The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. On Saturday night, Ray Pillow is on the schedule and he will be celebrating 47 years as a member of the Opry, as he joined the show on April 30, 1966. My hope is that they will take a moment and recognize Ray, especially considering that the Opry now seems to recognize almost any Opry anniversary. In my mind, if Charlie Daniels can be honored for 5 years of membership, then Ray can certainly be honored for 47. While Ray is mostly retired these days, and his Opry appearances are few, he still has maintained that great voice that can do a "Texas Swing" about as well as anyone.
Also on the schedule is Jeannie Seely, who will be hosting a segment on both Friday and Saturday night. Jeannie has cancelled out the past several weeks and it will be interesting to see if she makes it back. Scheduled to join Jeannie on Friday night are Opry members Mel Tillis and Montgomery Gentry, along with guest artists Jason Crabb, Mark Chesnutt and Sarah Darling. I do find it surprising that Mel is not hosting a segment, as when he is on the Opry he usually does. Mark Chesnutt does not play the Opry very much, but when he does appear he is well received. I do have a favorite memory of him. I was at the Opry one night a few years back when the show was doing their winter run at the Ryman. For just about the entire show, Mark sat on the side of the stage just watching and enjoying. He could have stayed in the dressing rooms, visiting other artists, but instead he wanted to watch the show, just like any other fan.
Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, in addition to Ray and Jeannie will have Rhonda Vincent visiting. Again, we can speculate why she is not an Opry member, and even though she is not, she still is invited numerous times to do the show. Joining Rhonda are non-Opry members The Boxcars, Striking Matches, and a young lady who has been making frequent guest appearances, Kristen Kelly.
Jim Ed Brown is scheduled to host segments on both nights and he has promised a surprise this weekend. I do know that he has recorded a new song and is planning on debuting it. I have heard clips of the song and it sounds great, as does Jim's voice. And again, no Jimmy Dickens on the schedule for this weekend.
Friday April 26:
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Chris Janson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Jean Shepard; Montgomery Gentry
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jason Crabb; Mark Chesnutt
8:45: John Conlee (host); Sarah Darling; Mel Tillis
Saturday April 27:
7:00: Mike Snider (host); Morgan Frazier; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); The Whites; Rhonda Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Ray Pillow; Striking Matches; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: John Conlee (host); The Boxcars; Kristen Kelly
Since this is Ray Pillow's 47th anniversary as an Opry member, I just wanted to add a few quick notes regarding Ray.
Ray was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 4, 1937. Ray was a veteran of the Navy who graduated from Lynchburg College with a business degree, that he would later put to good use. While attending college, he played with various bands. In the early 1960s, he entered the WSM Pet Milk talent contest, and despite losing, he moved to Nashville in 1963 to begin a career in country music. That same year he signed with Capital Records and within several years, he was on tour sponsored by Martha White Flour and has his first chart success with "Thank You Ma'am". He recorded a duet with Jean Shepard, "I'll Take the Dog", and by 1966 was a member of the Opry. He also won a national poll naming him "Most Programmed New Male Country Artist."
While Ray had moderate success as a performer, his big success came on the business side of the industry. Ray and his manager Joe Taylor started a booking agency and he also established his own publishing company, Sycamore Valley Music. He was the one who brought Lee Greenwood to Nashville and he signed Lee to his publishing company. As a result, in 1985 "God Bless the U.S.A." which was the CMA Song of the Year, had publishing rights held by Ray and his company. In 1990 Ray was hired by Liberty Records as their A&R man, a position he held for several years. He also held the same position with Capital Records. Even though he is semi-retired, Ray still works behind the scenes in the music business and is always on the look out for new talent and new songs.
I know I have posted this before, so I hope nobody mines if I do it again. Here is the running order of the Grand Ole Opry, from Saturday April 30, 1966, the night Ray Pillow joined the Grand Ole Opry:
7:30: Luzianne
Billy Walker (host): How Do You Ask Someone to Love You
George Hamilton IV: Big Steel Railroad
The Homesteaders: Flowers on the Wall
Cousin Jody: Steel Guitar Rag
Billy Walker: Funny How Time Slips Away
Curly Fox: Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey
George Hamilton IV: Write Me A Picture
The Homesteaders: Going Down the Mountain
Billy Walker: Charlie's Shoes
8:00: Martha White
Flatt & Scruggs (host): Nine Pound Hammer
Bobby Bare: Four Strong Winds
Grandpa Jones: (?)
Del Wood: Piano Roll Blues
Flatt & Scruggs: I Know What It Means to Be Lonesome
Crook Brothers: Black Mountain Rag
Bobby Bare: Detroit City
Grandpa Jones: Old Rattler
Flatt & Scruggs: Foggy Mountain Breakdown
8:30: Stephens
Roy Acuff (host): Tennessee Central No. 9
Wilburn Brothers: It's Another World
Marion Worth: One Has My Name, The Other My Heart
Archie Campbell: Comedy
Roy Acuff: Wreck on the Highway
Wilburn Brothers: Troubles Back In Town
Brother Oswald: Roll On Buddy, Roll On
9:00: Pet Milk
Ernest Tubb (host): Jealous Lovin' Heart
Glaser Brothers: A Girl Like You
RAY PILLOW: COMMON COLDS & BROKEN HEARTS
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Hickory Leaf
Ernest Tubb: Waltz Across Texas
Margie Bowes: That Completely Destroyed My Plans
Glaser Brothers: Teardrops Till Dawn
RAY PILLOW: EVEN THE BAD TIMES ARE GOOD
Leon Rhodes: Leon's Guitar Boggie
9:30: Kelloggs
Willis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 Acres
Carter Family: It's Ain't Me Babe
Waylon Jennings: Time to Bum Again
June Carter: Tall Loverman
Willis Brothers: Love Thy Neighbor
Harold Weakley: To Mommy, In Care of God
Carter Family: Wildwood Flower
Skeeter Davis: Maiden's Prayer
10:00: Schick
Billy Walker (host): Cross the Brazos At Waco
Curly Fox: The Old Grey Mule
Cousin Jody: Wabash Blues
Billy Walker: Cattle Call
10:15: Pure
Wilburn Brothers (host): I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Del Wood: Night Train to Memphis
Wilburn Brothers: Someone Before Me
Don Helms: The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
10:30: Harvey's
Bobby Bare (host): A Man of Constant Sorry
Grandpa Jones: I Don't Love Nobody
Bobby Bare: 500 Miles
Grandpa Jones: Eight More Miles to Louisville
Bobby Bare: It Ain't Me Babe/The Answer is Blowing in the Wind/Worried Man Blues
10:45: Newport
Ernest Tubb (host): Till My Getup Has Got Up and Gone
Jack Greene: Born to Lose
Crook Brothers: Ida Red
Ernest Tubb: Half a Mind
11:00: Coca-Cola
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
Glaser Brothers: Same Old Memories
Margie Bowes: Big City
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Bill Cheatham
Sam McGee: Wheels
RAY PILLOW: THANK YOU, MA'AM
Onie Wheeler: Too Hot to Handle
11:30: Lava
Willis Brothers (host): Gonne Swing Till My Rope Breaks
George Hamilton IV: Abilene
Waylon Jennings: Anita, You're Dreaming
Archie Campbell: The Men in My Little Girl's Life
Willis Brothers: A 6 Ft 2 By 4
Marion Worth: Cryin' Time
George Hamilton IV: Truck Driving Man
Willis Brothers: Walk These Hills With Me
A pretty powerful line up that night. Interesting to see Waylon Jennings guesting on the Opry, and Roy Acuff taking the 2 segments usually hosted by Hank Snow, who was absent that night.
