Ernest liked to call him.
He sang "The Last Letter" on the first Texas Troubadours album, and it was popular enough for Decca Records to issue it as a single and offer him his own recording contract in 1964. Jack's release of "There Goes My Everything" made him a star. The record topped Billboard's chart for seven weeks, and Ernest Tubb persuaded Greene to leave the band and build his own career in May 1967.
Between then and 1969 Greene was at the top of his career, scoring seven more Top Five country hits including "All the Time" "You Are My Treasure" "What Locks the Door" and the majestic "Statue of a Fool." At the first CMA Awards event in 1967, Jack was Single of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, to become the CMA's first single-year multiple award winner. From 1969 through the mid-1970s Decca Records paired him and Jeannie Seely on a series of successful duets, the first and most popular of which was "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You."
Jack Greene joined the Grand Ole Opry on December 23, 1967 and remained a loyal Opry member until his death. Even in the last appearance that I saw of Jack at the Opry,which was in October 2011, and while he had some trouble with the words, his voice was strong and solid. The audience gave him a standing ovation as he nailed, "There Goes My Everything" and "Statue of a Fool."
There are many who feel that Jack should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. I will leave that to others to decide, but what I do know is that Jack Greene was one of the legends of country music and the Grand Ole Opry. And he was about the nicest man you would ever meet.
In memory of Jack Greene, here is the Grand Ole Opry line-up from December 23, 1967, the night Jack joined the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Drusky (host): White Lightning Express
Jean Shepard: Happy Tracks
Willis Brothers: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Stu Phillips: Juanita Jones
Stringbean: Gonna Make Myself A Name
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmon
Jeannie Seely: I'll Love You More
Opry Staff Band: Jingle Bell Rock
Roy Drusky: Weakness In A Man
8:00: Martha White
Porter Wagoner (host): Julie
Dottie West: Paper Mansions
Harold Weakley: Since Never
Osborne Brothers: Making Plans
Del Wood: Down at Papa Joe's
Crook Brothers: Bill Cheatham
George McCormick: The Branded Man
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Turkey in the Straw
Porter Wagoner: Green, Green Grass of Home
8:30: Stephens
Bobby Lord (host): Hawkeye
George Hamilton IV: Early Morning Rain
Ernie Ashworth: At Ease, Heart
Archie Campbell: Cockfight
Margie Bowes: There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Grandpa Jones: That's All This World Needs
Hal Rugg: Steel Guitar Rag
Bobby Lord: Winter Wonderland
9:00: Luzianne
Ernest Tubb (host): Thank's A Lot
Bill Monroe: Christmas Time's A Comin
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted
Loretta Lynn: What Kind of a Girl
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Devil's Dream
Ernest Tubb: Blue Christmas
9:30: Kelloggs
Hank Snow (host): Reindeer Boogie
Willis Brothers: Give Me 40 Acres
Lonzo and Oscar: Jangle Bells/Frosty the Snowman
4 Guys: White Christmas
Del Reeves: A Dime at a Time
Cousin Jody: Mockingbird
Harold Weakley: Paint A Picture of My World
Hank Snow: Christmas Wants
10:00: Schick
Bobby Lord (host): Shadows on the Wall
Jean Shepard: Many Happy Hangovers to You
Stringbean: Run Little Rabbit, Run
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
10:15: Pure
Porter Wagoner (host): Ole Slewfoot
Grandpa Jones: Jingle Bells
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Porter Wagoner: Woman Hungry
Mac Magaha & Buck Trent: Katy Hill
10:30: Buckley's
George Hamilton IV (host): Truck Driving Man
Dottie West: Like a Fool
Cousin Jody: Wabash Cannonball
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
10:45: Kent
Ernest Tubb (host): In the Jailhouse Now
Margie Bowes: Enough To Make A Woman Lose Her Mind
Jack Greene: What Locks the Door
Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Down the Trail of Aching Hearts
Skeeter Davis: Dear Heart
Del Reeves: Girl on the Billboard
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers Joy
Osborne Brothers: My Favorite Memory
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Hank Snow: Christmas Roses
Chubby Wise: Lee Highway Blues
11:30: Lava
Marty Robbins (host): Tonight Carmen
Bill Monroe: Scotland
Bill Carlisle: What Kind of Deal is This
Loretta Lynn: The Third Man
Lonzo and Oscar: A King Size Cola & A Moon Pie
Bobby Sykes: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Marty Robbins: Ribbon of Darkness/Begging To You/Singing the Blues/Lovesick Blues/El Paso
The Grand Ole Opry spotlight will be shining a little less brighter tonight as we have lost another of our stars, but we all have the great memories of Jack Greene that will always stay with us.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 3/15 & 3/16
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend, which will mark the 39th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry House. This week the Friday Night Opry will feature guest artists Joey + Rory, along with Exile. Frequent Opry guest Mandy Barnett is also scheduled, along with newcomer Rachel Farley, who will be making her Opry debut. She is another in the line of "hot new" female country artists and has been doing some dates with Florida Georgia Line and Montgomery Gentry. The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature Opry member Charlie Daniels, along with Steven Curtis Chapman, Sarah Darling and Keith & Kristyn Getty. Steven Curtis Chapman is promoting a bluegrass album. Also scheduled both nights are Opry members Bill Anderson and Ricky Skaggs. Missing again is Jimmy Dickens.
Friday March 15:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Joey + Rory; Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Exile
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Rachel Farley; Mike Snider
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Mandy Barnett
Saturday March 16:
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jim Ed Brown (host); Craig Campbell; Mike Snider; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Sarah Darling; Keith & Kristyn Getty; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Daniels Band
As I noted last week, it was on March 9, 1974 that the last Grand Ole Opry show was held at the Ryman Auditorium. The final Friday Night Opry was held on March 15, 1974. So following the theme, it was 39 years ago this Saturday, March 16, 1974 that the new Grand Ole Opry House opened. As you would expect, it was a star-packed show that featured a visit from President Richard Nixon, who was the first President to visit the Opry. He appeared during the 1st show, which started at 6:30 and lasted until 10:15. The 2nd show started at 10:45 and finished up just prior to 2 a.m. While legend has it that just about every Grand Ole Opry member was there for the opening of the new Opry House, that is not quite true. Those that were missing included Bobby Bare, Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Lester Flatt, Tom T Hall (who would later say he quit the night they left the Ryman), David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette. Tom T was actually scheduled but didn't show, while Hank Locklin, Lonzo and Oscar, Jean Shepard and the Willis Brothers were on just the first show and Marty Robbins did just his usual 2nd show.
Speaking of the 1st show, the artists appeared more or less in alphabetical order, with Roy Acuff coming out first. That was followed by the entire cast coming out and then the show was underway. The commercials were still played, although there were no real Opry segments. The 2nd show tried to go the same way, but a few of the artists got out of line.