Again, congratulations to Ray Pillow!!!
Nationally recognized independent Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay offers news and comments regarding country music's premier show.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Tuesday Night Opry 4/23 & Opry Country Classics 4/25
I haven't really spent much time mentioning the Tuesday Night Opry or Opry Country Classics since both have returned to the Opry's schedule after the winter break. Overall, the line-ups for the Tuesday Night Opry have been pretty strong and this week is no exception as Alabama and Shooter Jennings will be the headliners. Since they have gotten back together, Alabama has made several Opry appearances and they always draw a good crowd. This week's show is broken down into only 3 segments instead of the traditional 4.
7:00: Striking Matches; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jimmy Wayne; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Shooter Jennings; Alabama
The spring series of Opry Country Classics continues with Larry Gatlin again hosting. As I have said before, Larry does an outstanding job hosting the Classics show and is perfect in this role. He tends to get a little excited at times, but he keeps the show on track and has fun doing it. The spotlight artist continues and this week it is Opry member and Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis.
The entire line-up this week included Craig Campbell, Mark Collie, Sarah Darling and Jan Howard. Nice to see the Opry book one of the bright young female talents in country music, Sarah Darling, along with one of the great female Opry legends, Jan Howard.
Finally, just wrapping up the Opry again from this past weekend, I thought both shows were excellent. Friday night, Diamond Rio was honored for 15 years of Opry membership and on Saturday night, Charley Pride was honored for 20. I like the fact that the Opry is doing a better job of honoring anniversary dates for its members, but as I have said before, I would like it more if they did it for everyone and not for a select few. In other words, don't leave out the legends.
As far as other thoughts, Jim Lauderdale stepped in on Friday night when Jeannie Seely cancelled out and did his usual fine job. He has a great voice and can belt out a good country or bluegrass number. On Saturday night, we got to hear Jimmy C Newman host a segment for the first time this year, and we got to hear Vince Gill get mixed up with his song, and as was commented earlier, it sounded like the band was playing one song and he was trying to sing another. And I give it up to Billy Ray Cyrus, who again did a fantastic job.
The Opry is fun and I hope all of you got a chance to enjoy it.
7:00: Striking Matches; Jimmy C Newman
7:30: Jimmy Wayne; Del McCoury Band
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith; Shooter Jennings; Alabama
The spring series of Opry Country Classics continues with Larry Gatlin again hosting. As I have said before, Larry does an outstanding job hosting the Classics show and is perfect in this role. He tends to get a little excited at times, but he keeps the show on track and has fun doing it. The spotlight artist continues and this week it is Opry member and Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis.
The entire line-up this week included Craig Campbell, Mark Collie, Sarah Darling and Jan Howard. Nice to see the Opry book one of the bright young female talents in country music, Sarah Darling, along with one of the great female Opry legends, Jan Howard.
Finally, just wrapping up the Opry again from this past weekend, I thought both shows were excellent. Friday night, Diamond Rio was honored for 15 years of Opry membership and on Saturday night, Charley Pride was honored for 20. I like the fact that the Opry is doing a better job of honoring anniversary dates for its members, but as I have said before, I would like it more if they did it for everyone and not for a select few. In other words, don't leave out the legends.
As far as other thoughts, Jim Lauderdale stepped in on Friday night when Jeannie Seely cancelled out and did his usual fine job. He has a great voice and can belt out a good country or bluegrass number. On Saturday night, we got to hear Jimmy C Newman host a segment for the first time this year, and we got to hear Vince Gill get mixed up with his song, and as was commented earlier, it sounded like the band was playing one song and he was trying to sing another. And I give it up to Billy Ray Cyrus, who again did a fantastic job.
The Opry is fun and I hope all of you got a chance to enjoy it.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Past Mid-April Opry Line-Ups
Sometimes it is fun to go back in Grand Ole Opry history and compare line-ups from years past. Since this is the middle of April, I thought I would go back to this time period and compare some Opry line-ups and so some can see how the Opry has progressed over the years.
The first one is from Saturday April 19, 1952 (61 years ago). 1 show from 7:30-Midnight and notice the quality of the line-up and all the Hall of Famer's on the show.
7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): My Tears Don't Show
Lew Childre: Riding On The Elevated Railroad
The Le Croix Sisters: Cabin In Glory Land
The Jug Band: Barney Google
Joe Zincan: Alabama Jubilee
7:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff (host): It's All Right Now
Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Roy Acuff: Branded Whereever I Go
Jimmy Riddle: Darling Nellie Grey
8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Daisey May
Bill Monroe: Uncle Pen
Mama Maybelle: Wildwood Flower
Cowboy Copas: Copy Cat
The Crook Brothers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood On The River
June Carter: Around The Corner
Chet Atkins: Stars And Stripes Medley
Bill Monroe: Raw Hide
Fiddle: Sally Goodin
8:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Salty Dog Rag
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Webb Pierce: Wondering
The Square Dancers: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
The Jordanaires: Walk Those Golden Stairs
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Webb Pierce: New Silver Bells
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Red Foley: The Convict And The Rose
The Square Dancers: Money Musk
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): South Bound Train
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Stump Tail Dog
George Morgan: You're A Little Doll
Pap And The Jug Band: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues
Oswald: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Roy Acuff: The Heart That Was Broken For Me
The Le Croix Sisters: Practice What You Preach
Howdy Forrester: Bonapart's Retreat
9:30: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith (host): Don't Just Stand There
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush Is Over
Johnny and Jack: Three Ways Of Knowing
Anita Carter: Just When I Needed You
The Possum Hunters: Billy In The Low Ground
Ray Price: Talk To Your Heart
The Jordanaires: Read That Book
Carl Smith: Little Girl In My Home Town
Hank Snow: Why Do You Punish Me
Hal Smith: Here And There
10:00: Wall Rite
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back To The Old Home
The Old Hickory Singers: Waiting For The Robert E Lee
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Old Joe Clark: Ground Hog
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
The Le Croix Sisters: I Miss Old Oklahoma
The Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Roy Acuff: This World Is Not My Home
Big Howdy: Wake Up Susan
10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Travelin' Blues
Hank Snow: Golden Rocket
Ray Price: Hurry, Hurry, Hurry
The Jordanaires: Did A Little Deeper
The Gully Jumpers: Mocking Bird
Ernest Tubb: Slipping Around
June Carter: I Ain't Been Yet
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Hank Snow: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Mother Maybelle: I'm Leavin' You
11:00: D Con
Cowboy Copas (host): 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered
Annie Lou and Danny: You Ain't Got No Hillbillies Any More
Stringbean: Cindy
Cowboy Copas: I Love You My Darling
11:15: Soltice