The first show started with the picture of George D Hayf from the 1940 "Grand Ole Opry' movie. His voice came through saying, "First, we're gonna hear from Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys. Smoke it up, Roy!" Then on the screen was the young Roy Acuff, starting to sing "Wabash Cannonball". The screen slowly rose and there in front of the audience was the real Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, picking up the song perfectly. The crowd rose to a standing ovation as the entire cast of the Opry came out to join Roy. He made a few comments and the cast sang, "You Are My Sunshine" and the show was off and running. The President arrived around 7 and went up to the balcony to their seats. About a half hour later, Roy Acuff asked the Presidential party if they wished to join them on stage, which of course they did. The President stayed about 1 hour at the Opry.
I have printed this before, but I know there are many new readers to the blog. So for that reason, here is the running order of the 2 shows from Saturday March 16, 1974, the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House.
1st show:
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball
Roy Acuff and Everyone: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester/ Ralph Sloan and the Tennessee Travelers: Squaredance
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks'
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marchelle's Talking Chain Saw
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Richard Nixon and Everyone: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff and Everyone: Stay A Little Longer
Everyone: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin: D. McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: you Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin On Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Ernest Tubb: Walking The Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
2nd show:
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Howdy Forrester: Eighth of January
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What in the World Has Gone Wrong With Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine on My Shoulders
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South With Nashville On My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife, She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose From the Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin On Me
Sam & Kirk McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I
4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmin
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried
Marty Robbins: I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the Blues
There are a couple of great stories from that opening night, courtesy of Bill Anderson. The first one is that when President Nixon was finished and left the building, the next artist scheduled was Jan Howard. As she said on stage, "I've had some tough acts to follow in my career, but I wouldn't give this spot to a dry cleaner." And the 2nd is that he asked Ernest Tubb what he thought of the President coming to the Opry and Ernest answered, "I just wished it'd been a different President." There were also unconfirmed stories that the reason Bill Monroe wasn't there was because of the President, not that it was Richard Nixon personally, but that because he was from the wrong political party!!
Next weekend I will be headed to Nashville and a weekend at the Opry that will feature Opry member Alan Jackson, who will be making his once a year appearance on the Opry.
Friday March 15:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Joey + Rory; Jimmy C Newman; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Exile
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); Rachel Farley; Mike Snider
8:45: Ricky Skaggs (host); Jean Shepard; The Whites; Mandy Barnett
Saturday March 16:
7:00: Nashville Irish Step Dancers; Jim Ed Brown (host); Craig Campbell; Mike Snider; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host); Steven Curtis Chapman
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Sarah Darling; Keith & Kristyn Getty; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Charlie Daniels Band
As I noted last week, it was on March 9, 1974 that the last Grand Ole Opry show was held at the Ryman Auditorium. The final Friday Night Opry was held on March 15, 1974. So following the theme, it was 39 years ago this Saturday, March 16, 1974 that the new Grand Ole Opry House opened. As you would expect, it was a star-packed show that featured a visit from President Richard Nixon, who was the first President to visit the Opry. He appeared during the 1st show, which started at 6:30 and lasted until 10:15. The 2nd show started at 10:45 and finished up just prior to 2 a.m. While legend has it that just about every Grand Ole Opry member was there for the opening of the new Opry House, that is not quite true. Those that were missing included Bobby Bare, Archie Campbell, Bill Carlisle, Lester Flatt, Tom T Hall (who would later say he quit the night they left the Ryman), David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette. Tom T was actually scheduled but didn't show, while Hank Locklin, Lonzo and Oscar, Jean Shepard and the Willis Brothers were on just the first show and Marty Robbins did just his usual 2nd show.
Speaking of the 1st show, the artists appeared more or less in alphabetical order, with Roy Acuff coming out first. That was followed by the entire cast coming out and then the show was underway. The commercials were still played, although there were no real Opry segments. The 2nd show tried to go the same way, but a few of the artists got out of line.
The first show started with the picture of George D Hayf from the 1940 "Grand Ole Opry' movie. His voice came through saying, "First, we're gonna hear from Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys. Smoke it up, Roy!" Then on the screen was the young Roy Acuff, starting to sing "Wabash Cannonball". The screen slowly rose and there in front of the audience was the real Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, picking up the song perfectly. The crowd rose to a standing ovation as the entire cast of the Opry came out to join Roy. He made a few comments and the cast sang, "You Are My Sunshine" and the show was off and running. The President arrived around 7 and went up to the balcony to their seats. About a half hour later, Roy Acuff asked the Presidential party if they wished to join them on stage, which of course they did. The President stayed about 1 hour at the Opry.
I have printed this before, but I know there are many new readers to the blog. So for that reason, here is the running order of the 2 shows from Saturday March 16, 1974, the opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House.
1st show:
Roy Acuff: Wabash Cannonball
Roy Acuff and Everyone: You Are My Sunshine
Howdy Forrester/ Ralph Sloan and the Tennessee Travelers: Squaredance
Bill Anderson: Po' Folks'
Ernie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Jim Ed Brown: Morning
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight Special
Roy Drusky: Satisfied Mind
Jerry Clower: Marchelle's Talking Chain Saw
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain Rag
Billy Grammer: Gotta Travel On
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
Jeannie Seely: Don't Touch Me
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You
Stonewall Jackson: Don't Be Angry
Richard Nixon and Everyone: Happy Birthday Mrs. Nixon
Richard Nixon: My Wild Irish Rose
Roy Acuff and Everyone: Stay A Little Longer
Everyone: God Bless America
Jan Howard: My Kind of People
Fruit Jar Drinkers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Jim & Jesse: Freight Train
Grandpa Jones: Are You From Dixie
Hank Locklin: Danny Boy
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Bobby Lord: Live Your Life Out Loud
Charlie Louvin: D. McCall: American Trilogy
George Morgan: you Turn Me On
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Jambalaya
Osborne Brothers: Rocky Top
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin On Me
Jean Shepard: Second Fiddle
Hank Snow: I'm Moving On
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
4 Guys: Cottonfields/Maria
Ernest Tubb: Walking The Floor Over You
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Charlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Arkansas
Del Wood: Down Yonder
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Marion Worth: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: San Antonio Rose
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
2nd show:
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Howdy Forrester: Eighth of January
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Bill Anderson: A World of Make Believe
Ernie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood Floor
Jim Ed Brown: The Three Bells
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of Mine
Roy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home
Crook Brothers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: Somewhere My Love
Jack Greene: Statue of A Fool
Jeannie Seely: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight, Mister
Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What in the World Has Gone Wrong With Our Love
Porter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy Faces
Dolly Parton: Jolene
Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right Combination
Jan Howard: Sunshine on My Shoulders
Stonewall Jackson: Me & You & A Dog Named Boo
Jim & Jesse: Paradise
Grandpa Jones: Heading South With Nashville On My Mind
Connie Smith: Dallas
Bobby Lord: Mississippi
Charlie Louvin: You're My Wife, She's My Woman
Jerry Clower: The Last Piece of Chicken
George Morgan: Red Rose From the Blue Side of Town
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Jimmy C Newman: Potato Song
Osborne Brothers: Ruby
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
Ray Pillow: Countryfried
Del Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin On Me
Sam & Kirk McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Hank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I
4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Charlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My Sharmin
Dottie West: Country Sunshine
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Del Wood: There's A Big Wheel
Marion Worth: Me & Bobby McGee
Marty Robbins: Devil Woman
Ronnie Robbins: Mama Tried
Marty Robbins: I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the Blues
There are a couple of great stories from that opening night, courtesy of Bill Anderson. The first one is that when President Nixon was finished and left the building, the next artist scheduled was Jan Howard. As she said on stage, "I've had some tough acts to follow in my career, but I wouldn't give this spot to a dry cleaner." And the 2nd is that he asked Ernest Tubb what he thought of the President coming to the Opry and Ernest answered, "I just wished it'd been a different President." There were also unconfirmed stories that the reason Bill Monroe wasn't there was because of the President, not that it was Richard Nixon personally, but that because he was from the wrong political party!!
Next weekend I will be headed to Nashville and a weekend at the Opry that will feature Opry member Alan Jackson, who will be making his once a year appearance on the Opry.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 3/8 & 3/9
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the weekend shows. The Friday Night Opry will feature Opry member and Hall of Famer, Mel Tillis, along with guest artists Carolyn Dawn Johnson and The Isaacs. Also appearing will be non-Opry member, but frequent Opry guest Jimmy Wayne, along with Zac Brown Band's John Driskell Hopkins and the bluegrass group Balsam Range.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature Opry members Diamond Rio, along with the Annie Moses Band, who were very impressive in the Opry debut several months back. Also Ashley Monroe and Brett Eldredge will be appearing.
Friday March 8:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host): The Whites; John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range
8:45: Mel Tillis (host): Jason Crabb; Del McCoury Band
Saturday March 9
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host): Brett Eldredge; Jean Shepard
7:30: Mike Snider (host): Connie Smith; Annie Moses Band
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host): Jimmy C Newman; Ashley Monroe; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host): Jesse McReynolds; Diamond Rio
Ralph Stanley was originally on the Opry schedule for both shows this weekend, but has cancelled and Jimmy Dickins is still among the missing.
For this week's look back at Grand Ole Opry history, it was 39 years ago this Saturday night, March 9, 1974 that the Grand Ole Opry held their final Saturday night performance at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry would do its final show at the Ryman the following Friday night, before moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following night. Most of the Opry's members were glad to be leaving the old building, but it was an emotional night with a lot of memories.
Among those were Minnie Pearl, who said, "The night we left, the last night we played at the Ryman. I was crying. I was so sentimental about the old building. I never felt that way about the War Memorial, and that's where I started on the Opry. But we had thirty years or more at the Ryman and it had so much ambiance. The church pews, the haze of hair spray in that ladies' room, Henry leaving me out of the car in the alley and me running up those cement steps to the stage door, the people out front-."
Jan Howard said, "That last night was a very sacred moment. But I'm glad we left. Listen, when you see people pass out in front of you because of the heat, and you're performing on a stage that's a hundred ten degrees, and there's no air, yes, I'm glad we moved. But it still was a reverent moment that night, almost like being in church. You knew it was history and you were a part of it."
Jeannie Pruett added, "Marty Robbins and I did the last show, the 11:30 segment. I can remember when that curtain came down, well, we were going from what we knew and loved and held dear, to the unknown. And I just wondered to myself if it was the end of the Opry, or was it the beginning."
Roy Acuff had the final word. "Certainly there are memories of this old house that will go with us forever. Not all of them good. Not all of them. Many of them are, but some of them are punishment. Punishment is the way that we ask you to come to visit with us and then we sit you out in the audience here and in the hot summer we sell you a fan for a dollar. You do your own air conditioning. And some of you, we sell you a cushion to sit on because the seats are not just the most comfortable they can be. But out in Opryland, when you come to see us, we'll furnish the air conditioner. We'll furnish the cushion seats. You just don't know how much we do appreciate you people. It's you who have made the Grand Ole Opry so successful. Will you not forget us when we move into our new building? You'll love us for being out there and we'll love you for coming to see us. Thank you. God bless you all. Good night."
There is no doubt that the Opry had to move out of the Ryman Auditorium. In addition to the building, the downtown area of Nashville and Lower Broadway had become unsafe and unfriendly. It would be almost 20 years until the area became what it is today and the funding was available to renovate the Ryman.
To look back and remember the final Grand Ole Opry show from the Ryman Auditorium, here is the running order of the 2 shows from March 9, 1974:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Bare (host): Detroit City
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Bobby Bare: The Mermaids
7:00: Shoney's
Billy Grammer (host): Under the Double Eagle/Black Mountain Rag/Wildwood Flower
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Billy Grammer, Jr: Orange Blossom Special
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: To My Mansion in the Sky
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move A Mountain
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida Red
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Jody Miller: Good News
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Jody Miller: Let's All Go Down to the River
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
Jan Howard: Sunshine On My Shoulders
4 Guys: Top of the World
Hank Snow: Hello Love
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Bobby Bare (host): Come Sundown
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Bobby Bare: Blowing In The Wind/Worried Man Blues/Gotta Travel On
Willis Brothers: Maiden's Prayer
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be Moved
Bobby Bare & Bobby Bare, Jr: Daddy, What If
10:00: Fender
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Jody Miller: Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
10:30: Trailblazer
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Jerry Clower: The Coon Hunt
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
4 Guys: Streaking With My Baby On A Bright & Sunny Sunday Afternoon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: Freight Train/Victor Rag/I Don't Love Nobody
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Love Me/Now Is The Hour
Every time I look at this line-up for the final Saturday night at the Ryman, I am struck by the number of Opry stars missing. Folks such as Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, Loretta Lynn, Jack Green, Del Wood, George Morgan and Grandpa Jones among so many others. For the final night at the building and knowing how much the Opry influenced the careers of many of these artists, I would have thought more would have been there that night. A few others did do the final Friday Night Opry the following week, but I would have expected more there that Saturday night.