Carl Smith (host): Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Johnny and Jack: Ashes Of Love
Carl Smith: Let's Live A Little
Hal Smith: Turkey In The Straw
11:30: ABC Chick
Hank Williams (host): Baby We're Really In Love
Lew Childre: Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet
The Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Hank Williams: Lost Highway
The Crook Brothers: Trouble Among The Yearling
11:45: O-Cel-O
George Morgan (host): Cry Baby Heart
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Old Kentucky
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Mississippi Sawyer
George Morgan: My Baby Lied To Me
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Down Yonder
Now, let's jump to April 17, 1971. This was 42 years ago and the Opry had started having 2 shows. You will notice a big difference in the line-up.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys
6:45: Rudy's: Ray Pillow (host): Del Wood; Bobby Lewis
7:00: Luzianne: Billy Grammer (host): Earl Scruggs Revue; Justin Tubb; Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
7:30: Standard Candy: Roy Acuff (host): Skeeter Davis: Stringbean; Crook Brothers
8:00: Martha White: Ernest Tubb (host): Hank Locklin; Connie Smith; Floyd Tillman
8:30: Stephens: Hank Snow (host): Bob Luman; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Harold Weakley
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys; Justin Tubb; Del Wood
10:00: Fender: Hank Locklin (host): Stringbean; Bobby Lewis
10:15: Union 76: Billy Grammer (host): Skeeter Davis; Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
10:30: Trailblazer: Roy Acuff (host): Ray Pillow; Floyd Tillman
10:45: Beech-Nut: Ernest Tubb (host): Leon Boulanger; Crook Brothers
11:00: Coca-Cola: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Elm Hill: Charlie Louvin (host): Bob Luman; Diane McCall
Moving up 20 years, here is April 20, 1991, which was 22 years ago this weekend.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza: Grandpa Jones (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Hall of Fame: Bill Monroe (host): Charlie Walker; Jack Greene
7:00: Shoney's: Porter Wagoner (host): Hank Locklin; Jim Ed Brown; John Conlee; The Whites
7:30: Standard Candy: Del Reeves (host): Osborne Brothers; Jeannie Seely; Lee Greenwood
8:00: Martha White: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy Dickens; Jeanne Pruett; Bill Anderson; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Pops Rite: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard; 4 Guys; Ricky Skaggs
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General: Porter Wagoner (host): Stonewall Jackson; Jeannie Seely: Charlie Walker; Jack Greene
10:00: Little Debbie: Grandpa Jones (host): Roy Drusky; Del Reeves
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:30: Pet Milk: Bill Monroe (host): John Conlee
10:45: BC Powder: Bill Anderson (host): Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Coca-Cola: Hank Snow (host): The Whites; Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Dickens; Justin Tubb
11:30: Creamette: Ricky Skaggs (host): 4 Guys; Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow; Osborne Brothers
Finally, lets jump to Saturday April 16, 2005, 9 years ago.
1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel: John Conlee (host): Connie Smith: Bobby Pinson
7:00: Tootsie's: Jim Ed Brown (host): Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Hanna-McEuen
7:30: Standard Candy: Lorrie Morgan (host): Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; The Whites
8:00: Martha White: Porter Wagoner (host): Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds; Trent Willmon; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Odom's: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Larry Gatlin
2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel: John Conlee (host): Connie Smith; Bobby Pinson
10:00: Martha White: Porter Wagoner (host): Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Larry Gatlin
10:30: Rutledge Hill Press: Lorrie Morgan (host): Billy Walker; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Johnny Walker Tours: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Hanna-McEuen
11:30: Grand Ole Opry Visa: Jeannie Seely (host): Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds; Trent Willmon
As you can see, there has been quite a difference in the Opry line-ups over the years. While we may all have our own preference, I will take the 1952 show any day of the week.
The first one is from Saturday April 19, 1952 (61 years ago). 1 show from 7:30-Midnight and notice the quality of the line-up and all the Hall of Famer's on the show.
7:30: Warren Paint
Roy Acuff (host): My Tears Don't Show
Lew Childre: Riding On The Elevated Railroad
The Le Croix Sisters: Cabin In Glory Land
The Jug Band: Barney Google
Joe Zincan: Alabama Jubilee
7:45: American Ace
Roy Acuff (host): It's All Right Now
Oswald: Weary Lonesome Blues
Roy Acuff: Branded Whereever I Go
Jimmy Riddle: Darling Nellie Grey
8:00: Martha White
Ernest Tubb (host): Daisey May
Bill Monroe: Uncle Pen
Mama Maybelle: Wildwood Flower
Cowboy Copas: Copy Cat
The Crook Brothers: Bile Them Cabbage Down
Ernest Tubb: Driftwood On The River
June Carter: Around The Corner
Chet Atkins: Stars And Stripes Medley
Bill Monroe: Raw Hide
Fiddle: Sally Goodin
8:30: Prince Albert
Red Foley (host): Salty Dog Rag
Rod Brasfield: Comedy
Webb Pierce: Wondering
The Square Dancers: Old Joe Clark
Red Foley: Just A Closer Walk With Thee
The Jordanaires: Walk Those Golden Stairs
Minnie Pearl: Comedy
Webb Pierce: New Silver Bells
Stringbean: Nine Pound Hammer
Red Foley: The Convict And The Rose
The Square Dancers: Money Musk
9:00: Royal Crown Cola
Roy Acuff (host): South Bound Train
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Stump Tail Dog
George Morgan: You're A Little Doll
Pap And The Jug Band: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues
Oswald: Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Roy Acuff: The Heart That Was Broken For Me
The Le Croix Sisters: Practice What You Preach
Howdy Forrester: Bonapart's Retreat
9:30: Fortune Feed
Carl Smith (host): Don't Just Stand There
Hank Snow: The Gold Rush Is Over
Johnny and Jack: Three Ways Of Knowing
Anita Carter: Just When I Needed You
The Possum Hunters: Billy In The Low Ground
Ray Price: Talk To Your Heart
The Jordanaires: Read That Book
Carl Smith: Little Girl In My Home Town
Hank Snow: Why Do You Punish Me
Hal Smith: Here And There
10:00: Wall Rite
Bill Monroe (host): I'm On My Way Back To The Old Home
The Old Hickory Singers: Waiting For The Robert E Lee
George Morgan: Almost
Bill Monroe: Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Old Joe Clark: Ground Hog
10:15: Dr. Le Gear
Roy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled Bird
The Le Croix Sisters: I Miss Old Oklahoma
The Jug Band: Uncle Noah's Ark
Roy Acuff: This World Is Not My Home
Big Howdy: Wake Up Susan
10:30: Jefferson Island Salt
Ernest Tubb (host): Travelin' Blues
Hank Snow: Golden Rocket
Ray Price: Hurry, Hurry, Hurry
The Jordanaires: Did A Little Deeper
The Gully Jumpers: Mocking Bird
Ernest Tubb: Slipping Around
June Carter: I Ain't Been Yet
Chet Atkins: Five Foot Two
Hank Snow: I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Mother Maybelle: I'm Leavin' You
11:00: D Con
Cowboy Copas (host): 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered
Annie Lou and Danny: You Ain't Got No Hillbillies Any More
Stringbean: Cindy
Cowboy Copas: I Love You My Darling
11:15: Soltice
Carl Smith (host): Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way
Sam and Kirk: While I'm Away
Johnny and Jack: Ashes Of Love
Carl Smith: Let's Live A Little
Hal Smith: Turkey In The Straw
11:30: ABC Chick
Hank Williams (host): Baby We're Really In Love
Lew Childre: Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet
The Crook Brothers: Sally Goodin
Hank Williams: Lost Highway
The Crook Brothers: Trouble Among The Yearling
11:45: O-Cel-O
George Morgan (host): Cry Baby Heart
Bill Monroe: Blue Moon Of Old Kentucky
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Mississippi Sawyer
George Morgan: My Baby Lied To Me
The Fruit Jar Drinkers: Down Yonder
Now, let's jump to April 17, 1971. This was 42 years ago and the Opry had started having 2 shows. You will notice a big difference in the line-up.