Finally, could the Hall of Fame announcement be coming soon? Stay close my friends.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature Opry members Diamond Rio, along with the Annie Moses Band, who were very impressive in the Opry debut several months back. Also Ashley Monroe and Brett Eldredge will be appearing.
Friday March 8:
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Jimmy Wayne
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Jan Howard; George Hamilton IV; The Isaacs
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host): The Whites; John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range
8:45: Mel Tillis (host): Jason Crabb; Del McCoury Band
Saturday March 9
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host): Brett Eldredge; Jean Shepard
7:30: Mike Snider (host): Connie Smith; Annie Moses Band
Intermission
8:15: Riders In The Sky (host): Jimmy C Newman; Ashley Monroe; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host): Jesse McReynolds; Diamond Rio
Ralph Stanley was originally on the Opry schedule for both shows this weekend, but has cancelled and Jimmy Dickins is still among the missing.
For this week's look back at Grand Ole Opry history, it was 39 years ago this Saturday night, March 9, 1974 that the Grand Ole Opry held their final Saturday night performance at the Ryman Auditorium. The Opry would do its final show at the Ryman the following Friday night, before moving to the new Grand Ole Opry House the following night. Most of the Opry's members were glad to be leaving the old building, but it was an emotional night with a lot of memories.
Among those were Minnie Pearl, who said, "The night we left, the last night we played at the Ryman. I was crying. I was so sentimental about the old building. I never felt that way about the War Memorial, and that's where I started on the Opry. But we had thirty years or more at the Ryman and it had so much ambiance. The church pews, the haze of hair spray in that ladies' room, Henry leaving me out of the car in the alley and me running up those cement steps to the stage door, the people out front-."
Jan Howard said, "That last night was a very sacred moment. But I'm glad we left. Listen, when you see people pass out in front of you because of the heat, and you're performing on a stage that's a hundred ten degrees, and there's no air, yes, I'm glad we moved. But it still was a reverent moment that night, almost like being in church. You knew it was history and you were a part of it."
Jeannie Pruett added, "Marty Robbins and I did the last show, the 11:30 segment. I can remember when that curtain came down, well, we were going from what we knew and loved and held dear, to the unknown. And I just wondered to myself if it was the end of the Opry, or was it the beginning."
Roy Acuff had the final word. "Certainly there are memories of this old house that will go with us forever. Not all of them good. Not all of them. Many of them are, but some of them are punishment. Punishment is the way that we ask you to come to visit with us and then we sit you out in the audience here and in the hot summer we sell you a fan for a dollar. You do your own air conditioning. And some of you, we sell you a cushion to sit on because the seats are not just the most comfortable they can be. But out in Opryland, when you come to see us, we'll furnish the air conditioner. We'll furnish the cushion seats. You just don't know how much we do appreciate you people. It's you who have made the Grand Ole Opry so successful. Will you not forget us when we move into our new building? You'll love us for being out there and we'll love you for coming to see us. Thank you. God bless you all. Good night."
There is no doubt that the Opry had to move out of the Ryman Auditorium. In addition to the building, the downtown area of Nashville and Lower Broadway had become unsafe and unfriendly. It would be almost 20 years until the area became what it is today and the funding was available to renovate the Ryman.
To look back and remember the final Grand Ole Opry show from the Ryman Auditorium, here is the running order of the 2 shows from March 9, 1974:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way To Say Goodbye
Willis Brothers: Cool Water
6:45: Rudy's
Bobby Bare (host): Detroit City
Connie Smith: How Great Thou Art
Ernie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
Bobby Bare: The Mermaids
7:00: Shoney's
Billy Grammer (host): Under the Double Eagle/Black Mountain Rag/Wildwood Flower
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound Hammer
Bill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the Mustard
Billy Grammer, Jr: Orange Blossom Special
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: To My Mansion in the Sky
Bill Carlisle: I'm Moving
7:30: Standard Candy
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move A Mountain
Lonzo & Oscar: Charming Betsy
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida Red
Roy Acuff: Back in the Country
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
8:00: Martha White
Wilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy River
Justin Tubb: Rambling Man
Jody Miller: Good News
Jerry Clower: Comedy
Wilburn Brothers: Knoxville Girl
Justin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall Girl
Jody Miller: Let's All Go Down to the River
8:30: Stephens
Hank Snow (host): I'm Moving On
4 Guys: Let Me Be There
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Hank Snow: Brand On My Heart
Jan Howard: Sunshine On My Shoulders
4 Guys: Top of the World
Hank Snow: Hello Love
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Bobby Bare (host): Come Sundown
Willis Brothers: Truck Stop
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Philadelphia Lawyer
Bobby Bare: Blowing In The Wind/Worried Man Blues/Gotta Travel On
Willis Brothers: Maiden's Prayer
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be Moved
Bobby Bare & Bobby Bare, Jr: Daddy, What If
10:00: Fender
Stu Phillips (host): Pride
Jody Miller: Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home
Bill Carlisle: Little Liza Jane
Stu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye
10:15: Union 76
Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens Down
Minnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted Me
10:30: Trailblazer
Wilburn Brothers (host): It Looks Like the Sun's Gonna Shine
Lonzo & Oscar: Traces of Life
Wilburn Brothers: God Bless America Again
10:45: Beechnut
Billy Grammer (host): Gotta Travel On
Jerry Clower: The Coon Hunt
Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Liberty
Billy Grammer: How Great Thou Art
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): In The Misty Moonlight
Jan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone
4 Guys: Streaking With My Baby On A Bright & Sunny Sunday Afternoon
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Tanya Tucker: Delta Dawn
Sam McGee: Freight Train/Victor Rag/I Don't Love Nobody
Hank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore
11:30: Elm Hill
Marty Robbins (host): I Walk Alone
Jeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move A Mountain/Satin Sheets
Justin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Marty Robbins: Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/Rollin In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Love Me/Now Is The Hour
Every time I look at this line-up for the final Saturday night at the Ryman, I am struck by the number of Opry stars missing. Folks such as Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner, Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, Loretta Lynn, Jack Green, Del Wood, George Morgan and Grandpa Jones among so many others. For the final night at the building and knowing how much the Opry influenced the careers of many of these artists, I would have thought more would have been there that night. A few others did do the final Friday Night Opry the following week, but I would have expected more there that Saturday night.
Finally, could the Hall of Fame announcement be coming soon? Stay close my friends.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Jim & Jesse McReynolds
It was on March 2, 1964 that Jim & Jesse became members of the Grand Ole Opry. While Jim McReynolds passed away on December 31, 2002, Jesse has continued on as an Opry member. Today is his 49th year as a member.