1st show
6:30: Mrs. Grissoms: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys
6:45: Rudy's: Ray Pillow (host): Del Wood; Bobby Lewis
7:00: Luzianne: Billy Grammer (host): Earl Scruggs Revue; Justin Tubb; Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
7:30: Standard Candy: Roy Acuff (host): Skeeter Davis: Stringbean; Crook Brothers
8:00: Martha White: Ernest Tubb (host): Hank Locklin; Connie Smith; Floyd Tillman
8:30: Stephens: Hank Snow (host): Bob Luman; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Harold Weakley
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys; Justin Tubb; Del Wood
10:00: Fender: Hank Locklin (host): Stringbean; Bobby Lewis
10:15: Union 76: Billy Grammer (host): Skeeter Davis; Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
10:30: Trailblazer: Roy Acuff (host): Ray Pillow; Floyd Tillman
10:45: Beech-Nut: Ernest Tubb (host): Leon Boulanger; Crook Brothers
11:00: Coca-Cola: Hank Snow (host): Connie Smith; Fruit Jar Drinkers; Sam McGee
11:30: Elm Hill: Charlie Louvin (host): Bob Luman; Diane McCall
Moving up 20 years, here is April 20, 1991, which was 22 years ago this weekend.
1st show
6:30: Bonanza: Grandpa Jones (host): Wilma Lee Cooper
6:45: Hall of Fame: Bill Monroe (host): Charlie Walker; Jack Greene
7:00: Shoney's: Porter Wagoner (host): Hank Locklin; Jim Ed Brown; John Conlee; The Whites
7:30: Standard Candy: Del Reeves (host): Osborne Brothers; Jeannie Seely; Lee Greenwood
8:00: Martha White: Roy Acuff (host): Jimmy Dickens; Jeanne Pruett; Bill Anderson; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Pops Rite: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard; 4 Guys; Ricky Skaggs
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General: Porter Wagoner (host): Stonewall Jackson; Jeannie Seely: Charlie Walker; Jack Greene
10:00: Little Debbie: Grandpa Jones (host): Roy Drusky; Del Reeves
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam: Roy Acuff (host): Jeanne Pruett
10:30: Pet Milk: Bill Monroe (host): John Conlee
10:45: BC Powder: Bill Anderson (host): Bill Carlisle; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Coca-Cola: Hank Snow (host): The Whites; Jim Ed Brown; Jimmy Dickens; Justin Tubb
11:30: Creamette: Ricky Skaggs (host): 4 Guys; Jean Shepard; Ray Pillow; Osborne Brothers
Finally, lets jump to Saturday April 16, 2005, 9 years ago.
1st show
6:30: Cracker Barrel: John Conlee (host): Connie Smith: Bobby Pinson
7:00: Tootsie's: Jim Ed Brown (host): Jean Shepard; Jimmy C Newman; Hanna-McEuen
7:30: Standard Candy: Lorrie Morgan (host): Billy Walker; Osborne Brothers; The Whites
8:00: Martha White: Porter Wagoner (host): Jan Howard; Jesse McReynolds; Trent Willmon; Opry Square Dance Band
8:30: Odom's: Bill Anderson (host); Jeannie Seely; Larry Gatlin
2nd show
9:30: Cracker Barrel: John Conlee (host): Connie Smith; Bobby Pinson
10:00: Martha White: Porter Wagoner (host): Jimmy C Newman; Jean Shepard; Larry Gatlin
10:30: Rutledge Hill Press: Lorrie Morgan (host): Billy Walker; The Whites; Opry Square Dance Band
11:00: Johnny Walker Tours: Bill Anderson (host); Osborne Brothers; Hanna-McEuen
11:30: Grand Ole Opry Visa: Jeannie Seely (host): Ray Pillow; Jesse McReynolds; Trent Willmon
As you can see, there has been quite a difference in the Opry line-ups over the years. While we may all have our own preference, I will take the 1952 show any day of the week.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 4/19 & 4/20
First, sorry for the lack of posts over the past week. While some may find it hard to believe, I do have a full-time job, which is not this!! Anyways, things were a little busy the past week and are now taken care of. So with that, I am back in business.
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and at first glance, it looks like another nice weekend for the Opry. The shows look solid and there are a couple of events scheduled for this weekend. The first involves Opry members Diamond Rio, who on April 18 will celebrate 15 years as Opry members. They will be honored this weekend for their achievement. It goes without saying that Diamond Rio have been pretty loyal members of the Opry and have always come thru with their Opry appearances. Also being honored this weekend will be Charley Pride, who on May 1 will be celebrating 20 years as an Opry member. As with Diamond Rio, Charley has been pretty good with his Opry appearances and has almost always made the 10 yearly appearances that Pete Fisher has asked of new Opry members. Even though Charley joined teh show before Pete took over and joined during the time period that nothing was asked of Opry members, he has made sure to be at the Opry whenever he is in Nashville.
The newest Opry member, Darius Rucker, will also be appearing on Friday night. For Darius, this will be his 2nd Opry appearance of the year, after also appearing this past Tuesday night, and he has a couple of more scheduled. When Darius joined the Opry many of us wondered how he would respond as an Opry member, and so far it looks promising. Joining Darius on Friday night will be Clare Bowen from "Nashville", continuing the cross promotion with the television show. I know this past week, the show was doing some filming at the Opry.
The Saturday night Grand Ole Opry will feature Billy Ray Cyrus, always a crowd favorite whenever he performs. Also scheduled is the very fine bluegrass artist Sam Bush, who usually makes several Opry appearances each year.
It seems like each week we have someone making their first appearance ever on the Grand Ole Opry and this week it is Sir Cliff Richard, from the United Kingdom. Sir Cliff is 72 years old and the information that I found states that he is the 3rd highest selling singles artist in the history of the United Kingdom. He obviously is not country and he is on Vince Gill's segment on Saturday night, so I would assume that there is a connection there.
Also scheduled to appear this weekend is Jeannie Seely, who cancelled out on her Opry appearances last weekend and on Tuesday night. Also, Jimmy Dickens is not on the schedule. He made a surprise appearance again on Friday night. It looks to me that if Jimmy is feeling ok, he heads to the Opry and hits the stage for a few minutes. But he must not be well enough to put on the schedule each week or to host a segment. And in his brief Opry appearances this year, he has been well received and has done a fine job.
Friday April 19
7:00: John Conlee (host); Maggie Rose; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Charley Pride (host); Jim Ed Brown; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Clare Bowen; Darius Rucker
Saturday April 20
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kelleigh Bannen; Jesse McReynolds; Jean Shepard
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sam Bush
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Ray Cyrus; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Sir Cliff Richard; Charley Pride
Again, 2 very solid line-ups and it looks like a fine weekend at the Opry.
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and at first glance, it looks like another nice weekend for the Opry. The shows look solid and there are a couple of events scheduled for this weekend. The first involves Opry members Diamond Rio, who on April 18 will celebrate 15 years as Opry members. They will be honored this weekend for their achievement. It goes without saying that Diamond Rio have been pretty loyal members of the Opry and have always come thru with their Opry appearances. Also being honored this weekend will be Charley Pride, who on May 1 will be celebrating 20 years as an Opry member. As with Diamond Rio, Charley has been pretty good with his Opry appearances and has almost always made the 10 yearly appearances that Pete Fisher has asked of new Opry members. Even though Charley joined teh show before Pete took over and joined during the time period that nothing was asked of Opry members, he has made sure to be at the Opry whenever he is in Nashville.
The newest Opry member, Darius Rucker, will also be appearing on Friday night. For Darius, this will be his 2nd Opry appearance of the year, after also appearing this past Tuesday night, and he has a couple of more scheduled. When Darius joined the Opry many of us wondered how he would respond as an Opry member, and so far it looks promising. Joining Darius on Friday night will be Clare Bowen from "Nashville", continuing the cross promotion with the television show. I know this past week, the show was doing some filming at the Opry.
The Saturday night Grand Ole Opry will feature Billy Ray Cyrus, always a crowd favorite whenever he performs. Also scheduled is the very fine bluegrass artist Sam Bush, who usually makes several Opry appearances each year.
It seems like each week we have someone making their first appearance ever on the Grand Ole Opry and this week it is Sir Cliff Richard, from the United Kingdom. Sir Cliff is 72 years old and the information that I found states that he is the 3rd highest selling singles artist in the history of the United Kingdom. He obviously is not country and he is on Vince Gill's segment on Saturday night, so I would assume that there is a connection there.
Also scheduled to appear this weekend is Jeannie Seely, who cancelled out on her Opry appearances last weekend and on Tuesday night. Also, Jimmy Dickens is not on the schedule. He made a surprise appearance again on Friday night. It looks to me that if Jimmy is feeling ok, he heads to the Opry and hits the stage for a few minutes. But he must not be well enough to put on the schedule each week or to host a segment. And in his brief Opry appearances this year, he has been well received and has done a fine job.
Friday April 19
7:00: John Conlee (host); Maggie Rose; The Whites
7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Diamond Rio
Intermission
8:15: Charley Pride (host); Jim Ed Brown; Elizabeth Cook
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Clare Bowen; Darius Rucker
Saturday April 20
7:00: John Conlee (host); Kelleigh Bannen; Jesse McReynolds; Jean Shepard
7:30: Diamond Rio (host); Jim Ed Brown; Sam Bush
Intermission
8:15: Jeannie Seely (host); Jimmy C Newman; Billy Ray Cyrus; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Vince Gill (host); Sir Cliff Richard; Charley Pride
Again, 2 very solid line-ups and it looks like a fine weekend at the Opry.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 4/12 & 4/13
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the 2 shows this weekend and both nights are looking pretty good. The Friday Night Opry will feature non-Opry members Crystal Gayle, The Isaacs and Lonestar. For The Isaacs, it continues the string of Opry appearances that they have been making over the last 6 months. They are popular and are well received. The same can be said for Crystal Gayle, who over the past year has increased the number of Opry shows that she has done.
While it would be easy to say that the highlight for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be the return of Scotty McCreery to the Opry stage, for many of us it will be the return of Stonewall Jackson that will excite us. For Stonewall, this will be his 1st Opry show of 2013. He did have a procedure done on his back and it is great to see Stonewall back. He will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Saturday night/Sunday morning. Also appearing on Saturday will be The Grascals, along with Lennon and Maisy Stella, from the "Nashville" television show, who will be making their 2nd Opry appearance. One again this weekend, no Jimmy Dickens.
Friday April 12
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Kristen Kelly; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mike Snider; Lonestar
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Chuck Wicks
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Crystal Gayle; The Isaacs
Saturday April 13
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stonewall Jackson; Lennon and Maisy Stella; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Scotty McCreery
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, I go back to 22 years ago this Saturday night, April 13, 1991, for the annual Grand Ole Opry reunion show. I know I have done a few of these lately, and I hope you enjoy the look back at when former Opry members came back to visit the show.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball Headed End of A Broom
Bill Anderson: Still
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
6:45: Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ricky Skaggs: Let It Be You/Honey, Open That Door
Bill Monroe: Southern Flavor
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Jim & Jesse: It's A Lonesome Feeling
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Margie Bowes: When I Call Your Name
Zeke Clements: No More Smoke on the Water
Faron Young: Wine Me Up/Hello Walls
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Charlie Louvin: When You Can Only Dream That Far/When I Stop Dreaming
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted/Elvira
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Skeeter Davis: Who's Gonna Tell Marie
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Riders In The Sky: How The Yodel Was Born
John Conlee: Common Man
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Picture on the Wall
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Better Time's A'Comin
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away From Coming Home
Grandpa Jones: The Sweet Sunny South
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I'll Fly Away
Faron Young: It's Four in the Morning/Hello Walls
10:30: Pet Milk
Ricky Skaggs (host): He Was On To Something
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ricky Skaggs: Lovin Only Me
10:45: B C Powder
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Jim & Jesse: Dream of Me
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling For Loving Me
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Franie & Johnny
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
John Conlee: Common Man/Rose Colored Glasses
Hank Snow: Whispering Rain
11:30: Creamette
Bill Monroe (host): Old Dangerfield
Mike Snider: Shuckin The Corn
Charlie Louvin: In the Pines
Riders In The Sky: When The Bloom Is On The Sage
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Bill Monroe: Dark As The Night; Blue As The Day
On a final note, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 16:
7:00: Mark Wills; Jeannie Seely
7:30: Blackberry Smoke; The Whites
Intermission
8:15: Aaron Tippin; The Greencards
8:45: Mandy Barnett; Darius Rucker
Nice to see the Opry's newest member back at the Opry. Enjoy the shows this weekend.
While it would be easy to say that the highlight for Saturday's Grand Ole Opry will be the return of Scotty McCreery to the Opry stage, for many of us it will be the return of Stonewall Jackson that will excite us. For Stonewall, this will be his 1st Opry show of 2013. He did have a procedure done on his back and it is great to see Stonewall back. He will also be hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Saturday night/Sunday morning. Also appearing on Saturday will be The Grascals, along with Lennon and Maisy Stella, from the "Nashville" television show, who will be making their 2nd Opry appearance. One again this weekend, no Jimmy Dickens.
Friday April 12
7:00: Riders In The Sky (host); Kristen Kelly; Jesse McReynolds
7:30: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mike Snider; Lonestar
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host); The Whites; Chuck Wicks
8:45: Jeannie Seely (host); Crystal Gayle; The Isaacs
Saturday April 13
7:00: Jim Ed Brown (host); Mark Wills; Mike Snider
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Jimmy C Newman; The Grascals
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host); Stonewall Jackson; Lennon and Maisy Stella; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Scotty McCreery
For this week's look back into Grand Ole Opry history, I go back to 22 years ago this Saturday night, April 13, 1991, for the annual Grand Ole Opry reunion show. I know I have done a few of these lately, and I hope you enjoy the look back at when former Opry members came back to visit the show.