Jim and Jesse were born in Carfax, Virginia and raised in the hill country of Appalachian Virginia. Their father and grandfather were fiddlers and music was a big part of their lives. The brothers began performing as the McReynolds Brothers, moving around to various radio stations throughout the Southeast and Midwest. The first recorded as the Virginia Trio for Kentucky Records in 1951. By the time of their first sessions for Capital Records in 1952, Jesse was already experimenting with his cross-picking style, which he describes as "a backwards roll, like the technique used in banjo playing." At this time, they began calling themselves Jim & Jesse and their band the Virginia Boys.
In the 1950s Jim & Jesse appeared on a number of radio barn dancers, including the WDVA Barn Dance in Danville, Virginia, the Midday Merry Go-Round on WNOX in Knoxville, the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, and the Suwanee River Jamboree on WNER in Live Oak, Florida. Beginning in the mid-1950s they also had their own local television shows in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, which were picked up by sponsor Martha White in 1960 and expanded to include other markets. In 1960 Jim & Jesse began to record for Epic Records, and their first two albums, "Bluegrass Special" and "Bluegrass Classics" with Allen Shelton on banjo, Don McHan on guitar and harmony vocals, and David Sutherland on bass, are considered to be the most definitive of their style and talents.
In 1964, the year they joined the Grand Ole Opry, "Cotton Mill Man" became Jim & Jesse's first record on the country charts, and "Diesel on My Tail", their most commercially successful single, reached the country Top Twenty in 1967. Starting in the 1970s, most of their recordings were on their own Double J label. From the mid 1960s into the 1970s Jim & Jesse had a popular, syndicated TV program; on it their music included electric guitars and steel guitars instead of traditional acoustic bluegrass instrumentation.
The duo consistently made the country charts on a regular basis from the 1960s into the 1980s and their hits included "Paradise", "Better Times A-Coming", "Ballad of Thunder Road". "Freight Train" and "North Wind". In 1993 Jim & Jesse were elected into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor.
Jim McReynolds passed away on December 31, 2002 after a long illness. Since that time, Jesse has continued on alone, continuing the McReynolds sound while also striking out on his own. His latest album was a tribute to the Grateful Dead, that Jesse said was his best selling album. Jesse is also considered one of the most innovative and prolific mandolin players around today. He continues to record and tour with a new group of Virginia Boys, that at times have included his grandchildren.
Jesse remembered the first time they were on the Opry. "The first time we were on the Opry we thought, 'Gosh, think of all the people who've been here.' I see all these young people come in now and just stand downstairs where so many big stars have been throughout the years. We were the same way, never dreamed we'd ever get to the Grand Ole Opry.
To honor Jesse McReynolds, and to remember Jim McReynolds, here is the line-up from the Grand Ole Opry on March 7, 1964, their first appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30: Luzianne
Jimmy Newman (host): Alligator Man
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Marion Worth: You Took Him Off My Hands
Stringbean: Little Pink
Jimmy Newman: DJ For A Day
Del Wood: Waiting for the Robert E Lee
Merle Kilgore: (?)
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Jimmy Newman: Six Days on the Road
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Ernest Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
Ray Pillow: (?)
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
June Stearns: (?)
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Roy Acuff: The End of the World
Hank Williams, Jr: Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Brother Oswald: My Curly Headed Baby
Howdy Forrester: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: Mother's Only Sleeping
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): (?)
Jean Shepard: (?)
Billy Walker: Forever
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Ernest Tubb (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ida Red
Cousin Jody: I Suffered More Then You'll Ever Know
Jean Shepard: (?)
Ernest Tubb: (?)
9:30: Kelloggs
Leroy Van Dyke (host): (?)
Carter Family: (?)
The Browns: (?)
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
Dottie West: (?)
The Carter Family: (?)
The Browns: (?)
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
10:00: Shick
Wilburn Brothers (host): (?)
Jimmy Newman: The Mover
Stringbean: (?)
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
10:15: SSS Tonic
Flatt & Scruggs (host): (?)
Marion Worth: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
Del Wood: Quennie of the Town
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
10:30: Harveys
Roy Acuff (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: He Says the Same Things to Me
Ernest Ashworth: A Week in the County Jail
Roy Acuff: (?)
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Black Mountain Rag
10:45: Ford
Ernest Tubb (host): (?)
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Wanna Be Loved
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Ernest Tubb: (?)
Stoney Cooper: Fiddle Tune
11:00: Coca-Cola
Leroy Van Dyke (host): (?)
Jean Shepard: (?)
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
Hank Williams, Jr: Cold, Cold Heart
Sam McGee: Dear Old Southern Home
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
11:30: Gretsch Guitars
Marty Robbins (host): (?)
The Browns: (?)
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Marty Robbins: (?)
Cousin Jody: Cripple Creek
Don Winters: (?)
Willis Brothers: Everlovin Dixieland
Marty Robbins: (?)
A couple of notes on this particular night. Ernest Ashworth was also a new member of the Grand Ole Opry on this night. This has happened a couple of times in the Opry's history, when 2 new members joined the same night. Connie Smith and Bob Luman were two others. Also Ray Pillow was on this show, but he was a guest artist and not a member as of yet.
Again, congratulations to Jesse McReynolds for 49 years of Opry membership.
Jim and Jesse were born in Carfax, Virginia and raised in the hill country of Appalachian Virginia. Their father and grandfather were fiddlers and music was a big part of their lives. The brothers began performing as the McReynolds Brothers, moving around to various radio stations throughout the Southeast and Midwest. The first recorded as the Virginia Trio for Kentucky Records in 1951. By the time of their first sessions for Capital Records in 1952, Jesse was already experimenting with his cross-picking style, which he describes as "a backwards roll, like the technique used in banjo playing." At this time, they began calling themselves Jim & Jesse and their band the Virginia Boys.
In the 1950s Jim & Jesse appeared on a number of radio barn dancers, including the WDVA Barn Dance in Danville, Virginia, the Midday Merry Go-Round on WNOX in Knoxville, the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia, and the Suwanee River Jamboree on WNER in Live Oak, Florida. Beginning in the mid-1950s they also had their own local television shows in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, which were picked up by sponsor Martha White in 1960 and expanded to include other markets. In 1960 Jim & Jesse began to record for Epic Records, and their first two albums, "Bluegrass Special" and "Bluegrass Classics" with Allen Shelton on banjo, Don McHan on guitar and harmony vocals, and David Sutherland on bass, are considered to be the most definitive of their style and talents.
In 1964, the year they joined the Grand Ole Opry, "Cotton Mill Man" became Jim & Jesse's first record on the country charts, and "Diesel on My Tail", their most commercially successful single, reached the country Top Twenty in 1967. Starting in the 1970s, most of their recordings were on their own Double J label. From the mid 1960s into the 1970s Jim & Jesse had a popular, syndicated TV program; on it their music included electric guitars and steel guitars instead of traditional acoustic bluegrass instrumentation.