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Grandpa Jones (host): Ball Headed End of A Broom
Bill Anderson: Still
Grandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea
6:45: Hall of Fame
Bill Monroe (host): Blue Moon of Kentucky
Ricky Skaggs: Let It Be You/Honey, Open That Door
Bill Monroe: Southern Flavor
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Company's Comin'
Jim Ed Brown: The 3 Bells
Jan Howard: Heartaches by the Number
Jim & Jesse: It's A Lonesome Feeling
The Whites: He Took Your Place
Porter Wagoner: Ole Slewfoot
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy Dickens (host): Country Boy
Margie Bowes: When I Call Your Name
Zeke Clements: No More Smoke on the Water
Faron Young: Wine Me Up/Hello Walls
Jimmy Dickens: Another Bridge to Burn
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Charlie Louvin: When You Can Only Dream That Far/When I Stop Dreaming
Bill Carlisle: No Help Wanted/Elvira
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Bill Cheatham
8:30: Pops Rite
Hank Snow (host): Send Me the Pillow You Dream On
Skeeter Davis: Who's Gonna Tell Marie
Ray Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My Heart
Riders In The Sky: How The Yodel Was Born
John Conlee: Common Man
Hank Snow: My Little Old Home Down in New Orleans
2nd show
9:30: Dollar General
Porter Wagoner (host): Country Music Has Gone to Town
Wilma Lee Cooper: The Picture on the Wall
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything/He Is My Everything
George Hamilton IV: Forever Young
The Whites: Doing It By the Book
Porter Wagoner: I'll Go Down Swinging
10:00: Little Debbie
Grandpa Jones (host): Better Time's A'Comin
Stonewall Jackson: Muddy Water
Jeannie Seely: One Step Away From Coming Home
Grandpa Jones: The Sweet Sunny South
10:15: Tennessee Pride/Sunbeam
Roy Acuff (host): I'll Fly Away
Faron Young: It's Four in the Morning/Hello Walls
10:30: Pet Milk
Ricky Skaggs (host): He Was On To Something
Jeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets
Ricky Skaggs: Lovin Only Me
10:45: B C Powder
Bill Anderson (host): Son of the South
Jim & Jesse: Dream of Me
Opry Square Dance Band/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Rachel
Bill Anderson: Thank You Darling For Loving Me
11:00: Coca-Cola
Hank Snow (host): Franie & Johnny
Jimmy Dickens: Me and My Big Loud Mouth
Justin Tubb: Keep Me From Blowing Away
John Conlee: Common Man/Rose Colored Glasses
Hank Snow: Whispering Rain
11:30: Creamette
Bill Monroe (host): Old Dangerfield
Mike Snider: Shuckin The Corn
Charlie Louvin: In the Pines
Riders In The Sky: When The Bloom Is On The Sage
Charlie Walker: Deep Water
Bill Monroe: Dark As The Night; Blue As The Day
On a final note, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 16:
7:00: Mark Wills; Jeannie Seely
7:30: Blackberry Smoke; The Whites
Intermission
8:15: Aaron Tippin; The Greencards
8:45: Mandy Barnett; Darius Rucker
Nice to see the Opry's newest member back at the Opry. Enjoy the shows this weekend.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
CMA To Live Stream Hall of Fame Announcement On Wednesday
As they have done previously, the Country Music Association has announced that they will live stream the Hall of Fame announcement on Wednesday April 10 at 9:00 am, Central Time. If you go to the CMA website, it will provide you with the direct link. Bill Anderson will be the host and has the honor of making the formal announcement. This will be Bill's first year, as Kix Brooks has handled that role in the past.
As a reminder, there will be 3 selected to the Hall this year:
Modern Era (eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieve national prominence)
Veterans Era (eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieve national prominence)
Non-Performer (active prior to 1980 and this is a rotating category)
As I do each year, and I might add with some success, here are my final picks on this year's class. ( I always break it down who I think should get in and who actually will get in).
Non-Performer: All indications this year are that Buddy Killen is the favorite. This former bass player at the Grand Ole Opry has done it all. He was a music producer and publisher. He helped to grow Tree Publishing into one of the largest in Nashville. The list of those he has worked for is endless. He was one of those who helped to make Nashville into Music City USA. I think his closest competition will come from producer Tony Brown. Much like Buddy, Tony has deep roots as a music producer and was the involved with some of Nashville's biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He has been one of the power players in Nashville. As far as who I think should get elected, it would be a gentleman who is not even on the ballot and that is Cowboy Jack Clement. He is nothing short of an icon in Nashville and can trace his roots back to Sun Records and Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Who Should Be Elected: Cowboy Jack Clement
Who Will Be Elected: Buddy Killen
Veterans Era: This is always a difficult category just from the number of worth candidates that are out there. And this year is no different with several groups actually trying to influence the voters on behalf of their favorites. One of the most active has been by people supporting Dottie West. Dottie is certainly deserving and the effort has been amazing, but all indications are that the effort came up short. The consensus is that it is down to 2 favorites. The first is The Browns, and there is no question that they deserve election. While everyone remembers the great songs that The Browns had, their careers were relatively short. They came into prominence in the late 1950s and by the late 1960s, they were done. While they would appear together on occasion, their recording careers had ended. Jim Ed Brown has continued to carry on and a case can be made that he should be a Hall of Famer. The other favorite this year is Bobby Bare. What is interesting is that when the various "finalist" lists were being published, he was not listed in one of them. He has been a finalist in the past and his career speaks for itself, and in fact in many ways is similar to other Hall of Famers such as Tom T Hall and Mel Tillis. Bobby is still active around Nashville and continues to be popular with the folks.
Who Should Be Elected: The Browns
Who Will Be Elected: Bobby Bare
Modern Era: The debate in this category is always "are we electing someone too soon?" Last year it was Garth Brooks that was the subject of this question and this year it is Alan Jackson. Garth was certainly deserving and could not be overlooked. But is Alan in the same class as Garth, and if he is, will this continue a trend of electing more of the artists from that era while overlooking those from the 1970s and 1980s, and having those folks wait until they fall into the veterans category? Alan's competiton is from Kenny Rogers, Oak Ridge Boys and Ronnie Milsap. All of these are very close to being in the veterans class, and depending on how the CMA determines, "prominence", they could be on that ballot next year. There is no question that all 4 are deserving and will get in some day. The question is which one this year. For what it is worth, I think the voters are going to take a step back and go with an icon from the 1970s and 80s, which would be Kenny Rogers. And while I have nothing to base this on, I think one of the reasons for the delayed announcement this year was Kenny's touring schedule. It just seems "funny" that this week there is a break in his touring.
Who Should Be Elected: Oak Ridge Boys
Who Will Be Elected: Kenny Rogers
No matter who is elected, all the names mentioned are deserving. My own personal view is that I would like to see the older artists elected so they can enjoy the honor before passing away. Like everyone else, I will be watching on Wednesday morning.
As a reminder, there will be 3 selected to the Hall this year:
Modern Era (eligible for induction in this category 20 years after they first achieve national prominence)
Veterans Era (eligible for induction in this category 45 years after they first achieve national prominence)
Non-Performer (active prior to 1980 and this is a rotating category)
As I do each year, and I might add with some success, here are my final picks on this year's class. ( I always break it down who I think should get in and who actually will get in).
Non-Performer: All indications this year are that Buddy Killen is the favorite. This former bass player at the Grand Ole Opry has done it all. He was a music producer and publisher. He helped to grow Tree Publishing into one of the largest in Nashville. The list of those he has worked for is endless. He was one of those who helped to make Nashville into Music City USA. I think his closest competition will come from producer Tony Brown. Much like Buddy, Tony has deep roots as a music producer and was the involved with some of Nashville's biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He has been one of the power players in Nashville. As far as who I think should get elected, it would be a gentleman who is not even on the ballot and that is Cowboy Jack Clement. He is nothing short of an icon in Nashville and can trace his roots back to Sun Records and Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Who Should Be Elected: Cowboy Jack Clement
Who Will Be Elected: Buddy Killen
Veterans Era: This is always a difficult category just from the number of worth candidates that are out there. And this year is no different with several groups actually trying to influence the voters on behalf of their favorites. One of the most active has been by people supporting Dottie West. Dottie is certainly deserving and the effort has been amazing, but all indications are that the effort came up short. The consensus is that it is down to 2 favorites. The first is The Browns, and there is no question that they deserve election. While everyone remembers the great songs that The Browns had, their careers were relatively short. They came into prominence in the late 1950s and by the late 1960s, they were done. While they would appear together on occasion, their recording careers had ended. Jim Ed Brown has continued to carry on and a case can be made that he should be a Hall of Famer. The other favorite this year is Bobby Bare. What is interesting is that when the various "finalist" lists were being published, he was not listed in one of them. He has been a finalist in the past and his career speaks for itself, and in fact in many ways is similar to other Hall of Famers such as Tom T Hall and Mel Tillis. Bobby is still active around Nashville and continues to be popular with the folks.