The duo consistently made the country charts on a regular basis from the 1960s into the 1980s and their hits included "Paradise", "Better Times A-Coming", "Ballad of Thunder Road". "Freight Train" and "North Wind". In 1993 Jim & Jesse were elected into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor.
Jim McReynolds passed away on December 31, 2002 after a long illness. Since that time, Jesse has continued on alone, continuing the McReynolds sound while also striking out on his own. His latest album was a tribute to the Grateful Dead, that Jesse said was his best selling album. Jesse is also considered one of the most innovative and prolific mandolin players around today. He continues to record and tour with a new group of Virginia Boys, that at times have included his grandchildren.
Jesse remembered the first time they were on the Opry. "The first time we were on the Opry we thought, 'Gosh, think of all the people who've been here.' I see all these young people come in now and just stand downstairs where so many big stars have been throughout the years. We were the same way, never dreamed we'd ever get to the Grand Ole Opry.
To honor Jesse McReynolds, and to remember Jim McReynolds, here is the line-up from the Grand Ole Opry on March 7, 1964, their first appearance as members of the Grand Ole Opry.
7:30: Luzianne
Jimmy Newman (host): Alligator Man
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Marion Worth: You Took Him Off My Hands
Stringbean: Little Pink
Jimmy Newman: DJ For A Day
Del Wood: Waiting for the Robert E Lee
Merle Kilgore: (?)
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
Jimmy Newman: Six Days on the Road
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: The End of the World
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Ernest Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
Ray Pillow: (?)
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Low & Lonely
June Stearns: (?)
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Each Season Changes You
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Roy Acuff: The End of the World
Hank Williams, Jr: Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Brother Oswald: My Curly Headed Baby
Howdy Forrester: Soldier's Joy
Roy Acuff: Mother's Only Sleeping
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): (?)
Jean Shepard: (?)
Billy Walker: Forever
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Ernest Tubb (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Ida Red
Cousin Jody: I Suffered More Then You'll Ever Know
Jean Shepard: (?)
Ernest Tubb: (?)
9:30: Kelloggs
Leroy Van Dyke (host): (?)
Carter Family: (?)
The Browns: (?)
Willis Brothers: Big Daddy
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
Dottie West: (?)
The Carter Family: (?)
The Browns: (?)
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
10:00: Shick
Wilburn Brothers (host): (?)
Jimmy Newman: The Mover
Stringbean: (?)
Wilburn Brothers: (?)
10:15: SSS Tonic
Flatt & Scruggs (host): (?)
Marion Worth: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
Del Wood: Quennie of the Town
Flatt & Scruggs: (?)
10:30: Harveys
Roy Acuff (host): (?)
Skeeter Davis: He Says the Same Things to Me
Ernest Ashworth: A Week in the County Jail
Roy Acuff: (?)
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Black Mountain Rag
10:45: Ford
Ernest Tubb (host): (?)
Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Wanna Be Loved
Crook Brothers: Lafayette
Ernest Tubb: (?)
Stoney Cooper: Fiddle Tune
11:00: Coca-Cola
Leroy Van Dyke (host): (?)
Jean Shepard: (?)
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
Hank Williams, Jr: Cold, Cold Heart
Sam McGee: Dear Old Southern Home
Glaser Brothers: (?)
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Leroy Van Dyke: (?)
11:30: Gretsch Guitars
Marty Robbins (host): (?)
The Browns: (?)
Willis Brothers: Private Lee
Jim & Jesse: (?)
Marty Robbins: (?)
Cousin Jody: Cripple Creek
Don Winters: (?)
Willis Brothers: Everlovin Dixieland
Marty Robbins: (?)
A couple of notes on this particular night. Ernest Ashworth was also a new member of the Grand Ole Opry on this night. This has happened a couple of times in the Opry's history, when 2 new members joined the same night. Connie Smith and Bob Luman were two others. Also Ray Pillow was on this show, but he was a guest artist and not a member as of yet.
Again, congratulations to Jesse McReynolds for 49 years of Opry membership.
Friday, March 1, 2013
March Opry Highlights
Another month has passed and it is time to review the important and historical events that have taken place in Grand Ole Opry history during the month of March. Along with June and October, March has been one of the busier months in the history of the Opry.
March 31, 1934: Grand Ole Opry regular Kitty Cora Cline ended her Opry career. She was the first female solist at the Opry. The story goes that she was headed to the Opry to do the show and observed a very serious accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel in a car again.
March 16, 1946: Grandpa Jones performed for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry.
March 22, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the early stars in the history of the Opry, passed away at the age of 82. Even with his advanced age, Uncle Dave continued to perform reguarly on the Opry, making his last appearance on March 1, 1952, just 2 weeks before he died. He would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Bill Carlisle would quickly become an Opry member and would remain with the Opry until his death in 2003.
March 2, 1963: Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins make their final Grand Ole Opry apperarance.
March 9, 1963: During the Opry's performance that night, the Grand Ole Opry paid tribute to Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Randy Hughes and Hawkshaw Hawkins, who died in a plane crash earlier in the week. They died on March 5 when the plane in which they were returning to Nashville in crashed near Camden, Tennessee. The Opry also remembered Jack Anglin, who was part of the duo Johnny and Jack, who had passed away while on his way to the service for Patsy Cline. Opry manager Ott Devine read the tribute. "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put into words our thoughts, our feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so we ask that you in our audience please stand and join us for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."
March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens dies in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After her death, Curly would continue to play the Opry.
March 2, 1964: Jim and Jesse McReynolds join the Grand Ole Opry. They would actually make their first appearance as Opry members the following Saturday night, March 7. They would continue as Opry members until the death of Jim McReynolds on December 31, 2002, after which Jesse would continue on with the Virginia Boys. Jesse still performs on the Opry, usually along with a few of his grandchildren. This will be Jesse's 49th year as an Opry member.
March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1963, he had the #1 hit, "Talk Back Tembling Lips", which was on the charts for 42 weeks. In his long career in country music, he would never equal that success. Ernie remained an Opry member until he passed away on March 2, 2009.
March 28, 1964: Connie Smith makes her first appearance at the Opry. She was a backstage guest of Bill Anderson. She also visited the Ernest Tubb Record Shop that night. Later in the year, Chet Atkins would sign her to a contract with RCA Records and the rest is history. Connie would join the Opry a year later after having her #1 hit, "Once A Day." In 2012, she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
March 15, 1968: The Byrds make an appearance on the Opry. They performed Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowwhere" and "Hickory Wind." It was reported that they received a lukewarm reception.
March 28, 1970: After undergoing a heart bypass operation on January 27, 1970, Marty Robbins returned to the Opry, hosting a he usually did, the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson was there and wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the song that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all my friends for their concern and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'More, more, more."
March 27, 1971: Jan Howard becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In a few places the date is listed as March 17, but the 27th date seems the valid one. This will be here 42nd year as an Opry member. Jan was a frequent guest on the Opry prior to becoming a member, and in fact, she was on so many times that many thought she already was. Opry General Manager Bud Wendell was one of those. When he realized she wasn't, he immediately corrected the over sight. On an additional note, on March 13 Jan will be celebrating her 83rd birthday.
March 9, 1974: The Opry conducts its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman had been the Opry's home since 1943.
March 15, 1974: The final Friday Night Opry takes place at the Ryman Auditorium. The final segment that night was hosted by George Morgan and he concluded his segment by singing his hit song, "Candy Kisses." After the Opry, Rev. Jimmy Snow, son of Hank Snow, hosted "Grand Ole Gospel Time" with special guests Johnny Cash, June Carter, The Carter Family, and his father Hank. The show concluded with the singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."
March 16, 1974: The new Grand Ole Opry House opens, with a special appearance by President Richard Nixon, who was the first President to appear at the Opry. There was much discussion on who would be the first artist to perform at the new Opry House, and since the Opry's management decided to have each performer appear in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff was the first. And Roy was fine with that and in fact had said, "I've made my request that if I'm still here when the Opry House opens, they let me be the first one to go on the stage. I jsut want to open the curtain and sing tow songs. Then they can have it." After Roy's appearance, Bill Anderson was next and the show went from there. On an additional note, there was much discussion on who was to introduce the President, but President Nixon quickly settled the debate by saying, "Roy will do it." And Roy did.
March 15, 1975: Just one year after the new Opry House opened, the Cumberland River floods the area around the Opry House forcing the Opry to move the show to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Although the Opry House was not damaged, the parking lots in the area were flooded. The Opry was unable to return to the Ryman because the building was deemed as unsafe. The Cumberland River would flood again in 2010, but that time the Opry House sustained heavy damage. This show was also the annual old-timers night.
March 4, 1978: For the 1st time in the Opry's history, an entire Opry show was televised. PBS approached Opry officials to see if there was an interest in televising the show as part of their annual fundraising campaign. The Opry agreed and it was considered such as success that PBS would do it again for the next 3 years. The Opry did have to make a few changes for the show, including removing all references to their commercial sponsors. That included covering the sponsor's logos that appeared above the Opry stage. What made these PBS shows so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that they did not change the show at all. The format stayed the same, although several of the performers dressed up a bit more than usual.
March 10, 1979: James Brown performed on the Opry. He was invited by Porter Wagoner and his appearance caused much controversy. Many of the Opry's members refused to welcome him to the Opry and several boycotted the show. Remember that this was 1979 and in the South.
March 22, 1980: This was the final Opry show for Opry member Marion Worth. She had joined the Opry in 1963. While she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a popular member of the Opry. She passed away on December 19, 1999.
March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the Grand Ole Opry. Tom T had quit the Opry in 1974 when the show moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Opry House. It has been reported that Ernest Tubb saw Tom T in the parking lot at a show and told him he needed to come back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s was a regular performer on the show. He has not been back to the Opry for many, many years.
March 1, 1982: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hour special that was televised on NBC. An all-star cast of performers and politicians honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry. Among those scheduled to appear but missing due to illness were Dottie West and Johnny Cash.
March 7, 1983: The Nashville Network made its debut. This network would later become home for the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised each Saturday night, giving many fans the first opportunity to see a portion of the show.
March 3 1984: The Whites become members of the Grand Ole Opry. This popular group, who usually performs on any segment hosted by Ricky Skaggs, will be celebrating their 29th year as Opry members.
March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood joins the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 14th year as an Opry member, which just about equals the number of appearances that she has made since becoming an Opry member. Prior to joining, she was quoted as saying how much she wanted to become an Opry member and like many others, promised to support the show and appear whenever she could. And sorry to say, like so many others of her generation, that promise has gone by the wayside.
March 17, 2003: Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Carlise passed away at the age of 95. He had suffered a stroke earlier in the week. Despite numerous health issues over the last several decades of his life, Bill would continue to perform on the Opry right up until his death.
March 15, 2008: Carrie Underwood is invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Randy Travis made a surprise appearance during Carrie's Opry performance that evening, which was televised by GAC. She would formally become an Opry member on May 10, 2008.
March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. At the time of his death, he was the Opry's oldest living member. He joined the Opry in 1960.
March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Many had felt that Jean should have been elected to the Hall of Fame many years ago, and it was a well deserved honor for this long time Opry member.
March 6, 2012: It was announced that Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
March 31, 1934: Grand Ole Opry regular Kitty Cora Cline ended her Opry career. She was the first female solist at the Opry. The story goes that she was headed to the Opry to do the show and observed a very serious accident that bothered her so much that she refused to travel in a car again.
March 16, 1946: Grandpa Jones performed for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry.
March 22, 1952: Uncle Dave Macon, one of the early stars in the history of the Opry, passed away at the age of 82. Even with his advanced age, Uncle Dave continued to perform reguarly on the Opry, making his last appearance on March 1, 1952, just 2 weeks before he died. He would later be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
March 21, 1953: Bill Carlisle and the Carlisles made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Bill Carlisle would quickly become an Opry member and would remain with the Opry until his death in 2003.
March 2, 1963: Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins make their final Grand Ole Opry apperarance.
March 9, 1963: During the Opry's performance that night, the Grand Ole Opry paid tribute to Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Randy Hughes and Hawkshaw Hawkins, who died in a plane crash earlier in the week. They died on March 5 when the plane in which they were returning to Nashville in crashed near Camden, Tennessee. The Opry also remembered Jack Anglin, who was part of the duo Johnny and Jack, who had passed away while on his way to the service for Patsy Cline. Opry manager Ott Devine read the tribute. "All of their friends standing with me tonight on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium know that it is impossible to put into words our thoughts, our feelings, our love for Patsy, Hank, Cope, Jack and Randy. And so we ask that you in our audience please stand and join us for a moment of silent prayer in tribute to them."
March 29, 1963: Texas Ruby Owens dies in a fire at her home. Along with her husband Curly Fox, she came to the Opry in the 1940s. After her death, Curly would continue to play the Opry.
March 2, 1964: Jim and Jesse McReynolds join the Grand Ole Opry. They would actually make their first appearance as Opry members the following Saturday night, March 7. They would continue as Opry members until the death of Jim McReynolds on December 31, 2002, after which Jesse would continue on with the Virginia Boys. Jesse still performs on the Opry, usually along with a few of his grandchildren. This will be Jesse's 49th year as an Opry member.