Who Should Be Elected: The Browns
Who Will Be Elected: Bobby Bare
Modern Era: The debate in this category is always "are we electing someone too soon?" Last year it was Garth Brooks that was the subject of this question and this year it is Alan Jackson. Garth was certainly deserving and could not be overlooked. But is Alan in the same class as Garth, and if he is, will this continue a trend of electing more of the artists from that era while overlooking those from the 1970s and 1980s, and having those folks wait until they fall into the veterans category? Alan's competiton is from Kenny Rogers, Oak Ridge Boys and Ronnie Milsap. All of these are very close to being in the veterans class, and depending on how the CMA determines, "prominence", they could be on that ballot next year. There is no question that all 4 are deserving and will get in some day. The question is which one this year. For what it is worth, I think the voters are going to take a step back and go with an icon from the 1970s and 80s, which would be Kenny Rogers. And while I have nothing to base this on, I think one of the reasons for the delayed announcement this year was Kenny's touring schedule. It just seems "funny" that this week there is a break in his touring.
Who Should Be Elected: Oak Ridge Boys
Who Will Be Elected: Kenny Rogers
No matter who is elected, all the names mentioned are deserving. My own personal view is that I would like to see the older artists elected so they can enjoy the honor before passing away. Like everyone else, I will be watching on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Grand Ole Opry 4/5 & 4/6
The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry, along with next weeks Tuesday Night Opry.
Overall, the shows are pretty solid considering that the ACM Awards are in Las Vegas on Sunday night and most of the "big" names in country music will be out there for the weekend. As far as the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart will be returning to the Opry stage for the 2nd time since being honored in December for 20 years of Opry membership. (His 1st appearance will be the night before at the Opry Country Classics show). Joining Marty on Friday Night will be the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, who have played the Opry previously, along with Amanda Shires. Among the veteran artists, Darryl Worley and Restless Heart will be visiting, along with bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature guest artists Point Of Grace and Bucky Covington, along with Opry members John Conlee, Connie Smith and Bill Anderson, all of whom will be appearing both nights. And speaking of Connie Smith, she will be hosting a segment on Saturday night. If I have my records right, this will be her 3rd time hosting, as she hosted a segment last year and one many years ago. Just an opinion on my part, but I like the fact that the Opry is using different artists to host segments. In addition to Connie this weekend, Craig Morgan got another shot last week and he did well. I think it brightens up the show instead of having the same acts hosting week after week. I know back in the day, you had the usual hosts such as Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Porter Wagoner, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe among many others, but the Opry also used just about any other male artists at times to host, including some of the "lower end" acts. It just seems like in the last 5-10 years, the Opry has kind of gotten in a rut regarding the segments.
Friday April 5
7:00: John Conlee (host): Rhonda Vincent; The Whites
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Amanda Shires; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host): Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Darryl Worley
8:45: Marty Stuart (host): Sleepy Man Banjo Boys; Connie Smith
Saturday April 6
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): J.T. Hodges; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: John Conlee (host): Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host): Jesse McReynolds; Bucky Covington; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard; Point Of Grace
And you will notice that Jimmy Dickens is not on the schedule for this weekend. Last weekend, Jimmy surprised everyone by making an appearance both Friday night and Saturday night. Friday he was on John Conlee's segment, while Saturday he was with Jeannie Seely. He came out with his guitar and told some of his jokes. He sounded a little weak, but otherwise looked pretty good. The audience both nights gave him a standing ovation. Perhaps he will be on again this weekend and just didn't want to commit until he knew for sure. Also, I am fine with Jimmy not hosting a segment and just coming out and telling some jokes. He is funny and if the voice isn't quite there to sing, that is ok.
The Opry also announced the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 9:
7:00: The Henningsens; Connie Smith
7:30: Jimmy Wayne; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown; Holly Williams
8:45: Lorrie Morgan; Pam Tillis
A pretty solid show and it is nice to see both Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis back at the Opry. They have each made previous appearances this year and both are scheduled for some future shows. They have been missed at the Opry and with their family history, should be supporting the show more.
Now, for our look back in Grand Ole Opry history:
For a period of time in the Opry's history, they held annual reunion shows, also called "Old-Timers' night", when they invited back former Opry members. These shows usually took place in either March or April. One of the shows took place on Saturday April 4, 1981, 32 years ago. Here is the line-up from that night:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
Charlie Walker: Crazy Arms
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): I'll Be There
Jan Howard: The Story of Hondo Crouch
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Skeeter Davis: Take It Easy
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Porter Wagoner: Trouble In Amen Corner
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Happy Cajun Country
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Zeke Clements: Where Could I Go, But to the Lord
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Country Special
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Give Them All to Jesus
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among The Gold
Jack Shook: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: (?)
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Lonzon & Oscar: Delta Dirt
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Before the Next Teardrop Falls
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
4 Guys; Woman, Woman
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Jeannie Seely: Somebody's Knockin'
Vic Willis Trio: Shenendoah
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host): Sing For The Good Times
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary Hill
Jack Greene: Try A Little Kindness
10:15: Sunbeam
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: Just When I Needed You Most
Zeke Clements: Why Should I Cry Over You/Just A Little Lovin
Wade B. Landrey: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Jesse Polka
10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love Into My Heart
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Drusky: Last Farewell
11:00: Coke
Hank Snow (host): With This Ring I Three Wed
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Kirk McGee: Milk'em In The Evening Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: After The Love Is Gone
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Lonzo & Oscar: Up This Hill And Down
Paul Howard: It Makes No Difference Now
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
David Houston: After All
Another of the shows took place on April 7, 1984, 29 years ago:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): Stonewall Jackson; Clyde Moody
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Skeeter Davis; Jordanaires; Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ricky Skaggs; Ferlin Husky; Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Sid Harkreader;
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Pee Wee King; Curly Fox; Wilma Lee Cooper; Boxcar Willie
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ray Pillow; Jim Ed Brown; David Houston; Jordanaires
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Jeannie Seely; Clyde Moody
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host): Lonzo & Oscar; Pee Wee King
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Charlie Louvin
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host): Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers.Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard; Ferlin Husky; Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb
11:30: Roy Drusky (host): Boxcar Willie; Curly Fox; 4 Guys
There you have it. A big week coming up with the Hall of Fame announcement on Wednesday.