March 7, 1964: Ernie Ashworth becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1963, he had the #1 hit, "Talk Back Tembling Lips", which was on the charts for 42 weeks. In his long career in country music, he would never equal that success. Ernie remained an Opry member until he passed away on March 2, 2009.
March 28, 1964: Connie Smith makes her first appearance at the Opry. She was a backstage guest of Bill Anderson. She also visited the Ernest Tubb Record Shop that night. Later in the year, Chet Atkins would sign her to a contract with RCA Records and the rest is history. Connie would join the Opry a year later after having her #1 hit, "Once A Day." In 2012, she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
March 15, 1968: The Byrds make an appearance on the Opry. They performed Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowwhere" and "Hickory Wind." It was reported that they received a lukewarm reception.
March 28, 1970: After undergoing a heart bypass operation on January 27, 1970, Marty Robbins returned to the Opry, hosting a he usually did, the 11:30 segment. Reporter Jerry Thompson was there and wrote, "The sound from the jam-packed crowd was deafening. They couldn't hear the words to the song that familiar figure behind the Opry mic was crooning, but there was no mistake. Marty Robbins was back where he belonged. Midway through the show, Robbins sat at the piano and told the audience, 'I had so many things I was going to say tonight. I want to thank all my friends for their concern and I want to thank God for letting me be there. Now, I can't think of anything to say, so I guess I'll have to sing for you.' And sing he did until 12:27 a.m. when the curtain closed amidst repeated shouts of 'More, more, more."
March 27, 1971: Jan Howard becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In a few places the date is listed as March 17, but the 27th date seems the valid one. This will be here 42nd year as an Opry member. Jan was a frequent guest on the Opry prior to becoming a member, and in fact, she was on so many times that many thought she already was. Opry General Manager Bud Wendell was one of those. When he realized she wasn't, he immediately corrected the over sight. On an additional note, on March 13 Jan will be celebrating her 83rd birthday.
March 9, 1974: The Opry conducts its final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman had been the Opry's home since 1943.
March 15, 1974: The final Friday Night Opry takes place at the Ryman Auditorium. The final segment that night was hosted by George Morgan and he concluded his segment by singing his hit song, "Candy Kisses." After the Opry, Rev. Jimmy Snow, son of Hank Snow, hosted "Grand Ole Gospel Time" with special guests Johnny Cash, June Carter, The Carter Family, and his father Hank. The show concluded with the singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."
March 16, 1974: The new Grand Ole Opry House opens, with a special appearance by President Richard Nixon, who was the first President to appear at the Opry. There was much discussion on who would be the first artist to perform at the new Opry House, and since the Opry's management decided to have each performer appear in alphabetical order, Roy Acuff was the first. And Roy was fine with that and in fact had said, "I've made my request that if I'm still here when the Opry House opens, they let me be the first one to go on the stage. I jsut want to open the curtain and sing tow songs. Then they can have it." After Roy's appearance, Bill Anderson was next and the show went from there. On an additional note, there was much discussion on who was to introduce the President, but President Nixon quickly settled the debate by saying, "Roy will do it." And Roy did.
March 15, 1975: Just one year after the new Opry House opened, the Cumberland River floods the area around the Opry House forcing the Opry to move the show to the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Although the Opry House was not damaged, the parking lots in the area were flooded. The Opry was unable to return to the Ryman because the building was deemed as unsafe. The Cumberland River would flood again in 2010, but that time the Opry House sustained heavy damage. This show was also the annual old-timers night.
March 4, 1978: For the 1st time in the Opry's history, an entire Opry show was televised. PBS approached Opry officials to see if there was an interest in televising the show as part of their annual fundraising campaign. The Opry agreed and it was considered such as success that PBS would do it again for the next 3 years. The Opry did have to make a few changes for the show, including removing all references to their commercial sponsors. That included covering the sponsor's logos that appeared above the Opry stage. What made these PBS shows so special, besides the quality of the line-ups, was the fact that they did not change the show at all. The format stayed the same, although several of the performers dressed up a bit more than usual.
March 10, 1979: James Brown performed on the Opry. He was invited by Porter Wagoner and his appearance caused much controversy. Many of the Opry's members refused to welcome him to the Opry and several boycotted the show. Remember that this was 1979 and in the South.
March 22, 1980: This was the final Opry show for Opry member Marion Worth. She had joined the Opry in 1963. While she didn't have a spectacular career in country music, she was a popular member of the Opry. She passed away on December 19, 1999.
March 28, 1980: Tom T Hall rejoined the Grand Ole Opry. Tom T had quit the Opry in 1974 when the show moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Opry House. It has been reported that Ernest Tubb saw Tom T in the parking lot at a show and told him he needed to come back to the Opry. He did and for most of the 1980s was a regular performer on the show. He has not been back to the Opry for many, many years.
March 1, 1982: Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff was honored with a two-hour special that was televised on NBC. An all-star cast of performers and politicians honored Roy, including President Ronald Reagan, Vice-President George Bush, Minnie Pearl, Tom T Hall, Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels and Gene Autry. Among those scheduled to appear but missing due to illness were Dottie West and Johnny Cash.
March 7, 1983: The Nashville Network made its debut. This network would later become home for the Grand Ole Opry as a half hour of the show was televised each Saturday night, giving many fans the first opportunity to see a portion of the show.
March 3 1984: The Whites become members of the Grand Ole Opry. This popular group, who usually performs on any segment hosted by Ricky Skaggs, will be celebrating their 29th year as Opry members.
March 13, 1999: Trisha Yearwood joins the Grand Ole Opry. This will be her 14th year as an Opry member, which just about equals the number of appearances that she has made since becoming an Opry member. Prior to joining, she was quoted as saying how much she wanted to become an Opry member and like many others, promised to support the show and appear whenever she could. And sorry to say, like so many others of her generation, that promise has gone by the wayside.
March 17, 2003: Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Carlise passed away at the age of 95. He had suffered a stroke earlier in the week. Despite numerous health issues over the last several decades of his life, Bill would continue to perform on the Opry right up until his death.
March 15, 2008: Carrie Underwood is invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Opry member Randy Travis made a surprise appearance during Carrie's Opry performance that evening, which was televised by GAC. She would formally become an Opry member on May 10, 2008.
March 8, 2009: Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin passed away at the age of 91. At the time of his death, he was the Opry's oldest living member. He joined the Opry in 1960.
March 1, 2011: It was announced that Grand Ole Opry members Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Many had felt that Jean should have been elected to the Hall of Fame many years ago, and it was a well deserved honor for this long time Opry member.
March 6, 2012: It was announced that Opry members Connie Smith and Garth Brooks had been elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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