Overall, the shows are pretty solid considering that the ACM Awards are in Las Vegas on Sunday night and most of the "big" names in country music will be out there for the weekend. As far as the Friday Night Opry, Marty Stuart will be returning to the Opry stage for the 2nd time since being honored in December for 20 years of Opry membership. (His 1st appearance will be the night before at the Opry Country Classics show). Joining Marty on Friday Night will be the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, who have played the Opry previously, along with Amanda Shires. Among the veteran artists, Darryl Worley and Restless Heart will be visiting, along with bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night will feature guest artists Point Of Grace and Bucky Covington, along with Opry members John Conlee, Connie Smith and Bill Anderson, all of whom will be appearing both nights. And speaking of Connie Smith, she will be hosting a segment on Saturday night. If I have my records right, this will be her 3rd time hosting, as she hosted a segment last year and one many years ago. Just an opinion on my part, but I like the fact that the Opry is using different artists to host segments. In addition to Connie this weekend, Craig Morgan got another shot last week and he did well. I think it brightens up the show instead of having the same acts hosting week after week. I know back in the day, you had the usual hosts such as Roy Acuff, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Porter Wagoner, Grandpa Jones and Bill Monroe among many others, but the Opry also used just about any other male artists at times to host, including some of the "lower end" acts. It just seems like in the last 5-10 years, the Opry has kind of gotten in a rut regarding the segments.
Friday April 5
7:00: John Conlee (host): Rhonda Vincent; The Whites
7:30: Riders In The Sky (host): Amanda Shires; Restless Heart
Intermission
8:15: Bill Anderson (host): Jan Howard; Jimmy C Newman; Darryl Worley
8:45: Marty Stuart (host): Sleepy Man Banjo Boys; Connie Smith
Saturday April 6
7:00: Jeannie Seely (host): J.T. Hodges; Jim Ed Brown
7:30: John Conlee (host): Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Intermission
8:15: Connie Smith (host): Jesse McReynolds; Bucky Covington; Opry Square Dancers
8:45: Bill Anderson (host): Jean Shepard; Point Of Grace
And you will notice that Jimmy Dickens is not on the schedule for this weekend. Last weekend, Jimmy surprised everyone by making an appearance both Friday night and Saturday night. Friday he was on John Conlee's segment, while Saturday he was with Jeannie Seely. He came out with his guitar and told some of his jokes. He sounded a little weak, but otherwise looked pretty good. The audience both nights gave him a standing ovation. Perhaps he will be on again this weekend and just didn't want to commit until he knew for sure. Also, I am fine with Jimmy not hosting a segment and just coming out and telling some jokes. He is funny and if the voice isn't quite there to sing, that is ok.
The Opry also announced the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, April 9:
7:00: The Henningsens; Connie Smith
7:30: Jimmy Wayne; Dailey & Vincent
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown; Holly Williams
8:45: Lorrie Morgan; Pam Tillis
A pretty solid show and it is nice to see both Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis back at the Opry. They have each made previous appearances this year and both are scheduled for some future shows. They have been missed at the Opry and with their family history, should be supporting the show more.
Now, for our look back in Grand Ole Opry history:
For a period of time in the Opry's history, they held annual reunion shows, also called "Old-Timers' night", when they invited back former Opry members. These shows usually took place in either March or April. One of the shows took place on Saturday April 4, 1981, 32 years ago. Here is the line-up from that night:
1st show
6:30: Mrs Grissoms
Charlie Walker (host): San Antonio Rose
Stu Phillips: Great El Tigre
Charlie Walker: Crazy Arms
6:45: Rudy's
Jack Greene (host): I'll Be There
Jan Howard: The Story of Hondo Crouch
Ernie Ashworth: Memphis Memory
Jack Greene: There Goes My Everything
7:00: Shoney's
Porter Wagoner (host): Dooley
Skeeter Davis: Take It Easy
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Wilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Porter Wagoner: Trouble In Amen Corner
7:30: Standard Candy
Jimmy C Newman (host): Happy Cajun Country
David Houston: Texas Ida Red
Zeke Clements: Where Could I Go, But to the Lord
Billy Grammer: Somebody Loves You
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally Goodin
Jimmy C Newman: Cajun Country Special
8:00: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): Wabash Cannonball
Connie Smith: Give Them All to Jesus
Pee Wee King: Tennessee Waltz
Alcyone Beasley: Silver Threads Among The Gold
Jack Shook: Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Alcyone Beasley & Jack Shook: (?)
Bill Carlisle: Is Zat You Myrtle
Roy Acuff: I'll Fly Away
8:30: Acme
Hank Snow (host): Storms Never Last
4 Guys: Swing Down Chariot
Ray Pillow: Too Many Memories
Lonzon & Oscar: Delta Dirt
Paul Howard: Stay A Little Longer
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbing Ridge
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: Before the Next Teardrop Falls
2nd show
9:30: Kelloggs
Porter Wagoner (host): Y'All Come
4 Guys; Woman, Woman
Justin Tubb: Pull the Covers Over Me
Jeannie Seely: Somebody's Knockin'
Vic Willis Trio: Shenendoah
Porter Wagoner: I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name
10:00: Little Debbie
Jack Greene (host): Sing For The Good Times
Curly Fox: The Old Gray Mule
Wilma Lee Cooper: Walking My Lord Up Calvary Hill
Jack Greene: Try A Little Kindness
10:15: Sunbeam
Jimmy C Newman (host): Louisiana Cajun Band
Skeeter Davis: Just When I Needed You Most
Zeke Clements: Why Should I Cry Over You/Just A Little Lovin
Wade B. Landrey: Orange Blossom Special
10:30: Martha White
Roy Acuff (host): I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Pee Wee King: Deck of Cards
Howdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Jesse Polka
10:45: Beechnut
Roy Drusky (host): Strangers
Connie Smith: When God Dips His Love Into My Heart
Crook Brothers/Tennessee Travelers: Arkansas Traveler
Roy Drusky: Last Farewell
11:00: Coke
Hank Snow (host): With This Ring I Three Wed
Billy Grammer: Kentucky
Fruit Jar Drinkers: Katy Hill
Duke of Paducah: Comedy
Kirk McGee: Milk'em In The Evening Blues
Hank Snow & Kelly Foxton: After The Love Is Gone
11:30: Bama
David Houston (host): Texas Ida Red
Lonzo & Oscar: Up This Hill And Down
Paul Howard: It Makes No Difference Now
Bill Carlisle: Too Old To Cut The Mustard
David Houston: After All
Another of the shows took place on April 7, 1984, 29 years ago:
1st show
6:30: Jim Ed Brown (host): 4 Guys
6:45: Bill Monroe (host): Stonewall Jackson; Clyde Moody
7:00: Grandpa Jones (host): Skeeter Davis; Jordanaires; Jimmy C Newman; Jan Howard
7:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ricky Skaggs; Ferlin Husky; Crook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers
8:00: Roy Acuff (host): Jean Shepard; Roy Drusky; Sid Harkreader;
8:30: Hank Snow (host): Pee Wee King; Curly Fox; Wilma Lee Cooper; Boxcar Willie
2nd show
9:30: Bill Anderson (host): Ray Pillow; Jim Ed Brown; David Houston; Jordanaires
10:00: Bill Monroe (host): Jeannie Seely; Clyde Moody
10:15: Grandpa Jones (host): Lonzo & Oscar; Pee Wee King
10:30: Roy Acuff (host): Charlie Louvin
10:45: Ricky Skaggs (host): Bill Carlisle; Crook Brothers.Stoney Mountain Cloggers
11:00: Hank Snow (host): Jean Shepard; Ferlin Husky; Jimmy C Newman; Justin Tubb
11:30: Roy Drusky (host): Boxcar Willie; Curly Fox; 4 Guys
There you have it. A big week coming up with the Hall of Fame announcement on Wednesday.
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